The Last Leg

Well, the weather pushed me to WWOOF yet again.  I was lucky, and got a place on very short notice.  I was doing garden work in a greenhouse at Subtropical organic Nursery outside of Takaka.  The place was... well quiet.  I was left with lots of food, but cooked every meal by myself.  My accommodation was a room built in a farm shed, meaning cold.  I enjoyed the work, but often was woken at 4 45 AM　ｂｙ　ａ　ｇａｇｇｌｅ　of roosters, which felt the need to crow every 3-6 seconds.  I have never wanted to slay chickens with a shovel so badly in my life.  


The weather soon cleared however, and so i was able to make 2 days of climbing in Paynes Ford with my friend Vince, an American who has been living at Hang Dog Camp ground for over a year now.  The climbing was fun, and difficult.  Foot holds were smeary, handholds open handed and slopey.  It really made me realaize how the time away from climbing had sapped my endurance.  This aside, I enjoyed being on rock once more, especially in such good company.  


Today I then had to head to Nelson for my flight to Auckland.  Two hours of walking with both of my packs led to a failed hitchhiking experience (the first failed one I might add).  I saw the bus coming, and threw my thumb out once more with a wallet in the air.  Sure enough, he stopped, and $35 later I had my way to Nelson secured.  


Auckland.  I splurged, so to speak, and decided to rent a car for my two days in the shit that is Auckland.  I pick the little car up tomorrow, then will head straight out to the Coromandle Peninsula.  There gorgeous beaches and sights await me, though not as warm as back home.  I have 2 must do's:


1. Hot water beach:  you dig a hole on the beach during low tide and hot water seeps in, making a natural spa.  you know i am going to enjoy that naked!


2. Cathedral cove:  epic beach cave cliff thing; i am not as psyched on this, but it is a must do for anyone in the area.


I can't wait to be home.  The thought of Mexican food, cheap booze, and good friends and family are pure eccstasy in my mind.  I the meantime, though, I plan to have as good a time here as I can.  If your wondering what I am doing, odds are it will be beach running and generally cheeky shenanigans.  See you all soon