Hello everyone,

I hope this message finds you well. In an effort to be courteous to those who really only want a quick skim and to get on to the many other blogs they have waiting for them, I thought I would provide some headlines to begin:

• I have meandered my way down the South Island and now write to you from a campsite outside of Queenstown
• Queenstown fricking rocks. It’s the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen
• I have majorly upped my multi-sport game, which now includes running, biking, skiing, and any combo thereof
• I stayed with a fellow Eph (the pompous Williams College mascot, for those who don’t know) who was lovely and welcoming and kind, and it turns out actually graduated from UVM
• I went on a bike/ski adventure with a woman named Theresa (her close friends call her T… I’ll let you know when I get there) who was also lovely and welcoming and kind (and a badass)
• The people whose voices I’ve heard the most over the past two weeks are Barack Obama and Charli XCX — really makes you think who your role models are. Also, crossover soon?
• I had the best brownie of my life. Sorry, that should’ve come first 
• I shed my first tears of NZ this week #honest #vulnerable it’s surprising it didn’t come sooner
• Being outside is extremely fun, rewarding, and beautiful!

Okay, I think those are all of the most important parts. Oh, and of course the pictures below. If you wish to keep listening to my wonderings, don’t worry, you can.

If you can’t tell, this post is a bit more light-hearted this week… mostly because I’m feeling more light-hearted. And what is the written word if not merely a reflection of its author (I’m actually not sure about that one but we’ll roll with it). Anyway, truthfully, I feel as if I’ve come to hit my stride here on the South Island. I wonder how much of that is feeling at home in—and excited by—the mountains down here. You know that moment when you turn a corner on a drive and see some stunning view (the ocean, a mountain range, a view of the Seattle skyline, whatever it may be) and your jaw drops and you can’t help but say “oh my ghad”? (Maybe the last part is just me but I hope you can hear it in my voice). I’ve had that moment approximately 13 times already. Then, to be able to spend each day touching the surface of those views?? What awe. The natural world is so powerful. And I’m just getting started!

Of course, there were difficulties this week as well. A bunch of milk spilled—and then solidified—in one of my food containers. My sleeping pad popped. I had a couple of honestly bad pastries. I felt anxiety (not about the pastries). I got scared about doing outdoor sports with random people. I missed my friends. Oh, and I got picked up by roadside assistance twice. Truly, I would not be writing this without them. Funny enough, their names were Paul and Pete, and I know SO much about their lives. The late night drives in a tow truck really bring it out of people, I guess.

Throughout those times, it’s interesting to think about what actually tires me out. For example, the lows and highs of a day of indecision, making the drive South, and letting my thoughts bounce around in my head, left me feeling so worn out. But, a big bike ride (by myself) and maybe even running out of gas feels like all part of a manageable routine. What is it that creates emotional fatigue? What amount of pushing yourself is productive? Some food for thought, I guess.

One last anecdote I will leave you with: on some morning, who knows what day, I awoke and climbed out of my car into the bright daylight of the auto maintenance parking lot next to the Motueka public library and thought, wow I guess I’m really dirtbagging it. I then texted my sister this, who responded something like, “Yeah how did you not know that??” I guess she’s right, which is mostly just a funny thing to realize after the fact. You never know where life will take you if you just go where the wind blows.

Okay, well, I need to get some rest! Going on a ski adventure with two people from Facebook tomorrow. I’m telling you, it’s really the place to meet people around here. Wish me luck!!!

Your friend,

Jaquelin