Recent Journeys

I headed south from Nelson and now I am making my way along the west coast tourist track. First stop was Murchison and the Buller Gorge. I went on a nice hike there to the sight of the 1960's earthquake. It just ravaged the mountains leaving huge boulders scattered through the valley and a big bare spot on the side of the mountain.

I spent my first night back in the hostels in Westport. Not much going on there, but it was great to meet new people. This isn't so bad as I thought it would be. The next morning I drove through Punakaiki which is famous for Pancake Rocks that immitate blowholes. Quite pretty and unique, although the weather here has been less than desirable. Lots of rain and clouds. I eventually made it to Arthur's Pass Nat'l Park which is in the Southern Alps. I did a few hikes around there, one through a gorge and another up to see a waterfall. Pretty magnificent around there. There is one thing I need to remember from Japan. The trails are marked well here, but in Japan they pave every trail so it is suitable for any obaasan (old lady) to walk through. Must remember to be more adventurous and go beyond the orange arrows, if it looks safe enough.

Today I am in Franz Josef, which is the little town right before Franz Josef Glacier. Tomorrow I will hike on the glacier. A little snow in the middle of summer.

So I have been lucky to get in a hike everyday recently. The only downside are the sandflies. Mosquitos have nothing on these little assholes. The itchiest bites come from the smallest little insects. Every morning I wake up with ichy ankles. ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH