The West Coast

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So. Lets see. I finished work on Sunday and after several changes of plans was totally undecided about what to do next. I was literally sitting on my couch Monday afternoon completely immobilized by indecision when my friend Leyla stopped by to say good bye and ask if I wanted a ride to over the hill to Nelson in one hour. I looked at the piles of still to be packed belongings strewn around my room and wished they would jump into my pack Mary Poppins style. Leyla seemed to sense by lethargic mood and said brightly, "the best way to leave is spontaneously".

And so, an hour later I was off over the winding hill that separates Golden Bay from the rest of the world. I texted some friends I had made in a hostel in Nelson the previous weekend and they were able to reserve a camp site for me (as all the beds were taken). Never mind that I don't have a tent.... I would just figure it out when I got there. Luckily, upon my arrival, the friendly hostel owners let me borrow their own personal tent and their cute front desk employee to help set it up!

Accents on the Park is my favorite backpackers so far. Its really more like a bed and breakfast with some dorm rooms and no breakfast although there is free tea and coffee. I spent my time there with four girls who met in Auckland at the airport and have been traveling together since. We were all in one room so it was like three nights of 8th grade slumber parties. FUN.

Yesterday I started what I am hoping will be a complete circle around the South Island. I will be retracing come of my steps but there is no other way to fill in all the necessary gaps. I took an eight hour bus ride from Nelson to Franz Joseph which was essentially the northern half of the west coast of the south island. The west coast is known for its jagged coast line and lush forest. It is sparsely populated has a rugged feel that I love.

Today is a catch up and relax day and tomorrow I am doing a guided hike on Franz Joseph Glacier which should be spectacular before continuing south again, perhaps stopping back in Wanaka before heading down the the sounds.

This week has been a bit of a between things week and I am feeling slightly down. I can't tell whats going on with my thyroid as I have lost all ability to gage what is NORMAL but according to the blood work it looks like I am now becoming hypo instead of hyper. I think I will have to hang in for at least a few more months to get everything straightened out but I wish I could just be better NOW.

GGGGGRRRRRRRR!

Happy Valentines Day to you all!

Love
Em

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Comments

[Randell & Nancy]

While you have been doing all this hiking we have been at Longboat Key soaking up the rays lying on the beach. And eating lots of sea food, nothing beats absolutely fresh shrimp. Did you go with us to the little restrurant on the dock and next to the fishing boat packing and shipping facility? Anyway, the owner helps with the bookeeping in exchange for fresh caught produce every day, so it is really the best place in town even if you have to eat off of wooden picnic tables and benches. Your Mom spent a few days with us and we hope you will go with us next year IF YOU GET BACK BY THEN. Nini and G'Dad