audio narratives: sounds of the Te Araroa Most thrilling while walking the entire length of New Zealand was what I heard: birds, mud, rsuhing water, sandflies (!) and the Kiwis themselves. Travel with me on the TA through sound. TA audio narrative: hitting a wall We suffer thru-hiking for the transcendent, and appreciate it more because of our suffering. 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! 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. 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. TA audio narrative: trail detour I hitched around Lake Wakatipu then hiked an Alpine pass on the Routeburn Trail in rain. TA audio narrative: water, water everywhere The saying goes that in the North Island, you get dirty and in the South, you wash. TA audio narrative: chasing clear skies The weather is wild in New Zealand ranging from hot days to storms with gale force winds. TA audio narrative: hut life In New Zealand, thousands of huts in the back country provide shelter for trampers. TA audio narrative: weather window The most important lesson I learned is if the weather is good, keep moving. TA audio narrative: thru-canoer Blissful hangs up her hiking shoes for a paddle on the Whanganui River. TA audio narrative: best birthday present ever Good weather and good friends add up to one of the best birthdays in memory. TA audio narrative: into each life... Rain is a constant companion on the Te Araroa causing anxiety until I learned to accept it. TA audio narrative: gratitude I just happened to be passing through Auckland at Thanksgiving and have a lot to be grateful for. TA audio narrative: the trail will provide There is a lot of magic on a thru-hike when we have faith and juts let it happen. TA audio narrative: hiking as conversation The birds, people, and sound of my feet through water, mud and sand were the hiking conversation. TA audio narrative: the start The start of the Te Araroa is a trial of sand, wind, rain and mud, but it's worth it. TA audio narrative: suddenly D-day After 36 hours of travel, I arrived in New Zealand and started hiking right away. TA audio narrative: no outcomes backpacking If you arrive at a final destination, it’s a sign that you’ve set your sights too low. TA audio narrative: Does orange make my butt look fat? It's said that people fear public speaking - and looking ridiculous - more than death. TA audio narrative: who is this "blissful hiker" you speak of? I love being a DJ, but wanted to experience a thru-hike before it was too late.
