Tramping the Southern Crossing

New Zealand, 2009

Life begins outside of our comfort zone.
— Chad E. Foster

Back at my friend’s place on the northern island, the neighbors come over for a visit to hear about my adventures; especially the hikes.
“Monique, we need to do a hike together before you leave”, Mike says.
We sure do. My friend and I had bought David his first backpack for his birthday, after his father had promised him that he was now old enough to join him on treks. I don’t have to think twice and happily agree to the idea of fitting in another trail.
“But this time you need to surrender to tramping Kiwi-style”, Mike says with a big smile on his face.
What can go wrong, I wonder, and happily promise that I will go Kiwi style all the way. David is jumping with joy.

We are a group of seven gathering at the start of the Southern Crossing. And as agreed upon I am dressed Kiwi style: in shorts. Not quite being used to hiking in shorts, I was told I could wear a base layer underneath. It sure feels different to go hiking like this. Luckily I was not yet aware that tramping Kiwi-style comes with other surprises as well.