Invercargill and the Catlands, NZ

Southern NZ was great. Stayed with a friend of mine, Mark, who I met a few years back in Morocco. We drove down checking out all the surf breaks on the way, stopped to pick up sausages and play with sheep and admired the dramatic scenery changes between Fiordland and South otago.

It was nice to finally settle somewhere for a few days and give Sally a little rest from her company.

Te Anau & Milford Sound

BEAUTIFUL.
http://www.fiordlandcinema.nz/
Movie: Shadowland.

This documentary, as well as Jurassic Park, could only remotely prepare me for the beauty of Milford Sound. The park is incredible. Between its menacing mountains which give way to the powerful waterfalls that plummet into the dark blue rivers and ocean below and the neon and deep green trees that line the mountains, it is safe to say, that I felt miniscule compared to the sight I was witnessing.

The boat ride through and the jump into the waterfall was not enough to take it all in. What a dream it would be to do a camping trip through the Sounds one day...

Queenstown, NZ

A great little town that reminds me of ski towns in Canada. The highlight was the Frisbee Golf course through the forest. YESSSSS.

Wanaka, NZ

Wanaka is an INCREDIBLY beautiful town and the drive into it is the perfect teaser. We followed the winding river from Franz Joseph to get here only to be greeted by green grasses and a beautiful lakefront.

Highlights of the drive that one cannnnot miss!
Pancake Rocks: Cool bay of rock formations that water spurts through
Bruce Bay: A bay lined with Innucshuks people have made over the last 10 years.
Haast Pass: A stretch of highway that takes you past beautiful lakes,, waterfalls, and snow capped mountains.
Blue Pools: There isnt really a way to describe these until you walk to them and jump in. It is a bright/neon blue glacier river in a valley with a beautiful old bridge hanging above. It is quiet and fresh and the cleanest water I have ever seen.

SKYDIVING!! was the highlight of this town for us. I didnt think I was nervous until I was being lifted to the edge of that plane after watching Ashley and Jane go plummeting out seconds before. However, the experience was exhilerating and beyond words.

Franz Joseph & Fox Glacier, NZ

Beautiful beautiful glacier and fun little town. The weather was not ideal so it was tough to get into the groove of it all...especially after hiking up Huaynu Potosi and seeing El Calafate (I suppose I have been spoiled with glacier sightings over the past 3 months).

Westport, NZ

Our drive along the North West Coast took us through the Buller Gorge and Abel Tasman National Park to our next campsite in time for a bold red sunset.

Somehow, luck was on our side and on route to find our campsite, we drove through the grass to the beach, only to have the path open up to a vacant site with a huge bonfire already going. There is no better feeling than going to sleep by a fire and waking up to the sound of the ocean.

Kaikoura to Nelson

Spent our first night in a car park next to a playground...apparently it is a common temp home to many camper vans. We fell asleep to the electro beats of the cars to our side and woke up making eggs, muesli and yoghurt on our stove under our trunk hood, next to our friendly euro neighbours.

Sally Angel

Our South Island ride...

Finally Jane and I are off of and away from that dang Green Wagon. Group traveling is not for us.

Readers, meet Sally. Sally...be nice.

Beauty, Nature and Respect

If only we could all start fresh - would we do it as well as the Kiwis do?

It's really cool to be somewhere where everyone has such a healthy mentality. The spirit of the Kiwi's is something that I have never seen before. they have such pride in their country, their land, their history, their resources and their culture. You don't see a person overweight, people are running all times of the day, all taxis are green friendly, every sales rep is the friendliest person...and it all makes sense. There are no unnecessary rules - its easy to get around, easy to rent cars, camp, meet people, do activities, go to shows, etc. There are even inspirational quotes engraved on the concrete stones around the cities and free music at night.

They just have it right.

Wellington, NZ

What a cool little, active, and artsy town. Beyond the boardwalk, the hills, the little art galleries and the cute shops, Wellington also had a free open-air festival on every night we were there in the botanical gardens. It was perfect.

HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!

I feel like screaming out! Being in a place that emphasizes all of the things I love love love in all aspects of their society...The ocean, the sound of the lakes, the trees, the mountains, the snow! This country has the elements that induce relaxation, admiration, passion and action. Between walking, taking photos, running, yoga, swimming, surfing, driving, repelling, flying through the air at 170MPH...It is a playground here.

When your head is in the clouds...follow your dreams

A bitter, sweet reality

What I am finding so difficult about traveling is that time passes so quickly. I can't help but dwell on the fact that as time passes, those experiences I have had with particular people, become more a part of the past than the present, and memories get further away from my fingertips and reality. People I have met seem further away, especially as each of us continues to move in different directions.

What is sticking with me is my brothers voice in my head, reminding me to keep in touch with the people that impact my life along the way. The world is a small place, and you never know when your next opportunity to knock on their door comes around again...

Barefoot and Sandy Raglan, NZ

I have found my safe haven for the North Island. A relaxed hilly, sea-side surf town on the North West coast of New Zealand's North Island, location for the famous Manu Bay break of Endless Summer, 1966.

Daily Routine: One that made me feel so healthy, happy and energized.
Morning Surf
Rent bike, go around or into town
Eat yummmmy fish
Afternoon surf
Return to Karioi Lodge
Yoga session up top a hill on a deck overlooking Whale Bay
Sauna
Shower
Beer, Dinner, Chillll

Recommendation: Karioi Lodge http://www.karioilodge.co.nz/

Suicide Shots

Not fun, but highly entertaining for those around you...