Drug store cowboy quote
Most people don't know how they're gonna feel from one moment to the next. But a dope fiend has a pretty good idea. All you gotta do is look at the labels on the little bottles.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
here I am
I have not posted anything since new newzealand. Just thought I did not have anything interesting to say. But then again does anyone have anything interesting to say! Unless someone wants to listen.
Facebook and the Internet is interesting. People see your picture and think they know you! have not seen you in years, but assume you are happy because you have beautiful pictures. Sometimes you have great pictures because you travel to get away from the loneliness! Envy the ones that do not have to travel to find peace. I envy the people that have family and friends they don't have to leave to kill the lonely feeling that invades all of our souls. I often wish that I had never seen suck amazing places. You can not miss what you have never seen. Now when I am in a place where it is still, I miss the new view, the new people, the endless change. Life is change, but it is slow change when you are in one place. We all choose our own life. I wonder if I made the right choose! I see my friends and family with children and wonder!!! Who truly is happy? But in the later years I will have only my memories and the later will have family!Instant gratification of lonely travel and adventure will be but a memory with no one to share it with! May be best to stop and find someone to share the travel with!!!
Facebook and the Internet is interesting. People see your picture and think they know you! have not seen you in years, but assume you are happy because you have beautiful pictures. Sometimes you have great pictures because you travel to get away from the loneliness! Envy the ones that do not have to travel to find peace. I envy the people that have family and friends they don't have to leave to kill the lonely feeling that invades all of our souls. I often wish that I had never seen suck amazing places. You can not miss what you have never seen. Now when I am in a place where it is still, I miss the new view, the new people, the endless change. Life is change, but it is slow change when you are in one place. We all choose our own life. I wonder if I made the right choose! I see my friends and family with children and wonder!!! Who truly is happy? But in the later years I will have only my memories and the later will have family!Instant gratification of lonely travel and adventure will be but a memory with no one to share it with! May be best to stop and find someone to share the travel with!!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Last New Zealand post
So today is our last day in New Zealand.
I have not posted for while so I will do a quick update.
We went climbing Last Sunday at a place called the airstrip. It was a really good day of bouldering. Lots of fun. A great many problems. The best I have climbed in a while actually. I had a blast. After we headed to Currly's bar. We have become locals at this pub since we are rather tired of traveling around and really just need someplace to kick back for while. The waitress, Marie, is really nice. I consider her my friend. At this rate anyone that I know for more than one day is my friend. It is all a matter of perspective. It gets really lonely if you don't have friends so why not consider casual acquaintances your friends when it suits your needs? So my friend Marrie is really nice. She is from Ireland. Nice girl.
Monday (20th) we headed to New Plymouth. No real reason other than it was raining and we could not climb. Nice drive around the beach a small walk and that was about it. Stayed at a place right on the beach it was cute and only $13.50 a night each. Good deal!
Tuesday we headed back to Waitomo. The weather got nice so we figured we would try to get a day or two more climbing before the trips end. Nice drive. Also got a message from a guy Named Niall Mc Sweeeny about the van. I love this name. Somehow I knew he would be the one to buy the Van. I was right by the way. Stacy and I joked a lot about it. "putting all our eggs in the McSweeny basket!!
Wednesday-Wend climbing at Froggart. It was really fun. My climbing ability is really sad at the moment. But it was still fun. Spent our last night with new van. it was sad. I am going to really miss this van!!!
Thrusday-headed to Auckland. meet up with McSweeny We were really honest with him. We told him everything that we knew was wrong with the van. It burns oil and may need a new tire soon. He was more than happy to buy the van. We gave him a great deal 1600, but hell we only payed 1750 so it was a good deal all around. good thing because I was out of money!! Now it is McSweeny Van! Fun stuff.
Friday-Went to Museum. I am not a fan of Cities. Would much rather be in the great outdoors.
Saturday-Shopping for gifts. I hate shopping.
Sunday-last day and I am sitting her writing in my blog!! See you all soon.
Next update with be in Samoa. I might be drunk!!!
I have not posted for while so I will do a quick update.
We went climbing Last Sunday at a place called the airstrip. It was a really good day of bouldering. Lots of fun. A great many problems. The best I have climbed in a while actually. I had a blast. After we headed to Currly's bar. We have become locals at this pub since we are rather tired of traveling around and really just need someplace to kick back for while. The waitress, Marie, is really nice. I consider her my friend. At this rate anyone that I know for more than one day is my friend. It is all a matter of perspective. It gets really lonely if you don't have friends so why not consider casual acquaintances your friends when it suits your needs? So my friend Marrie is really nice. She is from Ireland. Nice girl.
Monday (20th) we headed to New Plymouth. No real reason other than it was raining and we could not climb. Nice drive around the beach a small walk and that was about it. Stayed at a place right on the beach it was cute and only $13.50 a night each. Good deal!
Tuesday we headed back to Waitomo. The weather got nice so we figured we would try to get a day or two more climbing before the trips end. Nice drive. Also got a message from a guy Named Niall Mc Sweeeny about the van. I love this name. Somehow I knew he would be the one to buy the Van. I was right by the way. Stacy and I joked a lot about it. "putting all our eggs in the McSweeny basket!!
Wednesday-Wend climbing at Froggart. It was really fun. My climbing ability is really sad at the moment. But it was still fun. Spent our last night with new van. it was sad. I am going to really miss this van!!!
Thrusday-headed to Auckland. meet up with McSweeny We were really honest with him. We told him everything that we knew was wrong with the van. It burns oil and may need a new tire soon. He was more than happy to buy the van. We gave him a great deal 1600, but hell we only payed 1750 so it was a good deal all around. good thing because I was out of money!! Now it is McSweeny Van! Fun stuff.
Friday-Went to Museum. I am not a fan of Cities. Would much rather be in the great outdoors.
Saturday-Shopping for gifts. I hate shopping.
Sunday-last day and I am sitting her writing in my blog!! See you all soon.
Next update with be in Samoa. I might be drunk!!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
More on New Zealand
Ok so I am going to make this short and sweet, leave out some details. But at least it will remind me what I did and hopefully help me figure out what day of the week it is and where I am!!HAHAHA. Sometimes when you are on vacation for so long you forget these details.
So I left off with the camping in the Kairi forest.
The next day with was
Monday the 13-We spent the day hiking around the beach and just looking at some big trees. These trees are pretty impressive. I think I posted a picture. But we just did some hiking and what not. Then headed to the Bay of Island.
Tuesday the 14- We went on a wicked fun boat ride out to the Hole in the Rock. there were heaps of dolphins and a short ride on a glass bottom boat. The dolphins where really cool chasing the boat and all.
Wednesday 15th- Basically drove from Bay of islands to Waitomo. Put up some fliers for the van while in Auckland. So we shall see. The new van is great. Hopefully we can give him a good home.
Thursday 16. A little hung over so we decided that climbing was not going to happens so we should go caving instead. It was one of the best things so far. Maybe I will add more details later. Friday 17 went for a hike and that was about it.
Saturday 18- Went climbing at Mangaoweka. It was really hard and I did not do good at all. I have lost all my climbing ability!! Going to be hard to get back to where I was before I left.
Well that is that. So now some pictures and I am done.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Update!!
Ok so I have a little time now to do some updating.
So we are still on the north island and have only about a week and half left on our trip and one week in Samoa. I am so sad to be so close to leaving!!
So far on the north island we have had quit a few adventures. We went to Bruce mountain bird sanctuary.(I think that was what it was called) It was cool. got to see them feed a bunch of kaka's (parrot like bird) They were flying right towards our heads it was really funny. And we also got to see our first Kiwi bird!! They are so cool looking. Like something from the lost world. That was on the 8th just north of Wellington.
On the 9th we went to Taupo. We hiked around Huka falls and Crater of the Moon. It was a pretty mellow day.
The next day we went to this place called Hidden Valley. It was the most interested thermo active place. Hot mud bubbling out of the earth, geysers, and a cave. It was cool. After hidden Valley we headed towards Rotarua. We stayed in a camp area that has "hot ground" Mostly the entire town is on a thermally active area. The park has a ton of bubbling mud ponds and geysers. You look around and you see steam coming out of the ground all over the place. It was really strange. I honestly don't know how they build in that area. Lots of places had "new" sink holes. There was actually steam coming out of the storm sewer!!! It was strange. But lot of soaking in hot mineral pools so who am I to question there logic?
That bring me about up to Saturday the 11th. So my mom was leaving the next day so we had to make our way up to Auckland. I figured we may as well go up the east coast and see some ocean before heading inland. We found a great beach with tons of sea shells and it was really beautiful day to be on the beach. A few surfers and lots of dogs running and playing. It was really nice.
We dropped my mom off on the 12th with out a hitch for us. My mom how ever missed her flight. Let me explain. he flight was scheduled to leave at 11:10. We dropped her off at 9:00. Well apparently it is common for them to move flights up if nothing else is going on. So they moved her flight up 2 hours and she missed it. I did not find this out until we were headed out of Auckland. But fortunately the airline put her up in hotel. I still can not believe they moved it up that much. We drove up to the Kauri forest from Auckland that day.
Wow this is really hard when you let it go for so long without an update. I forget half the stuff that happened and now am remembering other things I forgot. A little more and I will have to stop and go get a beer.
Ok so we camped out in the kaira forest. It was a really strange camp sight. But you could hear all kinds of birds everywhere. Including KIWI's. We never did manage to see one, but the some other bird was making a crazy sound in the trees. It actually freaked out the German's next to us!!
Well I have only 2 minutes left on this card so I will go for now. More tomorrow. I am determined to catch up!!!
So we are still on the north island and have only about a week and half left on our trip and one week in Samoa. I am so sad to be so close to leaving!!
So far on the north island we have had quit a few adventures. We went to Bruce mountain bird sanctuary.(I think that was what it was called) It was cool. got to see them feed a bunch of kaka's (parrot like bird) They were flying right towards our heads it was really funny. And we also got to see our first Kiwi bird!! They are so cool looking. Like something from the lost world. That was on the 8th just north of Wellington.
On the 9th we went to Taupo. We hiked around Huka falls and Crater of the Moon. It was a pretty mellow day.
The next day we went to this place called Hidden Valley. It was the most interested thermo active place. Hot mud bubbling out of the earth, geysers, and a cave. It was cool. After hidden Valley we headed towards Rotarua. We stayed in a camp area that has "hot ground" Mostly the entire town is on a thermally active area. The park has a ton of bubbling mud ponds and geysers. You look around and you see steam coming out of the ground all over the place. It was really strange. I honestly don't know how they build in that area. Lots of places had "new" sink holes. There was actually steam coming out of the storm sewer!!! It was strange. But lot of soaking in hot mineral pools so who am I to question there logic?
That bring me about up to Saturday the 11th. So my mom was leaving the next day so we had to make our way up to Auckland. I figured we may as well go up the east coast and see some ocean before heading inland. We found a great beach with tons of sea shells and it was really beautiful day to be on the beach. A few surfers and lots of dogs running and playing. It was really nice.
We dropped my mom off on the 12th with out a hitch for us. My mom how ever missed her flight. Let me explain. he flight was scheduled to leave at 11:10. We dropped her off at 9:00. Well apparently it is common for them to move flights up if nothing else is going on. So they moved her flight up 2 hours and she missed it. I did not find this out until we were headed out of Auckland. But fortunately the airline put her up in hotel. I still can not believe they moved it up that much. We drove up to the Kauri forest from Auckland that day.
Wow this is really hard when you let it go for so long without an update. I forget half the stuff that happened and now am remembering other things I forgot. A little more and I will have to stop and go get a beer.
Ok so we camped out in the kaira forest. It was a really strange camp sight. But you could hear all kinds of birds everywhere. Including KIWI's. We never did manage to see one, but the some other bird was making a crazy sound in the trees. It actually freaked out the German's next to us!!
Well I have only 2 minutes left on this card so I will go for now. More tomorrow. I am determined to catch up!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
North Island
Well we made it to the North island.We ended up taking the ferry on Tuesday the 7th. It was a really windy ride. Still very beautiful. The night before was a blast. We spend the night in Picton. It is a fun little. town. We went out to this Irish pub. There was a group of locals playing some really cool Irish music. The people were really friendly and we were really drunk. I was just glad that at the end of the night I remembered which bridge went back to our van site. It was fun. I was of course a little hung over. That makes for a really interesting ferry ride.
Well got to go for now but will catch up more tomorrow.
Well got to go for now but will catch up more tomorrow.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
South island continues!
We made it over to Fox Glacier on Thursday the 2nd.
We were able to book a tour to hike the glacier the next day. We got up in the morning and headed down to the site where we started the tour. It was a crazy walk to the glacier. There were these two Japanese people that the guide, Jared, had to turn back. It is still strange to me how some people completely over estimate how fit they are. This guy they had to turn around barely made it out of the car park. We had not even begun to climb the 700 stairs!! And yes it was really steep. Really nice calf workout. Walking on the glacier was really cool We went to this one spot that had an ice cave. It was really blue beautiful ice. Funny how hiking in parts of the glacier reminded me of slot canyons only with ice instead of sand stone!! And a little colder!!
On Friday we headed out to Charleston to get in one last climbing area on the south island. It was really nice climbing and perfect weather. I am actually really sad that our South island climbing is done. I wish we would have gotten more climbing in but we got about 13 days. Not to bad, but there is just so much to do here.
Saturday we headed for Hanmer springs. Oh and it was Stacy's birthday. We sat in the springs for a few hours. It was nice, but not nearly as nice as Pagosa Spring. I am so spoiled by that place. This place was nice but really there were way too many people in a small area. But it was good to soak in a hot spring and relax. Then of course we drank. I mean it was after all Stacy's birthday!!
Sunday we headed to Kaikora for a whale watching trip. The trip was canceled due to lack of Sperm whales. I guess they were too far out to sea. So we rescheduled for today. We just got back from that trip. It was kind of a bust. No whales, hell not much of anything but a few Albatrosses. But we got a 80 percent refund so it was totally worth it.
So now I think we are headed north and to the north island in a few days. I am looking forward to doing some more climbing. It should be fun.
And c an I just say that I am already having nightmares about actually having to work again.!! Bye for now.
We were able to book a tour to hike the glacier the next day. We got up in the morning and headed down to the site where we started the tour. It was a crazy walk to the glacier. There were these two Japanese people that the guide, Jared, had to turn back. It is still strange to me how some people completely over estimate how fit they are. This guy they had to turn around barely made it out of the car park. We had not even begun to climb the 700 stairs!! And yes it was really steep. Really nice calf workout. Walking on the glacier was really cool We went to this one spot that had an ice cave. It was really blue beautiful ice. Funny how hiking in parts of the glacier reminded me of slot canyons only with ice instead of sand stone!! And a little colder!!
On Friday we headed out to Charleston to get in one last climbing area on the south island. It was really nice climbing and perfect weather. I am actually really sad that our South island climbing is done. I wish we would have gotten more climbing in but we got about 13 days. Not to bad, but there is just so much to do here.
Saturday we headed for Hanmer springs. Oh and it was Stacy's birthday. We sat in the springs for a few hours. It was nice, but not nearly as nice as Pagosa Spring. I am so spoiled by that place. This place was nice but really there were way too many people in a small area. But it was good to soak in a hot spring and relax. Then of course we drank. I mean it was after all Stacy's birthday!!
Sunday we headed to Kaikora for a whale watching trip. The trip was canceled due to lack of Sperm whales. I guess they were too far out to sea. So we rescheduled for today. We just got back from that trip. It was kind of a bust. No whales, hell not much of anything but a few Albatrosses. But we got a 80 percent refund so it was totally worth it.
So now I think we are headed north and to the north island in a few days. I am looking forward to doing some more climbing. It should be fun.
And c an I just say that I am already having nightmares about actually having to work again.!! Bye for now.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
New van!!
This is really crazy!! Millie did not want to go to Christchurch at all. The van broke down AGAIN right before we had to pick up my mom. So the engine blew up again!! So we ended up buying a new van. This all occurred Friday and Saturday. The one good thing about that old van is that it always broke down next to a mechanic shop. These guys were a lot more fun and seemed like they knew more of what was up. The engine had no oil in it. We had the new engine for only 3 weeks!! You would think that the thing would have to have oil in it. There was no leak. So the moral of the story is when it is going to cost you more to fix a car than it cost just buy a new one!! We broke down about an hour south of Christchurch. The new mechanics, Phil and Brad, were really fun and nice. Brad drove us into Christchurch and helped us find a new van. Tested it out for us and found us a really nice Nissan Vanette for 1750. It is so much nicer than the old one. Hell the guy we bought it from said if we are leaving from Christchurch we can sale it back to him for 1200. So we really can't lose. I mean 550 for a month to use the van. And I am really sure that is we try to sale it in Auckland we can get at least 2000. Van in Auckland go for a lot more than down here. So We shall see, but new van is great. Way easier to drive and goes a lot faster us the hills. Only wish we would have found this one first!!
So that aside everything is going good.We picked up my mom on Saturday and headed to Mt. Cook. Got there Sunday and did a great little hike. Mt. Cook is a trip. It seriously looks like it has a face on it!! nice hike, but it was really windy!!!
Monday we headed back to Wanaka and did some more climbing at Hospital Flats. It was good fun.I really like the climbing around Wanaka. we also did the Rob Roy hike again. It is one of the best hikes I have ever been on in my life. It is just so stunning. Well worth going and doing again.
Tuesday we headed to Queenstown to do some climbing at Wye Creek. The approach is brutal!! Great hike as far as beautiful, but it is literally 45 minutes of hiking at a 65 degree angle up!!! Really steep. But totally worth it!! So you get to the climbing and you are overlooking a giant lake and it is beyond words. THE most beautiful view. The climbing was also really great, really nice rock. Good holds, good moves, solid foot holds, good gear!! I could spend at least a year climbing there. I would love to go back. I may have to move here. Someone send my cat and dog!! Hell now I have a good van to get me around!!!
So life is good. The people hear are great. I really like Brad. He was SO much fun. Funny guy!! Lot of energy!!
Today we are headed back over Haast past and doing a glacier hike tomorrow. The weather has been great.
I know I am leaving out lots of stuff. Did I mention that I got a job offer. Picking Grapes!!! But hey I would get to work outdoors!!! Maybe even some free wine!!! Like I said someone send my cat and dog!!
Take care all.
So that aside everything is going good.We picked up my mom on Saturday and headed to Mt. Cook. Got there Sunday and did a great little hike. Mt. Cook is a trip. It seriously looks like it has a face on it!! nice hike, but it was really windy!!!
Monday we headed back to Wanaka and did some more climbing at Hospital Flats. It was good fun.I really like the climbing around Wanaka. we also did the Rob Roy hike again. It is one of the best hikes I have ever been on in my life. It is just so stunning. Well worth going and doing again.
Tuesday we headed to Queenstown to do some climbing at Wye Creek. The approach is brutal!! Great hike as far as beautiful, but it is literally 45 minutes of hiking at a 65 degree angle up!!! Really steep. But totally worth it!! So you get to the climbing and you are overlooking a giant lake and it is beyond words. THE most beautiful view. The climbing was also really great, really nice rock. Good holds, good moves, solid foot holds, good gear!! I could spend at least a year climbing there. I would love to go back. I may have to move here. Someone send my cat and dog!! Hell now I have a good van to get me around!!!
So life is good. The people hear are great. I really like Brad. He was SO much fun. Funny guy!! Lot of energy!!
Today we are headed back over Haast past and doing a glacier hike tomorrow. The weather has been great.
I know I am leaving out lots of stuff. Did I mention that I got a job offer. Picking Grapes!!! But hey I would get to work outdoors!!! Maybe even some free wine!!! Like I said someone send my cat and dog!!
Take care all.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
South part of south island
We did a great hike on the southern part of the south island. Well that is once we found it. The directions were really sad. It was a really long nice day hike. We hike around for about seven hours. The car park area was really interesting because it had a lodge with a shower, and that was much needed.
After we took our shower we headed out towards Intercargrill, along the "scenic highway". Funny thing about the scenic highway is that most other roads we had been on where way more scenic. It was very strange. On the map it appeared that it would be near the coast, but most of it was just far enough away where you could not see the ocean.
By we had made it all the way up to Dunedin and had decided to head for Elephant rocks and get some climb in. We pick up a hitch hiker along the way. David was really funny and he lives in Dunedin so we made plans to meet up with him on his way back to Dunedin from Christchurch.
Spent a really nice day climbing and then met up with David and headed to his house in Dunedin. It was a complete hippie crash pad. Good fun. a bunch of really nice guys. It was nice to have a home base for a while. We hung out there for Three nights. The funny thing is somehow we landed in the middle of a "roommate situation". Stacy and I are sitting in the living room when the one roommate comes home and starts telling the other roommates that he is moving in with his girl friend. It was really strange. They did not seem to care that we were there, but it got uncomfortable so I excused us. It was really funny.
So yesterday we went climbing at Long Beach. Great climbing area right next to the beach. Today we went back to do some bouldering in the caves and now we are headed back to Duntroon to do some climbing. So here are a few more pictures.
Later.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wanaka
Well we finally got some climbing in or I guess I should say I did. Stacy and I went out just south of town to a place called Hospital Flats. I was able to get a few climbs in. It was really fun. And a very nice setting. It was how ever hot and humid which made it a little difficult to do anything hard. But it was fun.
Then next day Saturday the 14 we all went out to try to do some more climbing. I spent the better part of an hour trying to find this one climbing are that was in the shade. Funny how the climbing guide book says that a lot of people get lost going to this area. No kidding, maybe because the directions are REALLY crappy? So anyhow by the time I found the area Kris and Stacy had both lost interest in climbing so we went back to the car and I did some bouldering. It was rather disappointing because I really wanted to get some climbing done before we left Wanaka.
On Monday 16 we headed out to Queenstown. We got there fairly late in the afternoon, so we just checked into a hostel and walked around town. What a fun town. Very touristy, but a total party town. I remember thinking that I could really have some fun in this place. And hell we were after all going to be there for St Patric's Day!! The one thing Stacy wanted to do was Bungee jump. So She set that up for Tuesday afternoon. Monday night was pretty mellow. We just hung out in the hostel and had a mellow night. It was a much needed rest day.
Tuesday we got up and headed out to the bridge that Stacy was planning on jumping off!! It was really cool. I can not believe how many people they chuck off that bridge everyday. One after the other. Oh hey and if you are over 65 they let you go for free!! I know what I am doing for my 65 birthday!!! So after a two hour wait it was finally Stacy's turn. She of course opted for the dunk at the end. Oh let me explain. You can either get close to the water, put you hands in or dunk. It was actually really funny. Half her body went in to the water. Fun stuff.
After we were planning on climbing. We headed out to Wye creek. Looked at the one hour approach and decided to go to another area that was "right by the road" When they say right by the road (highway) they meant right by the road. Good chance your belayer is going to get hit by a car!! So we decided to go drinking!! Seemed safer. And it was after all St. Patric's day. So we went to the Mexican restaurant (Cuz we thought it would be funny) and orders some margaritas. And so began the drunken night! I think that drinking is a sport in Queenstown. It is after all the extreme sport capital of New Zealand. At least that is one sport I usually don't finish last, but then again sometimes finishing first is just as bad as finishing last. It was a fun night. Woke up with some green paint, but at least my hair was not green. There where several people in the bar painting Irish flags on people and putting green paint in peoples hair. It was fun from what I remember.
So then we were off to Milford Sound yesterday. Wow no words can describe how incredible that place is. IN fact I am not going to try. I will post some picture at a later date. That is seriously the best I can do.
Well I am out for now. Probably headed a bit farther South. The weather is meant to be rainy so we are headed to the coast to look at the sea!!
Then next day Saturday the 14 we all went out to try to do some more climbing. I spent the better part of an hour trying to find this one climbing are that was in the shade. Funny how the climbing guide book says that a lot of people get lost going to this area. No kidding, maybe because the directions are REALLY crappy? So anyhow by the time I found the area Kris and Stacy had both lost interest in climbing so we went back to the car and I did some bouldering. It was rather disappointing because I really wanted to get some climbing done before we left Wanaka.
On Monday 16 we headed out to Queenstown. We got there fairly late in the afternoon, so we just checked into a hostel and walked around town. What a fun town. Very touristy, but a total party town. I remember thinking that I could really have some fun in this place. And hell we were after all going to be there for St Patric's Day!! The one thing Stacy wanted to do was Bungee jump. So She set that up for Tuesday afternoon. Monday night was pretty mellow. We just hung out in the hostel and had a mellow night. It was a much needed rest day.
Tuesday we got up and headed out to the bridge that Stacy was planning on jumping off!! It was really cool. I can not believe how many people they chuck off that bridge everyday. One after the other. Oh hey and if you are over 65 they let you go for free!! I know what I am doing for my 65 birthday!!! So after a two hour wait it was finally Stacy's turn. She of course opted for the dunk at the end. Oh let me explain. You can either get close to the water, put you hands in or dunk. It was actually really funny. Half her body went in to the water. Fun stuff.
After we were planning on climbing. We headed out to Wye creek. Looked at the one hour approach and decided to go to another area that was "right by the road" When they say right by the road (highway) they meant right by the road. Good chance your belayer is going to get hit by a car!! So we decided to go drinking!! Seemed safer. And it was after all St. Patric's day. So we went to the Mexican restaurant (Cuz we thought it would be funny) and orders some margaritas. And so began the drunken night! I think that drinking is a sport in Queenstown. It is after all the extreme sport capital of New Zealand. At least that is one sport I usually don't finish last, but then again sometimes finishing first is just as bad as finishing last. It was a fun night. Woke up with some green paint, but at least my hair was not green. There where several people in the bar painting Irish flags on people and putting green paint in peoples hair. It was fun from what I remember.
So then we were off to Milford Sound yesterday. Wow no words can describe how incredible that place is. IN fact I am not going to try. I will post some picture at a later date. That is seriously the best I can do.
Well I am out for now. Probably headed a bit farther South. The weather is meant to be rainy so we are headed to the coast to look at the sea!!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Rob Roy Glacier
Well we hit the town Thursday night. We figured we could all get drunk and pass out in the van. It worked until about 4 in the morning when this angry town council member (or so he said) decided he need to wake up all the people sleeping in vans near the lake shore. It was actually really funny. He told us we could drive just out of town and park next to the road. So we went to a camp ground just out of town. It was again a great surprise to see in the morning that we were next to a beautiful river. Funny how we keep waking up in really nice spots.
So yesterday we went to hike the Rob Roy glacier. It was a hour and half drive down a wash board road to get there. But it was totally worth it. The hike goes over a swing bridge that was really cool. It took us about an hour and a half to get up to the glacier. I will post photos as soon as I get them burned to the CD. It was seriously amazing. Giant glacier with ten huge water falls plummeting off giant cliffs. Wonderful day hike.
Strange people story!!!
Driving back from the glacier there was this van behind me and another one right in front of me. When we get in to town we went to the gas station. The van behind us pulls into the gas station. The guy driving walks over to my car to tell me that I should have let him pass me because I was going slow. I just looked at him and said "So I should have let you in front of me, so you could be behind the van that was in front of me? And you thought you needed to stalk me to the gas station to tell me this?" It was really strange. But amusing.
Well I am posting some pictures but these are old one, but just fun pictures.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wanaka
So today we arrived in Wanaka. This town is really cute. Right by a huge lake lots of nice sail boats. Beautiful.
The day before we had drive in from Nelson lakes we did a quick little hike to a glacier. Stacy and Kris's first real life glacier. When I asked Stacy if she had ever seem a glacier she replied, "yeah on TV" Funny girl!!!!
We camped last night just outside of the Fox glacier. Of course we got to the camp site at night since we were at the local pub until well after dark. So it was a great surprise in the morning to see that we had a perfect view of the glacier!! Great way to start the day. Took some quick pictures and headed into town for some coffee and food. After we ate we drove out to the trail head to do a hike, however the trail was closed so we decided to drive on and do a hike somewhere closer to Wanaka. Up the pass we went. It was one of the most amazing drives I have ever done. Water fall cascading down the cliff right next to the road!! Snow capped mountains. We stopped along the way several times to do some short hikes to a few water falls. It was really beautiful. But as with everything in life everything has its issues. The Sand Flies were out in full force. They are cruel creatures. Try to suck the life right out of you!!! I bet you can see a sand fly swarm in every photo!!!
Well tomorrow we are planning on going climbing and then do a hike to the Rob Roy glacier. Should be a full day.
That is all for now. I put some photos up and will still at some point try to update the last post. There are so many details I have left out.
Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am.
The day before we had drive in from Nelson lakes we did a quick little hike to a glacier. Stacy and Kris's first real life glacier. When I asked Stacy if she had ever seem a glacier she replied, "yeah on TV" Funny girl!!!!
We camped last night just outside of the Fox glacier. Of course we got to the camp site at night since we were at the local pub until well after dark. So it was a great surprise in the morning to see that we had a perfect view of the glacier!! Great way to start the day. Took some quick pictures and headed into town for some coffee and food. After we ate we drove out to the trail head to do a hike, however the trail was closed so we decided to drive on and do a hike somewhere closer to Wanaka. Up the pass we went. It was one of the most amazing drives I have ever done. Water fall cascading down the cliff right next to the road!! Snow capped mountains. We stopped along the way several times to do some short hikes to a few water falls. It was really beautiful. But as with everything in life everything has its issues. The Sand Flies were out in full force. They are cruel creatures. Try to suck the life right out of you!!! I bet you can see a sand fly swarm in every photo!!!
Well tomorrow we are planning on going climbing and then do a hike to the Rob Roy glacier. Should be a full day.
That is all for now. I put some photos up and will still at some point try to update the last post. There are so many details I have left out.
Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Trying to keep up the blog!!
I know I have not posted anything in a long time. I am trying to keep up 
but we have been so busy!!S 
So here is the short and sweet version!
The van was broken down for a long time
March 2 We hitched to Nelson to go party with Adrian, a guy I met at Paynes ford climbing. It was CRAZY!! I'll write more later.
March 3 Van still broken had to rent a car to go pick up Kris (my freind from New York)
March 4 Went climbing with Matt at Castle hills and then picked UP Kris.
March 5 Went climbing at Charleston Sea cliff. Teh most beautiful place I have climbed in a long long time. Right next to the sea. Just have to make sure High tide doesn't catch you!!
March 6 Hiked at Nelson lakes and Finally pciked up the Van. Partied in Nelson for Kris's birthday
March 7 One word HANGOVER
March 8 Bike and wine tour
March 9 Kayak at Abel Tasman
March 10 Hike out of Abel Tasman
March 11 Driving to Wanaka!!
Sorry so short I will elaberate later, but right now I am suppose to be meeting Stacy at the VAN!!!
Take care and I promise I will up date in the next two days!!!! More details to come!!!! Oh and pictures. I finally burned some picture to CD so I can add picture!!
but we have been so busy!!S 
So here is the short and sweet version!
The van was broken down for a long time
March 2 We hitched to Nelson to go party with Adrian, a guy I met at Paynes ford climbing. It was CRAZY!! I'll write more later.
March 3 Van still broken had to rent a car to go pick up Kris (my freind from New York)
March 4 Went climbing with Matt at Castle hills and then picked UP Kris.
March 5 Went climbing at Charleston Sea cliff. Teh most beautiful place I have climbed in a long long time. Right next to the sea. Just have to make sure High tide doesn't catch you!!
March 6 Hiked at Nelson lakes and Finally pciked up the Van. Partied in Nelson for Kris's birthday
March 7 One word HANGOVER
March 8 Bike and wine tour
March 9 Kayak at Abel Tasman
March 10 Hike out of Abel Tasman
March 11 Driving to Wanaka!!
Sorry so short I will elaberate later, but right now I am suppose to be meeting Stacy at the VAN!!!
Take care and I promise I will up date in the next two days!!!! More details to come!!!! Oh and pictures. I finally burned some picture to CD so I can add picture!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Pretty boring weekend. Spent the day Saturday walking around in the rain. I spent most of the day totally soaked. Sunday we just drank most of the day. We tried to Hitch out to Abel Tasman but it was not working so we figured beer always works out well. The rain Saturday really put a damper on things because we were not able to kayak and hiking was just messy. Well it was not bad just a little boring.
So now it is Monday and the Van should be fixed this afternoon and we will head to Castle Hills to meet up with this guy Matt and some others to do some climbing. It should be fun.
New engine and all!!
So now it is Monday and the Van should be fixed this afternoon and we will head to Castle Hills to meet up with this guy Matt and some others to do some climbing. It should be fun.
New engine and all!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
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!!
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!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Paynes Ford
The ferry ride across to the south island was really beautiful. I think the south island is much prettier than the north. There is also suppose to be way more to do down here.
God everything is so green.
We arrived at Picon and headed straight for Paynes Ford. We took the scenic drive down the coast. It was up and down and winding the entire way. I was so pround of Milly (yes we named the van) She did great. We promised to buy her some new magnets. We are decorating her with all sorts of New Zealand magnets it is really fun.
We arrived at Paynes Ford at around 5. We went directly to Hang dog camp. This is a crazy camp ground for climbers. It is really great!! Funny how so many people apppear to live there. The Girl directly across from us has been there 4 month. Seems like most of the people have been there that long. A few people are ike us and just spending a few days. The camp is great. The first night we headed down to party about 2 kilometers down the path to towands all the climbing. I did not eat dinner and drank like a fish!! I got really toasted. Barely made the walk back.
The next day we went to go climbing at the little lost wall. We met a really cool group of people. Jeff, Yvi, Big, Adrian, and Rafiel. So they invited us to go to another climbing place that was right on the beach. It was hilarious. We spent about an hour trying to find some crazy roof. Ended up just doing so fun easy long climb. After this we headed to the pub. This was one of the funnest groups of people I have met in a long time. I have not laughed that hard in months. So funny. We kept giving Adrian hell because he went for a walk with this Isrealy girl and she never came back. She ran into some friend and took off. Or so he said!! I think we keep the camp up half the night laughing. It was so fun. Adrian lives in Queenstown so we are going to hook up with him there and also climb with Jeff and Yvi in Christchurch. A few days and I already have a climbing crew.
Well a few more days here and then we are headed to Castle hills.
God everything is so green.
We arrived at Picon and headed straight for Paynes Ford. We took the scenic drive down the coast. It was up and down and winding the entire way. I was so pround of Milly (yes we named the van) She did great. We promised to buy her some new magnets. We are decorating her with all sorts of New Zealand magnets it is really fun.
We arrived at Paynes Ford at around 5. We went directly to Hang dog camp. This is a crazy camp ground for climbers. It is really great!! Funny how so many people apppear to live there. The Girl directly across from us has been there 4 month. Seems like most of the people have been there that long. A few people are ike us and just spending a few days. The camp is great. The first night we headed down to party about 2 kilometers down the path to towands all the climbing. I did not eat dinner and drank like a fish!! I got really toasted. Barely made the walk back.
The next day we went to go climbing at the little lost wall. We met a really cool group of people. Jeff, Yvi, Big, Adrian, and Rafiel. So they invited us to go to another climbing place that was right on the beach. It was hilarious. We spent about an hour trying to find some crazy roof. Ended up just doing so fun easy long climb. After this we headed to the pub. This was one of the funnest groups of people I have met in a long time. I have not laughed that hard in months. So funny. We kept giving Adrian hell because he went for a walk with this Isrealy girl and she never came back. She ran into some friend and took off. Or so he said!! I think we keep the camp up half the night laughing. It was so fun. Adrian lives in Queenstown so we are going to hook up with him there and also climb with Jeff and Yvi in Christchurch. A few days and I already have a climbing crew.
Well a few more days here and then we are headed to Castle hills.
Friday, February 20, 2009
To the South island!!
Well I think last time I wrote we were headed to do some climbing. We went to a place called Froggart. It was a really beautiful place. We got there kind of late in the day so it was REALLY hot. We ended up only climbing one route. But it was still fun. We learned that you have got to get up early because it is way to hot to climb in the afternoon. So we left and went to a pub instead. Seemed like the right thing to do!!
Yesterday it was raining like crazy. So climbing was out of the question. Instead we decided to do a hike. Yes a hike in the down pour. And it was a down pour. So the place we went hiking was in Tongariro national park. It was beautiful. Well from what I could tell from the rain!! We hike to some water falls. Because of the rain the waterfalls were really moving. I honestly don't know if they usually put out that kinda of water, but it was amazing. The bottom half of the hike was right next to the river. I was clear that the water leave was really high. Parts of the trail you had to wad through the water. This place is so green and now I See why. Stacy and I were completely soaked by the time we got back.
Another interesting event that happen is that I stupidly locked the keys in the car at the gas station. It was really funny because the people here are SO nice we had about eight people trying to help us break in. The clerk kept sending people over to help us. It was actually really FUN, if you can believe that. Friendly people these Kiwis!!! I love it!!!
So the van is still running and we are headed towards the south island We hop on the ferry tomorrow. We are going to Paynes Ford to do some climbing. So EARLY to rise for the next few days.
I miss everyone. And of Course I miss Max and Sylvester.
Hope everyone is doing good and having some fun!!
Yesterday it was raining like crazy. So climbing was out of the question. Instead we decided to do a hike. Yes a hike in the down pour. And it was a down pour. So the place we went hiking was in Tongariro national park. It was beautiful. Well from what I could tell from the rain!! We hike to some water falls. Because of the rain the waterfalls were really moving. I honestly don't know if they usually put out that kinda of water, but it was amazing. The bottom half of the hike was right next to the river. I was clear that the water leave was really high. Parts of the trail you had to wad through the water. This place is so green and now I See why. Stacy and I were completely soaked by the time we got back.
Another interesting event that happen is that I stupidly locked the keys in the car at the gas station. It was really funny because the people here are SO nice we had about eight people trying to help us break in. The clerk kept sending people over to help us. It was actually really FUN, if you can believe that. Friendly people these Kiwis!!! I love it!!!
So the van is still running and we are headed towards the south island We hop on the ferry tomorrow. We are going to Paynes Ford to do some climbing. So EARLY to rise for the next few days.
I miss everyone. And of Course I miss Max and Sylvester.
Hope everyone is doing good and having some fun!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
