It's been way too long since I've updated y'all on my ridiculous travels and needless to say, lots has happened. After spending some time in Auckland sorting out visa problems, I was so ready to leave the city. My first stop out of Auckland was the Auckland botanical gardens, before heading off to the Coromandel Peninsula. In the botanical gardens, I had my first encounter with an extremely common, and quite hilarious bird called a Tui (also the name of a very popular and quite tasty beer). The Tui is very talkative and instead of trying to describe their complicated noises, here is a video to enjoy and laugh at; which I have more times than I would like to admit.
After enjoying the wonderful flowers and comical wildlife, it was off to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Directly to the East of Auckland, the Coromandel was a quick escape back to the beaches.
It reminded me a lot of the Washington and Oregon coast; with it's awesome sea stacks and tall cliffs. The only thing the Coromandel has on the NW beaches is the awesome blue color of the water.
After avoiding car camping for a few days, I finally arrived in Wharepapa South. An extremely small town consisting of a school, a domain (park with rugby field) and Bryce's climbing center. The best part of it, it's smack dab in the middle of copious amounts of rock climbing. Some crags right in the middle of fields of cows (Froggat & Sheridan) and the other (Waipapa) in the fern filled forest. I spent about two weeks car camping in the school and enjoying wonderful days full of rock climbing. After awhile, I decided to move on to Taupo.
Taupo...the city that refuses to let me leave. I got into town late afternoon, grabbed some beer, and after hearing about some free hot springs close to town, I headed straight there. I was feeling great after soaking for about 45 minutes in the killer hot water stream, when I came back to find my little chariot was broken into. All my bags were stolen, passport, wallet, you name it. They even took my food bag with new avocados in it! Bastards. I ran off to the Taupo Police station. This is where I met Sergeant Mark Robertson; policeman extraordinaire. After taking down the report, he sent me back to his house to stay with his wonderful caring family who welcomed me with open arms. In the weeks since the theft, I got my stolen rock climbing gear back, and the Taupo police caught the culprit, but I have yet to get my passport and backpack back. But I'm hopeful and it'll just take time. The Robertsons have been the most amazing hosts and I'm almost glad I was robbed because that meant that I got to meet and stay with them.
Tomorrow it's off to Napier after I talk to a locksmith. Damn car key broke off in the ignition. So many problems to deal with, but hey! Who said traveling was easy?
I'm missing everyone at home right now very much. I especially wish I could watch the Seahawks games here. Can't wait until I have internet so I can stream them. Missing and thinking of everyone! Love you all,
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| on the road to Wharepapa South. I thought this only happened in movies! |
Much love.
