today was the day we were to "tramp" the glaciers. just in case you don't speak kiwi, or you have a dirty mind, that means hike, here. anyway, it was gloomy, and there was rain in the forecast. nevertheless, mom and i went to the guided hikes office to sign up and see some glaciers (hey, we're tough like that). after being asked whether we had any physical conditions, my mom began to list her ailments like she was at the doctor's office..."my knees sometimes hurt...but only when the weathers not good..." (continue to look out the window at the grey sky and the beginnings of rain....) and you get the point. next thing we know, she has been convinced to not go on the 4 hour hike, up 2 foot ice steps and slippery 3 meter ladders, and i was just...excited. anyway, i'm still alive to tell of the tale, and also to impart some valuable life lessons. here they are in no particular order (except possibly by importance).
1. Pack appropriately:* it is important to remember, when preparing for a 4 hour hike, not to pack the entirety of a 7-day car trip's worth of food. a jar of peanut butter and an entire bag of trail mix, with a hunk of cheese, four bread rolls, a banana, an apple and some dried fruit was just uncalled for. granted, i had originally packed for 2 people, but nevertheless, the only thing i had time to consume was a banana. and that was on the car ride back. things get wet when it rains, and while i geniusly put my backpack under my raincoat, it makes things considerably harder to get out of the bag. if you are not going to heed my advice, then it helps to be hiking with someone who loves you, and therefore will carry your stuff. it seems everyone traveling in NZ is a beautiful, blond, european couple, and all i could think on the journey (well that's not ALL) was if only i had one of those tall, beautiful euros to carry my stuff. love would be nice too.
2. Assess your skill level: when at the base of the glacier, about 50 minutes into the hike, we were to break ourselves into four groups, according to fitness and skill level. (philosophical question: would you rather be the best of the worst, or the worst of the best?) i decided to put myself in the slower half, but the faster of the slow people (i guess you know what i chose!). it turns out my skill level is slightly higher than the "A-team" of a college basketball team. i definitely saw some of those girls, who i would imagine should be pretty fit, breathing deeply. and yes, i felt very proud of myself.
3. Take notice of your surroundings: it is most important to take care when hiking in difficult terrain. it is also important to take notice of your surroundings, and if going uphill, do not, i repeat, DO NOT be behind a faller. and if going downhill, do not be in front of one. and by faller, i mean, that person who inevitably falls when the only way to go is 30 feet down rocks and ice. this happened to me, but luckily before we got to said terrain. it was after the tour guide warned us of this happening, i guess she just got nervous. but better to fall there than 5 minutes later...for my sake.
4. Enjoy the view! spectacular! pictures to follow...
*if you're impressed by my impressive formatting, might i suggest a year in public policy school? it's all about the presentation!
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What I learned from this post: "Blue Blue Blue Out-Tramps a Bevy of Blondes; Discovers that Tramping is Easier than She First Imagined."
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