Mount Maunganui

A jam packed day of hiking, surfing, shopping and swimming! We spent it over on the white sand coastline of the east (the west is a darker volcanic sand). Mt Maunganui town was our first port of call and not for the first time, we were again amazed at how and why so many people describe New Zealand as being 'like the U.K' - (see photo below)

After a look through a few surf shops, we decided to hike up the famous 'mount'. As luck would have it, just as we were feeling a bit peckish, we came across a stall offering free hotdogs! Perfect. Just the sustance we needed before embarking on a hike. It seemed pretty tough due to the heat, but didn't take too long to reach the top, where the views of the surrounding bays and islands made the bit of sweating worthwhile. We saw some cool birds along the way; including Guls with red legs and a black bird with a white 'bow tie' that sounded electronic! 

Once back down by the beach, we stripped off and went for a cooling dip in the invitingly coloured turquoise waters, before being entertained by an open air circus act!

From the beach, we walked straight into town and after comparing a few choices, I bought a surf board! And a bag, leash, some wax and a sun hat. Now fully kitted out for the rest of the trip, I went in for a quick surf to christen the (as yet unnamed) board.

Climbing at Froggart Edge

Had a splendidly leisurely start today involving a long sunny breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit. We spent the bulk of the day by venturing out to sample some of the North Island rock climbing. It took about forty five minutes to drive to an area of volcanic rock that is considered to be home to some of New Zealand's best rock routes. We got a bit of knowledge from the nearby climbers café, then after 'signing in' drove down the little track to find the crag. 

It's not the biggest crag in the world, but the rock type and setting made it feel like we were somewhere totally different. The rock was very solid and filled with little pockets; some finger sized, others like big handles. The countryside was a weird, green land that could have been made as a model, with rocks, trees and rivers in abundance. The climbs were all great fun and we both did three. The sun came round into the main wall initially, the heat of which made climbing impossible. Later the skies clouded over a little which took away the intensity of the heat and allowed us to continue climbing. 

It was nearly seven by the time we got home, and before we even made it through the front door, we were ushered into the neighbours garden, where a beer was placed into my hand and minutes later a hot meal produced - followed by ice cream deserts. How could we refuse! 

Surfing Raglan - NZ Surf Induction

Christmas surfing! Took a day trip out to the west coast to surf at the world famous 'Raglan Bay' today. And what a splendid place it is! It was an interesting drive of about an hour to get there through green rolling hills that are part grassland and part wooded. The forested valleys contained all manner of trees with an odd mix of old oaks, tall poplars interspersed with plam trees and big ferns.

Arriving at the coast, we were greeted by the sight of turquoise waters with uniform lines of waves. Bliss! We stopped at the first beach we came to, then back tracked to town to find out where best to go for our first wave and to hire boards.

Having got the required local knowledge, we got suited up and took hire of some boards. There were definite 'sets' of waves which (as always) were surprisingly bigger than when viewed from the cliff tops! The water temperature was lovely. Wetsuits, but no boots; some were surfing in shorts but we'd have got frazzled by the sun if we had! We both caught some quality, long rides, and were grinning ear to ear from start to finish. Although it was busy, there was enough room to pick up a waves without trouble. The tricky part was keeping covered in enough factor 50 - the sun feels so much more intense.

After returning our hire boards, we drove up to Manu Beach, which is a famously long left hand break. Although the waves were small, it was amazing to watch perfectly formed waves break out across the bay. Can't wait to go back for a go!

Tiredness was beginning to return by late afternoon, so after a quick look in the surfboard shops of Raglan town, we scooted home for a chill. And just to top things off, as we were trying to muster the energy to prepare a meal, our neighbour called over to say that she'd cooked dinner for us and we should come over and fill a plate each! Unbelievable!

Cambridge - Jet lag recovery in our new neighbourhood

Our bodies still feel a bit disoriented from the travelling. Have had a really nice day though: movement has been slow, and the day gently interspersed with food, drink and sleep. Last night we had the most amazing introduction to New Zealand. Our neighbours took us over to their daughters family for dinner. After an introductory stroll around their private ten acres, (including pool, tennis courts, river, gardens, office, sauna etc) we had evening drinks on the terrace, followed by a delicious BBQ. There was a real international gathering around the dinner table, with other friends from Australia and their son's girlfriend who had just flown in from San Francisco! Our hosts (one of whom, among other things was an Olympic medal winner!) were keen for us to try out some classic NZ produce and during the evening fed us 'L&P Lemonade' as well as local cider, asparagus, steak and other fine things! Then to finish the evening they serinaded us with a traditional Mauri song while the grandma played guitar! Truly a fantastic experience all round!

After getting up and breakfasting at a reasonable hour, we though we might have beaten the jet lag, but afterwards felt suddenly fatigued and immediately went back to bed for another ninety minutes! Starting the day again at mid-morning, we began to look at our maps and guidebooks as to formulate a plan. In the afternoon we ventured out to pick up some supplies and check out our new neighbourhood - the town of Cambridge. It's a really nice chilled town and well looked after. Soon enough we felt the need to rest again and watched the world go by sitting out drinking coffee and eating mince pies. It's weird seeing Christmas stuff when you're wearing shorts and t-shirts. 

After an entertaining time in the supermarket checking out the different foods etc (trollies are called 'trundlers' here!) we headed home for further respite in the form of more sustenance and snoozing. Gently does it, eh...

Boxing Day in New Zealand

Made it to New Zealand! Christmas Day number two vanished and having put the clocks back in America, they were accelerated forwards on the next flight so that the sun next rose to begin Boxing Day 2014.

Not sleeping some where between America and NZ

Auckland airport is right by the sea so made for a dramatic welcome to the islands. Inside the arrivals hall were some statues from 'Middle Earth'! We were swiftly through customs and met by our driver. We were waiting for a couple from another flight so had time to grab some breakfast and sit outside in the morning sun while we waited. Tired like we'd been up all night, but happy. 

The taxi got us to Alex's place, but I'd given them the wrong house number! Mass confusion was soon avoided though as I recognised the house from 'street view'. Inside was heaven. The softest sofa, water and sleep were all enjoyed. To try and avoid jet lag we set an alarm to only slept for an hour. Then we showered and went for a cuppa with the neighbours! We've been invited out for dinner at their daughters tonight, so have come home for another nap after A quick walk around the hood..

Happy Christmas in the Sky

Dazed and confused. Arrived in LA Airport at 4am on Christmas Day, but then had to change our watches back to 8pm Christmas Eve!?! Yey, we get to see Christmas in again this year! Pretty comfy flight so far. Watched some funny movies, a surf film and some live music on the screens on our seats. Tried watching The Hobbit but only made it half way through. Currently standing in the customs que in LA, then we'll get back on the plane and do it all again to Auckland!

Starting as we mean to go on.

All checked in ready to climb, surf and ski around the world in style!

Early Christmas at Fort Martin

The Martin Christmas Crew!

After a fairly harrowing journey down an over-filled M6, we've finally made it to Fort Martin for some early Christmas celebrations! I managed to also catch a few friends in town for lunch as well which was a bonus (as well as delivering some presents to a friends family house which involved scaling a wall and getting caught in a back garden, but that's another story...).

Fort Martin family portrait

Wally, Graeme and Paulo all made it over to The Fort for a Christmas dinner, pressies and fine festive chat. Baby James and the Mees even joined us on Skype.

Up to the weight limit! Packed and ready...

A final weigh in has been done and last minute jobs all sorted. Sleep now required...

Cwm Idwal Circuit

Surprisingly there was no one in Cwm Idwal this afternoon. The forecast of 80mph gusting winds and drizzly showers must have put them all off!? It sure was wild up there, but not particularly wet. (only when the wind blew off the surface water off the lake at us!). Given it's close proximity to The Cottage, we decided to get a last blast of the Welsh Mountains before heading south tomorrow. There's a decent path all the way around Llyn Idwal, which meant that we could enjoy the views and take in the surroundings much more than when we are normally scurrying in to climb a rock, laden down with our climbing packs. We must have been up there hundreds of times over the years now, but there always seems to be something new to notice and it was great, despite the wind to soak up the atmosphere of the place.

Cwm Idwal - Idwal Slabs on the left, Llyn Ogwen on the right

One thing that was cool to watch was when there was a really strong gust of wind, you could actually see it coming as it was picking up the surface water! - We had to time our run across the end of the lake to avoid getting a soaking!

It's a bit windy!

A cool rock on the path

Pen yr Ole Wen and Tryfan from the back of Cwm Idwal

Moel Faban

Thankfully, it's been relatively overcast today, so we've managed not to get too distracted, by going climbing or kayaking and have been able to spend some time packing and tidying The Cottage. We've assembled a real pile of kit - now all we have to do is whittle it down to squeeze it into a 23kg kit bag for the plane!? Although we've both been on plenty of expeditions and are quite used to packing for extended periods of time away, this is the longest trip I've ever been on and it's hard to prepare for what you might need in a few months time, having crossed various seasons and time zones! 

Given that we are planning to climb, surf, ski, kayak, mountaineer and snorkel, there's a fairly diverse set of kit requirements to account for!

Ok, now all I have to do is pack it!?

We broke the day up, by visiting nearby friends for a brew, then heading up into the hills for a quick blast of fresh air. Moel Faban is a great little peak (all of 408m above sea level) and easily accessed from the village of Racub. The views give a great 360 panorama of the Carneddau and Anglesey and the circuit gave us a nice little refresh before heading home at dusk for coffee, pancakes and more sorting!

Gryn and the Carneddau from Moel Faban

Moel Faban Summit View

Moel Faban summit with the Menai Straits in the background

Waterfalls

Went to visit some friends in Llanberis this afternoon, so took the long route there, to enjoy a little bit of the mountains and pass by Ceunant Mawr Waterfall (known as Llanberis Falls to most). There was a decent amount of water flowing over the edge - if must have been whopping a few days ago, when all the snow melted off Snowdon! I for one, was quite happy to admire the river from the banks today, rather than jump in with my kayak as the photos will explain..

There's a little path that leads right to the base of the falls, allowing you to feel the force of the water as it crashes down. We didn't hang out there for long though, as the spray was billowing out at us! There's also a good vantage point from above, if you cross over the Snowdon Railway line. Nice to nip out for some fresh air amidst an otherwise hectic day!

Afon Arddu in good flow

Llanberis Falls

Llanberis Falls

Dark skies over Llanberis

The Snowdon Railway

Looking down on Llanberis