New Zealand

Travel Date: April 3, 2002

Location: Aspen, Colorado; USA

G’Day One and All!

Wow. Just where oh where shall we begin this time? So much has happened since we last sent an update, and so much has changed! First of all, we’re sitting here right now in 70 degree weather (20 C) and no, we’re not in New Zealand, we’re here in Aspen!! Yes, you’ve heard correctly, it is an early summer here in Aspen and it has surprised everyone around. The snow on the ground is almost completely gone (and the snow on the slopes is nothing but slush) and we are very much getting into the summer mode and gearing up for our extensive travels that will begin in two weeks time.

But let’s back up because we have much to tell you about since our last update on March 7. If memory serves, we last left you hoping and praying for a BIG dump of snow to materialize. Well, it delivered BIG TIME. The morning after our last update, we were blessed with over a fresh foot of powder. I cannot describe to you the intensity of excitement that overcomes us when we wake up in the morning at first light, roll over to peer out the window and rest our eyes upon the sheer beauty of a fresh snowfall. As usual, Vic’s dad was the first one up – anxiously shuffling around the house and knocking on doors to sound the "epic snowfall" alarm. This time, we weren’t messing around with the traffic that would surely ensue, so Vic and her dad were in the car by 6:45 and on their way to the slopes. (Perk’s enthusiasm was slightly tempered so he decided to meet us on the mountain at midday).

By 8:45 Vic and dad were high on the mountain awaiting the opening of the final lift to the top. Standing in the heavily falling snow with a handful of other hardcore locals, the tension and excitement in the air built up quickly as we joined the others in a chant to open the bloody thing already!!! And finally, the lift opened and a huge roar went out from the small crowd – what a feeling!!! We boarded the chairlift and it whisked us to the top. First tracks!! We couldn’t resist the temptation to whoop and scream along with the other luckiest people on earth! And what a day we had! We snowboarded non-stop through the morning, had a small break for lunch when we picked up Perk and continued boarding until the last lift closed. Absolute nirvana.

Unfortunately for Vic, the next day was gorgeous so she had to work, but Perk got the full benefit of a beautiful sunny day on the slopes with a ton of fresh snow. And then, on Sunday the 10^th of March, Perk boarded a plane and headed to New Zealand - straight from the depths of winter into the glory of summer. For the next week Perk was busy living the good life on his beach house on Waiheke Island (just off the coast of Auckland) while Vic skied herself stupid in another 18 inches of snow that fell two days before she was to leave for kiwi land. And on Saturday the 16^th, Vic left for New Zealand to join the party that was well underway.

For the next ten days, we were reunited with close friends and family and made the absolute most of the stunning New Zealand weather. The first order of business was to head over to Waiheke so we could spend some time in the newly finished beach house that Perk (with the help of his mum) had been doing up over the past year. It was just fabulous sitting on the huge deck drinking wine and taking hikes around the beaches and bushland. After that it was over to Kawau Island to spend a few days on Perk’s parents’ beachside "resort" (see the pictures below and you’ll see what we mean). High tide came in around noon each day which meant excellent swimming off the wharf!!

On Saturday the 23^rd, we headed back to the mainland to attend the wedding of two of our close kiwi friends, Matt and Bec. As expected, the bride was stunning, the wedding was perfect, and the party rocked!!! It was so fantastic to spend such quality time with our closest and dearest friends. Thank you again, Matt and Bec, for such a wonderful day!

Sunday the 24^th brought an awesome evening with Perk’s sis Kelly and family, which gave us the chance to spend some quality time with Ashton, Perk’s nephew. And our last few days in New Zealand were filled with dinners, lunches and coffees with friends and family to maximize our time with everyone. What a whirlwind visit! But alas, our time down under (this time anyway) had come to an end, and it was time to get on with our holiday.

And so it brings us to today. Although we were hoping for a few more awesome weeks on the slopes, it appears that it was not to be. But hey, we really can’t find room to complain with sunny warm weather and fun spring-skiing conditions! So for the next two weeks, we’ll be busy enjoying the sun and getting our bikes in shape (and ourselves too) for our MTB trip in the Canyonlands. After that it’s off to the Grand Canyon and the rest of the American southwest. (For a complete and detailed itinerary of all our travels, follow the link to the Travel Schedule page.)

We’ll be sure to send one more update before we leave on our trip, and we’ll send a further update sometime after we emerge from the canyon. In the meantime, check out our pictures from New Zealand and send us email to tell us what you’re up to! Take care and we’ll be in touch!

With Much Love,