The Southern Alps

South Island West Coast

Dec. 3

What a day. 18 holes of golf then on the road south to seal colony and pancake rock formations, sunset pics.

Ferry, Thanksgiving, Abel Tasman Hike

South Island Ferry


Thanksgiving feast with the gang.


Just checked in the hotel after 3 days and 2 nights on the trail. When on able tasman hike with 4 friends from mississippi i met in auckland. Beautiful first day, 3 hour kayak followed by 4 hour treck to our first campsite. Then the rain came that night and didnt stop. 6 hour hike the following day. now we are in town and are about to catch the saints v. patriots on monday night (tuesday afternoon) football. pictures to come.

more pics

Wellington>>

While I have been staying here I have primarily been working in the garden. Clearing brush and weeds as well as tree trimming. I been able to escape to the golf course or bike into town when i like. Here probably for another week or so, then on to south island.

Woof 10 > Wellington

Paradise









Staying in best place yet. Brian and Jane have a breathtaking view atop hill overlooking the wellington harbor. I gaze out as i write. Played 9 holes of golf yesterday and hope to go for a bike ride today. more to come> I am loving staying here.

Train from Auckland back to Taihape

"the train begins its creep into the fresh crisp of the morning-
it looks to be a spectacular day, in hindsight i was in no way disappointed-
the low angle of the recently dawned sun casts long shadows that spill over new zealand farmland-
the train begins to pick up speed-
hills ungulate like a sea of vivid green-
rays of golden light find glossy leaves and dew fallen grass blades with silvery shimmer-
fence posts stitch their way through paddocks dividing herds of sheep-
cattle freckle a distant hillside-
a pair Paradise duck fly fast and low over a placid lake, it's water ripples to life when wings cup and feathers collide with its converging reflection-
thoughts turn homeward..."

_smith