We came back from the routeburn track all wet and very tired, got back to queenstown and jumped into town for the internet.
On the way I told daniel that maybe we should check at the D.O.C office(the office that is responsible for all the walking tracks in new zealand) if there was a cancellation on the milford track and to see if there is room for us. Now the milford track is the most popular track in NZ and considered by many to be the most beautifull, not only in New zealand but in the entire world. To get on this track you usually have to book it from October, and I obviously didn't do that. Me and Daniel checked for the entire last 2 weeks to see if there were places and there never was, but... this time amazingly, just after we finished the routeburn, the d.o.c girl tells us that there are 2 places for the 10 and 11 of march, and it was the 8th that day. We thought about it for 2 minutes and decided to go for it, a once in a life time opportunity.
I decided to go on the 10th and daniel on
the 11th, even though we were both very very tired.
So the next day we drove to Te Anau which is in the fiordland, the most wild and known area in new zealand, where all the best walks are.
We bought stuff for the track, and had a rest, the next day Daniel drove me to the start of the track and here I was.
Now I was feeling really down, there was very strong rain the entire day, and the forecast for the next few days was looking really bad, I was sure I would have a 4 day track, all in the rain, and the most beautifull track in New zealand(which is also pretty expensive) all in the rain.
Luckily the first day was only 1 hour walk, so I could rest some more and dry. In the hut I met zvika, I fell on the same day as him so we did the milford together.
The second day was again all rain, but you could see that this track is amazing, even in the rain the sight of douzens of waterfalls falling all around you while you are walking is very impressive.
This was a longer day,
View from the hutAlready on the first day, just from the hut, and look what you see, this track promises a lot
and we all arrived to the hut completely wet, in the milford everyone has to do the exact same 4 days walk and sleep in the same huts, so you are a group of about 40 people doing the trip together. Most of the people doing it are elderly locals and couples that planned this trip for ages.
I lit a fire in the hut's fireplace and in seconds it was surrounded by clothes everywhere around it, I will upload a cool picture showing it.
Anyway we were really hoping for a good day tomorrow with the weather since the 3rd day is the most beautifull and important day of the milford.
The next day zvika wakes me up at 7:30 and tells me: Omer it is wonderfull outside, we have to run now. I was so happy, We had a wonderfull day, and what can I say? even though i enjoyed all my tracks, and there are amazing views here in NZ the milford was just UNBELIEVEABLE, I can say it is the most beautifull track I did, together with the nelson lakes.
The bad weather the days before arranged it so we will have snow on all the
Second dayVery rainy, again, but look how much water, a lake, 3 or 4 waterfalls, water all around me!!
tops of the mountains, and the climb between the snowy mountains was extremely beautifull. I had the perfect day at the perfect time, we also went to see sutherland falls, the 6th highest waterfalls in the world, 590 meters tall, and we went right behind them, I got all wet, like after a shower, but there was sun outside and I didn't care.
The 4th day was as good and I saw a lot of mirror lakes. I finished the track and went back to te anau. Very tired after 2 long tramps with only 1 day rest, but also very very happy.
The track was wonderfull, something I will remember for my entire life, and even though you walk with 40 people, you are the only ones allowed on the area, and it feels very wild and remote, the track it self is maybe long, but easy and should be no problem for anyone.
Me and zvika and a nice german couple we met went out at the evening to a restaurent since finishing the milford is something you have to celebrate, we had a wonderfull dinner, and I went to bed full and content.
The next day
Can't see too muchAs you can see the valley was covered with clouds, couldn't see too much, but it was misty and mysterious
daniel came back, also very happy from the routeburn, and now we drove to dunedin with zvika and arik, going to see a rugby game here and then go to the south of the south island, a very remote area with wild life and beaches.
we are taking a rest from the walks for a week or so.
Well I know this was long, again, but It was also the most important part of my trip to NZ almost. I am now close to the end and starting to feel sad about it.
I miss everyone at Israel as well, and can't wait to hear what you guys are doing, and what you think of what I did.
So waiting for your replys, and hoping you are all doing well.
Still in new zealand.
Trying to dryAs you can see, everyone tried to dry their clothes, by putting them close close to the fire.
The taki gangA couple from germany and australia that we taught taki, and zvika
The third dayThe sky are all blue!!!, and the bad weather from before, covered the mountain tops with snow
The memorialMe near the top, at the memorial for the guy who first did this track, and guided tours through it
Omer and viewsYep, very nice views here near the top, and I am there to spoil it.
12 Seconds dropYea i'm trying to look cool, but luckily you can't see my face, this is a sheer rock cliff of around 1000 meters, not nice to fall down
Feeling goodI just felt so lucky, such a nice day, at the most beautifull track, luck was on my side.
At the topStanding at the highest point of the saddle
Getting coldDespite the sun it was really cold up there, Don't want to know how cold it is on a cloudy day
The actual viewThis is from inside the toilets, no need to know what I did inside, but let's say for licht it is a great place for a "yeshiva"