Michael, Caitlyn, and I were lucky enough to get away for three days starting Friday. We took a bus from Winton to Te Anu and tramped (NZ for backpacked) the Kepler Trek. It was 50km long which is around 30 miles I think. We stayed in two different huts which were both nice with excellent views and filled with people. A few over 50 people each night. We had a good time for Cait's last weekend here.
Did some fishing but only caught one small rainbow. Didn't see very many fish but we were way up in the mountains. The stream was beautiful and felt good after the long walk.
These birds are called Keas (mountain parrot) they will peck apart anything you leave unattended. I even watched this one try to eat a lady's hood while she was wearing it. Got a pretty good video of it too. They closed down a campground on part of the trek because there was a pack of Keas harassing the campers and eating their tents. Lucky for us we stayed in the huts so we were still able to sleep there that night.
Too bad those mountain parrotts are such a pain b/c they are so unique looking! It looks so beautiful there. Have you seen any penguins yet? We are studying penguins in Kindergarten and I see the yellow footed penguin lives in NZ! Went to the dentist this week and Dr. Spainhower and Cheryl say hi! They wanted to know all about your adventures. Doc said that he loved paragliding too. He said something about going on a river in a hoverboat that was so scary but amazing. I forget the river name but it sounds like something scary and dangerous that you and Mike would like! Thanks for posting pictures, looking forward to seeing them all when you return. We went on a ride today up to Gardiner and saw a huge 5 point elk right next to the road in the Yankee Jim canyon, 10 mountain goats at a historic site turn off, bald and golden eagles (2 many to count), and 2 very nice 4 point bucks along the Yellowstone river. Amazing day!
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