And the Tramping Begins

The guys used the word "tramping" to describe the whole living-out-of-our-car, not really showering etc. situation. At first I thought it was weird, but now it (like so many other expressions) has become a part of my every day vocabulary.


DAY 2 (and the tramping begins)

Well, I definitely learned my lesson that I DO NOT know how to camp! (Tom and David seemed amused. And apparently had a bet going, thanks guys!) I woke up numb and shivering, but at least now I know how cold it gets in the middle of nowhere! My god! Went for an awesome morning hike around the area, then headed back down the massive hill, where we found McLaren falls at the foot of the park (yes, apparently it was an official park, and apparently we were supposed to pay for camping. BUT TOO BAD, because the ranger didn’t find us! Can’t blame him, that place was bloody huge). The falls were amazing, and a great way for Tom and David (who fell in the water, contrary to Tom’s willing entry) to wake up. I was still shivering, so my measly ankle deep entry wasn't all that impressive! But tomorrows another day!

Eventually we drove on, and stumbled across yet another one of nature’s wonders! The most absolutely, unbelievable, breathtaking beach to ever exist. EVER! It was completely solitary, white sand beach, but surrounded by green as far as the eye could see, instead of empty horizon. I literally sat with my feet in the sand for two hours, my mind completely blank. This place exuded such happiness, I quite literally could form no thoughts other than how happy I was. 11/10! Ace! I added an actual picture (left), and a birds eye view google image (right), so you an see exactly how secluded and green and amazing it was!

We eventually grudgingly moved on, and went to HOBBITON!, the area around where they filmed Lord of the Rings. Really, it was quite a nothing-special town, but Tom bought a guitar, and we ventured off to find a campsite. You would think that with all the nothingness in New Zealand, we could find a place to camp out on a field, but no no, everywhere we looked had strict no camping rules. It's funny, but when you look for them, turns out those signs are everywhere! We ended up finding a place that charges 15$ a person (I WAS NOT IMPRESSED, although I suppose it beats a 30$ hostel), but as it turns out, TOTALLY worth it for the chance to SHOWER! After 3 days without one, I didn’t realize how much I take them for granted! I was a mess! We set up camp, barbecued some sausages, and sat around our (pathetic version of a) campfire. Tom played some guitar, and I was in a state. Sleeping under the stars, falling asleep to acoustic music is absolutely brilliant. Overall, success of a day!