Auckland, Northland, and the Bay of Islands

Around the World In Eighty Hours!

Ok- so it wasn't quite 80 hours, but it was long. After over 20 hours of travel, Mrs. Paddler and I arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. It is great here- more on Auckland in later posts. It is still amazing to me that we were in New York less than a day ago. An Airbus 230 sure can make the world feel small. We were greeted by the Penney's at the airport- and it is so good to see them again. We went back to their place, only blocks from the Auckland waterfront. After, we went for a long walk and stopped for coffee to stay awake. It is our goal to stay up today as long as possible to get ourselves on kiwi time. So far so good. It feels great to be in New Zealand.

On a side note, yesterday, just before we were leaving, we saw on the news that a commuter plane and tourist helicopter collided and fell into Hoboken's waterfront. Tragically, nine people died. Debris fell along Frank Sinatra Drive. On most Saturdays I would have been paddling where the aircrafts crashed. Even more strange, the news of the accident arrived in NZ before we did, the pilot of the helicopter was a Kiwi. Small world indeed.

Off to New Zealand!

Mrs. Paddler and I leave this week for New Zealand! We can't wait! I am greatly looking forward to skiing and my wife, a knitter, will be in the land of sheep and wool. We are also hoping to get in a day of paddling in the northland area. Our nights will be filled visiting our Kiwi friends and drinking New Zealand wines and beer. I am also looking forward to seeing the stars of the southern hemisphere for the first time. The pic below is the grand chateau. We've booked three nights there. Awesome!

Rain Delay

Storms and rain have kept my sea legs planted firmly on land both yesterday and today. Fortunately it has also given me sufficient time to plan my big excursion. Mrs. Paddler and myself take a big trip each summer and this one is no exception. This year, we are traveling further than we ever have- to the other side of the world. We are going to New Zealand. August will be New Zealand's winter, but no worries- Hoboken Paddler is also Hoboken skier! I look forward to bringing my reader(s) pics and stories from the land of the long white cloud. We will be visiting our Kiwi friend Anna and her british husband Rob in their hometown of Aukland for the first of hopefully many trips.

If, like me, you are also stuck inside due to rain, feel free to peruse my links. I especially like the blogs written by my friends. Luke Sidewalker's quest to find millions the hard way might also bring you the financial insights you've been looking for. And, if you are male, in a relationship, or both, the newly created NagsforNorway is required reading. Both blogs are written in the vicinity of the mile square city. Enjoy.