~ Tourism

I haven’t written for a week, so I want to try to give some general impressions of New Zealand, and our trip, as I have become a bit more acclimated.

First off, the purpose for this land seems to be tourism. We trekked over McKinnon pass on the Milford Track last week. The reason that McKinnon was searching for a pass in the late 19th century was not an improved trade route, or to discover new land; it was actually to facilitate tourism (essentially, to open up the hike we took for tourists). There are agriculture and industries here; but tourism seems to be the raison d’etre.

And for good reason. The views I saw today once again took my breath away, and gave me a real sense of wonder and awe. Our last stop for the day was a seal colony on the coast. We watched (and listened to) seals of all sizes in the wild. There were incredible views of a pounding blue-green surf stretching each way for miles (the wind was up, the waves were huge), with actual mountains in the same frame. It is pretty amazing to stand in a fairly isolated green pasture on a hill, taking all this in, and to see a sign with distances and directions to major cities; 12000 km to New York. You can imagine European explorers, so far from home, viewing and setting foot on this land.

This is definitely a place for driving; the roads are in good condition, tons of fun, and the only way to get anywhere. The road along the west coast here is by far the most beautiful I have ever driven on; offering hundreds of great views as it meanders up into the hills and then plunges back to the beach. Our group seems to do best when we motor along, pulling over for a hiking trail, lookout, or just a pasture every hour. Some pretty funny things can happen in random pastures; today Ben backed off a boardwalk while lining up a picture and fell into a fragile wetland; Tom got attacked by a Weka (their beaks are sharp); and we chased Pukekos and frightened sheep.

Food isn’t quite as good over here on the west coast; but motels are still inexpensive and clean. It is nice to be able to go along and not worry too much about procuring lodging and food. I think everyone has adapted better to each others’ habits (for example, Angela demands a long, drawn-out, full breakfast; whereas Tom insists on skipping breakfast and panics about stopping for lunch on time). We have less time pressure now (basically, just hit the ferry by mid-Sunday), so that helps. I think we’re all going to return to the states a bit more laid-back.

Sherlock Holmes is meant to be read aloud. The Hitler Book, maybe not so much. Good night from Lat. 42 S,

Tom