Exhausted

Have I written a post with this title yet? I'd be surprised if I haven't. I've felt exhausted so many times since I've been here. Most of the time really. But of course it feels great.

Today was much much better! I hiked about 30k and although my body was aching, I felt much more mentally and emotionally strong after I was able to connect back home a few times. Normally I would hate being able to access internet while on and overnight backpacking trip, or even a camping trip, but this time it was just what I needed. Except for the cars that I hear whizzing by right now! Wtf?!? Probably should have researched the track a bit better. Naw, the views I have seen today were mind blowing. Totally worth it.

A lot went through my head today. I related the pain, resilience, and symptoms of exhaustion to running a marathon. I thought about what I would write in an email to my work exchange boss from two weeks ago, asking him to hire me again. I, off course, thought about what's going on at home and what I should do about it. (No conclusions yet unfortunately.) I also thought about all the places I've seen.

One reader informed me that she cannot visualize where I am, what I'm doing. I never intended this to be a travel blog that describes my day to day, however I do feel I could appease such desires for more description of my outside world rather than just my introspection. Shall I give it a shot? Alright!

Let's go through all 5 senses...

I'll start with what I hear, because I'm currently in my tent so that's what I notice first. I hear birds. All the time! All kinds of birds.  They wake me up in the morning, and chat to me throughout the day, and they sing me to sleep. Some (The Kea) jump on our rental car and try to peck away at it. Others (The Weka) will steal your food, or your book! The New Zealand pigeon will be sitting outside the window while we're eating Weet-A-Bix and powdered milk for breakfast in Big Bay. Cute little ones hop along the trail with me when I'm walking alone. One sounds like space invaders - bew bew bew! I hear baby lamb. Oh so cute - baaaah baaaah. I hear male sheep - blehhhhh (sounds like he's belching). I hear my camping mug hitting a buckle on my bag, my boots crunching on the dirt, and my shirt and shorts swishing with each movement. I hear helicopters fly overhead to take tourists to glaciers. I hear various languages, most often, German. So many Germans visiting New Zealand! I hear accents, my favorite being the Kiwi accent. It's charming, and insanely sexy. I hear music some nights, as often as possible of course, but too often it's American covers. I hear rivers! Huge roaring rivers that are an icy grey blue or turquoise blue color. And waterfalls! "Have you seen any waterfalls today?" Is sarcastically asked as we are driving the Milford road.

....and I passed out...

To be continued.