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!
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Itinerary
Wed, 1/12 - Depart Seattle
Fri, 1/14 - Arrive in Auckland
Fri, 1/21 - Pacific Challenge Starts!
Sat, 1/22 - Waitomo
Sun, 1/23 - Waitomo
Mon, 1/24 - To Tongariro
Tues, 1/25 - Tongariro
Wed, 1/26 - Tongariro
Thur, 1/27 - Mangaweka
Fri, 1/28 - To Wellington
Sat, 1/29 - Wellington
Sun, 1/30 - Wellington
Mon, 1/31 - To Nelson
Tues, 2/1 - Nelson
Wed, 2/2 - Nelson
Thur, 2/3 - To Abel Tasman
Fri, 2/4 - Abel Tasman
Sat, 2/5 - To Kaikoura
Sun, 2/6 - Kaikoura
Mon, 2/7 - To Christchurch
Tues, 2/8 - Christchurch
Wed, 2/9 - Christchurch
Thur, 2/10 - To Peel Forest
Fri, 2/11 - Peel Forest
Sat, 2/12 - To Mt. Cook
Sun, 2/13 - Mt. Cook
Mon, 2/14 - Mt. Cook
Tues, 2/15 - Dunedin
Wed, 2/16 - Dunedin
Thur, 2/17 - To Te Anua/Routeburn
Fri, 2/18 - Routeburn
Sat, 2/19 - Queenstown
Sun, 2/20 - Queenstown
Mon, 2/21 - Queenstown
Tues, 2/22 - Queenstown
Wed, 2/23 - To Wanaka
Thur, 2/24 - Wanaka
Fri, 2/25 - Wanaka
Sat, 2/26 - To Franz Josef
Sun, 2/27 - Franz Josef
Mon, 2/28 -To Christchurch
Tues, 3/1 - Christchurch
Wed, 3/2 - Curl Curl Surf Club Sydney
Thur, 3/3 - Surf Club
Fri, 3/4 - Blueys
Sat, 3/5 - Blueys
Sun, 3/6 - Warrumbungles
Mon, 3/7 - Cascade
Tues, 3/8 - Cascade
Wed, 3/9 - Cascade
Thur, 3/10 - Byron Bay
Fri, 3/11 - Byron Bay
Sat, 3/12 - Byron Bay
Sun, 3/13 - Noosa
Mon, 3/14 - Belongil/Byron
Tues, 3/15 - North Coast
Wed, 3/16 - To Sydney
Thur, 3/17 - Sydney
Fri, 3/18 - Sydney
Sat, 3/19 - Pacific Challenge Ends!
Find a job and return ticket! Travel Australia. WOOFF? To be determined.
As a means on contextualizing the above, see below for a geographic representation.
New Zealand
Fri, 1/14 - Arrive in Auckland
Fri, 1/21 - Pacific Challenge Starts!
Sat, 1/22 - Waitomo
Sun, 1/23 - Waitomo
Mon, 1/24 - To Tongariro
Tues, 1/25 - Tongariro
Wed, 1/26 - Tongariro
Thur, 1/27 - Mangaweka
Fri, 1/28 - To Wellington
Sat, 1/29 - Wellington
Sun, 1/30 - Wellington
Mon, 1/31 - To Nelson
Tues, 2/1 - Nelson
Wed, 2/2 - Nelson
Thur, 2/3 - To Abel Tasman
Fri, 2/4 - Abel Tasman
Sat, 2/5 - To Kaikoura
Sun, 2/6 - Kaikoura
Mon, 2/7 - To Christchurch
Tues, 2/8 - Christchurch
Wed, 2/9 - Christchurch
Thur, 2/10 - To Peel Forest
Fri, 2/11 - Peel Forest
Sat, 2/12 - To Mt. Cook
Sun, 2/13 - Mt. Cook
Mon, 2/14 - Mt. Cook
Tues, 2/15 - Dunedin
Wed, 2/16 - Dunedin
Thur, 2/17 - To Te Anua/Routeburn
Fri, 2/18 - Routeburn
Sat, 2/19 - Queenstown
Sun, 2/20 - Queenstown
Mon, 2/21 - Queenstown
Tues, 2/22 - Queenstown
Wed, 2/23 - To Wanaka
Thur, 2/24 - Wanaka
Fri, 2/25 - Wanaka
Sat, 2/26 - To Franz Josef
Sun, 2/27 - Franz Josef
Mon, 2/28 -To Christchurch
Tues, 3/1 - Christchurch
Wed, 3/2 - Curl Curl Surf Club Sydney
Thur, 3/3 - Surf Club
Fri, 3/4 - Blueys
Sat, 3/5 - Blueys
Sun, 3/6 - Warrumbungles
Mon, 3/7 - Cascade
Tues, 3/8 - Cascade
Wed, 3/9 - Cascade
Thur, 3/10 - Byron Bay
Fri, 3/11 - Byron Bay
Sat, 3/12 - Byron Bay
Sun, 3/13 - Noosa
Mon, 3/14 - Belongil/Byron
Tues, 3/15 - North Coast
Wed, 3/16 - To Sydney
Thur, 3/17 - Sydney
Fri, 3/18 - Sydney
Sat, 3/19 - Pacific Challenge Ends!
Find a job and return ticket! Travel Australia. WOOFF? To be determined.
As a means on contextualizing the above, see below for a geographic representation.
New Zealand
A: Auckland
B: Waitomo
C: Te Puke
D: Lake Taupo
E: Rangitikei River
F: Wellington
G: Nelson
H: Abel Tasman National Park
I: Kaikoura
J: Christchurch
K: Peel Forest
L: Mt. Cook National Park
M: Dunedin
N: Queenstown
O: Routeburn
P: Wanaka
Q: Franz Josef Highway
Australia
A: Sydney
B: Blackheath
C: Warrumbungle Mountains
D: New England Range
E: Byron Bay
F: Brisbane
G: Beach route
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