Hitch-hiking
The pull of technology is too strong, and I'm back online. Probably won't be sharing deep and profound thoughts, but the odd photo wouldn't go amiss. And 'happy birthday' to my Father!
Hitching in NZ has its delights: surprising connections, interesting conversation, local knowledge, and a low low price tag. But what tops these is the sheer depth of kindness shown by complete strangers. As I was walking through Picton preparing to stick my thumb out, a woman came rushing out of a restuarant asking if I needed a lift to Nelson, because her husband was going...yes I did, actually. He took me out of his way to see the Sounds, and then after spending a night camping on the Abel Tasman (mmmmmm), a lady called Ruth picked me up and took me to the lovely Takaka. I found a backpackers (was very cold and wet and camping lost its appeal after two nights) and the next day she drove over to Takaka to pick me up, take me to some pristine springs (Pupu Springs), a pretty heavy waterfall, some lovely walks, lunch, and basically a lovely day. Running the backpackers was an Israeli who was heading down South to Franz Josef (photos to follow), who ended up driving me down here.
Since leaving Wellington I feel like I've been looked after and given treat after a treat. Did I mention baked kumara and a hot outdoor spa after hiking through the Franz Josef glacier today?
(The following are thumbnails and should link to the full image.)
View of the Marlborough Sounds from the ferry
View from the start of the Abel Tasman track
Me looking rather chirpy before the glacier (yes I've had a haircut)
After several hours hiking today.
Hitching in NZ has its delights: surprising connections, interesting conversation, local knowledge, and a low low price tag. But what tops these is the sheer depth of kindness shown by complete strangers. As I was walking through Picton preparing to stick my thumb out, a woman came rushing out of a restuarant asking if I needed a lift to Nelson, because her husband was going...yes I did, actually. He took me out of his way to see the Sounds, and then after spending a night camping on the Abel Tasman (mmmmmm), a lady called Ruth picked me up and took me to the lovely Takaka. I found a backpackers (was very cold and wet and camping lost its appeal after two nights) and the next day she drove over to Takaka to pick me up, take me to some pristine springs (Pupu Springs), a pretty heavy waterfall, some lovely walks, lunch, and basically a lovely day. Running the backpackers was an Israeli who was heading down South to Franz Josef (photos to follow), who ended up driving me down here.
Since leaving Wellington I feel like I've been looked after and given treat after a treat. Did I mention baked kumara and a hot outdoor spa after hiking through the Franz Josef glacier today?
(The following are thumbnails and should link to the full image.)
View of the Marlborough Sounds from the ferry
View from the start of the Abel Tasman track
Me looking rather chirpy before the glacier (yes I've had a haircut)
After several hours hiking today.
posted by kit at 12:30
1 Comments:
Grow some hair, you look like a thug
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