Wellington

Our trip really got going here in New Zealand with the Milford Track hike, 5 days through some of the most remote and magical “fjordland” of the country. The entire country has water everywhere, and no place has more than the Milford sanctuary near the coast protecting all the birds and plants on the way to the famous Milford Sound. We were rewarded for being in good shape as the hike was stressful for bad knees, and three members of the group actually were helicoptered off the trip with knee problems, but we enjoyed the entire adventure. We had a very international group with us. The trip started and ended in Queenstown, an Aspen-like summer/winter resort on a gorgeous lake. We had the end of their summer this week, so schools are back in session and the resorts winding down, but a perfect time to be a visitor.

Wellington was more beautiful waterfront and not just the capital, but the home of Te Papa, the national museum celebrating the Maori and the European cultures that make New Zealand such a special place. The museum is spellbinding, very interactive. It was a chance to feel the connection all these countries have to the rest of the south Pacific, and just how connected the Australians are to the New Zealanders, despite intense rivalries in sports.

Now we are in Waikanae, a beach village north of Wellington, and staying in a wonderful home on the beach, relaxing and walking and exploring. These people, like Australians, never learned adjectives and adverbs. They must have studied Hemingway! The country is very socialistic, but struggling like the rest of the world to see how they can ever escape the commitments to entitlements when the workforce inevitably declines. Sound familiar? 

Week Two-Milford Sound, New Zealand! We have spent this week hiking 34 miles through the rainforest and up mountain switchbacks at the south end of the south island of New Zealand. Incredibly beautiful country! Actually, 34 miles in 3 days...basically a 1/2 marathon each day for the last three days. We were very lucky with weather and it only rained the last day but the forest canopy kept us relatively dry. We met amazing people along the way including Suzie from London and Nick and Karen from Hong Kong who we will reconnect with in London on April 1st! We are glad to be back to civilization, our IPAD's,  and flying to Wellington,NZ today to stay at the Volman-Carsten's beach home at the south end of the north island of NZ. Looking forward to some beach time and R&R!

First stop-Kauai

We have spent the week here in Kauai - a true Hawaiian paradise. This is a morning sunrise from Kathryn and Lance's balcony. Their house is beautiful with peaceful view over the ocean from every room.
For some reason there are roosters everywhere and we are woken up every morning to their cries. It is the closest to living on a farm that we have experienced... there is even the occasional mooing! The warm trade winds blow constantly and it is very relaxing here.



Tomorrow our cab arrives at 5:30am to take us to the airport for our 9 hour flight to New Zealand to begin our Milford Sound trek for 5 days with Ultimate Hikes! It is supposed to rain every day! Ouch!This morning we Skyped with Taylor so we will be able to stay in touch! That is a very comforting feeling! I think we have sampled virtually every Mai Tai on the island and I have to say the ones at The Club at Kukuiula with the Cebrons last night were the best! What a beautiful golf course! Really spectacular! Named best new private course by Golf Magazine! Thank you Carol and Harry! The circuit at the Spa was amazing!

We are sad to leave Kauai but excited for the next leg of our adventure!

Getting ready to go...

We are ready to go and very excited!
Packing for a four month trip around the world is a little daunting unless you decide, as I did, just to take a carry-on. Then it is not.
There is only so much that can be packed in a carry-on! No checking bags or worrying if they will get lost. Scott is not sure he can do this but I think he can. At some point, we will  be really tired of the clothes that we take and will want to throw them away! Of course, there is always shopping! I am packing mostly black with a few tan things. My bridge friends gave me a little Bon Voyage party and presented me with a scarf which will come in very handy to break up the monotony of black. It is amazing how many ways a scarf can be worn thanks to Jeannie's demonstration!
     In preparation for the trip I have fasted for the month of January.
It's a great thing to do in January since there's not all that much going on, unlike December, and I will plan to do this every January. Guilt-free eating in December should also be fun!  In the process of cleansing I have lost 10 pounds and my cholesterol dropped from 350 to 156! My doctor was stunned! I am guessing not drinking any alcohol had something to do with it!
Our first week is to Kauai, Hawaii staying at Kathryn Murphy and Lance's home that they built about 4 years ago. Should be the right level of relaxation to prepare for this travel adventure that we are on. Basically, four continents in four months- Australia/New Zealand; South Africa; Europe and South America. Back June 1st. Bon voyage!