An introduction to the gorgeous coastline and bays.
Hmm!
We returned from 5-days amongst the beauty along New Zealand’s west coastline while undertaking the Abel Tasman tramp. Azure, turquoise and other shades of blue including emerald green had our eyes and minds feasting in color. It sure made up for the less than stellar feasting on food. Before we get going, following our critique of some of the huts we’ve attempted to sleep in over the past month, we report that this was the first time we’ve showered in New Zealand…er, that should be on a tramp. Truth be told, we don’t recall colder water ever. We think it’s shipped from Antarctica and kept in cold storage along the way. At one stage, I thought my heart stopped, my voice failed and it felt I was transitioning from this planet. Fortunately, the post-shower period cannot be beat. The feeling, once all the body parts resume functioning, is outstanding. Happily, we’ve decided not to have more children so any residual damage from the cold is academic at this stage. We thought we were ‘sissies’ to feel this way until we noticed nobody else took advantage of the shower.
Different shades for the birds.
Editor forgot her bikini and is rather possessive of her possessions. Crossing of an estuary at low tide. People often ask, "Why did
the editor cross the river?" The answer remains a mystery. One wonders where Moses is at a time like this.
Day 3, a time for a beach snack and hot tea, compliments of the editor. 'Now you're talking.'
One of the frequent beach walks between climbs and descents along the coastline.
On the last day, we approach the car park after visiting paradise but with sandflies to remind us that nothing's perfect.
Often overwhelmed.
Descending to a remarkable spot next to a seal colony, Separation Point.
Climbing back to the top while the birds struggle to move forward in high wind.
Do you wonder why he's carrying a pair of boots/sandals in each hand? At a minor crossing, the timing of low tide was near perfect.
Back to Tasman, if you are willing and Able. The Abel Tasman tramp has many characteristics of South Africa’s premier Otter Trail. We believe the Otter is more challenging but the New Zealand track may have an edge from the beauty angle. Nevertheless, they are two great places in the world to visit, enjoy and absorb. Heck, there are places on this planet that are so beautiful that it’s beyond describable. You should be there.
From start to finish, including 4-overnight stays, amounts to a distance of about 54 kilometers. During two of those days, we added a further 12 kilometers to boost the exertion and enjoyment and take advantage of extra features. It turned out in our visit to Separation Point, an add-on, we found it to be the highlight of the hike. It is a place of much beauty, features a seal colony, lighthouse and a steep dropdown to reach sea level. Quite spectacular. For the rest, there's something so special about being out in the wilds, searching for animals and birds while viewing scenes that can only be deemed uplifting for the soul. Combine this with physical exertion, sometimes real tough trails, bedding down at night with aching muscles and a feeling of accomplishment and completion. What can be better; what can go wrong? Snorers.
Once again, I left the bunk and slept on the hard benches in the kitchen/communal room after trying to deal with a terrible snorer. It was tough but still not sufficient to discourage this activity. Bear in mind that we prefer tough and exciting day hikes compared with tramps. However, backpacking fills a unique position in that it provides access to isolated parts of the world, fending for oneself, bearing heavy weights and a sense of surviving without the usual daily comforts of modern life. Add in the physical challenges, the rugged and other beauty that abounds together with meeting of many interesting people and it adds immensely to the experience.
It’s been nine months since we formed an “AA” support group. Whereas we don’t meet in basements with others who are in a similar predicament, we discuss our 12 steps regularly, sometimes, thousands more steps. Anyway, we are proud that during this period, we have not touched a drop, even when no one was looking. Although we are not searching for other victims, sufferers or addicts to join, we continue to make progress. While we may miss a drink or two, sometimes even more, we avoid it. Yes, our “Aspartame Anonymous” group is doing quite nicely.
(To be continued)
Missing Ellie so we tried to 'adopt' a little French girl who impressed us with her agility and courage at Cleopatra's Pool. Our daughter, Natalie, had a hairstyle like Elsa's when she was that age and so there was a similarity.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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