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Published: November 28th 2016
Kea eating Cavell's finger
The ever curious Kea wants to take Cavell's finger.After the brutal day of heat and wind we set off to Te Anau - our base to Milford Sound. The weather has now turned wet, cold and still windy. We head out making great time, communication is working and feeling awesome. What's that sound??? Ping! Snap!
I look down the back wheel is wobbling. That was the sound of a spoke breaking and several more becoming loose. Well goddamn it. I don't carry extra spokes. But the true problem is that there is too much load straight down on the back part of the bike.
Lucky for us, we saw a bike shop while leaving the city. We manage to bike back to it without the wheel completely collapsing. After several hours, we now had our bike fixed and a trailer purchased to assist with the load. Due to the fact that we had, once again, lost so much time we decided that in order to salvage the trip to Milford Sound in Te Anua and also to wait for the trailer to be shipped to Queenstown (our next destination after Te Anua), it would be better to rent a vehicle, the only way to
Crazy Van at Milford Sound
these vans are all over the place. With varying degrees of cool or offensive artwork keep on track.
We arrive in Te Anua. Our next excursion is 'beginner's' kayaking.....Notice the apostrophes around 'beginner's'?? Uh huh...again calling bullshit on that one. Our day commences at 6:30 a.m. After a 2 hour drive in thought the mountains we arrive. The rain is pouring down and once again, no reprieve from the wind. Our team gets ready for the day. After dressing in layer after layer to protect us from the elements, we get ready to head out. This is my (Cavell) first time ever kayaking and we both are picturing a sedate nice little kayak....boy were we in for a surprise!!! Once out in the sound itself, we found that the kayak was extremely difficult to control....this due to the fact two counter-directional waters meeting creating an tumultuous effect...we managed but at one point another kayak rammed into us nearly capsizing. A very close call!!! Now that we cleared that dangerous 'beginner' type area one of our team leaders suggest we make a sail...um...what?? This basically involves all 4 kayaks in our group coming together in a 'rafting' formation. Then both team members on the outside rear (me, Cavell and one of the team leads) tie
Milford Sound rain
wet and wild nature the 'sail' to the oars and lift with the two outside front (Duane and another) holding on to ropes attached in the front letting the wind take us. It was a tad gusty and my arms at the end felt like they were going to fall off. FUN!!! After 5 hours of kayaking rough waters we head in. Awesome but definitely not something I would describe as beginners level.
After we ate it was time to return to Te Anua. On the way we were fortunate enough to see the Kea and Kaka, both rare birds that are vulnerable and endangered respectively. The Kea is known for trying to eat inorganic material such as car parts and rubber. This particular fellow developed a taste for my finger and seemed upset that he was unable to tear it loose. Sorry dude...I kind of need that!
Once back in town and in dry clothes we hunkered down and ate our Hokey Pokey ice cream. Lights out at 9 pm....hardcore we are.
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Lynne Lamarche
non-member comment
wow, impressive adventure
kudos guys! you rock! this is a once in a lifetime adventure. Good blog nice pictures! Stay safe! We miss you here Cavell! cheers, Lynne