To Tramp or Not to Tramp

Posted by liaso (Bay Area, United States) on 3 June 2008 in Landscape & Rural.

When I was in Picton I needed to decide whether I was going to start Stray (a bus tour of NZ) or stay in Picton a bit and tramp (NZ for hike) the Queen Charlotte Track. I decided to do the one day Walk/Cruise to get a taste, head to Wellington for a few days, and then Stray it. I am quite happy with the decision.

I definitely need to return to the Queen Charlotte for the full 5 day tramp. It was absolutely beautiful. As you can see from this picture, you walk into the wilderness straight off. It was like being in another world. Jodie and I walked at "photographer" pace (ie. slow), so we didn't see the other two on the track for almost the whole 4hr 30min hike. It was stunning and wonderful and I cannot say enough how happy I am to be here in New Zealand. To have the opportunity to do tramps like this, to be in the wilderness with just the sound of wind, water, and bird as my companion... I can't think of the words that would do it justice.