Świat z Bliska

     Although I am not a big fan of trekking as I get tired quite fast, I usually go on some tracks to enjoy the views. In Mount Cook there is 9 routes to choose from. The shortest one is a flat and easy walk that takes only 40 minutes, but the most difficult one includes steep climbing and may take as much as 8 hours. We went on two hikes, the one to Hooker Valley (2 ½ hours return) and to see the Tasman Glacier Lake (1 hour return). We had quite a challenge on the first one as there were a few hanging bridges to cross on the way. It would be easy if it wasn’t for the strong wind that almost blew us off.

     In Mount Cook we’ve experienced something new with our motorcycles. For the first time during this trip we drove on a gravel road. It was only 16 km long but it included one steep hill we needed to ride up and down so that was an adventure for us! Those who’ve been riding motorcycles for a long time may laugh now, but we were all excited!

     However, the true test of our riding skills was on the last day when we wanted to leave Mount Cook. Rain and hail accompanied by a strong wind prevented us to head off early in the morning. We waited until noon and when the rain stopped for a few minutes we quickly jumped on the bikes and rode as fast as we could. In our mirrors we saw thick clouds and rain chasing us all the way but only the wind managed to get us. It was quite challenging to ride straight ahead with a strong side wind hitting us every minute. We somehow got through, however I still don’t know how I managed to stay on the bike when one strong blast of wind moved me and the whole motorcycle one meter to the side. Surprisingly as soon as we left the valley the sun smiled to us with a “Good job!” look on its face. The challenge was over and we passed it.