A Roadside Tale: Setback, Kindness, and Unexpected Twists

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

Buckle up, because I've got quite the tale to share with you today—a whirlwind journey from the tranquil shores of Glenorchy to the charming town of Te Anau, all with the hopes of reaching Milford Sound for my birthday celebration. So grab a tea and join me on this wild ride!

I left Aro Ha after a fabulous morning enjoying yoga, lattes, breakfast, and a chocolate treat with friends. My adventure to Milford Sound kicked off with a bit of a mission. I ventured into an Op Shop in Queenstown to pick out some Oscar-worthy attire for myself and my newfound friends Larissa, Grace, and Jock. Amidst silly laughs and some unexpected encounter asking a stranger to try on men’s jackets for me, I managed to find find some real gems that I just knew would be a hit at the Oscar themed party on Friday, including some fabulous onesies! (funny story to be told later).

Then, with excitement bubbling in my body, I set off on the road to Milford Sound. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular. Sheep dotted the landscape, coffee shops beckoned, and winding roads led me through breathtaking scenery with majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes and streams. But, on my last leg of the trip, just as I attempted to pull out of the gas station, the problem struck—I realized I had a flat tire.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not exactly a tire-changing pro. With no tools to fix the flat myself, panic threatened to set in. But just when I thought I was out of luck, a guardian angel appeared in the form of a stranger named Lucas.

With kindness and a willingness to help, Lucas came to my rescue, offering invaluable assistance and guidance. Together, we explored our options, but alas, the local tire repair shops were unwilling to lend a hand so close to closing time—5pm.

Despite the setback, Lucas's presence and support were a beacon of hope in an otherwise frustrating situation. And though we may not have found a solution right away, his willingness to lend a hand served as a reminder that even in times of trouble, there are always people willing to help, even complete strangers.

But the story doesn't end there! With the failure of a tire repair shop, I clung to the support of my family in the States. JP, Carolina, Mom, and Dad helped calm my nerves and find me a gem of a car repair man named David. David had a home auto shop, Mountain View Mechanic Shop, and was open to helping me after hours. David, you're a true hero.

As night fell and the day's adventures came to a close, I found myself at the Te Anau Lodge, a charming bed and breakfast with the most welcoming host, Kim. She introduced me to her lovely aunt, Isla. I learned so much about New Zealand and other interesting facts like that Isla is a feminine given name traditionally of primarily Scottish usage, derived from "Islay," which is the name of an island off the west coast of Scotland. I slowly started to unwind feeling the tension leaving my body. And together, we all shared a glass of New Zealand Pino Gris. My first glass of wine since December 30th, 2023. —a fitting end to a rollercoaster of a day.

So here's to unexpected heroes, to kindness in the face of adversity, and to the unwavering spirit of adventure that propels us forward. And to Lucas, wherever you may be, thank you for being the ray of sunshine in my moment of need.

Until next time, Kat