Picton, New Zealand

Friday, January 9, 2015

New Zealand

On the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand, Picton is a beautiful little town surrounded by water and mountains.  Stevie and I visited Picton last year.  We explored a a beautiful trail, but didn't get far.   Since there is really not much of anything else to do in Picton, Jess and I decided to tackle the trail.  We got a late start, but thinking we had plenty of time, we decided to hike the entire trail.  About an hour in, I suddenly remembered a manicure appointment I had scheduled at 4:00.  (With only one manicurist on board, I had to take what I could get.)   Now, our leisurely hike has turned into a challenge to the end.

 

The Wiakawa Trail in Picton

According to the map at the trailhead, we still had plenty of time for a good hike.  The trail was carved through the jungle and was a steady climb up the mountain to a beautiful overlook that we thought was the end of the trail.  But alas, the trail continued another 40 minutes to the "Snout," which was the tip of the peninsular and the true end of the hike.  Since we didn't come all this way to "lay up," we decided to continue on.  A steep decline  through beautiful ferns and pine trees, the trail switchbacked down the mountain to the end.  Now anyone who knows anything about hiking knows that switchbacks are in place to soften the hike UP hill.  We made it down those switchbacks in record time ... only 30 minutes to the end of the trail.  We enjoyed the view for a few moments before we began our return trek.  

We made it to the end of the trail, "The Snout."

We had exactly two hours to make it back to the ship for my 4:00 appointment.  Already two hours and 6 miles into the hike, we were   looking at another 2 hours back ... starting with 30 minutes of steady uphill.  I won't bore you with the details of the hike, nor the language that involuntarily came from my mouth as we approached the switchbacks.  Jess thought I had Tourettes.  I was making up cuss words.  We continued the climb, making it back in time to have a quick bite to eat before my nail appointment.   In all, we hiked 12 miles in just over four hours.  

Chocolate Volcano Cake.

I'm definitely out of shape because the last 2 miles of the hike were brutal.  Nonetheless, I rallied in time for cocktails and dinner with the Vintage group at Prime 7 Restaurant.  

Caramel Popcorn Sundae

The meal was great, but the dessert was better.  Yup!  Chocolate Volcano Cake.  Jess ordered a popcorn sundae, a very creative dessert of ice cream and caramel popcorn.  So, it's calories burned on a 12 mile hike and calories replenished with dessert!!  A total wash ... but so worth it.  

We set sail for Akaroa this evening.  So more news tomorrow.