Grateful in the Redwoods

Rotorua is really beautiful and there are a plethora of tourist activities to choose from. Of course, yesterday we chose to go on a hike :-). There are Redwood trees in the Whakarewarewa Forest (wh is pronounced as an f) that were planted at the beginning of the 20th century (by prisoners) in response to the deforestation of many of the native trees. It was definitely a business venture to determine what types of trees would flourish here. Now this forest has become a place where bikers, hikers and horseback riders can enjoy a beautiful day in nature. There are multiple well marked trails that vary in length and difficulty. The longest one is about 20 miles and heads into the back country and so we chose the next longest which was about 8 miles…also it was the purple trail to that felt right :-)

The trail goes up quite high and you get a beautiful view of the large lake in Rotorua. There are all kinds of trees, many that were not native to New Zealand, and there are also these gorgeous giant ferns - or perhaps tree ferns! This was a beautiful sunny day to wander and climb in the forest for a few hours.

As we were hiking, I was feeling so much gratitude. It has only been 5 months since my surgery and we didn’t even begin to imagine this amazing trip until I began to heal and now, here we are! Many of you know that I was really sick for about a year or so prior to the discovery of the cyst on my pancreas. I was unable to eat, dropping weight and had no energy and my doctor couldn’t figure out the problem. I couldn’t imagine being able to travel and hike which are two things that George and I love to do the most. Now, here we are in New Zealand tackling some challenging trails, getting to take the trip of a lifetime.

I am so grateful for the medical care I received, for the love and support of my family and friends and for all of the good thoughts and prayers that were sent my way. When I am in nature, under towering trees, I feel so at peace and am very grateful to be able to be here. Sending love to all of you!

This was the beginning of the trail

Under a canopy of ferns

So many stairs!

A view of the lake

Another gorgeous view higher up

George under the giant ferns..for scale. This wasn’t even the tallest!

Spots of color

Taking a break

Following the purple arrows

Some interesting carving - unsure of the significance

Next to the other carving

More beauty

We found these here and there along the hike

Redwoods pic taken vertically with Panorama (thanks Bassam!)

Redwood art

Treat at the end of the hike! Fig and Manuka Honey and Plum - so delicious!

Even the bathrooms were surrounded by art