Just when I think the newness of this coastal town could be wearing off, there’s something strange and surreal to experience. For one thing there’s an 8,000 ft active volcano around the corner. Literally, it’s around the corner from our house! Mt. Taranaki has a massive presence when clouds aren’t obscuring its top, which they do most of the time unfortunately. We rallied for brisk 2 hour hike to a main ascent trail recently. It’s beautiful and deserves a dedicated expedition to the summit- right Doug?! Two nights ago we experience our first New Zealand earthquake. It was only a 3.6 but woke us up about 2 am with a shudder. Not to worry, they are common and we aren’t on a major fault line in the ring of Fire.

A few days prior the town was shaking and rumbling as classic American cars paraded through the city. And I mean paraded, for days! The annual Americarna event commands everyone’s attention. It was pretty cool but the rebel flags were disappointingly abundant. Kiwis don’t truly understand the flag’s meaning in today’s American culture, they just think it’s redneck and wild and, well, American. Kai and his new Kiwi buddy checked out some of the cars and the Texas BBQ truck outside the main basketball stadium after school. The owner of the new BBQ company wanted my critique as a real Texan. I told him “more spice, more sauce!”

But isn’t this New Zealand? Yes, it is! There’s a full on horse racing track between Boys’ High and their practice stadium. So yesterday after basketball practice we walked over and chatted with a young racing crew. These young farmers race their miniature horses and ponies a few times a year at the cart races. Kai thought “that would be so fun!” I had to get some photos and watch a race or two. The main attraction is a dangerous sport but the kids were keen on it.

And here’s something I’d never done before- had a night out with the girls on Valentine’s Day while Des and Kai patiently waited for my return home. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery was showing an 80s movie and a local female band returned from cryogenic suspension to perform before the show. My neighbor said I had to go. Live music is always appreciated and it was hilarious, entertaining, and “heaps of fun”! Here are some clips of Ladies 80s choir.

And coincidentally, today is Bon Jovi’s birthday.  Des went to a cheesecake party at the hospital to celebrate both Bon Jovi’s birthday and his friend Cain’s. Everyone sang their favorite song, Cain’s is “She a little runaway.” What’s yours?

This never gets old and is surreal to me– The scenery on a bike ride through town! Below, Kai and I hiking and Des biking at Lake Mangamahoe, best place to mountain bike locally. We share one bike for now.

and this is really surreal – Kai mows our lawn! To end, enjoy a few surf shots from Stent Road, Oakura and off a jetty in town.