Poetry from the trail

The last ten days have been spent tramping (aka hiking) some fantastic NZ trails and staying in backcountry huts. Jenn and I have been composing some poems along the way.

The Kepler Track (2 long days and one night on the trail)

We're tramping the Kepler Track.
My hip hurts and so does my back.
Elevation we've gained,
Seven hours remain,
'Til we're home with hot tea and a snack.

by Tim

We took a tramp in NZed.
At first I was filled with dread,
but I worked up the gumption, and
prayed t' our Lady of Assumption
to delivery me safe to my bed.

by Jenn


The Copland Track (2 days and one night on the trail)

Pack full of bread, boiled eggs and beer.
Of these swing bridges I have no fear.
Trail strewn with slipp'ry rocks
The hot pools where I kicked off my socks.
Thank god no one's snoring in my ear.

by Tim and Jenn

Don't look down! (Kepler Track)

Mt. Tinsley at sunset from our backcountry hut. (Kepler Track)

Epic views from the trail (Kepler Track)

Lake Te Anau in the background (Kepler Track)

Getting up close on a mushroom (Kepler Track)

The Copland Track is on the west coast and gets heaps of rain, so it's full-on green!

Of these swing bridges I have no fear. (Copland Track)

Geothermal hot pools with thick mud in the bottom. Great for post-hike relaxation. (Copland Track)

We've finally made it out of the woods to Blenheim, in the Marlborough wine region, for a day of biking around to wineries. Now we are off to the North Island to volunteer at the WOMAD music festival with Erica.