I slept in late on this well deserved break day staying at a friend-of-a-friend’s bach – pronounced batch – or cabin in Arthur’s Pass. Alessio made scrambled eggs, baked beans, toast and hot chocolate which got spiked with a bit of Tom’s slivovice, a Czech home-made plum brandy.
I worked on audio most of the morning, read a book, watched a film and ate way too much food taking just a wee walk to the cafe for wifi – where I ran into more TA walkers including the loud group of nine and the friends I’ve leap-frogged since Northland, Floris and Marjolein – then followed up with a moment of reflection at the beautiful chapel facing a spectacular waterfall.
Tomorrow I’ll be back on the trail, my sandfly-chewed feet healing up, and my clothes clean, such a temporary affair. Less than 800 kilometers to walk which sounds overwhelming, doesn’t it? And yet, I’m getting closer to finishing this adventure – and then the inevitable question, what’s next?
Perhaps that is the precise question I’ll take with me in the coming days, what’s next and also who will I be next, which pieces of me come along and which do I leave on the trail like my waffled footprint in a sandy river bed.
I promise to keep you posted with apologies that I am often out of cell phone or wifi range on the South Island.
As my friend George would say, onwards and upwards!
10 Responses
Alison, it occurs to me that you are indeed fortunate with your multitude of contacts, charm and ability to make friends as you go.
The journey without these could be very lonely- and possibly depressing. Knowledge of the country as you go must also follow.
Are New Zealanders more friendly and sharing than other nations?
I don’t think I’ve ever met such kind, generous people anywhere. If anything in my life has changed from this walk, it’s how I treat others because of how I was cared for. One of the greatest gifts! ♥️♥️♥️
Write a book about this trip of a lifetime…….that could be next!
maybe!
This is looking quite like a “VACATION!”
🙂 m
ha! a ‘walking holiday’
I hope your “what next” includes a return to mid-mornings on MPR. I know there are many of us who miss hearing your thoughtful and welcoming voice. I have greatly enjoyed reading about your trek across NZ. Stay safe.
it does for sure!!! just who will I be, how will I change, what do I take with me in my heart sort of stuff. Miss all of you too!