Right now I'm at a place called Arthur's Pass. Its basically just a small village in the mountains with one little store and a few cabins and hostels for backpacker. I found a place to stay here called the Sanctuary. Its very unique and quite unbelievable really. The entire place works on the honesty policy because the owner lives in Christchurch which is a few hours from here. When you arrive you pick up the phone which calls him automatically and he'll give you the rundown and whether or not it is booked for the night. There are 6 computers here that also work on the honesty plicy so you just put your money in a box and he comes to collect every now and then. The place is kind of thrown together but really interesting and comfortable. Fireplace, full kitchen, shower and bath, and even a guitar so i am taking the day to relax and play the guitar with a french guy-Alex that i met here yesterday. I figured i would drop some pics while i have internet access and its pretty cheap. Last night there were 4 people from UNC, believe it or not, staying here because they are doing research on plants that are not native to NZ and causing major problems to the natural ecosystem. It was cool talking with them and they are gonna come get some BBQ when they get back! The pics are mostly of the Mt. Cook area. Cook is the highest mountain in NZ at 12,316 ft. Its about the same as the Tetons which Shane, Chris, and I climbed on Wyoming. I won't be climbing Mt. Cook though because it is extremely technical and a few people die there every year! Not me! You can also notice the color of Lake Tekapo. Its really crazy when you see it in real life and thats what i am trying to say in the pic. Last week i did lots of hiking. Pretty much about 7 days straight and at least 70-75 miles during that time so it kinda wore me out. Its nice to find this place where i can rest for a few days. My next plan is to find a family or farm that i can go work on for about 2 weeks in return for room and board. Its called WWOOFing which stands for willing workers on organic farms. I think i mentioned this before but it will be a good experience if i can find one to take me. There are lots of people here with bee hives and i am trying to find one of those so i can learn more about it and have my own at home. Its good to keep moving because it keeps me occupied but it takes more money here and there for small things even when you hitch so i'm trying to work out some things to do for the next 5 weeks that won't cost me much. Looking forward to that and also looking forward to getting back to good ole FM. There is no better way to learn how much you appreciate all the small things until you get out here with nothing but a backpack and see how life can be without all of the luxuries we have. So, all of you there now, don't take it for granted that you can just pick up the phone and call your friends or family! There are so many little things I miss like my truck, or just having my own transport, my bed!!! I also miss the food a whole lot so when i get home I'm gonna gain a few lbs for sure! I've been cravin biscuits and gravy lately! Also fresh veggies and meat. I eat a good bit of meat but not as much vegies as i would like. usually only when i am in some town or city and have a place to cook because i can't just carry everything with me. Life is good though! I'm enjoying my time here and know i'm getting a great experience! There is so much that you learn living like this and theres really no way to describe it. You just have to get out here on your own and experience it to fully understand! I guess i am getting a little numb to the beautiful scenery here now since i've spent a lot of time in the "bush." Its really beautiful but i also must say that it doesnt really top what I've seen in Montana, Wyoming, and the good ole Smokies! I miss them too and look forward to doing some hikes with shane, chris, chris , and whoever else wants to come! I am going to plan a big camping trip with all my friends when i get home so all of you get ready. We can shoot up to the smokies for the weekend and just camp by our vehicles or hike a little ways in. Greg, Matt, Knuck, Shane, ya'll pass the word and we'll get it set up sometime!

Miss you all!

Jared

Just got back to Q'town today. I decided not to do the Hollyford Track after talking to some other hikers and the weather was rough the past few days with more to come so i made it back here where i have a god place to stay. I got some good pics though and it was absolutely beautiful. I went up through the Greenstone Valley and hitced into Milford Sound. Took a little boat ride out to the Tasman Sea and then hit the Caples Track again the next day. Its cool to go places by hiking through the mountains rather than driving around them like everyone else! I met 4 DOC (NZ's Department of Conservation) workers at one hut where they were doing some work. They were just good ole boys so we got along well, then they flew out on a helicopter the next day and i got it on film. Tried to catch a ride with them but no luck. lol Anyways, everything is good! Here are some pics from the hike and i hope everyone is good! You can see how nice some of the huts are. Its crazy being able to stay in them out in the middle of nowhere. Most of the time there are other hikers staying too but sometimes its just you. Last night it was just me. Gives you plenty of time to think!

Well, its time to hit the trail again so today i'm heading to Glenorchy where I'll catch a ride to the Greenstone trailhead. Its about 2 or 3 days, then to the Hollyford which is about a nine day trek all the way to the West Coast. After that rest in Milford sound which is supposed to be like one of the most beautiful places on earth. Then 2 days back to Glenorchy on the Caples track where i can catch a ride back here to Queenstown. I should be back to town somewhere around 16 days and i'll have some great pictures for sure! I hope everyone is doing well! I'm great and excited to get back out there in the mountains where i love it so much! This is what i really came to do. Tell everyone i said hello! Love ya'll and catch up with you when i return! Somewhere toward the end of the month.
Jared