There is nothing quite like fall. It is crisp and cool, the leaves change color — and then leave. It’s hard to beat.

Take a walk, you’ll thank me.

This post is part of UpTake’s Wordless Wednesday Series. If you would like to see your photo featured here please contact us via the link in the sidebar using subject line: WW.

Photo:  Whit Honea (taken in Redmond, WA)

Click the image to learn more about the cause.

When you think of a vacation in the English countryside you probably think of cottages and tea and that rapscallion Mr. Darcy.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Then there are those with different ideas.  In just a few days a collection of people from all corners of the world, including a couple of UpTake’s very own (Phil and Ed, respectively, who will be sharing details from their trip upon their return) are doing something that may seem a bit off the beaten path.  Keyword: path.  They are partaking in a six day walking vacation along Hadrian’s Wall (built by the Romans!).  That’s 84 miles along the border with Scotland, which covers the entire width of England.

Now before you ask if they are crazy, please allow me to say that, yes, they are.  However, that has nothing to do with this trip.

The walk is something of a causecation.  Charitcation? Vacarity? It’s a charity vacation, they are traveling to England to help a cause. A damn good one.

The Joseph Salmon Trust is a charity offering financial support to parents who have lost a child. It was founded in memorial of Joseph Salmon who died in his sleep at the age of 3.

I can’t even imagine.

One of the driving forces behind the trust and the subsequent walk(s) — yes, they’ve walked before, is one Dan Hughes, blogger extraordinaire in the aforementioned England. The man’s heart more than makes up for his awkward attempts at humor (kind of like that one).  He’s a great guy and he has championed the cause on behalf of his friends the Salmons.

If you are able to donate anything at all to support the cause please visit their website. All donations go directly into the trust.

It is a far, far better thing that they do.

Abel Tasman beach

The car window’s rolled down, clean air tousles my hair, a favorite CD blares while majestic scenery’s revealed at every turn with nary a car in sight. Where am I? Road tripping on the wild, west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Travel along with me on a 5 stop itinerary:

Nelson

Let’s start in the north and go south. The artsy town of Nelson makes a good beginning. We’ll take a day or two to explore the vineyards and artist enclaves. Don’t forget a hike on the beach combined with a walk in the rain forest on a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park.

Hokitika

On the way to the west coast town of Hokitika, we’ll stop by Paparoa National Park for a walk along the coastal path at Punakaikai Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Later, we’ll arrive at Hokitika in time to tour the jade factory and browse the galleries of woodworkers, jewelry makers and glass blowers. Let’s stop for a fine French meal at Cafe du Paris before turning in for the night at Kapitea Ridge.

Franz Josef

It’s glacier time! The small alpine village of Franz Josef will be our headquarters for treks to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Our hikes will take us through the rain-forest to a glacier’s terminal moraine. A helicopter tour provides an aerial view. Of course we could don crampons to accompany a tour out onto the glacial ice.

Taking the plunge

Wanaka

After traveling over Haast Pass on a drive through Aspiring National Park, we’ll arrive in the lakeside town of Wanaka. A jet boat ride up the Matukituki River provides thrills combined with the scenic beauty of Mt. Aspiring. Our Maori guide and driver stops to lead us on a walk as he entertains us with Maori legends.

Queenstown

Today, our journey takes us on Crown Ridge Road. We’ll travel through gold country before dipping down into the Gibbston Valley for wine tasting. At our final destination, bungee jumpers, paragliders and speedy jet boat drivers prove that Queenstown really is the queen of New Zealand adventure.

With our road trip adventure at an end, what did you think of the one-lane bridges and round-abouts? How many cars did you count on our travels? Are you ready for another New Zealand road-trip?

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet
All photos courtesy Donna or Alan Hull