Returning to Christchurch was eerie. The city was quiet and cloudy. We did not spend very long there, however, as we had a ferry to catch from Picton. We used a transfer car to get up to Picton, which ended up costing us just 1 NZD, which is a great deal. We drove the five … More NZ Road Trip Part 5: Wellington and Tongariro
Right, so Oz is what folks down here call Australia for short. We went to Australia basically for three reasons. 1. To see friends of friends. 2. To go the Melliodora, Dave Holmgren’s permaculture spot. 3. Because we were in NZ and Australia is relatively close as compared to when we are in the US. … More We Interrupt this NZ Trip with and Oz Trip
All eyes turned to Christchurch last week after the horrific attacks on Muslims at prayer. Before this peaceful country was touched by such human darkness we were blithely exploring the north side of the South Island, enjoying what I would be tempted to call paradise. We woke up in Arthur’s Pass on Sunday, March 3rd … More NZ Roadtrip Part 4: Golden Bay, Marlborough, and Christchurch
I had heard of the Rob Roy Glacier track from Terry, who I lived with in Arrowtown. She had gone out to the hike for a nice saturday day trip and described it to me as “a lovely walk.” The lovely walk requires a brave trek on a long gravel road and several stream fords … More NZ Road Trip Part 3: The Southern Alps
The first thing we did when we got to Manapouri was go for a walk on the Kepler Track. It’s one of the many great tracks of New Zealand and the beginning of it is a smooth, mostly flat walk through lush Fiorland woods. We did the six or so kilometers of the track out … More NZ Road Trip Part 2: The Fiordlands
The Catlins refers to the southern coast of New Zealand basically between Dunedin (pronounced DooNEEden). There are many towns throughout the area but much of it is protected native bush, or what others might call forest. Between the large swathes of native bush are the quintessential NZ agriculture fields featuring friendly sheep and cattle as … More NZ Road Trip Part 1: The Catlins
I’ve found myself in an interesting position. I have been extremely lucky has to have traveled a lot in my life thus far. In these travels I have met many people whose main goal in life is to keep traveling as long as possible, seeing as many places as possible. Everyone has their own way … More Letting Go of “Wanderlust” and Instead Just Being Grateful
Finally, some proof that I do actually clamber up rock faces instead of just talking about it. I don’t usually worry about getting photos of myself while climbing. I honestly think that unless it’s professionally done they don’t really come out that well. But I went out with a really friendly group of folks a … More On Pictures of Yourself Climbing and Saying Goodbye
As I wrote last week, I have been able to go out climbing a respectable amount considering my intense work schedule. Considering how much “holiday” I take in general right now it’s only fair that I spend a month here and there doing nothing but make money. Upon the ending of that month, however, I … More Wye Creek!!!
…I can continue writing, I think. January was actually kind of insane. I worked 50 hours a week in addition to taking care of a house and two dogs and trying to enjoy the short amount of time I had off and take care of my body, etc. Hence why writing took a side line … More Now That Jan is Over…
