Day 2

I slept and hung out had some issues with the electics and the DSL (switches on the wall plugs!) Anyway I will post some pictures now that I am online again. Did I say I hadn't changed any money? Did I realize how far out this place is? I managed to buy some food, starvation diet for a few days, and Monday being a holiday means... no banks. This presents a challenge to obtaining my wheels as does getting back into town. I am trusting the universe to provide the perfect solution. In the meantime I will make contact with the van sellers.
The folks who were staying here on my arrival told me about a hike I might enjoy so after feeding cats I walked down the hill along the beach and up the road beside the river. saw some sheep! and a pleasant stream. What called to me was a hike (they call them tramps here) up the side of the hill/mountain I could see from the house. 2.5 hours and right away I had to scrub my shoes and spray some disinfectant to protect some ancient trees. It was pleasant hiking/tramping through the completely unfamiliar flora, although I did recognize a few houseplants. When I got to the giant tree and sat down I realized I aint 25 anymore and besides when was the last time I hiked uphill? There was an interesting sounding bird flitting around the canopy, which I intend to identify... later. A short extra trail to the top of Goat peak sufficed to satisfy my need to accomplish something, I took some vista pictures and descended rubbery legs and all expressing gratitude all the way. Walked the beach, had some fish and chips and returned to fall deep asleep. When I awoke I discovered the switch turning on the DSL and here I am back in the present moment!

arrival Auckland

Well i made it. I thought my legs were going to seize up squished between the seats. Luckily I had an empty seat beside me after they moved me to accomodate a screaming baby. And there were lots of little ones on the flight. I was pretty engrossed in The Hobbit, had curried beef for dinner a beer and a glass of wine. Watched 2NZ flics and vicariously various hollywood offerings on other folks' screens. Eventually when I realized sleep was impossible, I got what a great distraction the movies are for forgetting how sore my butt was. Champagne as we crossed the dateline (at 4am NZ time) then breakfast arriving at 6 local time. Feeling kinda misaligned I started out answering emails then realized I can send everybody the update via blog. Amazing sunrise , it is overcast here. This place is getting noisy and crowded, almost time for me to call. Will update once I settle and get some sleep. Small reality check, a house sparrow just landed at my feet, telling me to get moving.THANK GOODNESS this blog program saves automatically. The net connection quit. I decided to make it all happen. dazed and confused I changed $5 made a phone call, left a message, looked at the map and decided it was time. Hired a cab after discussing the price $80-$90 (!) It was an entertaining
drive, that went on and on and on. $118 later we arrive at a beautiful site overlooking a bay and to the west the Tasman Sea, the small community of Huai. I am here to housesit and kitten watch while Brian and Miranda are at a music fest.

pre- pre departure

I start here! Getting stuff together seeing my kids last minute and taking some time with Elke before the moment of departure. This is it my debut! I have been warping up a belt expressing my creative juices, assembled a loom and consumed a bottle of beer (a big bottle of beer). Tonight we opened up the net and found this spot where I can blurt out my thoughts and feelings as I progress through the adventure. Time to reflect on what is important and what is possible.