These term holidays
I have not strayed too far from home. Being a teacher and fully immersed into school life during the term, the break offers me a chance to re-energise and re-connect with myself as not just a teacher, but a person who likes to get out and do things. I do not wish to be a passive on-looker, but rather an active participant of the world around me; this is why teaching can be an ideal job, as it offers regular breaks in which to remember who I am.
In the last term break
I went away to Nelson Lakes National Park with my school tramping club. It was a fanatsic trip with an enthusiastic group of students. This break, there has been no multi-day tramping trips, but rather short sojourns in the neighbouring trails and beaches of Dunedin. I have also taken leisurely drives to enjoy coastal views in the morning, enjoying the wonderful winter weather this region has been experiencing over the last two weeks. Why is it vital I do this? Because I need to re-fill my bucket.
A recent day hike with a friend, did just that. We ventured into the Silverpeaks range, walking a popular circuit that would normally be travelled in two nights. We did this in a day, enjoying expansive views from the hilltops and glorious warming winter sun. It was not an easy walk in places, but the feeling upon completion was one of having been given some life back - it is like absorbing a gift right into the very being of one's soul.
Snack time at ABC caves in the Silverpeaks Range.
Winter is often a time when it is more tempting to hibernate in front of a roaring fire with Netflix lulling you to sleep. It is, however, often a time of stable weather patterns in New Zealand's South Island, offering opportunities to explore the countryside without the extremes in wind patterns we can experience here in summer.
As I prepare to head back into another busy school term, I gratefully reflect on what is right here on my doorstep to appease my wandering tendencies during the middle of a New Zealand winter term break, and I fleetingly plan my next local hike.