Sadie and Liz reporting to you from the land of Mordor. We come bearing news of ventures of all kinds. Since arriving at the Blue Mountain Adventure Center Saturday morning we have endured an array of team and self building exercises. Our adventures began with the high ropes courses where we were harnessed and encouraged to walk acoross a log which stood 30ft in the air as we met our partner in the middle who we then had to switch positions with and walk to the opposite end. If this wasn’t enough of a challenge, picture it now, the wonderous rainstorms crawling down your neck as you take the leap of faith with another student belaying your life in their hands. We continued running accross floating clouds and jumping from a platform to a hanging bar. The best part of the day was the encouragement that took place as each member cheered, tested and conqured their fears. After a great night of rest we were out and about in the A.M to explore the caves of New Zealand. Geared head to toe with helmets and headlamps we endured a enigmatic cave with the waters rising to our above mid calf. We came to understand a whole new meaning to the term ‘suck it in’ as we contourted our bodies to fit thru limited spaces. With glowing worms to weke cave bugs there was so much life that inhabited the stone walls. The worms blue glow illuminated the walls, in the best of times. As if getting through a cave with thirteen amateurs isn’t enough of a challenge on it’s own we were given on final task to exit the cave on our own; with no source of light and only a thin rope to take us home. This gave us the chance to test our levels of communication as we dodged sharp objects, and held hands to find our way into light. In the end there was some blood, sweat, and tears, but the group evolved and there was no way we could of done it without each and everyone of us. Later that day we went absailing which is when you are repelled from an 80 ft. gravely cliff to the group below. It was great fun, and good times were had by all. After we were taken to a beautiful waterfall which stood at the steps of Mordor (to all you LOTR fans) ! Some of us even decided to take the plundge in off of a 50 ft. cliff into the snow melt water. BRRRRRR! It was well worth the shivers. It’s almost as if this day couldn’t get any better, and then New Zealand whoooped some French boootay in the Rugby World Cup Finals! Aaaaahhh Yeaaa. Our celebration consisted of another great nights rest. We woke up bright and early to meet the day with a fresh cup of milo and our game faces on to conquer a nine mile hike to the top of Mt. Tangariro which neighbors Mt. Doom. This was a strenuous coarse and really pushed us to the limits of our physical abilities. Our time was well spent in the seven hours it took trecking a half mile through calf deep snow and up the side of a 45 degree mountain slipping on volcanic stone. An extremely enjoyable part of our tramp included a section called hells stairs…need I say more? The terrain was outstanding and the hike, although hard, was rewarding and very liberating. We’re enjoying every second second and are intruiged by the metors who’ve take us on and have shed new light on self dicipline and motivation. Looking forward to all there is to come on the South Island. Over and Out. Lots of love to family and friends back home. xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
