Full Circle

There are so many superlatives that can be thrown at the country of New Zealand. Apart from the heavy hearts at the moment, the trip really could not have been any better. I think it is as simple as that. Autumn and I gained so much from all our experiences whether we were herding cattle, collecting seaweed, picking seeds out of a sheep's wool, trudging through thick mud, reverently watching a kiwi pass within feet of us, swimming, talking with Kiwis, Swiss, Israelis, Germans, French etc. at a hut, playing Scrabble with the Stewarts, or reading a book on the beach. This country has such a wealth in its mountains, forests, waterways and people. Our WWOOF hosts welcomed us into their families where we were able to get past the mundane casual conversations and talk about US culture and Kiwi culture, politics, and I even learned heaps about cricket. I can't speak for Autumn, but I'm pretty sure she feels the same: we feel extremely fortunate to have done what we did while in New Zealand and we've made great friends and have memories that will truly be with us for our lifetimes. Here are my top 10 moments of our time in New Zealand:

10. Banks not open. Upon arrival, because of jet lag, we couldn't figure out why the banks were not open at 9:15am when their posted hours were 9:30am. "Why are all the doors locked?" 12/6

9. The New Zealand Robin pecking curiously at Autumn's boot. Kahurangi NP. 1/31

8. Christmas swimming at the Stewart Farm. 12/25

7. Striking water and herding cattle at the Born Farm. 1/22

6. The Northwest Circuit rest day at Hellfire Hut. 2/19-20

5. Waimakariri Hut. 3/25-27

4. Moeraki boulders, day 2. 2/12

3. The view from Cascade Saddle. 3/8

2. Our first kiwi encounter at Long Harry Hut on the Northwest Circuit, Stewart Island. 2/17

1. "...it's all gone to custard." An expression used by Ian Stewart explaining an aspect of cricket. Absolutely hilarious. 12/29