The Queen Charlotte Trek was the perfect reentry trail after a week off in Wellington. Smooth, easy hiking. I finished it in 1.5 days... all the way into Havelock, in fact. Did you know that Havelock is the mussel capitol of the world? These beauties could disguise themselves as chicken breasts for Halloween, they were so big.

I got in late. Thank the heavens that Rose, my sister from another mister, was the managing bartendress at the only open spot in town. "How long's a piece of string? That's how long we'll stay open for you, darling." She helped me secure a free night at the hotel and fishing day trip out in the sound if I promised to sing karaoke the following night. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.

We didn't hit the water until 3:30, but it was a full day of fun and cider. I caught the first fish... my first fish ever. Couldn't get you out of my head Ty Guy!!! Wayne fried up the feed aboard while I captained the boat back to bay. Hiking is awesome... speechlessly supreme... but this comes second to the people you meet along the way. A million thanks to you, Wayne, Leon, Michelle, Rose and Ian... You have a special spot in my heart forever.