Bay of Plenty

After a quick flip of the coin Stacie and I found ourselves driving to the Eastern seashore known as the Bay of Plenty… It was so amazing! For one it was the first solid two days without rain that I have seen since my plane landed some six weeks ago. The sun was enough to give us a little sunburn. Secondly we decided that the only true way to travel is in the Kiwi style… no shoes.

It was amazing, I have stood on the edge of the Grand Canyon, I have hiked an active volcano, I have shimmied through slot canyons in AZ and lived in the redwoods for more years than I can count and I am still amazed by what God has created…

We hiked an old volcano covered in forest and sheep, then went boldering around tide pools. There were many beaches, but there always are here, and even a waterfall that explodes out of the side of a cliff, don’t believe me just look at the pictures! So what do you do when surrounded by such wonder? You climb it and stand on top of a waterfall! Unbelievable the river was an amazing shade of turquoise. It seems that everywhere I go I keep running into a postcard view of New Zealand.

Side note: (How to talk your way out of a speeding ticket in New Zealand)

First it is important to calm oneself, questions like “how does my insurance work over here?” and “do I still pull over to the right hand side of the road?” can only cause panic. Second after realizing that the officer is approaching your vehicle resist the urge to think “hum they sure look funny wearing those little vests” and under no circumstances share these feelings with said officer. Once conversation has begun do not try to hide ones own accent by using terms such as “good on ya” or “heaps” this will only lead to mocking by officer. Hand California drivers license to officer and allow appropriate amount of time for officer to ponder the impossibility of running said license through his computer. Talk into breathalyzer after assuring officer you have had nothing to drink. Thank office profusely when he gives you a warning. Drive away… Insert “yes sir”, “thank you sir” and “I will sir” as necessary.

And so the adventure goes…