Temper & Finicky vs the World

We walk the world - one step at a time.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Just came across a wonderful tribute to the adventure that is the Te Araroa trail — one we thought deserves some more sharing: https://t.co/yg9EojwRbw . Oh the memories! #teararoa

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Finally back to some hiking. This time just a weekend-trip to Valais, but it was well worth it. Wonderful company and amazing views. 😊

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Certain jokes you really need to have experienced personally to “appreciate” them 😂

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

https://t.co/5wGM6hWhfQ All is well. Temper & Finicky

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

... food (for the trail as well as eating out — burgers, fish’n chips, pizza), and replacement gear. Thruhiking New Zealand is surprisingly affordable in no small part due to the extensive DOC hut system. We suspect our remaining weeks in NZ will turn out somewhat pricier. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

How much did we spend in the end? On the trail roughly NZ$ 1500/month per person. This includes accommodation (huts, campsites, etc. We often went for a private hostel room when in town. The luxury!), transportation (buses, ferries), ...

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Finally, the tent is leaking in places, and one of its structural poles is broken. Glue/tape fixes only go that far. But otherwise, everything remains functional; and even presentable.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

How did our gear hold up? We each went through 3 pairs of shoes as well as 2 and 4 pairs of socks. Our lone t-shirts are worn through on the shoulders (resulting in wonderfully tanned patches on the skin underneath). Temper’s rain jacket dissolves from the inside.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

https://t.co/84iaHw5lrG All is well. Temper & Finicky

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

We may also trash our sexy semi-translucent rain skirts and go back to rain trousers. Walking up steep slopes was cumbersome and at times dangerous.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Would we bring anything different on a similar thruhike? In general we remain very happy with our gear list. Temper bought a pair of merino longjohns and a synthetic long-sleeve as he was occasionally running cold. The next rain jacket will be slightly more durable (and heavier).

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Did we ever think of quitting? Occasionally. Who doesn’t? Two cases stand out: Finicky’s fully blistered heels on 90-Mile Beach (after day 3), and Temper’s general feeling of having walked enough (a.k.a. the Forest Gump moment) around Arthur’s Pass, after ca. 2200km.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Would we do it again? That’s a difficult one. Probably not; but neither any other multi-month hike. It was just too long. Otoh, we are also incredibly happy and pleased that we completed the trail from start to end. And we’ll def. continue hiking at a smaller scale in the future.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

What were our most memorable experiences? Bay of Islands, Tongariro Crossing, the view from Waiau Pass onto Lake Constance, and the descent from Stag Saddle along the ridge down to Tekapo. All truly memorable!

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

In any case, the density and amplitude of experiences far surpassed those of our sheltered urban life. And most of them already fade into a hazy, satisfying whole.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

So how was it? In retrospect: amazing!? In particular a deep feeling of contentment (momentarily throughout, and then continuously on the days before and after we completed the track). While walking through the mud, up steep inclines, or in torrential rain: not so much.

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

What follows are some reflections on our time on the Te Araroa trail. #teararoa

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

@Reni11132077 We take it slowly at Stewart Island, and finally started cooking our own meals again. ☺️

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

We. Did. It. ����

[Temper & Finicky vs the World @temperfinicky]

Updated our webpage at https://t.co/sNZtI9Cstw with photos of the South Island.