OTAGO (180km)
It's been less than two weeks and we are already through the Otago region. Otago can be described as hot and dry! Portions of the tramp are in the alpines and weather conditions can change at any given time, so being prepared for all conditions is essentials. Thankfully,
we didn't experience any drastic weather changes, but it consistently
remained very hot during this region, which at times made it very
challenging to tramp in. We have heard that this is one of the hottest,
driest summers NZ has had in the while. We tried to beat the heat; heat
exhaustion and fatigue were the main challenge for us. Since Canterbury, we have had many long days, averaging between 25-30km/day. It has been a continual journey of pushing ourselves and what we believe we are capable of doing. We continue to be amazed at our own potential and limits, and challenge you to do the same! One
of my favorite quotes describes it best, "if you doubt anything, doubt
your limits." The mind is a powerful tool, it can either inhibit you or
set you free to do anything possible. But we believe you can do anything you set your mind to.
HIGHLIGHTS:
~A new longest day record-37km.Wow! Sore feet after walking from Twizal to Lake Ohau, but incredible scenery!
~Mt Martha Saddle (1680km). This was the most challenging climb so far. I have never felt so physically and mentally fatigued as we climbed for 3 hours up this saddle. It was the greatest feeling finally reaching the top!
~"Trail Mail"- along the East Ahuriri Track we received some trail mail! Lots of encouraging notes, quotes, and comments for trampers passing through. It was perfect timing to get an unexpected pick me up.
~Our first night walk! After a long day and another very steep climb we took refuge in the old Stody's Hut. As we got into our sleeping bags and settled down for the night, the mice came out and climbed their territory. We are used to little mice scurrying about, but when one almost hopped in my sleeping bag, we decided this was the perfect opportunity for a night walk. At 9:30 we left the hut (knowing it was a farmer's track until the next hut) and went on an adventure! The moonlit walk was extraordinary!
We got to experience the landscape from an entirely different
perspective, which we thoroughly enjoyed! by 12:30 we arrived at the hut (a new hut, which we didn't expect). We were exhausted, but thankful to be in a hut with no mice, and less walking to do the following day :)
~Wanaka! We immediately fell in love with this little village town located on Lake Wanaka, surrounded by mountains!
We enjoyed a day off here, going to the farmer's market, indulging in
homemade gelato, and eating lots of fresh food! (things you don't have on the trail). We ran into some fellow friends we met a month prior in one of the huts, while shopping at the supermarket. It is a small world, but even smaller in NZ!
~Shania
Twain Huts: Shania Twain has invested in the Motatapu Track and has
property in the mountains. The huts were great and it was fun to be in
her neck of the woods...
~Nick and Arne- we have crossed paths again with some fellow T.A. trampers and have really enjoyed their company along this last track. We really enjoyed our time in Macetown with these two, an old abandoned gold-mining town, where we got to stay the night.
~Pancakes!
It was a huge blessing to reach the Fern Burn Hut and join a family,
who was taking their kids out on their first tramp and hut overnighter.
It was fun to be surrounded with a family and also to be apart of their
kids first hut experience. To top it off, they had extra pancakes in the morning and graciously shared with us! Wow, pancakes, what a luxury on the trail!
~ The biggest highlight and blessing we can express is that when we finished our last tramp and reached Queenstown,
we received the best news we could ask for. My parents are coming to
visit us in New Zealand! :) After a month of everything being up in the
air, not knowing if they were going to make it or not, they have purchased their tickets and will be meeting us in bluff! (The final point where we finish the Te Araroa). We are so happy and excited; we couldn't ask for anything more as we reach the end of journey! We are excited to spend two weeks traveling this beautiful country together and just being with each other. We are very blessed!
From here we leave Queenstone and enter the Southland Region, the last portion of our tramp. This should take us about two weeks. It is a bitter sweet feeling, as we are so excited to complete
the South Island Te Araroa, but at the same time, don't want to stop
tramping. We have fallen in love with the outdoors all over again! This tramp has inspired and sparked new interests for us, and we know there will be lots more tramping and through hiking in the future. As for now, in two weeks we get to spend time with family, and let our bodies rest and rejuvenate for the next big adventure!
Agape'
Jordan and Jacob
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| Leaving
Twizel, walking around Lake Ruataniwha. The NZ Rowing National
Championship just so happened to be taking place that morning. |
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