South Island: An Introduction

The South Island.
I must begin by telling you that, although the south island is 33% bigger then the north, the south holds only 23% of New Zealand's population! 

Engrossed in our iPad devices and two and a half hours into the ferry ride, we became giddy at the site of the dark mountains that caught my eye just beyond the foggy windows. Morgan and I immediately got up to spend the last hour of the ferry outside. We sat on the deck and watched as we entered a harbor, the water beneath us a choppy veridian green and the mountains a dark Prussian blue. The wind nipped at our noses and we bundled up next to each other taking turns sighing. Overwhelmed was the only feeling I could grab for. I had an overwhelming feeling that I might be swallowed up by the vastness of the land, just the two of us exploring the south island. 

We drove off the ferry and headed for Christchurch. Only two hours into our jurney and the sun had set and the stars crept out. No longer wanting to drive, we found the closest free campsite and parked our van, made some dinner by head torch light (thanks Dad), and fell fast asleep. We woke up to cool air, cow bells, and snow capped mountains. 

From there we drove down the curving roads to Christchurch. 

The landscape.
So about this landscape... I am in awe about the colors, in love with them. 
Some trees shoot straight up, a narrow streak of lime green, resembling well trained soldiers standing before pale blue mountains. Other trees look like explosions of yellow powder,leaves so small and delicate you'd think you could lightly blow on them and the entire tree would scatter. 
The mountains are varying shades of blue and meet the sky with confidence. 
The rolling green hills seem as though they are, in fact, sheets of silk with air flowing beneath them. I am reminded of the parachutes I sat under as a child during recess. The group of us would stretch our tiny arms up, holding ever so tight. Then all at once we'd sit criss-cross underneath the fabric, enchanted as the parachute took its time releasing the trapped air, cascading elegantly towards the ground. These are the rolling silky, creamy green hills. Each are peppered with sheep that take the form of grains of rice from a distance. 
The white clouds move in and out from beneath the sun, Morgan and I adjusting to the cool shaded air. 

And so we drive, wide eyed, to our next destination. 
It is actually a wonderful challenge to continue to be transformed and renewed by the beauty around us. The amount to take in through sight is overwhelming.
Then there are the other senses.
The sound of wind approaching through rustled leaves.
The smell of the cold, salty sea.
The feel of grass between your toes. 
I know these experiences have entered my soul.
I hope that it may forever remind me of the world's beauty and harmony.
As the south island reveals its majesty to us, may we receive it humbly and with ease.