So this and the next entry are papers I wrote as a part of the academic part of this experience, but I think offer an appropriate insight to this trip!
Pacific Challenge Pre Trip Expectations
I have been to New Zealand on the north island for two weeks in 2009, but have never been to Australia, although I have been fascinated with the country ever since I can remember. Therefore, my anticipated expectations for each area vary, as I know each country is rather distinguishable from one another as any Aussie or Kiwi will tell you. From University, I know a Kiwi and Aussie rather well from my time as a coxswain on the crew team. From traveling, I have met a number of Aussies, who I have always quite enjoyed! Most recently, again in 2009, I was trekking in Nepal, and ended up staying at the same lodges as a group of ten Aussies, from Sydney and Melbourne primarily, where we played Yucca endlessly and I look forward to playing again because I cannot remember all the rules. I am ecstatic having this chance to spend an extended amount of time in each country!
For New Zealand, I anticipate friendly people on the whole, with a great accent and a few words that I will be at a loss for. I expect many people to have a farming background, know people all over the country, if not related, and people generally taking more risks than in the States. I anticipate a more generally local focused and environmentally friendly approach to many things, particularly being an island-country (I remember McDonalds advertising its use of local beef). While talking with people, I will not be surprised by the wide ranging travels many people have taken. I am excited for soy flat whites and pies! As far as interactions with the Maori, I do not quite know what to expect as I have not met anyone of that descent before, although I have visited museums. Therefore, I anticipate limited personal interaction, although likely a more widespread way of learning information as the government has been more actively putting Maori histories on public spaces. I am excited for the Hangi on day four, as I heard it is rather tasty! Also, I am looking forward to cultural presentations, as they always fascinate me in how people maintain traditions in a changing world. It amazes me on how unique indigenous cultures are, particularly due to their environment, but on a broader scale, how similar many are to one another (satisfying the basic necessities of life).
In Australia, I expect, again, friendly people with an accent and vocabulary that I do not entirely share. Bryson’s book made me a little intimidated of interacting with Aborigines, although I constantly found myself sympathizing with the history presented. It’s tragic really what the white man put them through. Anyway, I anticipate feeling a bit awkward with indigenous and white Australians’ interactions, particularly if there is apparent prejudice. I wonder if there are relics, as there once were in the American south, of conspicuous separation and racism. I am interested to see how much Aboriginal culture is presented in tourist brochures, etc. I read a book on dreamlines, and would really like to go to a gallery seeing the native artwork, as I have seen a couple paintings in a professor’s home his wife picked out on various occasions in Australia. Beyond that, I believe that the people will be generally helpful and easy going. With the amount of sunshine the country gets, I would imagine it staying positive is easier. There are so many threats inherent to living in Australia that I will be weary of a local’s perception of risk. I am staying in Australia until the end of May and will be looking out for places I want to go back to or possibly live or work for a bit.
Post Trip Perceptions
My experiences in New Zealand and Australia during the Pacific Challenge unquestionably have been some of the best of my life, and certainly memorable due to the “extreme” nature of many of the activities we participated in; I knew I was adventurous, but I have a whole new perception of how outgoing I truly am. Also, I never considered myself as one to have a bucket list, but I feel like many things that I was able to do during this trip; for example, skydive, swim with dolphins, cave, scuba, and surf; would certainly be on many peoples’. I have always been considered as an easy going, positive person who enjoys trying new things and gets along with a wide range of people. This trip further solidified my confidence in those generalizations of my personality, and certainly at times tested them, although hardly since our group was lucky enough to have gotten along so well! I am thoroughly appreciative for the people in my group, the friendships rendered, and the memories everyone contributed to and would not be the same without any single Pacific Challenger; not to mention, the excellent leadership of Doug and Bree, and the balance between their leadership styles, while always being effective. However, this trip has also broadened the possibilities I see as viable options in my life. If I didn’t really have an idea for what I wanted to do with my future, I just found a whole new realm of possibilities in an adventure tourism career. I am already a rather active person and have always wanted to work doing something I enjoy, but why not make a hobby a career? It is certainly something to think about, although I am presently staying on my predetermined track of volunteering with the Peace Corps in French-speaking West Africa within the year. Yet, afterwards, who knows! I always figured I would go to graduate school, likely for international studies or policy, but maybe for recreation or tourism so I would be able to better rationalize my continued participation in such amazing experiences all the time.
As far as a comparison of my pre and post perceptions, I believe that I was on the proper track with my assumptions for each country; sure there is a whole new set of vocabulary that I am still quite oblivious to, but the individuals in each country were as welcoming and kind as I presumed they would be from previous interactions. New Zealand is such a small country, but it has surely geared itself towards tourism in a way in which I really didn’t quite conceptualize. It is very foreign friendly; there are flyers and brochures and readily available, “look right” signs painted on the sidewalks, and great signs with information about where you are visiting, as well as a clear attempt to give recognition to the indigenous Maori culture, even if it is a more recent attempt. It is incredible how well the government and private sectors are managing the high level interest, but I cannot help but wonder how the earthquake in Christchurch, as that, two, within the past year will affect the country’s economy, and more importantly, the people. In Queenstown when the earthquake occurred, I saw many people on the phone bawling due to a lack of communication or knowing already that they lost someone. I hope that news coverage about the recovery maintains of international interest because I know I will want to look into in the upcoming months. In Australia, I am grateful that I did not encounter the blatant racism, although the absence of Aborigines was certainly noticeable. I only saw two, and each time it was a single individual male playing a didgeridoo for money at a place of popular tourist interest (at Circular Quay in Sydney and at the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains). Nevertheless, conversations with white Australians regarding them, a clearly negative opinion were voiced. I still find it such a bizarre situation. Regardless, this trip was spectacular and I am so happy to have been able to participate and become part of the Pacific Challenge community.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, and leaving
en route to Cairns
So it was a bit of a funny story getting up to Cairns. I initially was going to hitchhike but, decided against it since I would be alone. So, I decided to look in to flights, which were quite expensive; then, I checked out the Greyhound schedule and found a bus but, I also posted an ad wanting a ride on a local rideshare site. The day before heading out I received an email from Igor, a 21 year old German on a working holiday visa, offering a ride and we coordinated to meet in Townsville (a ferry ride away from me, and an eight hour stop in his drive). He was driving from Mt. Isa (inland) and it took him longer than expected, which was fine because I walked around, used up some flextime on my phone, and meandered to McDonalds to use wi-fi and be in an easy and conspicuous spot. However, right when Igor arrived, he locked his keys in the car. Apparently this is the third time it has happened in the two months since he has been in Australia, although before, he was fortunate enough to have a window partially down. The shops in the shopping center were about to close but we went into the NewAgency to ask for local numbers (i.e. police, locksmith, RACQ – a AAA equivalent). The worker also gave us a piece of packing strip, and later a wire coat hanger so we could try to break in. It was rather unsuccessful. After an hour and a half or so, the locksmith arrived and we were ready to go. I drove the first half (just under two hours) to give him a break, and then we made it into Cairns just after midnight. I already arranged a hostel for the night, and ended up having to call the afterhours manager to get in. Igor and I parted ways, I think he slept in his car… The next morning I was picked up at 6:15am by ProDive for my live aboard diving trip!
Great Barrier Reef Live Aboard Scuba Trip!
This is one of the coolest experiences I have had! I am so happy I was certified and have been able to do as much diving, especially in the places (i.e. Fiji, Great Barrier Reef) as I have in the past month (I’ve logged 15 hours underwater!). Anyway, a quick summary of the experience: I lived on a boat for three days in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef with loads of people stoked on diving. Our meals, snacks, and tea were prepared for us and we had 11 dives (two of which were at night) exploring two reefs, but five different dive locations. I never had to worry about air usage (yay for efficient underwater breathing despite a smaller tank!) only depth. Protected by a stingersuit and equipped with the proper gear, I swam through coral caverns, saw sharks, sea turtles, sting rays, barracudas, napoleons, parrotfish, cleanerfish, clownfish, damsels, angelfish, butterflyfish, unicornfish, boxfish, surgeonfish, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, red bass, pufferfish, lionfish, eels, massive clams, potato cod, among heaps of coral varieties. In short, it was amazing.
A bit more detailed… As I mentioned I was picked up early and then was taken to the dive shop to sort out gear. Three vans took the 30 people, some of which were completing their certifications, some of which were certified, and one who was just staying out for one night, to the marina where we boarded our home for the next few days. We had breakfast, were assigned rooms, had a safety orientation, and then “enjoyed” a bumpy three hour trip out to our first dive location on the reef (I only saw one person “spew”). My roommate was Asia, a girl my age from the Netherlands, who immediately asked to be dive buddies. I agreed, even before I knew that she had been smart and rented an underwater camera for the trip! When we arrived at Milln Reef, we set up our gear and took our first dive in the Petaj area. Before each dive we were given a dive briefing with depth and directions and things to look out for. Gail, the “token Aussie” who was staying for just one night, asked to dive with us as well, and Erik, a French instructor, joined our group as well. It was superb having Erik because he had a really good eye, was great at underwater navigation, and often took us a bit different route than suggested so we wouldn’t be following a heard of divers. We stayed dive buddies for the duration of the trip and were usually fortunate to have the longest dives of our boat. When we did our night dives, we put glowsticks on our air tanks and had flashlights. One of my favorite things to see was sea turtle, especially as they were swimming to the surface! Also, with so many dives, it was great practice on working with the PADI dive table. A day consisted heaps of food, loads of water time, previewed by dive briefings: we did a dive before breakfast, ate, had a bit of downtime to consume morning tea and a snack, dove, ate lunch, dove, had afternoon tea and a snack, a bit more downtime, had dinner, another briefing, and a night dive. It was spectacular. In addition to some sun time, I also managed to finish a book that I was able to exchange once I was back in Cairns.
For those interested, see below for a summary of dive information.
Day 1:
Dive 1: Milln Reef – Petaj; 18m, 49minutes
Dive 2: Milln Reef – Petaj; 12m, 62minutes
Dive 3: Milln Reef – Swimming Pools; 10m, 55minutes
Dive 4: Milln Reef – Swimming Pools; 12m, 35minutes *night dive*
Day 2:
Dive 5: Milln Reef – Swimming Pools; 15m, 45minutes
Dive 6: Flynn Reef – Tennis Courts; 18m, 51minutes
Dive 7: Flynn Reef – Gordon’s Mooring; 14m, 60minutes
Dive 8: Flynn Reef – Gordon’s Mooring; 16m, 38minutes *night dive*
Day 3
Dive 9: Flynn Reef – Gordon’s Mooring; 16m, 47minutes
Dive 10: Flynn Reef – Tracie’s Bommie; 14m, 53minutes
Dive 11: Flynn Reef – Tracie’s Bommie; 15m, 45minutes
Cairns
Upon finishing the live-aboard, I was dropped off at Chris and Daniel’s house (although they go by Blakey and Plugger), which we arranged through couchsurfing (an online community of likeminded people who offer places to stay for travelers). There place was great (I had my own room since the new roomie was moving in the day I was leaving) and close to the center of the city! It was Sunday night, and since Monday was a holiday in QLD, we went out for a beer at the Pier, saw a few Aussie basketball players, and went to the casino... The guys wanted to go to the casino to “either make or break the night,” so they put $40 on red, the first go at the roulette wheel (as decided before we left the Pier). It didn’t work out in our favor. Apparently, “black always brings you back.” Then we had a go on the “chocolate wheel,” where we won $60, which really just put us even, but we put it in a group beer fund for the evening (which, in Aus, did not last long). We grabbed dinner and then went to meet up with my live aboard group, who arranged to meet up at a particular bar in town. It was a late night, but a really great introduction to Cairns nightlife! The following day was pretty low key (I failed to book a Daintree tour); we went to a look-out above town, visited a few of their friends (one of which, Crackers… everyone has nicknames! I was dubbed “Jackers”), stopped by a rope swing on a local river, walked along the promenade, and watched movies at their place. The following day they had work, and I needed to get out and explore the city. I walked along the waterfront, read by the lagoon, meandered around the marina, went to Cairns Central (a mall) for a few souvenirs (ran into Torrey who arrived the day prior), exchanged books for new ones at a hostel, then explored the botanical and heritage gardens and Mt. Whitfield conservation park. When I made it back, Plugger made dinner as we watched the news and saw updates on the death and repercussions and implications of Osama Bin Laden’s death. The new roomie got in that evening and we hanged out the following morning before she was kind enough to drop me at the airport!
Coming Home
I clearly was excited to be coming home, but it snuck up on me so quickly (particularly after WWOOFing)! That being said, I was still ecstatic that I had a ticket home. I mean, Cinco de Mayo, Opening Day, and Mother’s Day, all nearly right after one another, talk about wonderful! I had left a few bags of mine in Sydney in Dave’s garage, as I intended to come back to Sydney earlier to climb. However, that clearly didn’t work out (since the tickets were exceptionally expensive any day prior to my departure date from the country). While in Cairns, after my live aboard, I got a hold of him and found out that he arranged with a shuttle company to drop my bags once I arrived in Sydney at the airport during my five hour layover before leaving for the States since he was in Byron. So that was a relief! My delayed flight out of Cairns became the trend for my upcoming flights. Thank you books, pictures, music and updating this blog as a means of occupying my time! Once I arrived in Sydney, I took the train to the International Terminal where I found Chris, the shuttle driver, and, importantly, my belongings. I took up a few seats near the door and repacked in an area without much foot traffic. I did get a few funny looks, especially as I was drinking wine during this endeavor (it was either consume or toss!). Speaking of travel , it is SO much nicer heading east that west.
So it was a bit of a funny story getting up to Cairns. I initially was going to hitchhike but, decided against it since I would be alone. So, I decided to look in to flights, which were quite expensive; then, I checked out the Greyhound schedule and found a bus but, I also posted an ad wanting a ride on a local rideshare site. The day before heading out I received an email from Igor, a 21 year old German on a working holiday visa, offering a ride and we coordinated to meet in Townsville (a ferry ride away from me, and an eight hour stop in his drive). He was driving from Mt. Isa (inland) and it took him longer than expected, which was fine because I walked around, used up some flextime on my phone, and meandered to McDonalds to use wi-fi and be in an easy and conspicuous spot. However, right when Igor arrived, he locked his keys in the car. Apparently this is the third time it has happened in the two months since he has been in Australia, although before, he was fortunate enough to have a window partially down. The shops in the shopping center were about to close but we went into the NewAgency to ask for local numbers (i.e. police, locksmith, RACQ – a AAA equivalent). The worker also gave us a piece of packing strip, and later a wire coat hanger so we could try to break in. It was rather unsuccessful. After an hour and a half or so, the locksmith arrived and we were ready to go. I drove the first half (just under two hours) to give him a break, and then we made it into Cairns just after midnight. I already arranged a hostel for the night, and ended up having to call the afterhours manager to get in. Igor and I parted ways, I think he slept in his car… The next morning I was picked up at 6:15am by ProDive for my live aboard diving trip!
Great Barrier Reef Live Aboard Scuba Trip!
This is one of the coolest experiences I have had! I am so happy I was certified and have been able to do as much diving, especially in the places (i.e. Fiji, Great Barrier Reef) as I have in the past month (I’ve logged 15 hours underwater!). Anyway, a quick summary of the experience: I lived on a boat for three days in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef with loads of people stoked on diving. Our meals, snacks, and tea were prepared for us and we had 11 dives (two of which were at night) exploring two reefs, but five different dive locations. I never had to worry about air usage (yay for efficient underwater breathing despite a smaller tank!) only depth. Protected by a stingersuit and equipped with the proper gear, I swam through coral caverns, saw sharks, sea turtles, sting rays, barracudas, napoleons, parrotfish, cleanerfish, clownfish, damsels, angelfish, butterflyfish, unicornfish, boxfish, surgeonfish, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, red bass, pufferfish, lionfish, eels, massive clams, potato cod, among heaps of coral varieties. In short, it was amazing.
A bit more detailed… As I mentioned I was picked up early and then was taken to the dive shop to sort out gear. Three vans took the 30 people, some of which were completing their certifications, some of which were certified, and one who was just staying out for one night, to the marina where we boarded our home for the next few days. We had breakfast, were assigned rooms, had a safety orientation, and then “enjoyed” a bumpy three hour trip out to our first dive location on the reef (I only saw one person “spew”). My roommate was Asia, a girl my age from the Netherlands, who immediately asked to be dive buddies. I agreed, even before I knew that she had been smart and rented an underwater camera for the trip! When we arrived at Milln Reef, we set up our gear and took our first dive in the Petaj area. Before each dive we were given a dive briefing with depth and directions and things to look out for. Gail, the “token Aussie” who was staying for just one night, asked to dive with us as well, and Erik, a French instructor, joined our group as well. It was superb having Erik because he had a really good eye, was great at underwater navigation, and often took us a bit different route than suggested so we wouldn’t be following a heard of divers. We stayed dive buddies for the duration of the trip and were usually fortunate to have the longest dives of our boat. When we did our night dives, we put glowsticks on our air tanks and had flashlights. One of my favorite things to see was sea turtle, especially as they were swimming to the surface! Also, with so many dives, it was great practice on working with the PADI dive table. A day consisted heaps of food, loads of water time, previewed by dive briefings: we did a dive before breakfast, ate, had a bit of downtime to consume morning tea and a snack, dove, ate lunch, dove, had afternoon tea and a snack, a bit more downtime, had dinner, another briefing, and a night dive. It was spectacular. In addition to some sun time, I also managed to finish a book that I was able to exchange once I was back in Cairns.
For those interested, see below for a summary of dive information.
Day 1:
Dive 1: Milln Reef – Petaj; 18m, 49minutes
Dive 2: Milln Reef – Petaj; 12m, 62minutes
Dive 3: Milln Reef – Swimming Pools; 10m, 55minutes
Dive 4: Milln Reef – Swimming Pools; 12m, 35minutes *night dive*
Day 2:
Dive 5: Milln Reef – Swimming Pools; 15m, 45minutes
Dive 6: Flynn Reef – Tennis Courts; 18m, 51minutes
Dive 7: Flynn Reef – Gordon’s Mooring; 14m, 60minutes
Dive 8: Flynn Reef – Gordon’s Mooring; 16m, 38minutes *night dive*
Day 3
Dive 9: Flynn Reef – Gordon’s Mooring; 16m, 47minutes
Dive 10: Flynn Reef – Tracie’s Bommie; 14m, 53minutes
Dive 11: Flynn Reef – Tracie’s Bommie; 15m, 45minutes
Cairns
Upon finishing the live-aboard, I was dropped off at Chris and Daniel’s house (although they go by Blakey and Plugger), which we arranged through couchsurfing (an online community of likeminded people who offer places to stay for travelers). There place was great (I had my own room since the new roomie was moving in the day I was leaving) and close to the center of the city! It was Sunday night, and since Monday was a holiday in QLD, we went out for a beer at the Pier, saw a few Aussie basketball players, and went to the casino... The guys wanted to go to the casino to “either make or break the night,” so they put $40 on red, the first go at the roulette wheel (as decided before we left the Pier). It didn’t work out in our favor. Apparently, “black always brings you back.” Then we had a go on the “chocolate wheel,” where we won $60, which really just put us even, but we put it in a group beer fund for the evening (which, in Aus, did not last long). We grabbed dinner and then went to meet up with my live aboard group, who arranged to meet up at a particular bar in town. It was a late night, but a really great introduction to Cairns nightlife! The following day was pretty low key (I failed to book a Daintree tour); we went to a look-out above town, visited a few of their friends (one of which, Crackers… everyone has nicknames! I was dubbed “Jackers”), stopped by a rope swing on a local river, walked along the promenade, and watched movies at their place. The following day they had work, and I needed to get out and explore the city. I walked along the waterfront, read by the lagoon, meandered around the marina, went to Cairns Central (a mall) for a few souvenirs (ran into Torrey who arrived the day prior), exchanged books for new ones at a hostel, then explored the botanical and heritage gardens and Mt. Whitfield conservation park. When I made it back, Plugger made dinner as we watched the news and saw updates on the death and repercussions and implications of Osama Bin Laden’s death. The new roomie got in that evening and we hanged out the following morning before she was kind enough to drop me at the airport!
Coming Home
I clearly was excited to be coming home, but it snuck up on me so quickly (particularly after WWOOFing)! That being said, I was still ecstatic that I had a ticket home. I mean, Cinco de Mayo, Opening Day, and Mother’s Day, all nearly right after one another, talk about wonderful! I had left a few bags of mine in Sydney in Dave’s garage, as I intended to come back to Sydney earlier to climb. However, that clearly didn’t work out (since the tickets were exceptionally expensive any day prior to my departure date from the country). While in Cairns, after my live aboard, I got a hold of him and found out that he arranged with a shuttle company to drop my bags once I arrived in Sydney at the airport during my five hour layover before leaving for the States since he was in Byron. So that was a relief! My delayed flight out of Cairns became the trend for my upcoming flights. Thank you books, pictures, music and updating this blog as a means of occupying my time! Once I arrived in Sydney, I took the train to the International Terminal where I found Chris, the shuttle driver, and, importantly, my belongings. I took up a few seats near the door and repacked in an area without much foot traffic. I did get a few funny looks, especially as I was drinking wine during this endeavor (it was either consume or toss!). Speaking of travel , it is SO much nicer heading east that west.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Magnetic Island
The following morning we met Emma and Luke’s three daughters, Georgia, 5, Gabriella, 3, and Lilianna, 8 months, along with their little dog Moses. The girls are adorable and took to me immediately! Since there are numerous diving opportunities and hikes on the island, Emma and Luke are flexible with the work schedule (WWOOFing is an accommodation and food exchange for about four hours of work a day) in order for us to have completely free days to explore the island; therefore, the first day we spent eight hours painting a bunch and doing a bit of weeding. We painted again the following day and then went to part of the national park and did a short walk up to an old fort and look out.
The next morning we took advantage of the work we got done earlier and Emma dropped us off at the beach to go snorkeling. We started off at Florence Bay, spent most of the morning there, hiked over to Radical Bay, Balding Bay, and ended in Horseshoe Bay, the one closest to where the Speare’s live. Total hiking was 5.8km. It was a spectacular day (about 30 degrees Celsius)! Supposedly there was a crocodile spotting in Radical Bay, although rumor on the island is that it was just a foolish tourist. We were in the vicinity of the national park for a bit, but I still haven’t seen any koalas! This island is well known for having a high native koala population… I won’t believe it until I see it! There are only 3,000 people that live here year round so it is funny to hear Emma and Luke talk about tourists (Australia is on a long holiday right now because of Easter and Anzac day).
With the winds low and the weather deteriorating in the coming days, we booked scuba gear for the next day. Our first dive was in the marine reserve in Geoffery Bay at the Moltke shipwreck, a German boat that wreck in 1890 and was used as target practice for the air force during World War II. It was awesome! It wasn’t deep, maximum of 7.6m, and I stayed down there exploring for 90 minutes! Afterwards, we went back to the dive shop (Pleasure Diving), had lunch, and then got a tank refill to go to Alma Bay where we explored some small caves, again, so sweet! It was another long dive, 75minutes, and I am rather proud since I “outlasted” Torrey on both dives, so apparently I use air very conservatively while down there. I want to get my advanced open water certification now. I wonder why I didn’t study Marine Biology! It’d be sweet to have to dive as a job. That evening, we went with Luke to a yoga practice on the island with a bunch of residents. We even saw the owner of the dive shop who let us know that he would be willing to do a night dive with us to check out the wreck the following evening. This island is amazing; I love the small town feel, despite the tourist attractions (Moke and “topless” cars). Torrey went on a night dive that I planned to do, but figured I will be doing two in Cairns so I passed.
Over the next few days we washed the car, helped finish laying a walkway, set up a small garden, and did other small tasks around the house. On Easter Sunday I baked an apple pie, lemon bars, anzac and chocolate chip cookies! We've spent quality time with this family and it has been wonderful (I even taught the girls some gymnastics). It has also made me excited to come home! I'm still waiting to see a koala... I went on a 6km walk by myself, and still no luck! Fortunately they have internet, although my mobile doesn't work, so I was able to book my live-aboard diving trip (three days, two nights, eleven dives), sort a hostel and couchsurfing in Cairns, as well as a way up there! I won't be spending anymore time in Sydney as initially anticipated because the tickets south were really expensive because of the holidays.
The next morning we took advantage of the work we got done earlier and Emma dropped us off at the beach to go snorkeling. We started off at Florence Bay, spent most of the morning there, hiked over to Radical Bay, Balding Bay, and ended in Horseshoe Bay, the one closest to where the Speare’s live. Total hiking was 5.8km. It was a spectacular day (about 30 degrees Celsius)! Supposedly there was a crocodile spotting in Radical Bay, although rumor on the island is that it was just a foolish tourist. We were in the vicinity of the national park for a bit, but I still haven’t seen any koalas! This island is well known for having a high native koala population… I won’t believe it until I see it! There are only 3,000 people that live here year round so it is funny to hear Emma and Luke talk about tourists (Australia is on a long holiday right now because of Easter and Anzac day).
With the winds low and the weather deteriorating in the coming days, we booked scuba gear for the next day. Our first dive was in the marine reserve in Geoffery Bay at the Moltke shipwreck, a German boat that wreck in 1890 and was used as target practice for the air force during World War II. It was awesome! It wasn’t deep, maximum of 7.6m, and I stayed down there exploring for 90 minutes! Afterwards, we went back to the dive shop (Pleasure Diving), had lunch, and then got a tank refill to go to Alma Bay where we explored some small caves, again, so sweet! It was another long dive, 75minutes, and I am rather proud since I “outlasted” Torrey on both dives, so apparently I use air very conservatively while down there. I want to get my advanced open water certification now. I wonder why I didn’t study Marine Biology! It’d be sweet to have to dive as a job. That evening, we went with Luke to a yoga practice on the island with a bunch of residents. We even saw the owner of the dive shop who let us know that he would be willing to do a night dive with us to check out the wreck the following evening. This island is amazing; I love the small town feel, despite the tourist attractions (Moke and “topless” cars). Torrey went on a night dive that I planned to do, but figured I will be doing two in Cairns so I passed.
Over the next few days we washed the car, helped finish laying a walkway, set up a small garden, and did other small tasks around the house. On Easter Sunday I baked an apple pie, lemon bars, anzac and chocolate chip cookies! We've spent quality time with this family and it has been wonderful (I even taught the girls some gymnastics). It has also made me excited to come home! I'm still waiting to see a koala... I went on a 6km walk by myself, and still no luck! Fortunately they have internet, although my mobile doesn't work, so I was able to book my live-aboard diving trip (three days, two nights, eleven dives), sort a hostel and couchsurfing in Cairns, as well as a way up there! I won't be spending anymore time in Sydney as initially anticipated because the tickets south were really expensive because of the holidays.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Queensland
Hitch hiking (kind of)
So my flight into “Brizzy” was delayed by over an hour, but fortunately I had a long layover. There were a number of passengers who intended to catch a connecting international flight, and were not so happy about the situation. When I landed I didn’t quite know what to do since the bus that goes to St. Lawrence had already left for the day. Another charter company failed to answer their phone despite being during business hours. I started to walk from the airport to town to find the rail station. I ended up stopping and asking two cars that were pulled over and chatting where the station was; it was “just down the way.” I asked if the gentleman was heading that way; fortunately, he was. It was hot walking in lower eighty degree heat! As it turns out, he was the manager of a trucking company and I mentioned how I might have to hitchhike if the train didn’t work out. He said that one of his employees was just getting ready to head that direction. He gave Ben a call and within minutes I was in a big rig heading towards St. Lawrence. Ben had just come back from a five week holiday in Vietnam, where he also just got married! An hour and a half later I was dropped off on the side of Bruce Highway just as it was getting dark. Torrey came to pick me up and we went to Greg and Colleen’s, where he was WWOOFing (Willing Workers On Organic Farms).
St. Lawrence
So I should start out by explaining a crabbing outing in the Broad Sound and estuaries surrounding the Coyne’s 6,000acres. It is a five minute drive to a dock where the tide changes up to 6m (18ft). In the back of the pickup we have a couple empty bins (for the crabs we catch), a bin of bait (fish heads or shark bits), a couple frozen two liter containers of juice, and two cans of fuel that we fill the boat up with each outing. Greg has one hundred pots set at all times, but each outing we only switch about half of them. We are out on the water between three and a half and four and a half hours, depending on wind, where the pots are, etc. In order to pick up the bots, we use a gaff hook, pull them up, take out the male crabs, switch the bait, and pile them in the back of the boat until it is time to put them out again. Since we are catching mud crabs, whatever one is wearing is filthy by the end, smelling like fish guts and all. We go out with the tide (while I was there, it was typically in the morning), leaving earliest at 6:00am. We did do one night run where we left at 6:00pm and went out via moon and boat light. It was much more challenging, particularly because the few mornings I was out, it wasn’t windy, and this night it was, so picking up the pots was much more difficult due to the rocky boat. When I wasn’t crabbing, I helped box the crabs, take down a fence, or break things down for a dump run. I did manage to finish a book and watch “Killers,” the newer Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigel (sp). Our last evening we went pig hunting but we failed to kill one. We worked four hours each day to cover food and lodging, and the rest of the time we worked we were paid. It was a fun rural experience! I feel like we ate all the time, with three meals a day, including tea breaks, where the snack food was often a meal in itself; I suppose we were working though! Nevertheless, it was a great start to seeing QLD.
Actual Hitchhiking!
We got a ride with Colleen back up to Mackay. It was Sunday though and much of the city was closed, including the Greyhound bus station. I had the number from when I called when I first arrived and tried them, but found out that the bus wasn't coming for eight hours. We walked through the Sunday market, grabbed a delicious apple, rhubarb crumble and headed to the highway; our goal: to head to Townsville (400km north) to catch a ferry to Magnetic Island, where we had a place to stay. After an hour and a half we were picked up by this guy Mike, who has been living on the road for the past eight years. He was going to party before working in Cape York for a few months. He drove us just outside of Airlie Beach, gave us energy drinks and sugar cane and we stuck out our fingers again. Within five minutes another "bloke" picked us up who was heading just south of Townsville to go fishing. He listened to cricket the whole time and was not very chatty. He dropped us 50km outside of Townsville. Elated that things were going so well, we were picked up again within ten minutes by a father of nine, with only one child in the car, and his dog. He took us the half an hour to Townsville on his way up to Cairns. We were 7km outside of the city and started walking in with our fingers out. A german guy, Hogard, and his Malaysian wife, Eta, Townsville residents, although heading the opposite direction stopped and asked us where we needed to go. We told them the ferry terminal and they were happy to drop us right there. Talk about a successful trip up the coast! We got to the ferry station six and a half hours after our start of hitchhiking (a straight drive probably would have taken four hours), and a half an hour past when we would have left Mackay had we waited for the Greyhound. We took the ferry across, caught a bus to the Stearns.
So my flight into “Brizzy” was delayed by over an hour, but fortunately I had a long layover. There were a number of passengers who intended to catch a connecting international flight, and were not so happy about the situation. When I landed I didn’t quite know what to do since the bus that goes to St. Lawrence had already left for the day. Another charter company failed to answer their phone despite being during business hours. I started to walk from the airport to town to find the rail station. I ended up stopping and asking two cars that were pulled over and chatting where the station was; it was “just down the way.” I asked if the gentleman was heading that way; fortunately, he was. It was hot walking in lower eighty degree heat! As it turns out, he was the manager of a trucking company and I mentioned how I might have to hitchhike if the train didn’t work out. He said that one of his employees was just getting ready to head that direction. He gave Ben a call and within minutes I was in a big rig heading towards St. Lawrence. Ben had just come back from a five week holiday in Vietnam, where he also just got married! An hour and a half later I was dropped off on the side of Bruce Highway just as it was getting dark. Torrey came to pick me up and we went to Greg and Colleen’s, where he was WWOOFing (Willing Workers On Organic Farms).
St. Lawrence
So I should start out by explaining a crabbing outing in the Broad Sound and estuaries surrounding the Coyne’s 6,000acres. It is a five minute drive to a dock where the tide changes up to 6m (18ft). In the back of the pickup we have a couple empty bins (for the crabs we catch), a bin of bait (fish heads or shark bits), a couple frozen two liter containers of juice, and two cans of fuel that we fill the boat up with each outing. Greg has one hundred pots set at all times, but each outing we only switch about half of them. We are out on the water between three and a half and four and a half hours, depending on wind, where the pots are, etc. In order to pick up the bots, we use a gaff hook, pull them up, take out the male crabs, switch the bait, and pile them in the back of the boat until it is time to put them out again. Since we are catching mud crabs, whatever one is wearing is filthy by the end, smelling like fish guts and all. We go out with the tide (while I was there, it was typically in the morning), leaving earliest at 6:00am. We did do one night run where we left at 6:00pm and went out via moon and boat light. It was much more challenging, particularly because the few mornings I was out, it wasn’t windy, and this night it was, so picking up the pots was much more difficult due to the rocky boat. When I wasn’t crabbing, I helped box the crabs, take down a fence, or break things down for a dump run. I did manage to finish a book and watch “Killers,” the newer Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigel (sp). Our last evening we went pig hunting but we failed to kill one. We worked four hours each day to cover food and lodging, and the rest of the time we worked we were paid. It was a fun rural experience! I feel like we ate all the time, with three meals a day, including tea breaks, where the snack food was often a meal in itself; I suppose we were working though! Nevertheless, it was a great start to seeing QLD.
Actual Hitchhiking!
We got a ride with Colleen back up to Mackay. It was Sunday though and much of the city was closed, including the Greyhound bus station. I had the number from when I called when I first arrived and tried them, but found out that the bus wasn't coming for eight hours. We walked through the Sunday market, grabbed a delicious apple, rhubarb crumble and headed to the highway; our goal: to head to Townsville (400km north) to catch a ferry to Magnetic Island, where we had a place to stay. After an hour and a half we were picked up by this guy Mike, who has been living on the road for the past eight years. He was going to party before working in Cape York for a few months. He drove us just outside of Airlie Beach, gave us energy drinks and sugar cane and we stuck out our fingers again. Within five minutes another "bloke" picked us up who was heading just south of Townsville to go fishing. He listened to cricket the whole time and was not very chatty. He dropped us 50km outside of Townsville. Elated that things were going so well, we were picked up again within ten minutes by a father of nine, with only one child in the car, and his dog. He took us the half an hour to Townsville on his way up to Cairns. We were 7km outside of the city and started walking in with our fingers out. A german guy, Hogard, and his Malaysian wife, Eta, Townsville residents, although heading the opposite direction stopped and asked us where we needed to go. We told them the ferry terminal and they were happy to drop us right there. Talk about a successful trip up the coast! We got to the ferry station six and a half hours after our start of hitchhiking (a straight drive probably would have taken four hours), and a half an hour past when we would have left Mackay had we waited for the Greyhound. We took the ferry across, caught a bus to the Stearns.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Climbing and a travel adventure
Linfield
For my last day in Sydney (for the time being), I stayed around Collaroy, grabbed a baguette for breakfast, watched Bree try to fly a kite (it broke within minutes), and ended up getting a swimsuit (all summer stuff at this store was half off!). Dave picked me up and we headed over to the crags over at Linfield to go climbing. He was kind enough to belay me on a bunch of top ropes. It was a great area to practice skills and get some conditioning in. I only did about five routes, but I down climbed them, some were a bit thin, and the last was an overhang. Not too shabby for not climbing for a while. The rock was sandstone and super sticky! Ohh how I miss climbing! Then Dave dropped me at the train station in Chatswood to go the airport to attempt the standby flight thing, which I was quite weary about.
En Route to QLD
I found out that “stand by” flights don’t really exist in Australia as I was previously told, and encouraged to try in order to save money; so much for not trusting my gut feeling and booking ahead! I got to the airport and just ended up buying a flight for the following day. Since I already paid to get to the airport, I figured I’d just hang around. There was free wifi so I downloaded a bunch of podcasts and games on my itouch. I fortunately also had a few books to pass the time. I ended up having to go to the international terminal for the evening since the domestic one closes in the evening; it was either there, or McDonalds… A girl from Germany shared a power outlet with me and I got a few movies from her. In the morning I caught the train back to the proper terminal and caught my flight into Mackay via Brisbane. Once I arrive in Mackay, it will be after when the daily bus goes to St. Lawrence, so I may be hitchhiking down the Bruce Hwy... tbd
For my last day in Sydney (for the time being), I stayed around Collaroy, grabbed a baguette for breakfast, watched Bree try to fly a kite (it broke within minutes), and ended up getting a swimsuit (all summer stuff at this store was half off!). Dave picked me up and we headed over to the crags over at Linfield to go climbing. He was kind enough to belay me on a bunch of top ropes. It was a great area to practice skills and get some conditioning in. I only did about five routes, but I down climbed them, some were a bit thin, and the last was an overhang. Not too shabby for not climbing for a while. The rock was sandstone and super sticky! Ohh how I miss climbing! Then Dave dropped me at the train station in Chatswood to go the airport to attempt the standby flight thing, which I was quite weary about.
En Route to QLD
I found out that “stand by” flights don’t really exist in Australia as I was previously told, and encouraged to try in order to save money; so much for not trusting my gut feeling and booking ahead! I got to the airport and just ended up buying a flight for the following day. Since I already paid to get to the airport, I figured I’d just hang around. There was free wifi so I downloaded a bunch of podcasts and games on my itouch. I fortunately also had a few books to pass the time. I ended up having to go to the international terminal for the evening since the domestic one closes in the evening; it was either there, or McDonalds… A girl from Germany shared a power outlet with me and I got a few movies from her. In the morning I caught the train back to the proper terminal and caught my flight into Mackay via Brisbane. Once I arrive in Mackay, it will be after when the daily bus goes to St. Lawrence, so I may be hitchhiking down the Bruce Hwy... tbd
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sydney - Collaroy
Upon landing in Sydney, I took a train to Circular Quay where I caught a ferry into Manly. Nikki picked me up and we got sorbet and ice cream! Doug and Bree are finishing their time with the Norwegians at a hostel in Collaroy so I stayed with them for the night. The following day we went to the mall, got myself a new camera (as mine died in the water in Fiji) and a passport photo so I can send in my PADI card. We picked up my belongings from Dave's so I could organize what I wanted to bring up north to Queensland. I went out to dinner with the group at a Thai restaurant across the street from the hostel. I spent a bunch of time online and organizing photos, etc. I talked with Torrey and figured out that I would fly into Mackay, bus into St. Lawrence and work with where he is at. I am going to go to the airport tonight after climbing to see if I can fly standby. We will see how that works out... From St. Lawrence, we will go to Magnetic Island, work and hopefully scuba, make our way up to Cairns, maybe scuba, and make it back to Sydney fo our flights. I will probably head back end of May so I can climb the three sisters and maybe do a canyon. Regardless, my flight is booked to Seattle May 4th!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Fiji
I flew in Nadi in the afternoon with a carryon and easily made it through security. I took a taxi to Nadi Bay Resort Hotel where Kim, Jordan, and David were just returning from the beach to meet me. We talked with the travel lady and booked transportation on the Yasawa Flyer for a week to explore the islands northwest of where we currently are and booked a few nights at my parent’s timeshare for when we return. It was going to be a much more expensive week than I anticipated as we are going to the islands rather than exploring the mainland, but it was great!
Bounty Island
Our first stop was in the Mamanuca Islands at Bounty Resort after only half an hour on the flyer. It was beautiful weather and we went to the beach immediately. Kim and I decided to get some activities in our lives, we would walk arond the island. We found an employee spear fishing and we watched him for a bit. It took about 15 minutes, maximum, to walk around the island. We then joined the boys snokeling, came in for lunch, (where the food is very reminiscent of India and I LOVE it!) , went kayaking arond the land, worked on our tans, had dinner, watched the sunset and went to bed after many card games.
Beachcomber Island
The following morning we woke up early to catch the flyer to Beachcomber, known as the "party island." It was only 15 minutes away on the flyer. David upgraded up to a bure because the beds in the dorm were rumored to have bed bugs. We took a whole ten minutes to walk around the island before laying out to work on our tans again. We took a break to go snorkling. Over the day we met a few Norwegians, English people, and Israelis and hanged out with them for the day. After the buffet style lunch, we went out on a boat to the edge of the reef and snorkled some more. We then day drank, socialized with travelers, had dinner, enjoyed live, local music and a playlist afterwards. The food there was great and the people were fun! It was a great time, but I was happy to just spend a day there.
Tavewa Island
We woke up early to catch the flyer, looking forward to staying somewhere longer than a night, even though it would be a five hour ferry to our next stop. We had looked into PADI scuba certification and decided on Coralview Resort, on the northern end. We ended up spending the rest of our time on the island there, but it was wonderful. The staff was so welcoming and really made you feel at home. They were like family rather than just coworkers. Every night they sang, danced, and led everyone in a game (crab races, four corners with cards, etc). We met an array of interesting travelers. The weather was not so great all the time, but it worked out well because since we were getting certified, we were in the water a lot, or reading the PADI book. The "confined water" sessions were held at Blue Lagoon in shallow water. It was awesome- so much better than a pool! Every dive we did was beautiful with quite good visibility, and a wide variety of coral and aquatic life. I am so happy to be certified and am looking forward to being able to scuba more. The most amazing thing was, for our final dive, since we "did well" on our exams, we got to do our final dive at 20m to watch a shark feeding. So SWEET! Great pictures as well :).
Nadi
We took the long ferry ride back to the mainland and booked a hostel in Smugglers Cove at Bamboo, an extremely economical choice, but also with an incredible and welcoming staff. It turned out great, we had a kava session, listened to Fijians play music, and went out to a local bar. Again, great people. The following day, we ended up just hanging out after check out, made coconut bracelets, and I spent way too much time online, and am considering coming home early because I looked to much into the uncertainties of my upcoming month. We'll see! I would really like to go up to the Great Barrier and scuba there, but I am so indifferent on employment opportunities, I dred looking into it, also accommodation , etc. Who KNOWS! We took a taxi to Denarau Worldmark Resort where we enjoyed the comforts of a condo, (thanks mom and dad!). We layed out by the pool, watched Greece 2 at the pool bar, sat in the hot tub, watched the news, ordered in from Mamma's Pizza, did laundry, watched the Prince of Persia and Grown Ups. For my last dinner with the group, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe, followed by an evening out at the Ice Bar and Ed's. The following morning, we packed up, dropped off their things back at Bamboo and quickly went into town before I went to the airport to return to Australia.
Bounty Island
Our first stop was in the Mamanuca Islands at Bounty Resort after only half an hour on the flyer. It was beautiful weather and we went to the beach immediately. Kim and I decided to get some activities in our lives, we would walk arond the island. We found an employee spear fishing and we watched him for a bit. It took about 15 minutes, maximum, to walk around the island. We then joined the boys snokeling, came in for lunch, (where the food is very reminiscent of India and I LOVE it!) , went kayaking arond the land, worked on our tans, had dinner, watched the sunset and went to bed after many card games.
Beachcomber Island
The following morning we woke up early to catch the flyer to Beachcomber, known as the "party island." It was only 15 minutes away on the flyer. David upgraded up to a bure because the beds in the dorm were rumored to have bed bugs. We took a whole ten minutes to walk around the island before laying out to work on our tans again. We took a break to go snorkling. Over the day we met a few Norwegians, English people, and Israelis and hanged out with them for the day. After the buffet style lunch, we went out on a boat to the edge of the reef and snorkled some more. We then day drank, socialized with travelers, had dinner, enjoyed live, local music and a playlist afterwards. The food there was great and the people were fun! It was a great time, but I was happy to just spend a day there.
Tavewa Island
We woke up early to catch the flyer, looking forward to staying somewhere longer than a night, even though it would be a five hour ferry to our next stop. We had looked into PADI scuba certification and decided on Coralview Resort, on the northern end. We ended up spending the rest of our time on the island there, but it was wonderful. The staff was so welcoming and really made you feel at home. They were like family rather than just coworkers. Every night they sang, danced, and led everyone in a game (crab races, four corners with cards, etc). We met an array of interesting travelers. The weather was not so great all the time, but it worked out well because since we were getting certified, we were in the water a lot, or reading the PADI book. The "confined water" sessions were held at Blue Lagoon in shallow water. It was awesome- so much better than a pool! Every dive we did was beautiful with quite good visibility, and a wide variety of coral and aquatic life. I am so happy to be certified and am looking forward to being able to scuba more. The most amazing thing was, for our final dive, since we "did well" on our exams, we got to do our final dive at 20m to watch a shark feeding. So SWEET! Great pictures as well :).
Nadi
We took the long ferry ride back to the mainland and booked a hostel in Smugglers Cove at Bamboo, an extremely economical choice, but also with an incredible and welcoming staff. It turned out great, we had a kava session, listened to Fijians play music, and went out to a local bar. Again, great people. The following day, we ended up just hanging out after check out, made coconut bracelets, and I spent way too much time online, and am considering coming home early because I looked to much into the uncertainties of my upcoming month. We'll see! I would really like to go up to the Great Barrier and scuba there, but I am so indifferent on employment opportunities, I dred looking into it, also accommodation , etc. Who KNOWS! We took a taxi to Denarau Worldmark Resort where we enjoyed the comforts of a condo, (thanks mom and dad!). We layed out by the pool, watched Greece 2 at the pool bar, sat in the hot tub, watched the news, ordered in from Mamma's Pizza, did laundry, watched the Prince of Persia and Grown Ups. For my last dinner with the group, we went to the Hard Rock Cafe, followed by an evening out at the Ice Bar and Ed's. The following morning, we packed up, dropped off their things back at Bamboo and quickly went into town before I went to the airport to return to Australia.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hunter Valley and a change of plans
After going out in Richmond and seeing Pixie the fiddler play, we went out to the wakeboarding cable park followed by the white water park. I went wakeboarding and paid for the “pro board” which just classified as a normal board. It was super fun! The first time getting out on the cable I totally biffed it; you are standing on this turf thing and then are pulled out by a handle and you just stay standing. Nevertheless, after that one mishap, I was fine. The corners were super fun to take wide, but every time I tried to hit a jump I just did not land anything. After an hour of riding, we went to the whitewater park where David rented a kayak and we watched him go down the rapids. Then, Eric, Kim and I started our drive up to the Hunter Valley where we stopped in Singleton for groceries before setting up camp. We camped in the evening right off the road in Broke in a park, played cards in the tent, and started off early the following morning to go wine tasting in the Pokolbin areas. We started off at a smaller winery, Glandore Estate Wines, where I had a tempranillo for the first time that I thoroughly enjoyed. The woman was great because she opened up tasting early for us! Next, we went to a much larger and longstanding winery, Tyrell's Vineyards, established in 1858, where we got to taste a number of wines, all side by side, with the gentlemen testing and quizzing us on the differences. This was by far my favorite winery and I picked up a bottle of the Hunter Valley Brokenback Shiraz. Since the Hunter is known for its Semillons, an acidic white wine that ages quite well, we made a point to try them at every place. Eric was great and only tasted whites as he was our driver around the valley. We just continued along a single road and made it to seven wineries! We popped over to David Hook's where I had my first Barbera, which again, I thoroughly enjoyed. We then went to Tempus Two, Kevin Sorbel, Tower, and Hungerford. We also managed to pick up a couple of Cleanskins for dinner at the Lasts where David, Steph and Jordan made a taco bar for Steph's parents, Jackie and Tony. We were also greeted by Dave and Nikki which was a wonderful surprise! I was then convinced to go to Fiji. Jordan and Kim were planning on it (for three weeks) and David just changed his flight to go for two. We have all been getting along so great, and it doesn't seem right to leave them just yet, so I looked at flights, and it was reasonable enough that I bough a flight within minutes to get to Fiji for 10 days. We rearranged the canyon and climbing to do afterwards. THEN, I'll get a job? Hopefully I'll get scuba certified in Fiji as well with David!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Post PC, Sydney, Kurrajong
Post Pacific Challenge in the Sydney area
We stayed the first night in the Manly Apartments with the other group and then got another apartment a couple blocks away for the next two nights. We hanged around Manly again, surfed, chilled, went out for Dash’s birthday (had Mexican!), etc. We went into Sydney to stay in King’s Cross and celebrated Dash’s birthday (again) with sushi and karaoke. We were escorted by Tommy’s family friend Danielle to breakfast in the morning, said our goodbyes, and napped in the international lounge at the University of Sydney while Steph was in class. I met up with Eric, someone who I went to highschool with, got a new phone, went to Bondi to meet up with Jay, Tommy’s friend from highschool, and then bussed and trained it up north to Richmond. I was so proud I coordinated that ending transport myself as I left Steph and David when I went to Bondi :)
Kurrajong
Steph’s family lives an 75minute train north of Sydney and are nice enough to let us stay. They are also a great halfway point between the city and mountains. The following day her dad, Tony, took us to do Sheep Dip, a beginning level canyon, with three pool jumps. It was awesome! I really hadn’t done anything like it. You were walking through a canyon, with your feet pretty much always in water, sometimes submerged to your waist, only completely under water when you made 8-15ft jumps into a pool where you made a quick swim to the ledge. It was awesome. We are going to do another one next week! We went out to a pub and had dinner with Dave and a few other people that stayed behind. Tony is a longtime climber who has lived in Chamonix, Yosemite, the Alps, etc, and he and Dave offered to take me into the mountains in the upcoming weeks before I go to Byron (which I am pushing back when I will actually go because I’d love to get some climbing in around here and they have the gear!!) The following day we made it into Sydney to meet up with Danielle for lunch.
We stayed the first night in the Manly Apartments with the other group and then got another apartment a couple blocks away for the next two nights. We hanged around Manly again, surfed, chilled, went out for Dash’s birthday (had Mexican!), etc. We went into Sydney to stay in King’s Cross and celebrated Dash’s birthday (again) with sushi and karaoke. We were escorted by Tommy’s family friend Danielle to breakfast in the morning, said our goodbyes, and napped in the international lounge at the University of Sydney while Steph was in class. I met up with Eric, someone who I went to highschool with, got a new phone, went to Bondi to meet up with Jay, Tommy’s friend from highschool, and then bussed and trained it up north to Richmond. I was so proud I coordinated that ending transport myself as I left Steph and David when I went to Bondi :)
Kurrajong
Steph’s family lives an 75minute train north of Sydney and are nice enough to let us stay. They are also a great halfway point between the city and mountains. The following day her dad, Tony, took us to do Sheep Dip, a beginning level canyon, with three pool jumps. It was awesome! I really hadn’t done anything like it. You were walking through a canyon, with your feet pretty much always in water, sometimes submerged to your waist, only completely under water when you made 8-15ft jumps into a pool where you made a quick swim to the ledge. It was awesome. We are going to do another one next week! We went out to a pub and had dinner with Dave and a few other people that stayed behind. Tony is a longtime climber who has lived in Chamonix, Yosemite, the Alps, etc, and he and Dave offered to take me into the mountains in the upcoming weeks before I go to Byron (which I am pushing back when I will actually go because I’d love to get some climbing in around here and they have the gear!!) The following day we made it into Sydney to meet up with Danielle for lunch.
Friday, March 18, 2011
End of time with Pacific Challengers
Byron Bay
Upon arriving, we settled into our awesome bungalow accommodations and went into town for dinner. Ashley and I found somewhere to sign up for skydiving and got everything sorted for ourselves and Cody. I may want to find myself back up here post Pacific Challenge. After going out to see what the town had to offer in the evening, we went and had a quick lesson for scuba diving in a pool. We then jetted out about 15minutes to Julian Rocks and went scuba diving! SO AWESOME. There were so many different kinds of fish, we saw a few sharks amongst the coral; in short, it was amazing. I plan to get certified as time allows. I’d love to do that more often! Coming back to Tallows (the name of the place we are staying) we made dinner and then hit the town for Friday night. The following day we were picked up by a limo to go skydiving at 7am. Two groups jumped before us and then clouds rolled in. We ended up watching skydiving videos for four hours and went out to lunch with the divers. Afterwards, the weather cleared and we jumped from 14,000feet and did multiple flips upon jumping out of the four person plane. It was even better than the first jump and I am officially addicted. I looked into the certification course here in Byron where I’d learn with people who have over 7,000 and 14,000 jumps. We also learned of a legal base jumping spot in Idaho that we are going to hit up when we’re back! I found some plugs since I’ve lost pairs while surfing and scuba diving. I got online, figured out about meeting up with people I know from the States that are down here and Sydney and booked a hostel with people from the program for after everyone leaves. We hit the town again, lost each other, and all found one another to catch a cab back after kebabs. Byron Bay was spectacular. I talked to a bunch of people for their opinions about moving and getting settled in here and I might do it in a couple of weeks!
Noosa and the Zoo
We drove into Noosa and camped to shorten the drive to the Australia Zoo, formerly owned by the infamous Steve Irwin, just outside of Brisbane. I finally had a freshly made juice there which was delicious (made from beetroot, apple, carrot, and ginger)—soo good! In our afternoon at the zoo, we saw a show in the Crocoseum where, as a group of Americans, we won a magazine for being the loudest in representing where we were from. We then walked around and got to pet koalas and kangaroos, again, so awesome! We also saw dingos, wombats, emus, a number of native snakes, birds, and crocodiles, among other ‘exotic’ species such as elephants, red pandas, a tiger. We then drove back to Byron Bay, this time to camp.
Sydney and surrounding area
So another long drive took us back to Sydney where we staying in the suburb of Manly, one of the Northern Beaches. The following day we took a ferry into the city where we saw the opera house, Luna Park, a few parks, the Botanical gardens, Darling Harbour, etc. It was also St. Patrick’s Day and all the Irish Pubs were giving out hats and glasses and many, free green beers on entry. After spending the afternoon downtown, we jumped on a ferry back again to celebrate Ed’s 21st birthday in Manly. Time was winding down with the group. Sarah’s mom came into town, as they will be travelling for a few weeks, and we met up for lunch. That evening, we presented our “Secret Kiwi” gifts (we were all given someone and made a gift for them in order to help them remember the trip). I made Tommy a slideshow of pictures from the trip put to Chamillionare’s “Good Morning.” One of our group leaders, Bree, was mine and she made me this awesome collaged spiral notebook with everything we did on the trip. I LOVE IT! The following morning everyone left bright and early and since a number of us (Tommy, Cody, Dash, and David) were staying after, we helped clean up the rooms as the other group will be coming to stay where we are today. It’s so crazy that everyone is nearly gone! We wandered Manly, went to the Warringah Mall. The group arrived, we bribed them with brownies to let us stay the night, and we anticipate getting a hostel for the following days. I need to look into climbing the Three Sisters and a flight up to Balline so I can start living in Byron Bay!
Upon arriving, we settled into our awesome bungalow accommodations and went into town for dinner. Ashley and I found somewhere to sign up for skydiving and got everything sorted for ourselves and Cody. I may want to find myself back up here post Pacific Challenge. After going out to see what the town had to offer in the evening, we went and had a quick lesson for scuba diving in a pool. We then jetted out about 15minutes to Julian Rocks and went scuba diving! SO AWESOME. There were so many different kinds of fish, we saw a few sharks amongst the coral; in short, it was amazing. I plan to get certified as time allows. I’d love to do that more often! Coming back to Tallows (the name of the place we are staying) we made dinner and then hit the town for Friday night. The following day we were picked up by a limo to go skydiving at 7am. Two groups jumped before us and then clouds rolled in. We ended up watching skydiving videos for four hours and went out to lunch with the divers. Afterwards, the weather cleared and we jumped from 14,000feet and did multiple flips upon jumping out of the four person plane. It was even better than the first jump and I am officially addicted. I looked into the certification course here in Byron where I’d learn with people who have over 7,000 and 14,000 jumps. We also learned of a legal base jumping spot in Idaho that we are going to hit up when we’re back! I found some plugs since I’ve lost pairs while surfing and scuba diving. I got online, figured out about meeting up with people I know from the States that are down here and Sydney and booked a hostel with people from the program for after everyone leaves. We hit the town again, lost each other, and all found one another to catch a cab back after kebabs. Byron Bay was spectacular. I talked to a bunch of people for their opinions about moving and getting settled in here and I might do it in a couple of weeks!
Noosa and the Zoo
We drove into Noosa and camped to shorten the drive to the Australia Zoo, formerly owned by the infamous Steve Irwin, just outside of Brisbane. I finally had a freshly made juice there which was delicious (made from beetroot, apple, carrot, and ginger)—soo good! In our afternoon at the zoo, we saw a show in the Crocoseum where, as a group of Americans, we won a magazine for being the loudest in representing where we were from. We then walked around and got to pet koalas and kangaroos, again, so awesome! We also saw dingos, wombats, emus, a number of native snakes, birds, and crocodiles, among other ‘exotic’ species such as elephants, red pandas, a tiger. We then drove back to Byron Bay, this time to camp.
Sydney and surrounding area
So another long drive took us back to Sydney where we staying in the suburb of Manly, one of the Northern Beaches. The following day we took a ferry into the city where we saw the opera house, Luna Park, a few parks, the Botanical gardens, Darling Harbour, etc. It was also St. Patrick’s Day and all the Irish Pubs were giving out hats and glasses and many, free green beers on entry. After spending the afternoon downtown, we jumped on a ferry back again to celebrate Ed’s 21st birthday in Manly. Time was winding down with the group. Sarah’s mom came into town, as they will be travelling for a few weeks, and we met up for lunch. That evening, we presented our “Secret Kiwi” gifts (we were all given someone and made a gift for them in order to help them remember the trip). I made Tommy a slideshow of pictures from the trip put to Chamillionare’s “Good Morning.” One of our group leaders, Bree, was mine and she made me this awesome collaged spiral notebook with everything we did on the trip. I LOVE IT! The following morning everyone left bright and early and since a number of us (Tommy, Cody, Dash, and David) were staying after, we helped clean up the rooms as the other group will be coming to stay where we are today. It’s so crazy that everyone is nearly gone! We wandered Manly, went to the Warringah Mall. The group arrived, we bribed them with brownies to let us stay the night, and we anticipate getting a hostel for the following days. I need to look into climbing the Three Sisters and a flight up to Balline so I can start living in Byron Bay!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mountains, Rainforests, and Beaches
Blue Mountains
The three and half hour drive or so was broken up by a stop at a cable park where people knee or wakeboarded. There was also a sweet trampoline that reminded me of a tumble track and I did some tumble passes on it! Getting to the lodge where we were staying, we headed out for dinner and then also some of us went out to see Hall Pass- so funny! The following morning we had classes with Dave and then headed out to the mountains for some climbing after stopping in town for lunch and internet. There were a few pitch climbs, all relatively easy, although I did do a bit of an overhang/arête that proved a little difficult because I haven’t climbed at all recently. Afterwards we went to a local restaurant that specialized in homemade pies and then went back, made a fire and went to bed.
Warrumbungles
A six hour drive took us to a small town where we had lunch and picked up groceries for our night of camping. Once we arrived, there wasn’t much to do but a few of us went on a bush walk in search of a koala as kangaroos and cockatoos had already been quite numerous. After dinner, we had lamington as dessert for Jordan’s birthday and watched Dark Night, although missed the last half an hour because the two computers we had to use to watch it, died.
Cascade
A seven or so hour drive took us to an environmental education center in Cascade, where I had my first experience with a land leech attaching itself to my ankle. We ate dinner and watched Ferngully, a movie that I remember loving as a child. The following morning we had Geoffrey take us on a walk through the rainforest after a brief introduction to the flora, fauna, and history of the area to an area known as Platypus Falls, unfortunately it was midday and they were not visable. We had a “contest” to see who had the most, and the biggest leech by the end. I somehow managed to win the category for the largest leech. It was the most disgusting thing, particularly when we took it off, and then it exploded with blood. Uck! The following day, we had a low key day of studying, and a walk to Platypus Flats. There was also a rather dodgy rope swing we played on as well as swimming across the river.
Coff Harbour
En route the Byron Bay, we stopped along the coast for surf lessons and to do some raft surfing. It was a blast! I am not the greatest and getting myself set up quick enough for a wave I spot, but I’m definitely getting the hang of it. I love it! A few people from the group are planning in staying in Sydney a bit after the trip and the plan is to be surf bums, so I’m sure I’ll improve a bunch. I was easily standing up, got pulled aside and given a personal tutorial on turning. RADICAL!
The three and half hour drive or so was broken up by a stop at a cable park where people knee or wakeboarded. There was also a sweet trampoline that reminded me of a tumble track and I did some tumble passes on it! Getting to the lodge where we were staying, we headed out for dinner and then also some of us went out to see Hall Pass- so funny! The following morning we had classes with Dave and then headed out to the mountains for some climbing after stopping in town for lunch and internet. There were a few pitch climbs, all relatively easy, although I did do a bit of an overhang/arête that proved a little difficult because I haven’t climbed at all recently. Afterwards we went to a local restaurant that specialized in homemade pies and then went back, made a fire and went to bed.
Warrumbungles
A six hour drive took us to a small town where we had lunch and picked up groceries for our night of camping. Once we arrived, there wasn’t much to do but a few of us went on a bush walk in search of a koala as kangaroos and cockatoos had already been quite numerous. After dinner, we had lamington as dessert for Jordan’s birthday and watched Dark Night, although missed the last half an hour because the two computers we had to use to watch it, died.
Cascade
A seven or so hour drive took us to an environmental education center in Cascade, where I had my first experience with a land leech attaching itself to my ankle. We ate dinner and watched Ferngully, a movie that I remember loving as a child. The following morning we had Geoffrey take us on a walk through the rainforest after a brief introduction to the flora, fauna, and history of the area to an area known as Platypus Falls, unfortunately it was midday and they were not visable. We had a “contest” to see who had the most, and the biggest leech by the end. I somehow managed to win the category for the largest leech. It was the most disgusting thing, particularly when we took it off, and then it exploded with blood. Uck! The following day, we had a low key day of studying, and a walk to Platypus Flats. There was also a rather dodgy rope swing we played on as well as swimming across the river.
Coff Harbour
En route the Byron Bay, we stopped along the coast for surf lessons and to do some raft surfing. It was a blast! I am not the greatest and getting myself set up quick enough for a wave I spot, but I’m definitely getting the hang of it. I love it! A few people from the group are planning in staying in Sydney a bit after the trip and the plan is to be surf bums, so I’m sure I’ll improve a bunch. I was easily standing up, got pulled aside and given a personal tutorial on turning. RADICAL!
Friday, March 4, 2011
AUSTRALIA!!!
Arriving in Sydney, I exchanged some money, bought a SIM card (0404575863 if anyone wants to call!), and caught a shuttle into the city where Doug, our trip leader, was staying at Dave’s, the program leader’s, apartment in Manly, a suburb in the northern beaches of Sydney. The group wasn’t arriving until 4:30 so we picked up the 22 seater bus we will be headed to an outdoor mall to grab some lunch; the food is so much better here than in NZ! I had a pumpkin, garbanzo bean salad and a chicken, avocado wrap. We then went grocery shopping, dropped off our gear at the surf club we were staying at. We then went driving around and saw beaches at Cooggee, Bondi, and Manly. We then also went to a lookout, which would have been beautiful but it was a bit cloudy. We then went and hung at McDonalds outside of the airport until the group got in. It was a successful pickup! We headed back to the surf club to make dinner and enjoy a laid back evening. The following day was characterized by waking up for sunrise and watching the beach fill up with surfers, going on a run, playing in the waves, going into Manly for shopping, going on a Harley Davidson ride, coming back to make dinner and then going out to a 3story club in the evening. We had class in the morning with Dave.
Last Days in NZ
Franz Josef
We drove through the Southern Alps to arrive on the other side of Mt. Cook at Franz Josef. This was a pretty low key time for me because I finally came down with the cold that has been moving through the group. The only real notable thing I did was go to the glacier hot pools, as I was too tired to ice climb with the few that went. Stayed around the hostel and had a movie day.
Christchurch
As the city is closed, we ended up camping on the outskirts at a holiday park near the airport. There was not much to do here and again we watched “heaps” of tv. We did go a bit near the city and saw some wreckage and a woman staying where we were was a relief worker who has been working every day since the quake. Apparently, another earthquake is anticipated in the upcoming months. I ended up on a different flight than everyone else and got through security at the airport by 5am and leave at 6:35. Everyone else is on an afternoon flight! I am still congested but hopefully getting over this cold I’ve been battling for the last few days!
We drove through the Southern Alps to arrive on the other side of Mt. Cook at Franz Josef. This was a pretty low key time for me because I finally came down with the cold that has been moving through the group. The only real notable thing I did was go to the glacier hot pools, as I was too tired to ice climb with the few that went. Stayed around the hostel and had a movie day.
Christchurch
As the city is closed, we ended up camping on the outskirts at a holiday park near the airport. There was not much to do here and again we watched “heaps” of tv. We did go a bit near the city and saw some wreckage and a woman staying where we were was a relief worker who has been working every day since the quake. Apparently, another earthquake is anticipated in the upcoming months. I ended up on a different flight than everyone else and got through security at the airport by 5am and leave at 6:35. Everyone else is on an afternoon flight! I am still congested but hopefully getting over this cold I’ve been battling for the last few days!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Queenstown and Wanaka
Queenstown
An hour and a half drive took us to the lively city of Queenstown. It was Saturday evening so we participated in a bar crawl where we visited among the many bars we went to, we visited the World Bar that sells mixed beverages in teapots! The following day we had class and then went bungy jumping, a few did the “Thrillogy,” which includes the Nevis (440ft), the swing, and the ledge where you can do flips, etc. As far as the bungy jumping is concerned, it was so awesome! Although I had done it before, this was easily three times taller than what I had experienced, and I was attached by my feet rather than a waist harness. We jumped by weight, so I was last, and had to have a double countdown because I looked down right at “1.” It was awesome though! I don’t know if I quite enjoy hucking myself off of tall things, but apparently my “Swan Dive” form was spectacular. I have a video. After everyone was done bungy-ing, we went luging and I am proud to say that I beat the group of competitive boys on the run I went on with them. That evening we discovered crates (12 bottles) of 40’s that we used to play beer pong because we also found large enough cups! The following morning we had class and then roamed the city. This was also the day the Christchurch earthquake happened. I was outside so I didn’t feel anything but some of our group members were in the shopping center and felt the building sway. All the restaurants with televisions had live updates. The country was called into a state of national emergency and the city we just visited was in ruins. We have plans to fly out in just a week. This was also my birthday where we had a costume party with the theme of Euro bros and Bike Hos. The second Pacific Challenge group also arrived from their hike and many of them came out to celebrate as well. It was so different not being with friends and family from back home, but everyone ensured that I felt at home with friends. I am so thankful! The following day we had an exam for a class and then practice rugby game against the other PC group. It was another short drive to Wanaka.
Wanaka
Wanaka is beautiful and has amazing access to outdoor activities. Heli-skiing in the winter, watersports, mountain biking, or climbing in the summer, Mt. Aspiration for mountaineering, not to mention the skydiving and other “extreme” available opportunities. It was a pretty lowkey couple of days. We did go mountain biking on a country gravel road where we keptrunning into herds of cows and sheep. The following day some people went to “Puzzle World” but I stayed around to lay in the grass by the lake and read. We also went climbing! It was easy top roping, but it was great to get on some rock! I got several comments about how it was great to see me “in my element.” I also watched a couple movies but stayed pretty close because I feel like I am coming down with something. Nothing serious and a cold type thing has been moving through the group unfortunately.
An hour and a half drive took us to the lively city of Queenstown. It was Saturday evening so we participated in a bar crawl where we visited among the many bars we went to, we visited the World Bar that sells mixed beverages in teapots! The following day we had class and then went bungy jumping, a few did the “Thrillogy,” which includes the Nevis (440ft), the swing, and the ledge where you can do flips, etc. As far as the bungy jumping is concerned, it was so awesome! Although I had done it before, this was easily three times taller than what I had experienced, and I was attached by my feet rather than a waist harness. We jumped by weight, so I was last, and had to have a double countdown because I looked down right at “1.” It was awesome though! I don’t know if I quite enjoy hucking myself off of tall things, but apparently my “Swan Dive” form was spectacular. I have a video. After everyone was done bungy-ing, we went luging and I am proud to say that I beat the group of competitive boys on the run I went on with them. That evening we discovered crates (12 bottles) of 40’s that we used to play beer pong because we also found large enough cups! The following morning we had class and then roamed the city. This was also the day the Christchurch earthquake happened. I was outside so I didn’t feel anything but some of our group members were in the shopping center and felt the building sway. All the restaurants with televisions had live updates. The country was called into a state of national emergency and the city we just visited was in ruins. We have plans to fly out in just a week. This was also my birthday where we had a costume party with the theme of Euro bros and Bike Hos. The second Pacific Challenge group also arrived from their hike and many of them came out to celebrate as well. It was so different not being with friends and family from back home, but everyone ensured that I felt at home with friends. I am so thankful! The following day we had an exam for a class and then practice rugby game against the other PC group. It was another short drive to Wanaka.
Wanaka
Wanaka is beautiful and has amazing access to outdoor activities. Heli-skiing in the winter, watersports, mountain biking, or climbing in the summer, Mt. Aspiration for mountaineering, not to mention the skydiving and other “extreme” available opportunities. It was a pretty lowkey couple of days. We did go mountain biking on a country gravel road where we keptrunning into herds of cows and sheep. The following day some people went to “Puzzle World” but I stayed around to lay in the grass by the lake and read. We also went climbing! It was easy top roping, but it was great to get on some rock! I got several comments about how it was great to see me “in my element.” I also watched a couple movies but stayed pretty close because I feel like I am coming down with something. Nothing serious and a cold type thing has been moving through the group unfortunately.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Fjordland
Fjordland National Park
Milford Sound
We arrived to our campground a little later than expected because of a late start in Dunedin. Nevertheless, after the long drive set up camp, made dinner, Cody practiced his flyfish casting, some watched a movie, and our night concluded with star gazing. The following morning we went on a cruise within Milford Sound. It was beautiful! Unsurprisingly though, it was a bit cloudy and our pictures don’t look nearly as good as the advertisements. We then went back to camp, packed up and got ready for our two day hike on the Routeburn Track.
Routeburn Track
The Routeburn Track is 32km and we planned to do it in two days, with a campout in the middle. The first day was a bit of an incline, but all in all, relatively easy. We had to stop every hour to wait for others to catch up and fortunately on our second stop there was a boulder on the side of the trail that I cleaned/climbed around on for a bit. It took some of us just under three hours. After a few jumps in the lakes on the way up and misty views, we made dinner and played a movie/actor correlation game. Cody, bringing his two fly fishing rods, and Dash, who the day prior got a fly fishing license, planned to get up early, hike out before everyone else and go fish. Cobi and I decided to join, intrigued by the option to be on a ridge by sunrise. So the following morning we got up at 4, left by 4:30 and managed to cut an hour and a half off of the anticipated hike time to the hut where we took a break for an hour and made breakfast. It was the start to probably one of my favorite days here! We find out that there isn’t fishing on the trail and instead walk all the way to the carpark, (a total of 8 hours—including our breakfast break and random creek inquiries) to have lunch by 12:30. Our group leaders Bree and Doug drove around (since the hike was a crossing) and got there two hours later. I went down to the river with Dash and Cody, Cobi watched our belongings, to take pictures of the action. Cody hooked and caught a Rainbow Trout! Ohh, and with my lack of hiking shoes (intentionally) I hiked the whole thing in my Chaco’s with wool socks. It worked out stellar :)! Especially walking through the creek with the boys!
We arrived to our campground a little later than expected because of a late start in Dunedin. Nevertheless, after the long drive set up camp, made dinner, Cody practiced his flyfish casting, some watched a movie, and our night concluded with star gazing. The following morning we went on a cruise within Milford Sound. It was beautiful! Unsurprisingly though, it was a bit cloudy and our pictures don’t look nearly as good as the advertisements. We then went back to camp, packed up and got ready for our two day hike on the Routeburn Track.
The Routeburn Track is 32km and we planned to do it in two days, with a campout in the middle. The first day was a bit of an incline, but all in all, relatively easy. We had to stop every hour to wait for others to catch up and fortunately on our second stop there was a boulder on the side of the trail that I cleaned/climbed around on for a bit. It took some of us just under three hours. After a few jumps in the lakes on the way up and misty views, we made dinner and played a movie/actor correlation game. Cody, bringing his two fly fishing rods, and Dash, who the day prior got a fly fishing license, planned to get up early, hike out before everyone else and go fish. Cobi and I decided to join, intrigued by the option to be on a ridge by sunrise. So the following morning we got up at 4, left by 4:30 and managed to cut an hour and a half off of the anticipated hike time to the hut where we took a break for an hour and made breakfast. It was the start to probably one of my favorite days here! We find out that there isn’t fishing on the trail and instead walk all the way to the carpark, (a total of 8 hours—including our breakfast break and random creek inquiries) to have lunch by 12:30. Our group leaders Bree and Doug drove around (since the hike was a crossing) and got there two hours later. I went down to the river with Dash and Cody, Cobi watched our belongings, to take pictures of the action. Cody hooked and caught a Rainbow Trout! Ohh, and with my lack of hiking shoes (intentionally) I hiked the whole thing in my Chaco’s with wool socks. It worked out stellar :)! Especially walking through the creek with the boys!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Mt. Cook National Park
Mt. Cook
We stayed at a hostel within Mt. Cook National Park boundaries. The visitor center with a view of Mt. Cook was a short walk away. We didn’t do much the first night because we arrived in the late afternoon and it was my cooking group’s turn to make dinner. Afterward, we did watch “The World’s Fastest Indian,” a movie about an older Kiwi man whose dream was to go to Speed Week in the USA to race his motorcycle and his journey to get there. I loved it! The following day, a few of us (Dash, Tommy, Cody, Cobi, Valerie, and Sarah) decided to hike to Mueller hut and stay there overnight. The weather wasn’t great and it was definitely going to be rainy with high winds up top with possible flooding on the trail. We decided to go anyway and two and a half hours in, of nearly straight vertical ascent, Sarah did not feel well and we had to turn back just a half an hour from the top. It was a scary situation as her eyes rolled back into her head and we had to stop and warm her up in the pouring rain. It was probably a good thing to head down though, because we were planning on having an early morning to get down for glacier kayaking. That evening we again watched a movie, this time “Vertical Limit.” In the morning, Christina, Dash, Valerie, Sarah, Cobi, and myself went to Tasman Glacier to kayak and check out some icebergs. Out guides were great, and one of them was actually on the set of Vertical Limit, while the other was really useful for an interview for a report about the Marine Ecology of New Zealand (for class). It was a quite a peaceful experience, but very graphic in contextualizing glacier recession; over the past 30 years, the lake we were kayaking on was created, with an average recession of two football fields a year. Afterward, we met back up with our group and headed out to do the Hooker Valley trail where most of us jumped in the 32degree water for a quick dip. David and I were planning on bouldering nearby but didn’t have the coordination in order to do so unfortunately. All in all, this was (again) a spectacular stop!
We stayed at a hostel within Mt. Cook National Park boundaries. The visitor center with a view of Mt. Cook was a short walk away. We didn’t do much the first night because we arrived in the late afternoon and it was my cooking group’s turn to make dinner. Afterward, we did watch “The World’s Fastest Indian,” a movie about an older Kiwi man whose dream was to go to Speed Week in the USA to race his motorcycle and his journey to get there. I loved it! The following day, a few of us (Dash, Tommy, Cody, Cobi, Valerie, and Sarah) decided to hike to Mueller hut and stay there overnight. The weather wasn’t great and it was definitely going to be rainy with high winds up top with possible flooding on the trail. We decided to go anyway and two and a half hours in, of nearly straight vertical ascent, Sarah did not feel well and we had to turn back just a half an hour from the top. It was a scary situation as her eyes rolled back into her head and we had to stop and warm her up in the pouring rain. It was probably a good thing to head down though, because we were planning on having an early morning to get down for glacier kayaking. That evening we again watched a movie, this time “Vertical Limit.” In the morning, Christina, Dash, Valerie, Sarah, Cobi, and myself went to Tasman Glacier to kayak and check out some icebergs. Out guides were great, and one of them was actually on the set of Vertical Limit, while the other was really useful for an interview for a report about the Marine Ecology of New Zealand (for class). It was a quite a peaceful experience, but very graphic in contextualizing glacier recession; over the past 30 years, the lake we were kayaking on was created, with an average recession of two football fields a year. Afterward, we met back up with our group and headed out to do the Hooker Valley trail where most of us jumped in the 32degree water for a quick dip. David and I were planning on bouldering nearby but didn’t have the coordination in order to do so unfortunately. All in all, this was (again) a spectacular stop!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Christchurch and Peel Forest
Christchurch
So immediately upon arriving in Christchurch, we went to the found a bar playing the Superbowl and preceded to start our evening early. We found a Greek place, Dimitris, that we became obsessed with (well ate there three times during our short stay), and also made friends with the owner’s son (he and a friend are going to roadtrip to Queenstown while we are there!). Our time in cities is characterized by attending classes, trying to get online, shopping, and partying. We also had to do a “cultural safari” where we roamed the city and had to interview citizens. There was an earthquake here not too long ago and many places were closed for repairs. We also played Rubgy in the park. Scary fricken game! We were then off toward to Peel Forest.
Peel Forest
We were going to camp here, but an “eco-lodge” opened up and we stayed there instead (which was great because it ended up raining lightly that night). The toilets were composting ones and we had a lengthy explanation about how to use it. Sawdust, water, got it. I got more of an instruction here than India! Anyway, the following morning we went down the Rangitaka River for class two kayaking. SO MUCH FUN! We split off into groups and practiced in an eddy before lunch, came back to shore, and then were in the rapids for a couple hours. It was great. A lot of people fell and I was fine, until (or course) right before the end. We were told to stop but I was being carried away with the current and tried to come to shore but wasn’t making it to anything where I could hold onto. Sarah had a branch so I pulled up next to her, but I was still in the current and while pushing away, I flipped, causing her to flip. I had my boat and paddle, but a tree was coming and I was trying to get out of the way. Somehow I lose my paddle, then my boat, and it was just silly. I ended up floating down a bit, then we had to go back to retrieve my paddle. Very fun though! Fortunately we had wetsuits because it was glacier water. We stayed another night, played Catan, Jungle Speed, and Yucer. The following morning we stopped in for groceries in Geraldine and hit up the Farmer’s Market. I (of course) got earrings and got some lunch; they also had a folky band playing. Ohhh how I miss Farmer’s Markets, they really are just so great!
So immediately upon arriving in Christchurch, we went to the found a bar playing the Superbowl and preceded to start our evening early. We found a Greek place, Dimitris, that we became obsessed with (well ate there three times during our short stay), and also made friends with the owner’s son (he and a friend are going to roadtrip to Queenstown while we are there!). Our time in cities is characterized by attending classes, trying to get online, shopping, and partying. We also had to do a “cultural safari” where we roamed the city and had to interview citizens. There was an earthquake here not too long ago and many places were closed for repairs. We also played Rubgy in the park. Scary fricken game! We were then off toward to Peel Forest.
Peel Forest
We were going to camp here, but an “eco-lodge” opened up and we stayed there instead (which was great because it ended up raining lightly that night). The toilets were composting ones and we had a lengthy explanation about how to use it. Sawdust, water, got it. I got more of an instruction here than India! Anyway, the following morning we went down the Rangitaka River for class two kayaking. SO MUCH FUN! We split off into groups and practiced in an eddy before lunch, came back to shore, and then were in the rapids for a couple hours. It was great. A lot of people fell and I was fine, until (or course) right before the end. We were told to stop but I was being carried away with the current and tried to come to shore but wasn’t making it to anything where I could hold onto. Sarah had a branch so I pulled up next to her, but I was still in the current and while pushing away, I flipped, causing her to flip. I had my boat and paddle, but a tree was coming and I was trying to get out of the way. Somehow I lose my paddle, then my boat, and it was just silly. I ended up floating down a bit, then we had to go back to retrieve my paddle. Very fun though! Fortunately we had wetsuits because it was glacier water. We stayed another night, played Catan, Jungle Speed, and Yucer. The following morning we stopped in for groceries in Geraldine and hit up the Farmer’s Market. I (of course) got earrings and got some lunch; they also had a folky band playing. Ohhh how I miss Farmer’s Markets, they really are just so great!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
North to South
Mangaweka
We camped along the Rangikei River for two nights. The first day we went on a rafting trip, followed by lounging in the sun, studying, etc. Some people found a bungee jump option available and did that. I almost said yes, but having already done it (in Whistler), if I do it again it’ll be in Queenstown, the second highest in the world! Cody, Tommy and I made an awesome fajita dinner and afterwards, along with others, led by David, went and hanged out with other campers (a couple girls from NZ, a German and Canadian guy).We were invited to a party in Wellington so we’ll see if we make it! I went on a 25minute run and finally did some core, and a few others went bridge jumping. We also went into town and had fish and chips with the Expedition group and hit up the bar afterwards.
Wellington
I had already been to Wellington, so this stop was quite anti-climatic, although it was a really nice to spend more time here during the daytime. It was a great time to hit the city, do some laundry, and just hang out. We also “started” classes, which consisted of meeting for five hours over two days. We hit up the Te Papa Museum and meandered around the city. We had a group dinner at Monsoon Poon, an Indian restaurant that had “Love You Long Time,” on the steps leading up to it that we all found quite humorous. In the evening we went up Mt. Victoria for a nighttime view of the city. We also, of course, hit up the bars and had a great time! It was really funny when a couple people decided to do a “reverse bungy” every night, although I declined… We had an early morning to catch the inter-island ferry to take us to the South Island. It was a three and a half hour ferry ride on a boat that had ten decks. There were reclining lounges, a children’s play area, theater, café, bar, sun decks, etc. Quit awesome! It was even better that as we traveled South, the weather just got better. The views reminded me very much of the West. I knew I was going to love this place.
Nelson
Nelson is the sunniest city in the country and it was beautiful when we arrived at our hostel. The first activity planned for Nelson was a skydive from 16,500feet where we were given oxygen on the way up. UNDESCRIBABLE. I spent more than I ever had on a video and photos, although it is absolutely worth it. I loved it and am thoroughly considering getting certified. Some other people also flew a plane where they got to do a bunch of tricks, rolls, etc. The following day Dash, Coby, and I decided to walk towards town and swim to this rock and island. We stopped at a café on the water where they agreed to hold our stuff and we told them we would come back for lunch. We swam and then had salads. Perfectly fulfilling after that little jaunt; especially since coming back we were swimming against the tide. Coby headed back to the hostel and Dash and I walked nearly to the next town before heading back to Tahunanui Beach. Fortunately on our walk back to the hostel, Bree and Doug (our trip leaders) drove by and offered us a ride! We figured we walked about 9 miles… Everyone went grocery shopping for camping and I rediscovered Maggi raman noodles that I literally have not seen since I was in India. It decided it would be my dinner for the next couple of days!
Abel Tasman
First of all, it is important to note the beauty of this national park. It was incredible too because we got to kayak in to a spot called “Anchorage,” about three hours. The introduction to kayak, however, took forever! Granted I haven’t kayaked in a while, the instructor was a bit excessive and took over an hour to explain strokes, turning, flipping, etc. I was in a boat with Cody and we easily packed our gear for the next couple of days in our boat. The water was rather pleasant, and only got windy for the last forty-five minutes. When we arrived, we tossed around a rugby ball, I tried to climb on the crumbly rocks, and then went scrambling along the beach rocks to find another beach and a crazy inter-tidal zone where we found out the following day that has a 7ft change in water levels. Dash and I were in our swimsuits without shoes, but still decided to hike to “Cleopatra’s Pool.” We tramped (hiked) for about seven miles to come back to everyone already eaten but a fire going. The following day the group was going to the pool, so again, Dash and I decided to take another track (trail) that would take us to a part of the park we hadn’t gone to. We ended up wading through the intertidal area where I had to swim in parts. We climbed up to meet on the track to Torrent Bay and took the turn to the River Track. It was the unmaintained trail I’ve been on so far in NZ and it was great! Reminiscent of climbing trails- although without a pack; so great! We get back to camp and figure that we hiked about nine miles. We spent our last night with a bit of group bonding, fire time, and then got an early start in the morning to hike out, about seven miles.
Kaikoura
A four hour drive takes us down the coast to another hostel where we had a low key night because we needed to get up early to go SWIM WITH DOLPHINS! I was in the van with the radio that mysteriously stopped working a few days ago but we had a nice singing session. We stopped for a seal viewing and then made it to our hostel (that sits across the road from the beach). For dinner, we had fish and chips and then watched the childhood classic movie with Ben Stiller, “Heavyweights.” An early morning (5am) brought us into the Pacific Ocean for a gorgeous sunrise and a viewing of around 600 dusky dolphins. We stopped three times and were able to jump in and scuba around with them. It was incredible! I am so happy to have an underwater digital camera too! A first grade dream come true :) For the rest of the day we had a class and roamed around the waterfront streets of Kaikoura, saw a few seals, and checked out the nightlife.
Christchurch
Started off with finding a bar immediately to watch the Superbowl!!!
We camped along the Rangikei River for two nights. The first day we went on a rafting trip, followed by lounging in the sun, studying, etc. Some people found a bungee jump option available and did that. I almost said yes, but having already done it (in Whistler), if I do it again it’ll be in Queenstown, the second highest in the world! Cody, Tommy and I made an awesome fajita dinner and afterwards, along with others, led by David, went and hanged out with other campers (a couple girls from NZ, a German and Canadian guy).We were invited to a party in Wellington so we’ll see if we make it! I went on a 25minute run and finally did some core, and a few others went bridge jumping. We also went into town and had fish and chips with the Expedition group and hit up the bar afterwards.
Wellington
I had already been to Wellington, so this stop was quite anti-climatic, although it was a really nice to spend more time here during the daytime. It was a great time to hit the city, do some laundry, and just hang out. We also “started” classes, which consisted of meeting for five hours over two days. We hit up the Te Papa Museum and meandered around the city. We had a group dinner at Monsoon Poon, an Indian restaurant that had “Love You Long Time,” on the steps leading up to it that we all found quite humorous. In the evening we went up Mt. Victoria for a nighttime view of the city. We also, of course, hit up the bars and had a great time! It was really funny when a couple people decided to do a “reverse bungy” every night, although I declined… We had an early morning to catch the inter-island ferry to take us to the South Island. It was a three and a half hour ferry ride on a boat that had ten decks. There were reclining lounges, a children’s play area, theater, café, bar, sun decks, etc. Quit awesome! It was even better that as we traveled South, the weather just got better. The views reminded me very much of the West. I knew I was going to love this place.
Nelson
Nelson is the sunniest city in the country and it was beautiful when we arrived at our hostel. The first activity planned for Nelson was a skydive from 16,500feet where we were given oxygen on the way up. UNDESCRIBABLE. I spent more than I ever had on a video and photos, although it is absolutely worth it. I loved it and am thoroughly considering getting certified. Some other people also flew a plane where they got to do a bunch of tricks, rolls, etc. The following day Dash, Coby, and I decided to walk towards town and swim to this rock and island. We stopped at a café on the water where they agreed to hold our stuff and we told them we would come back for lunch. We swam and then had salads. Perfectly fulfilling after that little jaunt; especially since coming back we were swimming against the tide. Coby headed back to the hostel and Dash and I walked nearly to the next town before heading back to Tahunanui Beach. Fortunately on our walk back to the hostel, Bree and Doug (our trip leaders) drove by and offered us a ride! We figured we walked about 9 miles… Everyone went grocery shopping for camping and I rediscovered Maggi raman noodles that I literally have not seen since I was in India. It decided it would be my dinner for the next couple of days!
Abel Tasman
First of all, it is important to note the beauty of this national park. It was incredible too because we got to kayak in to a spot called “Anchorage,” about three hours. The introduction to kayak, however, took forever! Granted I haven’t kayaked in a while, the instructor was a bit excessive and took over an hour to explain strokes, turning, flipping, etc. I was in a boat with Cody and we easily packed our gear for the next couple of days in our boat. The water was rather pleasant, and only got windy for the last forty-five minutes. When we arrived, we tossed around a rugby ball, I tried to climb on the crumbly rocks, and then went scrambling along the beach rocks to find another beach and a crazy inter-tidal zone where we found out the following day that has a 7ft change in water levels. Dash and I were in our swimsuits without shoes, but still decided to hike to “Cleopatra’s Pool.” We tramped (hiked) for about seven miles to come back to everyone already eaten but a fire going. The following day the group was going to the pool, so again, Dash and I decided to take another track (trail) that would take us to a part of the park we hadn’t gone to. We ended up wading through the intertidal area where I had to swim in parts. We climbed up to meet on the track to Torrent Bay and took the turn to the River Track. It was the unmaintained trail I’ve been on so far in NZ and it was great! Reminiscent of climbing trails- although without a pack; so great! We get back to camp and figure that we hiked about nine miles. We spent our last night with a bit of group bonding, fire time, and then got an early start in the morning to hike out, about seven miles.
Kaikoura
A four hour drive takes us down the coast to another hostel where we had a low key night because we needed to get up early to go SWIM WITH DOLPHINS! I was in the van with the radio that mysteriously stopped working a few days ago but we had a nice singing session. We stopped for a seal viewing and then made it to our hostel (that sits across the road from the beach). For dinner, we had fish and chips and then watched the childhood classic movie with Ben Stiller, “Heavyweights.” An early morning (5am) brought us into the Pacific Ocean for a gorgeous sunrise and a viewing of around 600 dusky dolphins. We stopped three times and were able to jump in and scuba around with them. It was incredible! I am so happy to have an underwater digital camera too! A first grade dream come true :) For the rest of the day we had a class and roamed around the waterfront streets of Kaikoura, saw a few seals, and checked out the nightlife.
Christchurch
Started off with finding a bar immediately to watch the Superbowl!!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
North Island
Waitomo
We drove two and half hours south from Auckland to reach the town of Waitomo, one of two places in the world that has glowworms (they are also found in Tasmania). Glowworms are not really worms, but just maggots that are bioluminescent! The first day we arrived we met up with the people from the Expedition and went to the local bar, Curly’s. The following day was our first outing where we went to Ruakuri Cave and went on a rafting tour to see glowworms. So sweet! They look like greenish-yellow stars on the ceiling. Then Sunday, we went to a “Kiwi Culture Show” at Woodlyn Park, where there is also a “Hobbit Motel” built into the ground, and a boat and plane for lodging. Volunteers helped saw a log, sheer a sheep (I helped with that one), and we were entertained with a possum, dogs, sheep, and a huge cow (that’s not the proper name, but, yah). Afterwards, some most people on the trip decided to participate in another caving trip. This time is was focused on rappelling down into a water cave. It was raining and the waterfalls inside the cave were huge. We went down 250ft! Out first rappel down a waterfall was 65feet. Crazy cool There were small caverns you had to crawl through and parts we climbed up a bit. It’s really hard to describe but was completely fascinating. Also, because of the rain, the water levels in the cave were higher than they normally would be in the summer and the waterfalls were gushing!
Rotarua, Taupo, Tongariro
After packing and cleaning up the Marae, we drove south to Rotarua where some people chose to Zorb (also known as rolling down a hill in a big, plastic ball). I find myself not saying “no” often on this trip and of course participated. You can either go as a single, or up to a group of three; we were offered a group rate and so I went with two other people. Super great! It was kind of like taking a hot tub down a hill. You dove through this hole and then they released you down. We tried to stay standing up and run as it was rolling downhill but fell almost immediately and rolled away around in the water. It was much more satisfying than I expected! Then we went to the Rangitaki River and went white water rafting; my first experience and it was really fun! The scenery was beautiful and the rapids were awesome. I’d love to get into it more back home. Fortunately, the following day, the weather was beautiful and we did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an 18.5km hike that crosses Mt. Doom (known for being in the 2nd Lord of the Rings movie, which I have yet to watch). The highest point is at Red Crater (1886m). The change of scenery was incredible changing from a vast volcanic area to a lush forest. Afterwards, there was a sign for a waterfall at our campground and a few of us went to go find it. The trail disappeared and three of us, Cody, Dash, and I, ended up walking down the shallow (freezing) spring for about 30minutes where we came upon a 20ft waterfall. Totally unexpected but awesome to find!
Rangitikei
We drove to Rangitikei and found another campground. It's been a bit of a free day (thus finally having internet!) and we are going to go rafting tomorrow.
All and all, this trip is AMAZING. I cannot believe how we much cool stuff we do, all the time :)
We drove two and half hours south from Auckland to reach the town of Waitomo, one of two places in the world that has glowworms (they are also found in Tasmania). Glowworms are not really worms, but just maggots that are bioluminescent! The first day we arrived we met up with the people from the Expedition and went to the local bar, Curly’s. The following day was our first outing where we went to Ruakuri Cave and went on a rafting tour to see glowworms. So sweet! They look like greenish-yellow stars on the ceiling. Then Sunday, we went to a “Kiwi Culture Show” at Woodlyn Park, where there is also a “Hobbit Motel” built into the ground, and a boat and plane for lodging. Volunteers helped saw a log, sheer a sheep (I helped with that one), and we were entertained with a possum, dogs, sheep, and a huge cow (that’s not the proper name, but, yah). Afterwards, some most people on the trip decided to participate in another caving trip. This time is was focused on rappelling down into a water cave. It was raining and the waterfalls inside the cave were huge. We went down 250ft! Out first rappel down a waterfall was 65feet. Crazy cool There were small caverns you had to crawl through and parts we climbed up a bit. It’s really hard to describe but was completely fascinating. Also, because of the rain, the water levels in the cave were higher than they normally would be in the summer and the waterfalls were gushing!
Rotarua, Taupo, Tongariro
After packing and cleaning up the Marae, we drove south to Rotarua where some people chose to Zorb (also known as rolling down a hill in a big, plastic ball). I find myself not saying “no” often on this trip and of course participated. You can either go as a single, or up to a group of three; we were offered a group rate and so I went with two other people. Super great! It was kind of like taking a hot tub down a hill. You dove through this hole and then they released you down. We tried to stay standing up and run as it was rolling downhill but fell almost immediately and rolled away around in the water. It was much more satisfying than I expected! Then we went to the Rangitaki River and went white water rafting; my first experience and it was really fun! The scenery was beautiful and the rapids were awesome. I’d love to get into it more back home. Fortunately, the following day, the weather was beautiful and we did the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, an 18.5km hike that crosses Mt. Doom (known for being in the 2nd Lord of the Rings movie, which I have yet to watch). The highest point is at Red Crater (1886m). The change of scenery was incredible changing from a vast volcanic area to a lush forest. Afterwards, there was a sign for a waterfall at our campground and a few of us went to go find it. The trail disappeared and three of us, Cody, Dash, and I, ended up walking down the shallow (freezing) spring for about 30minutes where we came upon a 20ft waterfall. Totally unexpected but awesome to find!
Rangitikei
We drove to Rangitikei and found another campground. It's been a bit of a free day (thus finally having internet!) and we are going to go rafting tomorrow.
All and all, this trip is AMAZING. I cannot believe how we much cool stuff we do, all the time :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Mail Drops
Hello! So there may need to be a little coordination on your behalf (by looking at my itinerary) if you want to send me anything, but here are the addresses where I will be able to receive mail.
YMCA
C/O Pacific Challenge
(Participant’s name)
12 Hereford Street
Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Pinewood Lodge
Pacific Challenge
(Participant’s name)
48 Hamilton Road
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Pacific Challenge Group
(Participant’s name)
The Tallows Holiday Cabins
The Tallows
Byron Bay
NSW 2481
Australia
Keep in mind that it takes 2 weeks (approximate) for mail to get here! So send things with plenty of time if you intend to!
YMCA
C/O Pacific Challenge
(Participant’s name)
12 Hereford Street
Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Pinewood Lodge
Pacific Challenge
(Participant’s name)
48 Hamilton Road
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Pacific Challenge Group
(Participant’s name)
The Tallows Holiday Cabins
The Tallows
Byron Bay
NSW 2481
Australia
Keep in mind that it takes 2 weeks (approximate) for mail to get here! So send things with plenty of time if you intend to!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
LAX, Auckland, McGregor's Bay
LAX
First, it was so great to see Erin, my former roomate and friend since freshman year, at the airport! We had a quick catch up as she waited in line with me before security. This was after I took the wrong bus after landing from Seattle, and ended up at a parking lot rather than the International Terminal...
Quick thoughts as I wait for my flight to Fiji:
Wow. Getting out of Seattle was a peaceful whirlwind but, came up on me quickly! Even as I waitied for security, it didn’t quite seem as if I were leaving yet. Fortunately I said goodbye to a number of people over the past week and weekend although I neglected proper sleep and trip preparation; I’m planning to sleep a lot on the plane! I had my last day of work as a barista at Urban Bakery on Tuesday morning after a series of nights out. That afternoon I spent with Matt, before finally reaching home in order to START packing. I knew generally what I wanted to bring, but it was just a matter of spending the time (which I hadn’t previously had) in order to do it. Come Monday morning, a few errands, seeing Autumn, and delivering pictures, my mom and I were en route to the airport! As excited as I am, it’s always hard to leave and as much as I think I’m “ok,” it always amazes me how emotional I am come actually leaving.
To those of you who I saw, thank you; to those I didn’t, well I’m going to miss you anyway too :)!
Here’s to nearly a full day of travel including layovers… Fortunately, I will be meeting my Uncle George’s good friend from growing up as I arrive in Auckland!
AUCKLAND
After what totalled 23 hours of travel (layovers included), I just arrived in Auckland! I made it by shuttle to my Uncle George's long time friend Mike's work where we then stopped by his house where I met his daughter Peggy, showered, visted the sheep and lambs, picked some peas, beans, and corn, and I am now on the computer before heading up to the bach ( beach house ) as there will not be internet up there. Return date: TBD; before Friday.. It's sunny, warm, and I am loving the change of scenery already :)
McGREGOR'S BAY
A two and a half hour drive north through Whangarei took Mike and I to the McGregor’s bach to meet up with his wife Claire and an assortment of her family. The first couple of days the weather was beautiful and my days were characterized by fishing, reading “The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” laying in the sun, swimming, going to Ocean’s Beach, jumping in the waves, walking around, and enjoying lots of great food and company! As the weekend concluded, and nothing urgent bringing me to Auckland until Friday (when I meet up with the Pacific Challenge), I decided to stay at the bach to continue my leisurely start to my time in New Zealand. The following couple of days were overcast with a slight shower, although the weather stayed warm. I read another book, only to finally look at my syllabus and realize that I should have read two before the trip started. I'll start that now... I hiked Mt. Manaia in the morning with it only to clear up right as Julie and I were coming down. After walking around Smuggler's Cove with those of us remaining at the bach, I will finish up some reading and plan to do Mt. Manaia tomorrow to see the wonderful 360degree views I have been hearing all about. I am planning on bussing back to Albany unless we find someone heading south tomorrow!
There was a panic mishap with the PC but I believe it's all sorted.
First, it was so great to see Erin, my former roomate and friend since freshman year, at the airport! We had a quick catch up as she waited in line with me before security. This was after I took the wrong bus after landing from Seattle, and ended up at a parking lot rather than the International Terminal...
Quick thoughts as I wait for my flight to Fiji:
Wow. Getting out of Seattle was a peaceful whirlwind but, came up on me quickly! Even as I waitied for security, it didn’t quite seem as if I were leaving yet. Fortunately I said goodbye to a number of people over the past week and weekend although I neglected proper sleep and trip preparation; I’m planning to sleep a lot on the plane! I had my last day of work as a barista at Urban Bakery on Tuesday morning after a series of nights out. That afternoon I spent with Matt, before finally reaching home in order to START packing. I knew generally what I wanted to bring, but it was just a matter of spending the time (which I hadn’t previously had) in order to do it. Come Monday morning, a few errands, seeing Autumn, and delivering pictures, my mom and I were en route to the airport! As excited as I am, it’s always hard to leave and as much as I think I’m “ok,” it always amazes me how emotional I am come actually leaving.
To those of you who I saw, thank you; to those I didn’t, well I’m going to miss you anyway too :)!
Here’s to nearly a full day of travel including layovers… Fortunately, I will be meeting my Uncle George’s good friend from growing up as I arrive in Auckland!
AUCKLAND
After what totalled 23 hours of travel (layovers included), I just arrived in Auckland! I made it by shuttle to my Uncle George's long time friend Mike's work where we then stopped by his house where I met his daughter Peggy, showered, visted the sheep and lambs, picked some peas, beans, and corn, and I am now on the computer before heading up to the bach ( beach house ) as there will not be internet up there. Return date: TBD; before Friday.. It's sunny, warm, and I am loving the change of scenery already :)
McGREGOR'S BAY
A two and a half hour drive north through Whangarei took Mike and I to the McGregor’s bach to meet up with his wife Claire and an assortment of her family. The first couple of days the weather was beautiful and my days were characterized by fishing, reading “The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest,” laying in the sun, swimming, going to Ocean’s Beach, jumping in the waves, walking around, and enjoying lots of great food and company! As the weekend concluded, and nothing urgent bringing me to Auckland until Friday (when I meet up with the Pacific Challenge), I decided to stay at the bach to continue my leisurely start to my time in New Zealand. The following couple of days were overcast with a slight shower, although the weather stayed warm. I read another book, only to finally look at my syllabus and realize that I should have read two before the trip started. I'll start that now... I hiked Mt. Manaia in the morning with it only to clear up right as Julie and I were coming down. After walking around Smuggler's Cove with those of us remaining at the bach, I will finish up some reading and plan to do Mt. Manaia tomorrow to see the wonderful 360degree views I have been hearing all about. I am planning on bussing back to Albany unless we find someone heading south tomorrow!
There was a panic mishap with the PC but I believe it's all sorted.
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