Rangitata

So we decided to jump on the 'Stray' bus, which is a bus line for backpackers. It takes you on a specific route to all the hot spots. You can get on and off the bus whenever you want. There is a bus doing each section of the route every day (so there's a lot of flexibility). It also means you meet lots of backpackers, and can travel with them as much or little as you want.

When we got on the bus, here was the first conversation:
- Stray bus driver: Do you guys wanna go to Rangitata?
- Me: What’s in Rangitata?
- Stray bus driver: um, there’s the best white water rafting in the country, where you run class 5 rapids.
- Me: (slight pause of amazement) yes… yes I do.

On the way to Rangitata, we drove by Mt. Cook (the highest peak in New Zealand, where Sir. Edmond Hilary trained for Everest). This was the third time I've driven by it, but the first time the cloud cover was gone so I could actually see it.

(Mt. Cook)

On the bus, we also met up with a bunch of people who had been on the Speight’s Brewery tour with us. It’s a small country.

That night, we stayed at an old sheep farm in the middle of nowhere. It was very relaxing, and a good detox after Queenstown. We played board games all night (Sorry Andy, no Cranium). I also got talking to a couple of the rafting guides, and they were pretty impressed with my knowledge of the pro kayaking scene and big rivers around the world (I guess I watch too many whitewater videos).

(giant game of Jenga)

(the old sheep farm. Awesome views and a sweet porch at the front)

(the river from the top)

The next day we went rafting. It was an epic day. The river was huge, with a class 5 rapid. The scenery was amazing. Our guide Chunk (named after Chunk from ‘The Goonies’) was hilarious. We laughed our way down the river all day.

(Chunk our river guide)

(The Stray crew about to hit up the river. Representing Canada, Ireland, England, Denmark, and New Zealand)

(Me in the front right [purple helmet], about to get a face full of water)

A lot of these rapids were full on.

(About to drop in...)

(pure carnage. Actually, we stylized this one after we a dropped over a huge rock. Most boats can't make that line)

The epic day finished with a BBQ back at the base camp.