Route Burn Trek - March 26-28

The Routeburn Trek was amazing - hard and I saw so many New Zealanders just motoring along whilst I struggled with my overweight 38lb pack! The huts are clean, well organized and well kept. During high season there is always a warden there who gives a talk at night to let you know about the area and what is ahead the next day - so good

On day 2, I hiked with a fellow from Perth who had just stopped smoking and was on his first *adventure*. We encouraged each other along as it was a more difficult slog than appeared on the map - uphill for a ways then flat. No flat. It was up and down up and down - perhaps more down than up - but I could not tell the difference! Needless to say, once I arrived at the Mackenzie hut - I was happy to jump in the freezing cold lake - no pics as the folks taking them did not email them to me -so sad. Crazy Canadian was first in and others followed. I ended up going in 3 times - easier every time!

While cooking my freeze dried bag dinner, I spilled boiling water on my foot - my Smart wool sock absorbed most of it except it pooled at the bottom of the sock burning my instep a bit. I HAD to drink some wine and soak my foot under cold water for an hour. It also took 3 freeze packs that evening to get the sting out - note to self, do not burn yourself with hot water - worse pain than most injuries!

The only bad thing about huts - if you get a snorer in the hut - This night, I was next to it - yes women who happily snored through the night whilst her husband was up half the night (as was I) trying to get it to stop. We all suffered. She arose a right as rain - probably wondering why all the dirty looks! People who snore should be banned from huts. The next day - the last day, people seemed grumpy so I listened to my itunes all the way to the next hut, then down to where we met the bus - I sang and danced and carried on - probably to the chagrin of those who encountered me - oh well, I was happy; happy; happy! The meaning of life; living in the moment.