Since two treks weren’t quite enough, it was time to tackle my 3rd Great Walk in the Fiordland region. This time, a fellow hiker/co-worker/friend from California was along for the ride. The Kepler Track is relatively new compared to the Milford and Routeburn, but no less impressive. Unlike the others, much of the trek is spent high above the tree line, making for some incredible panoramas for the better part of a long day of hiking. Thankfully the weather was decent enough, as getting stuck exposed to the elements for 7 or 8 miles would not have been fun. It was adventure enough surviving the 50 mph gusts throughout the day! And the sleet. And the rain. A side track to a deep network of caves added to the smattering of mint green mosses, lake views, peak summits, and half a dozen rainbows.
At this point, I think I’ve reached the point of being sufficiently overwhelmed. The scenery just continues to impress incessantly. Trekking along the ridges, with the trail in sight a mile ahead of me, snaking along the next ridge ahead, I was almost giddy. Never mind the sore feet and 10th straight lunch of tuna and pita I’d just eaten, I would not have chosen to be anywhere else in the world at that moment. An excellent reminder that at this point in time I am right where I need to be.
More peaks. More views. More valleys. More forests. More waterfalls. More crazy Alpine Parrots. Throw in some friends to share it all with, and you’re left with nothing but smiles and smelly clothes.
What more could you ask for?