this is where my heart fell into the s.k.y

50 shades of Green

2013-03-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

March 21

I just pulled over the car. I am sitting on hwy... um actually I do not know, but I do know I am driving one way until I get to hwy 6. And hwy 6 will take me to another coast line.

... "Please try to find yourself a little ray of Sunshine. Take it easy have a drink an try ta settle down, don't worry 'bout the rest of it and everything will be alright. ...... Cause what we go is just like Paradise in Palestine." ~ Cast Iron Filter

This morning I woke at 8:30, made coffee, checked the weather, ate muesli with bananas and did some gardening. 2 flower beds, around the lemon tree, and the small strawberry patch. Kevin has hooked my computer up to the loud speakers so I can listen to music while working :) Mid-day I decided it was time to leave Collingwood, I've been in the Golden Bay area for one week. It's been a good week, but surf is looking good on the West Coast so I'm heading in that general direction. The family I just left was amazing, they are really genuinely happy people. One thing I have come accustomed to and very much admire for the Kiwi's is whether it be a friend, a job, or even a stranger, they will have a bed ready and meal cooked and then they just hang around getting to know one another. They live life, they enjoy life and they share about life. I told Alexi my only "rule" in this trip is to never backtrack and keep going forward, he said his father (Kevin)'s motto is to never go backward. As I left, waving, Kevin said anytime I want to come back to Takaka I have my bed, and don't look at it as going backwards, thanks Heywood family for sharing your little piece of NZ with me:)

The road speed limit outside of any town is 100km, but the drive is so beautiful that I tend to go a little slow, allowing a car or two around me, so I can continue at my own pace. This time, right now I had to physically turn off my car. There is a river, a bridge, and at least 50 shades of green in the valleys, the bushes, the long grasses, and in every different kind of tree. A car passes every 6-7 minutes, some pass quickly, others slow to a wave, and one or two will stop as well just to see whatever it is that I may be looking at. It is a beautiful country, NZ, but it is also a beautiful world, so wherever you are go slow and remember to admire the people and the things around you.

"No matter what...

2013-03-19T14:41:00.001-07:00

....Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up."

The chill has hit the S.Island. It's not too bad, but you can feel it in your bones, when you wake up you have to stretch just a little extra to warm up. This morning, I threw off the duvet, put on shorts and a t-shirt, made coffee, and got into the garden. It gets you going, the sunshine I mean and being outside in it. Even though it's a chilly one, it is still a beautiful one. Today will consist of weeding one garden bed, then I am heading up to Whakariki beach for surf with Alexi. There is a small offshore wind, 1.5 meter waves, and it works right at high tide which is 4 p.m. today. If you are a surfer reading this and laughing at my small waves bug off, but I call this the perfect "jessica" wave, because it's just enough for me to ride with confidence and that is just fine with me. While I am on the subject please watch "Surf Madness" with Rob Machado..........mmmmmmmm :)

ok done daydreaming for the morning. It's work time.

Stepping Outside She's Set Free

2013-03-18T17:49:00.001-07:00

March 15, 2013

One of my very first walks in Raglan when I first arrived was a mild little bush walk on a reserve. There were two little birds about the size of a golf ball flittering around in front of me on the pathway. They were playing with me, they would land and as soon as I walked forward they would fly to the next spot and land again. They flew in front of me for about an hour criss crossing along the way. Later I learned these birds are called fantails, because of their white tail feathers that spread out like a fan. I liked the way they were so free and so careless so I got one tattooed on my foot as an always reminder. Today I woke up and walked through some private farm land to a pathway leading into a cave. 3 minutes in I saw a fantail, 10 minutes in the path became narrow, steep, and technical. The little birds were forever moving forward, it is very difficult to snap a picture, yet I swear they want you to follow them as they go along. It was a good sign, they mean luck, and I know that this was a sign, this is where I am supposed to be right now. I am happy exploring land, and finding caves, hiking, and even sleeping in my car. Everyday is a new day, I don't know at all what it brings, I feel like the fantail.

"Sometimes you meet people and you know your life has changed because of them"

Three days ago, I walked Abel Tasman. This national park is one of the nine great walks in NZ and one of the two that I personally wanted to do. The trip was 50 kilometers and 2 full days of walking. My bag was heavy with camping gear and they days were hot. Arriving in Abel Tasman they brought us to Tutranui via water taxi, the boat ride up was almost enough. At the start of the trip I met Ondrej and Zee, from Czech Republic and we did the two days together. What could make Abel Tasman more exciting then it already is? Starting it off by not hiking the path. Instead we made our way around the edges- shore side- up and over rocks. Late into day one and my shoulders were not comfortable, and at a point I very much considered having my bag brought back by boat however the boys were encouraging and by 8 p.m. the following day we made it back Marahua, where the cars were parked with no boat. That night we stayed in a camp near Abel Tasman and the next day I took off to head North. Not too far north and I was in Takaka, and in an instant I felt at home once again. You can buy apples, pears, nashi, free range eggs, horse poo, and worm fertilizer from road side stands by putting your money in "honesty boxes", there is a local raw milk factory (new and very difficult to do here in NZ), and the views of mountain, stream, country side, and ocean just begin to describe the beauty that is. I've explored "The Grove", Rawhiti Caves, Labriynth Rock Park, Pupu Springs, and Pohara beach community. The town bulletins read: banjo lessons, yoga retreat, luminate festival, and story telling. The shops are secondhand or handmade, whole organic food, SOUL, and... well you get the idea. Ran into my Czech loves outside the grocery shop and we did some more wondering before they headed South. I will be spending the next few days with a family just North doing Wwoofing work in their gardens and with their piggies. Elda, Kevin, and their son Alexis live in a home 25k North of Takaka near a town called Collingswood. They are the kind of family that takes you in at once, I know that the next few days will be good for all of us. :)

"this is my message to you,ou,oo"

2013-03-10T05:43:00.001-07:00

"If you are stuck in the past you are depressed
If you are thinking of the future you are anxious
If you are living in the present you are at peace"

When I was 17 my high school guidance counselor asked me to write an essay about something or someone that inspired me or made an impact on my life. This essay was to be submitted to college for acceptance into their university as if it was a complete judge of my character and who I was. As I travel around another country ten years later (almost to date) I recalled again the event and person in which I wrote that essay about. I realize how accurate the words I wrote back then really were and how much my essay was about a life lesson, and not just an acceptance plea.

Days first sunrise 7:03 a.m. March 8, 2013 East Cape NZ

On Friday March 8, 2013 I woke at 4 a.m. with a thumbnail moon hanging low in the sky and cold still clinging to the night air. I had stayed the night at Marae Haku, a small and very quiet grounds next to the Sea on the North East Cape of New Zealand's North Island. I usually do not wake up early, and when I do wake I prefer to do so in my own time...slowly with no rush to be anywhere. Well this morning was an exception that my body was just going to have to handle, I could have very easily snuggled down into my borrowed green sleeping bag and drifted back to sleep, but thinking of that life lesson, the one I based my entire college essay on, I crawled out of the tent. Today I was driving to Te Aroha about an hour East. After packing all I own back into the car, strapping the now 3 surfboards across the top, and assuring my Uruguay-en passenger was sleepily in the seat next to me, I wound around the uneven narrow gravel roads while still rubbing sleepies from my eyes. Coming to an end at a remote farm plot I parked the car, and climbed 749 stairs to the top of the hill. Upon arrival there were 7 others sitting on cliffs edge waiting in near silence, in the minutes that followed 4 others arrived. The sky began to lighten and although the clouds were thick, 12 people of the 7 billion of us on Earth watched as the sun rose on a brand new day. (Although there is no "technical" first point where the sun first rises and is seen each day and depending on how you look at the question there are a few different locations and answers, but to the best of my knowledge this point in NZ is one of the first spots on Earth that is inhabited and can be easily viewed where the sun rises on a new day.)

For me this sunrise symbolized life, breath, and freedom, something that my dad showed me some 20 years ago. Even back then I was not a morning person, but one Easter morning he dragged Justin and I out to Lake Ontario to watch the sunrise. This he said is what life's about and although my dad is not "religious" I took it as this is what we are thanking God for. The sunrise on each new day is all we need to know that we are alive and fortunate to be where we are. In 2003 that was the moment that I described in my "essay" of life altering experiences and it is a moment that I thought of yet again as I sat watching the sky change color, the clouds become lined with pink and bright rays of light pushed their way through through the dark gray sky. It might not seem like much, but once in awhile sit in the presence and enjoy that your life has another sunrise.

Free....Free Falllllllllling

2013-03-06T14:50:00.001-08:00

One Minute free fall from 15,000 ft. Wicked. The scariest part was being pushed off the side of the plane while your instructor still sits on the edge, you are just dangling there and then whoooosh. You are falling fast and it’s incredibly free and scary and beautiful all at the same time. And then the ‘chute is released and you just kinda float and spin down. JP (my instructor) asked me to yell real loud at one point, I guess he thought I was sick or passed out I didn’t realize how quiet I was being, but it was so much to take in and I was just enjoying it. Skydiving with skydiveTaupo is a must do. Everyone was excited and helpful and the whole experience was epic!

A little over a week ago some friends (thanks Fran, Roz, LT, Chris, farmstay guys) threw the best going away party at the Stable. Every person showed up dressed in full on Cowboy or Indian costume: guns, handcrafted bow and arrows, facepaint included. If you want a good party leave it to Raglan. The last few days there flew by. I said bye to not only all of my friends but to Dan, Leanna, and little ‘Belle. We had a feast of Salmon and Udon Noodles and with lots of hugs, and well wishes, and see you laters, I hugged my “family” bye. Three people that changed my life, gave me a home, and 5 of the best months of my life. Now we just have to get them to come visit the States

Caroline, Seba, and I left Raglan (a little sad) and headed to Taupo. Upon pulling into Taupo we came across Reid’s Farm, a nice camp on the side of the River, where you can camp for free. It is safe, and close to town, but far enough to hike up to Huka falls and hot water springs. Taupo is a lake located in the central North Island, it is known for sailing, parasailing, skydiving, and mountain biking. It is a healthy and clean city, and I would go back. The skydive (see first paragraph) was unreal. Spent some time wandering the town, chilling and hiking at camp, sitting in hot springs, and paddeling (with surfboard) in Acacia Bay on Lake Taupo. I was fortunate enough to meet with David and sail on Fearless with him and Lindsey. We took a 2 and a half hour trip around the lake, stopping to see Maori carivings, and go for a swim. Thanks Dave and Lindsey see you both again! Here is where I said goodbye to Caro, as she went back to Rags and Seba and I continued our North Island adventure.

Mt. Maunganui was the next stop. This city is located on the West Coast, known for its surf. There was ok surf, but the city was not a favorite. If you want to go out for a night life or shop you might like it, but there was nowhere to camp or park, and it was not convenient for travelers. However I needed my board fixed and the recommendation of Mike Meldon(spl?) came by. He was one of the nicest men I’ve met, he was accommodating, and helpful, he fixed my board real quick and he is a well known long board shaper. Thanks Mike wherever you may be, you were my favorite part of the Mont.

The Loveliest Places of all are those that look as if there is nothing there to those still learning to look –Turner-

Drive to Coromandel was nice, full of small towns including Paeroa (Lemon&Paeroa a local NZ bottled drink) which I loved. All the small towns were gentle and sweet. New Zealand is all about small towns with easy going people and spectacular beauty each different in their own right. You must zigzag around them, enjoy the locals and the sites, taking your time otherwise you will pass by some of the best things. In Thames Valley on a twisty road with a steep rock wall to one side and a river the to other I pulled over a one-way bridge in the middle of no where to use a bathroom. There was a small Maori run farm and Caravan stay and if I’d had the time (or caravan) would have loved to stay and get to know the family and their land more than just the restroom. We headed up the West Coast of the Peninsula and stopped off at “The Cheese Barn” and had a picnic of homemade icecream, brie cheese, blue cheese, chutney and crackers, and of course took some time to visit the farm animals. Up the coast another couple hours we pulled into Te Mata Bay for a swim, and lunch, and it was so relaxing I pulled out my yoga cards Ani made for me and put on the relaxtion cd for an improptu 20 minute yoga and meditation. Once in Coromandel town we got fishing gear from Top Catch (thanks for helping me out again TopCatch) ice, fuel, and water. Then took the dirt roads winding up and around the North Point and stayed at Port Jackson beach for two nights. Ahhhh Coromandel. Gorgeous, calm, peaceful Coromandel. Love it here. Coromandel is a Peninsular that looks like it came out of scenes from Jurassic Park. It is also known as the Puhutekawa Coast Line as the roads, beaches, and hills, are covered in this exotic NZ tree. We drove all the way up to the North Point where the beaches are desolate and the water is crystal blue. I took more pictures here then my camera could hold, so if you want to see beauty, see some of my albums. I tried fishing (this is the Coromandel pastime) but without a boat/kayak I did not have much luck. On day two I took the Coromandel Coastal Walkway by myself for a 7 hour hike around the coast to Stony Bay. 7 hours of walking, praying, and bird watching. It clears your mind and your soul, no matter who you are you cannot resist saying Thanks to God that created such beauty and allows us to walk on it. On the way back South again we swerved around and made way down the East Coast of the Peninsular to Waikawau, and New Chums Beach. New Chums is off the main road and once you “arrive” you have to wait for outgoing tide and walk the rocks and a small path to an oasis. If you can find this unmarked beach you will not be disappointed. White Sand, teal blue clear water, small waves, (good surf on a swell) and ¾ surrounded by tall rock and cliff. It’s what I imagine the small islands of Hawaii, or Fiji to look like.

Keep your eyes open it’s more beautiful that way

We are the measure of all things and the beauty of our creation

2013-02-06T21:53:00.001-08:00

I know it's been ages since writing on here, but the longer I am in NZ the quicker time goes by... too quickly. It's February 7th and it's a sunnying beautiful day out... again. I spent my morning in Ani's yoga class and then lunch with Sally at The Shack. Afterwards we walked to Herbal Dispensary, the holistic health shop in town that owns my minimal pycheck; literally my meager earnings of cafe work might as well be directly desposited into their juice bar/garden/vitamin cabinet. My purchase today was small and meaningful enough, these special little eyedrops that have kept my saltwalter beaten, sunstroked, blood shot eyes, slightly rejuivanted over the last 4 months. The ladies know that when I walk in wearing Sunglasses over eyeglasses it's time for a re-fill on liquid eye bliss. Once the purchase of secret eye juice had been made, we wandered through Raglan Traders, and The Good Book, to see if any hidden treasures were dropped off in the past couple days (thankfully not because I have to save some money). A quick stop at the Roast provides a coffee break, a game of backgammon, and catch up on latest town news, and how the surfs been. For afternoon tea we had cheese sandwhiches, and Whitaker's Chocolate over at Sally's place.   With some time to spare before sunset I've stopped home to write to you all and share pasta salad with the family. Tonight is a sunset paddle to Manu Bay on knee boards and a little game of pirates. This is not a game we've played before, but my dear Irish friend Grainne and I have decided to pilfer the Surf Saving Club's Boards, the Guard Boys and dressed as pirates anything else we can find left for the taking before we paddle off into sunset.

This is a perfect day in Rags and a day which will be cherished along with the rest as they become numbered, my time here drawing to an end with new journeys looming in the very near future. In a short 2 and a half weeks I set off again, this time with two of the most wonderful people (Sally and boyfriend Johnny), my surfboard, and a large piece of my heart left behind.

Many of you ask "are you still in that same town" and for the time being I say yes, but this town has made an impression in me and I assure you I on it. It's the kind of place that on a Monday morning after Sunday Session you wake up on the couch of a neighbors house.  Someone is bound to have taken your Sunglasses, most likely to be returned upon exclaming "hey those are my sunnies" in passing down the lane, a stranger is walking around in your flip flops (while you are eating breakfast barefoot), and your outfit from the night before is in a crumpled heap amongst everyone else's, because you decided it was a good idea to take a late night jump off the walking bridge at low tide.

Since last writing I've found a slice of heaven of course it's not too far from Raglan and It's called Ruapuke. I almost want to be selfish and not share this with a world full of readers, but if it is actually heaven then I can't not share. Ruapuke is a 40 minute drive around what I like to call Jurassic Park. Of course no filming of any kind has been done on these gravel roads but not due to lack of scenery. Winding up and around Mount Karioi and along coastal cliffs of horse riding farmland. You will, if you are lucky, be one of the few to find Ruapuke. On a good day it is a surfing dream, and on the worst a stormy sea of raging white waters with power that can take your breath away.

With this update I leave to you some tunes. Music inspires, it draws thoughts, it creates energy, it makes movement.  This is what has been pumping in my car, on my compter and in my head. Sonia Dada - Lover / Birdy - Skinny Love / Annah Mac - Girl in Stilletos / Not so new, but new to meSo Frenchy So Chic Album (try it while cleaning) AND up and coming hot NZ singer, songwriter and person in general Bailey Wiley (baileynz.bandcamp.com)

Til next time.

xoxo
Jess

gaining perspective

2012-12-18T02:16:00.002-08:00

"You lose sight of things & when you travel, everything balances out"

It sucks so much when you pour all your time and mind energy into someone or something that doesn't actually "love" in return. Have you ever pushed for something, changed for someone or put your own goals/reality aside to get what you [think] you want? You actually lose sight of yourself (blinded by love i think is what people call it). Then you wake the f*ck up and realize it wasn't love after all just a very foggy distraction to keep you from doing and being what and who you are. Eventually you find love in a natural, wasn't looking for it kind of way. That waking up part, that is the balance that comes while traveling. You start seeing your life, the life of others, and the world in a larger perspective.

Recently, I had the great pleasure of rafting the Mighty Clarence River. This trip was 10 days long, 8 of which were spent on the river or on the rivers edge. The trip was hosted by Sanna and Ellis Emmett, 2 people that actually showed me the meaning of quote. They took 22 people (strangers for the most part), put us in 5 rafts with loads of gear, and we paddled from Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura, which I believe is just over 200 kilometers. There were parts of this trip that were very VERY new experiences for me, and people of all ages that in a million years I would have never met if it weren't for this. After 8 days though, I had a new family and my comfort zone was pushed to the edge in more ways than one.

To give a very quick overview of trip: white water, fresh water fishing, fire dancing (yes, uncoordinated jessica), participating in dance competitions, and non-talent shows, cliff jumping, outdoors cooking, sleeping in bush and broom (a very unfortunate pricklery weed), bathing in the stream, sharing the most intimate stories, eating LOADS of chocolate, waking up in the most beautiful and serene settings, sharing my tent with lying cheating englishmen, hanging with Aussies, eating stew in at least 12 different forms, learning photography, participating in and watching photo shoots, waxing (enough said), learning from beautiful spirits, oh God the list does go on and on. 22 very different people, taken from their natural lives (losing sight) and put together for a trip (travel) every personality working together (balance) to create once in a life time experiences.

Life, Travel, Love, and um.... rafting?

Steve, Jose, Jarmo, Ellis, Hans, Kayla, Toby, Brent, Shirley, Daryl, Kirsti, Victoria, Bernie, Harry, Brendan, Jojo, Colin, Tim, Babbet, Stefan, and Royce gave meaning to the words above.

you and me, we are living

2012-12-15T01:30:00.000-08:00

"In the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." - Max Ehrmann

My heart and head are finding a way. It makes me feel very special to have this journey and these travels in my life, but it makes me feel even special-er knowing I have you back home supporting me, praying for me, and sending your love every day. It is with this energy, I am able to live the freedom I am living, because you are always there, you have always been there, and will always be there to share with, and to count on. I hope you will always feel the same about my love for you, my support for you, and my thoughts that are always with you.

Today I got in the car with a new friend. She picked me up; we had 2 surfboards in the car, Jack Johnson playing on the ipod, with windows down we were driving to a beautiful sunset surf session. This was around 6 p.m.

Nine hours previous I was practicing Yoga from one of the most beautiful Yogi's I have the privilege of learning from and in between Yoga and Sunset Surf ~beach, surf, coffee, 4 mile walk, and a moderate Spanish Lesson.~

Driving home at 9:30 p.m. and completely knackered from the day I was beneath a vibrant Pink and Purple sky smiling for you.

Life moves so so very fast. Can you believe it is Christmas in just 10 days? Can you stop for a moment and just breathe, take in where you are in your own life and say Thank You for what you are doing.

Feeling absolutely loved and blessed, I pray you do to!

xx
j

celebrate

2012-11-20T03:07:00.002-08:00

“Don't Gain The World & Lose Your Soul, Wisdom Is Better Than Silver Or Gold.”
― Bob Marley

Poop Shoe & Glow Worm

2012-11-12T23:37:00.001-08:00

Around 1 a.m. as I looked around at the sorts dancing about me, I realized that 2 months into this venture of New Zealand, I have committed to the promise to “never stop moving my feet”

I am so grateful for so many people even on the other side. Tuesday the 6^th was my birthday, but I stopped counting years a few years ago. And for that I am glad because I’ve never felt younger, fresher, or happier. It’s definitely true that you are only as old as you feel, and I feel better than I did at 24.

November 5^th is the English Holiday bonfire night. It is in celebration of a man who tried to blow up Parliament, they stopped him and burned him on a stake. Kind of gruesome, but it allows New Zealanders to purchase fireworks for 3 days. Since I’m a huge fan birthday weekend started great with fireworks, pizza, beer, and chocolate. Waking up Tuesday morning, my “family” made a pancake, bacon and icecream breakfast and Tuesday afternoon I set off on a tramp to Mt. Pirongia.

Sunday, November 3^rd, I woke up feeling a little church time… really missing my Seacoast Family. I walked up to a little church called Surfside and as soon as I walked in Janet, the Pastor’s wife came right up to introduce herself and tell me a little about their church. Raglan is such a tiny little town, so everyone knows who is new. It was a small group, but beautiful all the same. We song worship songs, watched a video about the ‘Sistas’ conference that took place in Auckland, and celebrated the going away of two Surfside members. One of those people was an 85 year old elderly women who had been attending Surfside since 1986 she was sitting next to me during service, I could feel love, power, and God’s energy all around her. She was smiling all service despite having to leave this group of people, she accepted some flowers, and a blessing, and gave a Thank You speech despite the fact that she has been serving them for years. After service the Pastor introduced himself to me and commented on the fact that they don’t have tons of backpackers who just pop in, but today they had two, myself and another American girl from North Carolina. He introduced Danni & I and we had a good laugh about randomly feeling the draw to Church this morning. A few things fell into place quite quickly between Surfside, Danni, & I, we had met for a reason. That reason became apparent almost immediately, eventually leading to new friendships, a wicked week in Raglan, and a (secret) plane ride home for Danni to see her family in December. Taking a trip to the beach we chatted about travel and life and all those things random travelers have to share. She is staying at The FarmStay a real cool spot up the road that is turning into an accommodation. Quite randomly Danni, and I, and a couple of the other FarmStay girls, Sandy, and Fran decided to take the Mt.Pirognia tramp and I could not have asked for a better way to celebrate another year gone by!

Leaving around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, we clearly had no idea the intensity of a “trail” we were about to get into. Starting what we thought might be a couple hours to the hut, at 5:30, we heaved our proper bags with camping gear up the Mountain. Three hours in and right at Sunset we came to a huge opening for a perfect view. Sitting down for a some drinks and a cheers, and after three hours of laughing (poopshoe) losing shoes in the mud, falling, and lots of background story, not to mention climbing over, under, and through trees to get there. The hut could only be another 20 minutes away and it was time to set camp for the night. 5 meteres later a little yellow arrow pointing to Pirongia hut was labeled 3 hours. We about died of confusion and exhaustion. Nothing to do at that point but keep going forward as these tracks aren’t really tracks and the “wide open space” in which we watched sunSET was not large enough or remotely flat enough for a tent or 4 people. 45 minutes in and just about pitch black we ran into a nice flat square space with a little bench, big enough and open enough THANFULLY to set camp. I called it the idiots camping spot, obviously we weren’t the first to make this mistake. Pasta & Wine for dinner, and TamTams and Whitakers for desert, the beauty of birthday celebrations. Waking at 5 a.m. for Sunrise and instant coffee we stayed curl in our individual sleeping bags and hopped outside to take it all. In light the situation looked a tiny different, this “idiots” camping space was actually a helicopter landing pad something you of course find on top of every mountain. Thank God for it though because the rest of the hike would have been impossible in the dark.

“It’s not about the destination, but the journey along the way.” Mt. Pirognia summit is one of the most sought after summits in the North Island. The view from the top lookout is breathtaking. However, I can say with no doubt that climbing trees, swinging limbs, Gin&Juice breaks, and making the trip with 3 people I will never forget is worth more than any view will ever offer.

An (almost) 18 lb. Snapper was my pride and joy this week, (actually weighed in at 17.5). Dan took me out on his boat in the Raglan Harbor to try a hand at local fishing. At 6:30 a.m. we set out, and by 1 p.m. the boat was loaded, and I’ve found another new hobby. Snapper, Gurnards, and Kawaii are the fish we kept. The 7 small sharks, and one that measured between 1 and 2 meters went right back where they came from. As we trolled and headed inland, yet another magical thing happened. 4 Maui Dolphins came to play. They hung out with us and the boat, close enough to dip my legs in and they would come touch them with their fins. These playful sweet creatures are going extinct very quickly. An estimated 55 are left lingering around New Zealands West Coast. Salty, hot, and fishy I felt incredibly blessed to be able to share the water with them. Sitting on a boat in the Ocean with 4 of the most rare species is a mind freeing experience. The air becomes that much fresher, the light that much brighter, and life that much sweeter. :):):)

Feeling sore, but ready I along with 5 others finally took the Karioi summit on Saturday Morning. A much shorter, but still decent tramp, Karioi is the Mountain I watch the Sun Set over every single night here in Raglan. By Saturday night my birthday week was coming to an end. Finished it out with a bonfire and party up at Chris’ FarmStay with a large group of locals and travelers. The mood was something I can’t really tell about, it was good vibes, good people, good dance, and just good to be around.

Around 1 a.m. as I looked around at the sorts dancing about me, I realized that 2 months into this venture of New Zealand, I have committed to the promise to “never stop moving my feet”

Mary mary quite contrary

2012-10-29T03:01:00.002-07:00

how does your garden grow....

The past 2 weeks have been much more insightful rather than eventful, so I find sharing personal thoughts a little more challenging.

Stem, Bush Walk, Wanui Reserve

Mushrooms, Bush Walk, Wanui Reserve

Spring Flowers, Bush Walk, Wanui Reserve

Weather in Raglan is finally warming...ahhh summer time again :D I've got a job at a little cafe and it's a rather nice way to meet locals and make friends. My nannying position with the family has turned into a 3 day a week thing, but I'm rather fond of little Anabelle, so it's quite good. Over the weekend while the sun was really shining Leanna and I took a two person kayak with Anabelle over to a place called pancake rocks. It's quite a row across and up the harbor and it felt so good to be out on the water. It gets its name from the way the large flat rocks form and stack on top of each other creating islands of rock where maybe a tree grows on top. Real cool looking, we explored a remote beach with black sands, and some little caves as well. The water at high tide in the harbor rolls so slow and smooth and the view from the kayak is surreal. One direction you have Pancake Rocks, the other mountains and pastored land, behind us was town, and to the left the Ocean. Even baby Anabelle was put to ease, we all paddled along and enjoyed fresh warm air, feeling the summer time rolling in. (There are tons of pictures, but not on my camera so one of these days I will upload for viewing. ) We also took advantage of Mr. Sun by planting an herb garden outside of the house. We got basil, mint, lemon mint, rosemary, dill, chives, corriander, and perhaps a few others, should be real nice for cooking with soon.

Anabelle helping us garden

Blackbird on garden fence

Nugget and Belle

Nugget

Nugget & Belle

Speaking of cooking it's become a small obsession. Although I've always enjoyed cooking some, having access to tons of good produce and herbs, and also meat (Leanna's step father owns a cattle farm), plus lots and lots of time to do whatever I want with, I find myself experimenting daily in the kitchen. I've done a lemon, ginger, garlic roasted chicken, a beet, mandarin, and almond salad, Meat pie, which is basically a beef vegetable stew poured into and covered by pastry crust (yum!) Corned Beef and Cabbage, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Pickled some carrots, garlic, asparagus, cucumbers, and onions. Then for my two favorite homemade treats........ bloody mary mix completely from scratch as there is no such thing as a good bloody mary in NZ, ANNNNND gluten free muffins made with the left over pulp from juicing. Sounds weird, but pretty sure I've created a baking masterpiece. Goes to show that not all baking has to be full of sugars and flowers to taste good. Juicing is sort of part of this cooking habit that the family has also taken on. We use everything from beets, to apples, ginger, garlic, carrots, and celery. And all that weird stuff that fills your juicer makes an amazing healthy snack... who knew?! If you actually read this blog and are interested in any of those concoctions, let me know Jmae016@yahoo.com I'd be happy to share. * Book to Read Barbara Kingsolver- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

Meat & Pastry Pie

pickled veg, bloody mix, pulp muffins

As part of this insightful period I am training for a 16 mile mini marathon, which we will run in Tongariro National Park on January 26th. The training has been good: runs, jogs, cross training with bike rides, yoga, kayak, surf, and even zumba, gives me motivation not to mention solid daily work outs. You want to run a marathon or just need some tips to get going, again let me know, laugh as you may if you had asked me a year ago if this is something I would have ever tried to do I may have said perhaps, but being honest there is no way in hell. It's not too hard once you break it down into a daily thing.

Also, there are a ton of really exciting things happening with friends & family back home. With wedding planning, and engagements, to new babies, new jobs, and figuring out your life long dreams, I want to say congratulations! It is real hard being a million miles away, I want to give you a hug, tell you that I love you <3 Keep on keeping on. As much fun as it is out here, I wish you that much more wherever you are.

Cheers

Change.Is.Good

2012-10-17T18:15:00.003-07:00

"It is one

thing

to welcome change

and another thing to

fully

embrace it."

-christine caine

What do you call a goat that lip-syncs?

2012-10-15T19:14:00.002-07:00

Today. Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Billy-Vanilli

Peanut is a goat who lives across the street on the hillside of a mans house, today he decided to say hi to me, so I snapped a picture. I think he liked it because then he started sauntering around the road and posing for me. Meet Peanut:

Hard to see, but Peanut is sliding face first down hill. Show Off

Waitomo Caves Abseil, Raft, Climb

2012-10-12T02:36:00.003-07:00

I was born a rambling man, trying to make a living doing the best I can

2012-10-12T02:20:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 12, 2012

I am still just seeing, barely scraping ideas of it. There is a lot of alone time, which is real hard, but i think it's good. I’ve spent money quickly, don't really know where it goes, but i think once it's gone that will be a good thing as well. You don’t need things or possessions that is one thing i have learned extremely well. And by possessions I don’t mean ipods, 7 outfits, makeup, books, I mean you don’t really need anything besides some good water, and food, and your health, your health is very very important. The travel/ get out of your own little tiny life world is fucking amazing, people from all over the world with the same spirit and same mentality, but with different looks, language, and up-bringing. Everyone is themselves and only themselves and in some sort of weird community all help each other and have a sort of understanding because you are all out doing the same damn wanderings. That’s pretty cool. I know this too is easier said then done, just live, do what makes you happy. JUST LIVE. I ate a cheese and bread sandwich after caving the other day and let me tell you it was the best cheese and bread I may have ever had (for those of you who don’t know, I don’t eat lots of dairy or lots of bread) Everything that i'd done that day was so mind blowing, physically and mentally that it made eating a simple piece of bread wrapped around cheese perfect. We were sopping wet, freezing cold, and a little grimy. After peeling off layers of overall wetsuits, cutoff, holey sweats, horribly nasty socks, zipped up jackets, sweaty helmets, gum boots, and harnesses. Bread and cheese was like ice cream in a hot tub after a 5 hour work out.

Try to let go of a state of catching up. Try to just be. Cheer up, smile, go for a walk, and let it all in. The reason I can say this so easily now and only after one month is because I have met people who literally have nothing. They started to “travel” just like me. With a home and comfort zone behind them, they had bags packed and were doing fine. And then they stayed too long or ran out of money, some people even had everything stolen. Still somehow they managed, they are still here. They sold what was left, they found work, hitched, borrowed, and it works. It really does work. These people are not “bums, or hippies, or gypsies” they are just people living breathing, moving from day in and day out, and they are some of the happiest, most beautiful, insightful people I have ever met.

So keep smiling, and never stop moving your feet.

HAPPY ONE MONTH NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!!!!

2012-10-12T02:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 11, 2012

“It’s not about the things you check off your to do list, or about accomplishing everything you may have wanted, it’s the time you take to enjoy what is being done…..” ~ hot tub French dude, Raglan NZ

HAPPY ONE MONTH NEW ZEALAND!!!!!!!!!!

Day Trips are a must, especially when they turn into night trips

2012-10-12T02:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 7, 2012

“Life is what is happening when you are busy making plans.”

Alban, Radim, Eliza Road trip to Kawhia

Gray cold and windy

Cloudy skies

Life is what was happening all weekend.

Raglan moves slow, yet time here seems to go by so quickly. Joined a small yoga group taught by Ani, she is a beautiful soul, and the class is great. Also, taking on some extra curricular working out, circuit training class with Lisa (kicked my ass) and some daily runs.

Saturday evening Sally, Johnny, Eliza, Radim, Alban, Filippa, and I drove to Kawhia. Supposedly this is where “hot water pools” are found. It was of course wet and rainy spring day, so after searching the cold and windy beach for these “hot pools” with no luck, we found some local fish n’ chips and had a car picnic. This might not sound fun, but squashed together eating greasy ass food with people you’ve just spent maybe a total 36 hours with is quite funny, even more humerous is the 4 of us who actually decided “camping” was a good idea. Saying farewell to friends, the rest of us drove back to the beach and again searched for the “hot pools,” again no luck. Soooo setting up camp-per Van with wine, chocolate, and a deck of cards we waited out the night. Waking up super cramped again we searched, and searched, dug in the sand, felt the ground, drown in cold waves, and found nothing.

Tomorrow I move in with a family, Dan, Leanna, and baby Annabelle. I will be taking care of Annabelle on Tuesdays and Thursdays and staying at their house. Also, going caving in Waitomo and Black water rafting. J J J

Wow, how fast Raglan takes you in.

international food festivals

2012-10-12T01:59:00.002-07:00

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day. I’ve been rained out of camp, not just a little rain, but windstorm rain, every night that took away my spirit from my peaceful days. So I packed camp and headed back to Raglan Backpackers. Traveling is expensive and living in a backpackers, albeit the great experience, gets pricey. Remember I told you about the Suze though, one of the owners, well her other is a man named Tim. They run the backpackers together, and they live just 5 or kilometers away, there is a thing called “working for accommodation” that is quite a simple idea, and works very well in New Zealand. Unfortunately, work at the backpackers this time of year is slim, so Tim went out of his way to find me enough odd jobs around their home, and the backpackers to allow me to board for the week.

Beautiful people in this place Raglan.

Potluck in the making

Preparing Dishes

Full plates of well just about everything

And feast

Pizza dough rising

Toppings added

Cooking

Sally and Jessica Home Made Pies

"When Connected with Others we Become Better People"

Insights and Rainbows

2012-10-12T01:49:00.002-07:00

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Waking up with the roosters I strolled to an early morning yoga class held in a second floor studio with glass doors looking out over the Tasman Sea. My soul is warming. Made breakfast, read some book, walked… and then napped on the beach.

*Always tell the truth, even when it hurts real bad

*Just ask, the response might surprise you

*Don’t care what other people think

*Treat the disease not the symptoms

*Find a healthy balance between optimism and reality

*Make decisions!

*Show Gratitude!

The book I just finished, The Last Lecture, (thank you Becky J.) got the best of me today, so I had to add some of his “truths” to my blog.

Read them, read them again, ok now live them

and random happy pictures, to go along with random happy blogs

Taken at Bridal Veil Falls.

THIS is where my heart fell into the sky

2012-10-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Raglan- West Coast North Island-

Driving into a town never felt so instantly right, at 10 a.m. on Saturday it did. The town is called Raglan and my car passed some kind of invisible barrier as I entered that will not let me leave.

A couple hours after arriving a person I’d emailed on Couch Surfers website contacted me to meet for lunch. Alex is a Marine Scientist from France. He has been in Raglan for 6 years and took some time off work to show me around town. The local spot for Coffee, Raglan Roast, is down a little alley between shops where people meet for a chat or game of backgammon (I could get used to this life). Last night was spent at Raglan Backpackers, the warmest spot I’ve ever randomly walked into. Welcomed by Suze one of the owners she showed me my shared room, the hot tub, kitchen, lounge, and all the free things they offer to guests kayaks, paddle boards, fishing rods, sports equipment and of course the rentals windsurfing, surfboards, and wetsuits. In one evening I’d met friends, I will always remember as part of this trip. This morning, a little sadly, I checked out to try my hand camping at Sol Scape. Before leaving though, I rented a board and suit, taking the hostel car to Ngnaranui beach to surf. The surf wasn’t great, but it was worth a try, the water was freezing, so it was hard to feel my feet enough to find the board. Can’t wait to get back out.

Sol Scape is a neat little eco retreat with cabooses and mud huts as rooms. Their goal is a youth hostel with focuses on sustainable living, gardening, and an “eco” environment. My camp is a little space up on a hill in front of the cow fields, one of the cows came about 6 inches while I was setting up, apparently they are very curious animals. With another amazing New Zealand Sunset, the sky turned black to open up to a million bright starts and a full moon.

Pahia & Russel

2012-10-11T19:52:00.001-07:00

Friday, September 28, 2012

Heading South…. Sort of…..

Wednesday, a girl from Findland and Louise from Australia and I took the Ferry to Russell from Pahia, to explore the small beautiful peninsular. It was rainy again, but we wandered the small village, hiked up to FlagStaff and had some cocktails in a gorgeous hotel patio beach side. Took it easy and enjoyed getting to know a little about history and politics of other countries and how they view Americans and our country. I’ve never really gotten first hand feedback about how others view the States and it was good to learn and see it from their eyes.

At our hostel I met another American, Shelby, since traveling. She is from Durango Colorado and is traveling alone as well. We spoke flannel and granola and then drove back to Auckland together. Each staying the night at our respective houses, we met for lunch today in downtown Auckland for a good Thai meal. Choosing the restaurant because my friend Robbie’s brother Mike works there. It was nice to have real food after eating eggs, fruit, and nuts for 5 days and it was real good to have conversations with friends from home. I am now sitting in Hamilton, deciding where to go tomorrow.

Seas, Sandunes & Sharks

2012-10-11T19:47:00.004-07:00

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

It has rained…. Again…. All day today. But ya know we said so what is a little wet when you are on the road. I am in Pahia and plan on taking full advantage of all the activities that can be done around here, not to mention travelers from all over the world looking to do the same. Kiwi Experience is a bus trip that some are taking up to Cape Reinga today. Cape Reinga is the Northern tip of New Zealand and where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. It is also a very spiritual place for the Maori people. Maori are the natives to this beautiful land, and hold some places to be very sacred, Cape being one of those places. Of course I am not paying for a trip, so I find a travel mate, Donny from England, to take the 3.5 hour drive. With a couple of detours to find Petrol and Snacks we made our way up twisty roads through miles of green rolling hills, cow and sheep pastures. Arriving at Cape Reigna we take a small hike to the light house, you can actually feel the power of the seas crashing with the wind and rain. We manage to take it all in and get some pictures, and then head toward a small Bay.

“If we are not

artists

of our own

pleasure

there will be NO pleasure

<or no ArT>”

They do Exist

I’ve not yet made it into water, so of course I run barefoot and pants rolled as fast as possible across the small beach and into the water only to find about 5 minutes later this specific Bay has loads of bright blue cone shaped jelly fish of sorts, but there sting is powerful, thankfully they didn’t get me ;) As we drove back South we hired a boogie board from a little shop “so you are taking on the Dunes today?” says the semi-toothless, wrinkled man, “because it is raining, sand is wet and you go fast, very fast.” Donny and I grinned. Climbing up the dunes was breathtaking (literally) but flying down them was all good fun. Next was 90 mile beach. Known for it’s name, this highway beach, is actually about 55 miles and you can cruise your vehicle down it, and did we. Stopping halfway to, yes, get in bathing suits (togs to the NZ’ers) and at -3(Celsius) we went for a swim. Diving two or three times underwater we emerged to find a dead hammerhead shark. My blood was pumping and the adrenaline was massive, felt like I could have run a marathon. Back at the hostel now, we are having some dinner and drinks to warm up.

Cape Reinga Light House

Tasman meets Pacific

Soul meets Nature and Beauty

2012-10-11T19:42:00.005-07:00

Sunday, September 23, 2012

“She stands amongst the trees bathed in moonlight. Wild and Untamed she is lured between the realms of the ancient ones past and the new souls whispering their message of wisdom to protect the secrets of her heart”

Hitting the open unfamiliar road is an incredibly free feeling. Starting North yesterday, I ventured to Tutukaka. This is a remote area on the East Coast of the Northland. What beauty did I find here with a lighthouse reserve hike that can only be taken when the tides are low and water like I’d never seen; turquoise in color, and stretching in and out of rocks, caves, and crevices. When the water hits the shore the white bubbles foam up around little pebbles and shells that during high tide are submerged in water. Walking across this strip of sand and beach is neat, because you can see what lives at the bottom of the Ocean without diving down. Poor Knights Island is located here and is named one of Jaque Cousteau’s top 10 diving spots, it was unfortunately bad weather, so this dive will have to wait ‘til summer.****Going Back****

Stayed the night in a house that was on a remote piece of land and was completely self -sustaining. The original owner of the house studied permaculture, which means they live off earth, wind, and sun energy. Located about 5k into the hills there were cattle all around, no heat, no running water, and just enough electricity to run a gas camper stove, and a couple lights.

Felt real spiritual here, played music on a variety of instruments, scanned through some very interesting books, and became one with the nature surrounding us. Unknown to me it was exactly what my mind needed. Taking a big breath of fresh air, I watched the sunset across the blue and green waters from up top huge hills surrounded by no one and everything that Earth has to offer. Book to read “Messy Thrilling Life”.

Karma

2012-10-11T19:33:00.002-07:00

Friday, September 21, 2012

“It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how you lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself.”

Thank you karma for being nice this first week. My NZ “family” have been overly welcoming and fun. Living just East of Auckland, in the small town of Mount Eden, Delwynne, Greg, Vincent, Hannah, Brendan, Oliver, and pups Toby and Jake have supported my first week with open arms. Delwynne takes me for rides around town, shows me all the great Op-Shops, and sorts out some left over camping gear, so I don’t have to buy new. Greg has helped me purchase my little beater car, a dark blue 1991 Nissan Primera for $900.00. Buying a car in New Zealand to travel with was a decision I’ve made so I can carry camp gear, and go to places that are off the beaten path/bus stops. Also, of course is the freedom to come and go as I please alone or with travel mates. The Auckland Car Market was the first place we looked, and after a sweet old couple almost sold me a 1988 Honda City with a blown head gasket- I was quite thankful to have Greg with me. In one week this family has shared everything from dinners (NZ kind and Southern American kind) to tequila shots to music (between the countries and eras), and 5 k runs or sprints….Sending lots of good karma your way family!

Little Beast

I’ve also purchased a pre-pay NZ mobile phone, recommend when traveling as you meet loads of people, and it is nice to touch base for future travel plans, or just to meet up for a cup’a (tea or coffee). Of course some op to not travel with things such as cars or phones to get the real outdoor lifestyle, but I find them both useful. Waking up early here is a way of life, running, biking, and skating are all ways of normal transportation, and there is always a spare fishing pole, kayak, and wet suit lying around to have your go.

One Tree Hill

Sky Tower from CBD

Boats in Auckland Harbour

Tour De’ Auckland can be done in just a few days. Muriwai Beach is a must, just find some mates with 4-wheel trucks and head to the dunes. This beach is just miles of sand, to drive fast on or to go up into the hills. It is a touch easy to get stuck though, so be prepared to get pulled out or sit and wait out sand storms. (tnx Vincent and friends for this). A nice run along the coast of Mission Bay to St. Heliers is beautiful, Delwynne and I took the pups, had Fish N’ Chips for lunch, and some coffee to warm up. The Coast-to-Coast Walk Way is a 16 km stretch that leads directly from Onehunga to the Harbours in CBD Auckland. The mild hike takes you through towns, cities, parks, and the main Auckland viewing points of One Tree Hill, Cornwall Park, Mount Eden and The Auckland Domain. Cornwall Park is gorgeous, and where I took most of my Auckland Photos. If you enjoy parks like I do, trees and gardens and such then the 16 kilometers is worth every step. Viewing it through the lens of my new-to-me camera I was able to get in some good practice time with Sir Canon Rebel.

Auckland Greenhouse

Auckland Domain

View from top of Mt. Eden

Cornwall Park

View climbing to One Tree Hill

CBD Auckland

O.k. one last Auckland experience to feast on as it was not only appreciated, but also delicious. Chef Nick from The Commons, a newish restaurant in the coastal town of Takapuna, treated me to an amazing meal. A friend of a friend (shout out to Morgan, you are a man of much talent and very talented friends) sent me out to say hello to a cooking mate of his from Australia. Only purchasing a beer and stopping in for a hello, Nick and his kitchen prepared for me Vanilla Salmon (mint, thyme, chili, raw kingfish, salmon, lemon snow, pickled cucumber, coconut sorbet, vanilla) Wagyu Tartare ( Wagyu beef, roasted eggplant, yakon, kaffir lime gel, parmesan, sesame snow, brioche) Duck Panang (duck leg & breast, panang custard, coconut, micro herbs, peanut, lychee) and Pina Colada Desert. Two older guys sitting at the high top table next asked where the hell I put all the food. Ha, I told’em to ask anyone I can eat when it tastes this good, (besides I had 3 days in NYC to prepare).

Duck Panang

The Commons

Vanilla Salmon

I'd gladly live out of a suitcase if...

2012-10-11T18:21:00.003-07:00

Thursday, September 13, 2012

"I'd Gladly live out of a suitcase if it means seeing the world"

5:45 a.m. and waiting at Circus Circus Coffee House in Mt. Eden for Delwynne, she will be my first contact here in New Zealand and I can’t wait to get the day started. First I have to figure out how to order coffee........

...............Short Black?

>>>>>>>>>>>Flat White?

--------Cappuccino?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Latte?