So, we’re going to New Zealand. NZ is one of those places that I’ve seen pictures of many times and just marveled at the incredible beauty of its valleys, mountains and fiords. I remember seeing pictures and videos of New Zealand and being blown away. Upon hearing about how far away it was, I thought I’d never make it there in my lifetime. I figured the cost and distance were too much. Well, here we are, Bill and I are heading there in less than a week and it still seems surreal to me.

One of the things that is particularly unreal is this amazing adventure we have planned while in New Zealand – hiking the Milford Track. The Milford is a 33.5-mile trail that goes northwesterly from Queenstown to the Milford Sound at the coast. When Bill and I watched a video of this trek, the beauty of it brought tears to my eyes. Gorgeous valleys, steep, otherworldly cliffs, waterfalls and pristine rivers are its jewels. It’s a one-way trail that only 50 people per day are allowed to start. Tent camping is not allowed, you have to stay at designated cabins and lodges along the way. Many people do this trail with backpacks weighted with food, sleeping bag, clothes, and everything else needed for the four-day adventure. Bill and I knew that we were not up to backpacking at this point in our lives, so we signed up to do this trek with a guide company that will tell us about what we’re seeing along the way, feed us, as well as provide a hot shower and bed to sleep in.

I’m excited and also fearful about this most wonderful adventure we are going on. It will be a challenge to hike with a small pack for 8-13 miles for several days in a row. Bill and I have been doing hikes nearby with intent to build up our stamina and prepare for Milford. We’ve hiked a few times on the Wai Koa Loop Trail which is five miles long and winds through a beautiful mahogany plantation, community gardens, a dog park, an organic farm, lagoons and a beautiful garden. The loop trail is part of the Anaina Hou Community Park that also includes a farmers’ market, skate park, café, mini-golf and botanical gardens. The land was donated by the owners, Joan and Bill Porter – the latter being the founder of E-trade. Before or after hiking, sometimes we enjoy a round of mini-golf, which incorporates educational signs about Hawaiian plants, culture and agricultural practices at each hole.

The Milford Track is known for its very changeable weather and we’ve been told to prepare for everything – rain, flooding, sun, snow, and sandflies. Packing and otherwise preparing for this trek has been a bit of a challenge – being a worry-wart and all. When I’m able to tell my worrying mind to take a back seat, I’m able to visualize a challenging but fun and amazing trip through beautiful mountains, valleys and fiords. And if I’m lucky, I’ll lose my worrying mind somewhere along the way.