Broken down in Motueka!

Since the last time I checked in a lot has happened. Our original climbing crew left Hang Dog so we were left to fend for ourselves. Well I guess not all Rafael was still there. He is awesome. So funny. Every day we knew him he would say that he was either going climbing or leaving.Most days he did neither!! It became the big joke. Really nice guy. So maybe it is best if I break this down to days.
Tuesday 24
The climbing crew spilt town. Stacy and I mainly just hung around camp and did some grocery shopping in town and things of that nature. Nothing really to report. A nice quiet night around the communal fire pit with a few other climbers. Mellow night. But fun.
Wednesday25
Stacy and I went climbing at the little lost wall again. Did a bunch of really easier route and one hard one. As it turns out we are not as good of climbers as we thought we were. But it was a lot of fun. After climbing we headed back to camp after a quick trip to the swimming hole. The swimming hole is amazing. Limestone ledges surrounded by clear blue water. Beautiful spot. When we got back this guy was trying to figure out where to pay for the hostel. I helped him out and asked if he wanted to go climbing with us the next day. Of course he said yes. Oliver the Australian.
When we got back to our camp we had some new neighbors so true to Krissy fashion I went over to say hello. Really nice couple, Chris and Ina from Germany. Turns out that Ina had forgotten her climbing shoes in Nelson, so I offered her a pair of mine. Oh the beginning of a new climbing crew!! So we broke out a bottle of wine and headed towards the fire pit. Good night of drinking and having fun with our new crew.
Thursday 26
We headed out early. Ok so I have to explain that early for me these days is 10. But everyone else seems to be on that time so it is all good. The crew (Chris, Ina, Oliver, Stacy and I) headed for the Creese wall. This place had a lot of hard climbs. I forgot to mention that it rained like crazy the night before, so the rock was wicked slick. It was a very challenging day of climbing. But fortunately for us Olive was a bad ass climbers so he got up everything with ease. Turns out in the rain I can barely make it up a 10a. Got time anyway. The strangest thing happened. While we were there Rafael showed up. He had been saying for two days that he was either climbing or leaving. And here he was climbing with us again. Good day on the rock.
We had planned on leaving in the afternoon, but Oliver talked us into staying and drink some wine. Like it is hard to talk Stacy and I into drinking. So we figure we would leave the next day. So easy to get stuck at hangdog camp. The strangest thing that happened was that Rafael came into our camp to say goodbye!! Three days of saying he was either going to climb or leave and Today he did both!!! So funny. So we said our goodbyes to Rafael.
Hung out and drank some wine with Oliver. mellow night.
Friday 27
So we got up said out goodbye to some friends and headed out. We got about half way up the giant hill in between Takaka and Motueka when Milly started spitting up water like crazy. Cramp. The middle of nowhere and the van is breaking down. I knew that could not be good. But she got us to the top of the hill and we coasted down to Mokueka. Did I mention the temperature gauge doesn't work? Well as luck would have it the van finally died right in front of a mechanic shop!! What great luck. So we left her there so they could take a look at her. Bad news kids. Milly needs a new engine!! She was only running on two cylinders anyway. So seeing how it is Friday, no engine until Monday. So here we are broken down in Motueka!! Great town. Right on the beach. Lots of sea kayaking. Some of the best in the world. Right near Abel Tasman national park. So hey climbing is out, kayaking is in. People in town have been really nice to us. So anyone that wants to send us cash that would be great!!HAHAHA.
Saturday 28
Laundry and rain. Need I say more!!!
A few interesting features of New Zealand.
1. Most of the people run around bare footed. Yes even in bars, stores, restaurants.
2. They concept of time is way different
3. Wine and beer are way cheaper!!yeah!!
4. People will offer you a ride even if you are going a short distance.
5. Friendly friendly friendly!!!
6. Great sense of humor. These people really get me!!!

American comments people have said to us
When we where broken down one guy asked if we were republicans. Then said he just figured with all our bad luck we must be.
Comments about how two Americans can actually fit in one van!!! Lots of fat jokes!! So funny!
Well enough for now. I feel like I am back in the cubical with all this typing!!!
Cheers! Hope everyone is doing good.
Oh yeah I fixed the comment thing so feel free to comment like crazy!!