Ropes and Fire in New Zealand

Ahh New Zealand... How I love you.

I will start at the beginning. We are now training at Coronet Peak and staying in Arrowtown near the water on Lake Hayes. This is the view from our dinner table, with Coronet in the background.

Even though it is winter, the Lake offers many activities. While some of the other girls went bungee jumping and canyon swinging a few of us went down to the lake for some swinging of our own. 

Maddawg- rockin' out!

The water stays at about 12C all year, so the goal was to get out basically as soon as you got in.

BRRR... brrrrrain freeze! 

I decided to run around the lake to clear my head the other day. It is about 8-9km around.

But I think that this explains my run well...

Training has been amazing. No day is ever the same. Some days we deal with ruts and fall a lot, other days it is hard and we feel like rock stars. However, no matter what, we learn from each day, brush ourselves off (and get physio), and get ready to face a new day.
However, sometimes a cold tub is needed.

Good thing we have a huge one so close by. Even if I saw a bird carcass in it the other day.  (I will pretend that never happened!)

Today we have a day off, so last night we decided to accompany Mitch to the spot where she usually has date night with her boyfriend. We hiked up this hill, with music playing and headlamps on.

Everything was extremely beautiful and peaceful. 

At first...

Then Mitch heard an animal right next to her. It gave a kawww, kaaahhhhhh, kawww. She looked at me and gave a little yelp and then I heard the sound to. Kawwww, kahhhh, kawwww! We both left everything where is was and ran! 

Except that I am known to fall a lot, so as I began running, I fell with my legs going down the steep hill to my right. I grabbed the path, got up quickly and started running again. The sound continued even after we let off some fireworks. 

At first we thought it was an eagle, but then decided that it was more likely a pterodactyl. 
Eventually it stopped and we enjoyed the rest of the evening!

Afterward, we headed down to the lake to lower the risk of fire hazards, picked up a sore Maddy and a studious Elli and let off the remaining fireworks! 

Go Team Canada + GB (Chemmy!) 

Everything is a new adventure here, whether it is rope swinging into the lake, or running away from a dinosaur. The training is incredible and I can't wait for this season!