The Milford Track

MacKinnon Pass at sunrise

There is a certain lust and enamor when looking towards those who have decided to turn over a well set up life for that of the unknown. What makes a person desire the nice home with perfectly cut grass vs. an individual whose main focus is to elude a residence with a freshly manicured lawn? Homo Sapiens, the highest class of intelligence, encapsulate infinite choices when it comes to lifestyle. There are those conforming to a suburban way of life; corporate job, married, dog, house, kids, routine, family, and general control (or perceived control) over the direction of life. Then the polar opposite of the so called, “traveler.” These Sapiens work to travel, trading comforts of life to relish in the unknown and mystery of the world. This life presents a perception of a world without borders but might lack constant long term community relationships. I underline constant because these relations are strong and develop quickly yet the physical presence of these relationships are measured with days rather than years. The bond of travelers develop just as quickly as they dissolve, not for lack of connection but rather the absence of a common destination. Why do we do the things we do? Does it begin with a desperate random opportunity taken in your youth which then evolves into your identity as an adult? In a very short time between my early to mid 20’s to my, now ripe old, age of 30, something changed. It’s not the single grey hair, nor the slight wrinkling of my forehead. My mind has evolved far beyond its’ own good. Lost are the days of fearless failing in which I learned and grew abruptly. Now my brain runs a scan determining the probability of perceived success, when given opportunity. Then the fear of failure, or more so the fear of loss of time, on an unknown outcome blankets and halts the desire to attempt. Desperately I wish to turn off this scan, once again, and re-develop the days of my youthful successful ignorance. ​

The hike up to MacKinnon Pass at daybreak

Pure joy as I descend MacKinnon Pass

​I attribute much of my early success in real estate to a petty knowledge of the world beyond keg parties, girls, and the blissful existence of my college days. The problems and stresses in the professional working world of 2008 meant nothing to me. The ability to pass no judgement or restrict my potential, in light of the catastrophic real estate market collapse, fueled the next 6 years of my career presenting this opportunity to travel. Skills and hard work contributed to my success, however I am not that naive to give myself all the credit. Give credit, when credit is due. The most imperative and influential factor was (and still is) my father who, like when I was a child, took me under his wing of wisdom, downloading his database of knowledge so patiently and graciously. Secondly I got lucky. For if I was 4 years older my life would look substantially different now. Surely the overall prosperity of the pre-2008 real estate markets would have benefitted my investment career, only to sink it in 2008, similar to so many other great souls, as a result of greedy Wall Street. Timing was beyond my control yet blessed my early success. I was not afraid to fail and therefore succeeded.

I have been extremely blessed to have this ability and desire to travel without time restrictions. Living this nomadic lifestyle, just like anything, has its' pros and cons. Some days I desire aspects of a suburban lifestyle with stability, constant friends, and routine while many other days my passion comes in a form of a new face and first time experiences. The truth is, like many others, I get overwhelmed attempting to figure out the meaning and direction of my life as well. It may sound silly but when presented with infinite options and time, it has been more difficult to choose a life direction. Humans, when given many options often choose none. Perception is a strong force swirling around in your mind and body. When it comes down to it life is how YOU make it! It's that burning desire, which can be scary to share with the world for fear of ridicule from mainstream society, that should guide you. I am not talking about quitting your job and hitting the road, because for some this is not a burning desire in their heart. Just DO NOT let the fear of unacceptance from society dictate your direction in life, because the reality is no one really knows whats going on! What is the purpose of life? An impossible question for anyone to answer but yourself.

"You ask advice: ah, what a very human and very dangerous thing to do! For to give advice to a man who asks what to do with his life implies something very close to egomania. To presume to point a man to the right and ultimate goal — to point with a trembling finger in the RIGHT direction is something only a fool would take upon himself." Hunter S. Thompson

Looking down into the splendid Arthur Valley

A playful Kaka parrot greeted me as I ascended the Clinton Valley towards MacKinnon Pass

The Kea, thought to be the most intelligent bird in the world

A growing Fern

Views of the Clinton Valley that I hiked up the previous day

Taking a dive into glacier water at the base of MacKay Falls. I did not stay in for long as the air temp was just below 50 F.

Ferns

Clinton Valley from MacKinnon Pass

Classic kiwi hut warden the first night on the track

Rain fell throughout Clinton Valley as waterfalls cascaded down the mountains

Fresh off the 1 hour ferry ride to the start of the Milford Track

Left Montaro Hut at 5am and made it to MacKinnon Pass just as the sun was rising. Had this magical place to myself!

Classic New Zealand mossy forest

A room with a view as we prepare breakfast in the MacKinnon Pass shelter

Unreal views from this hut

Dawn selfie nearly to the top of the Pass

End of this epic track

Jeremy, Jeff, and Glen at the base of Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in NZ (over 1,900 ft). We even went for a wee swim under the powerful falls.

Great crew of fellow hikers met on the Track. Represented Australia(left), USA(middle), and Brazil(right).

Jeremy and Glen at the base of yet another perfect waterfall.

I love this photo as the bridge disappears into the Beech Forest

Forgot the name of this beauty