WELLINGTON

A week in Wellington was what we wanted... needed. Time to celebrate being done with the North Island, time to feel civilized, time to spend with new friends + time to cherish the place our dear friend Trueman, who recently passed, loved.

Oh + I almost forgot.... the Super Bowl.

Speaking of time... timing couldn't have been more perfect. After a long rainstorm walk (which was supposed to be a beautiful one) over the Escarpment Track, then freezing in McDonald's putting burgers on our cheeks to warm up (not joking) + then finding there was no vacancy in all surrounding areas due to a Guns 'n Roses concert, we were ready to be in Wellington. Thankfully that day we were scooped up by a couple, Tammy + Jason, who welcomed us to their home the day before after a hitch. They made us a homemade dinner + felt like good friends right away. We couldn't thank them enough!

When we first arrived in Wellington, Devons eyes lit up, "I love this city." If you know him, that doesn't happen. The hustle and bustle isn't his favorite. I had to agree with him- it wasn't overcrowded, had a great oceanfront, houses were built up on beautiful hills off of the city center + it just felt comfortable. It felt perfect.

One of the main things we looked forward to doing on this trip was checking out the restaurant our friend Trueman worked at for some time, Foxglove. When I first walked up I felt chills, due to emotions, but also because the place was epic. Harbor view, young yet classy feel, a bar with the best drink I've ever had + the food likewise. He really worked at the best place in town. The locals agreed.

We also had to see the friends we made at Mt. Taranaki. We first went to Josh + Reegan's for the Super Bowl. Honestly, how did we get so lucky? We showed up to their beautiful home + were instantly fed all the kiwi snacks. They even put out an NFL football. I don't think I have to say much more... we all know the AMAZING ending. All I must say is how great of an experience it was to share the game + excitement with our NZ friends. 

One of our last nights was spent with our friend Sam. He took us to his friend Josiah's to see his crazy piece of land, munch on some fish 'n chips + shoot around (on cameras, of course). We had heard about his place before, but had no idea how blown away we'd actually be. Just look at the pictures. 

+ that's a wrap. Wellington was one for the books. Everything we could have hoped for + more- so much that we're going back after we finish the trail. Woo!!

Now we hit the South Island!

Here's one of my little journal entries I want to share with you- a note to Trueman:

"It's no wonder you loved New Zealand like you did... My eyes can't believe what they're seeing every day. It's beautiful, freeing, comforting. As we approach Wellington, you're on my mind more frequently.

I've had a lot of time to think, so much time that it consumes me. Life is full of moments we want to last forever + ones we wish we could undo. Here, it's mostly the forever ones. I hope you felt that too. That's what makes a life worth living.

But in the back of my mind there's always the moment of losing you that I wish could undo. Unfortunately life doesn't let you. It's very harsh in that way, but has taught me to cherish the time that I am fortunate enough to get. I know you'd want that.

There's little orange butterflies that pop up around me every now + then. Mostly when I need a boost of confidence or a small glimmer of hope that I can get through a tough hiking day. If it's you, I want you to know it's helping.

I miss you."

xo

Marina