Saturday, November 14th, Fifth Week of Locum Tenens in New Zealand
Hello! I have been busy trying to make up for time lost the last week or so (and lose the 2 pounds I gained) after the elections and rainy weekend. I worked for a few days and then hit the road for the long weekend. First was a local hike in Coalgate, a nearby town, for an afternoon. Finding the start of the path had it’s challenges, but Wow! is all I can say. It was a bit exhilarating. It was a loop trek along a creekside, then straight up a very steep hill through the forest (found Sue a cool pinecone), then along a ridge that opened up into Heaven. Follow along…..
The next day I packed up and headed to Hamner Springs for 2 nights-a little resort town inland but north of Christchurch about 2 hours. Gorgeous weather. I checked into a quaint B&B (Chathenham House) and then, after a beer at the local pub, had a massage at the Hamner Springs Spa. I then headed out on a quick hike on Conical Hill track overlooking the town.
After hiking, I sat on the back deck of the B&B for wine hour with Marlee and Len and 6 other guests. I got some great travel advice! Then back to the pub for dinner and then bed.
Saturday a.m. I had a great Eggs Benedict at the B&B, and then headed out again for the big one- Waterfall Track. This hike takes you up the mountain through the forest to a waterfall. It was a bit tough uphill most of the way, and some crossing creeks (love my Merrell waterproof boots)-but overall “moderate” not “hard”, according to experts. There were a few young children! The birds were amazing, and I have now perfected my whistle of the Bellbird if you ever want to hear it. Found Sue another pinecone. The whole thing took me 3.5 hours, but I’m putsy. No falling and breaking anything for this chick.
While I’ve been doing these hikes, I think alot about all of the “vistas” and “panoramas” I’ve seen in my lifetime. These here in New Zealand will fade a bit like all the others, - Sedona, Grand Canyon, British Virgin Islands, Galapagos, Costa Rica, North Shore, ocean sunsets, etc. — so many opportunities everywhere for moments of awe that we all need. Something to remind us we’re small specks of humanity. Looking in a baby’s face makes me feel that way, too. Just plain lucky to be alive and see all this. Please look through my eyes and pretend you are there too.
After checking in with family on facetime (my kids are working so hard!), I sauntered aroung the town. Found the Sanitorium grounds that a doctor started here in 1800 to heal the ailing with hot springs. Now the 8–10 pools are a little bit like Wisconsin Dells, but the buildings are protected on nearby grounds. I wish you all could come stay in the Sanitorium. But it’s old and empty. How cool would that have been back then- “I prescribe the sanitorium for you“ .
Allina decided to close my old clinic this week due to finances. Everyone has to pick a new clinic or leave. I started that clinic in 2012 and it’s very sad to see this happenening to hardworking good people. I wish they all could come to the Sanitorium to rest and recover from it all. They deserve it. My original clinic in Columbia Heights (now Fairview but was Columbia Park Physicians, a private group) has also shut down it’s primary care. All of my good buddies are displaced due to Covid. It’s a topsy turvy world we are in.
That’s it! Home to Darfield tomorrow. My legs are tired. Stay safe and sane…
Te Po Pai~ (Mauri for goodnight)
Lynn
