One Minute free fall from 15,000 ft. Wicked. The scariest part was being pushed off the side of the plane while your instructor still sits on the edge, you are just dangling there and then whoooosh. You are falling fast and it’s incredibly free and scary and beautiful all at the same time. And then the ‘chute is released and you just kinda float and spin down. JP (my instructor) asked me to yell real loud at one point, I guess he thought I was sick or passed out I didn’t realize how quiet I was being, but it was so much to take in and I was just enjoying it. Skydiving with skydiveTaupo is a must do. Everyone was excited and helpful and the whole experience was epic!
A little over a week ago some friends (thanks Fran, Roz, LT, Chris, farmstay guys) threw the best going away party at the Stable. Every person showed up dressed in full on Cowboy or Indian costume: guns, handcrafted bow and arrows, facepaint included. If you want a good party leave it to Raglan. The last few days there flew by. I said bye to not only all of my friends but to Dan, Leanna, and little ‘Belle. We had a feast of Salmon and Udon Noodles and with lots of hugs, and well wishes, and see you laters, I hugged my “family” bye. Three people that changed my life, gave me a home, and 5 of the best months of my life. Now we just have to get them to come visit the States
Caroline, Seba, and I left Raglan (a little sad) and headed to Taupo. Upon pulling into Taupo we came across Reid’s Farm, a nice camp on the side of the River, where you can camp for free. It is safe, and close to town, but far enough to hike up to Huka falls and hot water springs. Taupo is a lake located in the central North Island, it is known for sailing, parasailing, skydiving, and mountain biking. It is a healthy and clean city, and I would go back. The skydive (see first paragraph) was unreal. Spent some time wandering the town, chilling and hiking at camp, sitting in hot springs, and paddeling (with surfboard) in Acacia Bay on Lake Taupo. I was fortunate enough to meet with David and sail on Fearless with him and Lindsey. We took a 2 and a half hour trip around the lake, stopping to see Maori carivings, and go for a swim. Thanks Dave and Lindsey see you both again! Here is where I said goodbye to Caro, as she went back to Rags and Seba and I continued our North Island adventure.
Caroline, Seba, and I left Raglan (a little sad) and headed to Taupo. Upon pulling into Taupo we came across Reid’s Farm, a nice camp on the side of the River, where you can camp for free. It is safe, and close to town, but far enough to hike up to Huka falls and hot water springs. Taupo is a lake located in the central North Island, it is known for sailing, parasailing, skydiving, and mountain biking. It is a healthy and clean city, and I would go back. The skydive (see first paragraph) was unreal. Spent some time wandering the town, chilling and hiking at camp, sitting in hot springs, and paddeling (with surfboard) in Acacia Bay on Lake Taupo. I was fortunate enough to meet with David and sail on Fearless with him and Lindsey. We took a 2 and a half hour trip around the lake, stopping to see Maori carivings, and go for a swim. Thanks Dave and Lindsey see you both again! Here is where I said goodbye to Caro, as she went back to Rags and Seba and I continued our North Island adventure.
Mt. Maunganui was the next stop. This city is located on the West Coast, known for its surf. There was ok surf, but the city was not a favorite. If you want to go out for a night life or shop you might like it, but there was nowhere to camp or park, and it was not convenient for travelers. However I needed my board fixed and the recommendation of Mike Meldon(spl?) came by. He was one of the nicest men I’ve met, he was accommodating, and helpful, he fixed my board real quick and he is a well known long board shaper. Thanks Mike wherever you may be, you were my favorite part of the Mont.
The Loveliest Places of all are those that look as if there is nothing there to those still learning to look –Turner-
Drive to Coromandel was nice, full of small towns including Paeroa (Lemon&Paeroa a local NZ bottled drink) which I loved. All the small towns were gentle and sweet. New Zealand is all about small towns with easy going people and spectacular beauty each different in their own right. You must zigzag around them, enjoy the locals and the sites, taking your time otherwise you will pass by some of the best things. In Thames Valley on a twisty road with a steep rock wall to one side and a river the to other I pulled over a one-way bridge in the middle of no where to use a bathroom. There was a small Maori run farm and Caravan stay and if I’d had the time (or caravan) would have loved to stay and get to know the family and their land more than just the restroom. We headed up the West Coast of the Peninsula and stopped off at “The Cheese Barn” and had a picnic of homemade icecream, brie cheese, blue cheese, chutney and crackers, and of course took some time to visit the farm animals. Up the coast another couple hours we pulled into Te Mata Bay for a swim, and lunch, and it was so relaxing I pulled out my yoga cards Ani made for me and put on the relaxtion cd for an improptu 20 minute yoga and meditation. Once in Coromandel town we got fishing gear from Top Catch (thanks for helping me out again TopCatch) ice, fuel, and water. Then took the dirt roads winding up and around the North Point and stayed at Port Jackson beach for two nights. Ahhhh Coromandel. Gorgeous, calm, peaceful Coromandel. Love it here. Coromandel is a Peninsular that looks like it came out of scenes from Jurassic Park. It is also known as the Puhutekawa Coast Line as the roads, beaches, and hills, are covered in this exotic NZ tree. We drove all the way up to the North Point where the beaches are desolate and the water is crystal blue. I took more pictures here then my camera could hold, so if you want to see beauty, see some of my albums. I tried fishing (this is the Coromandel pastime) but without a boat/kayak I did not have much luck. On day two I took the Coromandel Coastal Walkway by myself for a 7 hour hike around the coast to Stony Bay. 7 hours of walking, praying, and bird watching. It clears your mind and your soul, no matter who you are you cannot resist saying Thanks to God that created such beauty and allows us to walk on it. On the way back South again we swerved around and made way down the East Coast of the Peninsular to Waikawau, and New Chums Beach. New Chums is off the main road and once you “arrive” you have to wait for outgoing tide and walk the rocks and a small path to an oasis. If you can find this unmarked beach you will not be disappointed. White Sand, teal blue clear water, small waves, (good surf on a swell) and ¾ surrounded by tall rock and cliff. It’s what I imagine the small islands of Hawaii, or Fiji to look like. 
Keep your eyes open it’s more beautiful that way
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