Today we decided that we wanted to sail around the bay of islands. But we didn't want to do it with a guided boat, we wanted our own boat. We showed up at the boat rental dock and they said they were predicting some high gusty winds all day from the southwest, meaning we would have to fight the wind the entire way back from the island. We decided to take out the 20 ft. "Kea" anyway. With a bit of embelishing on my skippering expertise: "Oh yeah, I used to skipper a 18 ft skif all the time growing up" we set off. Dan, having no sailing experience was a bit nervous. Nevertheless, we motored out of the harbor, barely avoiding the large barge-like ferries and into the bay. We through up the main sail and fooled around with the gib until we got it up. Then we were cookin'! We tooled around the bay for the morning, going to a small inlet they showed us for lunch. We dropped the sails, ate and did backflips off the bow. During lunch the skies cleared of the early morning rain and the sun blessed the rest of the afternoon with warmth. We spent all afternoon in the bay, Rez took control of the helm and I relaxed on the bow. Somehow, I thought the site of me in my bathing suit as we sailed our own boat around would have attracted more females.... We must have been in the wrong place. We made it back just at 5, and the people we rented from had no idea that we had no clue what we were doing! Just like we planned it.
Tonight we're going for pizza and beer. Tomorrow we're heading back to Auckland, saying goodbye to Norton and hello to 2010.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Been a While
Sorry it has been a while since we've blogged. I wish we could say we've been crazy busy and haven't had the internet at all, but that just isn't true. We have been busy though. After hiking Avalanche Peak, we drove to the east coast, got some fast food and supplies in Christ Church and then drove up the coast all night. We found a nice spot on the ocean to sleep and woke up to watch the sun rise over the Pacific. That was sweet. We were going to swim with dolphins in Kaikora but decided it wasn't worth $165 so we sped up our schedule and caught the ferry to the north island a day earlier than expected.
The difference between the north and south islands is obvious right away. As the ferry docked, we could see that Wellington (NZ's capital city) has buildings taller than 2 stories. The south island hardly had any of those. We drove straight to Tongariro National Park and camped (as always) on the side of the road for the night. It was a long day of traveling and we were tired, so we slept through the alarm. When we showed up at the visitor's center, the woman at the desk told us we had missed all of the shuttles to the start of the famous Tongariro Crossing trek and we couldn't do it today. Naturally we didn't listen to her and found a nice guy to drop us off. He said we had to make sure we were at the pick up by 5 otherwise we would have no way to get back. It was 11 and the hike is said to take 6-8 hours. We started booking it up the trail and before we knew it, we were most of the way up the volcano (Yes, we hiked up a volcano) and it was only 12:30. We decided to take the side track to the top of Mount Tongariro, where there were some awesome views and we ate lunch at the top. Then, we continued on the trail, going down the other side of the volcano, seeing some amazing yellows and reds from past eruptions and lots of solidified magma flows. There were also some awful smelling emerald pools that were heated by the volcano. They wreaked of sulfur. All in all it was an awesome hike and we made it down in time for the 4 o'clock shuttle. The guy giving us the ride called us "legions."
That was Christmas Eve. That night we drove up to Taupo, found a free campsite and made an awesome stirfry by the river. We woke up Christmas morning to some eggs, cruissants with jam and a dip in the river to clean some of the stench of. It had been 6 days since showering. We spend most of Christmas on the beach next to Lake Taupo, a huge volcanic crater lake. That night we made a Christmas dinner that was...well, lacking to say the least. But we washed it down with some Jim Beam and cuban cigars. All in all not bad.
Side Note: We were throwing a tennis ball around in the campsite and a little girl started playing with us. After a while she asked which campsite was our and we pointed to Norton and our tent. She said "You're staying in that gay tent?" ... An 7 year old girl called our tent gay....
The next morning we called up my family friends who live in Taupo. They immediately came to get us and bring us to their house nearby. They were a great family, very inviting and fun. Rod took us mountain biking in the hills outside the city and Vivien made us some great Christmas leftovers for dinner. A home cooked meal and a shower were all we needed to refuel us.
We decided it would be easier to drive a bit the next day rather than spend a second night with them so we set out for Waitomo. Found a great spot on the side of the road and settled down for the night. The next morning, we set out on an all day tour of the caves. It started with a 100m abseil (rappel for you Americans) into the caves, through the mist. It looked like something straight out of Jurrasic Park and it was even called the Lost World. We had lunch in the cave and then did a combination of rock climbing up waterfalls, swimming through underground rivers and seeing thousands of glowworms. It's all on Planet Earth if you want to look it up.
Now we're in the Bay of Islands and are renting a 20ft sailboat for the day tomorrow....I hope I remember how to sail because I told them we knew how..... Should be interesting....
P
The difference between the north and south islands is obvious right away. As the ferry docked, we could see that Wellington (NZ's capital city) has buildings taller than 2 stories. The south island hardly had any of those. We drove straight to Tongariro National Park and camped (as always) on the side of the road for the night. It was a long day of traveling and we were tired, so we slept through the alarm. When we showed up at the visitor's center, the woman at the desk told us we had missed all of the shuttles to the start of the famous Tongariro Crossing trek and we couldn't do it today. Naturally we didn't listen to her and found a nice guy to drop us off. He said we had to make sure we were at the pick up by 5 otherwise we would have no way to get back. It was 11 and the hike is said to take 6-8 hours. We started booking it up the trail and before we knew it, we were most of the way up the volcano (Yes, we hiked up a volcano) and it was only 12:30. We decided to take the side track to the top of Mount Tongariro, where there were some awesome views and we ate lunch at the top. Then, we continued on the trail, going down the other side of the volcano, seeing some amazing yellows and reds from past eruptions and lots of solidified magma flows. There were also some awful smelling emerald pools that were heated by the volcano. They wreaked of sulfur. All in all it was an awesome hike and we made it down in time for the 4 o'clock shuttle. The guy giving us the ride called us "legions."
That was Christmas Eve. That night we drove up to Taupo, found a free campsite and made an awesome stirfry by the river. We woke up Christmas morning to some eggs, cruissants with jam and a dip in the river to clean some of the stench of. It had been 6 days since showering. We spend most of Christmas on the beach next to Lake Taupo, a huge volcanic crater lake. That night we made a Christmas dinner that was...well, lacking to say the least. But we washed it down with some Jim Beam and cuban cigars. All in all not bad.
Side Note: We were throwing a tennis ball around in the campsite and a little girl started playing with us. After a while she asked which campsite was our and we pointed to Norton and our tent. She said "You're staying in that gay tent?" ... An 7 year old girl called our tent gay....
The next morning we called up my family friends who live in Taupo. They immediately came to get us and bring us to their house nearby. They were a great family, very inviting and fun. Rod took us mountain biking in the hills outside the city and Vivien made us some great Christmas leftovers for dinner. A home cooked meal and a shower were all we needed to refuel us.
We decided it would be easier to drive a bit the next day rather than spend a second night with them so we set out for Waitomo. Found a great spot on the side of the road and settled down for the night. The next morning, we set out on an all day tour of the caves. It started with a 100m abseil (rappel for you Americans) into the caves, through the mist. It looked like something straight out of Jurrasic Park and it was even called the Lost World. We had lunch in the cave and then did a combination of rock climbing up waterfalls, swimming through underground rivers and seeing thousands of glowworms. It's all on Planet Earth if you want to look it up.
Now we're in the Bay of Islands and are renting a 20ft sailboat for the day tomorrow....I hope I remember how to sail because I told them we knew how..... Should be interesting....
P
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Radio? Who needs the radio?
We smell...really bad. Thats what living out of a van for 4 days straight will do to you..but its been a glorious few days. We followed up the hike to the top of Mt. Iron with a beefier hike the next day up to Roy's Peak. We had heard it was supposed to have spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Mt. Aspiring Mountains and we weren't disappointed. The hike up was steep and we were dodging sheep poop the whole way up, but it was an amazing 360 view of the mountains, the town, and the valleys...NZ is special. After that, we went to see a movie at a funky cinema named the Paradiso in town. They only have one screen, but the seats are coaches, recliners, the front half of an old pickup truck, and anything else you can imagine. They also have homemade cookies for sale which came fresh out of the oven...mmmhmm!
That night we headed towards the glaciers and found a cozy spot on the side of the road to park Norton and pack it in for the night. The stars were out...definitely a romantic spot for us. We got up early the next day and went on a guided hike of Fox Glacier. The weather was perfect...and we cruised along on this massive 13 km long glacier (pronounced glass.ee.a) for most of the day. Since the weather was nice we were able to find some really cool ice caves and were able to get a close up of the glacier's front face. Everything about the glacier was impressive...the size, the deep blue colors, its ability to shape the landscape, and its ever-changing nature. After the hike we wanted to get as close to Arthur's Pass so we could do Avalanche peak the next day. All in all it was a four hour drive which usually isnt too bad, but through some unfortunate events we don't have any cds for the cd player and NZ apparantly doesnt like to extent its music stations to the whole country...so, we spent the ride sans radio trying to play music through small ipod speakers. Not to worry though...we have great singing voices...
sweet as...
That night we headed towards the glaciers and found a cozy spot on the side of the road to park Norton and pack it in for the night. The stars were out...definitely a romantic spot for us. We got up early the next day and went on a guided hike of Fox Glacier. The weather was perfect...and we cruised along on this massive 13 km long glacier (pronounced glass.ee.a) for most of the day. Since the weather was nice we were able to find some really cool ice caves and were able to get a close up of the glacier's front face. Everything about the glacier was impressive...the size, the deep blue colors, its ability to shape the landscape, and its ever-changing nature. After the hike we wanted to get as close to Arthur's Pass so we could do Avalanche peak the next day. All in all it was a four hour drive which usually isnt too bad, but through some unfortunate events we don't have any cds for the cd player and NZ apparantly doesnt like to extent its music stations to the whole country...so, we spent the ride sans radio trying to play music through small ipod speakers. Not to worry though...we have great singing voices...
sweet as...
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Homeless
After skydiving nothing seems to quite satisfy our adrenaline itch. However we're kept it pretty interesting. Went out with the people in our hostel on Thursday night, 2 for 1 drinks all night at the pub down the street and mixed drinks served in teapots were quite tasty. Waking up to check out in the morning, not so fun. We checked out of the hostel and made our way to the rental car place. Walking up to the placed Dan says "I hope our van is murdered out" ... And it is! Our van, Norton, is all black with his name graffitied across the sides! Totally baller! Also, (un?)fortunately, he's an automatic. Totally dodged a bullet with that one! Would been fun, but it's way easier this way.
We drove back to town, parked and got some food. Then we met up with our friends from the hostel and hiked our asses up the mountain to do the luge again. After our first time down, the skies opened up and it was pouring. It's much more excited going down the track when your brakes and steering don't alway work! Somehow none of us died. Friday night brought us one last Fergburger - mine was complete with 1/2 lb of meat, 2 eggs, some beets, half an onion, tomato and tons of cheese. I could barely move afterwards. After some cards and a crappy movie it was time to sleep in the van. It is definitely cozy with both of us in there. Just enough room to stretch out fully, all of the bags in the front seat and the curtains drawn. Actually, we slept quite well!
Today we got up and used the hostel showers and toilets and hit the road. A quick stop at the grocery store for our staples of baked beans, canned corn and bread and we're set for Wanaka. A very scenic hour and half drive up some mountains and we made it to the beautiful lakeside town. Immediately we ate lunch and fell asleep next to the lake. A while later, I'm sunburned and the storm seems like it's coming in. We did a short hike up the mountain in town and then cooked some dinner in a parking lot next to the lake. Pictures are to come! We're like hobos! It's awesome.
We drove back to town, parked and got some food. Then we met up with our friends from the hostel and hiked our asses up the mountain to do the luge again. After our first time down, the skies opened up and it was pouring. It's much more excited going down the track when your brakes and steering don't alway work! Somehow none of us died. Friday night brought us one last Fergburger - mine was complete with 1/2 lb of meat, 2 eggs, some beets, half an onion, tomato and tons of cheese. I could barely move afterwards. After some cards and a crappy movie it was time to sleep in the van. It is definitely cozy with both of us in there. Just enough room to stretch out fully, all of the bags in the front seat and the curtains drawn. Actually, we slept quite well!
Today we got up and used the hostel showers and toilets and hit the road. A quick stop at the grocery store for our staples of baked beans, canned corn and bread and we're set for Wanaka. A very scenic hour and half drive up some mountains and we made it to the beautiful lakeside town. Immediately we ate lunch and fell asleep next to the lake. A while later, I'm sunburned and the storm seems like it's coming in. We did a short hike up the mountain in town and then cooked some dinner in a parking lot next to the lake. Pictures are to come! We're like hobos! It's awesome.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Cause I'm Freeeeee....Free Falllllin!
So, we tried to write a goodbye post yesterday afternoon, that for some reason didn't work. Luckily, we're still alive. it was a close call but after plunging 134m into a canyon attached only to a couple of rubberbands and getting thrown out of a plane from 12000 feet, we are safely on the ground, hearts still pounding and palms still sweating.
We did the Nevis bungy jump where the take you out in a tin cup attached to a couple wires to a cable car that's suspended 134m above a small river flowing through a canyon. We got some sweet videos that we're working on putting up. The jump was awesome, such a rush! Then we got up early this morning and headed out of town for skydiving. as we were getting ready and all harnessed up, the skies cleared and the sun came out. The flight up was a bit nerve racking as we crammed 9 people into a tiny plane and climbed very steeply to 12000 ft. The view was incredible...then they threw us out of the plane and hit terminal velocity. It was amazing! Streaks went first; one second he was there at the door and the next he got sucked out and was plummeting to earth. I went next and got scoldded by my instructor as I tried to look down to find Dan as he fell but was supposed to be keeping my head up. whoops! We feel for 45 seconds, did some spins and a flip and then pulled the chute and took a glance at the amazing scenery. 6000 ft mountains, a crystal clear lake and gorgeous blue skies. Beautiful. After graceful landings (on our butts) we shouted with joy and excitement! What an experience!
We also had the first annual Queenstown derby on the luge carts atop the gondola in town. Attempts were made to video the whole thing, though it's pretty shaky. We're headed back up for a rematch this afternoon! And possibly another bungy jump - backflips anyone?
Have been hanging out with Bretlyn and her friend Shelley and a Swiss hitchiker they picked up named Sam. All great people, it's been a lot of fun. They left to go farther south this morning and we're meeting up with girls in Wanaka on Saturday. Gross weather forcast for the weekend, but next week is supposed to be great.
Met some English girls at the pub on Tuesday but they're not that fun, so we're gonna try to hang out with some Dutch girls tonight instead and see what this famed queenstown party scene is like Harry and Lloyd style.
Picking up our van tomorrow morning...we requested an automatic, but I'm kinda hoping that it's a standard, just to add to the ridiculousness (or is it ridicuality?) of this trip!
So long for now.
We did the Nevis bungy jump where the take you out in a tin cup attached to a couple wires to a cable car that's suspended 134m above a small river flowing through a canyon. We got some sweet videos that we're working on putting up. The jump was awesome, such a rush! Then we got up early this morning and headed out of town for skydiving. as we were getting ready and all harnessed up, the skies cleared and the sun came out. The flight up was a bit nerve racking as we crammed 9 people into a tiny plane and climbed very steeply to 12000 ft. The view was incredible...then they threw us out of the plane and hit terminal velocity. It was amazing! Streaks went first; one second he was there at the door and the next he got sucked out and was plummeting to earth. I went next and got scoldded by my instructor as I tried to look down to find Dan as he fell but was supposed to be keeping my head up. whoops! We feel for 45 seconds, did some spins and a flip and then pulled the chute and took a glance at the amazing scenery. 6000 ft mountains, a crystal clear lake and gorgeous blue skies. Beautiful. After graceful landings (on our butts) we shouted with joy and excitement! What an experience!
We also had the first annual Queenstown derby on the luge carts atop the gondola in town. Attempts were made to video the whole thing, though it's pretty shaky. We're headed back up for a rematch this afternoon! And possibly another bungy jump - backflips anyone?
Have been hanging out with Bretlyn and her friend Shelley and a Swiss hitchiker they picked up named Sam. All great people, it's been a lot of fun. They left to go farther south this morning and we're meeting up with girls in Wanaka on Saturday. Gross weather forcast for the weekend, but next week is supposed to be great.
Met some English girls at the pub on Tuesday but they're not that fun, so we're gonna try to hang out with some Dutch girls tonight instead and see what this famed queenstown party scene is like Harry and Lloyd style.
Picking up our van tomorrow morning...we requested an automatic, but I'm kinda hoping that it's a standard, just to add to the ridiculousness (or is it ridicuality?) of this trip!
So long for now.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Right Country, Wrong City
So I've had quite the last 24 hours. Got on my southwest flights no problem, made it to LAX right on schedule. I get in line for the check-in for Air New Zealand and they tell us that the plane experienced incredible amounts of turbulence on the way to LA and needs to undergo maintenance so the flight is delay 12 hours. They put us all up at the LAX Hilton and give us a free dinner buffet, which wasn't very good. After a $7 beer at the bar I was exhausted, took a shower and went to bed. The next morning I got to the airport to check my bag and there were no workers there. Apparently they don't get there until 5:30 even though my flight is supposed to leave at 7. Anyway, I got the guy to switch my seat to an aisle, which turned out to be an exit row! WIN!
After security and unknowingly paying for starbucks breakfast when my boarding pass would have gotten it for free, the plane was an hour late taking off. The aisle seat however was amazing! Free to stretch my legs for the full 12 hours.
The flight was uneventful, though the flight attendant keep filling up my wine glass during dinner. THe last hour went really fast! Customs had to inspected the tent that I brought, which meant taking it apart and making a mess out of the nicely folded and packed bag, which took me forever repack. They put me up in a Holiday Inn for tonight and gave us a free buffet dinner. It even had oysters on the half shell! I went downtown with so guys that were on my plane, they spent $260 on dinner, I was content with my buffet dinner, 2 beers and some bread. I'm off to Queenstown, to meet up with Streaks, who I haven't been able to contact so Dan if you are reading this, I'll try to call you in the morning! haha
Time for bed...
Weather is beautiful. I love summer!
After security and unknowingly paying for starbucks breakfast when my boarding pass would have gotten it for free, the plane was an hour late taking off. The aisle seat however was amazing! Free to stretch my legs for the full 12 hours.
The flight was uneventful, though the flight attendant keep filling up my wine glass during dinner. THe last hour went really fast! Customs had to inspected the tent that I brought, which meant taking it apart and making a mess out of the nicely folded and packed bag, which took me forever repack. They put me up in a Holiday Inn for tonight and gave us a free buffet dinner. It even had oysters on the half shell! I went downtown with so guys that were on my plane, they spent $260 on dinner, I was content with my buffet dinner, 2 beers and some bread. I'm off to Queenstown, to meet up with Streaks, who I haven't been able to contact so Dan if you are reading this, I'll try to call you in the morning! haha
Time for bed...
Weather is beautiful. I love summer!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
And They're Off!
I'm leaving for the airport in 45 minutes! I'm all packed hoping that it's not more than the weight limit, mostly because I don't want to be carrying 50 lbs the whole trip. I couldn't fit the tent in my pack so I'm going to bring it as a carry-on and then strap it to my pack once I get there.
I realized last night that I'm taking 5 planes to get where I'm going today! 5 separate flights! Are you kidding me? You can probably get anywhere in the world in 3 flights. I'm taking 5! Yikes.
Bought a Flip video camera last night. So we'll be capturing as much of this epic trip as possible on video and then having Drew take 6 months to make a 4 hour long movie out of it just like last time.
Anyway, I've got to go throw the rest of my stuff in my pack and then Matt should be here to take me to the airport. I get into Queenstown Monday afternoon, Streaks should get in later that night. From there....who knows! Debauchery should ensue!
I realized last night that I'm taking 5 planes to get where I'm going today! 5 separate flights! Are you kidding me? You can probably get anywhere in the world in 3 flights. I'm taking 5! Yikes.
Bought a Flip video camera last night. So we'll be capturing as much of this epic trip as possible on video and then having Drew take 6 months to make a 4 hour long movie out of it just like last time.
Anyway, I've got to go throw the rest of my stuff in my pack and then Matt should be here to take me to the airport. I get into Queenstown Monday afternoon, Streaks should get in later that night. From there....who knows! Debauchery should ensue!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Almost
I leave Boston in about 70 hours! I might not sleep between now and then. Got slammed with stuff to do for my thesis that my committee wants done before new years, aka before Saturday morning at 11AM. Should be an interesting few days.
I've been getting ready to go: booked a hostel in Queenstown for the first 2 nights I'll be there. I arrive in QT on Monday afternoon. Streaks should get in Tuesday morning. Right now we have no set plans. Maybe some bungy jumping, skydiving, canyon swinging. Definitely hitting up Fergberger 2 or 3 times while we're there! That place is amazing!
We have booked a Wicked Van to be picked up on the 18th and we'll keep it until we get to Auckland for New Years. I'm guessing it's a standard, so I had Hilary teach me how to drive yesterday afternoon. We only almost died once and I didn't hit anything. I think I did great for my first time! ... should be an interesting trip! Dan said he learned how to drive stick the other day so between us we're all set! Hopefully we don't blow out the clutch. I'm also really hoping there's a tape player so we can hook up our iPods. I was thinking of making a few CDs just in case. We'll see if I have time.
Am I forgetting anything? Probably...oh well! I'll wing it!
I've been getting ready to go: booked a hostel in Queenstown for the first 2 nights I'll be there. I arrive in QT on Monday afternoon. Streaks should get in Tuesday morning. Right now we have no set plans. Maybe some bungy jumping, skydiving, canyon swinging. Definitely hitting up Fergberger 2 or 3 times while we're there! That place is amazing!
We have booked a Wicked Van to be picked up on the 18th and we'll keep it until we get to Auckland for New Years. I'm guessing it's a standard, so I had Hilary teach me how to drive yesterday afternoon. We only almost died once and I didn't hit anything. I think I did great for my first time! ... should be an interesting trip! Dan said he learned how to drive stick the other day so between us we're all set! Hopefully we don't blow out the clutch. I'm also really hoping there's a tape player so we can hook up our iPods. I was thinking of making a few CDs just in case. We'll see if I have time.
Am I forgetting anything? Probably...oh well! I'll wing it!
Friday, December 4, 2009
9 Days Away
Streaks is already in New Zealand, hopefully has met a good looking sheep or two already. I'm still in Boston, getting ready to go. I have a long list of things I need to buy before I leave. Anybody who wants a postcard, make a comment with your address, we'll hit you up. Stay tuned for stories and pictures about our epic journey!
Pete
Pete
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