tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17032976851686957332024-02-18T21:37:58.670-08:00Land of the Long White CloudNew Zealand and BeyondBrian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-85536830693340626452012-07-09T20:13:00.001-07:002012-07-09T20:41:49.103-07:00Yosemite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Half Dome</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Cables</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Everyone play along please. Pull out your engineering protractor and find the line that indicates 45 degrees from the horizontal surface. Oh, don't have a protractor handy? Fantastic, because my story will sound more death defying without the visual indicator that 45 degrees is not actually 90 degrees. Yet climbing the Half Dome Cables in Yosemite National Park seemed as if the granite face we climbed was every bit of 90 degrees steep. Especially when all you have to grasp onto are two half inch stainless steel cables. We had forgotten to pack our gloves, but luckily for our non calloused hands, there was a pile of donated gloves at the bottom of the cables for <i>those</i> people who were not informed. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Did I mention we had all ready trekked 11 miles, rising a total of 4801 feet to get to get to this spot? Do the math friends, that is 480 feet shy of a vertical mile. Lets just call it an even mile. The views along the road were beautiful....... </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Vernal Falls </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5gKjSNo10qPYjUzDxJbRbzrbuBjTlLyhQ3FIVeMuc6PC16XfV5g0X8mfKghSGVQVT3smmCQ0ebGoKhMsADH1BR5YHtbOMuqvJHJvD08Xn9p7rVZI6Q4-xYWiLVBMD5H9S1hWsW_sS2o/s1600/yosemite+2012+301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5gKjSNo10qPYjUzDxJbRbzrbuBjTlLyhQ3FIVeMuc6PC16XfV5g0X8mfKghSGVQVT3smmCQ0ebGoKhMsADH1BR5YHtbOMuqvJHJvD08Xn9p7rVZI6Q4-xYWiLVBMD5H9S1hWsW_sS2o/s320/yosemite+2012+301.JPG" width="208" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Trail View</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Yet the views from the top of the Dome were the best. Hands down one of the most beautiful landscapes we had ever scene. That's me getting too close to the edge for Denise's comfort. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCtVF8XYo-bxqTk28g9v8z8y8gTQTD0NBuxfTRaCcNtggE-otHOBi3N1e0HDiQOruXuz66HxVH-UrPIYH7sfjdt_mRBTWKaMi8lEJw1Fl8GJvKI5-Nu__d84l5dQtpThcvJUm0MzIo5I/s1600/yosemite+2012+322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCtVF8XYo-bxqTk28g9v8z8y8gTQTD0NBuxfTRaCcNtggE-otHOBi3N1e0HDiQOruXuz66HxVH-UrPIYH7sfjdt_mRBTWKaMi8lEJw1Fl8GJvKI5-Nu__d84l5dQtpThcvJUm0MzIo5I/s640/yosemite+2012+322.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Small me Big Valley</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ah beautiful......what's that, I am sorry, you are going to have to repeat yourself. They are not sending a helicopter to pluck us off the mountain? How the hell do we get down then....oh shit..... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsmxFUKAwIvbTcnig_BX4ey2cOK5_oWkHsbM2GQ0684c_WvFCNl4-bm_dQOh1ls_NNEKQ-pzj9jOmRVgUEgF_TMtvnm3qQaRQ9D_-e9suoRYgFmCaXKZGJjmNc5FS7oYZk2zWcym2OUA/s1600/yosemite+2012+332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsmxFUKAwIvbTcnig_BX4ey2cOK5_oWkHsbM2GQ0684c_WvFCNl4-bm_dQOh1ls_NNEKQ-pzj9jOmRVgUEgF_TMtvnm3qQaRQ9D_-e9suoRYgFmCaXKZGJjmNc5FS7oYZk2zWcym2OUA/s640/yosemite+2012+332.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I guess some would say, and did say as we passed them on the way up the cables, that it is much easier getting down off of this wretchedly beautiful piece of granite than on the way up. Something about "gravity doing all the work" is what they said. Honestly, I think with all the teeth clenching and heavy panting on the way up, I don't think I heard them correctly, or else the helicopter would have taken us back to the valley. Moreover, according to Denise's new found fear of heights, gravity was on her shit list. Who would have thought, lonely gravity, the thing that keeps oxygen in the atmosphere for us to breath on her shit list. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ-TZTsU3UyTKyrks1BpYa7GxPzJeOyD9GgxlaSl7vC7tW0yP4gIxyAN8-quD6FVX3oVkhOOAO7uUMhGwCpY79e312maAwQ28ATa9868P7G1yAqdm_cbzPTKz8Ncj1Y38jaMIJ1Dd_lw/s1600/yosemite+2012+356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ-TZTsU3UyTKyrks1BpYa7GxPzJeOyD9GgxlaSl7vC7tW0yP4gIxyAN8-quD6FVX3oVkhOOAO7uUMhGwCpY79e312maAwQ28ATa9868P7G1yAqdm_cbzPTKz8Ncj1Y38jaMIJ1Dd_lw/s640/yosemite+2012+356.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Since I am righting this, you may have guessed it. We made it down safe. Success was ours to savor.....ON THE 8 MILE RETURN HIKE! What the? We finished our hike having trekked a total of 19 miles, climbed countless stone steps, gasped the air at 9000 feet, and felt the freedom and beauty of Yosemite. That was day one at Yosemite. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSxfQjDUyyvVPm1rqXkAe4Wi7AxxC598mVZJloZkPykQ3hddxBy8JqIUN9lGHhRsmPEVoGRzoHqi7wAEOkH56aLBhsvHB1oFk8RUsOeZlySNVl7dmwdyAI-U7k7hga1Xrz2hZ_lX63QE/s1600/yosemite+2012+364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSxfQjDUyyvVPm1rqXkAe4Wi7AxxC598mVZJloZkPykQ3hddxBy8JqIUN9lGHhRsmPEVoGRzoHqi7wAEOkH56aLBhsvHB1oFk8RUsOeZlySNVl7dmwdyAI-U7k7hga1Xrz2hZ_lX63QE/s320/yosemite+2012+364.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">yurt</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We settled into our Camp Curry Yurt (canvas tent lodge) that night pondering over the accomplishment we had just completed, falling asleep without any questions. The next morning, the muscles in our legs asked the questions: WHY? Walking was a task and Advil was our friend. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Camp Curry Sign </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">The rest of the week was not only for rest and recovery. We visited Tuolumne Meadows, which was a short drive from the main Yosemite Valley floor. Our hike here was on the short end considering our Half Dome hike. I think we did 7.5 miles, and saw some of the most fantastic landscape in the world. We hiked atop Lembert Dome, and over parts of the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trial.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tuolumne Meadows</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsK6vHTbkxo2pM9lbPHJfqAN6IfRbggnQrV6PJQ-B2NfqLBM0d0xiuBtC9klX4kRkYHwOti2eSSd2-NWa7_IrAK8uS5rB1qR0kLjsQ7mr-14nax1sVb9cLIIGxxAVr7A6VJGuJo4vLlo/s1600/yosemite+2012+483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsK6vHTbkxo2pM9lbPHJfqAN6IfRbggnQrV6PJQ-B2NfqLBM0d0xiuBtC9klX4kRkYHwOti2eSSd2-NWa7_IrAK8uS5rB1qR0kLjsQ7mr-14nax1sVb9cLIIGxxAVr7A6VJGuJo4vLlo/s320/yosemite+2012+483.JPG" width="209" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Lembert Dome</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">In between our two big hikes, we walked all over the Yosemite Valley visiting Mirror Lakes, Yosemite Falls, and had a beer at the Ahwahnee Lodge. We even had a chance to take in a performance of an actor playing John Muir. It was actually an extremely moving performance. And come to find out, John Muir is the reason why Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park are preserved in their beauty, and here for us to enjoy. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfkwegCckO-e0OR_lRz2plgIKF7Dsnujk3XVaGGPE2woWdJfMCRlBNd-IhoLTPW0HwAth2iAPy2g1805uWKKiZj9i94EjZUgGR9g3qoVAvXk64iMo3oBguxjjm4i8pD4D0tMCXCkhX8Q/s1600/yosemite+2012+393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfkwegCckO-e0OR_lRz2plgIKF7Dsnujk3XVaGGPE2woWdJfMCRlBNd-IhoLTPW0HwAth2iAPy2g1805uWKKiZj9i94EjZUgGR9g3qoVAvXk64iMo3oBguxjjm4i8pD4D0tMCXCkhX8Q/s400/yosemite+2012+393.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Ahwahnee Lodge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We had a fantastic time on our little outdoor adventure. I did not even get to mention the part about attending Adam and Eva's wedding in Palos Verdes, nor the 3 bears and two coyotes we saw. All of these were seen in the wild, including Adam. Ah....maybe next time perhaps. For now, I leave you with big trees.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-36182465658420079862008-12-15T18:55:00.000-08:002008-12-15T19:44:24.780-08:00The Frenchman has landed<div>Whomever was paying attention to our adventures in New Zealand may be a bit disappointed in the fact that I have not posted anything in about 6 months, and I can only say I am embarrassed. My sincerest apologies. I guess I have been distracted by just about everything, or just completely lazy.<br /></div><div><div>Anyway, I guess I have been taking things for granted over the past few months, not believing that anything could top our year in New Zealand, but as I look at where we are and where we are headed, I am encouraged to realize that we have many more things to see and experience. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>So here is kicking off a bit of dust on the blog. Here's the new chapters...perhaps all out of order...</div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Laurent, our crazy French friend that we met in NZ came to visit us in Richmond Va. We decided to be tourist n our own town, and also find out how much colder the mountains are than in the tidewater area around Richmond in December.</div><br /><div></div><div>We decided to go for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains a short drive from Richmond. Although it was a beautiful sunny day with hardly a cloud in the sky, the temperature topped out at around 37 degrees F in the sun, and much mush colder in the shade and wind. We made a bold move to take a short hike to Turk Gap along the AT. </div><div> </div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280224154382008146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMyon0hFUeICts4j8V7WsYIk9JCA8X8rodTqdWTBN5QTDwVdE1aAjZ4Q9vfxAgxRU4RKtI4ItjSmOVD_lNGsJne_iHBvsjui884LZFfVeGpl0LAOncWiMN7ooLhJM5X4XFo2Hz_Hy0eA/s400/December+2008+003.JPG" border="0" />Despite the frigid temperatures, the hike was great, and gave all of us a hanker'n for more strolls thought the mountains. The summit was breathtaking</div><div> </div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280224906369577154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK8tugBvxCSIaZ3bMsRjqXglOqNBKCvMOtUjzJiDa6ByYcpvZLqdEwnRya-9X9SR-JZWW4gJQK3UXObZFYyVaCc0RNgxN2Rl2nm-Rk7vQUWfhMpD051PMyFPnKf63qRYEmdiG7dVbsDM/s400/December+2008+004.JPG" border="0" /><br />Here is a picture of all three of us. It took a bit of magic to secure a place for the camera without it being blown over by the wind. Not the greatest picture, but a great memory... <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280225531102781938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGV9nScsrX4RuNF2gqFIG9H0Hy8YG0Qf52VxG-x9h5aSvssSXhR-Qa3EyDkw-r_Lul__3KgWd856o8TP2L2bcHQiKIYHJXSOGOq-iHbHXfsbkH4TaG_VZO1GeHaj4tu36ZtftbauuGXPI/s400/December+2008+009.JPG" border="0" />We sad on the sunny side of the mountain, had some lunch, and stared onto the valley. It was great. <br /><br />Besides that, we took Laurent to the historic Byrd theater to see the classic organ player rise from beneath the floor, and saw the feature film that followed the concert. "Burn After Reading" happened to be on at the time, and it was hysterical. We also ate some great food at the local Richmond restaurants, and caught up on stories over a few beers. Can't wait to do it again. <br /><br />Anyway, start looking for new posts again. Who knows what sort of adventure is next....Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-83322336808224699922008-05-26T14:48:00.000-07:002008-05-26T16:34:05.591-07:00Moeraki Bolders and WanakaEarly in the morning, around 10:00AM, we woke up with cricks in our necks scrounging around to find a source of caffeinated beverage. Coffee.....? Caffeine, done! Now on to the Moeraki boulders! The town of Moeraki is famous for these giant granite boulders that are firmly set in a small stretch of sand along the coast line.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip511.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip511.jpg" border="0" /></a> These boulders are mammoths, and almost perfectly spherical in shape. I could actually fit inside this one.<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip514.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip514.jpg" border="0" /></a> The interesting phenomenon is that they are only found on a short stretch of the beach, and that over time, the seas have polished them into their current shape. I reckon that the seas must have been a bit angrier several thousands of years ago to move these behemoths.<br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip516.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip516.jpg" border="0" /></a> From Moeraki, we traveled up to Omaru, a historically preserved town with heaps of charm. We stumbled upon a whiskey maker in town and went on a tour through the barrel house. That was sort of the highlight of the visit to Omaru, but there were a lot of antique shops and boutique art galleries to keep us busy for a while.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip532.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip532.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was now time to fast track across Central Otago to the west coast of the South Island heading toward the mountains again. We stayed that night in Wanaka, a popular water skiing and snow skiing area just before you enter into glacier land.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip545.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip545.jpg" border="0" /></a>The lake and waterfront area were great, and the town was charming. The weather was nice enough that we decided to stay another day and go on a hike up to Roy's peak to get a panoramic view of the Lake Wanaka and mountains that surround it.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip581.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip581.jpg" border="0" /></a>Again we woke up early, sometime after 10:00Am, and started our trek. No, that is not the peak that I have so proudly conquered in the picture above......that was just the beginning...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip554.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip554.jpg" border="0" /></a>The hike up to Roy's peak was spectacular,.... spectacularly excruciating on the legs. There were no flat portions to this hike, in fact, there were no soft grades to the trail at all, it was flat out hands on knees hiking the whole 2.5 hours to the summit. But you can't beat the views can you?<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip562.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip562.jpg" border="0" /></a>We packed a lunch that we quickly scarfed down as soon as we arrived at the summit. Denise was getting our bearings and pointing out what everything was around us. That is Wanaka township behind her.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip576.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip576.jpg" border="0" /></a>Directly opposite of Wanaka on the other side of Roy's peak was the great beyond, snow capped mountains and blue sky.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip567.jpg" border="0" />What's that saying, 'with great effort comes great reward?' This hike tested out that theory, and proved that our struggle to get to the top of the mountain was well worth the spectacular views. The trip down however seemed to be just as hard on the legs, and the only reward at the bottom of the mountain was to climb into our stinky camper van...........<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip574.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip574.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-31391684028332045362008-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:002008-05-26T14:48:00.874-07:00Catlands and DunedinThe Catlands is a natural reserve in the South Island along the southern coast. The reserve is littered with beautiful waterfalls and natural streams. Mclean Falls below was one of the larger falls nestled deep in the forest. We took a short 30 minute hike to visit this one.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip370.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip370.jpg" border="0" /></a> Denise and I spent some time here, exploring a bit and hiking around the falls.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip371.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip371.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a fairly rugged area as you can see. Denise was brave to be standing at the edge!<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip372.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip372.jpg" border="0" /></a> The next set of falls we visited was one of the most photographed in New Zealand, Purakaunui Falls. We have seen it in a bunch of photo books about New Zealand and we were happy to get our own original Purakaunui Falls picture.<br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip377.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip377.jpg" border="0" /></a> By the time we arrived at Purakaunui Falls dusk was setting in, so we decided to find a place to camp for the night. Up to this point, the campsites we chose were absolutely fantastic, unique ,and picturesque. This evening was no exception. New Zealand does not disappoint in the category of beautiful and picturesque, and our campsite that night was one of my favorites.<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip382.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip382.jpg" border="0" /></a> We drove our little camper van up the hill to the area overlooking the beach. I suppose getting up the hill was an adventure on its own. By the time Denise could get out the words "do you think we can make it up the hill", I was full throttle, white knuckled, and hoping like hell the van would not get stuck in the mud. PS, don't tell the camper van rental company, it might void our rental agreement.......<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip384.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Anyway, the gamble to brave the muddy road up the hill payed off in full! We watched the Moon rise over the limestone cliffs that night. It was awesome!</div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip391.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip391.jpg" border="0" /></a>The next morning was equally spectacular with the sun cresting over the horizon. That morning we headed up the east coast to Nugget Point. Nugget Point is home to a light house and a series of enormous boulders bulging out of the ocean. The boulders provide a comfortable home for heaps of seals as well. <div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip407.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip407.jpg" border="0" /></a> Onward we went up the coast to Dunedin, a good sized city originally settled by Scottish settlers.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip431.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip431.jpg" border="0" /></a> We walked around town for the day, popping in and out of coffee shops and cafes.<br /></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip436.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip436.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Dunedin, as I said before, was founded by Scotsmen. Early on in the cities development, the planners decided to emulate the Scottish city of Edinburgh, right down to the layout of roads and the names that were given to those roads. As a result of grafting Edinburgh's road map onto the rugged landscape of the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin is home to the steepest road in the world. </div><div></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip440.jpg" border="0" />Trust me, it was steep..! </div><div>Dunedin is also home to the Speights brewery, who's motto is "Pride of the South." We stopped by the brewery to take a tour, and were amused by the signage....<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip437.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip437.jpg" border="0" /></a> The tour was really good. The picture below is of the original brewery equiptment with the copper kettles and mash tuns used back in the day. Speights still uses the original equipment to make special batches of beer every now and again.<br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip453.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip453.jpg" border="0" /></a>We had another day of beautiful weather, and we decided to head out to the peninsular just outside the Dunedin city limits. We stopped at Larnoch Castle, the only castle in New Zealand, paying way too much money for the tour of the castle interior. But we were allowed to climb up to the castle tower and snap a few photos. The view was breathtaking.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip479.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip479.jpg" border="0" /></a> I think at that point we had exhausted all we wanted to do and see in Dunedin, and started to head out of the city, further up the east coast. By the time the sun started to set, we were getting a bit nervous about a place to settle for the night. Luckily in New Zealand, they have what is called 'freedom camping', in which you can pick a spot along side the road and stay for the night without charge or harrassment. Our freedom camp was right on the beach..... Below is a picture of the moon popping over the horizon. I love this place......!<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip476.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip505.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip505.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-60656194219012338882008-05-19T16:45:00.000-07:002008-05-19T23:40:32.088-07:00Sausage, baked bean, and olive nightIt was Sausage, baked bean, and olive night... who's hungry? We traveled all day down through Motutapu and through Invercargill for a relatively uneventful journey. We stopped in Invercargill for lunch, but decided there wasn't too much to do in town, and made tracks further east along the southern most coast of New Zealand. We finally stopped to camp at Monkey Island, a free camp site right on the beach.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip329.jpg" border="0" /><br />Did I also mention it was Gin night as well. Mmmmm.....Gin.... The beach was calm, and the weather on the way was wicked. It was a perfect setting for getting goofy on Gin.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip325.jpg" border="0" /> A front was moving in on us, ominous clouds formed just off the coast, moving in with the same frequency of the waves crashing on the beach. It looked like we were in for a long night of storms.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip327.jpg" border="0" /><br />Yet, even though we could see the rain off in the distance, we never got wet. As the head of the front passed the beach, the wind gusted, blew over our chairs, and rearranged our dinner setup. <br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip313.jpg" border="0" /><br />And just as quickly as it started, the front had past, we were no worse off that before, and the sun set on the remaining clouds behind the front causing them to glow orange and peach in front of a blue sky canvas. The sky in New Zealand was enormous that night. I know that sounds ridiculous, but the layers of cloud, some being so low that you think you can touch it, and some being so high that they seem like that are in space, create the illusion of endless depth and grander.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip340.jpg" border="0" />Anyway, the next day we were to head into the region known as the Katlands. Our first encounter in the area was at a light house on the coast. <br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip344.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip344.jpg" border="0" /></a> At the time we arrived at the scene, this huge seal was chasing a group of British tourist up the hill from the beach. They were quite afraid. I kept my distance and was as polite as I could be.....<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip345.jpg" border="0" />It was a bit scary, knowing that as we explored the area for a bit, there was an angry seal hiding somewhere in the bushes looking to attack an unfortunate tourist. He could have hid withing the shelter of these wind shaped trees for all we knew. These deformed trees were quite common along the coast.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip349.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip349.jpg" border="0" /></a> By this time of the trip, our pictures were getting more and more goofy....<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip350.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip350.jpg" border="0" /></a>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-75082304980950614682008-05-19T16:09:00.000-07:002008-05-19T23:06:19.472-07:00Key Summit heading out of Fiordland<div>The night after our Milford Sound boat ride was spent by Lake Gun, a small lake beside the road leading out of Fiordland. We thought about taking a swim and bathing in the crystal clear lake, but the frigid water would not have suited us, and we decided that a warm blanket would be much better. Man it got cold during the night.... </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip289.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip289.jpg" border="0" /></a> The following day we took our time exiting out of Fiordland, visiting a few little stops along the way out. Mirror Lake was one of those stops. The small lakes on a still day provide a perfect reflection of the mountains in the backdrop. We had a bit of a breeze, so the mirror was a bit tainted, but still awesome.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip301.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip301.jpg" border="0" /></a> They cleaver buggers that discovered the natural feature decided to have some fun with the mirror image that the pool makes, check out the small sign just above the water...<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip302.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We also stopped off for a short 3 hour round trip track that lead to the Key Summit. The track itself is part of the famous Routeburn track that starts near Queenstown and crossed the mountain range to Milford Sound. It is the only strait line path to Milford. There has yet to be a road built that crosses this mountain range. I think it takes 3 days or more to do the full Routeburn track on foot, and the portion we walked on was more than a little bit difficult, so we were happy to keep it to a 3 hour journey.</div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip274.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Key Summit was a surprise to us. We knew nothing about the peak, other than it was supposed to provide beautiful views of the surrounding Fiordland landscape. What surprised us was that the entire top of the mountain was covered in a spongy moss.<br /></div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip286.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>It was like a swamp on top of the mountain with small pools of water, and mossy patches all around. The DOC provided nice boardwalks over the marsh so that we would not disturb the fragile ecosystem</div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip281.jpg" border="0" />As we finished our exploration of one of my favorite places in New Zealand, we snapped one last picture of the grassy valley that leads into the mountains. It was a spectacular view.<br /></div><div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip303.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-15596860646493555372008-04-28T17:07:00.000-07:002008-04-29T05:50:54.692-07:00Milford SoundI haven't been everywhere in the world, not yet anyway, but I am confident that New Zealand has some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural features the world has to offer. We confirmed this fact as we drove out of the Queenstown area bound for the Fiordland National Reserve and Milford Sound.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip105.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip105.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is me wearing my Virginia Tech shirt for what seemed like the 50th time of the trip, although we had only been on our travels for three days. The lake beside me was part of the extended arm of lake Wakatipu leading toward Te Anau.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip107.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip107.jpg" border="0" /></a> Te Anau is the last bit of civilization before you head into Fiordland. Te Anau is also home to my new friend, the Giant Pukeko bird.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip256.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip256.jpg" border="0" /></a> It did not take long before Denise and I concluded that Fiordland National Reserve was named appropriately. The road leading to Milford Sound was delicately wound through the valleys created by a series of ancient glaciers. To each side of the road, the mountains protruded higher than any sky scraper created by man.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip262.jpg"></a><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip236.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>A couple hours and a few doses of Dramamine later, we made it to Milford Sound, a small settlement that is home to Mitre Peak and the Milford Sound. Mitre peak is the tallest of the mountains in the area. </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip233.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>This stop on our trip was truly amazing. The weather at the time was perfect considering it rains 330 days out of the year here. There wasn't a cloud in the sky this day my freinds. </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip232.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>There is a fleet of cruise ships that are based in the township of Milford Sound, and they do tours of the sound daily. We jumped on this massive ship and took a 3 hour cruise out the ocean and back.</div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip230.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The sound itself is the deepest sound out of the 13 that cut through the south west coast of the South Island. You can only reach two of the sounds by car, Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. The other 11 you have to reach via water craft entering each one from the ocean. This bloke below decided to visit all of them paddling his kayak. </div><div></div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip225.jpg" border="0" />It is difficult to get a sense of scale when you are out on the sound. To either side are shear cliffs which seem pretty high, but then the tour guide gives you some facts about the actual high stating that they are "twice as tall as the Empire State building". It is hard to believe, but true!<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip200.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>It seems impossible to relate, so I snapped this picture above of a boat right up close to on of the cliffs.... The boat is the tiny speck at the base of the mountain. Crazy eh? </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip129.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Like I said, we had an absolutely beautiful day for the cruise, and the sound was calm and still.</div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip151.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The waterfalls were especially wonderful. They three times the height of Niagara Falls, and drop strait into the sound. Ordinarily, there would be literally hundreds of small waterfalls cascading from the mountain peaks due to rainfalls in the area, however, there had not been a good rainfall the days prior to our arrival. </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip204.jpg" border="0" />The cruise was spectacular! It will be one of the most memorable parts of our stay in New Zealand. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip166.jpg" border="0" /></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-4658775779376016562008-04-20T19:14:00.000-07:002008-04-20T20:49:30.144-07:00The South Island, First Stop Queesnstown, Home of The Bungy.......High expectations are hard to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fulfill</span>, and even harder to surpass, yet Denise and I started our South Island trip with the highest expectations, hoping to have good weather, good experiences, and a lot of fun. Every Kiwi we talked to told us that the South Island was the 'real' New Zealand, but we had to see for ourselves.<br /><br />As it turned out, the South Island of New Zealand not only surpassed our expectations, it bestowed upon us a new perspective of natural beauty and a thirst for adventure. This part of the world is sincerely <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">amazing</span>!<br /><br />We started our trip in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Queenstown</span>, a touristy town in the far south of the South Island. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Queenstown</span> resides on the shores of Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wakatipu</span>, a thin but deep lake carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. The view below is of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Queenstown</span> and Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wakatipu</span> from atop a near by peak. We took a gondola ride to get up to the peak.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip085.jpg" border="0" />That day we spend in downtown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Queenstown</span>, popping in and out of the boutique shops and touristy places. And yes, we had a few brews at the local brewpub. At the end of the day, we set up camp with our sweet ass <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">camper van</span> a few minutes north of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Queenstown</span>.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip023.jpg" border="0" />The next day was an eventful one. We came into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Queenstown</span> knowing that it was home of the first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">bungy</span> jump ever, and also home to the highest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">bungy</span> jump in the world. I suppose the old saying 'when in Rome' came to mind when we considered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">putting</span> our trust in rubber bands. But, we don't like to do things half way, so it was time to see if we had the stones to take the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">plunge</span>. It seemed pretty simple..... just jump right?<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip037.jpg" border="0" />It became a bit more complicated once the butterflies took effect. I chose the Nevis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Bungi</span> jump, the highest in the world at 440 feet. Now in order to get this high up, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">AJ</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Hackett</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Bungy</span> Company decided to suspend this little aluminum pod thingy between two mountains over a river to jump out of. Check it out to the right of me.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" action="'view&current="></a><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip031.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Both Denise and I went out to the little platform via a little gondola, but it would only be me who was to jump. Once in the little jump pod, there was no turning back. I guess I have to jump...... <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip036.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>"3".......don't look down....."2"......<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">don't</span> forget to breath......."1".......oh shit......."<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">BUNGY</span>".......scream like a little girl....... Down I went 440 feat with about 6 seconds of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">free fall</span>. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AJHN803161556891.jpg" border="0" /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Awesome</span>.....!<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AJHN803161556892.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AJHN803161556892.jpg" border="0" /></a> That was one of the coolest things I have ever done. I didn't think I was an adrenalin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">junky</span>, but that was something I would definitely do again. </div><div></div><br /><div>Now it was Denise's turn. She decided to go for the classic jump off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Kawarau</span> Bridge, the site of the first ever <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">bungy</span> jump. Don't let the picture fool you, Denise was eager to get close to the edge.........hmmmm......well, maybe she needed a little help to the edge.<br /><div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip057.jpg" border="0" />Yet fear would not get the best of Denise today my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">friends</span>, and she took the plunge 134 feet to the river below.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/SouthIslandtrip047.jpg"></a><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AJHK803160668862.jpg" border="0" />Two bounces later, we were able to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">declare</span> ourselves fearless <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">bungy</span> jumpers. All in a days work I say, lets celebrate with a beer! Mind you, that was only the second day of our trip.......</div></div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-75463160292955844682008-04-17T19:19:00.000-07:002008-04-17T20:11:52.521-07:00The Pinnacles<div><div>Some friends of ours invited Denise and I to do an overnight hiking journey to the pinnacles in the Coromandel Peninsula, about 2 hours east of Auckland.<br /><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ029.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><p>Thom and Lorain, at the top of the stairs convinced us to go on the hike, but the sell was not a particularly hard one. All four read about the amazing trail, and of us were eager to get started on the trip. The hike to the summit was a full days hike, about 5 hours in all. This particular area of the Coromandel was home to a thick forest of Kauri trees. After a extensive logging campaign in the early 19th century, the Kauri are now hard to find, and remains of the logging business remains in the form of dead Kauri stumps and abandoned logs. </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ033.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The trail itself was the original mule trail used by the loggers to bring supplies in and out of the forest. The trail was well groomed and in most places rock was laid down to create a steady surface to tramp upon. </p><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ036.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>Above is the view of the summit from beneath. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ175.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The New Zealand Department of Conservation has a knack for making you comfortable out in the wilderness. The trail to the summit was made relatively easy with steps constructed for a sure footing. </p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ046.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Closer to the summit, the trial became more difficult, but was made easy with a series of bars and ladders scale. </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ043.jpg" border="0" />The views from the top were awesome.<br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ062.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><div>We had a 360 view over the Coromandel Peninsula, and the weather was absolutely perfect. </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ058.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ056.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Denise and I both stood at the peak and safely clung to the edge of the Pinnacle. </div><div>The next morning, i decided to wake up early, and climb up to the summit and observe the sunrise from the higher vantage point. Although it was a bit cold, the view was spectacular.</div><div></div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ135.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>The sun was fiery that morning my friends</div><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ158.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p>This hike was one of my favorites here in New Zealand, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It took some effort to hike out of the wilderness, but at least it was down hill this time. I snapped this photo of on the way out.<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/JanuaryinNZ080.jpg" border="0" /></p>Cool eh?Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-48751792939362912008-03-29T21:37:00.000-07:002008-03-29T23:32:39.638-07:00Kaituna River Plung<div>The water swirls in a counter clockwise fashion , the Southern Cross blazes the sky at night, Orion stand on his head at the pit of night, and the air reeks of sulfur? What does that matter when I am in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rotorua</span> and there is a 21 foot waterfall that I can raft over. </div><br /><div></div><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaituna</span> River squeezes its way through a small channel surrounded by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rotorua</span> jungle laden with palm trees and indigenous NZ ferns. It swirls and it flows gently as if were hiding a secret.</div><br /><div></div><div>I joined a tour group in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rotarua</span>, two Swedes, a Korean who could not swim, an Irishman, myself, and our Kiwi river rat guide. What a crew! The first major secret of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaituna</span> revealed itself in the form of a 8 foot waterfall. Certainly one of the under cards to the main event. Eight feet, should anyone get concerned? </div><div> </div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3918.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>After the opening act, we meandered down the river winding through the most beautiful jungle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rotorua</span>. We only stopped for a few moments to insult the Irishman and to scare the Korean girl. By the way, that is me with the paddle high in the air. The second of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaituna's</span> surprises was taken in stride. A slight 11 foot fall throwing us into a calm lagoon. Paddle hard, paddle hard......</div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3846.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>As I look back on things, I see my experience on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaituna</span> as a reflection of the power of water, and never question that power. We settled into a nice ride down the river after the last rapid. Our river guide, witty and blunt, gave us the hint that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaituna</span> was about to give up her secret soon by asking the Korean if she thought that the life jacket was secure enough. What was to come was only heard about by my new friends in the raft, and foreshadowed by our guide. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaituna</span> River gave up it's secret in the form of a 21 foot waterfall that squeezed its way through a narrow patch in the canyon. Twenty one feet, and here we go..... Time lapse....</div><br /><br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3884.jpg" border="0" />Notice the anxious look on my face.....<br /><div></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3886.jpg" border="0" />And than I start swallowing water....<br /><div></div><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3888.jpg" border="0" />Than I disappear....</p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3889.jpg" border="0" /> <p></p><p>Than everyone disappears.....<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3894.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>We, or at least I gasp for breath......</p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSC_3896.jpg" border="0" /> <p>We survived.....</p><div><div>What an adventure......!</div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-56618052405912405162008-03-10T18:27:00.000-07:002008-03-10T20:40:12.895-07:00Waitangi and RotoruaI may be a couple of months behind in our blog, but hopefully with the next few entries, I can get you up to speed on our adventures.<br /><br /><br />So where was I..... Oh yeah, we didn't leave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pahia</span> without visiting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Waitangi</span>, where a treaty was signed by the indigenous Maori people and the English to create a cohesive society together. Every year new Zealand has a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Waitangi</span> Day to celebrate the Treaty. Also every year, they take this Maori <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">waka</span> (canoe) out in the bay for a spin. This particular <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">waka</span> could carry 140 people, and with all paddles stroking could get up to about 30 mph on the water. How cool is that, they can pull a water skier with that sort of speed.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation195.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation195.jpg" border="0" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">waka</span> is kept at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Waitangi</span> all year round under a shelter adorned with carvings like the one below.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation201.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation201.jpg" border="0" /></a> The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">waka</span> is made out of the indigenous giant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">kauri</span> trees. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kauri</span> trees are the giant trees of New Zealand, and once dominated the forests. In the early 1900's, the trees were logged heavily because of the wood that could be harvested from the giant logs. Unfortunately, the resource was decimated by over logging, and only a few small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">kauri</span> forests still exist.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation231.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation231.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tana <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mahuta</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">kauri</span> tree above is the largest in existence today. It is 14 feet in Diameter, and I can't remember how tall it is. The largest ever recorded was 17 feet in diameter, but was cut by the logging industry. Absolutely huge trees, but still does not compare with the Redwoods of California.</p><p>While Don and Barb were still in town, we decided to take them down to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Rotorua</span>, which is about 3 hours south of Auckland. It is known for the thermal springs, and as the hub for Maori culture in New Zealand. While in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Rotorua</span>, we took part in a Maori cultural event that explained how the Maori lived 200 years ago. </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation382.jpg" border="0" /> The event was extremely well put on and taught us heaps about the culture and tradition. At the beginning of the event, traditionally dressed Maori men arrive in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">waka</span>.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation394.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation394.jpg" border="0" /></a> Further along in the event, the tribe went through traditional songs and greetings to new friends or enemies. They preformed a stunning and intimidating <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Haka</span> which is a traditional greeting by the Maori to visitors. It was a sight to see! Later in the evening all of the visitors were treated to a traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">hangi</span>, which is a Maori term for barbecue meat and veggies buried in the ground. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation335.jpg" border="0" />Further travel from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Rotorua</span> on the next day brought us through some strange towns and giant Kiwi bird sculptures. One small little town was dotted with giant Kiwi's. One was panted in the national flag colors and another with rainbow colors.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation304.jpg" border="0" /></p>Anyway, our trip that day lead us to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Waitomo</span> Caves. The sculpture above was at the entrance of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Waitomo</span> Caves. The cave itself is tourist friendly, with a staircase that leads down to a grand cathedral opening deep in the mountain. In this portion of the cave during Christmas, the town symphony will set up and play a concert for the locals. Apparently the acoustics are amazing. <br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" target="_blank" action="'view&current="></a> <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation311.jpg" border="0" /><br />The great part about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Waitomo</span> tour is the end. In order to exit the cave, you must take a boat through a passage cut out by a river that flows beneath the main portion of the cave. As you are guided through the black water, above your head are glow worms. Glow worms are larvae of a type of fly that inhabit the caves, and are only found in New Zealand. The larvae hang from the cave ceiling and extend a slimy tentacle down to catch any sort of bug that it can feed off of. While feeding, the larvae emit a blue glow. The cave had thousands of glow worms on the ceiling and looked like a constellation of stars in the blackness. The fly that results from the larvae only has a life of about 2 weeks or so, so there is not much use for them in the end. Most of the adult flies get caught in the larvae tentacles and are consumed. And thus is the circle of life for this strange creature. I would post a picture, however, we were not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">allowed</span> to snap any photos.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation406.jpg" border="0" />We had a blast, and saw some awesome NZ only sights. The last picture above, I just thought was pretty cool.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-90333124635372946802008-01-21T10:53:00.000-08:002008-01-21T16:38:55.396-08:00Christmas in the NZWas Christmas in New Zealand strange? Yes, but the good type of strange I suppose. Despite Christmas Day, the weather was spectacular and daylight lasted until around 10:00PM. But it wasn't just the weather that made it a bit surreal and abnormal, it seamed all of the Kiwis were a bit off as well. Perhaps it might have been the fact that there was no eggnog anywhere in site. Anyway, it didn't really seam like the holiday season, but we got on with it anyway. We did get a few scary indications that Christmas was around the corner such as this 50 foot Santa Clause erected on Queen Street down town Auckland. The scary part is that he mechanically winks and wags his finger at you as you walk down the street looking more like a perverted and deranged Santa than Jolly Old Saint Nick.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation027.jpg" border="0" /><br />We also ran into this ragged fellow at a home brewing guild meeting. I had debated whether or not he could be the genuine article or part of the "Santa's Revenge" conspiracy to get us all drunk that evening (notice the beer font just in front of him).<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation007.jpg" border="0" /><br />Thankfully, Don and Barb came out to visit us over the holidays to help get us into the Christmas spirit. It was awesome to see family and have them over the holidays. They got into town just before Christmas. The plan was to spend Christmas in Auckland, and then head out on the open road to explore the Norths Island.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation109.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is a picture of Don and Barb at Cape <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Reinga</span>, the Northern most tip of New Zealand. On the first part of our travels, we set up home base near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Paihia</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Paihia</span> is at the mouth of the beautiful Bay of Islands.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation074.jpg" border="0" /><br />From this tiny port, you could take charters and tour boats to go fishing, swim with dolphins, and see all the sites from the water. We jumped on a tour boat that took us out to the Whole in the Rock, a famous island in the middle of the Bay of Island that has a cavernous hole through a portion of soft rock which has weathered away over time.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation147.jpg" border="0" /><br />The photo above shows the island as we approached. There is a sailboat just in front of the tunnel to give you some scale. As we got closer, we found out our tour boat skipper intended on driving directly through the hole to the other side....and so we did....!<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation156.jpg" border="0" /><br />On the way back from the Whole in the Rock, we jumped off the boat at Russel which is a town directly across the bay from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Paihia</span>. Russell was once known for its reputation of being home to escaped prisoners, scoundrels, prostitutes, brothels, and too many ale houses to count. It was once known as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific" by many back in the day. Luckily, times have changed, and Russell has turned into a quaint community. Small batches, cafes, and quiet beaches are now the attraction.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation187.jpg" border="0" /><br />The next day we had arranged to take a tour bus to drive us up to Cape <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Reinga</span> as I had mentioned before, and down Ninety Mile Beach. Literally, we took the bus along the whole length of the beach.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation122.jpg" border="0" /><br />Of course, the beach is not really 90 miles long, it is more like 55 or so, and no one really knows how it got the name as it is today. Anyway, the beach itself during low tide is considered a legal highway, and is used by many tourist to drive up and down the coast. You just have to be aware of the quick sand spots that may swallow up you vehicle.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation113.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation113.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />During our beach drive down Ninety Mile, we stopped off at a range of enormous sand dunes. Each person on the tour bus took a turn sliding down the dunes face first on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">boogy</span> board. It was good fun!<br /><br />The bus tour was great, but a long day. Twelve hours in total. If it wasn't for our bus drivers strange and humorous stories, and frequent stops to little touristy places along the way, we might have gone crazy...<br /><br />Anyway, we made it back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Paihia</span> to rest up and tackle the next day of adventure...<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation122.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/ChristmasVacation059.jpg" border="0" /></a>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-48496064868088708292008-01-15T11:57:00.000-08:002008-01-15T14:25:11.614-08:00Fishing and Wine tastingWe reluctantly left the Golden Bay area to see what was on the east coast of the South Island. We would have stayed even longer in the beautiful Golden Bay area, but we still had much more to explore. We took a course heading east over the mountains and past the Queen Charlotte Sound down the east coast to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kaikoura</span>. We had heard it was beautiful in this area and was great for fishing. Below is the hostel where we stayed. <br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip301.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip301.jpg" border="0" /></a>The area was nice, but small, and there was one drawback.....the fog. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaikoura</span> might have been the most beautiful place in New Zealand, but we would've never known. The fog covered every square inch of the peninsula town and it never lifted the two days we were there. Anyway, we got over the fact that we wouldn't get a glimpse of the towering mountains that are the backdrop for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaikoura</span> Peninsula, and got on with our adventures.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip294.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip294.jpg" border="0" /></a> We booked a charter to take us out fishing 4 or 5 kilometers off the coast. Above is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">dilapidated</span> vessel we chartered. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hmmm</span>..... I am glad to say that the vessel did actually float, and we got on with our deadliest catch episode...<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip288.jpg" border="0" /> It turns out that we were the only ones that showed up for the charter that day, and we were glad at first that we would have personal attention from the skipper and deck hands. All was well right? Well, the three hour tour was more like a fishing trip for the skipper and the deck hands than for Denise and I. The giant seagull below had more to say to us than our hosts....<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip293.jpg" border="0" />The good news is that we did catch some Sea Perch, Blue Cod, and a New Zealand Lobster, or cray fish as they call it here. The skipper was nice enough to give us some of our fresh catch of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">the</span> day to take with us. We had a wonderful feast that evening, but the day was not the greatest in the NZ.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip289.jpg" border="0" /><br />That was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaikoura</span> in a nut shell. Been there, done that, and don't need to go back.... Now on to wine country! We back tracked north, up the east coast to Blenheim where the sun was shining, and the wine was pouring. Apparently about 20 years ago, someone decided that this area had the perfect soil and climate for growing grapes. Over that twenty or so years, 48 different vineyard sprouted up. Conveniently, all of them are packed into an area that is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">assessable</span> by bicycle if you are so inclined to try all 48. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip304.jpg" border="0" /><br />Anyway, Blenheim was a nice quaint town, and most of the wine was delicious. We were unable to taste all 48, but put in a good effort. By the end of the day, I was shattered, and ready for bed....<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip317.jpg" border="0" />The next day would be our trip back to Auckland and back to the grind. But first we relaxed on the back deck of the hostel we stayed at in Blenheim and watched the sun go down....<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip309.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip309.jpg" border="0" /></a>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-84959014594279374212007-12-13T12:18:00.001-08:002007-12-13T14:50:39.136-08:00Golden Bay<div><div><div>I know, i know, ...those of you who have been following our NZ blog have been eagerly awaiting a new post. I have been slacking for the last couple of weeks, and the people have spoken. </div><div><br /></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip181.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>he exhausting two day excursion through Abel Tasman was wonderful, and gave us new inspiration to see what was next on the agenda. The plan was to head across the Upper <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Takaka</span> Mountain Range and into the Golden Bay Valley. Crossing the mountain range was a task itself. The elevation change and the switchbacks in the road were enough to make Denise car sick. </div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip275.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div>All was well after we finally made it across the range. It was immediately apparent that we would fall in love with the Golden Bay area. </div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip185.jpg" border="0" />Although it was getting late in the day, we decided to head out to the Farewell Spit, a 35 kilometer long sand formation at the tip of the south island. We were able to take a brief walk on the spit before heading back to catch the sun set. As it turns out, I am always chasing the perfect sun set, and although this one was a great one, the search continues. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip191.jpg" border="0" />We ended up breaking free of our preset agenda, and stayed in a small town called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Collinwood</span>. We decided that the Golden Bay area would take another day to explore properly. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Collinwood</span> had a main street, one local pub/restaurant, corner store, fire station, church, and a few beach houses. That was it! We did however stumbled upon a great little hostel that had a wonderful wood burning fire place that kept us warm. </div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The next day was spent hiking through sheep pastures to the white cliff coast line.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip251.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip251.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">almost</span> able to take these two curious youngsters home, but after watching the Kiwi cult <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">horror</span> flick "Black Sheep",about genetically engineered sheep that go on a killing spree in the South Island, we were not about to take one home for a pet.</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip252.jpg" border="0" />We followed the next trail down to this amazing beach. For some reason, the rock formation out int eh rough surf from our angle reminded me of one of Hannibal's battle elephants ready to charge the enemy. I think my imagination runs a bit wild, but I still say it resembles a charging elephant....<br /><div></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip230.jpg" border="0" />Anyway, the best part of the beach was the encounters with the local seal colony! We didn't actually count how many were lingering about, but they were everywhere, and they were just as curious about us as we were about them.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip237.jpg" border="0" />We were able to get really close.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip_017.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip_017.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip225closeup.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip225closeup.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip240.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip240.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip239.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip239.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip239.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip239.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>After hiking the coast for the first part of the day, we started our trip back to the Nelson area. Along the way, we hit a local brewpub and a magnificent machine of sausage. Those innovative Kiwis! </div><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip272.jpg" border="0" />This bloke made home made sausage and sold it out of a vending machine during the hours when the shop was closed. Brilliant I say! Smoked lamb, beef, and pork sausage.....done!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Anyway, after my amazing sausage vending machine encounter, we decided to check out one of the local caves. This particular cave has not yet been fully explored by the Department of Conservation yet, and is a bit off the beaten path for most tourist. We found out why most tourist avoid the hike.... It was basically an hour hike strait up a mountain. I have never sweat so much in my life. The reward at the end was definitely worth it.</div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip261.jpg" border="0" />The cave opening itself looked like the rock was melting. Stalactites adorned the opening, and the depths of the cave we will never no. It was too dangerous to explore. </div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-51168468801617278042007-10-17T17:00:00.000-07:002007-10-17T17:48:49.618-07:00Trading our tramping boots for kayak paddles<div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip114.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip114.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Weary, hungry, and thirsty, we <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">finally</span> made it to out DOC hut destination in Bark Bay. After 7.5 hours of hiking, we were ready to relax. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip116.jpg" border="0" />I woke up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">surprisingly</span> early <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the</span> next morning, and was able to catch sunrise. It was just me and a couple of New <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Zealand</span> ducks to welcome the new day.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip135.jpg" border="0" />Absolutely stunning!<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip133.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Denise joined me shortly after the sun started heating up. We strolled around a bit to kill some time before our kayak guide arrived by water taxi with our kayaks.</div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip137.jpg" border="0" /> Our guide arrived around 9:00 in the morning smiling and greeting us with some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cookies</span> juice for breakfast. <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip164.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand" height="174" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip164.jpg" border="0" /></a>Denise and I would be piloting a two man kayak, and our guide K.P. ha<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip163.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 121px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px" height="104" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip163.jpg" border="0" /></a>d his own slick looking sea going vessel. We were the only ones on the guided kayak tour back to where we started, so we got an exclusive tour of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">the</span> coast of Abel Tasman. K.P. had a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wealth</span> of knowledge about the park and New <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Zealand</span>. He is half <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Maori</span> and overall a cool old dude. He has been just about everywhere and done just about everything in the adventure arena.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip163.jpg"></a></div></div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip163.jpg"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div>This is K.P. below pointing out Seal Island, our next destination.</div></div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip147.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>We played around with the seals for a bit at Seal Island. They would circle around and under kayak, and pop their heads up every now and again out of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">curiosity</span>. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip144.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div>After the seal encounter, we stopped for lunch in this cove. As exhausted as we were, we took K.P.'s <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">recommendation</span> to do a short hike up the near by mountain to get a great view of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">the</span> bay. </div><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip150.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div>We made it threw the last leg of the journey and my body was so tired at that point, i could not even lift the camera to snap any more photos. It was an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exhausting, yet</span> wonderful day!Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-64814606225405043822007-10-09T00:11:00.000-07:002007-10-17T14:52:45.169-07:00Don't worry, it's just around the corner....<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Preparations</span> for the great Abel Tasman adventure were in place. The evening prio<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip048.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip048.jpg" border="0" /></a>r, we were good little campers, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snuck</span> off to bed after a few beers at the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Victorian</span> Rose, a pub in Nelson. We could have stayed for a few more beers and a few more hours listening to the sounds of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Boogy</span> Train... an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">awkward</span> looking, yet great sounding blues band....... but in hindsight, our decision to get some shut eye was best. Anyway, we woke up at 5:30 in the morning to catch the bus to the trail<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip051.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip051.jpg" border="0" /></a>head looking like hobos itching for a cup of coffee.<br /><br /><br /><br />Yes, we made it to the trail head at last. We did get a quick <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">caffeine</span> dose and a bear claw muffin at the cafe that was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">literally</span> at the start of the trail. This will be a piece of cake we thought.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a picture of us at the start of our journey with our wits, sense of humor, an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">optimism</span> at its peak. It was a bit rainy at that time early in the morning, but we were excited to get the tramp started. <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip052.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip052.jpg" border="0" /></a> We were well on our way, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">blazing</span> the trail with only a few wet outburst from mother nature. Other than that, the stormy weather headed south and for the most part, we stayed warm and dry.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip055.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip055.jpg" border="0" /></a> It seamed that with every step further into the park, the weather changed for the better, the views seemed more beautiful, and our cadence got a bit more rapid. As <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">advertised</span> by our bus driver Chet, the trail was fairly easy. Chet says Abel Tasman track is for 4-84 years <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">olds</span>, and he might be full of shit, but then again, I don't think his name was actually Chet.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip061.jpg" border="0" /><br />We continued at a good pace, taking in the beauty of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">the</span> golden beaches and crystal blue water.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip059.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip059.jpg" border="0" /></a>We picked the right time of year to hike Abel Tasman as we would later find out. We were the only ones on the track, and for being the most famous track in New Zealand, that is a rare thing during the school holiday and summer time.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip070.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip070.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">About</span><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip078.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand" height="154" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip078.jpg" border="0" /></a> 3 hours into the hike we stopped to take a break and have some lunch. There was a Department of Conservation (DOC) cabin where we stopped to have some grub. I use "grub" as a term meaning delicious cheese, sausage, bread, smoked fish, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">hummus</span> dips. We were in no danger of starving, that much I can tell you my f<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">riends</span>. We weren't about to go thirsty either. I've adopted the theory created that beer shall be enjoyed on every adventure, and at any time during the day. This adventure would be no exception. Lunch in the wildernes<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip077.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px" height="146" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip077.jpg" border="0" /></a>s without a trace of civilization in sight, not without a beer I say....<br /><br />Lunch and beers, job done! Now on to more hiking. Honestly, the views from the trail were spectacular! The mid day skies turned bright blue, and the beaches below reflected gold.<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip099.jpg" border="0" /><br />We were still making good time, although we did miss the short cut <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">across</span> the bay that can only be crossed at low tide. no worries though, it took us about 30 minutes to do the round about way, and we got to see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cleopatra's</span> Pool shown below. If you look closely and use your imagination, you can pick out a figure in the rock laying on her side. Very cool!<br /><br /><div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip089.jpg" border="0" />It was about 6 hours into <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">the</span> hike at this point, and our dogs were getting tired. In my most reassuring voice, I would tell Denise, "It should be just around the corner, just up ahead." She managed to call my bullshit, and it was a battle to see who could keep <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">their</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">sense</span> of humor.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip106.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip106.jpg" border="0" /></a>Towards the end of our hike, we did get to traverse this huge swing bridge. </div><div><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip103.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip103.jpg" border="0" /></a> As the map had indicated, we were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">getting close</span> to our destination, and my efforts to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">announce</span> that "it is just around the corner" started to make a bit more sense than 2 hours ago....<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip101.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip101.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-82810426346706174932007-10-02T15:07:00.000-07:002007-10-03T12:11:09.052-07:00The Nelsons in NelsonDenise and I had our first chance to get down to the south island a week ago. The area was beautiful and flashbulbs from our camera were going off like the paparazzi chasing Madonna just trying to snap a memory of all the lovely landscape. Therefore in an attempt to not bore the audience, I will be making several installments of our trip to keep you interested.<br /><br />So lets get started! Our first stop on the week long trip begun ironically in a town called Nelson. Being well known for its sea food, artistry, wineries, and breweries, it was the perfect place for us to start our adventure. Although we were not greeted with a red carpet as we got off the twin propellered plane, I gave a distinguisted wave to the grounds crew on the tarmac much like the president does as he exits airforce one. Not a kings welcome at all, but we were happy to be on the ground. The flight was a rough one, and to be honest, we could have landed De Moines Iowa for all I care, just as long as we landed safely.<br /><br />So we had arrived. The first thing we did on the following day was experiencing the Saturday market held right around the corner from the hostel we stayed at.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip003-1.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip003-1.jpg" border="0" /></a>The market was fabulous! Intermingled amongst booths and tents of fine artisans and jewelers, there were cheese, sausage, fresh fish, and meat pie vendors. Meat pies are a huge thing down here and are sold not only in bakeries and grocery stores, but you can find them in gas stations as well. Denise found a specialty meat pie vendor that was selling a vegetarian meat pie.......interesting. As we strolled along, we bought loads of breads, cheeses, sausages, and smoked fish for our travels. I took a picture of this guy who was singing Sweet Caroline at the time. He sounded great, and he had the intricate facial tattoos to let us know he was a native Maori.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip004.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip004.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the market, we set off to explore the rest of the town. I would call it a city, but the size doesn't constitute the title of city. There are only a few streets to fill out the down town grid. </p><p>Nelson is the home of The Ring. You know which ring I am talking about....you know,....the halflings.....hairy feet.....crazy adventure. Yep, one of the local jewelry artisans was commissioned to create the Lord of the Rings ring for the movie. This was the Jens Hansen's headquarters.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip006.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip006.jpg" border="0" /></a>We didn't get a picture of one of the real one in the shop, which was almost big enough to be a wrist band, but I did get a picture next to this enormous replica. It makes me look like I am as small as Frodo Baggins himself. Or am I really in Middle earth....watcht out for the Orks!.... I'm a dork!<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip167.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip167.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p>Anyway, we continued our trip to the cathedral which adorns the hilltop overlooking the town. It was amazingly elegant in side and contemporary, goth on the exterior.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip021.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip021.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip015.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 151px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" height="223" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip015.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip013.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand" height="207" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip027.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand" height="150" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip027.jpg" border="0" /></a>The park surrounding the cathedral was full of blooming flowers and Denise's favorite trees in New Zealand (below). I am not sure what it is called, but we see them all over the place, and they are beautiful.<br /></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip023.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is one of our favorite pictures taken while in Nelson<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip025.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip025.jpg" border="0" /></a> We walked most of the town streets popping in some of the shops before they closed. It seems that on a Saturdays everything shuts down at 4:00PM, and the city becomes a ghost town. But before everything did shut down, we found a brewery and a winery to help cope with the situation.<br /><br /><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip279.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip038.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip001.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand" height="89" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Nelson_Trip001.jpg" border="0" /></a>That as our first day of the trip, and it was a great one. We settled into the hostel which apparently has a problem with travelers steeling the wine corker.<br />We had to get a good nights rest to get ready for our next days adventure, a day long hike, an over night camp, and a kayak in Abel Tasman National Reserve. Tune into the next entry... <p></p>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-1875533451862200322007-09-27T14:00:00.000-07:002007-09-28T14:02:54.504-07:00Kiwi Spotting on MotuoraDenise and I, and a few friends took a overnight camping trip on an island called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Motuora</span> a few weeks back. The island is a wildlife refuge and a indigenous tree sanctuary. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora023.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />The island used to be used for farming, thus the indigenous trees were clear cut for grazing and farming. A conservation group has now taken over the island and is trying to replant the indigenous trees to provide a safe haven for the Kiwi birds that are also being introduced to the refuge. History lesson over!<br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora007.jpg" border="0" /> So here we are arriving on the island. A water taxi took us across the open waters where we had the island to ourselves. Notice the heaps of gear that everyone brought for a one night stay..... You would think we were staying for a month.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora015.jpg" border="0" /><br />Anyway, we made camp and settled in that morning. The whole purpose of the trip was to help the conservation group plant some trees the next day, but the day we arrived was for exploring the island and having a bit of fun.<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora016.jpg" border="0" /><br />Not to worry, no one got hurt even though it took several shots to get a descent action shot. Yep, we were acting like a bunch of teenagers.... I particularly like my perfect ten point dismount. Nice!<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora008.jpg" border="0" /><br />We tramped around the coastline exploring every little nook and cranny. Denise discovered these little sea <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">creatures</span> a low tide. <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora019.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora026.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora026.jpg" border="0" /></a>The rest of the day was great. We played a little bit of coed touch rugby, a bit of soccer, and then had a pasta dinner feast. We even had the chance to go on an evening hunt for the ever illusive nocturnal Kiwi bird, but none were ever spotted. We had everything to get us ready for a hard days work planting trees the next morning.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora012.jpg" border="0" /><br />But as fate would have it, the weather took a turn for the worse, and a huge storm was brewing over the near by seas and was heading our way. We had to take the early water taxi home the next morning for fear that the water would be too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">treacherous</span> to navigate in the afternoon. So no trees were planted. But a good time was had by all, except for one or two people on the boat ride back. The size of the boat, and the size of the swell made me ask twice where the life jackets were hiding. The seas were all ready angry with a swell up to about 8-10 feet! Small boat plus angry seas equals shat in pants....<br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Motuora055.jpg" border="0" /> We made back to the dock safe and sound a little disappointed by that fact that we were unable to help out planting trees, and unlucky that we could not catch a glimpse of a Kiwi. But we did have a blast, and I am sure there will be another opportunity to go back.Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-43882154539790363132007-08-08T12:32:00.000-07:002007-08-08T14:20:34.300-07:00OpoutereWe decide to get out of town this past weekend. We left Auckland for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Opoutere</span> on Saturday afternoon after my soccer game was over. We were a little bit bummed at the time because it was raining and dark when we got to the hostel where we decided to stay. But there were some older couples staying there as well that we had polite conversation with while sitting next to a wood <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">burning</span> fire place. <div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere013.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere013.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Then we woke the next morning to see this view from the hostel. It was so dark the night before, that we had no idea what was around us at the time. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere011.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere011.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Over breakfast, we were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">contemplating</span> what to do with our day. We both decided that really there should be no rush, schedule, or itinerary. We would just do what we felt like doing. Luckily, the hostel had a bunch of kayaks for us to use, and at that moment, we felt like going for a paddle. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere006.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere006.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We spent a good two hours on the kayaks, racing up the river <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">near</span> by and cruising across the delta to the spit that was directly across from the hostel. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere009.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere009.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>After the long kayak, we traded in our boats for walking shoes, and headed to the beach. There was a little trail from the hostel that meandered through small section of pine forest leading up to the beach front. Both Denise and I thought it was strange that there would be pine forests so close to the sand, but i guess it is something we are just not accustom to seeing. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere038.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere038.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We finally made it to the beach to gaze over the clear blue ocean water of the Pacific. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere021.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere021.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Denise said it best while we were walking the beach. She said "this is how I want to remember New Zealand", and I think she was absolutely right. It was a gorgeous afternoon on the east coast of New <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zealand's</span> North Island, and we were lucky to have the 3 miles of beach to ourselves. We were the only people out that day.</div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere035.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere035.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere031.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere031.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We walked the entire length of the beach and then came back to where we started. Beaches are fantastic. You never see the same thing twice even if you were to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">walk</span> the same section one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hundred</span> times. The tides, waves, and shifting sand mold the beach differently after every crashing wave. The picture to the left was an area of sand near a stream feeding into the ocean. We decided that it looked like nature was making us an enormous batch of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">chocolate peanut</span> butter fudge. And you never know what is going to ride a wave onto the beach. I <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere025.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere025.jpg" border="0" /></a>found this empty clam shell washed in by the salty water. Symmetry brought to you by nature....</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere028.jpg"></a></div><div>We had <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">received</span> a good tip from some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">friends</span> we met in Auckland that there was a neat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">little</span> art gallery in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Opoutere</span> called the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Topadahil</span>. If you say the name slow enough, it describes where the little gallery is, on top of the hill. The gallery itself is actually the artist's house oriented on one of the highest hill tops over looking the delta leading to the ocean. The view from her house was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">amazing</span>. Anyway, the artists name was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Guity (French)</span>, and even though we could not afford any of her original works (need to take out a sizable loan), she was nice enough to invite us into her house so we could view her works. We spent about an hour talking with her, and she even gave us a back packers deal on some prints of her original works. We <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">bought</span> a few, and left her home feeling inspired. I don't have any pictures to show you of her works, so you will have to see the prints when we get back the the States. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Anyway, this is how we will remember Opoutere, and we are sure to reccomend this little paradise to others. We may even come back to visit again. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere028.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Opoutere028.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-62047945208490793922007-08-07T12:03:00.000-07:002007-08-07T13:32:36.023-07:00DevonportAuckland City is great, and we like the hustle and bustle....sometimes. Other times Denise and I like the slower, fudge and ice cream beach town pace. That is why we went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Devonport</span></span>. The great thing is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Devonport</span></span> is just across the bay from the city. We spent the afternoon walking the main street, ducking in and out of various art galleries and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">boutique</span> shops. <div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Devonport</span></span> peninsula is home to two volcanic caps, Mount Victoria and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hauraki</span></span>. We walked around the perimeter and up to the summit of both to capture a great views of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rangitoto</span></span>, the Auckland City skyline, and the small town of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Devonport</span></span>. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>On Mount Victoria, we discovered this interesting sculpture just off the footpath (below to the right). There was no explanation of its significance, how it got there, or who the artist was, but it reminded me of Auguste Rodin's famous sculpture "The Thinker" with a bit of a Kiwi twist. </div><div></div><div><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/TheThinker.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/TheThinker.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport015.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport015.jpg"></a><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div>Anyway, he was a great discovery that most people I think pass up because it is located just off the foot path. </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport014.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport014.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>I got an extreme close up of his mug. Maybe not as inquisitive as "The Thinker", but I love the expression anyway.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport037.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport037.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We moved on to North Head where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hauraki</span></span> Gulf Maritime Park is located. This park was once an important base for the New Zealand military forces during the war times of the 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span></span> century. Many tunnels, bunkers, and huge gun turrets were built <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">beneath</span> the mountain to help ward off any attackers during World War I and II. Fortunately, the fortification did not see any action during its time, and the area is now just a recreation park. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport034.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport024.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand" height="155" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport024.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>The cool part about the now abandoned fortification is that tourists can explore some of the tunnels and bunkers left behind by the military. A few of the large guns and munitions structures are still there as well to explore. We made sure to bring our flashlight in order to explore the tunnels. Some were long, dark, and kind of spooky.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Anyway, we hiked all around the mountain and the beach surrounding </div><div><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport019.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport019.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport042.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Then we ended up on the summit to catch the sunset. It was a spectacular afternoon.</div><div><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport046.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Devenport046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-35008981770645517122007-07-22T17:44:00.000-07:002007-07-22T19:32:49.325-07:00Rugby VictoryWell, it has been a while since we have made any additions to the Land of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">the</span> Long White Cloud blog. You might ask the questions of why there hasn't been recent installments of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">truly</span> intriguing and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">enlightening</span> descriptions and photos of the paradise they call New Zealand. The answer to that question lies in the fact that there may be no such place as paradise. Just ask my pale white, untanned, cold backside. Weather has a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tendency</span> to put a damper on plans and moods to carry out those plans. And the weather here has been pretty drab lately. But the troopers that we are, Denise and I are making the best of it.<br /><br />Over the weekend, we went to an international rugby game between the New Zealand All Blacks and the Australian <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wallabies</span>. The rivalry between the two teams compares to an Ohio State vs Michigan type grudge match but on epic proportions. The crowd was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">rowdy</span>, and the stadium was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rock'n</span></span></span></span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AllBlacks004.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AllBlacks004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was only able to snap a few pictures, because we were in the midst of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">torrential</span> thunderstorm. And <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">despite</span> the rain, thunder, and my fear of being struck by 1.21 J<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">igiwatts</span></span></span> of electricity, the game went on. We were properly soaked, but the game was good fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AllBlacks001.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AllBlacks001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The All Blacks pulled out a win in the end, and that meant life in New Zealand could go on. I can only imagine what would happen if they had not been victorious.<br />We took a Sunday a couple of weeks ago to walk around down by the Auckland <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">wharfs</span>, had some lunch and some beers.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Auckland_City009.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Auckland_City009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The picture above is of one of the older building still holding it's ground in the hustle and bustle of the downtown grid. It's bright colors make it landmark seen from the bay. We also caught this cruising vessel coming into port from a sailing tour.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Auckland_City008.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Auckland_City008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />At the end of the day, we took a moment to catch the sunset over the harbor. Finally, a dry but brisk day that we spend outside in the city. I can't wait for our spring to start.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Auckland_City011.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Auckland_City011.jpg" border="0" /></a>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-81058039031359681852007-06-28T22:14:00.000-07:002007-06-30T14:35:22.790-07:00RangitotoLast weekend we decided to hike to the peak of the youngest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">volcanic</span> cap in Auckland named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rangitoto</span></span></span>. Young in volcanic history means that it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">erupted</span> about 600 years <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ago</span> and is now dormant. We took a ferry from Auckland to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rangitoto</span></span> as it is an island off the coast. Below is a view of the city from the water.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto009-1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto009-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The summit hike took us about an hour to finish. The landscape was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">vastly</span> different than we had anticipated. I imagined that a volcanic cap would be a huge slabs of hardened black <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">molten </span>lava. We were quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">surprised</span> to see that most of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">landscape</span> was covered in small bolder sized chunks of rock that had been spewed from the volcano eruption.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto042.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto042.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Someone was nice enough to clear a path through the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">boulders</span> on this stretch of trail, but that wasn't always so. The picture below shows me standing on the trail that looks like a bed of charcoal ready to be lit for a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">barbecue</span>. Not the easiest thing to walk across; however, striking a manly pose helps to overcome <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">treacherous</span> situations like these. All you self proclaimed men, feel free to take notes.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto039.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We did actually make it to the summit. The view was breath taking. We sat, enjoyed some snacks, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">gazed</span> at the fantastic scenery.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto013.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto013.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto_007.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto_007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We even managed to have fellow hiker snap a picture of us at the summit with yet again the Sky Tower in the faint background. We had conquered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rangitoto</span></span></span>!<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto018.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We soaked in one last <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">minute</span> of the view from the top, then decided to check out the Lava Caves Trail about a quarter mile below the summit. As the name of the trail suggests, it leads to caves that were carved out by lava flows after the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">eruption</span>. We came fully prepared with flashlights powered by semi lifeless energizer bunnies to light the way. We put down our gear, crawled into these dark <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">anonymous</span> caves, and tried our best to not to soil our trousers. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">awesome</span>.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto027.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto027.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I posed for a photo in front of this one. The caves were in my opinion the highlight of the hike. Traversing through the caves was a bit challenging and a bit scary, but that's the thing that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">makes</span> life so interesting isn't it?<br />Anyway, after the caves, we hiked for another 2 hours on a coastal track that led us back to the ferry dock. The track was difficult with much of the trail covered with the charcoals of volcanic history. Sometimes it was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">amazing</span> what we saw growing amongst the rubble.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto038.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We happen to see these little fellas basking in the sun near the end of our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">journey</span>. They were pretty much the only living things on the island other than those who were hiking that day.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto036.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/Rangatoto036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What can I say? It was again, another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">excellent</span> hike.Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-50982309006211282442007-06-21T18:21:00.000-07:002007-06-21T19:58:37.054-07:00Extra Bits<div align="justify">This entry is full of some extra bits of Auckland. I was looking back at some of the picture we took from while we were just strolling through the city, and I though I would share.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0407.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0407.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0407.jpg"></a><br />Auckland is dotted by a ton of parks and monuments. We have been to a fair number of them, but we still have our work cut out for us if we want to visit all of them. To the right is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Albert</span> park which is oriented in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> downtown area. We came across this one as we were heading to the Sky Tower. Below are pictures of Cornwall Park and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">obelisk</span> that adorns the peak of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">extinct</span> volcano cap in the park. The view from the top is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">amazing</span> on a clear day.<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/CornwallPark001.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/CornwallPark001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/CornwallPark011.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/CornwallPark011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of the largest Auckland that houses the city museum is Auckland Auckland Domain. It is about 5 minutes walk from Denise's workplace, and I have been down there a several times to play soccer. We spend an afternoon exploring the domain snapping these pictures as we went.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0419-Copy.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: hand" height="124" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0419-Copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0428-Copy.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand" height="122" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0428-Copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The greenhouse area had a reflecting pool which was kind of cool. </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0423.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0423.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0423.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0423.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DSCN0423.jpg"></a> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><br /> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I think the first picture we sent out to everyone was of Denise and I standing atop a hill in the Auckland Domain with the Sky Tower in the background. You can see the tower from almost any point in the city which make it good as a reference point when you get lost driving through town. We get lost pretty often, so making good use of the Sky tower as a homing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">beacon</span>. Did I tell you you can go up the tower to an observation deck? You get an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">excellent</span> view of the city.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/P1010438.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/P1010438.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/P1010432.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/P1010432.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The observation tower has a glass floor you can stand on. Instantly you feel you heart rate climb as you ponder whether or not the glass will break under your feet. Denise was reluctant to stand on it even though there was a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">disclaimer</span> informing you <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/P1010440.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/P1010440.jpg" border="0" /></a>that the glass was stronger than concrete. Did I mention you can jump off the top of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">the</span> Sky tower? Well, this crazy fool isn't me, but I seriously considered it. It was tempting to do if you like to have the whits scared out of you.<br /><br />We have also made a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">friends</span>. We had them over for dinner the other night. We also all gathered to go to the Lion Brewery tour in New Market.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DinneratFlat.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand" height="124" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/DinneratFlat.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack002.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 166px; CURSOR: hand" height="233" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The tour was pretty cool; although, we were unable to get to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">actual</span> brew house, and the packaging area was not running at the time. Oh well, the host of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">the</span> tour made it more than worth while. To top that, you get to poor your own pints at the end of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">the</span> tour. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Awesome</span>! The bar inside the brewery is picture on the right. It was pretty sweet with the old copper kettles in there.<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/HunuaFalls007.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/HunuaFalls007.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/HunuaFalls005.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/HunuaFalls005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The last picture are just to make everyone jealous. These are the Sunrises we have seen from our little balcony/deck. It is pretty nice to wake u<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AucklandRandom018.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AucklandRandom018.jpg" border="0" /></a>p to that.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AucklandRandom008.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/AucklandRandom008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The last two are the sunset in Auckland City. It looked like the Sky was on fire.<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack026.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand" height="242" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack026.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack030.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand" height="138" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack030.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-15519110287871437642007-06-19T16:09:00.000-07:002007-06-19T16:47:30.393-07:00Cascade Kauri Park<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack002.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Well, it may seem redundant, but it was another great day for a walk. I am taking full advantage of the New Zealand trails, and at this point I can't get enough.<br /><br />I went down to Cascade <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kauri</span> Park within the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Waitakere</span> Ranges west of Auckland. Three trails begin in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">the</span> park: the Auckland City Walk, Cascade Falls Track, and the Montana Heritage Track. I decided to walk the Montana Heritage Track <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">which</span> was a loop through the park. However, before I began the trek, I was greeted by this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">formidable</span> fellow. He is the spirit of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Waitakere</span> Ranges and oversees the forest. I wanted to take him home for our living room!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack003.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack005.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The trail started off as usual, up an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">incredibly</span> steep incline; however, the direction I decided to take to start the loop was kept up extremely well. Wooden steps through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">kuari</span> groves made it slightly easier on the legs. <br /><br />The backside of the trail was less rugged and harsh. It was almost to the point of being a paved running trail or something like that. That leg of the trail led me to a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">reservoir</span> dam that you could walk across. I explored the base of the dam as well. It was pretty cool!<br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack009.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It was a bit rough on the last leg of the trail descending back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">car park</span>. The terrain was steep and laced with exposed roots. A nightmare for weak ankled nancy boys such as myself. However, I made it through just fine, and found out that the best part walk was at the very end of the trail that connected to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Auckland</span> City Walk I mentioned previously.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack017.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack025.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack025.jpg" border="0" /></a> This stream began at the Cascade Falls which I was able to explore for a bit. If it wasn't as cold as it was, I would have taken a dip in the lagoon at the base of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">the</span> falls. I walked the rest of the Auckland City Walk back to the car and headed home.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack026.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/MontanaHeretageTrack026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Another great hike!Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1703297685168695733.post-44650796213128880492007-06-19T15:27:00.000-07:002007-06-19T16:08:53.730-07:00Okura Estuary Scenic ReserveWe had to break in Denise's new boots that we picked up over the weekend. What better way to do that then to take a 3 hour tramp through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Okura</span> Estuary Scenic Reserve. We were in for about a 3 hour tramp which took us through the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Okura</span> Reserve area and then popped us out at the beach at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Karepiro</span> Bay.<a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack006.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack006.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack014.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack014.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We came across some of the largest trees I have seen. They are called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">kauri</span> trees and are as grand in stature as the giant redwoods back in the States. The outer skin or bark of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">kauri</span> flake off in large chunks exposing colorful swatches of pink and green that contrast the grey exterior. The picture below give some scale to the size of the trees. This one was on a funny angle.<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack007.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Finally, we made it to the beach after an hour and a half of tramping through the reserve! At the beach front was a small cabin that has been there since the 1850's called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dacre</span> Cottage. There were actually people staying in the cabin for the week. I think they were there keeping up the cottage grounds and having a vacation as well.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack_003.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack_003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Because it was low tide, we decided to walk back along the beach and catch up with the trail before we made it back to the car park. Just as an aside, the low tide here is a serious low tide. It looked like the tide drew out about 4 feet of water from the banks where we were walking. That is a serious amount of H2O. We're going to have to figure out if that is normal or not....<br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack_005.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack_005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack012.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack012.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Anyway, the low tide exposed some interesting features and colors along our walk back. Check out this crazy rock...!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack_004.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z138/brnelso2/OkuraTrack_004.jpg" border="0" /></a>Brian and Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04800861884789138920noreply@blogger.com0