Green!

Well, I'm back in the real world, and I've been living it up as best I can. I don't think I'll be blogging very often, but will put out an occasional note, as I can. The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, getting bearings back and making mad dashes to do fun things. I spent countless hours in those first few days just wandering in Christchurch's astounding botanical gardens, soaking up sun, smelling the aromas of spring, and most importantly, curling my toes in the grass!

Brody and I had impeccable weather to hike the Milford Track - New Zealand's premier Great Walk. Three days in the woods suited me just fine. Amazing rainforest that had just been snowed upon, making the mountain pass a phenomenal treat. Here's Brody, just at the beginning of the snow line:

We hiked into the snow and up to the pass, fortunately early enough that the slush on the track was still frozen solid. The views were amazing looking down into two lush valleys thousands of feet below, with glaciated peaks rising thousands of feet overhead:


Then it was a mad dash to the Whanganui River on the north island. Months ago I began recruiting friends for a five day canoe trip down the river. It's the thing I've looked forward to the most. I collected six unwitting souls for the experience: Brody, Katie, RaJa, Deneen, Dave, and Joselyn. In three open canoes and one kayak we floated through class I and II rapids amidst some of the little remaining native New Zealand bush. Waterfalls and tree ferns were common along cliffed banks. Our biggest rapid was a considerable hole for an open boat, but so much fun! Here are Katie and Deneen going through a second time:

Much bailing was required, and RaJa and Joselyn's canoe swamped completely. I had a blast running it in the kayak:

On the day after we got off the river, Deneen, Dave and I went snowboarding on Mt. Ruapehu for their final day of the season. It was a blast, and immensely easier than riding a narrow ice road in the dark behind a Pisten Bully. Still, I was battered and bruised enough to enjoy several hours in Taupo Hot Springs the next day!

Tomorrow our fellowship breaks, but Dave is going to do some mountain biking with me in Rotorua over the next few days, which I've been sorely looking forward to, and I'll much enjoy the company. Then it's back to the south island...