Where We Be
| Greenstone Track, New Zealand |
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The Greenstone is a pastoral and easy hike that
passes through river valleys liberally sprinkled with
cows. During the time we went, it wasn't quite as
easy as we had been expecting because of the
heavy rains that left much of the track a muddy mess.
But despite the tricky footing, we passed through
many quietly beautiful spots along the blue-pooled
Greenstone River.
The trail followed the river up a broad valley with
gentle mountain ridges to either side. Sections of
beech forest alternated with wide-open pastureland,
and small waterfalls cascaded over rocks matted with
bright-green moss. At times the trail passed right
through a herd of cattle, most of which moved aside
as we got closer, but a few stayed put, forcing us to
detour around them.
When we arrived at the first hut, all the bunks were
taken so we slept on the floor that night under the
kitchen counters! We awoke when the first person
got up at 6:00 am and lit his portable cookstove
above our heads. More rain in the night meant
puddles everywhere the next morning as we crossed
the sopping-wet tussocks of the Greenstone Valley.
passes through river valleys liberally sprinkled with
cows. During the time we went, it wasn't quite as
easy as we had been expecting because of the
heavy rains that left much of the track a muddy mess.
But despite the tricky footing, we passed through
many quietly beautiful spots along the blue-pooled
Greenstone River.
The trail followed the river up a broad valley with
gentle mountain ridges to either side. Sections of
beech forest alternated with wide-open pastureland,
and small waterfalls cascaded over rocks matted with
bright-green moss. At times the trail passed right
through a herd of cattle, most of which moved aside
as we got closer, but a few stayed put, forcing us to
detour around them.
When we arrived at the first hut, all the bunks were
taken so we slept on the floor that night under the
kitchen counters! We awoke when the first person
got up at 6:00 am and lit his portable cookstove
above our heads. More rain in the night meant
puddles everywhere the next morning as we crossed
the sopping-wet tussocks of the Greenstone Valley.
| This section of the Greenstone Track could be a setting for Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony |
| This calf turned tail and fled as we approached closer |
| Cows graze in paradise near the meandering Greenstone River |
| A pause in the forest on a sun-dappled first day |
| We awoke when the first person lit his portable cook stove above our heads! |
| Robin checking out her new digs for the night! Luxury, baby! |
| Look at how green that moss is! |
| Soft grass beckons by a blue stretch of river |
| "He leadeth me beside still waters..." |
| Robin looks fit and ready for another tramp |
| There still is magic in this world! |