An easy-ish start to the day,
I had a splendid night at the holiday park in Lake Hawea but had to wake up a little earlier than usual to deal with something very important. Registration for the meditation retreat that I wish to attend opened this morning at 6am. To skip ahead to the point, with a big help and thanks to Emily, I am successfully registered and my accommodation is booked to go for a week long meditation retreat in Denver, USA in July this year. So excited and glad it is all booked now.
Since I was up, I had time to watch the sunrise and take in the beauty of where I was as well as appreciate again how privileged I am to be able to do what I am doing. The morning started with an easy 6km walk through Hawea town and then along the lake front.
I decided the I am adding Hawea to my “I can retire here” list as well… if you were reading some of my previous posts you will understand.
Then came the uphill, in one spectacular TA fashion, climbing from 360m (AMSL) to 1300m in just 4km. The Hamster was ordering the Haaikie in “the boiler room” to throw everything on the fire. That burger from Wanaka, the ham and cheese croissant from the bakery in Albert Town and the nice chockies from yesterday… burn everything to get my body and the heavy pack of food up the hill.
I contemplated taking a swim in the lake before starting the climb, and I should have.
The result and rewards were amazing views. I tried to capture this panoramic above from about 70% up the hill, showing Lake Hawea and Wanaka in the distance with the mountain surrounds.
I made it all the way to Pakituhi Hut, which is recently built and very nice. Awesome company from one local and one foreign person.
Finished the day by watching the moonrise from the steps of Pakituhi Hut… what a great day.
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44.5817 – 169.3565
22 March 2024
FP-71