mountains Archives - Splinter's Paradise

Day 169: A flight, a hike and a flight

June 12, 2014

Today I would go on a nice hike at Diamond Head, Oahu. I woke promptly at 5:20 am and swiftly packed my belongings into the car’s trunk. By 5:30 am, I was on the road heading north towards Kailua-Kona airport, a drive Google estimated to take around 30 minutes. Hoping to grab breakfast at Subway along the way, I was disappointed to find none open. I fueled up for the last time in Kona before proceeding to the airport. Arriving at 6 am at the Dollar Rental premises, I was greeted by a staff member who efficiently checked…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 141: ‘Let’s face it mr. Frodo, we’re lost!

May 16, 2014

Today, I planned to explore Emyn Muil, the iconic movie location featured in the opening scenes of “The Two Towers” from Lord of the Rings, where Frodo and Sam are seen lost in Mordor. Rising at 9 am, I had ample time for breakfast and to step out of my room. The weather was splendid! While the past two days were decent, today presented a cloudless sky, signaling the perfect moment to visit Emyn Muil, my chosen Lord of the Rings movie location. I headed towards Whakapapa Village, a roughly 50-kilometer drive from Turangi, reaching there by 10:30 am…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 138: One does not simply walk into Mordor

May 13, 2014

Today, I embark on an adventure along the captivating State Highway 4 in New Zealand, where every twist and turn promises a journey filled with scenic delights. Embracing the morning vibes, I sprang out of bed, indulging in a refreshing shower and a quick tooth-brushing ritual. By 10 am, I bid farewell to the quirky hostel in Palmerston North, setting my sights on the legendary Tongariro National Park—renowned as the breathtaking backdrop for Mordor. The day ahead was tinged with uncertainty, thanks to the ominous rain forecast. However, as I stepped out, the weather seemed to defy expectations, offering…

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New-Zealand

Day 137: The Putangirua Pinnacles

May 12, 2014

Today, my destination is the Putangirua Pinnacles, the filming location of the Dimholt Road scene from Lord of the Rings. Yesterday, I arrived here to sleep in my car, ensuring I would be the first and sole adventurer on the trail this morning. And it looks like my plan has worked out perfectly! Around 10 am, I awoke to a delightful day, exactly as forecasted by Google. The sky was clear, bathed in a brilliant blue, and the sun cast its warmth. The car held a comfortable temperature, and the previous night’s chill had subsided. After attending to morning rituals…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 136: Chasing the movie locations, part II

May 11, 2014

Today, I planned to explore more than one Lord of the Rings movie location on New Zealand’s North Island. I woke up at 7:45 am feeling tired but knew I had to get up. The plan was to buy a parking ticket for two hours, then return to bed. By 8:15 am, I hadn’t been asked to pay yet, which seemed odd. Since I couldn’t insert any coins, I chose to go back and catch some more sleep.At 9:40 am, I woke up, feeling refreshed after some much-needed sleep. The bed was incredibly comfortable. After checking out…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 130: A rainy day at the Franz Josef Glacier

May 5, 2014

At around 9 am, I roused from my slumber to the relentless drumming of rain, a less-than-ideal wake-up call. Today I would make my way to Franz Josef. An unappealing prospect of getting soaked awaited me 50 meters away at the toilet block. So, naturally, I opted for the dry luxury of my car, maneuvering it skillfully to shield myself from the storm – priorities, right? The temperature had been agreeable the night before, ensuring a cozy sleep, albeit a tad delayed. After this strategic car relocation, I chose a new spot, snugly parked near the kitchen building. While a few…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 129: Reaching Fox Glacier

May 4, 2014

Today’s escapade would guide me to Fox Glacier. Rising with the sun at the Boundary Creek Campsite, a cozy spot nestled 30 kilometers north of the serene Lake Wanaka, I relished in a night of rejuvenating sleep. The campsite, a hidden gem, was blissfully free of the usual morning hustle. Venturing towards the toilet block, I was pleasantly surprised to find it not only clean but boasting the luxury of flushing toilets – a camper’s dream. Now, I’ve endured seven months working on a neurology ward, facing odors that could make a skunk blush. Yet, the open-air toilets I’ve encountered take…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 128: The journey to Lake Wanaka

May 3, 2014

Today, my agenda included a visit to the majestic Lake Wanaka, but before that, there was something else I needed to attend to. As the clock struck 9 am, I stirred from my slumber to the lively symphony of the girls bustling about, packing and chattering away. The air was filled with an excited energy, a precursor to the day’s adventures. It wasn’t until 9:45 am that I managed to peel myself from the coziness of my bed, eagerly anticipating my turn in the bustling bathroom. After a refreshing tooth-brushing session, I descended to the lobby and gracefully bid…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 126: The Chasm and The Divide

May 1, 2014

Today’s agenda included a visit to The Chasm and The Divide near Milford Sound. The alarm went off at 9:30 am, prompting me to get up and head to the toilet block for teeth brushing. Yvette was also awake and preparing to leave bed. I noticed I was much quicker, getting ready by 9:45 am while she went, presumably, to the toilets. Check-out time was before 10 am, and as I held my pillowcase, the cleaning lady directed me to dispose of it in a bin nearby our dormitory. She expressed gratitude, as if it were the kindest…

by Maarten

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New-Zealand

Day 125: A road trip towards Milford Sound, followed by a cruise

April 30, 2014

Today, I would visit Milford Sound—a long-awaited moment. It promised a remarkable day, likely yielding the most breathtaking pictures I’ve captured thus far. With over 800 shots taken, the experience was truly wonderful. The beauty of this country is simply astounding. Let’s begin at the start. As planned, I roused myself at 5:30 am, feeling a bit groggy and exhausted. Despite the weariness, I pushed myself to wake up. Yvette was also up, prompted by the alarm. I informed her that I would be waiting in front of the hostel with the car in 10 minutes.Heading towards the…

by Maarten

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