A.W. Gamble

Today is our last day here in New Zealand, and I can say with confidence that this country has surpassed my greatest expectations.  Granted I arrived with no expectations, but that’s irrelevant because the country is astounding.  The diversity that has been packed into such a small place is amazing.  Then you consider the beauty that goes with every aspect of that diversity and you just can’t think of a reason not to move here.  It’s a tough act to follow, but I have faith that Australia can do the job. 

We leave for Australia tomorrow morning at 4:15am and arrive in Sydney by 8:30am.  We’ll probably take it easy on the first day.  We might nap at the hotel, but we also look forward to meeting up with everyone else.  And then of course class starts.  But it’ll probably be more manageable than in Bozeman.  I’ll post more tomorrow night but until then, take care.

The trip got underway successfully and I’ve already met up with Brad in Auckland.  Kar, Sara and I got out of Auckland right away and have been sticking to smaller parts.  We first went to Rotorua for Zorbing( you should look it up because it’s a crazy concept) and then back to Otorohanga for Blackwater Rafting( tubing in a cave).  The cave was amazing and started out immediately with a 40 meter rappel that took you out of the jungle and into darkness.  Once inside we got to do a zipline in the dark and then float, swim, walk and stumble drunkenly through some of the passages, sometimes guided only by the glowworms on the cave’s ceiling. 

We came out of that ok and then continued heading further south into Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.  It is a beautiful city right on the bay.  Our morning ferry ride offered great views of the city.  I was shocked to find that most of New Zealand could be confused with Hawaii or Fiji.  It has everything from rolling hills similar to Napa Valley to sharp escarpments and valleys covered in green vegetation.  The weather is pretty fair also.  I hope to get some pictures up but so far I haven’t had wifi available for my computer. 

We are currently in Collingwood.  Our cottage is an eco-friendly resort that shares maybe four cabins.  It is secluded up in the hillside and it feels way too good for us to be staying there.  Anyway we are enjoying it immensely. 

Again, I hope to keep posts more current and to add pictures as soon as I can get reasonable internet for my computer.

the water of the eagle river

Here is a good looking group of guys.  And Brad.