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: 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.
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: 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: suddenly D-day
After 36 hours of travel, I arrived in New Zealand and started hiking right away.
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: hiking as conversation
The birds, people, and sound of my feet through water, mud and sand were the hiking conversation.
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: gratitude
I just happened to be passing through Auckland at Thanksgiving and have a lot to be grateful for.
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: best birthday present ever
Good weather and good friends add up to one of the best birthdays in memory.
TA audio narrative: thru-canoer
Blissful hangs up her hiking shoes for a paddle on the Whanganui River.
TA audio narrative: weather window
The most important lesson I learned is if the weather is good, keep moving.
TA audio narrative: hut life
In New Zealand, thousands of huts in the back country provide shelter for trampers.
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: water, water everywhere
The saying goes that in the North Island, you get dirty and in the South, you wash.
TA audio narrative: trail detour
I hitched around Lake Wakatipu then hiked an Alpine pass on the Routeburn Trail in rain.
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.
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.
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!
TA audio narrative: hitting a wall
We suffer thru-hiking for the transcendent, and appreciate it more because of our suffering.