Welp… we made it to Queenstown and after a daytrip to Milford Sound (AMAZING!!!) we were able to go on a multiday hike on the Routeburn track on the south island of New Zealand. Accomplishing something like this was something Joo and I can be REALLY proud of. We were extremely nervous about the potential for harsh weather, rough terrain, and strenuous hikes with 30lbs of gear on our backs for 6-8 hours a day for 3 days straight. The forecast was for rain, heavy at times, and we spoke with a couple who has just finished a day before we got there and said how strenuous it was with the rain & snow they received. As it turns out, we got about the best weather you could ask for and had one of the most amazing experiences full of some of the most breathtaking views I will ever come across.
As the first day passed, we saw some spectacular vistas, waterfalls, and “Lord of the Rings”-type terrain and got great weather. We were beat up a little physically but were pretty happy with our day. We were pleasantly surprised that our second day was also pretty good weather… and the views actually got even better. We hiked along side a mountain range covered in beautiful snow patches, lush green foliage, all while looking down on expansive lakes and fast flowing rivers through never-ending valleys. The sheer size and scope of the landscape is impossible to grasp by any single photo but we tried. The third day was not quite as strenuous but beautiful nonetheless. We walked alongside teal green rivers filled with water from the glaciers above, tramping over swing bridges and through beech trees to our finish line. I hope you like some of the pictures from our journey thus far and know there is more to come!!!!!
The view from the waterfalls above The Routeburn Falls hut (where we stayed on night #2)
Harris Lake and Routeburn Valley
The view down the Routeburn Valley from snow capped mountains behind us
This is at the top of Harris Saddle on Day 2 of our hike. Beautiful
Try and Find Joo in the middle of this photo... I love this picture
Joo Day 2 on the Routeburn Track
Bobby under a waterfall on the Routeburn Track
Joo Day 1 on the Routeburn track
Milford Sound Waterfall
Milford Sound Waterfall
Queenstown from the waters edge
Amazing photos! The parental units spent a while in New Zealand this year too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have #33 all taken care of. As for #45, anytime buddy, anytime.
Tim
Beautiful out there. Backpacking expeditions rock.
ReplyDeleteHey, my brother and his girlfriend are in NZ right now. How much longer will you be in Kiwi-Land?
We are on the South Island until Sunday then on the North Island for a week
ReplyDeleteBreathtaking landscapes Bobby! Thanks for sharing. So jealous of you two! :-)
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