Marlborough Sounds Kayaking Trip

A couple weeks ago Lucas and I tested out our kayaking skills with a trip to the Marlborough Sounds which is a the northern most part of the South Island.

On the first day it rained - I mean poured - all morning.  So much so that the club leader canceled the morning paddle and opted for taking a hike instead.  Part of me would have rather napped instead of going on a hike in the rain and wind but I didn't want these Kiwis thinking Americans are lazy.

 

The hike ended up being great, standing there at the top - soaking wet, I really felt like I accomplished something.  Walking down, I envisioned throwing off my wet clothes, eating some chocolate, and getting warm in my sleeping bag. However - nature had other plans for me. By the afternoon the weather cleared up and everyone was ready for a mid day paddle. Total nap time 30mins.

 

Saturday night was the holiday pot luck party. I'm proud to say our warm beet salad rocked the house. Go Team USA!  The recipe came from my favorite blog Sprouted Kitchen and I use it often.  During the pot luck I was introduced to a traditional Kiwi dessert: Pavlova - a meringue based dessert named after the ballet dancer.  For someone who doesn't like desserts of this type - it just confirmed that I really don't like desserts of this type but people went crazy for it.

 

The Sunday we paddled back to Picton to catch the ferry to Wellington.  This might have been my favorite part because we saw a few animals and cute fish.

 

kayaks in the hull of the ferry - heading to picton

cottages at mistletoe bay

cutest little duck

Mistletoe Bay

Alpacas at Mistletoe Camp - Low carbon emissions lawn mowers

Saturday afternoon paddle

At the top of the mountain at the end of the hike



Sunday Paddle

Lucas drying out after Saturday's paddle

Starfish!

Sea Cucumber

Fish!

Seal!

Weka!

decorated kayak for holiday competition

Just after sunset in the sounds

 

Back in Piction waiting for the ferry

 

Pictures from the Last Couple Weeks

Yes, we made this! Braised lamb with mashed sweet potatoes and roasted broccoli - I artistically plated it.

Warm Enough for the Beach - Scorching Bay



Scorching Bay



Scorch-a-rama Cafe

Mt Victoria Hike

It's a matter of you killed the grass

Top of Mt. Vic

Top of Mt. Vic

We Moved!

One night we realized our apartment was too big and needed to down size.  While it was initially my idea to move from a 2 bedroom to a 1 bedroom, as soon as the process started I became a basket case.  Unconsciously, I had worked so hard make our apartment a little safe haven from living in New Zealand.  Leaving it was like giving up some sort of comfort zone I didn't realize existed.  Once these emotions started swirling, some where inside I knew it was probably a better idea to move and practice some flexibility and openness to change. 

We found an apartment in just a few days and even more amazingly found someone to take over our lease. Even though its smaller than I think we were looking for, it some how feels better inside and is a lot more convenient.  For example - its across the street from a summer pool and a block from the market and bus/train station.  Added bonus - apartment buildings have this natural insulation so the apartment has a nice buffer from the cold.

View from the window

I love how one wall in the bedroom and living area is all windows

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New Zealand Parks Rock

This past weekend Lucas and I went with a couple friends to the Chocolate Fish Café in Maupuia.  We finished the day with a trip to Central Park in the Wellington neighborhood of Brooklyn.

 

Chocolate Fish Café

 

An Ice Coffee in New Zealand is a Shot of Espresso with Ice Cream and Marshmallow

Central Park - Brooklyn

Spin At Your Own Risk



 

 



Guy Fawkes Night - November 5th

The Guy Fawkes's persona has evolved so much over time.  He started off as some kind of religious terrorist who tried to blow parliament in order to get rid of a protestant king and over time has (at least for some people) developed into a symbol for revolution.  I asked many people here in New Zealand what they thought Guy Fawkes Night meant to them and the answers were split.  The holiday is either celebrated because the gun powder plot of 1605 failed and the king's life was spared or that Guy Fawkes is a guy who stood up to the monarchy (which he really didn't). 

What it really means now:  a night to blow up some gun powder, make effigies, and set off fireworks.  Lucas and I rented a kayak and paddled to center of Wellington Harbor with the Yakity Yak Kayak Club for a great view of the city's fireworks show.