“We are returning to paradise today..” I joked when Sjoerd and me left the campsite in Wellington to catch the ferry back to the South Island. A few hours later we drove along the coast to Nelson, and it did feel like a piece of paradise. Oh boy, I was happy to be back J. The next three days we spend biking on a tandem, and running (Nienke), and mountainbiking (Sjoerd). We camped on a beautiful campsite in the forrest. On the day that Sjoerd had to leave to catch his flight back home, I took a boat to Ship cove: the start of the Te Araroa trail on the South island. During the journey dolphins jumped around the boat. I hadn’t seen any wild dolphins in many years. They were beautiful. The next three days I followed the Queen Charlotte track. A very popular hike which has a few consequences: the trail is like a highway through the forrest and has flush toilets instead of “long drop” toilets. Quite enjoyable. The views were amazing.
It has become my habit to get up at 6:00 am every morning. On the third day I arrived at 12:30 at the campsite due to this habit. It was a bit too early to make dinner and go to sleep. So I continued hiking in the direction of Linkway and Havelock. At the end of the day the trail followed the powerlines up and down a very steep hill. Walking down that gravel road felt like walking down a black ski slope! If I had had skies I could have skied down using my walkingsticks. (on which numerous people have commented already: ‘are you going skiing..?’)
The next morning I woke up at 6:00 am again and thought my little tent would blow away. The wind was extremely strong. I got up and started packing. When I left, the friendly owner waved at me and off I went.. After a while the wind stopped and the rain came. I enjoyed the walk soo much though, and felt very happy strolling along. When I arrived in Pelorus bridge the sun was shining.
The state I am in:
- No blisters (finally.. )
- A tick bite again
- Not able to flex my ankles and bend my knees at the same time which makes me walk in a funny way (happens every morning)
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| View across Picton from the hill |
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| Campsite in Nelson |
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| View from the Queen Charlotte track |
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| Bay of Many Coves |
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Seven years ago I sat here, at exactly the same spot. While watching the sunset I felt a longing to live in this country some day.. Now I am thirty, still having the same longing, but torn between working and studying in the Netherlands, and ‘starting all over’ in this piece of paradise. Who has the answers…? |
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| The last day of the Queen Charlotte track, just before Anakiwa |
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| Right the little town of Havelock. Left the start of the 'black ski slope'... |
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| Havelock |
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| I love the green and yellow colours, and the horses |
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Willi and Dave..!! I am here… are you home..? J |
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I wonder if there are any bulls here who got out on the wrong side of the bed.. Maybe I should take off my bright red pants… |
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Wow, I am attracting attention.. |
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They are following me!!! |
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I am fully surrounded… |
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Taking a natural shower in Pelorus River |
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Relaxing at a great hostel in Picton. I made a note in my head of these wonderful sitting hammocks. One day it will be great to have hanging chairs in the garden overlooking the veggies and flowers. |
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