Risk/reward are not two side of the same coin - equal in measure. More like two ends of the same stick. The further along the stick the fulcrum slides the less that remains on the other. That’s why a small risk hike to a beautiful summit can still yield immense reward, and a high risk climb can leave you breathless and glad to be alive totally stealing the reward. At least that’s how it works for me.
Read MoreBrow Peak (attempt) - New Zealand
The views are breathtaking as the weather continues to be crystal clear and visibility is as far as the eye can see. Off trail now we scramble to a rocky ridgeline peak and decide to eat lunch.
Read MoreGold Panning in Arrowtown - New Zealand
We walked around the shop and upon exiting noted the gold panning demonstration going on. We watched as gold flakes appeared in the bottom of pans and we were hooked. Nineteen dollars later and we were the proud owners of our own gold pan and heading toward the river.
Read MoreMount Crichton Loop Track - New Zealand
It’s hard to explain a really nice hike to someone. Is it chance that we have the trail to ourselves? The gentle rain has stopped as we strip off our rain jackets and pack them away. Is it a mindset that the rugged beauty of this area strips away the stress of the world? It’s hard to say but one thing is for sure, you know it when you feel it.
Read MoreJudah Track - Glenorchy, New Zealand
The State mine Viewpoint is stunning and offers incredible views toward Mount Edward, but the tailing pile is a bust. Whatever the process used to extract the Scheelite is a crushing process and the tailing pile is nothing but crushed rock with nothing of value for Linda’s projects.
Read MoreBen Lomond - New Zealand
We break through the forest trees onto the grassy hillside to get our first real look at Ben Lomond. It is a stunning peak, as tiny wisps of clouds cross in front of it. Ben Lomond has over 600 meters of Prominence and is ranked number 36 on peakbaggers.com list of New Zealand Peaks with 600 meters of Prominence.
Read MoreGemstone Beach - New Zealand
Gemstone beach is a beautiful beach. A small stream enters the ocean and becomes the source of rocks swept into the sea during rainy periods. The wave action, along with the sand, shapes the stones into beautiful oval and round shapes polished smooth by the sea.
Read Morevia Ferrata - New Zealand
The waterfall is located on private land several miles north of Wanaka and it takes about 20 minutes to arrive. It is still a drizzle, but the clouds have moved high enough to get a view of the waterfall route in its entirety. It is stunning.
Read MoreMount Iron - New Zealand
Our wipers thump to the beat of the steady stream of rain as we make the hour drive to Wanaka and our meeting with the Wild Wire tour group
Read MoreCoronet Peak - New Zealand
We had visited Coronet Peak ten years ago on our first visit to New Zealand, and I was anything but impressed. It looked like a bunny hill of rolling peaks. Now that we start our hike, I realize how wrong I was.
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