In March Kai and Des documented their swim to the volcanic rock islands just off Back Beach.  A beautiful day was captured with a Go Pro in hand, so video is a bit shaky here and there.

Back beach lies at the base of Paritutu Rock and is part of a large marine reserve. It’s a good surf spot too and super close to our house. Currently, the quickest way to the islands from the parking lot entails a run  (or fall) down “the big black sand hill”.  Storms have washed out the nearby wooden staircase necessitating a long beach walk from another access point.  Local supporters of rebuilding the stairs are petitioning the city.  But that doesn’t stop us from getting down there in a flash!  The sand hill’s other distinction is that it’s Kai’s favourite training ground for high intensity repeats.

On a calm ocean day the swim to the first island is pretty simple. However,  crossing “shark alley” to the 2nd island mandates still waters.  Careful footing is required to climb to the top.   The plunge off the cliff was well planned and scouted beforehand.  It’s a known activity for thrill seeking, local Kiwis.   Enjoy Jen’s edit and 1979 disco song!

Last weekend my dad and I flew up to Auckland for a few days, primarily to take another flight farther north to Whangarie.  We wanted to check out Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve,  a group of islands known for the best diving and snorkelling in NZ.  From Whangarie it’s a 30 minute boat cruise to the reserve.  We enjoyed the view, organised our snorkel gear, and talked with the guides on the way.  Before we knew it, we were there. While some of the passengers made a beeline for the snack bar, we geared up and hit the water. My first thought was “wow, it’s very deep and very clear.”  There were several different types of fish in the water.  I managed to dive to the bottom a couple times, as the bottom was nearly 30 feet in some parts. The coolest part was swimming under the rock, into a completely dark cave, then coming up for a breath of air inside the lightless cave. After we boarded the boat again, the captain took us around the island to see all the arches, landscapes, and rock formations around the island. On the way back, I fell asleep on the lower deck and didn’t wake up until we pulled into the harbour.

Below is a video clip of inside the huge cave.  It’s jerky, sorry.

 

In another news,  I got a job!  I work as an after-school care assistant for the YMCA.  It’s been very enjoyable so far.  And I get to leave school a few minutes early to get there.  I am called in about twice a week and go to different “primary” schools (which are  elementary schools).   The job is quite fun for me because it basically entails playing tag and soccer with some kids aged 5 – 12.   I also read with them and check their homework. Some of my teachers’ children attend the after school care.  This is nice because it allows me to become closer with my teachers and get to know their kids.   Dealing and playing with them takes me back to when I was their age.   It brings back memories of me and my buddies playing the same games and being interested in the same things they are. I think I am somewhat naturally good with kids.  However,  I think everyone could benefit or at least enjoy some time with kids of this age.

 

I’m now a Year 12 at New Plymouth Boys’ High.  (I graduate after Year 13).  I’ve got some challenging classes namely, Physics and Chemistry (both Level 2).  But I like the teachers for both classes and overall I’m learning a lot.  My other courses are English, Statistics, and Ancient Greek and Roman History which is pretty interesting.  I’m learning about history of Pompeii and Roman society.  Favourite class- art!

Below is a photo from our first assembly of this year. This is Ryder Hall and  Headmaster Veric addressed the school.

 

This is me and my buddy Josh. 

Tattoo art done with a sharpie.  Not bad for upside down drawing on my hand!

My room “wall art”. 

My dad and I did a Rogaine bike race a few nights back.   You find as many check points as you can all over town in 2 hours.  Navigation is a challenge using race maps with no street names or named landmarks.  Here we are attaching the map boards to our bikes.  We made a good team! 

Kai has been cleared by the orthopedist to play basketball and other sports.  His knee is feeling great and biking has made it strong.

We all did a 35 km mountain to beach ride a couple of weeks ago. It was muddy but fun.

That’s all for now.

Time seems to have sped up these last few weeks in New Zealand.  Kai is donning the New Plymouth Boys’ High uniform again and Year 12 is off to a good start. He’ll be writing about his daily life and a recent holiday in the next post.  I still volunteer at the public health unit but hope a formal position opens up soon.   Des’ work days are full and he hasn’t had much time off.  However, looking back at February, there’s not much to complain about!   It was a gorgeous weather month. 

On Valentine’s Day, Des and I hopped down to Ngamotu Beach for an open water swim.  We warmed up with a stroll along the breakwater jetty.  It was a fishing day and boats chugged in and out,  reminiscent of Port Aransas.   But the water colour was amazing and a few distinctive volcanic features (Mt. Taranaki and Paritutu Rock) set it apart from any place in the world.  

We also continue to discover new walks and trails just minutes from our house.  One trail started from a main road and meandered through high grass and pastures and appeared to lead down to the ocean. Luckily we tread cautiously and just as the trail turned sandy we realised we were standing on a wee cliff!  The beach was a good 20 meters straight down. 

 

On February 28th I flew back to Lake Taupo for my “girls” birthday trip.  The other big event in Taupo was the New Zealand Ironman.   There were heaps of people running,  biking and swimming along the lake.   Frankly, it was a madhouse of cars and bikes that afternoon.  But easy access hikes are always nearby and I found one quickly.  Lake Taupo was formed by a volcano that cratered then filled with cold mountain runoff.   Warm, active thermals still bubble up all around this area.  Spa Park Thermal Pools is a tourist attraction,  beautiful swimming spot and start of a well traveled hiking trail.  I continued past the pools for a few kilometres to  view the mesmerising Huka Falls before turning back. 

At 5:00pm the Earnest Kemp, a miniature steamboat, launched for a cocktail cruise around the lake.  I met a very witty and friendly German named Carina.  Her English was near perfect and this was her first time visiting an English speaking country.  She traveled NZ on her own for 2 months. As “single cruisers”  we were happy to chat the whole time.  Although terrified she booked a skydiving adventure the next day.  She survived and sent me a photo!

A couple of long time friends from California were in the middle of their own New Zealand adventure and  we met up on the North Island.   They were ready for something on the water after trekking for 6 days on the Milford Track on the South Island.   At the other end of Lake Taupo are a set of river deltas and some of the best fly fishing in the country.   We booked a rafting trip down the main Tongariro River.  This was a first for me.   I wish I had more photos to show.  The towering cliffs along the river were covered in lush, green vegetation and ferns. Our guide, Jimmy,  was terrific, and finessed us down 60 rapids on the 2 hour excursion.  Wow, it was so great to spend time with Kathlyn, Margaret and the gals.  It was hard to say goodbye…the fun was just getting started! 

 

Cheers!