In Short...

I hitchiked to the Tongariro Crossing, Camped under a full moon and Stars in the National Park, Hiked Ngauruhoe Volcano to the rim, then between it and Roruapehu Volcano, Dodged a Killer Boulder at 40km/hr, Danced the Conga with 30+ CouchSurfers, Soaked up the Natural Hotsprings in Taupo, and made many New Friends Along The way.... it was a good weekend.

Usin' the Thumb

Right at the last moment, I decided to get outta here for the weekend. Palmerston North is so much quieter in the summer than I ever remember it. Probably because us rowdy travelers were always off on some adventure.

At first, my plan was to head to the South Island, but due to a "Wicked Awesome" ACDC concert, there wasn't a hostle or ferry available for about a week. So instead I headed North. It was already nearing 6pm, granted there was tons of light, but I figured I'd stick my thumb out and just see how far I could get.

I remembered seeing something about a CouchSurfing event and hiking the Tongariro Crossing, and hoped I might join them. After a quick phone call, I took a quick shower, stuffed my pack, and took off on my bike! Granted, it only had a couple of working gears, and my pack was so large I couldn't look up straight. I pedaled as fast as I could to the edge of town, stashed my bike, and pulled out a thumb.

The Journey Begins...

When I choose the name for this blog, Journey, I really meant it. I felt that it was important to distinguish this next chapter of my life away from my "Treasure Box." Simply because it is so much more than a goodie bag.

I think about writing in this blog every day, what do I want to tell you? There is always something... Apparently there was a German tourist leaving New Zealand who tried to smuggle 40 exotic lizards back home on an airline... in his pants. Who'd of thought?

Like I said though, there is so much more to this than just the fun stuff. I'm here in New Zealand on a 90 day tourist visa. Only three months! That scares me so bad, it would break my heart to leave again. It's like some crazy love affair that I can't get enough of. I want it and I need it, this country breathes life into me. If you are at all familiar with my first travels here, you'll know what I am talking about. I've been slacklining, and rafting, and kayaking, and highlining. And to be honest... I've only begun to have fun!

I've spent the last several days focusing strictly on job hunting for opportunities in Ecological Research in the field. I'm a bit disheartened since there are so many opportunities back in Montana, and yet they are so hard to find here. Really it's all about who you know, so that's where I begin. Networking. It's so easy to meet people here, and to get the "scoop." Some part of me just agreed that everything is perfect in NZ, and that I will have nothing to worry about at all. No problem with the jobs.

I've been here nearly a week, and no job. For some reason I'm astounded, considering I haven't sent out a single CV. I suppose that's how spoiled I've been. Shame on me :) I suppose I'm testing out the waters to see whats out there before I jump on board full speed.

I've somehow got to overcome my fears, that I won't make it here. I'm treading in new waters. Happy to have a couple of great friends here to help. I really owe them a TON! Thank you Jackson, and Thank You Phil!!

It's scary not knowing what's going to happen. I know what I want... thats a good start. I just don't know how to get it, or in what order to place my priorities. I'm so torn between staying in Palmerston North with my friends, and going off to start some awesome career with wildlife.

To be honest, I really just want to play! To have a blast! and to stay. My degree will take me a long ways here, especially with my experience. I just have to find the right job.



It looks like I'll be heading to the South Island for a couple of weeks before university starts up here in Palmerston North. Who knows!

If anyone happens to come across a great NZ opportunity for me, Please Don't be Shy!

Thanks Guys!

New Zealand- Taking it all in

It's hard to understand the meaning of "reality," unless you take the time to step away from it. What does it mean when someone says, "that's just life." It seems that this reality is a series of expectations that we put upon our selves and others to create the world that we know. If you've ever traveled, you may notice that this set of expectations changes.


So what happens when the far off visit is more than a simple vacation, but a new reality? You start looking at it differently. Behaviors and expectations are different yet.

I've been having a phenomenal time in New Zealand, it's been mind blowing! In just two days, I've rafted, kayaked twice, gone high-lining, slack lined a few times, found wild plums, camped with a BBQ dinner, and played with my new blow dart gun. I've only been in the country for 2 1/2 days!

Jet lag is still getting me, so I am exhausted right now. So many stories to tell already, and so much to think about.

What do I want to do with my life?

I must let a million thoughts lay to rest as my eyes are too heavy to tell you more.

Good Night

Scattered Thoughts and Overwhelming Excitement

Well the title kinda says it all. I can't believe I'm here, truely. It's even more beautiful than i remember. Flowers everywhere, the temperature is just Perfect. I spent the day visiting the Botanical Gardens, the Exotic Bird Sanctuary, and walking- drenched by the rain. I've never been happier!


No idea what the weekend will bring, kayaking? Surfing? Tramping? Road Trip? All possibilities. Who knows! Lovin' Life!

Into the Wild

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.

Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage