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Published: February 7th 2007
Me and Jo
Doing some ash painting with the soot from the bottom of our pan...trouble getting it off in the cold showers...burrrr!Although I haven't traveled yet to many other countries- I can't imagine a place more beautiful than New Zealand- throughout the WHOLE country! Mountains and rivers and oceans- just everything- I think this country is a nature lover's paradise!
When I was in Taupo I met a Finish guy named Jo- and we decided to rent a car together- for 20 days to tour the south island. My first week and half was great in the North Island- but without your own transportation here it's difficult to get around- it's expensive and you get caught in the touristy route- staying at hostels and doing all the special features they have- that also cost a lot- but with a car- you can go where you want whenever you want-
So the decision didn't seem so bold at the time- but I got a good impression from Jo- we were on each other's level in way- so i figured I would be able to travel with him for 20 days- not realizing the full committment at the time- but it's been about a week now- and it's going freaking great! He's the perfect traveling partner- laid back, adventorous, good conversation and
it helps to travel with a boy- for a little protection. So we've been setting up camp at different beautiful spots that we decide we want to stay- on the ocean, next to a river- and just sleep in the car and enjoy being away from civilization. I have even been driving- a few times pulled onto the right side of the road- but getting the hang of it more and more!
The first night we spent the night on this beautiful flowered beach- with massive drift wood on the shore and just beautiful surroundings. Went and caught some mussels for dinner- and picked some corn from some fields- did you know you can eat corn raw- its pretty good actually- refreshing! there's something ritualistic about catching your own dinner- and its free! Build a fire and chill with a beer in the hand.
One night we were having trouble finding a place to spend the night and decided on this little spot that was like a 10 minute walk to the beach. So we got all our supplies- the food and fire materials and started walking through basically wet sand- parts of it like a thick grey
Jo looking for some mussels for dinner
Cooking some dinner on the rocks...this was something that took place every night- Jo did most of the cooking ;) surprised? goo that your foot sinks in up to your ankle and your flip flop gets stuck...didn't think much of it at the time- but once we got out there- walked about 10 minutes- started the fire, had dinner- we realized that the tide was rapidly coming into that area we just walked across- that's why the sand was so wet- so bascially we got stuck out on this little island and had to walk back in the water in the middle of the night- with coolers and stuff to carry- the water came in so fast- before we knew it we were walking in water up to our waists...a new learning experience for us both- that in a lagoon type area the water will come in- especially with a full moon- which it was- and you'll get stuck out on the island...one of the many quirky adventures i've been having...
we spent 2 nights at Abel Tasman national park- which was just beautiful! got eaten by the sand flies though- caught some more mussels and relaxed on the beach- did a little rock climbing on the perfect natural rock- (michele you would have been proud)
So it's been
First camping night
A warm rock therapy- with a beer in hand of course great having a car- it helps immensly that Jo also loves reggae- and likes to drink beer 😉 Have been bathing in the river and living very minimually- feels good and natural. Learning A LOT about Finland!
We're planning to head to the glaciers today and then the bottom of the south island.
This computer doesn't have a USB outlet- so frusterating- i have so many great pictures i want to share....but they will come.
I hope everyone is happy and healthy at home! and i love to hear from everyone!
Peace and Love
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ANNIE S
non-member comment
WOW
So I take it you are liking the Kiwis??? I left you a long message on your cell phone because Im stupid. So enjoy that message when you get back. Love you!