Training Log Archive: Stijn

Had a fun day on the 2-day hike up Mt Bovis (1253m) from sea-level. Jogged wherever the terrain allowed it (probably 12-15km) but there was plenty of steep slog through dense rain-forest as well. Also had a 5kg day pack with bivvy gear in case the river I had to ford was flooding by the time I wanted to come back. Eventually got above the tree-line and was rewarded with some great views of the Southern Alps and the sea far below.

On the South Island now... ran up Botanical Hill and along a ridge path with Fran in the "city" of Nelson.

Day 3 of the Tongariro Circuit - great weather and some spectacular views of the volcanoes.

Ran up and down the hill to Upper Tama Lake while Fran and Inneke had lunch.

Tongariro Northern Circuit Hike - Day 1 & 2 combined. We were supposed to start hiking the day before but the weather was terrible for the alpine crossing, so we delayed by a day and walked a tad further on the first day.

Spectacular volcanic park on the North Island (with parts of the trail closed due to recent eruptions). Three volcanoes (including the one used as Mount Doom for LOTR) towering all around us, emerald-coloured lakes, contorted volcanic rock and 80km/h winds... awesome :)

And this was my 100th overnight hike, in just under 14 years since my first 3-day hike on the Fanie Botha trail in April 1999.