MY FIRST OVERNIGHT TRAMP

Last weekend I learnt that day tramps are quite different to overnight tramps.

On this overnight tramp (from Kauaeranga Valley up to Crosbie's Hut and back), we were walking fast for 5 hours (each way), uphill, downhill, through streams, on slippery mud, balancing on pebbles, dodging rocks, climbing up massive chunks of stone and soil, ducking under and jumping over fallen trees, all while carrying 8kg of overnight gear. (And in my case, wearing soggy hiking boots too).

I felt like I was Frodo on an epic journey across rugged lands. I was like a short, unfit, under-prepared hobbit, being guided along by the Elves of Mirkwood – everyone else was all tall, agile, and well organised.

I slowed down the group's pace but they were really supportive. 

Unlike Frodo's situation, there was nothing out there trying to kill me, but I nearly died of exhaustion. I think around 20 times, I feared I would not make it. But I did make it. So that was good.

It was challenging but fun. And it was so beautiful. Everything was so so beautiful.

I need a better word than "beautiful" but I can't think of a word to describe the things I saw. 

Anyway, I just need to train and get fit so I can keep up with others.

Oh, and I need some proper hiking gear. Especially a hiking mug.

I was the only one without a hiking mug.

And a hiking bag.

And many other things.

Anyway, with some more practice and training, I will get better and faster.

Longer legs would help, but it's too late for that now.

I'm just going to focus on getting fitter.

Amazing view from Crosbie's Clearing.

Crosbie's Hut (Outside)

Crosbie's Hut (View from inside)

Bunk beds inside Crosbie's Hut.

Sunset 

Sunset! No filters. Taken with my 2MP phone camera. So you can imagine how much better it was in real life. 

Sunset

The tramp down, the next morning.

Pretty clouds on the way back to Auckland

Stopped at Pokeno for ice cream

The famous ice cream shop in Pokeno with a million flavours (Exaggeration. Probably around 40 flavours). And they have options for 15-scoop ice creams (or more).