Nelson – Preparing for the Abel Tasman Track…..

Actually, we only stopped in Nelson because after the ferry crossing to the South Island, we didn't know exactly where to stop before the Abel Tasman Track. And.......as it always happens (.....of course we are in New Zealand......) - no matter where we go, it will always be beautiful, impressive, enchanting and MEGA!!! But first of all: Yes, we were lucky. No one got sick during the ferry crossing to the South Island and even though it is often written that it can be stormy, we had perfect weather and a spectacular arrival.

After we drove directly from Picton to Nelson, we lived up to the tourist cliché and went straight to the jewelry store where THE ONE RING (!!!!!) was forged. And even though we didn't want to buy anything in the way too expensive jewelry store (.........who the hell spends so much money on jewelry......???) we were welcomed by the New Zealanders as always, shown the original film ring and immediately recommended some Nelson tourist hotspots. After a detour to Queens-Garden, we went straight to the campsite. The last two days we spent climbing two mountains and sweating to death. Today, on Mt. Robert (.....crazy 1200 meters in altitude) it actually started snowing!! We were soooo high & it was so cold! And over and over again we are rewarded with this incredible feeling: This moment when you reach the top, turn around and are just speechless and proud to have made it on your own. And you can't believe that it's you, of all people, who gets to see and experience all of this.....

Tomorrow is our last day in Nelson and we will make all the necessary preparations to not die on the Abel Tasman Track. 5 days with backpackers, tent, gas stove etc.... hiking ......trying not to get lost. We are soooo excited and hope that the weather plays along.

Best regards from all of us back home!!!