We suffer thru-hiking for the transcendent, and appreciate it more because of our suffering.
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Sounds of the TA
New Zealand’s “Long Pathway” Te Araroa introduced new sounds from birds to heavy wind and rain to thick accents from Kiwis who became friend for life.
a chorus of birds from both sides (of the world) now
The chorus of birds on both the Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest Trail were glorious. Hear them for yourself!
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audio narrative: the joy of missing out
Instead of desperately missing the things you can’t do, it’s better to enjoy what’s right in front of you.
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TA audio narrative: in the South Island
When talking about the islands of New Zealand, you say “in” the island, not “on” because they’re huge.
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TA audio narrative: trail detour
I hitched around Lake Wakatipu then hiked an Alpine pass on the Routeburn Trail in rain.
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TA audio narrative: water, water everywhere
The saying goes that in the North Island, you get dirty and in the South, you wash.
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TA audio narrative: chasing clear skies
The weather is wild in New Zealand ranging from hot days to storms with gale force winds.
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TA audio narrative: hut life
In New Zealand, thousands of huts in the back country provide shelter for trampers.
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TA audio narrative: weather window
The most important lesson I learned is if the weather is good, keep moving.
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TA audio narrative: thru-canoer
Blissful hangs up her hiking shoes for a paddle on the Whanganui River.
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