Blogs from New Plymouth, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

New Plymouth:: Taranaki There's so much to do for visitors to New Plymouth and Taranaki and yet because it is a terminus, the end of a line- west coast of the North island, many tourists don't go. The weather was brilliant for the 3 days we spent here. Day one was spent on the coastal walkway that runs for 10 km stretching from the Port to Bell Block. We headed off past the port to climb Paritutu, one of the spines of lava pushed up from a volcano, then hit the sea quite literally in a lifeboat sailed by Happy Chaddy to explore the other two spines at sea : the Sugar Loaf islands dated to 1.75 million years. Paritutu proved too much for me, the stairs end and a rope guides your climb to the ... read more

Da viele Neuseelaender ja europaeischer Abkunft sind und viele auch irisches Blut haben wird der St Patricks Day hier gross gefeiert... Donnerstag abend gab es im Hostel ein St Patricks Day Dinner, jeder in gruen, das essen gruen und irische Musik... freitag haben marie und ich dann fuer den Morning Tea im Lehrerzimmer gruenes White Chocolate Mousse gemacht, ja hoert sich komisch an war eig aber ganz gut, und gruene muffins mit gruenem icing... Samstag gib es dann abends nach New Plymouth zuerst zum Irish Pub mit 2 Bands die drinnen gespielt haben und eine die draussen gespielt hat... wow viel Aufwand fuer den Tag und dann wurde weiter um die Haeuser gezogen mit unserer Truppe die zum groessten Teil aus Deutschen bestand, Kanadier und Neuseelaender waren aber auch dabei... Insgesamt war die Woche seehr seehr ... read more

Friday evening and I’m a bundle of nerves. Sleep? Sleep??? What is that, I’ve packed everything three times atleast, mind revolving in ever increasing wobbly circles, wondering how I’m going to cope. Had a coffee, chucked my pillow into the suitcase, showered and dressed, panicked a bit more and then it was time to go to the airport. With hubby and daughter with me to farewell me, I checked in, sent my bag on its way and went over to the café for some breakfast A slice of bacon and egg pie. ............. ............It's 3.15pm local time. We've had dinner? I think it was dinner. My choice was the lamb (mince) potato type pie. peas and carrots, bread buns,a pineapple / ham / red pepper concoction I suspect was the starter , cheese and crackers and ... read more

Here we are, only a day and a half to go. Bags are packed even! Mac goes to the cattery tomorrow for two and a half months! We hope he will know us when we get home. Goodbye rain - we hope!... read more

April 3, 2011: SURPRISE!!!!! After pulling back the panel drapes in multi-windowed corner room, there was the blue sky, the sun peeking up over the hills in the east…..and a beautiful day, once again, seemed to be with us for our travel day. YEAH!!!! After the morning rituals were completed, the 1st Lady and I had breakfast in the dining room with many others who had spent the night here at the BEST hostel we have stayed in yet……the Moana Lodge in Plimmerton, just north of Wellington about 13 miles. Everyone seemed to be anxious to be on their way(s)…….as there seemed to be lots of hustle and bustle in the large kitchen. We had out bags packed and spent a few minutes of just relaxing over our tea and coffee, and conversing with the couple ... read more

Today I had a physio appointment. This was really a follow up to my previous appointment, and mostly to see how I was doing post race. The good news was that the leg had been holding up ok, it just felt a bit tight, and she reckoned that may well be because I’ve been running awkwardly because of the soreness in the leg, and that I have lazy glutes as a result, which isn’t helping as it puts extra stress on the thigh. A program of stretches to try and tighten up the glutes was the way forward, and so, with exercises which involve me looking like I’m trying to sit down on a toilet and then stand up again to practice, I headed out for the rest of my day. I decided I needed to ... read more