After our last breakfast amongst the Marlborough vines, we hopped in the mini-van towards Kaikoura. Immediately I knew Kaikoura would be my kind of town, as “kai” means food and “koura” means crayfish. Kaikoura is a famous coastal town known for its dusky dolphins, sperm whales and New Zealand fur seals. We knew we were close as Tess spotted a seal colony along the beautiful coastal highway. By the squeals and screams by five passengers, Tim could tell we were anxious to stop for a closer look. These deliciously adorable creatures were sprawled out on the rocks enjoying the cool temperature and the waves crashing in. The dangerously close highway forced us back into the car prematurely, but we were delighted once we arrived at our lodge we would be staying for the next two nights. While at the Hapuku Lodge, we stayed in handmade tree houses with a view of the aqua Pacific Ocean on one side and the towering mountains on the other. Not to mention a Jacuzzi bath and complimentary New Zealand brewed Mac’s beer.
Dolphins everywhere!
Our primary activity while in Kaikoura turned out to be one of my favorite memories of the trip so far—swimming with the playful dusky dolphins. We arrived at Dolphin Encounters crossing our fingers for an operating tour, as the weather looked spot on to us but the waters were a bit choppy. Although given the message of SEA SICKNESS WARNING by every staff member, our good luck continued, as our group was called back to begin the gearing up process. With a 5 mm wet suit, a 5 mm jacket, a hood, flippers and a snorkel, we not only looked good but were going to be well prepared for the frigid water temperatures. After a quick safety video, we headed aboard a catamaran for a beautiful boat ride to the dolphin’s favorite spot. With the sound of the horn and the water splashing, we knew we had found it. The crew gave us helpful hints on how to attract the dolphins to you—continual loud squealing noises, swimming in circles and playful dives into the water. With large sets of lungs and impressive snorkeling skills, Tess and I were the perfect dolphin play buddies. We sat down on the edge of the boat only to be directed that it was GO TIME. We slid in to the ocean, as gracefully as Tess and I possibly could (hard task!), and within seconds we were surrounded by four or five dolphins. Not a surprise seeing that I had been practicing my dolphin squeal for weeks! These intelligent creatures came within inches of us, making eye contact with us and somersaulting right in front of us. One “couple” even enjoyed the water right beneath me for a good mating session. Once a pod of dolphins had moved on, we crawled back on the boat ready for our next dive. After 5 of these energy draining yet mesmerizing dolphin dives, it took every ounce of energy left in me to climb aboard. Once I emerged from the water, the sea sickness hit me like a brick wall! I graciously accepted a bucket from the crew and made good use of it..over and over. The boat pulled over for a dolphin photo session where we learned about their promiscuous behaviors—a female dolphin mates up to 5 times and with 3 different males in just 3 minutes. Wow. After a few ginger cookies and fresh air, I felt like a million bucks and enjoyed every dolphin flip and somersault on the journey home. We enjoyed the rest of our afternoon raiding the lodge’s DVD selection, including my introduction to the classic Finding Nemo. Searching for sperm whales tomorrow :)
Through spectacular scenery, a beautiful stop at the gushing Huka Falls and a coastal beach walk, we arrived in the capitol of New Zealand--Wellington. The third largest city and southernmost point on the North Island, Wellington prides itself in being the home of Peter Jackson and filming place of many Lord of the Rings scenes. Only fitting then that within minutes, we were told by many locals that the LOTR tour was an absolute must. Although tempting, I somehow found it in me to refrain. We arrived at our destination for the next few nights, the Museum Hotel. Immediately, we dropped our bags and headed to the main drag for a delicious meal at Matterhorn. Even miles away from the Maori village, Tim continued to get recognized for his wonderful “chief” leadership skills by members of our tribe.
Sea kayaking at Abel Tasman--notice baby seal team!
We awoke the next morning with beautiful weather, ready to take on Wellington and the famed “red rattler” cable cars. Somehow, we seemed to miss the station for the cable cars and opted to walk up the large hill instead. It turned out to be a good mistake, as I appreciated both the beautiful views and exercise. Our route took us directly through the Botanical Gardens, with a plethora of rose gardens, endangered plants and old cemeteries.
Momàthe moment in my life may have arrived….I like gardens. Yep, I said it.
While in Wellington, we were fortunate enough to experience two top notch museums. For arrived at our first stop, the Carter Observatory, ready to take in the Southern Skies. With educational exhibits, a star show on the Southern constellations and a killer playground outside the facilities, it was a winner of a day. Our walk down provided stunning views of Wellington and its harbor, as well as a stroll along Lambton Quay, the main shopping drag of Wellington. On day two, we took a whole fifty steps from our hotel to the six story Te Papa Museum. Beginning with a wonderful overview tour from our very friendly guide, Basil, we stayed for five hours enjoying the exhibits on the tectonic plates of New Zealand, the colossal squid, Maori customs, the controversial Treaty of Waitangi and more. Due to fantastic behavior from my three young cousins, Basil offered us free passes on the 4D interactive simulator ride. The kids got quite the kick out of my constant screaming and death grip on my arm rests, but another beautiful way to take in the extraordinary sights of New Zealand.
Five story high sand dunes
With the silver bullet mini-van returned, we turned to the ferry for our next form of transport. We hopped aboard the InterIslander ferry, for a three hour journey from Wellington to Picton, a small town on the south island. Crossing over the Cook Strait, we took in the stellar views and completed a solid school session all before noon. After loading our new rental full of luggage, we were only a minutes’ drive to the vines and one of the most important destinations in New Zealand—the Marlborough Region. Famous for their world class sauvignon blancs, the region also produces a mean glass of pinot noir. With hours of research, Tim knew just the spots and the rest of us followed, as we knew he would not lead us astray on this matter. Our first stop at the Herzog Winery proved this point. With stunning gardens, delicious food and multiple glasses of red midday, I was one happy girl. Over the course of the next few days, we stopped at many wineries, although all around this may have been my favorite.
Wharariki Beach
In between wine tastings, we managed to squeeze in a day at the Abel Tasman National Park. We started our morning with a sea kayak to Split Apple Rock. Of course, Tess and I were together and appropriately named our team the Baby Seals, followed by family kayak teams of the Elephants and Kanawha (Maori spirit). Between the intense gear, easily maneuverable kayak and a fierce partner like Tess, the three hour kayak trip breezed by. We grabbed a quick bite and within no time were taking in the air atop a large catamaran. We were dropped off at a secluded entrance of Abel Tasman National Park and hiked a hilly six kilometers through rainforest, beaches and valleys. Truly beautiful!
Julie Andrews moment!
The views could only be beat by our following day journey to Wharariki Beach and the Farewell Spit, the northernmost point of the South Island. The magnificent drive began with a stop at Pupu Springs, the largest clearwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere. After a delicious bowl of mussel chowder at the Mussel Inn, we arrived at the carpark for the beach. I was quite perplexed as there wasn’t a beach in sight, only sheep paddocks in front of us. We took the signs for their word and climbed through the sheep paddock hills for twenty minutes. I truly felt like Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music”, not only with the scenery but my stunning voice J The path led us down one final hill and into five story sand dunes towering beside us. Finally, we were along the beach dotted with magnificent rock formations—a result of the powerful wind and wave action. With a seal colony in the distance, we walked further and further down the beach, ensuring we turned around to take in the breathtaking 360 degree views. It truly felt like I was at the end of the world!
Wharariki Beach
Wineries took up the remaining days in the Marlborough Region. Megan found “heaven in a bottle”, I began to appreciate white wine a little more and we all ate and drank like gods!
We continued our journey through the North Island with our next stop in Rotoura.The rich sulfur air hit us before we reached city limits, yet we continued the journey into the mist; for Rotorua is the epicenter of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, the heartland of Maori culture and just the right place to be for adrenaline lovers.Little did I know that today would be my first (and hopefully not last) Shweeb experience.Mind out of the gutters people—the Shweeb is the world’s first human powered monorail track.You lie back in a recumbent position and experience the thrills of racing as you pedal effortlessly in your own personal Shweeb.Earning a $1 million grant from Google in September 2010, the Shweeb will be piloted in an international city coming soon J I’ve decided that I would love to Shweeb to work every day, primarily because I want to use Shweeb as much in conversation as possible.“Just got off the Shweeb”.“Meet you at the Shweeb”.“I just Shweebed and I’m wiped!” No one can tell me that doesn’t sound awesome.Being smack dap in the middle of the adrenaline amusement park, we couldn’t just settle with a stop at the Shweeb, but had takers for the Free Fall (simulates a free fall sky dive) and the Zorb (large plastic ball you roll down a hill in) rides as well.After a Texas style BBQ restaurant for dinner, we checked into the lovely Ahaku House, a bed and breakfast owned by a Maori family.As I walked onto the balcony, I felt like I was back in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”—Lake Rotorua was a beautiful blue lake surrounded by luscious green pines and every water sport readily available.The only difference being that Rotorua adds a special touch of being surrounded by active and dormant volcanoes.After a late night sea kayak on the lake, I climbed into my bed so happy and LOVING Rotorua.
Saturday morning started much like Friday night ended, with a long kayak trip around the lake followed with tubing and wave riding.Just before 10 am and an active morning already JThe festivities continued as we headed to the Skyline Gondola ride that takes you atop a towering hill for spectacular views of the city created by a volcano.The stunning views wouldn’t suffice for the crazed New Zealanders, as the Sky Swing across the valley and swerving luge tracks kept the adrenaline high for our group.We spent the night at a Maori village; learning about Maori customs, eating delicious food, watching the famous haka dance (made famous by the New Zealand All Blacks) and cheering on Tim, who was chosen as The Chief of our group of 100 people.Through diligent practice, Tess and I mastered the hongi (the traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses together) and with our sweet haka skills were consistently confused for local Maori people.After a delicious roasted feast, we took a night walk to meet the illusive “kiwi bird”, the large flightless bird and endangered national symbol of New Zealand.
Another delicious breakfast and stunning view at our B&B on Lake Rotorua could only be followed up with a morning at the Te Pao Maori Cultural Village.With a carving studio, weaving studio and Maori reading material to last for days, it was an educational and exciting morning.The Cultural Village sits on an active geothermal area that Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, calls home.Erupting over twenty meters into the air and lasting over ten minutes, it truly was a geological wonder that I could not take my eyes off of.Next to the geysers stood bubbling mud pools, steam rising from the rocks and the science teacher in me loved every moment of it. Our afternoon was capped off with a swim in the massive and appropriately named Blue Lake, followed by one last sea kayak on the peaceful Lake Rotorua.We were sad to say goodbye to our gracious hosts and wonderful accommodation, as we are finding at every stop here in New Zealand.
On the second of January, we headed to the airport a few hours early for our first international flight in seven weeks from Sydney to Auckland, New Zealand. As we began our descent into Auckland, the views of the landscape could only remind me of the stunning scenery of the Lord of the Rings saga. Never much of a fantasy fan, I sat through the (never ending) movies marveling at the beauty of the land in New Zealand. Once you see the combination of crystal clear water, multitude of uninhabited green islands, towering volcanoes and immense craters you see why the Lord of the Rings, The Last Samurai, King Kong, The Hobbit and more were all filmed here. New Zealand claims to the be the youngest country in the world, as it was the last major landmass to be discovered only 1000 years ago by the Maori people. Our first stop on our five week journey of this spectacular country would be Auckland, a harbor city on the North Island. New Zealand immediately lived up to its billing as home of the adrenaline junkies, as we emerged from our hotel at 9 am to see people dressed in orange jumpsuits bungee jumping off the Sky Tower in the middle of the central business district. I decided to start my morning with an adrenaline fix at Starbucks instead. Auckland boasts having more sailboats per person than anywhere in the world, so it seemed only right for our first activity to be aboard a sailboat in the harbor. Auckland is home of the NZL41, a semi finalist boat in the America's Cup, the world's oldest and prestigious yacht race. For two hours, we were given the unique experience of joining the crew, exerting full energy on the grinders, taking the wheel and learning the basic principles of sailing. Not only did we make it back alive, we took in beautiful views of the city and felt the thrill of high speeds on the water. With absolutely perfect weather, I couldn't resist a nice walk along the harbor and the rest of the afternoon at the rooftop pool at our hotel. The thrills continued as Maria Sharapova (tennis player) joined us for breakfast the following morning! Although I was almost entirely blinded by the massive rock on her finger, I did notice that Maria and I share our passion for granola cereal and coffee in the morning. A small but important step towards friendship!
Veteran bush walkers
Hot Water Beach
Me in the black :)
Cathedral Cove
It had been far too long since we all felt the love together in the mini van, so it was time for us to get on the road to the Coromandel Peninsula. Our first full day was spent with the famous Kiwi Dundee, a name strategically chosen to stick it to their Aussie neighbors. We started with a morning bush walk--filled with glow worm caves, old gold mines, the famous ponga silver fern and a tree fern that hasn't changed for the last 300 million years. As we entered the dark cave and turned our torches off, I marveled at the clever glow worm creatures who omit a light to attract their prey. However, once I found out they were a maggot, they lost a little of their allure. After a well deserved lunch, we spent the afternoon beach hopping--but these were no ordinary beaches! Our first stop, Hot Water Beach, lived up to its name in a way that I could never imagine. Within an hour of low tide, the crowds come pouring in with shovels and spades in hand, to dig their own hot water pools for rest and relaxation. An underground river of hot water flows from the earth's mantle to this beach, releasing springs of water up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. As I walked along the beach, there were certain points in which I had to hop over boiling water emerging from the sand and quickly high step as my feet scorched. This was a spectacle I had never seen! With much more to see, we waddled away from Hot Water Beach with sore feet to head to Cathedral Cove, sight of one of the most photographed places in all of New Zealand. After a stunning hour walk through rainforest along the coast, we descended upon a coastline of hard rocks, intricate caves and underwater arches, including the famous Cathedral Cove. With the stunning scenery surrounding the water, I hopped in for a casual swim and was somehow persuaded to jump off large rock formations instead :) In addition to the beautiful natural sights of the Coromandel Peninsula, it will also be remembered as the first time I have seen an animated Disney movie in the theater. In addition to the multitude of knowledge I am learning about myself, countries and countries on this trip, my cousins are educating me on this large gap in my education--Disney movies. I must say, I enjoyed every minute of the soon to be Disney classic, Tangled! Although hard to say goodbye to the sights and our wonderful lodge, we were on to Rotorua!
For the first twenty five New Years Eve celebrations in my life, I marveled at the tremendous fireworks and party Sydney put on to ring in the New Year. I could have only dreamed that one day I would be there to witness the festivities first hand and be able to celebrate 2011 sixteen hours before my friends and family in the Central time zone. With so many New Years options throughout the city, Megan planned an event filled evening for us to experience this special night. We arrived at Doyle's on Watson's Bay, a Sydney icon, which allowed us to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, six of the other barges which would release fireworks and stunning sunset views of the skyline. Our seafood dinner was superb, but the conversation and company even better. With so much to be thankful for in 2010 and so much to look forward to in 2011, we all shared something we had learned about ourselves in the past year and something we hope to work on in the upcoming one. Conversation ceased once the 9 pm family fireworks show illuminated the sky. We marveled at the length and enormity of the show, only to be told by the locals that it couldn't even compare to the midnight viewing. The restaurant continued to entertain us as magicians arrived, wine continued to be poured and the clock ticked closer to that special hour! With ten minutes to spare, we headed down to the beach to claim a front row seat. At exactly midnight, the music blared and the sky lit on fire! $6 million worth of fireworks emerged from six barges and missile like fireworks shot off from the Harbour Bridge, igniting the sky for over ten minutes. Over 1.5 million people stood on the beaches and streets of Sydney to take in this spectacular show and for those ten minutes stood arm in arm without a word! With a New Years celebration like this, I can hardly wait to see what 2011 has to offer :) There was only one way for me to spend my first day of the new year--Manly Beach. Apparently I wasn't the only genius with the bright idea, as thousands flocked to the sand to claim their towel space and open up the brew. As I waited for the ferry to bring me back to the mainland, I hopped into the movie theater for a showing of The King's Speech, which was FANTASTIC! I collapsed in bed, wiped out looking like a lobster face and saddened to think it would be our last night in Sydney.
Instead of BC and AD, I figured Sydney blog entries should logically be broken into BNY (before New Years) and ANY (after New Years). With the largest New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration in the entire world, it just seemed right.
Tim and I Xmas Eve
Intermission
We flew into Sydney on Christmas Eve without a cloud in the sky and the sun beating down upon the Christmas trees scattered throughout the city. We dropped our bags in our sixty second floor apartment and headed straight to the most iconic building in all of Sydney, the Opera House. Built in 1974 from a Danish architect's winning design, the Sydney Opera House is the only 20th century building on the World Heritage List and stands as the backdrop of the beautiful Sydney Harbor. We arrived for a quick photo op outside before excitedly entering for a "Christmas in the House" Christmas Carol Concert. Unlike any other Christmas carol concert I've attended, Australia's top four opera singers belted out the Christmas classics, asking the audience to join in every so often (not enough if you ask me!). Between the ambiance of sitting in the Opera House on Christmas Eve and the beauty of the music projecting from the stage, my arms were filled with goose bumps and my eyes a tear or two. It was a truly magical experience! I even learned a new Australian Christmas classic ("Six White Boomers") with accompanying joey hop dance moves that I ensure you will come out at next year's Christmas festivities. With the idea of snow somewhat unfathomable for the holiday season, the Christmas trees on stage were decorated with white kangaroos instead :) After an unforgettable concert, we stumbled upon a packed house at a gorgeous Chinese restaurant. Spring rolls, ginger lobster, barbeque pork ribs, eggplant—YUM, YUM AND YUM! The night concluded with the kids leaving out carrots, cookies and long notes for Santa; it was fantastic to be around kids for the energized anticipation of Christmas morning.
Who doesn't wear a moustache for Christmas?
The kids awoke at 6:15, the adults a little later, to open presents and stockings from Santa. As my stocking stated, I had been good all year and was rewarded with a bookstore gift certificate, new adorable coffee mug, Australia stickers, and a pink cockatoo (my favorite new bird) bookmark! After a sugar filled breakfast, the next meal was already on our mind as we dressed in our Christmas best and headed downstairs to catch our ride. A white limo awaited us, ready to drive us to the Berowra Inn, a famous Sydney restaurant only accessible by private boat or plane. Not only was I introduced to the English and Aussie firecracker tradition equipped with plastic moustaches and corny jokes, but enjoyed a delectable meal in which each course seemed to outdo the prior in both taste and presentation. With a full tummy, a long walk around the beautiful city followed. The pictures just don’t do the city justice as Sydney provides 300 kilometers of harbor coast, large lush green parks with water features and numerous skylines. Although we couldn’t find National Lampoons Christmas Vacation on TV that night, we all changed into our p.j’s and called it an early night!
Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
The holiday events continued as Boxing Day marks the start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, an iconic open water yacht race famous for its 628 nautical miles of grueling conditions from Sydney to Tasmania. We hopped aboard a sail boat for the starting line to watch the 80 plus yachts bust out of the gates once the cannon went off. We all picked our favorites (mostly based on sail designs) and the adrenaline on our boat, and hundreds of others could be felt in the water! What a rush! The water resembled an apocalyptic movie as a hundred plus boats chased the boats by water and nine plus helicopters chased by air. This definitely added to the once in a lifetime opportunities I’ve had the privilege of experiencing on this trip! The thrills keep on coming as I took Tess and Sam to Megamind 3D in the evening, while the rest of our crew was getting evacuated from a bridge climb due to treacherous weather.
Bridge Climbers
Sydney is world renowned for their outdoor water activities, but also rate right up there with their fantastic museums. I spent one whole afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art completely mesmerized in the two level Annie Leibovitz photograph exhibition and another whole afternoon admiring China’s First Emperor’s entombed warriors at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Possibly one of my favorite activities of the entire trip came that night as Hannah and I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the largest steel arch bridge in the entire world. We arrived at 6 pm to start our pre climb activities—changing into our climbing suits, strapping on our harnesses, proving our climbing ability in the simulator and taking a necessary breathalyzer. Starting underneath the bridge, we completed our climb along the outer arch of the bridge on catwalks and ladders until we reached the summit to take in the 360 degree panoramic views of Sydney. Apart of the twilight climb, we were able to watch the city beautifully transform from day to electrically lit up at night. I felt just at home, as once people found out I was from Chicago the Oprah climbing stories and pictures came out in full force; as well as gusts of wind that would make the Windy City proud. The climb is a definite must do in Sydney and one of my favorite experiences so far :)
After an absolute fabulous time in Melbourne, it was on the road again. Literally. For the next two weeks we stuffed the duffels and rucksacks into the mini van, piled in and discovered Australia's by car! The first three days were spent driving the Great Ocean Road, a stunning coastal highway that all travel magazines insist is one of the most scenic drives in the entire world. With each bend in the road came another stunning view—powerful waves crashing against eroded cliff walls, white sandy beaches, rolling luscious green hills and dense sub tropical rainforests. After lunch in Torquay, the surfing capitol of Australia, we made a necessary stop at Bell’s Beach—the world’s most famous surfing beach, as all you die hard Keanu Reeves and Point Break fans already know :) We spent our first view nights at the Great Ocean Road Ecolodge- a solar paneled hotel and rehabilitation center for koalas and wallabies. Each morning kangaroos greeted us outside our rooms and crested cockatoos sang their morning songs in the trees. Just minutes from our lodge, we took the eucalyptus and koala lined road into Otway National Park for Jurassic Park type walks, featuring prehistoric ferns and stunning waterfalls. I strategically wore my Gary Lighthouse Charter School zip up for at the edge of the national park stood Cape Otway Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on mainland Australia. A necessary photo shoot ensued to send to all the higher ups and friends at Lighthouse Academies, in hopes to be apart of future advertising campaigns.
Twelve Apostles
Grampiens
We continued on the Great Ocean Road to one of its most famous destinations – The Twelve Apostles. Created by constant erosion of the mainland cliffs, giant limestone stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean. The weather cooperated with a cloudless sky and radiant sun beating down on the remarkable scenery. As we turned off the Great Ocean Road towards the Grampians Mountain Range the scenery quickly changed. The stunning coastal views were replaced with sheets upon sheets of locusts- thick enough that many cars were pulling over. Never have I seen such a thing! We arrived in the Grampians with a coated windshield of locust guts, a fried locust smell radiating from the car and an unsettling feeling about getting out of the car to face the plague. No more than a slight annoyance when they touched your skin, we still walked through the national park to catch the breathtaking rocky views, stunning wildflowers and rich Aboriginal culture. Great views, wild peacocks outside our cabin door, and a bird feeder bustling with cockatoos had us all loving the Grampiens. But no rest for the weary—we were on the road again!
Flinders Hiking Partners
Flinders by plane
With one night, an important second hand book store stop and delicious Asian cuisine in Adelaide, we set off for the Outback! We drove for hours without many signs of human life, towns so small you miss them with just the slightest blink and all our favorite Australian wildlife. For miles we drove along the desolate highway with our destination in sight, the stunning red of the Flinders Ranges, the largest mountain range in Southern Australia. More kangaroos than people in sight, trees filled with cockatoos, pink gallahs and laughing cookaburras, gigantic emus crossing the road and endangered yellow footed rock wallabies hiding within the rocks made it clear we were in the outback as we turned onto the dirt road of our villa. Once under water 600 million years ago, the Flinders Ranges harbor the oldest animal fossils ever found on earth. To truly experience the view and appreciate the vastness of the various ranges, we hopped aboard a small plane for a scenic flight. The sights included the ABC Range, Heyson Range, Bunyeroo Gorge, The Wilpena Pound, a massive natural crater formation in the ground, and massive salty pink lakes. The closest town to our villa was bustling Blinman, population of nine people. Despite the lack of civilization, the local Wool Shed Restaurant provided an eclectic menu, including my first ever taste of kangaroo. However, the menu at the Wool Shed seemed boring, as the next closest restaurant offered kangaroo, emu, goat and camel for your main options. With spectacular sunsets setting on the mountain range, it may have been the prettiest view of Australia yet.
My only picture form the Barossa--too busy!
After several days of trekking through the ranges,we worked up quite the thirst for a little red wine. Perfect timing as our next stop on the road trip of Australia was the Barossa Valley, home of world class reds. Unlike many people visiting the Barossa Valley, our first stop was at the putt putt course for the first annual Kirley Christmas Putt Putt Tournament. Don’t let my uncle Tim’s blog confuse you, I dominated :) My putt putt game has improved drastically from my childhood days of shanking the ball outside of the park grounds. The rest of our days in the valley consisted of wine, pool time, more wine and delicious meals. Every few feet another vineyard appeared ready to supply you endless tastings; even the hotel provided bottomless wine tastings each and every night. My love of the reds only intensified in the Barossa—even my first sparkling shiraz (sounds gross, but YUM!). Although every day felt like Christmas in the Barossa, we were off to celebrate the actual holiday in Sydney! Sydney here we come :)
Our primary activity while in Kaikoura turned out to be one of my favorite memories of the trip so far—swimming with the playful dusky dolphins. We arrived at Dolphin Encounters crossing our fingers for an operating tour, as the weather looked spot on to us but the waters were a bit choppy. Although given the message of SEA SICKNESS WARNING by every staff member, our good luck continued, as our group was called back to begin the gearing up process. With a 5 mm wet suit, a 5 mm jacket, a hood, flippers and a snorkel, we not only looked good but were going to be well prepared for the frigid water temperatures. After a quick safety video, we headed aboard a catamaran for a beautiful boat ride to the dolphin’s favorite spot. With the sound of the horn and the water splashing, we knew we had found it. The crew gave us helpful hints on how to attract the dolphins to you—continual loud squealing noises, swimming in circles and playful dives into the water. With large sets of lungs and impressive snorkeling skills, Tess and I were the perfect dolphin play buddies. We sat down on the edge of the boat only to be directed that it was GO TIME. We slid in to the ocean, as gracefully as Tess and I possibly could (hard task!), and within seconds we were surrounded by four or five dolphins. Not a surprise seeing that I had been practicing my dolphin squeal for weeks! These intelligent creatures came within inches of us, making eye contact with us and somersaulting right in front of us. One “couple” even enjoyed the water right beneath me for a good mating session. Once a pod of dolphins had moved on, we crawled back on the boat ready for our next dive. After 5 of these energy draining yet mesmerizing dolphin dives, it took every ounce of energy left in me to climb aboard. Once I emerged from the water, the sea sickness hit me like a brick wall! I graciously accepted a bucket from the crew and made good use of it..over and over. The boat pulled over for a dolphin photo session where we learned about their promiscuous behaviors—a female dolphin mates up to 5 times and with 3 different males in just 3 minutes. Wow. After a few ginger cookies and fresh air, I felt like a million bucks and enjoyed every dolphin flip and somersault on the journey home. We enjoyed the rest of our afternoon raiding the lodge’s DVD selection, including my introduction to the classic Finding Nemo. Searching for sperm whales tomorrow :)
