Sorry for the Delay!!!!

Hi guys!!!!!So much has happened in the last few days. This past week has been so busy! well.... we got our car, a Subaru station wagon. She is a beauty :) We named her lady bird and so far she has been great. We decided on going for a station wagon over a van because we felt it was more economical and suited us a bit better. The first day we bought her we hit the road. We couldn't wait any longer to get out of the city. We headed north for a 4 day camping road trip. Our first stop was in the Bay of Islands. Simply amazing is all i can really say. White sand beaches and crystal clear water with little islands surrounding us. We set up camp at Haruru Falls and went kayaking down the river through lush forests. The next day we continued north to make it to Cape Reigna, which is the northern most part of the north island. We went hiking down this jungle mountain to an awesome beach were the two of us played in the water and we happened to be the only 2 on the beach. I cant really put into words how beautiful everything is, its surreal. After our day of hiking we set up camp right on the beach got a good night sleep and headed out in the morning. On our way back south we drove down 90 mile beach which here is a legal highway. We were told by some locals that when driving down 90 mile beach we can pull of the side and go shell fish hunting, so we did and caught ourselves about 50 or so. We ended up cooking them for dinner that night. Continuing our drive south we hit up the sand dunes to go sand boarding which was unbelievable. We hiked up these dunes to go 60 mph back down them. We did one more night of camping, drove back down to Auckland the next day to pick up Thomas and Jeremy at the airport. WE are now in Rotarua, where we went zorbing, luging, and a sky swing. The for of us stayed in a hostel last night and today we are on our way to go rafting through the glow worm caves. BUSY BUSY BUSY! But so much fun. Miss y'all and wish you could be doing these adventures with us!

Home Sweet Home

WE BOUGHT OUR NEW HOME. whoopwhoop. details later

Days Gone By

The past few days have been a bit overwhelming to say the least. We have been still exploring Auckland and becoming some what settled in.The two guys we share our room with are nice and to themselves for the most part. One from Germany and one from Japan( Simon and Kinti). We have quickly realized that eating and drinking out may be more expensive than we like, so we made our way to a market a few blocks from our hostel and stocked up on some food for the week. Our search for a car is ongoing but we think we found a winner. We will post pictures when it's final. I wish I could rub in how perfect the weather is, but after the first two beautiful days, we have been experiencing down pours and gusty wind. The locals say that it will be gone as fast as it came seeing as though it has been perfect weather all month up until two or three days ago. Even though the weather has been bad, it didnt stop us from going out and exploring more. Today we found ourselves at Mission Bay, a 5k walk along the water just south of our hostel. It was an amazing sight...... The city is beautiful and all, but we are itching to get out on the road and venture to the country side!
p.s. Thanks Trish and Larry for the rain jackets. They came in handy sooner than we thought they would.
pss. Aunt Kim, we got in touch with Christine and should be meeting up with her soon.

flight and arrival

WE made it! What a flight, and an amazing first two days. Here is a brief overview of all events. LAX was a breeze, except for the thirteen dollar two bites of quesadilla. Literally, two bites, ridiculous (thank adair for that one). But the drinks were good, and cheaper than the food. Flight was easy, no turbulance and seemingly short. The layover in Fiji was hot, humid, and a long wait. The flight from Fiji to Auckland was short and beautiful. We took a shuttle to downtown Auckland, put ourselves up in a hostel (QSB) and took off into town. We took the ferry to Devonport and walked around the area. We searched underground tunnels and scaled barnicle-filled seawalls...and found ourselves on at a beautiful bay. The tide happened to be out, a few hundred yards out. We could walk seemingly forever in ankle deep water filled with star fish. We ate dinner in downtown Devonport. Drank a bottle of wine and fell asleep. Today we walked and walked and walked and sat down on a bench overlooking all of town. It was surreal, wish yall could see what we see. Miss everyone
ps.. thanks tom and carlotta for the packs, They are kickass
ps.. thanks patch for the day pack, its also kickass
ps.. thanks to our parents and family. love yall

So...... after much debate and discussion, Garrett and I think it is only appropriate that he starts our trip clean cut and fresh and then let nature take its course for the remainder of the four months! This could be a great idea or a complete disaster! Lets hope customs allows him back in the US!
*This is what we predict he will look like. Compliments of Danny!

The Countdown has Begun!

6 days left until we leave on a jet plane. Hard to believe that it is finaly here! Garrett and I semi started to pack today. I must say that I think its going to be alot easier for him to pack than me. It hasn't yet hit me that im not allowed to pack lavishly. Thank goodness he is around to tell me what to and what not to bring! Every little ounce counts when backpacking, but, I dont see the harm in a few extra shirts. Right? Anywho, this week is going to fly by.....we have alot to do before departure! So excited! Can't wait!