Life

Knowing what everyone at home is going through, it is difficult to post an update. Cal was an amazing woman; genuine, caring, refreshing. I believe she would want these stories to keep coming. I am hoping this will help Autumn and others feel a bit closer to me and my support. So, in honor of Cal! You will be missed by many! Breifly: I spent the last eight days on my last tramp in the Southern Alps (I fly to Rotorua tomorrow for my journey back to Auckland). I ended up doing a mightier tramp than expected when straight-away I headed up the wrong river valley. Actually, had I done my intended trip it would have been a bit boring. So I went up the Mingha River, over Mt. Oats to Taruahuna pass to Tarn Col, next up Walker Pass and out the Hawdon Valley, crossed the major road and up the Cass Valley and up Cass Saddle to the Harper River, and finally up to Lagoon Saddle and back to the major road. Then I hitched to Christchurch. The hiking was difficult. I had good weather mostly. I thought for sure I had too much food, but no so. I am off to Govinda's for you, Aut! I love you Autumn, and am sorry I am not there. It makes me very happy that you were there where you are needed probably more than you know.

Pictures (top to bottom):

~ Taruahuna Pass with Tarn Col the second body of water in the distance

~ Eating above Taruahuna Pass

~ The broken land I travelled over

~ Camping at Tarn Col

~ Sunrise facing the direction I had hiked at Tarn Col

~ This is actually the trail

~ Hawdon Valley looking south to Cass

~ A public loo

~ Cass Hut

~ Hamilton Hut

~ Dates and peanut butter, Lagoon Saddle Shelter

~ Bealey Hut (2)

~ April 11th sunrise through the rain