Category: People

57 Degrees North

I created this blog back in 2015, when I embarked on a trip to the Southern Hemisphere and found myself settled 44 degrees south of the equator.

Geography and photography were the main catalysts in motivating me to write. Travelling around the South Pacific inspired me to document my experiences, specifically focusing on the islands and archipellagos that can be found around the world.

Nevertheless, this is not where it all began…

My keen interest in islands has its roots in the UK. In January, 2005 I was taken to the Outer Hebrides, off the West Coast of Scotland. The islands had just suffered an extreme and fatal storm. It was cold and damp; a typical Scottish January. Sorry, I’m not complaining.

“There’s no such thing as ‘bad weather’, just bad choice of clothing.”

I was blown away. Not only by the wind but by the stunning coastlines and topography; nestled amongst the most outstanding seascapes. One bay could look like Barbados, yet the next was Baltic. It became my home from home.

“What can you do up there?”

This question is without a doubt the most common when talking to someone who hasn’t experienced the Islands of Scotland. After visiting the islands for 12 years now, it still baffles me. Not because it’s a hard question. Not once have I been ready to leave after a trip. Nor have I left feeling I accomplished everything I wanted to do. Every time, I leave wondering…

“when will I return?”

Today, Ashleigh and I took jobs in the Outer Hebrides. In two weeks we will be living on the Isle of Berneray (57 degrees north of the equator).

 

Our Time In New Zealand

New Zealand made an unprecedented impression on the lives of Ashleigh and I.

We thought we knew what to expect from the country, which gave us great expectations when planning our trip. However, our expectations were exceeded. The more time we spent living in Wanaka and travelling the length of the islands, the more we grew to appreciate the environment around us.

We made friends, settled in jobs and slipped into behaviours and routines. Suddenly, ‘a few months’ turned into a year. Then before we knew it, we were into the second year. We divided our time between working, socialising and travelling the regions.

When our time was up at the end of year two, it was too early.

Mt. Cook National Park

It is fair to say that driving around New Zealand’s South Island is amazing. However, when you drive to Mt. Cook Village, it’s more than amazing. There are few superlatives that will do this road justice, not to mention the hiking and camping to be done when you get there.

 

Doubtful Sound

AMAZING!

I have to search through superlatives to find words that come remotely close to describing Fiordland and Doubtful Sound.

Words, Pictures, actions… nothing does this place justice. You simply have to experience it in person to understand how breathtaking it really is.

We visited Fiordland overnight with Real Journey’s. The dorms were comfortable and the food was brilliant. This was all a bonus though, I was there for the famous scenery.

GLENORCHY&PARADISE

 

After spending a night in Queenstown for my birthday we woke up to a bluebird day and had a spontaneous trip out to Glenorchy and Paradise. We had already been out this way in the summer, however the clouds rolled in and ruined the views into Mt. Aspiring National Park. I was determined to return one day – this day was a belter with clear skies and plenty white stuff on the peaks.

Heading out of Queenstown along the banks of Lake Wakatipu, the road to Glenorchy is a dancer! You’ll experience epic views of the water, hills, mountains and white stuff. Keep your eyes on the road though, you get the feeling some wanderlust travellers loose concentration on the winding, twisting and narrowing stretches. When you get to Glenorchy, keep going there’s more. Follow the signs for Paradise.

Around these parts of New Zealand, you’re able to get your fix of Lord of the Rings/ Hobbit locations such as the Forest of Middle Earth. We even spotted a couple of class-acts running around the woods dressed as Hobbits.