April 9 - 8 pm

Dreary, cold, autumn day in New Zealand. Glad I wasn't planning on hiking in Arthur's Pass today. I headed back to Christchurch on the bus. It rained most of the way. The bus drove really slow. I listened to Lykke Li and looked out the window. A lot of the same scenery I saw on the train, but different seeing it in different weather. We went by a cool village that we didn't see on the train - Castlehill Village. Very interesting landscape. Rocks coming out of the green hillside that resembled castle walls. Must be how it got its name. Anyway, the bus dropped me off across town from where my hostel was located, so I put on my backpack, daypack, and carried my food bag in my right hand. Walked about 30 minutes, at least. My legs and feet and mostly my back were aching so bad. I thought I was going to have today to rest up for some hiking tomorrow. Guess not. Finally reached the Kiwi Basecamp hostel and checked in. Not bad, not great. Close to tomorrow's bus stop, so that's why I picked it.
I then walked to the grocery store. Loaded up on the same stuff I've been eating for weeks. And went to McDonald's for lunch. Mmmmm.. BBQ bacon cheeseburger and fries. American goodness. Cheap American goodness. Then went to the library for Internet. I got to talk to Michelle and Denney both for a while, just texting. Planning a big Café Rio reunion when I get home. Straight from the airport! I want my pork salad. And my friends too.
I did change it up a bit for dinner tonight. I had lots of bread and eggs (9 pack!) so I made French toast! Checked the free food bin and found some syrup and jams miraculously. I tried peanut butter and syrup on a piece. I've heard of people eating it that way.. Or maybe it's on pancakes.. Probably doesn't matter. Anyway, I love PB but I did not love this combo. Lemon jelly, however, was delicious.
So that's pretty much it.

April 8 - 9:30 pm

Well Avalanche Peak conquered me today. I only made it to the bush line before turning around. It was just too steep. I climbed about 600 vertical meters in 75 minutes. And apparently it gets steeper and more difficult once you get above the bush line, so I felt okay about quitting halfway. The trail was super rocky and rugged. I was climbing using my hands and knees on parts of it. Constantly climbing over boulders and tree roots and branches. But it was fun, and there were some really good views from the top. Climbing down was much easier.
It was nice weather for my hike, but rained a bit this afternoon. I spent tonight hanging out in the hostel lounge again. Eating spaghetti for dinner again. Reading Around the World in Eighty Days.
Mom and dad called me and so I got to talk to them for a few minutes. Nice to hear from home, but it does make me homesick. I think it's not so much that I miss home, but more I just don't want to be alone anymore. But I'll keep enjoying New Zealand and I'll be happy to go home when the time comes.
Taking the bus back to Christchurch tomorrow. Once more! Then Mt. Cook for more mountains and hikes.

April 7 - 10 pm

I took the Tranz-Alpine train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass this morning. It's supposedly the most beautiful train rides you can take, and it was indeed quite remarkable. I didn't want to get off halfway through the trip at my stop, but I had to. And it's okay, I needed some time back in the mountains. Arthur's Pass is the highest elevation settlement in New Zealand at 737 meters. But also one of the smallest - population 62. The town consists of a general store/cafe, a restaurant/bar, a few hostel/motels, and the visitor center. Pretty small! But it's cool. The setting really is incredible. My hostel is fine. But I'm laying here in bed right now, and I can feel the wood slats beneath me. Not the comfiest bed.. Feels like I'm camping! All the more fun. I was hanging out in the lounge for most of the evening, sitting on a couch by the wood-burning stove. It's really cold outside! Winter is just around the corner! My internal clock is going to be so messed up.. Not just with the 6 hour time difference, but I have to go through spring and summer when I get back, but it really feels like we're well into fall.
I hiked to some pretty good viewpoints today. The Devil's Punchbowl Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Jack's Hut, and Bealy View. Everywhere you look is another picturesque view. Love it. Hiking again tomorrow. Going to try to conquer Avalanche Peak. It's a big one. We'll see how it goes.