eNZees Blog

Hiking New Zealand's Routeburn Track - Part 2

by Jill Schuman | April 27, 2016 | 0 Comments

Hiking Tramping the Routeburn Track New Zealand, photo by Larry Gross

Photo by Larry Gross

The following is Part 2 of three-part blog series about the Routeburn Track in New Zealand. Click here to read the first.

Day 2 We began our day with a climb out of Lake MacKenzie (my big toes wrapped in wool as a prevention against future blisters) and a walk across the Holyford Face to the Harris Saddle with a descend to the Routeburn Falls. It was a spectacular descent and the wild flowers were amazing. Wherever you looked the slopes were alive with color. It was the first time I saw the Eidelweiss flower in their natural habitat.

The climb up to Ocean Peak Corner was a zig-zagging trail and at times we had a 360 degree view. At last, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the Tasman Sea. This was certainly the most exposed section of the hike. I was so excited to see the Tasman Sea for the first time. It was a glorious day with a view that took my breath away.

I will never forget the ascent up - looking across and seeing this amazing body of water that I had only read about.

After tearing myself away from the view out to the sea, we started back on the trail and took in the myriad of New Zealand flora: daisies, Mt Cook Lily and other native flowers.

Hiking and tramping the Routeburn Track in New Zealand, photo by Larry Gross

Photo by Larry Gross

Bridge on the Routeburn Track in New Zealand, photo by Larry Gross

Photo by Larry Gross

We continued our ascent up the Harris Saddle to find a lunch spot and I remember distinctly thinking this is the best lunch spot ever. The memory is so clear even now. I would have loved to hang out there for a few days and just take in the different topography, mountains, river, sea, dense vegetation, barren land; a little of everything was evident from that vantage point.

From the Harris Saddle, the track winds around Lake Harris and then descends down into the upper Routeburn Valley. We arrived at days end to the Routeburn Falls Lodge which is spectacularly located for a night's stay. It is where the river exits the alpine basin and drops to the grassy flats.

That evening, after much discussion about my avoided “near blister “ event, and over a few beers, it was decided along with our NZ hiking buddies that if no one was selling wool for blister prevention in the US I would start a business.

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Celebrating Wool this Earth Day

by Jill Schuman | April 22, 2016 | 0 Comments

If you’ve given eNZees Foot Soother a try, you’ll already know how good our soft New Zealand lambswool feels upon your feet. But this Earth Day, see why you can also feel good about doing your part for the environment every time you use eNZees. 

It’s Sustainable & Renewable

Sheep produce wool which is a sustainable and renewable product.

Sheep by Katriona McCarthy

eNZees Foot Soother is 100% New Zealand lambswool. Because sheep are shorn each spring, each animal is technically producing a renewable product every year. And unlike synthetic materials, sheep create a product that’s part of the carbon cycle. According to the International Wool Textile Organization, “Fifty per cent of the weight of wool is pure organic carbon.” So the next time you use eNZees Foot Soother to relieve foot pain and prevent blisters, know that the wool you’re using comes from a better source than paper tape, moleskin, or other blister prevention and treatment products. 

It’s Biodegradable

That’s right, wool is completely biodegradable. When you’re done with your eNZees for the day, the wool you pull out of your sock won’t just sit in a landfill for the rest of eternity. Wool breaks down quickly and decomposes like other natural materials.

It’s Long-lasting

If you’re like me, your closet and sock drawer are probably brimming with merino wool. Wool garments are proven to last longer than their synthetic and cotton counterparts. eNZees is the same. We’ve heard from numerous thru-hikers and backpackers that get multiple uses out of one application of eNZees wool. eNZees will go longer and farther than any other blister prevention product, which typically only get one use per application.

eNZees Foot Soother is wool that prevents blisters and hot-spots on your feet.

Give eNZees a try on your next hike, bike, walk, or run. Your feet and the planet will be glad you did!

 

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