Marvelous views of New Zealand
All throughout the trip we have had beautiful views, but I think this past week’s views are now at the top of my list, although it is hard to compare all the wonderful sights that we have seen. Besides the beauty, I also discovered more about myself and being an outdoor adventure student and leader.
Last time I ended with stating that as I am taking capstone, which is my senior project, on this study abroad trip, I would be focusing on self-efficacy. This week was a great time for me to discover and build my self-efficacy. I ended up having a very full day and a half of time to discover more about myself. It is so often, that we move as a group, whether it is on this trip or in life. For me personally when I get used to moving with a group it takes me a bit to decide what to do when alone or when I have options to explore on my own.
This past week, we stayed at Unwin Hut, which is near Mt. Cook and it is such a beautiful alpine atmosphere. While there, we had the option of doing our own adventuring, whether it was rock climbing on a nearby crag, going hiking, or whatever else. I knew I wanted to do the hike up to Muller Hut, as I had heard how awesome it was with beautiful views, and I also wanted to stay the night up there. As I was also one of the leaders of the day, I tried to see if anyone else wanted to hike up, spend the night, and come back the next morning, but no one really wanted to. So, I decided if I was going to do it I would have to step up to the plate and do it on my own. I preceded that morning to see if there were hut passes still available and there were, so I bought mine. I had told myself if there were, than I would have to buy one, as it was meant to be. This was going to be my first steep hike and overnighter alone, so I was a bit nervous for this solo adventure.
I got back to Unwin Hut to plan on having a relaxing morning, pack, and then have lunch before taking off, but I was asked if I wanted to do a multi-pitch climb (Multi-pitch means going rock climbing and going up several routes at a time). Being that I wanted to get some rock climbing in while at this location, I said yes. I quickly gathered my stuff up to go rock climbing and packed my back pack for my hike. While preparing for this solo trip, I was definitely nervous of what was to come, but I also was very excited.
While doing the multi-pitch, I definitely felt more confident in myself, as I was able to keep a good flow going. My mentality was calm and collected, even as I got up to the higher pitches. Even though I was with someone else, I felt my self-efficacy was increasing, as it seemed like no big deal. I also cleaned the routes as I went up and set up myself to come down each time, feeling at peace and not scared. Throughout this trip as I rock climb, I definitely am becoming more aware of my skills and how I can use them to better my technique and skills, such as dealing with multiple carabineers and other rock climbing equipment. After the climbing I tried my share of driving the van, which can be a bit weird getting used to, as it is driving on the opposite side of the car and the road. I felt like a black sheep driving, as I normally feel just fine driving back in the states.
Well after a morning of multi-pitch it was time for a solo adventure up to Muller Hut. On my way up I wondered if I was kidding myself for going on the adventure alone, as it was a hard steep hike. For awhile I just didn’t know if I would be able to do it, as my chest was pounding and I was breathing hard. I had to tell myself to just keep going and when I would take a rest it was nice, as I had a beautiful view to look at. When I got to the top, I felt that I had overcome so much and I had done it on my own. I also had to prepare my meal that I packed up there and get settled in.
My time up there was a good wake up call for myself, as I became aware that I was on my own time, which I realized was nice to also be alone and process all the things that we have been doing. On a trip like this we are constantly going and although we see so many magnificent views and do so many awesome adventurous things…it does not seem like there is enough time to reflect on it. When I was up at the top, I spent a lot of time reflecting, especially as I watched the sun go down and awaited for the alpine glow and then in the morning saw the sun rise over the mountains. I feel after having done even just that one trip by myself, I feel so much more confident about going at things alone and seeing how great it feels at times to be away from others. In one of the books were reading called The Tao of Leadership, there is a chapter called Unclutter Your Mind and that is exactly what I did and needed.
Now in Queenstown we also have had opportunities to do our own adventurous activities. Going into this trip I knew I wanted to try something new and thrilling and I did…I, along with three others ended up doing a canyon swing (similar to bungy jumping). We were all strapped up and then you free fall for a few seconds and then swing back and forth. I was so scared going into it...being that I have never done something quite that thrilling I was scared I may pee my pants of throw up, but I did not! Thank goodness. It was so exhilarating and after doing it at the same time with a friend, I did it alone. It was over so fast, but it was so worth it. Maybe next is Bungy Jumping…It was also interesting to observe the process of the companies procedure, from check in to the jump. When signing the waivers it was scary of course(I was nervous doing that and having second thoughts about what I was about to do.), but it also was interesting to read how theirs works compared to ones you would sign in the United States.
Well my mind is constantly learning over here and absorbing every minute, from the leadership, to communication, to the tourism…observing my major (Outdoor Adventure Leadership), which is why I am here, but also my minors (Human Communication and then Hospitality and Tourism Management). It is interesting to watch them all play a role into the things we are doing at the same time. Tomorrow we head off to backpack the Routeburn, which should be exciting, but also sounds hard. Right now though I am living life at it comes my way and loving it!
-Rochelle
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