https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home daily 1.0 2019-08-06 https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2019/5/24/when-life-sends-a-tsunami-your-way monthly 0.5 2019-05-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1558676749085-4US9J9IL82UVOE35CPV5/Screen+Shot+2019-05-23+at+9.45.22+PM.png Home - When life sends you a tsunami… Swim! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1558676831505-G3NEGUURQXIJJEQHB8XP/F7MUpatmRii8orDynN7kYA.jpg Home - When life sends you a tsunami… Swim! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1558677158291-WTN9OGQHVVIOUNGXXM8B/CeD0S738Q2Gq2L%2BpcL%2BAcQ.jpg Home - When life sends you a tsunami… Swim! From near the top of the mountain trail - overlooking the capital city of Sofia https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/12/29/daring-to-be-lydia monthly 0.5 2018-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067839086-XA10ELUZ73V5UT01028A/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067852189-FSK6JBM95T4JTJSRUDQT/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia Lydia and Carla on the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546068097725-4DO4QZTKR7YEQ6LKSUIR/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia Lisa and Lydia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067589419-P3D0GL33BKTBXDH4G4CL/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia The She’s On Ski’s crew (photo by Lydia Bradey) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067822881-IMKA8FT87L3INC42DPKV/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546068146139-448ES4B0MNZQJWDL4MZO/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067557429-H3OY5CRYOI7R3F32AM2Z/Kelman+Hut Home - Daring to be Lydia Kelman Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067960179-4KKFKJUO7QJQB6KTVO56/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia Kitchen inside Kelman Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546067730117-GTEEYF0TVFA5C4ECQQVT/1988_10_BASECAMP_006+%281%29.JPG Home - Daring to be Lydia Lydia in Everest Basecamp - 1988 (photo provided by Lydia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1546068014759-NP9IHZ8VGFG5QNJ797HI/image-asset.jpeg Home - Daring to be Lydia Plowing uphill on our skins https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/10/26/the-fair-weather monthly 0.5 2019-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540573224504-PYNS948ZBJYFVL3VQB06/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540572760432-VVPRQZL5JIOZPUV1U44Q/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Aaron leading the third rope team up. Photo by Mark Van Waes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540572854817-7J9WHRZG5BLBJK6J74H2/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather At a transition point during our expedition - I’m on the left with the red hood, chatting with Aaron and Timmy (orange jacket). Harry is tying a knot on the right. Photo by Dani Rudinsky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540571890446-LPUDSMK0DDA78RKWBSLG/DSC09771.jpg Home - The Fair Weather Harry and Aaron at mealtime in the mid. Photo by Brian Matthew Nichols https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540571010942-T9V64Y2O7APWBWH8SKDE/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather The teams negotiating a snow bridge and a fixed rope climb. Photo by Dani Rudinsky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540572066160-2D5EHU87AT54W6VTOW00/20180529_160414.jpg Home - The Fair Weather On the climb back (yes, there’s a part where we climb back up before going down) Photo by Mike Shep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540573188920-W6RBTE72LMIDMLKH9RB9/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540569887040-9F4VFX25AW8W3LUIL09M/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Harry, the (cheer)leader of our rope team https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540569794242-V1HZI8WU94OPJRYNZHVU/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Timmy navigating the way. Photo by Brent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540570810321-65PT5IFL67BSL9LFD88S/20180529_130302.jpg Home - The Fair Weather The Eastern Euros on the summit - first Bulgarian and first Lithuanian to ascend Fairweather. Photo by Mike Shep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540569072473-VTF640N2M89M8G8PDDMQ/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Quick selfie during a short stop on the climb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540570771988-GWL1KE4XSWB1PS3MC8GW/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Brent and I on the summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540573558403-RGMDNMJ8XNJHBCVF6M36/Screen+Shot+2018-10-26+at+10.02.11+AM.png Home - The Fair Weather The glacial landscape gives way to green and lush mountainsides https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540571087847-YSDE27JCGHNAORWRXDDW/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Fairweather towering over Glacier Bay, Alaska. Photo by Mark Van Waes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540569179964-RZGAAC46GML6L4JTWHI4/IMG_0349.JPG Home - The Fair Weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540570102926-YCDKR5VRNF0H0GCFNRLI/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Arrival on the glacer. Photo by Aaron Friedland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540571427780-JJ42ZK7IJLA1KHHJ7ADR/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather After dinner, listening to Timmy. Photo by Brent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540573143810-BETWX42BBI2DHBTEAJ5A/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540571219299-E6DDRWVLFHPGYLIHBVWE/20180529_102237.jpg Home - The Fair Weather Daryl and Brent on the climb. Photo by Mike Shep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540568986990-7E2OGUYWCJPKQ510OO7N/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather On the ridge, approaching the Fairweather summit. Photo by Dani Rudinsky https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540573060329-3XD5TEFOKJI6JB8ZY1VP/20180519_184952.jpg Home - The Fair Weather Drake getting his plane ready to fly gear and climbers back to Haines. Photo by Mike Shep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540709893698-WUBAO3V69G33KBO3ZXKN/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Moving camp. I’m right behind Daryl and Timmy is doing the hard work of breaking trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540569708322-X9ZCZ0AIECHRDU2PEEIV/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Timmy leading a steep section where he’ll fix a rope. Photo by Mike Shep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540570921923-IZZ4DRMWXFO2G30Y2P7U/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Fair Weather Daryl, Mike and Timmy celebrating on the summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1540571532831-DL3TLA5PR6DIHVEAF9U2/IMG_2803+%282%29.jpg Home - The Fair Weather Waiting out the weather in camp. Photo by Brent https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/9/26/shasta-first-north-american-peak monthly 0.5 2018-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1539149857964-G07TWL6V5Q48ADHR16RQ/fullsizeoutput_3a42.jpeg Home - Shasta - First North American peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1539149054502-UX1H5IWWX7BYRCA5ATS4/32130465_10156184030410309_2569691276932808704_o.jpg Home - Shasta - First North American peak Mt Shasta as seen from my plane a year and a half before I climbed it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1539149925291-PBPCT8FV3W0OE5Q4WYFI/fullsizeoutput_3a41.jpeg Home - Shasta - First North American peak My entry in the summit log https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1539149528258-TQJ07N7J4NVKPIYWI5OP/image-asset.jpeg Home - Shasta - First North American peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1539149597370-UE8TUIGZ9JD1MQPVCOT0/IMG_9574.JPG Home - Shasta - First North American peak My guide Matt in the early hours on the Cassaval Ridge, with me following closely behind him https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1539149785637-589Q4CE9TVRE3LK0ZKKL/image-asset.jpeg Home - Shasta - First North American peak On the summit with Spencer! https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/6/10/first-apline-ascents monthly 0.5 2018-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676562930-4M56M7V6O9DD9GALA1BH/Mt+Aylmer+ice+screws%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! My work of securing the top of the third pitch with an anchor made up of two ice screws. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677406023-TSOQ484HRSMTQ8UB0TCY/Summit+of+Hochstetter%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! The summit of Hochstetter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677489304-VJSJFNOGOSJEST6I8WK7/Tasman+Glacier%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Crevasses on the way down the Tasman Glacier from our Hochstetter climb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675174290-53B1647X52LDJGS0EHPD/Tasman+Saddle+Hut%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! "Emergency Exit" at the Tasman Saddle Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528674632231-F1FFRPG6MVINZ48S1BOH/Tasman+Saddle+Hut+as+seen+from+the+Tasman+Glacier%2C+Mt+Cook+National+Park%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! The Tasman Saddle Hut as seen from lower on the Tasman Glacier - the hut is a tiny spec on top of the steep rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675674992-RA59E4BSHTTSWXXS5PWJ/Tasman+Saddle+Hut%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Brent and Dave in the Tasman Saddle Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677276412-FQKTD49YY2Z1QHG1DE2T/West+Coast+of+New+Zealand+as+viewed+from+Hochstetter Home - First Apline Ascents! The West Coast of New Zealand as viewed from the summit ridge of Hochstetter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675464333-SYO4DIFZ0Z7CG30IDE3U/View+from+the+Tasman+Saddle+Hut Home - First Apline Ascents! View from the hut window down onto the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528673473998-XMKHSFQ5NXUU1WTHIVYS/Christchurch+Sky Home - First Apline Ascents! The night before our trip - night sky in Christchurch at the end of a windy system https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528674736098-CPZLA0LB2R61PKUKM1VS/Tasman+Saddle+Hut%2C+Tasman+Glacier%2C+Mt+Cook+National+Park%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! The Tasman Saddle Hut perched on top of the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675278703-UHGTLYBHD91UT99ZSKVM/Tasman+Glacier+by+the+Tasman+Saddle+Hut Home - First Apline Ascents! View from the right of the Tasman Saddle Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676497832-2FDS7OXJJ1UNYWRUD1OY/Top+of+third+pitch%2C+Mt+Aylmer+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Top of the third (out of four) pitch - putting in an ice screw for an anchor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677153157-9U74NPYOW0CZNKYVYZJ3/Tasman+Glacier+on+the+way+to+Hochstetter Home - First Apline Ascents! Second day of climbing - on the way to Hochstetter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677366052-8WRHSQ7XNZN0UHSDW4UN/The+summit+of+Hochstetter+Dome Home - First Apline Ascents! Walking on the summit ridge of Hochstetter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675871728-KIXMK07X88TTTNASR93N/Tasman+Glacier+climb+Mt+Aylmer+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Looking up the bottom of the face of Mt Aylmer, where we would start pitching up the ice and rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677059558-6MIIBPZQKVEXHNMSSUJS/Tasman+Glacier+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Traversing the Tasman Glacier on the way down from the Mt Aylmer climb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675237212-TU5QV05CVSGSQ9GXLUCI/Tasman+Saddle+Hut%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! One foot to the right of the door to Tasman Saddle Hut is this steep crevasse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676427523-E163IZCTCI30ACNYZKRU/Pitching+out+Mt+Aylmer%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Brent putting in an ice screw on our climb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675791071-N6AP0L4CF6UJGMJVVE37/Tasman+Glacier+Mt+Aylmer+climb%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Navigating some crevasses while roped up for glacier travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528675822962-F15S5U6L8P2LLWOVCACD/Tasman+Glacier+-+climb+of+Mt+Aylmer%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Passing a snow bridge on the Tasman Glacier on the way to climbing Mt Aylmer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677447661-OHTT3472ZO1N8A5S2KXQ/Brent+on+Hochstetter%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Brent on the summit of Hochstetter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676102402-4GD198HYV513VM8Q7A0M/Pitching+Mt+Aylmer%2C+Mt+Cook%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Top of first pitch - my scenic belay spot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528673919384-1PHIJFHS8FVSHWZT6NGP/Brent+and+Dave+at+the+Helicopter+airport+in+Mt+Cook%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Brent and Dave at the Mt Hook heliport https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528678404330-ZLUJQ8POL4939WAVUUJ0/Tasman+Glacier+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Walking down on the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676181737-S5D54GCFX5N4GRV02AX7/View+of+the+Murchison+Glacier%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! View from my first belay spot at the top of the first pitch - below is the Murchison Glacier, feeding into the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528673752873-B8DUDKZ25ZYZKCGR0DET/Mt+Cook%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Mount Cook at sunrise as seen from the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677752127-3VTJNAL9UO6NM1HHQ1XM/Tasman+Glacier%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Navigating the maze of crevasses on the Tasman Glacier during our walk-out from the hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528673288103-LAV8NB2NMIWT675ZXGCG/Summit+of+Mt+Aylmer%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! First Summit - Mt Aylmer, Mt Cook Nat'l Park, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676906359-1RD2YWTUK7QEJW8AWPJG/Mt+Cook+National+Park+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Preparing the rappel anchor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528678036997-DEZ0XJ0Y25OXW1UA561N/Sebastopol+Bluffs+Mt+Cook+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Practicing multi-pitched climbing with Dave on Sebastopol Bluffs - the end of our climbing trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676955711-EWA2CK9EKD9RZXM6D9N2/IMG_1926.jpg Home - First Apline Ascents! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528678073195-2X5XC8JAHJNMQI0R2VIR/Alpine+Recreation+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Bathroom wisdom from Alpine Recreation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677655832-3L4OS5X4AJ873NZDSEMJ/My+Aylmer+summit%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! First summit photo! (of a glaciated peak at least) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528677206510-SZTD159VTKCY4NG9F5ES/Climbing+to+Hochstetter%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Climbing the single pitch on the way to Hochstetter - Brent in the lead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1528676654301-L6KJ8J5MVJI01Y4VECE4/Mt+Aylmer%2C+New+Zealand Home - First Apline Ascents! Dave and Brent waving at me from the top of Mt Aylmer, as I front-point the last, icy, pitch to the top https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/4/29/hup-in-the-abel-tasman monthly 0.5 2018-10-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022500984-618F8J8OO40L1BR1X6I0/Kaiteriteri+tidal+lagoon Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Brent at the tidal lagoon in Kaiteriteri that he would cross as a kid https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022923723-NNEDLWZB93IJ4LAP25SX/Awaroa+Inlet+Abel+Tasman+track Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525023389219-SNE8C8YE13J6F8Q58AGK/Barks+Bay+Abel+Tasman Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Group of kids playing cricket in the Barks Bay Inlet on the Abel Tasman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525023439342-A5X4H919KHDY6MF6U2CC/Barks+Bay+Abel+Tasman Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman On our walk on the Barks Bay beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524982380156-27WK4XVPG4DSK0JU7LWP/Nelson+New+Zealand Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Mountains by Nelson - as viewed from the plane https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525023933494-0HDMYRN06F3YRLLHV0HR/Barks+Bay+New+Zealand Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman The backpacks packed and ready to go on the water taxi while we Waka https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525024481432-4WVNO43L1WZNHB23EEJS/Kaiteriteri+beach+New+Zealand Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Back at Kaiteriteri beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022714993-0ERRP5D3JPE9K10TSR09/Abel+Tasman+Trak+map Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525023075354-K2MWTF02KB03IP2FECEI/Kayaking+in+Awaroa+Inlet+Abel+Tasman+New+Zealand Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Kayaking in the Awaroa inlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022808109-UPYJLEGGBIWUBGF1XU5O/Abel+Tasman+Kayaks Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Tractors depositing kayaks in Marahau, at the bottom of the Abel Tasman Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525023501983-6GZ9A5F7MZ1AUQKMXDT1/Waka+on+Barks+Bay+Abel+Tasman Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman We spot the waka up on the right on the beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525024050437-69TXZWZV5IPY7ZBMZD7V/Waka+Abel+Tasman+Barks+Bay Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Getting ready to set off on the Waka https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525021903474-B12XPY5F14MNWGRPWDRS/Kaiteriteri+beach Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525024207968-9R56Y72PCAB16C1ZDMC2/Waka+Abel+Tasman Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Lisa in seat #5 at the Waka with Todd in the back during a break https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525024091591-E9IUL875SQJB2RDCBOOD/Waka+Abel+Tasman+Barks+Bay Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Taking the Waka down to the water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525021941841-Z2QJVYE9B1E9PO80OKPM/Kaiteriteri+New+Zealand+as+seen+from+above Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman The town of Kaiteriteri as seen from a hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525023619482-E5Q8OMLD0M8MGZDOILNA/Waka+on+the+beach+at+Barks+Bay Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524982293114-YW65Z40KK9EOM47TXY60/Waka+Abel+Tasman Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022022034-V2UQOJ493BDBN4GFZQIM/Kaiteriteri+Holiday+Park Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Our campsite in Kaiteriteri Holiday Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022269086-JMOHRP0D9RUSZM83EXPT/Kaiteriteri+New+Zealand Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Brent in front of the Kaiteriteri house where he would spend his childhood summers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022960965-WM0X6P99QJ0AKA1G2CFL/Awaroa+beach+Abel+Tasman Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman At the start of the kayaking trip in Awaroa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525021817765-G0X4M31YAGGD7C0R7KMR/Kaiteriteri+beach Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman Kaiteriteri beach - near the beginning of the Abel Tasman trek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1525022069124-NW6GZEDKQZAHIRNW9TYE/Kaiteriteri+Holiday+Park+ducks+and+ducklings Home - HUP in the Abel Tasman The resident mother duck and her ten ducklings https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/4/25/detour-to-mystical-aussie monthly 0.5 2018-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713868196-A6IHVE33P6Z8E092Z829/The+Yoga+Centre+in+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Our humble but comfortable tent cabins in the Yoga Centre - I slept with three other women in the second one from the left https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713443782-NULG9BLPVS6JJ07TYZSI/Byron+Bay+sunrise Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Sunrise as seen from our meditation spot, near the easternmost point in Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713185721-AAJKWN6H8HEL2E9KR2IZ/Lisa+and+Delamay+in+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714214251-XSIO4PUA4BUB1M8VYHMJ/Taru+and+Lisa Home - Detour to mystical Aussie With Taru https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714515846-QHWJW70MX8OEUERJJVPX/Shiva+Rea+meditation+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Shiva Rea leading a meditation during the retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713754573-29IHUIS2OMDV9GIY5ZMV/Busking+sign+in+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Taking care of artists, including buskers, is the spirit of Byron Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714067139-WGC7S1R4Y4O94HUV5900/Mandala+at+Yoga+Centre+Shiva+Rea+Byron+Bay+retreat Home - Detour to mystical Aussie One of the beautiful live mandalas in the middle of our practice space - note the offerings of native Australian plants and seeds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714479946-UU6XBDEXUAH38HJGIKV6/Eastern+most+point+in+Australia+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Just under the Lighthouse - the official Easternmost point in Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714162687-XFBKXN4E6QXXLBJPUURB/Mandala+Shiva+Rea+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Yet another beautiful mandala https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713993281-108SGDBO4IV5NPTSOQBS/Bush+Turkey+crossing+a+road+in+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie This is what the real bush turkey looks like https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714436080-A67Q42XM2Y9EZ3JV8JZZ/Byron+Bay+Lighthouse Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Byron Bay Lighthouse as seen coming up the steep path https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713926809-JWKZ58EICFWRI4BEI3C7/Full+Moon+Byron+Bay+Yoga+Centre Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Full moon over the Australian bush - as viewed from the Yoga Centre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713529483-HGHSCP77AKVYESC9E1U9/Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Volcanic rock with the beautiful Aussie red hues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714130627-EUF0VJIC6XAMJKZ6FMWR/Lisa+and+Mandy+Byron+Bay Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Lisa and Mandy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524714602777-IZ6MZ4NVATG62U9958Z8/Byron+Bay+beach Home - Detour to mystical Aussie Truly a surfer's paradise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1524713667135-GLIRFXFVXXI13US3ZV51/Byron+Bay+beach Home - Detour to mystical Aussie The beautiful fine sands of Byron Bay https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/4/1/rugby-crusade monthly 0.5 2018-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1522607485102-I8LEW3WRGLJVC5K0EEKQ/Canterbury+Crusaders+rugby+team Home - Rugby Crusade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1522607573996-ZS8TSJ3NUQM8P7DO6QEP/Canterbury+Crusaders+rugby+team Home - Rugby Crusade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1522607526733-9CS9WFY0YYKWJ624R8MR/Jordan+Taufua+Number+8+Canterbury+Crusaders Home - Rugby Crusade Lisa with Number 8: Jordan Taufua https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/3/23/the-fawlty-towers-of-rock-climbing monthly 0.5 2018-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521860269227-AW4N9L7VLUTZH3XJVYA3/Hanging+Rock+Timaru+rock+climbing Home - The Fawlty Towers of Rock Climbing Brent learning to trad climb on Hanging Rock, Timaru https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521860214567-MZC6SR6A5S9COJYFFGH5/Learning+to+trad+climb+in+Timaru Home - The Fawlty Towers of Rock Climbing Elke with her trad climbing rack at Hanging Rock, Timaru https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521860314880-ZEBNT688A1QRGK6GIN9B/Tiger+Alpine+Recreation Home - The Fawlty Towers of Rock Climbing Tiger - the mascot of the trusty Land Cruiser of Alpine Recreation https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/3/23/mountaineering-lessons-in-focus-decision-making-and-fun-part-2 monthly 0.5 2018-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859422514-VCJYNIIFNYN5NM04WO8N/Wind+storm+at+Tasman+Glacier+Ball+Pass Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) The dust storm is fully blown by the time we reach the path along the moraine wall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859143599-DXSK1RAYQUSWZAX7E8ZO/Bivy+Mt+Cook+Alpine+Recreation Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) Our bivy spot under Mt Cook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859667593-OEULRSKE4ZOS9DFV34X9/Ball+Pass+Tasman+Glacier+Aorkai+Mt+Cook Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) Being in the alpine takes you out of the comfort zone and security of relying on others for decision-making https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859392111-2NJ51ZXXN1C6QMEMO96S/Wind+storm+at+Tasman+Glacier Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) Elke leading us down from Caroline Hut ahead of an approaching storm. The winds are picking up dust from the Tasman Glacier below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859315547-0Y6S5QRFXY5NYJMQ2L8G/Caroline+Hut+Alpine+Recreation+Aoraki+Mt+Cook Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) Lisa at the entrance of Caroline Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859253224-JZEHJDAJEAN0IBM7YXGH/Ball+Pass+Ball+Glacier+Mt+Cook Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) Brent overlooking Mt Cook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521859551705-UU4CA2T3NGMKNYX8FWX1/Rainbow+over+Caroline+Hut+Aorkai+Mt+Cook+Alpine+Recreation Home - Mountaineering - Lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 2) Lisa absailing under a double rainbow. Caroline Hut and the Tasman Glacier in the background. https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/3/23/mountaineering-lessons-in-focus-decision-making-and-fun-part-1 monthly 0.5 2018-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857297615-27Y4ZUNMDJFQWNEDN4R0/Ball+Glacier+Underwater+Lake Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) Part of the lake under the glacier that I accidentally stepped into https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521858206565-P8NWLD3DCZT1VEACDH46/Alpine+Recreation+Mountaineering+School Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) One of Brent's early drafts of a table laying out the segments of our intended journey, with the terrain, distance and time expected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857761324-YYD1ZD8HDQKKAWGI3JRU/Unwin+Lodge+Alpine+Recreation+Mountaineering+Course+self+rescue+practice Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) Dinner time! But not before Brent rescues himself from the crevasse with his pack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857619916-QSFWVKTKM1OW2HCJC8C9/Caroline+Hut+Mt+Cook+mountaineering+course+Alpine+Recreation Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) One of our packs the morning we set out for the glacier (ice and snow gear, rope + bivvy gear) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521858659641-JLGZKCC9WAPHZ9LN2TME/Ball+Glacier+Mt+Cook Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521858278051-GJLXJCI0CDHFSAEATYKA/Ball+Glacier+travel Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) Practicing glacial travel in echelon formation on the Ball Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857910865-9BU29QV2OTRIR72NHSAG/Ball+Pass+Crossing+Tasman+Glacier+Alpine+Recreation+Mt+Cook Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) Elke, Brent and Lisa on the way to Caroline Hut via the Tasman Glacier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857727812-9SSIB13Z4KJQ6TWL5VLG/Unwin+Alpine+Recreation+Mountaineering+Course+self+rescue+practice Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) Elke demonstrating self-rescue from a crevasse in the middle of the Unwin lodge in Mt Cook https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857422749-SN9VFZTDGMOJF67JI8HW/Ball+Glacier+Mt+Cook+New+Zealand Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) View of the Ball Glacier from our bivvy spot - Mt Cook is up on the left, behind a cloud https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1521857879004-L2P23HJAWIAKV5WWMU3I/Tasman+Glacier+Ball+Pass+crossing+Mt+Cook Home - Mountaineering - lessons in focus, decision-making and fun (Part 1) The Tasman glacier (the lower, ablation part of the glacier is covered in rock and dust) and the terminal lake as viewed from our climb to Caroline Hut https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/25/town-fit-for-a-queen monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614305003-RIB6BCVH6KCQDHXAGKIZ/Running+in+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Another techie spotted running! This one is originally from New Zealand though https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519613614128-7TDCEQIFON1JU3IAXG9T/Creekside+Holiday+Park+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Our camping spot in the Creeksyde Holiday Park visible from here (behind the small blue van with the open back door) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519615109400-YCBQ5SEHBWK5K7S4ATFW/TSS+Earnslaw Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519615144099-29BI9B1XB8D2MHQGAF7H/TSS+Earnslaw+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Two happy tourists in Queenstown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614515493-M7WTPWHWHJVFZAUC438A/TSS+Earnslaw+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614214959-6F4K1V14NOPSRZ9Z6CTK/Running+in+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies A techie from San Francisco running in Queenstown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614845075-W92XSJGCTFC3ISKGY4E8/Piano+man+at+the+TSS+Earnslaw+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Piano man on board playing music from the 1930's https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519613885248-HXOFGUHP84DL0WJR4UTF/Ducks+at+Creekside+Holiday+Park+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Who's da boss :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519613807730-QN1ESH70ELBR7Y5B9G5V/Ducks+at+the+Creekside+Holiday+Park+Queenstown Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Our campsite with the ducks (Brent in the background getting water) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614586434-0A2QG1B63UEY1KO0KC18/TSS+Earnslaw+Q Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Brent at the TSS Earnslaw a few decades after his first visit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614104868-8WKUXY7XZ4SVQ6PL3VLE/Lady+in+the+Bath+lounge+Creekside+Holiday+Park+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies The quirky lounge in the Creeksyde Holiday Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614899371-FQZ36VE9XYXXVWPW9F2M/TSS+Earnslaw+steam+engine+room+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies The steam engine room - coal is being shoveled into the furnace https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519615047024-BSP8TH2FH0YMFHQDY1WJ/TSS+Earnslaw+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519614009341-PAIA17VTK9LVVK7SOR3I/Creekside+Holiday+Park+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies The famous "lady in the bath". Those are real plants growing under the tub glass btw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519613367253-7W99WTDS9GJ5SWY05V3H/Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies Queenstown in November https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519613479058-E4RYPDA4RUSIZ0NZ0X6F/Ferg+Burger+Queenstown Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies The infamous Fergburger - be prepared to wait up to 1 hour in line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519615201705-VX62352EPNZQYKWGE47E/Small+Planet+Queenstown+NZ Home - A town fit for a Queen and Adventure Junkies The cute dog at the Small Planet store. The dressed up alien creature on the cover of the article is also from Small Planet. https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/23/climbing-in-queenstown-views-rocks-and-world-records-not-ours monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519379163667-XJBAM7S8E80U0ZTJPKTF/Rock+climbing+Queenstown Home - Climbing in Queenstown - views, rocks and world records (not ours) Brent on the rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519379250360-APESGQREFPF5Q3M2UGJL/TSS+Earnslaw+Queenstown Home - Climbing in Queenstown - views, rocks and world records (not ours) View from the cliffs - the TSS Earnslaw steamship, which we were on the day prior https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519378851448-ROF9KRU5BDV9BRITKDH5/Emma+Timmis+rock+climbing+in+Queenstown Home - Climbing in Queenstown - views, rocks and world records (not ours) Emma showing us the ropes of outdoor climbing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519379119833-YENK392MIZG4OEY2DSVW/Rock+climbing+Queenstown Home - Climbing in Queenstown - views, rocks and world records (not ours) Lisa on her first outdoor rock climb https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519379033028-OYO33RAAQYP7HRHTLJ2U/Rock+climbing+Queenstown Home - Climbing in Queenstown - views, rocks and world records (not ours) Lisa belaying Brent https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/22/screaming-kiwis-thieving-keas-and-other-tales-from-the-kepler-track monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292299903-O9VOGCQX3VN1ZI8LQKCV/Kepler+Track+ridge+trail Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292885198-DD446T4H8CSTPDX9RV8K/The+end+of+the+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track The last few miles along the river on the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292246015-4FCHVNBBYLRBSTC35ZC0/Kepler+Track+ridge+trail Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290326412-UPAA7NZA0P5FR5WAC4EF/Lake+Te+Anau+Broad+Bay+campground+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Lake Te Anau in the morning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519291905349-8VF5RDN6N7OPYMOBIZPO/Kepler+track+ridge Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292469148-YQL0XUWXQDRC8AR3Q8HV/Kea+Warning+Sign+Kepler+Track+on+the+Iris+Burn Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519291825133-4LF8RS8KDKXWTS6DKQYV/Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519291284053-VDQZ0LPEDJ1OY7DXI8ZO/Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290886545-QRJVVR619S8I5TW3YY2L/Helicopter+landing+at+the+Luxmore+Hut+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Chopper landing at the Luxmore Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290491201-0BDPBNIN1WWD9HTJVCSI/Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track The track up the hill towards Luxmore Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292068445-R8VZXDCU2FP7MGAVKVY3/Kepler+track+ridge Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519291407876-WWKJIQK4G70A9EI8M70L/Kepler+Track+New+Zealand Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519289537022-TVW6PMJ2JGXVM21BJ6XI/Safer+Parking+Te+Anau Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track We stop to check the weather forecast at Chris' forecasting service at the parking lot - apparently, we're on for nice weather :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290061594-N1TQVYHOGRCVQ81CD3Q9/Starting+on+the+Kepler+Track+NZ Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Starting on the Kepler track in the evening with an easy trail to the first camp site https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292818468-C3VPR7KMADKJDQCQVWDN/Lake+Manapouri+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Lake Manapouri on our last day of walking the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292152434-1XK8SAJELUW5D10QEW0F/Kepler+track+ridge+trail Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292363559-3AT4MSHCUJ78YYM3FJGD/Kepler+Track+ridge+trail Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519291718776-7O2W75RZAIZJHX8JSUGA/Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519287845725-A5FT9XRVRE760DI8ZCY9/Air+New+Zealand+cup Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Love this question! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290146536-TLZRGKI3DPLSJUB5V685/Lake+Te+Anau+on+Broad+Bay+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Lake Te Anau from the Broad Bay campground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290549457-7LHG9QYZQGO2U08P26CH/Luxmore+Cave+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Luxmore Caves - just a tad slippery and not too many glow worms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290257720-ZSPAUW2OYKH7VA1GRK23/IMG_7307.JPG Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292541871-PWDJIM9Q22BW1FWR1GJG/Kepler+Track+Iris+Burn+campground Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track The Kea "sitting ducks" at Iris Burn :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519286979636-PNVYK4CCBTPHHMA8I6D7/Invercargill Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Sight-seeing in Invercargill on the southern tip of New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292425715-VFCZ5RBS2BNB0I1QNR6N/Kepler+Track+ridge+trail Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519290805814-JWR0R4P5ZTOR2LSMHLGA/Helicopters+on+the+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Passing by a chopper that has just landed to drop something off and pick something up https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519287052389-NBJEMP46KUQRS955GBFS/Flying+over+Queenstown+NZ Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track Flying over Queenstown, instead of into Queenstown - there was fresh snow on the Remarkables and the mountains surrounding lake Wakatipu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519288271893-A2OWSCYI1C9L6EKSTD9R/Early+dinner+in+Te+Anau+before+setting+out+on+the+Kepler+Track Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track The place in Te Anau where we grab early dinner before heading out on the Kepler track. We took a "smile" for the road :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519292761355-EPMEAKTGX8HJ402DPZ1D/Te+Anau+Glowworm+caves Home - Screaming Kiwis, thieving Keas and other tales from the Kepler Track https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/21/sandflies-thunder-and-cheeky-alpine-parrots monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519282537435-9L7BHQU234NSIIVRZ5HY/The+bluffs+on+the+side+of+our+path+down+the+creek+-+on+the+Edwards+side+of+the+Edwards+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The pole is letting us know we're on route - thankfully coming down we avoided getting bluffed thanks to Brent's meticulous route-finding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278551837-1NHAL2VX8BOS6YRM1OQU/Edwards+Hut+Thunderstorm Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots At the hut reading our magazines right before the thunderstorm strikes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278780470-8YFTRD86R3IPK13IK05G/Edwards+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The trek up the valley saw us making our way through knee-high wet tussock grass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519282982442-SUP52L8DLN2AT09EUMUK/Tarn+on+the+Edwards+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The tarn up close https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283661031-SUK608FEMMCYFI16YCGR/Avalanche+Peak+trail+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Brent leaning into the strong winds as weather moves in above the tree line on the Avalanche Peak trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519282932070-YW8JA66QG6QD85YZZC7V/Tarns+on+the+Edwards+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots We come across another beautiful tarn on the route https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283454182-UBF648E9KR7DXBOP231L/Avalanche+Track+trail+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278624747-93KM4A2OHW4MFFMR1VEY/A+loo+with+a+view+Edwards+Hut+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots A loo with a view - the hut toilet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278405246-ULC5OUM95SD0W4MYRW4I/Edwards+Hut+in+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Approaching Edwards Hut in Arthur's Pass just ahead of the storm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283041403-BKQGIJYV2O4ES73V2JQZ/Edwards+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots View coming down from Hawdon hut in Arthur's Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278243729-DE6Q7EZQTMPI6Y5ZPO2V/Edwards+Hordon+route+in+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots A typical section of the route (Brent in the background) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283991522-3QL6NBY7Y5DKAY6X8V39/View+from+Avalanche+Peak+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The view from the top of Avalanche Peak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519277214269-5JNH0CMRBOSEJRRKKSJ2/Arthur%27s+Pass+3D+map+with+Canterbury Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Brent pointing to Arthur's Pass in a 3D map of the Southern Alps with Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula in the foreground https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519277386147-CAWR1XRWXFVI3IERDJGB/Brent+crossing+river+in+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Brent crossing rivers in Arthur's Pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278479269-KR9A5XXQ7SGLW1ZF3RO8/Edwards+Hut+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Spreading out in our "private" DOC hut - Brent cooking some yummy dehydrated food as our socks dry overhead https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283182892-J5RQP1TVUZOH67LK9AIJ/Edwards+Hordon+route+scenery+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Descending into the luscious (ie. sandfly-friendly) river banks by Hawdon hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519284065771-V9UIUPVROLYFC21U42L8/Coming+down+the+ridge+from+Avalanche+Peak+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Coming back from Avalanche Peak - Brent descending the jagged ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519281794172-QZF93W4XORGDXTKWFS39/Mt+Cook+daisies+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Mt Cook daisies on the trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283385518-P0FH6X6NE82N26XY7L8R/Early+start+on+Avalanche+peak+trail+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Starting the Avalanche Track trail bright and early https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519278690794-IS81DLHDQZSK6SAUOHX9/Arthur%27s+Pass+Edwards+Hordon+route Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots In the morning, we start walking up this valley - we'll need to walk to the end of it (around the corner in the picture) before we start ascending to the pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519284433559-VZ5OBPCLGVOECLSDAGBI/Avalanche+Peak+trail+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The last stretch of the climb towards the peak sees us climbing a steep jagged rock ridge in gusty winds https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519284142287-RYYOWPGRFC5873VGJKGV/Avalanche+Peak+Arthur%27s+Pass+trail Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Lisa descending from Avalanche Peak as the weather moves in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519281950104-GEI1OL8IXUYVYJS8AVL6/Climbing+over+to+the+pass+on+the+Edwards+Hordon+route+on+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Lisa on the steep climb over to the pass - we're going straight up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519284265593-CDD5ODYWGSNBU6MSWRXC/On+the+way+down+from+Avalanche+Peak+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Brent with a vista of Arthur's Pass - storm clouds are getting closer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283290349-4Z4LOB3OHDAJK42NBY0H/Descending+from+Hordon+hut+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots At the bottom of our walk from Hawdon Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519282714705-IHZMH0TSNP06J4RO8GEJ/Edward+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Looking up towards the route we have just descended from on the rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283500531-IGLZFQVFFF7GLE0WVZBT/Sunrise+at+Arthur%27s+Pass+Avalanche+Peak Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots We're a third of the distance up when we see dawn breaking on the East https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283858712-5TK1TGIUKHOJMUEC0T8U/Glacier+visible+from+Avalanche+Peak+trail+in+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The view from the top of the Avalanche Peak trail - the trail is on the left - the large, jagged boulders are it :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519281661577-HF8K7U3MPCO7IIXIFV4B/Brent+wringing+his+socks+out+at+the+Edwards+Howden+route+in+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The requisite wringing of the socks on the trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519282302816-X4IHT2UXL5DC3UDQ6Y73/The+tarns+on+top+of+the+pass+-+Edwards+Hordon+route+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots The view on the top of the climb - a tarn is visible in the distance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519284630964-K40BK8RBRRHSMSD9JGAE/Kea+warning+cafe+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Enough said :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519283574079-9R45SGXYZ2OSMHMPU4X4/Sunrise+on+the+Avalanche+Peak+trail+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots On the Avalanche Peak trail during sunrise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1519284353447-D7BF0QZN34W1V3B2OVNQ/Weather+in+Avalanche+Peak+Arthur%27s+Pass Home - Sandflies, thunder and cheeky Alpine parrots Beautiful rugged Arthur's Pass as seen from the Avalanche Peak trail https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/9/banks-peninsula-and-gaiters-not-the-animal-kind monthly 0.5 2018-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518165419017-9CRBWX1F6PW0PR84RWBO/Lyttleton+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) A boat on the Lyttleton harbon in the early morning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518167023723-4VF6GE33DJCNARZGDS53/Banks+Peninsula+hike Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) The Banks Peninsula and the area we hiked https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518166318015-YEH31FWMMBBJES5N5FVI/Totara+Trees+Banks+Peninsula+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518165723915-M6ZPSSO86H15755DSDMR/Banks+Peninsula+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Some of the curious sheep on our hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518165839867-HQMF953CE6QUBQ8CBU2U/Banks+Peninsula+cattle+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Curious cattle - they just stop and stare at you as you pass by https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518165591973-3DICNTUAVRY722GK35TF/Lyttleton+New+Zealand+boat+ferry Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Brent with our little ferry across Littleton on our way to the Banks Peninsula hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518167212883-NXJ0I3XUL2JGNDUW0DPH/Banks+Peninsula+Totara+Trees Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Totara trees on the Banks Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518166165865-1TTQZ7MY12UABY160WHB/Banks+Peninsula+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Banks Peninsula New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518166024418-QUEZTJMZEREV8SH15PKA/Banks+Peninsula+cattle+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Tramping through farm land https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1518166500590-5HYEN8OLSUDGHFQVLUAK/Ancient+Totara+Tree+Banks+Peninsula+New+Zealand Home - Banks Peninsula and gaiters (not the animal kind) Brent at the ancient Totara Tree https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/1/a-wonderful-home-away-from-home-in-christchurch monthly 0.5 2021-12-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463669261-ZRXB98ZUPA2H7F78UUEQ/Running+in+Christchurch Home - Christchurch - our home away from home I love running in green and beautiful Christchurch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463497386-DUSRAON8GWCR05EMUY47/Brent%27s+family Home - Christchurch - our home away from home Brent's family - Brent is in front of his dad, Karl's in Christine's hands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463563627-EX5KTUWO37QWI8QUQV3N/Amy Home - Christchurch - our home away from home Our last time with Amy, eight days before she passed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517471980232-Z1QJC2J456XDWS7NJSDT/Climbing+gym+Christchurch+New+Zealand Home - Christchurch - our home away from home At the Climbing Gym (Rocks at the Y) in Christchurch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463071577-YQ0PF6IOIGXKTOK9E652/Amy+Brown+on+the+ship+from+New+Zealand Home - Christchurch - our home away from home Amy Brown (formerly Walsh), Brent's grandma, as a 4 year-old fairy on the ship to New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463620157-55Y9SSDZOMBXI27DG6NS/image-asset.jpeg Home - Christchurch - our home away from home It's amazing to see kids dressed in formal school uniforms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517462981208-XBL8X7Z5V8YGTKAMGQWX/Amy+and+Jim+Brown+on+the+ship+to+New+Zealand Home - Christchurch - our home away from home Jim Walsh as a Maori chief on the family's voyage from England to New Zealand in 1927 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463731953-H14FXVMPHIVLZWX0XX17/IMG_7196.JPG Home - Christchurch - our home away from home A wonderful running trail in Hadley Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517463148967-4WI4C1Q8TQFPFPELEW7Z/Christine+in+Christchurch Home - Christchurch - our home away from home Christine in her garden in Christchurch NZ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517472035423-4OFQBGLNTW6ZD63VX3A7/Climbing+gym+in+Christchurch Home - Christchurch - our home away from home Only in Christchurch - instructions on what to do if an earthquake strikes while you're roped up on the wall https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/2/1/the-return-of-the-mob-to-mordor monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517471545283-N6AGBYEE2OGMVX6ZT0CO/Tongariro+National+Park+-+a+hike+in+the+rain%2C+waterfalls Home - The Return of the Mob to "Mordor" We hiked in the rain since there was no point in doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and not seeing anything. That's me up on top of the cliff in the upper left corner of the waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517471398729-NKR6NIBD9GHV1J2SKMXY/Discovery+Lodge+Tongariro Home - The Return of the Mob to "Mordor" Our humble hut at Discovery Campground in Tongariro National Park. I didn't bother taking a photo of the mountains in the evening when we arrived. Little did we know that this was our last chance of a photo before the whole mountain range became shrouded in a rainy cloud the following day... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517471633349-UI9VSL227GVEYV0J1DJZ/Tongariro+National+Park Home - The Return of the Mob to "Mordor" A beautiful lake during our rainy hike https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517471674638-ZKGJ64OECEIYDR284MPJ/image-asset.jpeg Home - The Return of the Mob to "Mordor" Making the best of a rainy day in lieu of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/30/climbing-and-sulphur-spas-in-the-yellowstone-of-the-north-island monthly 0.5 2018-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461491088-KTBA76ZAW4T21BG8SF1W/Hells+Gate+Rotorua Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461361113-1YYQGUW5B0SF3N544RPO/Hells+Gate+Rotorua Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517460478299-JK4FYC0X3CT21CM8LUDW/Lake+Rotorua+running+trail Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island The route of my morning run by Rotorua Lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461540679-M9LNLM9VF2LT0L1TXGGF/Hells+Gate+Rotorua+New+Zealand Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517460673922-Z6R29DD3Y5DN1IBUYMC6/New+Zealand+Pukeko Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island I'm often asked if there are any dangerous or poisonous beasts in New Zealand. The true answer is no. Most of the creatures you see are birds, like this cheeky pukeko that runs around like a chicken by lake Rotarua https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517460563728-IU95HTGHF84AIWLDL0QB/Lake+Rotorua+running+trail Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island The running trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517460303000-FHLOZPSSUQUP9MB08037/Rotorua+New+Zealand Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island Running along the main street in Rotorua it seems that every corner, bush and lawn is sprouting hot fumes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461217654-D335EX9PBCU99737VH9L/Hells+Gate+Rotorua Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461790336-IL8SG5TCYKPU2Z4P8EI1/Hell%27s+Gate+Rotorua+New+Zealand Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461593417-95XWJ6147SKDSSU0BZ9Q/Mud+Volcano+Hell%27s+Gate+Rotorua+New+Zealand Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461712928-KUS49V60EPW24IHGFZMO/Mud+Volcano+Hell%27s+Gate+Rotorua+New+Zealand Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island The mud volcano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517461428882-FMT9XR0CL2MWA0A0C2GW/Hells+Gate+Rotorua Home - Climbing and sulphur spas in the Yellowstone of the North Island https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/30/gimly-of-the-waitingi-holiday-park monthly 0.5 2018-01-31 https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/26/bay-of-islands-and-having-fun-with-plan-b monthly 0.5 2018-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027702816-7UIQXZAX6W4OJCD1JZ72/Swimming+with+Dolphins+Explore+cruise+Paihia Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517028210318-AQQQ26Z5XCNOKFZ9GQ0G/Russell%2C+the+Bay+of+Islands%2C+Duke+of+Marlborough Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027871422-TY89B8GNOR06SLWF2Z6G/The+Bay+of+Islands+New+Zealand Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027934251-TJOUH9F5NFKB5TP5H5AU/The+Bay+of+Islands%2C+New+Zealand Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517028002907-74V9D401XKTI58VQCE29/Russell%2C+the+Bay+of+Islands Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027803330-7IRAFZKSUTWOABZQ2197/The+Bay+of+Islands%2C+New+Zealand Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027334725-AON3ZV8FQ6WO2MIARCUL/Russell+in+the+Bay+of+Islands Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027586119-XWXWZ0FXO08YN5BZX143/The+Christ+Church+at+Russell+in+the+Bay+of+Islands Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517026917904-DB2J597YEYNIG9AR6ZAF/Waitangi+Holiday+Park Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B Waitangi Holiday Park - our waterfront camping spot. Note the absence of neighbors courtesy of the rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517027019113-Y057N4XWFZZLYG5NKDVF/Twin+Coast+Cycle+Trail+-+Paihia+to+Hokianga+Harbour Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B Brent's bike at the end of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail from Paihia to Hokianga Harbour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517028052188-3KDG8KM3FQA8P4HVKHV0/Russell%2C+the+Bay+of+Islands%2C+Duke+of+Marlborough Home - Bay of Islands and having fun with Plan B https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/26/chief-brent monthly 0.5 2018-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517024725197-6Z68083EATW6VTO85B4D/Maori+performance+at+the+Waitangi+Treaty+Grounds Home - Chief Brent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517024447809-KKP4U7IPGXKWYK5SDUB9/Ngatokimatawhaorua%2C+the+world%27s+largest+Maori+war+canoe Home - Chief Brent Ngātokimatawhaorua, the world's largest Maori war canoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517024556815-TT5HECZTNJ1RCBLOZXDU/Maori+warrior+performance+at+Waitangi+Treaty+Grounds Home - Chief Brent Maori cultural performance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517024935748-IL5UOY2M8GX451CI4873/Lifting+of+the+hangi+Waitangi+Treaty+Grounds Home - Chief Brent Brent and Sully lifting the hangi basket from the hangi pit https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/26/hillary-and-the-beach-from-the-piano-movie monthly 0.5 2018-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516959907038-91JPZP9LOLI5X3BYGFFP/Karekare+to+Piha Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516960261126-VE1KNA63VF0T0ACSXW0G/Karekare+beach+to+Piha+on+the+Hillary+Trail Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516960366422-KBMGL91RQ0GHMEGEHM8D/On+Karekare+beach+Brent+Ayrey+and+Lisa+Kostova Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie Happy on Karekare beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516959294562-NFN2KCRCYPJY6DGYCMCV/Hillary+Trail Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516960100473-A8DA58T90EWLPB71RK3U/Karekare+beach+to+Piha Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516960200451-EAM72HQK1MSA40PZV7LV/Karekare++beach+to+Piha Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516959186735-EPX29R1IZY9QO0JGQHG6/IMG_6233.JPG Home - Hillary and the beach from the Piano movie An old kauri tree that we saw on our first hike in the North Island (the day before we visited the Hillary Trail) https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/26/how-to-kayak-to-a-volcano-at-night monthly 0.5 2018-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516958646121-YKV3F4ESPAYZKYKKPAXI/IMG_6280.JPG Home - How to kayak to a volcano at night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516958355219-1IOZ0EB0ATFERD72P40C/IMG_6316.JPG Home - How to kayak to a volcano at night Sunset view from the top of Rangitoto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516959901750-7PCZ6ERJGKCLFUJK67B2/Night+kayaking+to+Rongatoto+Island Home - How to kayak to a volcano at night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516958468942-TCSY3UWURRAH6RLM2YDY/IMG_0410.jpg Home - How to kayak to a volcano at night On our way back to Auckland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516958725219-8E9ET9FVH20G21E7WAFM/IMG_6278.JPG Home - How to kayak to a volcano at night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516958793220-1WZWAQBZZ4JDQGZPEE3M/IMG_6275.JPG Home - How to kayak to a volcano at night https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/24/who-said-we-dont-have-jobs monthly 0.5 2018-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516787926896-7NYXOSEROQ02AVS30UQD/IMG_0538.jpg Home - Who said we don’t have jobs? https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/home/2018/1/24/bloggy-mcblog-face-and-the-45th-parallel monthly 0.5 2018-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1516787050559-NTIBZ9RC0402PPOQYCNP/IMG_6729.JPG Home - Bloggy McBlog Face and the 45th parallel https://www.dispatchesfromthe45.com/about daily 0.75 2018-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a55c7521f318d2d2f2044de/1517018693717-9QSJSSRMB4QO4O5TG2FY/Brent+and+Lisa About