Earlier this week we completed the Routeburn Track, also known as a “Great Walk”--one of New Zealand’s nine unforgettable journeys. This 3-day (32 km) backpacking trip was a major accomplishment for our family. We nearly gave up the first night when we arrived at the hut, sopping wet, and realized that we didn’t feel like sleeping in close proximity to strangers. (Today we told Grandpa Gill that it must have been like his first night at Boot Camp!) We had a second day weather forecast of continued rain and gale force winds in exposed country. However, at this point we knew that our car was being shuttled around a 300 km route and it would no longer be at the trailhead. With no cell phone coverage we could only continue with our original plans. It was well worth it! We stayed in bunk beds that first night with about 40 other people—Kiwis, Australians, Europeans, Japanese, and Canadians. They were a high-quality bunch, friendly and kind. Nevertheless, it isn't our ideal sleeping style.
Kiwis (and their followers) love the outdoors and they hike in the rain without hesitation. Luckily the initial forecast of the high winds didn’t pan out. Thanks to our good supply of wool clothing and rain gear we realized that we were okay. We will forever treasure this experience in the Southern Alps—beautiful beech forests, swinging bridges, crystal clear and drinkable waters, sacred greenstone, waterfalls, gorges, keas (the smartest birds in the world and only alpine parots), and rain forests that transformed into fairy forests for Sophie and Eliza. For Coulter, everything transformed into the “Misty Mountains” from Lord of the Rings. And Martha, bless her heart, she was a power hiker, always ready to help others. She came back the last ½ mile to carry my pack for me. We learned a few things for the next time around, like vary your food, don’t carry a 50 lb. pack (Rick), and always remember the hot chocolate. All and all, in the local lingo, we had a marvelous week “tramping.”
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