This video really struck home for me. I will sometimes have similar issues when Im the sole occupant of a hut, but I sleep like a baby in my tent solo. No idea why. Well done for sticking with it. If you are wanting company on a North Island hut trip, although Im not the fasted walker, DM me.
Like the stepping stones in the river you crossed, this walk will also be a stepping stone to greater heights and more nights in fantastic places. Well done on your achievement Michelle and thank you for sharing so openly the inevitable highs and lows of life. We all have them, whether on or off the track 🙂
Congratulations Michelle, See how far you've come since your first attempt! You not only expanded your own boundaries but now you are providing inspiration to all those folks coming after you. They're thinking, Hey, Michelle has done this, maybe I can too! Bravo to you, solo woman tramper!!
What? No mice in the hut? All the shelters on the AT have mice. I'm sure by now you have but I recommend sleeping in your tent a few times to get used to it. That's a nice hut. And running water outside into a sink? Pure luxury!!! Your titanium cup should have markings on the inside for how many ounces of water you are putting in to save you from measuring with your collapsible cup. Hey, you did great! Each time will be a little easier. Kudos to you for spending the night alone. Love your accent! That trail is fantastic compared to some trails I've been on. You have certainly mastered the Vlogging part of the trip John from MI USA
Thank you so much John, and welcome along to the channel! I don't think I've heard from you yet? Nice to hear you enjoyed the video. I actually really wanted to spend the night in my tent on this trip, but it's always a little tricky in this national park because of the volcanic nature... I just didn't find a good tent spot until it was almost dark and by then it was too late! Looking forward to hearing from you again soon!
Fantastic, well done! People often don’t realise that it’s the little things (some that we think others don’t consider) that are the most impactful and empowering for us to conker. Much respect.
Thankyou for a wonderful, honest and enjoyable video. I'm just starting out on my hiking journey and really enjoy seeing others who've been there done that. Thanks!
Good video Michelle, nice and relaxing location. I'm about to move back to Taupo after 15 years away overseas. I'm looking forward to getting out and about again hiking and cycling, and so much more.
Congratulations Michelle! First solo overnighter is a huge step and now you’ve done it! The first of more to come I’m sure. It’s a real sense of achievement being out in the wilderness on your own and proving you can be fully self-reliant. Loved this video too. Had a beautiful, relaxed vibe.
Tenzing good vid have watched a lot of your vids turning back at a river or bad weather is not a failure it is the correct thing to do solo overnites can take time to adjust to do not overthink
So proud of you. I’m the same I take my Netflix with me. It keeps the demons away. Funny the tricks our minds play on us just because it’s dark. Well done for sitting with those feelings alone outside to calm yourself. I bet your so proud of yourself and so you should be. What a beautiful area thanks for sharing ❤️
I love the NZ hut system, but its been 10 years since I was last there (kids), but I could literally smell this video, I miss it so much. Hopefully in another couple of years I'll be taking my daughter on these tramps and will be back into it.
Very nice footage of a beautiful area. I know what you mean about things being TOO quiet. I did my first solo trip last fall, and at times it was deafeningly quiet….until a couple of trees dropped in the forest close by and scared the hell out of me. Thought a bear was coming for a visit! Thanks for sharing, I enjoy your videos.
Good to see you at it again. I'm glad the track got a little more gnarly, that was far too much of a highway at the beginning. This has reminded me I still need to do the Tongariro Crossing whilst it's quiet....
Haha yes, funnily enough I immediately thought to myself, "Gosh, this is a bit more difficult," but within 10 minutes I felt right at home... reminded me quite a bit of the Pelorus River Track on the South Island. Yes, get out there and do the Crossing!! It's BEAUTIFUL at the moment with less people :)
Thank you Kali, it really was such a beautiful walk out the following morning... already planning another trip to the same hut! Highly recommend this track (in nice weather, at least!).
Great video! Looks like a beautiful and relaxing trail to hike. Congratulations that you overcame your fears and expanded your comfort zone ;) Very inspiring. Take care out there. Best wishes, Mario (your new subscriber)
Great overnight trip. It must feel great to knock that on off. I've done that track a couple of times, but stopped short of the hut both times. Beaut spot and scenery. 👌
That's a shame Jarrod, the hut really is in a spectacular location, and a great spot for some beaut photography too if you're into that kind of thing! Next time maybe!
So great to see you Michelle. I've done the Heaphy solo and had 2 nights on my own. Unfortunately I pulled out of TA just before departure as my anxiety got the better of me. I hope to do it in sections and my greatest fear is also the Richmond Ranges
You're welcome Robert. Yes, it has been a bit of a process and I miss the weekly uploads, but I just physically can't do it at the moment! Also, it's Real Estate I'm doing now :) I hope you're doing well!
@@LongWhiteGypsy I went on my first backpacking trip of 2022 last month, and I'm planning to take a couple of graduate students backpacking in the AZ desert in a few weeks after a conference. Things are going well.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, you inspired me to do the Abel tasman and I am following all your advice, I start next Monday so I am very happy and with all the desire
Congratulations on conquering demons. You've also convinced me that I must do that RTM track. The terrain is so different to what I get in the Coromandel or the Kaimai's.
Yes, I think the RTM has to be one of the next on the list... I just need to figure out some way to swing 4-5 days off work.... What tracks do you recommend in the Kaimais for someone of my experience level (and with my issues lol)? Mum and I loved our time on the Pinnacles Track, but would like to open up some other options.
@@LongWhiteGypsy I'm sure I've said before, the Waitawheta hut is an easy 2 1/2 to 3 hours up a very gently sloping solid track (previously a tramline) from the Karangahake Gorge side (the other tracks to it are much more technical and longer). You have to book and it's busy with families at the weekends, but it's a very pretty and interesting route. The low complexity of the track means you can focus more on logistics of overnighting and enjoy the river views.
Thank you for your vids, you've inspired me to do abel tasman walk. 5th great walk for me since 2016 now I'm back on track after a rocky road in my life. Arohanui
This is so AWESOME to hear John, I'm glad you've set your sights on the Abel Tasman. I assume you've checked out my videos from that track (especially the Intro video with all the logistics?). Sorry to hear you've had a rough time, but glad to hear you're getting back into the swing of things. If there's anything I can help with, please let me know!
Michelle, well done getting through this challenge. It got me thinking, if you chose your greatest anxiety adventure, I’d be happy to accompany you at your pace both physically and emotionally to assist in getting you through it, it would make for a good collaboration story, your thoughts, please?
This sounds Fantastic Dave, let's talk more about this. I'd love to work with more kiwi creators. I think at the moment my biggest anxiety adventure would be getting through the Richmond Range section of Te Araroa... but I'm sure I could think of something smaller to start with!! Send me an email via my website or social media and we'll continue the conversation :)
Michelle a question I have been wondering about is how you find your quilt on the DoC mattress? I like the idea of a quilt, but they seem aimed at people using sleeping pads not the slightly 'sticky' DoC hut mattresses. So how have you found it?
Love your content! You mentioned the inreach. Do you suggest getting that for NZ? I want to do solo tramps amd travel as a young female would this be useful? Thanks in advance 😊
Great Content dear, but you need some sort of Gimbal to make video more smooth, I think DJI OM 5 will help you. If you using your mobile phone to make videos. Keep it up, one day I will join you.
You're munching on giant cookies and wondering why you're having anxiety. Try a low carbohydrate diet. Pounding sugars 24/7 was the main cause of my anxiety
If you want to experience what it's like to not feel any depression or anxiety, try a carnivore diet for 3 weeks. Don't take my word for it 1000s of people use this diet to help with mental health
Done. There it is... your benchmark video. Congratulations. HESR.
This video really struck home for me. I will sometimes have similar issues when Im the sole occupant of a hut, but I sleep like a baby in my tent solo. No idea why. Well done for sticking with it. If you are wanting company on a North Island hut trip, although Im not the fasted walker, DM me.
Like the stepping stones in the river you crossed, this walk will also be a stepping stone to greater heights and more nights in fantastic places. Well done on your achievement Michelle and thank you for sharing so openly the inevitable highs and lows of life. We all have them, whether on or off the track 🙂
Congratulations Michelle, See how far you've come since your first attempt! You not only expanded your own boundaries but now you are providing inspiration to all those folks coming after you. They're thinking, Hey, Michelle has done this, maybe I can too! Bravo to you, solo woman tramper!!
What? No mice in the hut? All the shelters on the AT have mice. I'm sure by now you have but I recommend sleeping in your tent a few times to get used to it. That's a nice hut. And running water outside into a sink? Pure luxury!!! Your titanium cup should have markings on the inside for how many ounces of water you are putting in to save you from measuring with your collapsible cup. Hey, you did great! Each time will be a little easier. Kudos to you for spending the night alone. Love your accent! That trail is fantastic compared to some trails I've been on. You have certainly mastered the Vlogging part of the trip John from MI USA
Thank you so much John, and welcome along to the channel! I don't think I've heard from you yet? Nice to hear you enjoyed the video. I actually really wanted to spend the night in my tent on this trip, but it's always a little tricky in this national park because of the volcanic nature... I just didn't find a good tent spot until it was almost dark and by then it was too late! Looking forward to hearing from you again soon!
Fantastic, well done! People often don’t realise that it’s the little things (some that we think others don’t consider) that are the most impactful and empowering for us to conker. Much respect.
Thank you! Yes, this is definitely an experience that many people wouldn't even think twice about, but for me this was a MASSIVE deal.
Heya - dng a solo walk/hike 2024.. im scared but excited. Awesome video.
Awesome Jessica!! You'll be great, just back yourself, make sure you're well prepared and get out there any enjoy it!
Thankyou for a wonderful, honest and enjoyable video. I'm just starting out on my hiking journey and really enjoy seeing others who've been there done that. Thanks!
Really enjoying videos of the National Park area. Your videos are showing me that this area has a lot more to offer than i originally thought.
Good video Michelle, nice and relaxing location. I'm about to move back to Taupo after 15 years away overseas. I'm looking forward to getting out and about again hiking and cycling, and so much more.
Congratulations Michelle! First solo overnighter is a huge step and now you’ve done it! The first of more to come I’m sure. It’s a real sense of achievement being out in the wilderness on your own and proving you can be fully self-reliant. Loved this video too. Had a beautiful, relaxed vibe.
Great video, great country Michelle😉
Great trip and video. Still on my list! Loved the vibe of the walk out - that sense of accomplishment after a solo night, I feel that!
Tenzing good vid have watched a lot of your vids turning back at a river or bad weather is not a failure it is the correct thing to do solo overnites can take time to adjust to do not overthink
So proud of you. I’m the same I take my Netflix with me. It keeps the demons away. Funny the tricks our minds play on us just because it’s dark. Well done for sitting with those feelings alone outside to calm yourself. I bet your so proud of yourself and so you should be.
What a beautiful area thanks for sharing ❤️
I love the NZ hut system, but its been 10 years since I was last there (kids), but I could literally smell this video, I miss it so much. Hopefully in another couple of years I'll be taking my daughter on these tramps and will be back into it.
Very nice footage of a beautiful area. I know what you mean about things being TOO quiet. I did my first solo trip last fall, and at times it was deafeningly quiet….until a couple of trees dropped in the forest close by and scared the hell out of me. Thought a bear was coming for a visit! Thanks for sharing, I enjoy your videos.
Well done Michelle, I'm so pleased you managed it, it's a good feeling to think you did it isn't it!
Good to see you at it again. I'm glad the track got a little more gnarly, that was far too much of a highway at the beginning.
This has reminded me I still need to do the Tongariro Crossing whilst it's quiet....
Haha yes, funnily enough I immediately thought to myself, "Gosh, this is a bit more difficult," but within 10 minutes I felt right at home... reminded me quite a bit of the Pelorus River Track on the South Island. Yes, get out there and do the Crossing!! It's BEAUTIFUL at the moment with less people :)
So beautiful to see the sun out and what a nice morning walk back! 🤩 thanks for sharing all moments, you inspire us all 😇
Thank you Kali, it really was such a beautiful walk out the following morning... already planning another trip to the same hut! Highly recommend this track (in nice weather, at least!).
Just discovered your channel.. love it!
Great video! Looks like a beautiful and relaxing trail to hike. Congratulations that you overcame your fears and expanded your comfort zone ;) Very inspiring. Take care out there. Best wishes, Mario (your new subscriber)
Great overnight trip. It must feel great to knock that on off. I've done that track a couple of times, but stopped short of the hut both times. Beaut spot and scenery. 👌
That's a shame Jarrod, the hut really is in a spectacular location, and a great spot for some beaut photography too if you're into that kind of thing! Next time maybe!
So great to see you Michelle. I've done the Heaphy solo and had 2 nights on my own. Unfortunately I pulled out of TA just before departure as my anxiety got the better of me. I hope to do it in sections and my greatest fear is also the Richmond Ranges
Well done, keep up the good work!
Thanks Andrew for sharing the love!
Thanks! I was just recently thinking that I miss seeing new hiking videos from you since you went back to practicing law.
You're welcome Robert. Yes, it has been a bit of a process and I miss the weekly uploads, but I just physically can't do it at the moment! Also, it's Real Estate I'm doing now :) I hope you're doing well!
@@LongWhiteGypsy I went on my first backpacking trip of 2022 last month, and I'm planning to take a couple of graduate students backpacking in the AZ desert in a few weeks after a conference. Things are going well.
Hi Michelle. Well done. Another "bridge" crossed. Appreciate your transparency. Are you glad you got the wide EE quilt versus regular width?
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, you inspired me to do the Abel tasman and I am following all your advice, I start next Monday so I am very happy and with all the desire
Wow this is AWESOME Claudia!! You'll have a great time! Do me a favour and let me know how it goes? I'd love to hear about it. Good luck!
@@LongWhiteGypsy ohh yes of course, I'll do. Thanks 😀
Congratulations on conquering demons. You've also convinced me that I must do that RTM track. The terrain is so different to what I get in the Coromandel or the Kaimai's.
Yes, I think the RTM has to be one of the next on the list... I just need to figure out some way to swing 4-5 days off work.... What tracks do you recommend in the Kaimais for someone of my experience level (and with my issues lol)? Mum and I loved our time on the Pinnacles Track, but would like to open up some other options.
@@LongWhiteGypsy I'm sure I've said before, the Waitawheta hut is an easy 2 1/2 to 3 hours up a very gently sloping solid track (previously a tramline) from the Karangahake Gorge side (the other tracks to it are much more technical and longer). You have to book and it's busy with families at the weekends, but it's a very pretty and interesting route. The low complexity of the track means you can focus more on logistics of overnighting and enjoy the river views.
Thank you for your vids, you've inspired me to do abel tasman walk. 5th great walk for me since 2016 now I'm back on track after a rocky road in my life. Arohanui
This is so AWESOME to hear John, I'm glad you've set your sights on the Abel Tasman. I assume you've checked out my videos from that track (especially the Intro video with all the logistics?). Sorry to hear you've had a rough time, but glad to hear you're getting back into the swing of things. If there's anything I can help with, please let me know!
Welldone 💪
Thank you!!
Congratulations and well done
Thank you so much Damien 😀
@@LongWhiteGypsy welcome
Nice 👍👍
Thanks 👍
Michelle, well done getting through this challenge. It got me thinking, if you chose your greatest anxiety adventure, I’d be happy to accompany you at your pace both physically and emotionally to assist in getting you through it, it would make for a good collaboration story, your thoughts, please?
This sounds Fantastic Dave, let's talk more about this. I'd love to work with more kiwi creators. I think at the moment my biggest anxiety adventure would be getting through the Richmond Range section of Te Araroa... but I'm sure I could think of something smaller to start with!! Send me an email via my website or social media and we'll continue the conversation :)
Michelle a question I have been wondering about is how you find your quilt on the DoC mattress? I like the idea of a quilt, but they seem aimed at people using sleeping pads not the slightly 'sticky' DoC hut mattresses. So how have you found it?
Love your content! You mentioned the inreach. Do you suggest getting that for NZ? I want to do solo tramps amd travel as a young female would this be useful? Thanks in advance 😊
Great Content dear, but you need some sort of Gimbal to make video more smooth, I think DJI OM 5 will help you. If you using your mobile phone to make videos. Keep it up, one day I will join you.
You're munching on giant cookies and wondering why you're having anxiety. Try a low carbohydrate diet. Pounding sugars 24/7 was the main cause of my anxiety
If you want to experience what it's like to not feel any depression or anxiety, try a carnivore diet for 3 weeks. Don't take my word for it 1000s of people use this diet to help with mental health