GO NZ: The perfect challenge to end a challenging year
11 minutes to read
Cycling, walking and kayaking across the South Island in four days is huge effort for huge rewards, writes
Stephanie Holmes
With only 2km left to go of the 30km hike, the sudden burst of tears takes me by surprise. Only a moment ago, I was silently congratulating myself on how well I've done, how I just have to push a little further to reach the finish line. Now I'm sobbing.
I'd cried earlier, too, but that was entirely warranted – I'd just slipped from an algae-covered rock into the fast-flowing waters of the Deception River, my hip and thigh landing hard on a boulder. The cold water did nothing to numb the pain, and the shock and frustration manifested in hot, embarrassed tears.