Thursday, February 09, 2006
It is with great trepidation that I write this from my current location. Last time I stayed at this backpackers it was a public holiday weekend and most of the inhabitants were 60+. Added to which the elderly proprieters were forever hovering around the tv set showing provincial British doctor dramas. It felt like the perpetual sunday evening of a covalesence home.
Since then I have been in Raglan which is much more happening as the kids say. Famed in Bruce Brown's Endless Summer for the left hander at Manu Bay I just had to go see it. It is just coming to the end of the kiwi summer and the weather put on a complete show transition from glorious sunshine Monday and Tuesday to torrential rain Wednesday through today. I regret chosing wednesday as the perfect time to move to a campsite.
The hostel was one of the nicest I have stayed in with views of the estuary and a shady square in which to sit reading. The beach is 45 minutes walk or a regular hitch hike away so I got there everyday. The surf was best on Monday when I got in at the beach for the afternoon then died off Tuesday when motivation was correspondingly curtailed by the previous night's Mexican revelry. Wednesday I got to surf the point which is a far more challenging wave. Thursday was off the hook which is NZ for 8-10 foot and pounding. I had arranged an early surf with Stefan but neither of us had any inclination to go in either then or 5 hours later although it was pretty enjoyable just sitting out and watching others rip or get torn as talent dictated.
The town was getting busy this weekend for the Rip Curl Masters which coincided with a marked drop of in swell that saw the beach working well enough for me. The worst thing about New Zealand is how hard it is to get around on public transport. Most places only have one service a day so to get to Taupo tomorrow I had to leave Raglan this afternoon at the expense of watching fllod-lit surfing tonight. Hitch-hiking would be the better option if not for the surf board I am carrying. Everybody say hello to Kitty. She is 6'4", Californian, likes walks on the beach and holding ankles at sunset.
The plan for the next few days is to walk to the Tonagriro crossing, some say the best one day hike in NZ, then head to Gisborne to surf with Stefan once he catches up. Taupo has the cheapest sky dive in the country so chances are I may throw my self out of a plane before the week is out.
Since then I have been in Raglan which is much more happening as the kids say. Famed in Bruce Brown's Endless Summer for the left hander at Manu Bay I just had to go see it. It is just coming to the end of the kiwi summer and the weather put on a complete show transition from glorious sunshine Monday and Tuesday to torrential rain Wednesday through today. I regret chosing wednesday as the perfect time to move to a campsite.
The hostel was one of the nicest I have stayed in with views of the estuary and a shady square in which to sit reading. The beach is 45 minutes walk or a regular hitch hike away so I got there everyday. The surf was best on Monday when I got in at the beach for the afternoon then died off Tuesday when motivation was correspondingly curtailed by the previous night's Mexican revelry. Wednesday I got to surf the point which is a far more challenging wave. Thursday was off the hook which is NZ for 8-10 foot and pounding. I had arranged an early surf with Stefan but neither of us had any inclination to go in either then or 5 hours later although it was pretty enjoyable just sitting out and watching others rip or get torn as talent dictated.
The town was getting busy this weekend for the Rip Curl Masters which coincided with a marked drop of in swell that saw the beach working well enough for me. The worst thing about New Zealand is how hard it is to get around on public transport. Most places only have one service a day so to get to Taupo tomorrow I had to leave Raglan this afternoon at the expense of watching fllod-lit surfing tonight. Hitch-hiking would be the better option if not for the surf board I am carrying. Everybody say hello to Kitty. She is 6'4", Californian, likes walks on the beach and holding ankles at sunset.
The plan for the next few days is to walk to the Tonagriro crossing, some say the best one day hike in NZ, then head to Gisborne to surf with Stefan once he catches up. Taupo has the cheapest sky dive in the country so chances are I may throw my self out of a plane before the week is out.
Comments:
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oh look at me I'm so clever, I surfed Raglan, but can you get an Irish coffee at 3 in the morning?
Could you post a picture of your new board? Is it twin or thruster, and is a fish going to help you much in Indo? 1 word Smith: Gun.
Could you post a picture of your new board? Is it twin or thruster, and is a fish going to help you much in Indo? 1 word Smith: Gun.
Hey-o. I have no idea how to email you, I can only post a comment. I was searching my name, or at least my pseudonym today and found your page. Looks like you're having a great time! Hope New Zealand is treating you well.
I surf the internet. That is all.
Simon/Dash
I surf the internet. That is all.
Simon/Dash
hello kitty, you sound like an all-american babe! Well done, 6"4 eh? rumour has it tho that tall girls dont smile.
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: 2/17/2006 7:31 AM
: 2/17/2006 7:31 AM 
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