South Island Salutations!

Hello everyone!

Wow, it's been over a month since I last wrote! Sorry for the delay! I do have somewhat of a good excuse though.

For about the past three months, I've been in the south island of New Zealand! We took a ferry over from Wellington and drove to Kaikoura for a week's stay at the local Marae. The Marae was absolutely stunning! All 27 of us stayed in the Wharenui, the sort of gathering room, on mattresses and the accommodations were actually quite comfy! The only negative I can possibly think of is that all the snorers were in harmony each night, as well as the "night-farters." I can't judge, I've definitely fallen into both of those categories on more than one occasion. While in Kaikoura, which a seaside town that completely relies on tourism, we investigated that very important industry and began some investigation into eco-tourism. We also saw our first fur seals! They were absolutely adorable, and I actually gave a five minute presentation on them to our group. We also went out one morning and literally swam with the dusky dolphins in the ocean. Swimming with dolphins had never been on my list of things to do, but now that I've done it, I don't know why I had never thought about it! The dolphins were very playful and when we squeaked to them, they often swam right up and under us and circled around to test our swimming abilities. It was fantastic, and I got some great photos and videos. One accomplishment I did do while in Kaikoura: my first 2-hour run!!! It wasn't all that difficult either, I'm proud to say, although I did unknowingly end up running down a freeway in the dark...woops! I'll have a half-marathon under my belt in no time! I might even try to find one to do while I'm out here. We'll see!

After a few days in Kaikoura, we were left on our own in Christchurch, one of the bigger cities of the south island. Our first night there was one I had been anticipating for a long time: a rugby match between the Crusaders and the Australian Force. The game was INCREDIBLE! Actual crusaders rode in on horseback to "Carmina Burana" and I was sitting in the first row directly behind the goal posts. The rugby ball actually hit the railing directly in front of me, so if you YouTube the match, you may catch a glimpse of me freaking out in the first part of the game! Haha! I also got a great picture with one of the Crusaders' props, Isaac Wells. He was quite dreamy, though nothing special compared to my main man :)

I did a lot of window-shopping around Christchurch and saw a great art festival, as well as some beautiful botanical gardens. We stayed at a really fun hostel called Charlie B's, and I think I'll plan to stay there when I come back in 2011 for the Rugby World Cup! I also spent a night out on the town at some local bars and clubs at "The Strip," but I have to say, I felt so old! That was a shock! Sadly, my faithful backpack also bit the dust in Christchurch. Those of you who have known me for years know this backpack well: it's fake-denim pants design and poor one-sided zippers. I finally bought a new backpack and it's working well, but I'll never forget my old friend.

After the weekend in Christchurch, we were picked up by the EcoQuest staff and headed to Craigieburn for a few days in the beech forest, examining alpine and sub-alpine ecology. We also delved into the ethics and methodologies of wildlife management and conservation, which included a very interesting video involving red deer being tackled, drugged, and lifted upside by helicopter to other areas in New Zealand, all set to synthesized 80's music. In addition, we spent time pulling up pine trees in the area because they were invading the area of beech forest and planted mistletoe with the owner of a Wilderness Lodge near Craigieburn. The experience was a little mind-boggling, but the views from every angle were breath-taking, something I wouldn't trade for the world.

Following Craigieburn was a trip to Reefton, a small mining town about 3 hours from Craigieburn. We saw an old gold mining stomper and examined the town's museum. Only 950 people lived in the town and it relies entirely on the boom and bust industry of mining. We visited the open mine where coal was being taken and learned about the process of "harvesting" it, as well as its sorting. Reefton was a cute town, but not exactly one I could picture myself staying. From Reefton, we traveled to Nelson Lakes, where we encountered unexpectedly the national motor boat championships of New Zealand happening on Lake Rotoiti in the national park. Imagine that! Speed boat races in a national park! We hiked through the forest there to learn more about small pest management and then were on our way once more.

By the time we left Nelson Lakes, everyone in EcoQuest was itching for a break. Luckily, we have since started our 4-day "spring break," with some of us staying in Nelson Lakes, others of us headed to Takaka for hiking, and more bone-carving in Nelson. I've been traveling with a small group of friends, Kerry, Kelsey, and Liz. After spending a night at the Paradiso in Nelson (which I highly recommend! Fun people, cheap food, and a good ol' time! I spent a good hour or so talking with a really interesting guy from Israel at pool!), we picked up our rental car from the airport and headed toward Takaka to tramp up on Boulder Lake Trail in Kahurangi National Park. After some suggestions from a local Department of Conservation (DOC) worker, we changed our plans and decided to hike up the Cobb Ridge to Lake Peel at the same national park. We drove an incredibly steep, narrow, cliff (thanks to Kerry, our driver extraordinaire!) for about 30 minutes before reaching our start point. During this time, I was plastered to the side of the car not near the cliff. It was a huge vertical drop! The tramp itself however, was much less scary, and was, in fact, one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever experienced (perhaps even tying with Iceland! *gasp*). We spent 2 nights out on the trail (again, I have some great pictures!) and were planning to head back to Takaka this morning to meet up with some other EcoQuesters for some rock climbing, but there was something else in store for us... mwahaha! To find out what happened, you'll have to check out my next post! I'm at an internet cafe and I need to send some emails ASAP! But I promise, I'll write again soon!

Much love to everyone back home! I'm missing you all tons!

~Katie