Not your typical journey.

This was our idea of fun. And, adventure.  A nice, point to point hike from Makara Beach to Red Rocks. Looked like a nice, 30km jaunt along a coastal trail/4 wheel drive track that ended up being a bit of a cliff hanging (thank goodness for tussock), character building adventure.  It ended up being 40km with over 3,000metres (10,000ft) of vertical ascent.  One might ask how this is possible, traveling next to the ocean as it might be a logical question.  Turns out the mountains that turn to hills turn to cliffs before diving into the ocean.  At these points of transition, there existed jagged rocks that could not be climbed around (in the ocean).  Thus, it left us going over the cliffs of rocks, tussock, and into the territory of mountain goats (literally).  I cannot tell you how many of these cliffs we went over and it might not have been such a feat had we not had our overnight accessories with us such as sleeping bags, tents, weights (for diving), and the like.  Character building was what our friend, Dan, who went with us, and quite literally helped us stick to the slick cliffs, called it.  I think we don't need much character building for a while.  The second day consisted of more cliff hanging, followed by a 20km hike along rocky coast, with non-stop pelting rain and 100km winds.  Thus, I leave you with the pictures that tell the rest of the story.  We didn't take pictures of the challenging parts.  Such is life, when we realized we usually don't take pictures of the trying times!  We didn't take pictures of the stinky, grumpy seals we had to hike around on the slippery rocks in the rain.  We did discover quite possibly the worst smell to mankind- seals!  Stinky buggers.  Anyhow, happy to be home, happy to be alive, happy to feel this life in these amazing, healthy bodies we have.  And, begging them for forgiveness in the form of an occasional massage. And baths. And tea. (not in that order).

 Zeph toward the end of Day 1. In a windy section!

Sarah on the same windy spot!

The next Shackelton? Perhaps! AKA our good friend Dan.

The lovely cove where we camped, ate paua (abalone) and a wonderful fish Sarah managed to successfully catch via the Poke Pole technique (thanks dad).

A delicious fish. Fresh, with butter and it hit the spot!

Zeph in the middle of bbq-ing and warming his shoes and prepping the paua.

The guys going to do their hunter-gatherer-ness.

The guys going out to do their post-hunter-gatherer cleaning (thank you for cleaning my fish).

A good BBQ of paua, fish, fresh corn, and zucchini- Hit the spot!

Hiking along on Day 1. This was the "flat" part. Lots of rocks, goats, seals and Dan day-dreaming about hunting the goats to feed himself and Juno.

A too familiar sight for 8 hours on Day 2. Pelting rain, high winds, a wild/angry ocean, and lots of slippery rocks!

Dan and Zeph almost to the finish line. (The only reason I was ahead was because after 8 hours of rain, their already heavy packs had collected enough water to way the equivalent of a good-sized seal (no joke).  Well, maybe a little exaggeration but if you saw the welts on our shoulders and felt the burning of our legs, you would agree!

The guys very happy to know the car was parked right around the corner. Then, a hot shower, Then, Burger Fuel. Then, counting the blisters and begging our bodies for forgiveness!  A worthy journey we don't need to repeat!  Character building? Without a question.