TA audio narrative: hitting a wall
![I didn't always find soulful campsites on the Te Araroa.](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_9237.jpg)
We suffer thru-hiking for the transcendent, and appreciate it more because of our suffering.
a chorus of birds from both sides (of the world) now
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_6395-1.jpg)
The chorus of birds on both the Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest Trail were glorious. Hear them for yourself!
audio narrative: the joy of missing out
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img_1711-1.jpg)
Instead of desperately missing the things you can’t do, it’s better to enjoy what’s right in front of you.
TA audio narrative: in the South Island
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_0200.jpg)
When talking about the islands of New Zealand, you say “in” the island, not “on” because they’re huge.
TA audio narrative: trail detour
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_9960.jpg)
I hitched around Lake Wakatipu then hiked an Alpine pass on the Routeburn Trail in rain.
TA audio narrative: water, water everywhere
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_8022-1.jpg)
The saying goes that in the North Island, you get dirty and in the South, you wash.
TA audio narrative: chasing clear skies
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_7429.jpg)
The weather is wild in New Zealand ranging from hot days to storms with gale force winds.
TA audio narrative: hut life
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_8994.jpg)
In New Zealand, thousands of huts in the back country provide shelter for trampers.
TA audio narrative: weather window
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_5729.jpg)
The most important lesson I learned is if the weather is good, keep moving.
TA audio narrative: thru-canoer
![](https://blissfulhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_4735-2.jpg)
Blissful hangs up her hiking shoes for a paddle on the Whanganui River.