Hokitiki down to Haast, inland to Queenstown via Wanaka. Fresh snow on all the peaks, lush, dense forest, waterfalls cascading hundred foot down, glaciers, coastal views. Visually awesome. Deservedly a world heritage site.
Ten days out now. Bits of rest and relaxation in Queenstown, heal the wounds, taper, final adjustments, equipment check. Head up next Wednesday [...]

Gordon offered to take me over the run course again. Has been staying there for the past month, and knows each rock and root by name. Knew when he said: “This little tree hasn’t grown for seven years”, that I was in finest company.

Twas an eight hour day yesterday. Few bruises. Including on the ego. Back on the water with the lads today. A more relaxing day out. And an into to the wind renowned in the valley. Gordon Blythen really taught me invaluable years worth of experience today. He’s 42 year old, solid as a rock, hard [...]

Clear blue skies above the Deception Valley, at the start of a 31k run. Heard it was extreme, but no one could have prepared me enough. Beyond trail running. A lot un-runnable and scrambling across boulders, across streams, through and over roots and trees. Similar to Dusi in needing knowledge on where to go, which [...]

Managed to manipulate sister Helen to join me. Driving companion, second, and live in chef. Choice. Roughly six hours of driving up the middle of the South Island. Arranged to meet a lad Sat morning to take me over the run route. Will be based at Christine McDonald’s spot outside the city. Nothing would be [...]