Magic happens every day

There has been a lot going on since I last blogged but no worries as it is all good. My toughest problem is whether to go back and catch up or start now and go back. I'm travelling around so do not have internet everyday although it is not hard to come by when I'm close to civilization. I'm currently in Takaka in the Golden Bay, north end of the South Island. I'm recovering from a 4 day tramp up the Coastal Track in Abel Tasman National Park with Nicole Lever, a lovely young woman from the UK. I'll dedicate a blog to the tramp and post some photos; incredibly beautiful doesn't quite describe it. The problem with doing a coastal tramp is you get your feet wet a lot and have to take care of them. I did not do as well as I should have done so am suffering from some blisters and sore feet; that said, it was worth it and I will heal up to tramp again.

View from the Headlands Track

View from the Headlands Track looking toward Awaroa

Prior to the tramp in Abel Tasman I spent the weekend in Nelson at the Evolve Festival. It was held at the Founders Park which has a lot of historical buildings and stuff, ship models - some in bottles, bicycles, farm implements, and lots of exhibits on how life was in the past. Worth a visit just for the museum but camping on site for 3 nights was excellent. It was 3 days of yoga, music, massage, meditation, and healthy food. Lots of workshops to attend so I got to do Qi Qong in the morning which is the basis for Tai Chi. I also did a few yoga sessions and had a generally good time. I got there early on Friday, before they were ready for me and got directed to the part of the camping area where the musicians were camped which had it's own benefits. On Sunday evening my van was still penned in so they said I could stay as several of the musicians were camping there that night. I went into town to meet Nicole for dinner and talk about Abel Tasman. When I got back the artists had a music circle going and I got to sit in and enjoy some very magical improvisation. Words just can't describe it. My camping neighbor was a kiwi woman named Karen Hunter who was very involved in the music all weekend. I was fortunate to talk with her a bit and get to know her in addition to enjoying her music. In the AM I rode my bike to town to meet Nicole and shop for our tramp. When I got back there was a CD and sticker on my van and Karen was still there so I got to thank her and give her a hug. I have said that my life is magical, I just wander around and let it happen every day. Karen is playing at the Mussel Inn in Onekaka this evening and I'm headed up to enjoy some mussels and good music. I stopped at the Mussel Inn on the way north after tramping for sone refreshement and asked the bar tender where I could camp, he described a place that sounded ok if not quite legit and then said "or you can stay here and camp in the car park, we really don't mind". Not a bad place either, surrounded by trees and very quiet. I'll be there again tonight.

Bicycle Museum at Founders Park, Nelson

Man I could use that front chain ring on my road bike

Historic Church at Founders Park

Before heading north I had a few days in Christchurch to catch up with friends and do a couple of things to the van. It was nice to see my friends there and get some climbing in. I have made some very good friends in Christchurch in a short amount of time; Life Friends! It feels very comfortable and homelike there and will be sad to leave. I'll base out of there for a few weeks before I fly back to the states. Lots of good things to do closeby and lots of good folks to do them with.

Before that I was in the Queenstown area as you know from my last blog. I did not blog the tramp in the Caples and Greenstone valleys but will do that also with photos so that is two blogs I owe you. It was a very special experience. My favorite Kiwi Tasha came down to meet me with our friend John. John is British but very much wants to be kiwi as do I. I was thinking, not sure why I bother; I am trying to get over it, that we would go in Thursday and come out Sunday making it an easy 4 day tramp. The terrain wasn't too rugged or steep but it did cover 60 Km. That wasn't the plan though, we needed to get back to Queenstown Saturday evening so we could eat steak and enjoy the company of friends. So, we hit the trail at 5 PM bearing lots of Salami, fresh veggies, and food. I heard there was even birthday cake which made the full tramp but never got the right moment to appear. The Scotch did make an appearance though and was very much enjoyed by all. Thanks Tasha and John for a very special birthday tramp. We made it back to the car at 4:45 on Saturday, 60 Kms and less than 48 hours later. Plenty of time to get to town, shower, and get our steak.