an update?? of sorts

oh dear, it must certainly have seemed that i disappeared from the face of this earth. where shall i begin...how bout february?

february: i left crazy new age lady's place in takaka as i didn't like her very much, and her hospitality was awful. i mean, who puts a sign on the toilet that says 'don't flush for wees, piss in the garden if you can'? if you are afraid of running out of water, at least tell us nicely. We’re not even working for money.

next i went to the King's home also in takaka hoping for a better Wwoof experience. their property was right on the beach, with a few sheep, goats, and funny chickens that roamed around the bushes. a young german couple, Jochen and Ute, lived there as well. they first came as Wwoofers a few years ago, and now they are staying on the forever! they were Chemistry PhDs in academia back in Germany, and now Jochen is simply the local piano/music teacher, and Ute works at the organic shop. what a change of lifestyle. I worked for the Kings everyday, mostly in the garden, but also helped with building projects on the property, such as a wooden shed and an adobe outdoor shower. As the Kings were very musical people, I joined them every week at their World Music Choir, learning songs from Africa, Europe, and Asia.

march: went back to Nelson to hit the Flat Out Ultimate frisbee beach tournament. not terribly surprised to find tons of Americans there. played the first day in POURING cold rain, and covered in sand from head to toe. our team (go red cannons!) placed 4th overall. then i was finally ready to start my journey of discovering New Zealand's wilderness. For the next month and a half, it was just me, my tent, and the vast New Zealand landscape.

from the top...Kahurangi National Park - sweeping river valleys and lush green range; Abel Tasman National Park - sandy beaches, pirate coves

down the west coast...Paparoa National Park - crashing waves, magnificent coastline, towering limestone cliffs, palm forests, dense jungles

up into the Southern Alps...Arthurs Pass National Park - alpine mountains extending beyond the horizon topped with gray shale

further down the west coast...glacier country and Mt. Aspiring National Park - farmland stretched far and wide with snow capped mountain backdrops, bright turqoise waters flowing out in waterfalls, rivers, and lakes

the South...Fiordland National Park - winding through valleys so deep and surreal, a fantasy land where you are surrounded by castles, fortresses, sparkling fountains, and magical forests