We made a recent visit to one of the local parks in Gore - namely Dolamore Park. We were surprised to find that it was quite an expansive area to explore. Great for day hikes. Multiple 1-3hr tramps. We decided to take on Whiskey Creek and then Hidden Valley trail. The Whiskey Creek Trail was a heavily forested and prolonged uphill track with lots of large trees, virtually empty of any people. We were reminded of the Lord of the Rings. Paul said he would be Faramir but wished to be more Sam Gamgee-like, while Zhiling ventured more towards Bilbo-esque qualities. In terms of evil characters Paul was Saruman, and Zhiling was the Balrog. Awesome.
The scenery quickly shifted to Jurassic Park as we ventured into Hidden Valley. The trail narrowed and sometime disappeared, and heavy undergrowth of prehistoric ferns obscured the land. What trail remained was muddy and steeply descending. Paul fell on his ass several times. Zhiling watched as she let him lead (and perhaps relied on him ..very few times.. to help carry her across muddy ways). It was entirely gorgeous.. the forest.. not the falling.
Fortunately our tramping was well timed, and we got home before the snow began that day. The weather here is truly schizophrenic.
On a side note, they always talk of the mutton in New Zealand, and we found that dairy is actually more prevalent. But the true treasure of New Zealand (per Paul) is B-A-C-O-N. It started with an innocent pack of bacon bought by our future employers on our arrival. But soon the Baconlust was upon Paul; now nightly as Zhiling sleeps, Paul arises from slumber with the hunger that only Bacon can satisfy. Sultry fatty strips, fried to gorgeous salty perfection. The fat-engorged thick slices melt slowly in the mouth, taking on the consistency that they will remain in the arteries (no wonder everyone here has hypertension and heart disease...totally worth it). The Baconlust is strong...Mom and Dad, when you travel down here in January...bring silver bullets.
Its me Dan, the first picture looks like endore! Did you find any ewoks? As for whiskey river I know actual whiskey is to much to ask for but please tell me that on the hidden valley trail there was a river of ranch. Oh boy, it just hit me, bacon and ranch, I have to try it!
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