Top 10 New Zealand Cultural Lessons

1. Freedom camping is much more regulated than it was my first trip there 10 years ago, but still very doable and very awesome!
2. Forget about using a 5 cent piece, even if you received it as change for something. This is "no longer in circulation" and merchants won't accept it. They also "round" all transactions.
3. Kiwis like to drive fast. Robin determined this is Darwinism in action; it weeds out the stupid.
4. "No, you can't do that" or "No, we don't do that" is a very common response.
5. Eggs are not refrigerated. At all!
6. McDonald's McLamb is a Mc-NOT! If you do eat lamb, lots of mint jelly is recommended.
7. Hot and cold water faucets are sometimes reversed, but not consistently. And, sometimes the hot water is simply cold. So, you never are quite sure what will come out of the tap.
8. Possums, giant hares and hedge hogs are common road kill sightings. The possums are weird, too, and have tails like a squirrel (photo to come).
9. If you are invited for "tea", that could mean tea, a snack, or a 5-course meal.
10. Robin is not allowed to cross the street alone, and you must maintain a firm hold on him when doing so.

New Zealand: Quote of the Day

"You Americans. You're always asking for discounts."

Camp site representative in response to us asking about AAA or AARP discount.

Top 10 New Zealand Statistics

1. Miles from Kodiak: 8,000
2. Wallaby spottings: 1 (by Karen, but too quick to get a photo)
3. Photos taken: 1,400 (working on sorting these out to upload for viewing enjoyment)
4. Times Robin almost got hit by a car while crossing the street (in one day): 5
5. Days we ate red stag burgers: 12
6. Sand fly bites Karen received: 50+ (Robin received 0)
7. Miles driven in the caravan on the South Island: 1,300
8. Red stags sighted: 70+ (shot by Robin = 1)
9. Roundabout driving incidents: Too numerous to count
10. Times Robin tried to drive in the right lane and hit the windshield wipers to turn on the blinker: Too numerous to count

New Zealand bound

In one week, we begin our journey to the Southern Hemisphere. I can hardly wait! We fly into Christchurch and will go on a 3-day hunt with New Zealand Trophy Hunting.

Then, some crazy fishing/diving adventure.

After that, we get in our Lucky Cruiza (campervan) and the real fun begins ... Driving on the wrong side of the road, camping who knows where, seeing penguins, and lots more adventure!

Stay tuned for updates and photos along the way.

Quote of the day...

"I'm not stubborn ... I just have good ideas. There's a big difference."

Robin's response when I said he was stubborn after his repeated refusals to have me start the truck so it could warm up.

Keeping busy with the USCG Auxiliary

Last year, we joined the USCG Auxiliary, which has been keeping us busy in the free time we didn't have.

We've been training to be boat crew members, which means we can go out on boat patrols and serve on USCG vessels. We were recruited to be Auxiliary "officers". I am the materials officer and Robin is a liaison officer.

See some photos of us in uniform!

Happy New Year 2013

A belated greeting for a healthy and happy New Year!

We had a great Christmas, having a wonderful meal with friends followed by a hike out Spruce Cape, one of our favorite walks.

Robin entered the family sock contest, retaining rights to keep his flamingo trophy.

See some photos.