mrsjono

Weather got better and we went out for a walk after lunch. At the helipad, he suddenly told me to turn around while he retrieved something out of the bag. It was a photo of his sand writing at New Brighton beach. I wasn't expecting anything from him and I was happy he made the effort to give me something on the track.



As we were putting the piece of paper back in the file, he said "We have been together for so long and I would like to spend the rest of my life with you..." and pulled out another piece of paper. It was another sand writing that took me slightly longer to figure out. I couldn't believe what I was seeing or hearing. He took out a black box and opened it.



I was so moved and so happy I cannot recall did I say "Ok" or just nod my head and gave him a hug. RS took my ugly hand and slotted the ring on my fourth finger but the ring was too loose lol. He cooked dinner for me while I admired my ring and reveled in his sweet and effortless proposal. (After the walk I checked my email at Frankton and learned that my partnership visa had been approved on my birthday!) On my 27th birthday, I was blessed with the best birthday presents. A lifetime commitment and one more year to stay in this beautiful country. What more can I ask for?


Clinton Hut helipad :)



The track begins to get more interesting on the second day; through Clinton Valley with countless waterfalls trickling down rock surfaces all around. There were many avalanche zone signs warning people not to stop until the next safe area sign but they were largely ignored as the views were irresistible not to stop for photos. We took around 7 hours to reach Mintaro Hut.








Long day ahead on Day 3 involving a climb up to Mckinnon Pass and a long descent down to Dumpling Hut with a 1.5 hours side trip in between. I made breakfast while he washed up this morning. We set off at 8am and saw many lovely Mount Cook lilies along the way. Reached the top at about 10.30 but couldn't see a thing due to fog. Waited for the sky to clear and luckily it did quite quickly. It was so cold, so clear and so beautiful.





The Mackinnon Pass Memorial was built to commemorate Quintin Mackinnon who discovered this pass




Mackinnon Pass highest point






Countless suspension bridges


Guided walkers with day packs tailing closely behind


Stopped at Dudleigh Falls for lunch and the group of students passed us. Finally reached the Quintin Shelter and we dropped our packs to Sutherland Falls. It was the most powerful and tallest waterfall I have seen so far.



Bunk mates woke us up at around 6.50am. Finished up muesli and set off at 8am on the last day from Dumpling Hut to Sandfly Point. I carried the 50l bag for about 5 hours, changing over when we put on our rain covers as it started to drizzle. My shoulders were super sore and wet towards the end. It was mostly flat terrain on the last day but it felt really long and tiring; I had to push myself to keep going.



Arthur River


Mackay Falls


Old couple in their 70s repeating Milford Track for the second time


Giant Gate Falls



Reached Sandfly Point at around 1.20pm. We were the last few to arrive; most of the pack were already there.



Captain: "Thank you for walking four days to take this 15 mins boat ride with me. I really appreciate it."


Can't feel ma legs anymore


Celebrated return to civilisation at Te Anau and successful completion of a memorable walk 

Cora gave me a ride to Te Anau at 7.45am punctually as agreed. She told me about her unpleasant experiences with Kerstin. I can understand why she felt quite bothered over it as I would imagine I would too at the age of 19. She stopped at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre first (to pick up my hut tickets) then Rosie Backpacker (to drop some of my bags) as requested. We still had some time so I bought her coffee at Sandfly Cafe. I followed her to Fiordland Cinema to get some DVDs which she was going to send home as Christmas gift. I helped her with her IRD application, 2degree top up at PostShop and I realised it was 9.35am I really had to go even though I didn't feel at ease leaving her there when she was not done with her administrative matters. I had difficulty running with my backpack and I was so desperate and worried I would miss the bus that I begged for a ride along the road. A red vehicle stopped and saved my life! The visitor centre was a good 15 mins walk away from town and I would never have made it if not for the kind driver which I didn't even managed to catch his name. I arrived just in the nick of time and was totally breathless as RS complained to the bus driver about my last minute grand entrance lol and we quickly jumped on the bus to the start of the Milford Track...

By the time we were done it was around 3pm and Cora still wanted to go kayaking. We stuffed the paddles into her car and parked near the jetty. I was apprehensive about our ability to get the double kayak out of this mess but Cora was determined. I was in pants and shoes and still wondering if I should try and stay dry when Cora picked me up and carried me into the kayak!



We were SWARMED with sandflies when we paddled across the lake to the other side; lucky it was a short row. Cora and I parted ways from this point; she went for a swim and since I can't swim I decided to try the Circle Track, a 3.5-4 hours loop walk. I wasn't at the start of the track; Kerstin suggested cutting through the bushes to get onto the main track.



I crashed through the very thick bush and vegetation for a long time but can't seem to get out of the bush. I had no idea if I'm still going straight or moving sideways to nowhere. I started to panic. I didn't have enough supplies with me and I have to get out before it gets dark. The saving grace was there was reception in the woods. I telephoned Cora first to tell her I was lost and I will be shouting out for her to see if we could hear/locate each other. I then rang Kerstin to tell her I was in a bit of trouble. She apologised saying it was her stupid idea and said she'll be making her way to the jetty.



I kept shouting for Cora hoping she could hear me. It was dead silent in the forest and there was no one in sight. I was so deep in the bush that it was as hard to turn back as it was to press on. I felt really helpless and kept talking to myself to stay calm. I figured if I keep walking in the direction where I can see light, that should lead me out of the bush. Somehow, I finally managed to get onto the main track. I was so happy when I saw the orange marker.



But I had no idea which was the shorter way back to the jetty. It was a loop track and either way would lead me back but it would take me ages to return if I went one big round. I went with my instinct and was so relieved when I finally found the jetty. THANK GOD! 🙏🙏🙏



Cora coming to my rescue! We were so glad and relieved we found each other. I was lost in the forest for two hours that day. Lucky to come out in one piece and only had a tear on my shirt sleeve. Thank you so much Cora for saving my life!!! 

Last night, Cora jio me to do part of the Kepler Track. It was a no-brainer; I agreed immediately as I have always wanted to do it anyway and it was so close to where we were staying. I jumped into her car with Carla at the back in her baby seat and set off to Rainbow Reach. The track starts at a swingbridge and wanders through beech forest with a few glimpses of the Waiau River along the way. Cora had Carla on her back and she was faster than me. Power!





Lunch at the kettle bog - lecker!


We walked along the shores of Lake Manapouri and came to a nice beach with clear waters - Shallow Bay. I watched Cora played with Carla in the water and started swinging her so that her little feet were brushing against the water. Despite being just 19, Cora's maturity was evident to me and I felt that she has more life experience than most girls of her age and even myself in some ways.


We are great babysitters!


Carla slept most of the time when I carried her back to the carpark.


Last photo with blur-looking Carla who had just woken up from her sleep lol