Kate Mayfield, the University of Montana’s Sustainability in New Zealand and Australia student blogger, writes:
As the rain falls in Montana, I am finding myself reflecting on my trip to New Zealand and Australia more and more. Maybe I am missing the warm weather and sandy beaches, or it could be the captivating speakers we heard from. Regardless, I am missing my time in those two countries a lot, and I wanted to write about one of my favorite memories.
When we arrived to the Aoraki/Mount Cook trailhead (Aorkai is the Maori name for Mount Cook), I was very tired. It had been a long bus journey, and I was not looking forward to getting soaking wet and cold. As we exited the bus, I put on some extra layers, tightened the straps on my backpack, and fell into the line that was starting to form down the trail. As soon as we started hiking, my fears about being uncomfortable from the weather disappeared. I could barely keep my footing because I was constantly gazing around at the beauty that enveloped the trail. The raging river below us sprayed a gentle mist, and as we crossed one of the many suspension bridges, I could not help but think what the first person who ever made this journey was seeing. Were they also wondering what lay above the thick layer of fog, and like me, were they desperately wishing that they could stay in one spot for more than a few moments to try and soak up some of the beauty that surrounded them?
As we ventured forward I fell into a wonderful conversation with both Shane and Koro, our guides throughout our travels in New Zealand. The warm conversation brought to light the beautiful connections one can make on a trip like this, and even in just a few short hours I knew I would have lasting relationships with both of these wonderful men.
After countless pictures and a few quiet moments, we headed back down the trail to return to our bus. Not only did I gain the experience of hiking to Mt. Cook and seeing the iceberg-filled lake, I built friendships that I hope last my lifetime. That hike brought our group together in ways that no other type of experience could. I think that the wilderness has a beautiful way of stripping people down to their cores without anyone realizing its happening. A mountain is naked, raw, and beautiful. Most of those traits are things we fear in modern society. However, when you let nature work its wonders on you, you are left exposed and ready for what could be some of the most meaningful moments of your life.
