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!!

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.

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!!

The Van!

Hello all! Well we made it to New Zealand and it is now day three. I can not believe we have only been here a few days We have already done so much.
The second day we were here we bought a van! It is a cute little Toyota Liteace. We bought it from these two German girls. They were the funniest little things. Seems that they had the van for the past five month and became rather attached to it. They we really sad to see it go. They painted a picture of a sheep on the side It is really funny. Mona and Sarah we very cool. They gave us a good deal. I think they were just happy that it would go to a good home.
So the first day we spend walking around Auckland. It is actually a really pretty city. Some nice little parks and stuff. After walking around all day we, of course went to get some beers at a pub. Good beer. Then we meet up with Mona and Sarah and made arrangements to get the car the next day. It is seriously amazing how easy it is to buy a car. I cost 9.20 NZD at the post office and you are done. Oh and about 5 minutes!! Crazy.
Yesterday we drove down to Wharepapa. It took us about two hours to figure out how to get out of Auckland. And for me to figure out how to drive on the left hand side of the road. But hey all the practice at home payed off!! My uncle Paul made me promise not to drink and drive for the first few weeks. So I figure two more and we can booze cruz!!! (Just kidding) Our little van doesn't really go very fast so it should not be a problem.
So today we are going to try and get some climbing in at Wharepapa and then head south. We have a ferry booked for Sunday to go to the south island.
Things are going great so far!!
I will post some picture next time.
Buy for now.
Oh yeah and I REALLY don't miss my Cubical at all.

The last week has been really hectic. It snowed like crazy in Flagstaff, so I spent the better half of the week shoveling. It is great exercise, but it does make climbing rather difficult. I guess I need a few weeks off.

We had a really great party at my house last Saturday. We managed to almost kill a keg. Stacy, Joy and I finished it off Tuesday. My friends and family can drink!!! It was a good send off to New Zealand.
Yesterday I drove through Sedona. The red rock with the snow was really amazing. I took a two hour hike in Boyton Canyon. It always amazes me how many houses they put up out there. It gets harder and harder to find a place to get away from all that. It is still a beautiful place and Max had fun. He was however COVERED in red dirt. What a great impression for his first day with his adopted family!!
I am now in Phoenix with Diane and Romney and family. I loves these guys. Mia and Toni both made Max Valentine cards. Complete with A dog bone treat!! Those girls are soooo cute. I feel really good about leaving my dog with them. I love that Maxwell dog. And Joy is taking care of Sylvester. So I don't have to worry about my animals while I am gone. I sure will miss those creatures. Toni and Mia are going to give Max so much love he won't know what to do.
So tomorrow there is a plane leaving for New Zealand and I will be on it!! It is going to finally feel real. Well once we get there it will. Tomorrow will be a long day!! We get there at 5 in the morning and can not check into our hostel until 2 in the afternoon. I wonder what time the pubs open!!!

Only two more days working for the City. It is going to feel great to be unemployed!
The travel plans for New Zealand are coming together nicely. Kris will be arriving early March. We get to celebrate her birthday on 6th. My mom bought her ticket. I have been looking into all the fun thing to do. I am sure I will have no problem keeping entertained.
Next week I get to figure out what to pack. I usually don't bring very much stuff. I get really sick of haling a bunch of stuff around. I only made that mistake once. I ended up giving half of my cloths away just so I would not have to carry them anymore!! Now when I travel I usually end up having to buys more cloths. Who knows maybe this time I will get it just right!!
This weekend should be fun. We are going to have a going away party for Stacy Saturday. It became clear early on that a keg would be required. Should be a lot of people. And of course it is going to snow Saturday. It has not snowed in a long time, but as soon as you plan a party then you get some snow! Most of my friends are not afraid of a little bad weather so it should be fun.

As January comes to an end so does my job with the City of Flagstaff. I am finishing up the Low Impact Development project. One more council meeting to get through. The project has involved a long process. I am looking forward to getting it done. It will be good to not have to think about it again.
Everything else if going along as planned. I am just getting everything ready for my trip. Diane and family are going to take good care of Max while I am gone. Joy is going to take care of the Sylvester. I know that poor cat is going to get lonely. He love having someones lap to a lay on when the TV is being watched. Plus I think he will miss Max. Who will he have to hassle?
next week is my last week of work. It doesn't seem really yet. I don't think it will until I am going to the airport. This should be a lot of fun. Flagstaff is funny. Seems like just about everyone I know has been to new Zealand. I imagine on our travels we will run into at least one person from Flagstaff. That is just how small the world can be!!!