Personal entry

Eager to get to the West coast I watched the weather while spending a few days in ChCh. When it looked like the winds were changing and the West clearing I picked a day to go, but had a day to kill. I decided on an overnight trip up to Kaikoura. The ride up was sweltering, record temps recorded in Canterbury. I drove to the mouth of the Hurunui R. because it was known for Salmon and trout fishing. I almost spent the night there, but some folks camping there knew nothing of Salmon, so decided ...

First, some consistencies I am finding in New Zealand: The people. Friendly with a spirit for adventure. If not including me in the things they like to do (be that watersports, fishing or enjoying a scenic motorbike ride), they seem to be wishing they were coming along with me when I mount the fully packed bike again. The Chai tea. As you may know or have heard, Kiwis seem to hold fond appreciation for a nice cafe and coffee; they are both readily available in even the smallest stops (so far ...

Time flies.....I’ll just pick up from the present and look back over the last few days for the highlights.
I’m sitting here on my yellow waterproof bag because the grass is already dewey. Its about 9:30 pm and the sun is finally setting. I lose track of the time because of the long days. I find myself doing stuff until late...then the shops are closed...Oyy! Its not that summers aren’t long in the US, but its Winter! I am in a hippie camp in Takaka, Golden Bay. The rap around here ...

I don’t even really know where to begin. Its been a pretty amazing few days. The most unbelievable yet simple circumstances have unfolded for me in the last 2-3 days. Up to now I have been torn between trying to have ‘a plan’ and just letting go and seeing what comes...my mantra now.....'Stop planning your life, just live'...I rolled into Wellington, greeted by Kari. I was welcomed, fed and given a place to sleep as if I was family. She went out of her way to help me including taxi-ing me around ...

OK, I think this is going to work better than the thread; thanks to Klingon and Nasty for the suggestions.

So I spent the night up in Fletcher Bay DOC campsite (14 or so December)and did some hiking from there as you've seen and heard. The next day I rode south again back to Coromandel town, but not before some looking around the Tibetan Buddhist Meditation center just outside of Colville, and a stop at the Colville Cafe for some tea and.......a delicious piece of cheesecake for ...