Texas Hill Country (Lost Maples/Garner)

Home, home on the range...

After little debate, Mason and I decided to go on our one night camping excursion to Garner State Park in Texas Hill Country. With nightly temperatures reaching 40 degrees, we figured that with enough blankets and liquor we'd stay warm enough! And we did! 

Garner State Park is a great area to camp. It seems like camping is a common pastime in Texas, so most campgrounds have hundreds of campsites. We were lucky enough to get a decent sized plot and our neighbors were fairly considerate. It wasn't long after the campfire was going before the Texas wildlife came out to play.

The first animal to get the flashlight spotlight was a deer and her fawn. Next up, a confused armadillo who didn't quite know what to do about our shining light. Later on our trip we would encounter woodpeckers, a 3-legged dog, cows, goats, buffalo, bats, quickly evolving salamanders, a rattlesnake, and a bobcat!

An early morning hike in Garner was cut short due to a confirmed bobcat or puma growl. As Mason and I almost never stick to the designated trail, it was time to hightail it out of there once we heard the warning sound of the cat! It was exhilarating; but I am glad we got our camping out of the way the night before. It was time for a closed door. 

We made our way to Vanderpool, TX. The drive to our cabin made me feel like I was actually IN Texas. As much as I hate to say it, Texas offers some pretty great landscapes. We drove across endless ranches and up steep inclines. If it ever snowed here it would be great for skiing! The nearest town was full of antique shops and drive-thru liquor stores; we explored both. With so many dry counties in Texas, it wasn't a surprise we had to wait in line at the drive-thru.

It was a peaceful rest of the weekend. Zero cellphone service, the common sounds of gunfire in the distance and eating delicious BBQ an older woman was selling out of her Tupperware containers. We spent two more nights in a cabin located on a secluded ranch property. 

I wish I had the talent (and time) to take a picture of the night sky. Our host had recommended that we drive up to a scenic lookout in the middle of the night. I don't think I have ever seen that many shinning stars in the night sky. It was so tranquil until I remembered the possibility of a bobcat attack. I convinced Mason it was time to go after my realization. 

Lost Maples State Park is another great place for hiking and camping. I think if I ever wanted to do a short hike-in camping trip this would be the area to do it. I heard rumors that there were spots in Texas where the trees change colors in the fall. Although not as colorful as Connecticut, the trees were beautiful. I think the heavy rain and cooler weather the week before prevented some of the colors to pop this year. 

We made a detour on the way home to Cascade Cavern in Boerne, TX. Who knew you could find a cave 140 feet below a Texas ranch? Our expectations were low, but being the only two people on the tour we could make it as fun as we wanted to!

Our tour guide was a younger man who was enthusiastic about the cave. He was very knowledgeable and tried to answer all of our questions to the best of his ability. Looking back on it, he might have been one of the more knowledgeable tour guides I have ever had on a cave tour! I was impressed with the size and history of the cave. 

Parts of a prehistoric mastodon have been found and are featured in the cave. A visible, nonactive fault line could be seen running along the cave ceiling along with huge circular erosion holes from a recent flood that filled the cave a few years back. 

Imagine this over 100 feet above you. Many of the holes looked about 2 meters wide.

For being a cave, it was unusually 'alive'. We were told the cave grows abnormally fast compared to other caves. The animal that was the most astonishing was a threatened species of salamander. Appropriately named the Cascade Cavern Salamander, this little fella recently started to develop eyelids due to the large amount of light coming into the cave from organized tours. In more recent years, the owners of the cave decided to limit the amount of permanent cave lighting and provide flashlights to guests. It is a must see if you are near San Antonio! 

A few more things got crossed off the Texas bucket list this fall, but many more still subsist. 

Connecticut + 24 hours in Boston

My second time to the east coast this year and I am already in love. We arrived in Boston, got an Uber and we were on our way. The history of the city is immediately noticeable. I got even more excited when I realized how prime our location was (even if we were going to be in Boston for less than 24 hours). Our small room was located up a beautiful spiral staircase in this enchanting brownstone. (Hotel: 462 Beacon)

Mason and I decided it was time for a beer about 5 minutes after our arrival. To our benefit, there is a pub on every corner in Boston. After a two minute walk we arrived at a pub located down a narrow brick staircase. I have yet to find any place to my "pub standard" in Houston, so this place was a real treat (The Corner Tavern). The service was good, the beer was great, and the lamb taco special was delicious.

We had to get started early the next morning. I had a lot planned before we had to make our 5:30 train to New Haven. Fortunately, a train ride and short walk got us to our destinations. Fenway Park, The Freedom Trail, Paul Revere House, Quincy Market, and the Boston Public Gardens

Fenway Park

Paul Revere House

One of the many historic cemeteries located around Boston.

Walking through Boston's North End was like stepping into a small European town. This is where you truly got a sense of the history of this area and our country. I really did try to focus on that, but there were moments I felt like I was in Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. The people we encountered were incredibly friendly, the weather was a crisp fall day and I only bugged Mason about 50 times asking why we didn't live here. 

After a whoops of getting on the correct Amtrak, then getting off the correct Amtrak, and running back onto the same train...we were on our way to New Haven. It was my first Amtrak experience and I would have to say I am sold (...until our return trip).

Our VRBO accommodation in New Haven was another home-run. It was a small cottage located right next door to the owner's home. We were close to the water and located next to a great area for hiking. Our hosts Linda and David were wonderfully accommodating. 

The next day was filled with short hikes throughout New Haven, including East Rock - which offered extraordinary views of the city and Sleeping Giant - which offered panoramic views of the fall foliage from a lookout tower. 

East Rock

Sleeping Giant

Mason's brother Colin, was kind enough to invite us to the Long Wharf Theater to see a rendition of Our Town. I was very impressed with the performance, but I must say the elderly couple in the audience directly across from us was what made the performance real. Their reactions and interactions with one another throughout the play is what I will remember the most. I witnessed true love, real emotion, and authentic recognition that life is short, but often taken for granted. This is why I love the theater; it's better than therapy!

The next day I had planned out a road trip that would take us through quaint little towns, on hiking excursions and adventurous detours. Naugatuck State Park/ Beacon Falls and Mattatuck State Forest offered great trails and scenery. I wish I could remember all the towns we drove through or stopped in, but every one had something to offer. Just remember to bring cash because many of the shops do not except credit cards.

Once again, the East Coast proved to be beautiful and full of adventure. Mason and I were thankful to Colin for dropping everything and driving us quickly back to Boston to catch our flight after our inbound train unfortunately struck an individual and shutdown the Amtrak.

Connecticut, we shall return soon.

South Padre

Our 5+ hour trip to South Padre gave Mason and I yet another taste of the Texas landscape. It took us a while to figure out what the white stuff lining the side of the road was...cotton! There were also vast amounts of sugar cane. This is the part of Texas called "The Valley". The Valley is the southern most tip of Texas boarding Mexico, it is part of the lower Rio Grande River. 

It can be a long trip down US-77, slowing for every town, after town, after town. But if Dairy Queen is on your mind (if it's not it will be) have no fear there is literally one in every town, regardless of population size. Mason and I also got a kick out of all the fun water tower signs. To my surprise, we had to go through a few boarder patrol checkpoints along the route. Our excitement rose as we headed over the giant bridge onto the island. 

VRBO did it again! We found a great condo right on the beach. We were also a short walk away from the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. This place in incredible and it works off donations. When you walk in you see giant tubs throughout the partly enclosed shed-like area. Once you get close enough to peak inside the tubs, you see the turtles! Big ones, small ones, ones with back braces, ones with missing flippers...

Seeing the sea turtles was an amazing experience. I hope to attend a sea turtle hatch and release next summer!

When I think of South Padre, Spring Break is the first thing that comes to mind. Not Labor Day weekend, apparently that is FAMILY time on the island. Luckily, Mason and I were able to get there first thing in the morning to setup our chairs and.......not the umbrella?! We were stopped mid-umbrella setup and were told there is a rule you can't unfold your umbrella until 10AM. Most ridiculous rule ever!

I wish there were more fun stories so share about South Padre; but I'll be honest, there was a drink in my hand most of the time. It was just fun to people watch, walk along the empty beach in the morning, and soak in the sun.

Sand Monster.

The beach is so much better than Galveston, TX!

Interesting Man O' War we found along the beach. 

Two Harbors, MN August 2014

I thought I would get in a short post about the family trip to Minnesota. Happy Retirement Dad!

Duluth
Canal Park Brewery had a decent selection of cleverly named beer. There was a good food selection, which sometimes makes me think they don't focus enough on brewing beer. Their large amount of memorabilia encouraged that thinking as well. Duluth is a beautiful little city. It reminded me of Dubuque, IA. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. I think there is a MS 150 ride in this area during the summer.

Tettegouche State Park
'The Gouche' would be a pleasant hike for anyone not hungover. For the counterpart, the views made it enjoyable. Talking to the park ranger, we found the most suitable route for us to take. The waterfalls along the way provided entertainment and daredevil personalities to come out.

We had hoped to explore Lake Superior's outlying cliffs by kayak. Unfortunately, the lake had other plans in store for us (5+ ft waves). The kayak co. was able to find a semi-close area for us to go to instead. It was nice to get a slight-boundary water experience since we were so far North, but the Lake Superior trip would have been a better deal. Our tour guide seemed to be pulling the expedition out of his ass. But we kept ourselves entertained.

Kayak U-Turn

Lodging
VRBO We stayed in a great house over looking Lake Superior. The screened-in porch was perfect for morning, day, evening, and late-night dinning/drinking/conversation. There was only a slight issue when we experienced uncontrollable flooding coming from under a locked door. After using every towel in the house, calling the astray owner multiple times, and a few glasses of wine, the maintenance guy fixed the problem.

View from the rocky beach behind the house.

Austin/Lake Travis: August 2014

It was a great birthday surprise weekend to the Austin/Lake Travis area. It is hard for Mason to keep surprises from me (I am the best detective in the land). But this time, I only had a hunch we would end up in Austin. 

Going from Houston to Hill Country is like entering a different state. The twists and turns, the hundred-mile views, and the shifting of the car made it seem like we were tracking up mountains. After a few accidental detours, we made it to Lake Travis. Since our detours required us to drive over the Mansfield Dam multiple times, we decided to see how close we could get to it on foot. The barbed-wired fence and dozens of cameras prevented us from committing (I'm assuming) a federal crime.

We did a little more exploring of the area and ventured to Fritz Hughes Park. You can walk down to the crystal clear, shallow Colorado River. If you had a paddle board or kayak, this would be a great launching point. OR if you are a perverted twenty-something year old male, this is a good spot to pick up 14 year-old girls. (FYI the girls were smart enough to get the hell out of there.)

We kicked off my birthday morning with some jet skiing on Lake Travis. This area reminded me of a slightly smaller Ozarks, with water inlets and outlets that seemed to last forever. It would be easy to get lost, so look at a map before venturing out. I was surprised by how quiet the lake was for a beautiful Friday morning, but it made it perfect for amateur jet skiers to have free range.

Next on the birthday agenda: Hamilton Pool. It was about a 45 minute drive from where we were staying, but it was on my Texas Bucket List! I was a little nervous about going, as the park website stated that there was no guaranteed entrance due to limited capacity. When we pulled in, there didn't look to be too many cars waiting. Don't let the first entrance fool you! As soon as we turned the corner, we found the real line. When we finally got up to the 17 year-old smartass park ranger we were told there would be a 40 minute wait. We waited.

Once we finally got in, parked, and soaked ourselves in bug-spray, we started the steep decent to the pool. The hike was very pretty and enjoyable, despite walking behind a large, 60 year-old women in just her swimsuit, sunhat, and flip-flops. 

I could see why there would be a line to get in. The natural pool was beautiful! I also gained appreciation that there was a capacity for this wonder, any more people would have ruined the experience. It was glad I had forced Mason to practice treading water in our pool earlier in the summer. I am not sure how deep the pool is, but there is very little standing area available. If you are lucky you will find a lone, slimmy rock to balance on for awhile. 

Looking around, you could tell the 'regulars' because of their floaties. If we venture this way again, I think they are a must. However, if we had had them, I would not have been able to make fun of  Mason jumping like a little girl when he felt something against his foot while standing on a rock. We think it was a pissed off turtle clawing at him. He had the last laugh, when I kept thinking the ties on my swimsuit were water snakes. And again, when I freaked out that I opened my mouth under the waterfall and started yelling, "Amoebas! Amoebas! My brain!".

Lodging

Vintage Villas Hotel Our room was large and clean. It had a nice patio area overlooking the resort grounds and Lake Travis in the distance. It would have been perfect were it not for a giant, untrimmed tree blocking our view. It was also a shared patio with the neighbors, but there was never any sign of them. Breakfast = thumbs down. Poor selection. Although I still have the orange? or is it a lemon? that I took. I think I'll try that tonight. Edit: It was a delicious orange.

  

Food

Sandeez Hamburger Hut (Lake Travis): Don't be discouraged by the appearance of this place. It will be one of the best burgers you ever have. Mason and I had a nice quiet dinner, as we were too busy reading all the signs and bumper stickers plastered over the walls. While the beer selection is slim, the specialty burgers of the day will leave you satisfied. 

Hopfields (UT area): Great atmosphere and local beer selection. There is a limited food menu.

Back Porch BBQ (La Grange): The restaurant is located in a house off the main road in this small town. The random stop, eating BBQ in a converted living room, and La Grange Fair Queen competitive posters scotch-taped to the windows made me think I was about to have the best damn BBQ in my life. It was fine, I just don't need to stop again.

Historic trees on the capital property.

 Governor Perry, are you home? I have some policy questions for you.

New Zealand 2014

South Island

     After two obnoxious days of travel, Mason and I finally made it to Christchurch, NZ. A sudden, new burst of energy came the minute we landed. I was briefed that I would be experiencing four seasons in one day, but I had no idea I would be driving through farmland, rainforest, mountains, oceanfront, and any other imaginable landscape in a single day.
     A much needed pit stop was made at a roadside cafe that boasted a giant Homer Simpson doughnut. Embarrassingly enough, it was an hour later that I realized we were in Springfield, NZ.

     Another hour into our drive we were enticed by waterfalls and steep views to stop at a scenic outlook. Unbeknownst to us at the time, this would be the first of hundreds of scenic outlooks, roadside hikes, and mini-detours that we would take throughout the trip. It was at this first diversion that I met a Kea. A deceiving bird, that enjoys sneaking up behind you and devouring any rubber on your car with or without you looking.

     Great stops during the first few days included: Castle Hill, Lake Matheson, views of the Southern Alps, hiking to a secluded beach along the Tasman Sea (attacked by sand flies), Devil's Point, Punchbowl Falls, Arthur's Pass and Cave Scenic Reserve (watch out for Guano. "Guano? Hello? Does poop ring a bell?").

Lodging: Rainforest Motel, Fox Township; A wonderful option if you need a break from hostels. Great views, clean rooms, and a friendly, informative host. Walking distance to the two town bars.

Glaciers
     Fox Glacier: Short, but steep hike for great viewing points. Not advertised by travel books or tour companies, heli-hike tours are usually cancelled 75% of the time due to weather and visibility. However, we were lucky enough to end up with a perfect day. Seating on the helicopter is determined by weight, so bring a box of donuts to eat quickly if need-be to get upfront with the pilot. After talking to guides and other tourists, Fox is the best glacier to heli-hike due to accessibility and tours are more likely to occur. *Rumor has it, the season between the two is cyclical, so do a little investigating if you ever decide to do this.*
     Our heli-hike experience was better than I could have asked for. Our guide was fun and informative, and the views were indescribable. We were informed that a guide fell to his death over 30 years ago, and that he was expected at the bottom any day now due to the ice movement (1-5 meters a day).
     Franz Joseph Glacier: A longer hike to get to, but very scenic as you travel through rainforests and a riverbed full of waterfalls.

Christchurch
     Upon entering Quake City (a very large earthquake hit in 2011), it was clear the city was still recovering from the damage. Across from our hostel we noticed that the World Busker Festival was occurring. We did not know what a busker was, but we quickly learned while walking throughout the city. Street performers were everywhere! It was Mario Queen of the Circus that captured our...attention? Our hearts? Either way watching this queen dance and juggle his heart out while lip syncing to Queen was unforgettable.
     A stop to Orano Wildlife Park was requested by Mason (good job Mason). This safari-type zoo is wonderful. We quickly learned that you can follow the animals in feeding order. Some of the animals you are lucky enough to feed on your own. The obnoxious child in me came out when I forced Mason to run immediately to the next animal on the list so we could be first in line for the feeding.

   
     We were lucky enough to ride in the caged pickup truck to feed the hungry lions. I had to ruin the moment a little when I reminded Mason of all the horrific historical events that involved humans being thrown into the back of caged trucks. Anyways. It did not take long for the lions to go all Pavlov's dogs on the truck. The excitement increased when lion drool and mystery meat blood fell onto our faces while looking up at the lions on-top of the enclosure.

Lodging: YHA Christchurch Rolleston House; one of the best hostels we stayed in. Ensuite, single room was huge. Typical hostel noise. I wish people would learn to quietly close doors at 4AM.

Picton
     NZ just kept getting better and better. Our stops along the way to Picton included Kaikoura, a historic whaling town. To my dismay we did not do a whale tour. Mason still hears about this, as I throw a conniption every time I hear anything about whales. For his sake, thank God there is not a Whale Week on Discovery Channel. Needless to say, it is a must for my next visit.
     By this time of the trip seeing sheep was a regular occurrence. However, they were all mostly contained and that was foiling my plan of having to stop the car due to sheep in the middle of the road. Which would then be following by me getting out of the car and running at them like a crazy person. When the Garmin stated, warning: unpaved roads on this route, it was a no-brainer, we had to go off the beaten path. After a few miles, we ran into the unsuspecting sheep. I was giddy with excitement as the two sheep starting pooping while running down the road in front of the car. I instructed Mason that as long as the sheep were running and pooping we would not be stopping the car. A similar experience would happen later with cows.

     We decided to go on a kayaking tour of the Queen Charlotte Sound, part of the Marlborough Sounds, which is a vast water system of sea-drowned valleys. We started our 20 kilometer trip with Wilderness Guides. Soon into our trip we saw two little blue penguins. I quickly instructed Mason that we had to quietly get as close as we could to the two little guys. We traveled by a few seals relaxing on a rock, and soon found ourselves surrounded by hundreds of giant moon jellyfish. After learning that these jellies did not sting, I immediately started to poke every jelly around me. From thereon, I had leverage if Mason stopped paddling--a jelly to the face.

Lodging: BBH Hostel The Villa in Picton. Great! Beautiful courtyard and conveniently located.

North Island

Lake Taupo
     At this point of the trip we had huge expectations for everywhere we went. The North Island had a lot of different things to offer compared to the South Island. Wrongfully so, a common attitude throughout the next couple days would be that the "North Island sucks". Which is a very inaccurate observation. The two islands are extremely different; with a diverse offering of scenery and activities. (But yes, I am still partial to the South Island.)
     Lake Taupo, the size of Singapore, was definitely a beautiful sight. Crystal clean water with mountainous surroundings. Huka Falls was another exciting attraction with violent water that rumbles throughout the valley. Approximately 220,000 litres exit the falls every second.
     On a cloudy day, we decided to head to Tongariro National Park to see the Emerald Lakes. It was a long hike up Mt. Ngauruhoe, an active volcano (a.k.a Mount Doom). This was a very interesting hike, it felt as though we were on a different planet. The death smell of farts and rotten eggs (sulfur) really added to the ambiance. After a long while of climbing we passed a few tourists warning us to turn around. Challenge accepted. Sure, it was obvious that a storm was coming in, but I wanted to see these damn emerald lakes!
     After reaching a point where we should have seen the emerald lakes, it was obvious we were not going to see them due to cloud cover. That is when the wind kicked up and we began our Marcel Marceau Walking Against the Wind bit (miming was not necessary). I would imagine the views to be incredible on a clear day.

     As a reward, Mason and I had a few beers and hit the town's hot spring. Minus the drunk teenagers, loud children, and people using underwear as swimwear, it was enjoyable. 

Lodging: We stayed at a lovely B&B. Mason and I just aren't the B&B type. The experience was awkward, but forcefully enjoyable. Our host was very gracious and accommodating. We were the only guests in the house, and the widow seemed more than happy to have people staying with her. In the middle of the second night I woke up to violent thrashing of the window blinds. In pure Mason form, he did not wake up to the commotion or my aggressive pushing. There was clearly an animal INSIDE our room. This is why we have screens on our windows in America! That was when I met our host's cat.

Waitomo
     On the road trip to Waitomo I decided it was a good day to find a beach. This determined to be a harder feat than you would imagine on an island. What we did manage to find was a trailer park equivalent to Trailer Park Boys and a beach on an ancient burial ground. As I did not feel like getting cursed that day, we continued our journey to Waitomo cave country.

Stops along the way: Marokopa Falls, PiriPiri Cave, The Natural Bridge, and a historic Maori site.
Tips for traveling this area: take a flashlight on every hike-you never know when you will come across a cave you want to explore.

       I have a slight obsession with caves. Maybe it stems from my love for Batman (he is undoubtedly sexy and I think that Batman will come to my rescue in a cave someday). Anyways, I was very excited for our next adventure, Black Water Rafting.
     After putting on our freezing cold wet-suits and a brief training session we were repelling 110 feet underground. I would like to boast that I was awesome at this, but I was not. To my benefit I was completely alone in this narrow tube entrance into the cave. As our tour group huddled together in the darkness, waiting for everyone to arrive in the cave, we oohed and awed at the vibrant glowworms up above. Whilst avoiding the alleged cave rats.

     The next voyage deeper into the cave included a zip-line. While observing one of our guides, who seemed slightly annoyed from the beginning, push each tourist off the cliff I noticed a little glimmer in his eyes after every push. Once it was my turned, I asked him if he got joy from pushing people to their deaths. With a monotone 'yes', I was plunged into the darkness.
     Once we were all to the bottom we were handed inner tubes and instructed to 'jump' into the ice cold water and find 'the rope'.

     We enjoyed another viewing of the glowworms before we were instructed to get out of our tubes and start walking in the water. Our only instructions were to, "look out". While I watched the people in front of me suddenly drop off an invisible cliff, and as I waited for Batman, I took the plunge down the re-birthing tunnel.

     Finally, after climbing up two slippery 12 foot waterfalls, we emerged into a swarm of hungry mosquitoes.

Lodging: YHA Waitomo. Meh, I would say this was my least favorite hostel. Only due to the paper thin walls. The pet pig, goat, sheep, and deer were fun. It was also pretty far from town. However, in true NZ form you can start walking and hitch a ride within a few minutes.

Rotoura
     Ass. This town smells like ass. Our "North Island sucks" mentality came out again. The town didn't actually suck. It was quite lovely. The sulfur smell was hard to get used to. Next on the agenda, was Lady Knox Geyser. You had to pay to sit in a sea of people only to see a guy put soap into a hole and wait for it to erupt. While the geyser was impressive, the fact that it was erupting due to someone putting soap in it was a little unsatisfying.

    We then ventured to the sulfur mud pools in the park. I was able to handle the smell due to fantasizing that I was in the Bog of Eternal Stench from the Labyrinth.

     Our next undertaking in Rotoura was Zorbing. Mason and I were both excited to try this extreme sport in its founding country. It was a thrilling 30-seconds ride. I had my second re-birthing experience of the trip sliding out of the ball with the gush of water.

        That night we went to a Maori Fest (the indigenous people of NZ). I would feel more guilty calling it weird if it weren't for the fact that it was a giant tourist trap. It was an overpriced, cheesy, and souvenir-forced experience. There were incredibly rude tourists there and our driver seemed drunk. The musical dance number at the end was unauthentic and seemed to be taken from the closing number of Dirty Dancing.

Lodging: Funky Green Voyager in Rotoura; great hosts and friendly environment. Loved our room (when the windows were closed).

Hahei
     I always like to end these long vacations with actual r-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n. We took the day stopping in coastal towns and roadside beaches. Once we got to our base camp for the next few days we decided to explore the local beaches. We walked the hilly oceanside to Gemstone Bay, Stingray Bay, and the famous Cathedral Cove.

     Our kayak adventure, the next day, in the South Pacific was scenic. It was unfortunate that it took us to all the areas we walked to the previous day, but it was enjoyable to see them from another perspective. I did get to see a stingray near Stingray Cove. The rock formations were incredible!

     Next up, Hot Sand Beach. So apparently here you dig a hole in the sand, it fills up with water, and it can reach temperatures of 120F. I don't know if we were doing it wrong, but our pool was not hot. Maybe the hundred other tourists present knew something that we did not, perhaps that you needed to pee in your pool? We stuck around for awhile longer and on our way out tried to dip our toes in other people's pools to see if they were hot. A few were. Gross.

Lodging: Tatahi Lodge; Great room, with a great outdoor area. It is close to the beach, and a few shops. The icecream bar was delicious!

Auckland
     Another city I wish we had more time to explore. It was entertaining to watch clearly well off twenty-somethings who just finished a night of partying eat breakfast on the pier, only for one of them to completely strip down and jump into the ship channel.

New Zealand is a beautiful country. There are so many areas to explore. I can't wait to go back!

New Zealand 2014 Jan/Feb 17 Day Trip