The Abel Tasman

Howdy Y'all,

A couple people after seeing a few pictures wanted to know more about my time on the Abel Tasman. So what I'm gonna do is take the passages from my journal and put Em here and see if it makes for a good read- right before I left for the Abel Tasman I was hosted by a super nice guy named Dave- he used to work for DOC(the department of conservation- the people in charge of many outdoors things including the Abel Tasman) and can do the Abel Tasman in his sleep most likely-

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3-11-13 20:43 Abel Tasman Night 1 (54) Bark Bay (M)

1 of 3 things is true. 1: Dave underestimated the weight of my pack. 2: Dave over estimated my ability as a hiker. Or 3- Dave is a dirty liar. The "5 hour" hike from Marahau(Mar-aw-hoe) took 9. But it was totally worth it. Bark Bay is legit. I met two really fun people here. Chris (American) and Anna (Norwegian) are two really nice people and Anna, after seeing my hammock, asked politely to sit in it, and then to sleep in it. So we have all become friends quickly. I knew Chris was my kinda backpacker when he pulled out a bottle of wine from his pack and offered me some! Dinner was AMAZING.( Uncle bens rice w/ canned chicken.) Especially after a long day. Little proud of myself- parts of me wanted to stop at the last camp ground. My pack might be heavy- but my nights are nice :) Gonna go read Matt Lamberts email now! Sore, tired, headache- but full and with good people.... Happy

3-12-13 20:51 Abel Tasman Night 2 (55) Awaroa (T)

Great morning, said bye to Chris and Anna, got a pretty late start. The suck started way to early today. A steep long climb 1/2 hour away from Bark Bay. Stopped on a bench and who do I see but Alex! A friendly Belgium guy, my age, good ish English. We met yesterday at lunch at Anchorage Bay, and today we had lunch together at Onetahuti(on-ah-tah-hoot-ee). Nice guy going the same direction- not same pace but I catch him at each stop. Today after a really rough start I learned I need to be more positive- usually never a problem for me. Man it was a slow day though. I got a lot o encouragement on the trail today. Never like people saying "you got this bro", but instead I was encouraged by seeing others going opposite me- for some reason it helps. Especially tonight when a group of 20 kids and 4 teachers rolled ino the hut. The adults with them are very nice and hey- if kids can get from Mutton Cove to here in a day- surely I can do the reverse! Early morning start tomorrow- if we don't hit the tidal crossing at 7 we will be stuck here for 12 hours!! Read Kate and Gingers email tonight. Such a long day- great way to end it though- nice people at the campsite- emails from home- warm soup simmering now. Gonna sleep hard tonight.

3-13-13 17:52 Abel Tasman Afternoon 3 (56) Mutton Cove!!! (W)

Today could literally be the best day of my life. I'm at Mutton Cove!!! This'll be my last night on the Abel Tasman- 50 kilometers and change so far- a couple hours hike tomorrow and I'm all done. Not only that- but while in Totaranui(random village along the track) I got a shower! Put on clean clothes! And very randomly got wifi from the DOC office. Found out my work visa for Australia was approved! Aaaand that Stephen Merritt dedicated a song to me at Search called "Dude I totally miss you"- seriously made me smile so much. Mac and cheese and chicken soup- mixed together- was awesome for lunch. Me and the Canadian guy who's name I never understood are being bros right now. Sharing food and being proud in our accomplishment. Awaroa to Mutton Cove- a good day. Beautiful cove- writing on the beach- full stomach. Dog tired. And happy.

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After I woke up it was a small hike to the finish. A hitch later and I'm in collingwood- the most north you can go on South Island pretty much. Stayed in a cheap- but very nice...ish camp ground.

That's pretty much the main story of the Abel Tasman. Lot of fun and would suggest it to anybody. Lot of great views- pictures do none of it justice. I just loaded up with more food and fuel- about to hit up another trek and start it all over again. I love this life. It's hard at times no doubt. Sometimes I get pretty rough at myself for being not as positive as I should- kinda vicious cycle really. I find that the grind hits my spirit before it hits my back- if I stay positive I know I can do more.

I find myself often thinking of Sir Ernest Shackletons personal motto:

"By endurance we conquer."

Y'all take care, I've got another track to do!
Steve