In the grand scheme of things I did not do today very well. Really, I feel that I let it go to waste largely instead of taking advantage of my last day in New Zealand (for this trip at least) but oh well, it is what it is. At least I get a chance to... Continue Reading →

Once I finally fell asleep I slept pretty good in my cozy little Rotorua home last night. But there was a lot more noise than last time I was there, neighbors, logging trucks on the highway, and who knows what else. I had set my alarm for 7:45am, the White Island folks had indicated yesterday... Continue Reading →

Before anything I must start by saying thank you. Of course thank you to anyone who is actually taking their time to read my ramblings but an especially special thank you to my friends and family who reached out to check on me today - either after hearing from me yesterday or reading my blog... Continue Reading →

Tonight’s blog will be short. Really short. And quite frankly, not interesting at all. I didn’t do much today except drive. And cry. And drive some more. The weather was still awful when I woke up; cold, windy, and raining hard. As I decided I was set on doing, I tried to change my Christchurch... Continue Reading →

I’m not loving the universe at this is current moment in time. I should be in a better mood, as of today I officially made it, I drove down the entire South Island of New Zealand and made it to the, literal, southernmost point. I think I’m just road worn and exhausted. And I really... Continue Reading →

It’s late and I’m tired. I’ve had a frustrating end to the day but now I can relax. Today was mostly a passive sight-seeing day, which my body is thankful for as my right hip is not happy with me after yesterday’s hike. I woke up this morning to a message from my AirBnB host,... Continue Reading →

Not a ton to say about today; it was a good day, just focused on only one large hike. This is also the earliest night, by far, that I’ve been tucked into my AirBnB for the evening. And I’m ok with that; partly because it’s cold and raining now, partly because my body is tired,... Continue Reading →

I feel like I didn’t accomplish much today. As I knew was coming, the weather turned and it was a much colder and rainy day. I’m getting sick of waking up puffy. I think all the AirBnBs have down bedding for warmth and between that and the seasonal spring allergies here I have looked like... Continue Reading →

It was nice to wake up and not be freezing today. Finally having a place with a heater was quite a treat. The bed wasn’t the most comfortable but I still slept like a rock; I’m making sure to knock myself out nice and proper this trip. Before hitting the road I took advantage of... Continue Reading →

I slept great last night! I never did get a heat source going but the bedding was warm and cozy. Though I did almost kill myself coming down the spiral staircase to use the compostable toilet in the middle of the night. I was too tired to get around to planning my day before falling... Continue Reading →