The Toughest Thing I've Ever Done

The toughest thing I’ve ever done

”

After 22 days and 370 kilometres, today was an easy walk out to Tuolumne Meadows and the northern end of the John Muir Trail. We made it!

We climbed 45,000 feet and descended 47,000 feet since our start at the top of Mt Whitney. With seven high alpine passes the John Muir Trail is not a walk for sissies (as one of our guides said today).

This has been the most challenging thing I have done but so glad I did it – spectacular scenery, great wildlife (but we never saw a bear) and a great group. We’re off to party in Mammoth now!

Here are just a few of my recent photos:

Day 21: Thousand Island Lake and Mt Banner on the John Muir Trail

Day 21: Viv and I made it to the top of the last pass – we are shadows of our former selves!

Day 20: Sunset over our tent on the John Muir Trail

  A Day on Waiheke Island - We had a wonderful day on Waiheke Island. Our guide, Nydia, was terrific. She was friendly, she told us all about the flora and fauna as well as... read more

bergelsonjeff
14 March 2023

  Excellent first day in NZ tour of Waiheke. - Having a lunch with my guide on the sandy beach. As it turned out, I was the only guest for the tour time and date I had chosen. ... read more

Peter B
9 March 2023

  The perfect way to explore the Hauraki Gulf - We had a fabulous day out on board Pacific Star with skipper Bruce and walking guide Lucie. Can’t think of a better way to explore and learn about the history... read more

AniHaf
6 March 2023
  Great walk - We took the vineyards and bush walk around Waiheke. I don't really like bus tours and this was a nice option. A little longer walk than advertised but... read more

swelgus
6 March 2023

  Perfect day away from the Hustle and Bustle - We really enjoyed the stunning views and bays of Waiheke isl. Tyler guided us during the walk and shared her great knowledge about the beautiful nature. Towards the end of... read more

Enjoylifetooshort
6 March 2023

  Really knowledgable local guide and beautiful walk. Local history, geography, flora, fauna and current regeneration projects. Well worth it.

EmmiTYR
1 April 2023
  Loved our tour with Gabrielle - We really appreciated the knowlege of Gabrielle about the island, its history and the flora and fauna of the area. We learned so much about the positve steps NZ is... read more

Karen B
28 March 2023

  Nydia was a lovely tour guide. The scenery was amazing. We had a tight schedule due to a flight and they modified the tour time to accommodate us. Great people... read more to work with. Lunch was nice

Abbey B
4 March 2023

  Excellent four and introduction to Waiheke Island. - Fantastic tour! Walking and hiking with coastal views, and on a trail through the forest. Then an absolutely delicious picnic lunch on the Mudbrick winery estate before a lovely... read more

karenbQ4590RK
3 March 2023
  Great Tour of Waiheke Island! - We had most of a day to devote to touring Waiheke island and Gabrielle was an EXCELLENT guide! Very accommodating to our schedule, very knowledgeable about the island, a... read more

Rick S
7 March 2023

  What an amazing experience exploring the beautiful Waiheke Island with Gabrielle, a passionate nature lover with in depth knowledge of the flora and fauna of the island. Gabrielle also... read more

Anthony N
11 March 2023

  Relaxed Day - Gabrielle"s wealth of knowledge of the flora and fauna of the island was amazing. Even though the weather meant plans had to change it was a most enjoyable day hiking... read more

margaretg511
14 March 2023
  Great time. - The hiking tour we took of Waiheke Island was one of our highlights to the Auckland NZ area. Tyler, our guide was knowledgeable, energetic and FUN! I highly recommend... read more

Curious271653
29 March 2023

  Sailing - Fab journey, Bruce and Gabrielle great hosts
Anchored up and swam, not much wind but all good, great food :)

Bazzacam
27 February 2023

  A rewarding hike. - We really appreciated the knowlege of Gabrielle about the island, its history and the flora and fauna of the area. We learned so much about the positve steps NZ... read more

BCistg
25 February 2023
  Wonderful experience on Waiheke Island! - Although the weather was dull with light rain at the beginning of our hike, our wonderful guide Tyler engaged our attention right away with her knowledge of the flora and... read more

John M
26 February 2023

  Sailing Waiheke with Blue Penguins - My husband and I had such a lovely time touring the islands around Waiheke for our honeymoon! Bruce and Gabrielle were such lovely hosts and we had an amazing time... read more

Anston25
11 March 2023

  A great day out - I really enjoyed my day out. Lucie was a great guide, offering lots of information about the history of the island and the flora and fauna. The meet and greet... read more

Surreyonsea
1 March 2023

The toughest thing I’ve ever done

Day 12 on the John Muir Trail

Silence is good for your brain