Lost on Stewart Island part 2

The hike I was meant to do was a 3 day 2 night for a total of 32 kms the hike I ended up doing was 4 days 3 nights for a total of 55 kms. This hike is known as one of the 9 great walks in New Zealand. At the hostel a girl told me she wanted to do the hike as well and my thought would be we would hike together. When I hike with people I stay within view of them and you come back together. Say 1 started with a 5 km hike in town before we reached the trail head. On day one we were able to walk along the beaches as it was low tide. It was not a particularly difficult day and we reached the hut where we would be spending the night in the early afternoon. As there was a wood stove in there we decided to start a fire. I went outside to split some fire wood and make some kindling. 

The ideal way to start a good fire start with a good amount of newspaper and on top of that some ripped up cardboard, then kindling and lastly your firewood. As your fire gets hotter you can add bigger pieces of wood. 

One person wanted to keep putting small pieces of wood on the fire which was frustrating as they burn quick do not add extra heat and meant I had to cut more kindling for the next people. We all went to bed fairly early and I was able to see one small whitetail deer. 

Day two led to some interesting back information on the timber industry in New Zealand (pictures below). We arrived to the hut early and got our meals ready etc. Both spots were quite nice but lots of over cast. 

I will leave the rest for the next post but wanted to share some pictures from the first couple of days of;

My Life

My Choice

My Time

Tuna Tom

Lost on Stewart Island Part 1 of 3

Where do I start this one? A lot of this information is for preparation for outdoor activities. I am an experienced outdoorsman but am by no means an expert. One of my favourite sayings is “there is no such thing as a bad day in the mountains just bad gear”. That very saying holds true to many things in life. The jist of it is if you are prepared you can take on any challenge. So what are some of the things I do to prepare myself for the mountains,

have the right gear;

extra layers

toque and gloves (regardless the time of year)

proper outdoor clothes NO COTTON

enough food for an extra day or two, high calorie foods (this could be an entire blog) think the inner aisles in a grocery store. You want a combination of foods that are fresh along with dehydrated foods. You may not have the ability to cook where you are. 

                trail mix

                KD

                Pastas

                Rice

                Gummie bears                 

                Cheese

                Meat (pepperettes)

                Hot drinks (these can do a lot for morale)

It is important to know although unpleasant you can go longer without food than without water. You need to ensure you will have adequate amounts of water. You may want a water pump or purification tablets. Emergency blanket, whistle, good sturdy boots, map, compass, knife, torch, etc.. These are only some of the things I bring with me. It depends where in the world you are hiking/camping/tramping. You need to consider weather conditions, what are the risks where you are etc. Where I am hiking there is high possibilities of rain and hypothermia is a major killer. At least for once I do not have to worry about bears! You need to realize conditions where you are used to can and will be very different in other countries. I have now experienced hiking in Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Nicaragua, Vietnam and New Zealand. Hiking in Canada is very different and has its own unique challenges compared to South East Asia. I have experienced hypothermia, dehydration, heat exhaustion, along with extreme weather conditions. Sometimes things go wrong and when they do you need to be prepared not just with the right gear but physically and mentally.

Do not go into the back country or engage in outdoor activities if you are already injured. If you get lost it is common to be afraid but you need to keep your wits about you. If you are lost keep yourself positive do not let self-doubt take over (I know this can be hard to do). You may need to think about back up plans depending on where you are, the time of year and other factors. You should tell people when you are going and when you are expected back, if there are log books in huts etc fill them out. You may want to talk to local police officers or local rangers, department of conservation etc.

Most importantly don’t forget a camera and a sense of adventure. There is a great big world out there once you leave your place from the mountains, the lakes, rivers, oceans, forests and the skies. Whether you are skiing, swimming, camping, hunting, hiking or any other outdoor activity just do a little research and planning before you go and you will really enjoy it.

See you on the trails,

Tuna Tom

PS the next 2 will talk about the hike itself

Lost in the bush

Just a quick post to say I got lost but now I am found. Will post details/pictures soon.

Stewart Island New Zealand

I am sitting here on Stewart Island New Zealand the furthest south I have ever been. Time stands still here there is less than 400 people who permanently live here.  This is New Zealand's third large island. Tomorrow I am heading on an easy 2 night 3 day hike. So many of the things I normally have when I go camping back home I don't have with me a they are are either not needed or it doesn't make sense to get a spare. This would not be the kind of place most people would want to go.  I was hardly on the island before I was asked if I am looking for work or volunteering. I might stay here for a little while to do a few hikes. Check back soon for my pictures from my first hike in New Zealand.

Take care everyone.

My Life

My Choice

My Time

Tuna Tom

Dunedin

Just a few pictures taken from around Dunedin. Heading down to Invercargill today then off to Stewart Island tomorrow. With any luck I can see the Southern Lights, penguins and some Kiwis there. I need a few days of getting back into nature and away from the riff raff of everyday life. If I am really lucky I can find a job there too!

Tuna Tom