Hike

Lonely Planet writer says we all have a wish list at the back of our minds (or struck to the refrigerator). And I'd agree. 

After return from Mt Kinabalu, I borrowed Lonely Planet's Epic Hikes of the World. That's a reminder that we live on a uniquely scenic and precious living planet. 

The book reminds me of a long-ago trek along the Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand. That's a world-class beachcombing walk for 60 kilometres, manageable in running shoes. Nothing defines Abel Tasman like its long coast from Bark Bay to Anchorage, winding past Torrent Bay and back to Tonga Island. With each stop, the challenge is resisting the temptation to stop and plunge into the blue. Each stop brings unexpected surprises. Some might see this as a blessing but, in fact, the dilemma – to take a dip or dawdle on – isn't that easy. 

One of the highlights, along the route, is Awaroa Inlet that can only be crossed two hours either side of low tide. Even when my wife and I had nailed the timing (by setting the alarm before dawn), we had to remove socks and shoes to wade across the estuary. 

Sometimes we simply have to get wet. This rule applies to all of us.