Trekking...From the Comfort of My Couch.

I watched Globe Trekker yesterday, and where do you suppose they were trekking this week?--New Zealand!  How scrumptiously convenient.  Everything oozed raw beauty; the two dudes divided and conquered all the highlights on both the North and South Islands, giving the viewer ample opportunities to sit, stare, and wonder why the heck she is living anywhere but there!  The program most certainly jump-started my desire to bite the bullet and actually apply for my visa; it's now officially on my To-Do list, right under my taxes (need I say ick?). 

Basically, anywhere you choose to venture in New Zealand will reward you with epic landscapes of either lush greens or desert browns, depending on the climate.  And, it's really cool because the weather in certain parts of the big NZ is known for its ever-changing nature, and it is entirely possible to experience all four seasons in one day!  And the best part is that there is no one there--New Zealand is still one of the least populated places on the planet.  

Of course the program included a journey on the Milford Track--the most popular walk in the world.  The footage from the guy's trek on the Track was some of the most exquisite stuff I've ever seen and I simply MUST go on that hike.  Like now.  I've climbed Half Dome twice, so I think that makes me somewhat prepared for the 18ish mile Track...hopefully.  You must make reservations to walk on the Milford Track--often at a minimum of six months in advance!--not only because you need to make reservations at the huts along the way, but also because they do not allow more than 40 hikers on the Track in one day.  This almost insures that you won't see anyone else along the trail (plus it's a one-way road), and this lovely little feature makes it even easier to commune with nature.  

Take me to the mountains mate, I really wanna go hang out with some sheep.