Good afternoon from Ross, NZ!
It has been a few days since we posted anything to the blog, but we are now back, on a gloriously sunny day, with a light breeze, and clear blue skies. Our current location is Ross Beach in Ross, NZ, outside of Hokitika, NZ. We chose this location, as we had been here before, and just loved the unique accommodations; repurposed shipping containers. It is shocking what they can do with this tiny space and make it feel so spacious. We even have an outdoor bathtub (don’t worry - there are cabbage trees and lots of 6-8ft plants acting as a barrier for all the containers. It does seem quite private and it is so relaxing lying/sitting here and just listening to the ocean.
We left Wānaka last Tuesday and landed in Fox Glacier. Though we did get to Lake Matheson and do a couple walks we did have some hiccups with Ted’s leg, as it was not healing properly. We went to Franz Joseph to the walk in clinic (they were shocked we thought we could walk in without an appointment - nope, they would not see him, but booked him the following day). Ted went to the walking clinic in Fox Glacier and the nurse said the wound was definitely infected and gave him more drugs and instructions to get to a hospital if it does not improve in 24-48 hours. We left Fox Glacier for Hokitika.
The day after arriving he was in pain so we decided to head to Greymount to the hospital, as instructed by the nurse in Fox Glacier. After a LONG wait (4+ hours) we finally saw the Dr (Emma from Scotland doing her residency) and she was lovely and reassuring. She told us the infection was subsiding, so keep the course, STOP hiking, rest, and lay low. I strongly suspect the other dr said the same thing, but I was not at that appointment - lesson learned!
We drove back to Ross Beach and had a quite night in. Today is another relaxing day as we head to Mount Cook tomorrow - which is a 6 + hr drive through the mountains (yikes!), so we need a clear head and restful sleep. Dr Emma said the wound should heal by Tuesday/Wednesday and if not get back to another walk in (ugh) and not to hike until the wound is fully healed. So, Ted has his marching instructions, but is already going stir crazy - it’s been 12 hours and he slept for 9 of those (insert eye roll and head shake by Robert) lol
More photos to come from Mount Cook for sure, as it is stunning!
ps We hear Mark Carney was elected the new Liberal Leader - there is good news here in NZ; it’s mostly Australasia and Canada and Europe - virtually nothing about the US - thank god!
Have a great day everyone,
Robert and Ted
