Went on mini vacation to Hanmer springs:
Good Indian food, nice B&B (Marchmont), Jules saw a crazy green ball of fire, pointed it out to me, I've never seen a meteor, at least not that close. It was crazy.
Got lost on way to ski resort but drove through some amazing country side. Got pretty far out of town before the Mazda had it's fill. Went to Hot springs, stinky sulfur pools. Felt good. Ate out at a nice restaruant, I had a decent rib-eye, Jules didn't care for her seafood pasta.
Went Skiing on Tuesday, sketchy club field road, like a 4x4 road, single track, then ice at the top. Super cool vibe. Never got the poma quite down, but mastered the nutcracker rope tows after about 30 minutes of trying. Still almost as much work getting up the slope as down.
Wednesday got home, finally got our money! Hooray! Went shopping on our own. Went shopping with Brent from AAA, turns out he had a nicer version(v6, less km, wood grain, better tires) of the Mazda (Cappella) we were renting that he was willing to sell. Jules loved it and it does fit the bill so we're getting it.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday
I'm beat from a great day of riding.
1st, still no NZ funds, bummer
2nd rented the car from Brent(Brett?) at AAA rentals another week, and he helped me fix the chains that got busted yesterday(just the little tensioner piece). He offered to even take me to the wholesale place(with his Wholesale lisence). The guy is sooo helpful. His wife Pam helped give Jules ideas of where to go.
Found the autoparts store, even with bad directions from the tire place. Getting to know the city well enough to get un-lost in a heartbeat.
Got to mountain late after chores, had to park in 'middle lot'. Our shuttle van has radio blaring.
The dipshit driver killed the battery and then tries to compression start it backwards towards the edge of the parking lot. After the third failed attempt he has us get out and push it to try again backwards. No dice. then the second shuttle came and we almost didn't fit because the people in line while we were dicking around didn't even give us rights. Punks! No friends on a semi-powder day I guess.
Awesome day on snow, sunshine, still some good powder stashes though definitely some windswept areas. Explored any challenging area we could fine. Followed east ridge to gate. Took the towers gate solo, followed mid-towers out to a bowl(south bowl?) Stuck some tiny BS 180s. Landed some pretty decent air on the table tops. SORE!
Picked up an aussie on the way down. Part of 5 buddies. He relay some good mishaps on their journey through the NZ snow. Good stuff. Got him down to his campervan so he could go pick his buddies back up. Maybe I'll relay his stories later.
booked our mini vacation to Hanmer Springs, I'm pumped.
Tomorrow, more skiing, then off to hanmer springs and even more skiing
Friday: Went skiing, need chains to even get up, buggered the tensioner because I didnt' adjust them on the way down. Decent day, but low vis. We were both tired today.
1st, still no NZ funds, bummer
2nd rented the car from Brent(Brett?) at AAA rentals another week, and he helped me fix the chains that got busted yesterday(just the little tensioner piece). He offered to even take me to the wholesale place(with his Wholesale lisence). The guy is sooo helpful. His wife Pam helped give Jules ideas of where to go.
Found the autoparts store, even with bad directions from the tire place. Getting to know the city well enough to get un-lost in a heartbeat.
Got to mountain late after chores, had to park in 'middle lot'. Our shuttle van has radio blaring.
The dipshit driver killed the battery and then tries to compression start it backwards towards the edge of the parking lot. After the third failed attempt he has us get out and push it to try again backwards. No dice. then the second shuttle came and we almost didn't fit because the people in line while we were dicking around didn't even give us rights. Punks! No friends on a semi-powder day I guess.
Awesome day on snow, sunshine, still some good powder stashes though definitely some windswept areas. Explored any challenging area we could fine. Followed east ridge to gate. Took the towers gate solo, followed mid-towers out to a bowl(south bowl?) Stuck some tiny BS 180s. Landed some pretty decent air on the table tops. SORE!
Picked up an aussie on the way down. Part of 5 buddies. He relay some good mishaps on their journey through the NZ snow. Good stuff. Got him down to his campervan so he could go pick his buddies back up. Maybe I'll relay his stories later.
booked our mini vacation to Hanmer Springs, I'm pumped.
Tomorrow, more skiing, then off to hanmer springs and even more skiing
Friday: Went skiing, need chains to even get up, buggered the tensioner because I didnt' adjust them on the way down. Decent day, but low vis. We were both tired today.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday
Still no funds and the ski resort was closed again. Decided to have an in city day. Three breakfasts too. I'm liking the soft boiled eggs we heard about from Julie's friend Kristen. Woke up to windy day.
Anyways. We walked around took care of some errands. We ended up walking through the cathedral and catching the trolley and eventually the tram. Liked each one. Cathedral was pretty impressive, I've never been in something like that. It's amazing. Trolly was a nice way to see how small Christchurch really is. It seemed so far to Hagley park until then. The Tram was a a great way to get some views. Took the tunnel back to Littleton too. I had a lot of fun. We made pizza and drank wine together(a fair amount in the spirit of it). I posted today that I was impressed how being so far away I felt so at home and it's true. While I still wish for a few more things( a couple books on the area may be nice, lesson learned, more travel books). I love it here already. I could stay here 3 months for the perfect vacation or forever(besides family and friends).
I really want to snowboard and have a bit better idea of what to do and a car of our own for even greater freedom.
I wish the clouds weren't so thick yet patchy, makes photos a bitch. I really want to take more pictures and write more, but seeing all the books on NZ already makes me apprehensive. I guess I needs to just follow my intuition. I wish needing a better camera wasn't a requirement for better pictures. We'll see.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day for being so touristy. It was fun to be around people a bit and out of the car/house. I'd like to continue to 'dive in'
Anyways. We walked around took care of some errands. We ended up walking through the cathedral and catching the trolley and eventually the tram. Liked each one. Cathedral was pretty impressive, I've never been in something like that. It's amazing. Trolly was a nice way to see how small Christchurch really is. It seemed so far to Hagley park until then. The Tram was a a great way to get some views. Took the tunnel back to Littleton too. I had a lot of fun. We made pizza and drank wine together(a fair amount in the spirit of it). I posted today that I was impressed how being so far away I felt so at home and it's true. While I still wish for a few more things( a couple books on the area may be nice, lesson learned, more travel books). I love it here already. I could stay here 3 months for the perfect vacation or forever(besides family and friends).
I really want to snowboard and have a bit better idea of what to do and a car of our own for even greater freedom.
I wish the clouds weren't so thick yet patchy, makes photos a bitch. I really want to take more pictures and write more, but seeing all the books on NZ already makes me apprehensive. I guess I needs to just follow my intuition. I wish needing a better camera wasn't a requirement for better pictures. We'll see.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day for being so touristy. It was fun to be around people a bit and out of the car/house. I'd like to continue to 'dive in'
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday 22
Went up to Kaikoura today. Amazing drive and amazing place. Mountains right to sound. Pretty cool to see the seals just chilling.
Bummed we couldn't ski because Mt Hutt never opened due to high winds. The clouds were amazing on the way home. They made me think of a paused view of the water from waves. They were very churned. Too much time in the car is making me a little restless, hopefully we can ski tomorrow.
Went out for our first night at a pub. Pomeroys, Gastropub.
Good lamb meat pie.
Bummed we couldn't ski because Mt Hutt never opened due to high winds. The clouds were amazing on the way home. They made me think of a paused view of the water from waves. They were very churned. Too much time in the car is making me a little restless, hopefully we can ski tomorrow.
Went out for our first night at a pub. Pomeroys, Gastropub.
Good lamb meat pie.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tuesday July 21st
Tuesday: Fun Day, Lets Ski! First get the transfer started for BECU to Kiwi bank. The damn phone is the hardest thing. Can't call the way BECU advises on either our locked landline our cell. Cellphone advises way when calling 1800 numbers, that way doesn't work either. Try Skype(who apparently sucks for 1800 numbers), nothing. Finally I call the 206 number on the cell and get someone to call us at home. Apparently one needs one's own American bank to transfer the dollars to NZ as $Am. So we got Becu's crappy exchange rate on top of the already miserable rate right now. Another lesson learned, use a major bank if you travel internationally. Also may make sense to invest in foreign currency with C.S. and figure out how to make that work. Much later we're going, so now it's time to go skiing. Frantically get out of house. Pleasant drive again, super comfy(got gas with our cash). Shit, why's there boards over the signs about chains on Hutt road? Shit there's a chain across the freaking road. CLOSED!?! Crap, let Julie drive to Methven, she's a rockstar of course. We debate about how to spend a day when we're already out. I know the mtn forecast is supposed to be a little sketch so I poo-poo Arthur Pass. Too far for good coast options. She picks Spencer beach North of Christchurch.
catching up
We were told to keep a journal and write a little everyday, just for our memories. Julie took the cute book Sheryl gave us which is fine because my hands cramp up too much when I write. I debated about the best method in place of paper and this wins. Even if we dont' have internet for a bit I may post to a word document, it's possible this may be moved offline too eventually. We'll see.
For now it's my new Zealand journal/ lessons/ thoughts.
Day 1:
Tired, long plane ride, little sleep. Auckland looks cool. Follow NZair weight restrictions for carry ons. Only stubborn Americans carry 12kg bags. 7Kg is plenty. We were lucky in LA that the NZair agent helped us only have one checked(skis/board), however I think we may have been better spendign the 80 to check one more. Live and learn. People are so Nice here. Met Deborah, Canadian gal, skis a little. She dates a Kiwi. Invited us to couch surf at her place in Rotorua, should definately use that. Cold air feels awesome, shuttle to domestic gate a little hard to find. The left side the road is weird because even one ways go the opposite direction for curbside pick-ups(passenger door to curb still). Got coffee as domestic gate, EFTpos is a little tricky, but I think I get it. Cool alll in one system. News in domestic terminal, BNZ record settlement(what's BNZ?). Flight down, got to see the body paint safety video, amusing, I like the kiwis' humor. 'Museli' on flight, apparently no more use of 'Granola'. Flight pretty, but a little hard to see much. Should have picked western side of plane. Still got some awesome views of Southern Alps. Christchurch even colder than Auckland, good! Got all luggage so far, that's amazing. Called Brent/ Brett on payphose toll free, cool. 0800 is toll free, easy to remember. They even walk on left side here getting out of airport. Passenger side felt funny at first, no wheel, no pedals even weirder. Brent/Brett is awesome. Offers to help with car purchase, amused by my house husband. Included chains. AA rentals is small but super friendly/helpful. Mazda(first a like saying ahhh to doctor) Capella, AWD wagon small class. Another White wagon, funny. Arrived at our place, cute, we expected otherside of road based on google images. Because of car's directions? or Sun? Cute place, cold as a fridge. Walked around a little. Lunch at Oasis, apparently we pay at register, common?
Saturday: not quite on NZ time. Got Groceries at PakNsave first thing, mostly the same. Still have some mexican, but not as much. Tried to e-mail bank, waited till 12:30 and noticed they may call back any day for the time range you give them. F-it. Lets go somewhere. Looked for best places within 2 hours, tried Akaroa. Driving getting easier, glad I studied map. Beautiful drive, even got used to passing. They do drive aggresive. Little River is awesome, got coffee. I let Julie talk me into some cool art prints. I've got to remember that this stuff/trip is once in a lifetime. They are beautiful. Drive from little river got fun fast, really go used to car/roads. View into Akaroa is amazing. Sunken crater of volcano has made a gorge/small fjord. Akaroa is cool, very pretty. We just wandered for 20-30, probably should have gone in, but we weren't feeling brave. Took back way back, through Sumner? Littleton? Narrow roads, fun windyness coming down volcano hill(Name?). Got a scale of Christchurch, its huge! Way bigger than I thought. got a little lost on the way home, but we found Moorehouse(pak nsave street).
Sunday let's ski! Late start, oh well. I mainly want to get our passes, and feel for mountain.
Drive felt long, but it's amazing. I imagine Salt Lake and East of Rockies is similar. Flat, flat, bam, mountains. Very folded. Accidently picked up Irish Hitchhikers, Should see our blog for details of day. Highlights, views, crazy road, Keas, bungee, great mtn countors.
Monday: Chores again, bank and phone formost. Waited most the day for Kim to drop by letter. Went to what looked to be closest kiwibank, they couldn't help gave shitty directions to one that could. 1-2 hours later we were whooped and home. Went back out(in too big of a hurry). Julie got nervous about our low gas and declined cards. She called her REI card to set them straight. 20$nz later, they had in the notes that she was travelling, but forgot to turn off travel flags(idiots). They'll be reimbursing us. She then went into a ASB bank and got some NZ cash(we made it this long with only plastic. More fees... Oh well, we both feel better having some way to fill the tank and buy food. Goto Vodafone, get quite the sales lady but managed to get out with what we want, prepaid sim and 20$ credit(bought with the once again working Cap1 card). Kiwibank, grab IRD(NZ Tax) form for Julie, work with lady to open account. Takes almost 1 hours, have to set-up everything there. So we have a cell and 0$ NZ checking account. Walk home(I've got the city pretty memorized). Lamb & mint sausuge suck! Baked beans(from home) and someone elses left over fish & chips it is! Used Skype with Sheryl&Herb in morning, with grandma mid day and Ryan late at night.
For now it's my new Zealand journal/ lessons/ thoughts.
Day 1:
Tired, long plane ride, little sleep. Auckland looks cool. Follow NZair weight restrictions for carry ons. Only stubborn Americans carry 12kg bags. 7Kg is plenty. We were lucky in LA that the NZair agent helped us only have one checked(skis/board), however I think we may have been better spendign the 80 to check one more. Live and learn. People are so Nice here. Met Deborah, Canadian gal, skis a little. She dates a Kiwi. Invited us to couch surf at her place in Rotorua, should definately use that. Cold air feels awesome, shuttle to domestic gate a little hard to find. The left side the road is weird because even one ways go the opposite direction for curbside pick-ups(passenger door to curb still). Got coffee as domestic gate, EFTpos is a little tricky, but I think I get it. Cool alll in one system. News in domestic terminal, BNZ record settlement(what's BNZ?). Flight down, got to see the body paint safety video, amusing, I like the kiwis' humor. 'Museli' on flight, apparently no more use of 'Granola'. Flight pretty, but a little hard to see much. Should have picked western side of plane. Still got some awesome views of Southern Alps. Christchurch even colder than Auckland, good! Got all luggage so far, that's amazing. Called Brent/ Brett on payphose toll free, cool. 0800 is toll free, easy to remember. They even walk on left side here getting out of airport. Passenger side felt funny at first, no wheel, no pedals even weirder. Brent/Brett is awesome. Offers to help with car purchase, amused by my house husband. Included chains. AA rentals is small but super friendly/helpful. Mazda(first a like saying ahhh to doctor) Capella, AWD wagon small class. Another White wagon, funny. Arrived at our place, cute, we expected otherside of road based on google images. Because of car's directions? or Sun? Cute place, cold as a fridge. Walked around a little. Lunch at Oasis, apparently we pay at register, common?
Saturday: not quite on NZ time. Got Groceries at PakNsave first thing, mostly the same. Still have some mexican, but not as much. Tried to e-mail bank, waited till 12:30 and noticed they may call back any day for the time range you give them. F-it. Lets go somewhere. Looked for best places within 2 hours, tried Akaroa. Driving getting easier, glad I studied map. Beautiful drive, even got used to passing. They do drive aggresive. Little River is awesome, got coffee. I let Julie talk me into some cool art prints. I've got to remember that this stuff/trip is once in a lifetime. They are beautiful. Drive from little river got fun fast, really go used to car/roads. View into Akaroa is amazing. Sunken crater of volcano has made a gorge/small fjord. Akaroa is cool, very pretty. We just wandered for 20-30, probably should have gone in, but we weren't feeling brave. Took back way back, through Sumner? Littleton? Narrow roads, fun windyness coming down volcano hill(Name?). Got a scale of Christchurch, its huge! Way bigger than I thought. got a little lost on the way home, but we found Moorehouse(pak nsave street).
Sunday let's ski! Late start, oh well. I mainly want to get our passes, and feel for mountain.
Drive felt long, but it's amazing. I imagine Salt Lake and East of Rockies is similar. Flat, flat, bam, mountains. Very folded. Accidently picked up Irish Hitchhikers, Should see our blog for details of day. Highlights, views, crazy road, Keas, bungee, great mtn countors.
Monday: Chores again, bank and phone formost. Waited most the day for Kim to drop by letter. Went to what looked to be closest kiwibank, they couldn't help gave shitty directions to one that could. 1-2 hours later we were whooped and home. Went back out(in too big of a hurry). Julie got nervous about our low gas and declined cards. She called her REI card to set them straight. 20$nz later, they had in the notes that she was travelling, but forgot to turn off travel flags(idiots). They'll be reimbursing us. She then went into a ASB bank and got some NZ cash(we made it this long with only plastic. More fees... Oh well, we both feel better having some way to fill the tank and buy food. Goto Vodafone, get quite the sales lady but managed to get out with what we want, prepaid sim and 20$ credit(bought with the once again working Cap1 card). Kiwibank, grab IRD(NZ Tax) form for Julie, work with lady to open account. Takes almost 1 hours, have to set-up everything there. So we have a cell and 0$ NZ checking account. Walk home(I've got the city pretty memorized). Lamb & mint sausuge suck! Baked beans(from home) and someone elses left over fish & chips it is! Used Skype with Sheryl&Herb in morning, with grandma mid day and Ryan late at night.
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