Travel photography #1

In my travel photo series, I will show my best photos and photos that have a special meaning to me.

One of the best places I have been to is New Zealand. An amazing country with stunning scenery. 
On a multi-day hike in the Tararua Ranges, I had a rather hard day. The track was steep and overgrown. My knees were killing me and the signs were rather depressing.  Passing the Te Matawai Hut, I noticed a sign saying it was 4 hours to the Dracophyllum Hut. One-and-a-half hours later, I stood on top of Pukematawai and saw another sign, saying  it was still 4 hours to the Dracophyllum Hut. What...? Seriously...? 

Only if you have been in the deepest valley, can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.
- Richard M. Nixon

I descended on the Main Range Track, crossed various bumps and walked back into the forest. It took me a few hours to get to the Dracophyllum Hut. Upon arrival, I found out that the 2 bunks of the hut had already been taken. Disappointed, I started looking for flat ground to set up my tent. There was none around the hut. However, I found a small piece of flat ground on the helipad near the hut. When I sad down, I instantly forgot all the misery of the day. 

Camera	Canon PowerShot G7x Mark II
Shutter	1/1250s
Aperture	f/8
ISO	125

This sunset allowed me to reflect. The whole hike had been extremely overwhelming. By taking a step back, I was able to focus on what is important. Sitting here and looking at the sunset helped me to clear my mind. Even now, months after leaving New Zealand, it still gives me a certain peace of mind.