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Sleep...I wonder what that is
Entry 24 of 38 | show all | print this entry |
Taking the Tranzalpine across NZ (Christchurch to Greymouth) was amazing, the scenery was breathtaking. I'm sure in winter, it would be even better with the snow. I ended up spending 90% of the time on the viewing platform. It's a great feeling having the wind blowing in your hair, while taking in your surroundings. I did a stop over in Arthur's pass, it's my favourite place so far. The small village in located within a narrow valley between the mountains. I did some tramping up in the mountains, some parts of the tracks were pretty challenging, I wouldn't have wanted them any steeper in fear of falling/slipping. During one hike, I met Chris, a kiwi from Nelson. Beware of going tramping with kiwis, they move at a fantastic speed, luckily he slowed down for me (we did a day hike together), my muscles were so sore the next day.
From Greymouth I ventured down to Fox Glacier where I did a day of ice climbing, it was awesome. After dressing in a million provided layers, we hiked up to the glacier to locate our first climb. The glacier moves about 1 meter per day, so there are no set climbs, therefore every time the guides go up they must find new routes. After several climbs on different routes, we walked around the glacier looking for ice caves. It was a tiring 10 hour day, but I left with a big smile on my face.
From Fox I headed back up to Greymouth where I did a one day heli-rafting trip, another amazing day, 12 hours in length, they were having half-price trips during the month of February. We drove up to the base of the rapids and dressed in tons of layers since we would be in glacier water. Luckily everything is provided for these trips, we had to wear 1-2 layers under our wet suits, then more layers on top. A helicopter took us to the top of the rapids. It was my first time in a helicopter, unfortunately I couldn't bring a camera (unless it was waterproof) since the helicopter ride wasn't a scenic ride, but a method of transportation. After being dropped off by the helicopter, the raft was inflated and we received the scariest safety talk that I have ever heard, basically they told us all the terrible things that could happen to us and what to do in such situations. It was an amazing experience because there was only one raft (including 5 clients and 1 guide), plus a safety kayaker which trailed behind. We were by ourselves rafting through beautiful gorges with class 3-5 rapids, and with little paddling between rapids. We had to portage over two class 6 rapids.
After hanging out with the rafting crew that night, followed by a few short hours of sleep. I was given a ride up towards Nelson Lakes, where I met up with Chris (the kiwi). Together we did a 2 day tramp through Nelson Lakes. It was a fabulous experience, and great to go with an experienced tramper for my first overnight hiking trip. Great company, food and scenery. The kiwis are amazing and helpful people, I've been given free transportation, tour guides, accommodation and food. Its great to be around such relaxed people. I admire their attitudes towards life, and wish that North Americans had some of the same attitudes.
I'm currently up in Nelson at the moment, and in a few short hours I will be doing a 3 night, 4 day trek carrying all my own gear... yikes, I'm kind of worried about that, but the pack should get lighter as I consume my food.
I've already been here for 4 weeks. I have 3 weeks left until I fly out of Auckland on March 21 to Asia.
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