Leaving NZ

Sadness sets in as I look at the sinking sunlight on the Remarkables Mtns: a reminder that my days here are limited. New Zealand, and Queenstown in particular, is such a beautiful, magical place that can never be matched. Part of me thinks that I cannot leave here as I plan my next adventure.

As some of you know, Friday I leave for 10 days in the beautiful Islands of Fiji! A quick relaxing holiday on the beach, soaking up the last rays of Southern Hemisphere sunlight before heading back to the cold of Montana. I'll work on that tan! This place is a tropical paradise that has some of the best snorkeling in the world. I've booked unlimited transportation between the islands on a cruiser boat that travels around only a small portion of Fiji's 300+ Islands. I'll only get to see the best ones, probably 15 in total. On the map below, I'll be flying into Nandi on the main island, and then traveling the islands to the west: the Mamanucas and the Yasawas. Apparently Kadavu Is. to the South is home to the second biggest coral reef in the world.

So you all wonder about the blog? Will I still update it? Of course! I've thoroughly enjoyed the time and experience I've had with this blog. In the beginning I was thinking that this was going to be a nuisance and a chore to keep up with, and no one would even visit it anyway. It turned out to be a hobby of mine and an excellent way to keep in touch and inspire all of you out there. Again, I appreciate all of the support and encouragement that you've all given me through this site. Plus, its been a great way for me to keep a journal of my travels. So I will keep up with this blog, especially since I think I will be up for a new adventure after I touch base back home.

Cheers.

Earthquakes and Jet Boats

Three weeks ago I felt my first ever earthquake, a 4.5 occurring near Milford sound that rumbled all the way across the South Island hitting Queenstown for only a few noticeable seconds. Since then we’ve had three more in the last week: one big one, an aftershock, and another small tremor. It was a 6.7 at the epicenter, again near Milford Sound (see below) and lasted about 20 seconds. I was in Skybar at the time watching the lamps sway and bottles shake saying to myself I didn’t know alcohol had that effect! What a crazy feeling, the whole floor moved around back and forth like I was on a wave or something! I felt the aftershock out on the street a few minutes later; its weird feeling something your mind tells you is so solid and stable like the street move around. There was only a small bit of damage in QT including Absinthe bottles that smashed from the top shelf in the liquor store below Skybar.

NZ is one of the most geologically active places in the world, so it’s no surprise that earthquakes are commonplace here. In fact, there is one nearly everyday. The Southern Alps are the fastest growing mountain range in the world, causing major activity. If you’re interested, check out this NZ website, it tells you where the last quake was and also tracks volcanic activity including the eruption of Mt. Ruapehu last month on the North Island: http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/recent_quakes.html

Last Tuesday we had a staff party for Skybar and the other 6 bars in Queenstown and Wanaka that are owned by mainly the same people. They make up the Goodbars group: http://www.goodbars.co.nz/

On that rainy Tuesday, we jumped into a Kawarau Jet boat and got taken around Lake Wakatipu and then up the Kawarau river gorge (http://www.kjet.co.nz/about-us/default.asp). It was a blast despite the cold rain as we spun 360’s and raced past rocky river banks and trees. Jet boats were invented right here in NZ and only need 6in. of water to function in. The are the same idea as the jet ski back home and are just as maneuverable. I was amazed at the control and power we had. Imagine rippin’ up the narrow river at speeds up to 80mph with the sound of a burly jet engine behind you, hugging all the turns and fishtailing. Awesome!

A Sort of Homecoming?

Since everyone left from 42 Below and the ski season is winding down here which means most of my good friends are leaving town soon, I've been quite sad. Additionally, as some of you may have heard, we've lost two close family members in the last month, so needless to say, I'm thinking of coming home for a few months to be with my family. A few months ago I thought I was staying here for sure but recently I've been feeling I need a short break. NZ is a great place and I plan on coming back soon, there is high potential for me settling down here. But for now, I still haven't found what I'm looking for...I'm tossing around a few ideas on where to go and what to do...


I now have more questions than answers, but on the bright side, my travels have thought me a few key things in life. I've realized just how temporary things can be if you let them and how your dreams can be attained by just trying and believing. If you want to go to a new place to live, realize how easy it can be to get established and to live with minimal possesions. I can go live somewhere now with just 1 bag of luggage. Step back and think about this for a moment. How free would this make you feel? Another key ideal that I've learned is that you don't have to live your life like society tells you to. Work whatever job you want, go wherever you want, take a break from your professional life if you're curious. You only get one shot here; know you're in control. Follow it.



R