Rangitoto Island - New Zealand - July 5, 2009

Just returned from a day hiking up to the summit of Auckland's newest volcanic island called Rangitoto. The climb to the summit was a pretty decent hike with a few showers to make things interesting. The island is only about 600 years old and erupted out of the sea to the amazement of the Maori people situated on a nearby island--so the story goes. Anyway, the path up to the summit is steep in parts, but manageable. The view from up top is tremendous with 360-degree views of Auckland and surrouding islands in the bay. It was a cool day with temps in the 50s. Tomorrow, I fly to Christchurch on the south island, where I'll head further afield to the town of Methven which is the gateway for some of New Zealand's best skiing. Recent news has it that a lot of snow has hit the south, which bodes well for my skiing adventures there. Overall, a great experience so far, with lots more stories to come.

Off for a brief nap before dinner.

Cheers,

Keith

Waiheke Island, New Zealand - July 4, 2009

I've posted some more pics below...scroll down and you'll see some of what I saw on my hike around Waiheke Island today. It's an incredible beautiful place...serene, quiet, relaxing...It's only day two and I'm amazed at what this place has revealed. It's been quite cool with temps in the 50s...but only a few showers around.

I'm off to Christchurch on Monday for some skiing and hopefully even more incredible views. I'm really tired after a day of hiking...so I'm headed back to my room for a little nap.

cheers,

Keith

Auckland, New Zealand - July 3, 2009

Landed this morning in this sunny and cool city after a 17-hour long flight. My first impressions are that it is very clean and laid back...a Kiwi trademark apparently. The customs guy at the airport addressed the bloke next to me as "mate" and sent him on his way with a "gooday" drawl. It was a nice introduction to the city and a refreshing change from the stoic, heardened officials stamping passports in New York.

I just had a quick bite to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant on Queen St--one of the main arteries running through the city. My hotel is clean and centrally located. I am now going to spend the rest of the afternoon strolling the downtown area and waterfront. It's a very hilly city which spills down and overlooks a beatiful bay. There are many islands offshore that I intend to explore via the ferry system over the next few days. Flying into the airport this morning was a postcard worthy vista with sheep grazing the green hills and the bay surrendering its pristine depths just in time for our plane to touch down on the tarmac. It really was a close call in my view as the plane couldn't have been more than 20 feet over the water before the tarmac suddenly---and to my great relief--made its appearance. Overall, a subdued city with a relaxed vibe...lots of Polynesian locals and a generally young crowd walking the sidewalks...

I'll try to post pics soon...

keith

Departure day approaching...

As total apathy and restlessness takes hold of my students, my sights are now increasingly focussed on my July 1 departure date to New Zealand. This should be an amazing summer. I'll start with 9 days in New Zealand where I'll explore Auckland and its surroudings for a few days before jetting off to the south island for a week of skiing in the southern alps!

Then, it's a long flight to Bangkok where the the weather will warm and my activities will shift to the underwater variety...scuba, snorkeling and the like. From there, it's off to be humbled by the extreme poverty and teeming masses of Bangladesh. I hope my words and pictures will provide some sense of what I'm experiencing...

I'll write as often as I can and post pics when possible. I'm back August 7.

Cheers,

keith

Panama Baby!!!!

The last I checked this morning, the expected high in Panama City is 96 degrees. The 10-day forecast has little cooling trend...so I'm packing light...very light for my 8 day trip there. Starting in Panama City for a day or so before heading up to the island of Bocas del Toro in the northeast of the country. We expect to just chill there while doing some snorkeling, kayaking, jungle trekking and other outdoor activities.

There is internet access in the lobby of our hotels, so I'll drop you a few lines when I can.

Bring it on!!!

Killington, Vermont - December 28-31, 2008

It wasn't the best skiing, but Vermont in Winter rarely fails to calm my soul and this trip didn't disappoint. My nephew Cody, my cousin Nick and I drove up to Killington on Sunday and were greeted by a roaring fire and the comfortable confines of Turn of River Lodge a few miles downhill from Killington base lodge on sleepy Route 4. The skiing conditions were really bad as a weekend warmup created vast sheets of ice across the resort. A snowstorm descended on our last day, promising better conditions for later in the week, but we had to hit the road and return home on Wednesday...bad timing for our skiing portion of the trip.

Cody and Nick went snowmobiling on Tuesday as I sat by the roaring fireplace in our lodge and read a bit and just relaxed. I drove up Route 4 a stretch and took some pics before picking them up from their snowmobile outing.

I'm already looking forward to a return trip later this season when the powder should be more widespread.

Happy New Year!!

Keith

Killington Powder

My sights are set on Killington, Vermont for next week as I take my next road trip with my nephew Cody and Cousin Nick. I'll be skiing for four days up in one of my favorite corners of New England...and I here the snow is epic for so early in the season. Looking forward to carving some turns on Devil's Fiddle and The Glades! And perhaps sipping a few micro brews at the Wobbly Barn.

I'm off today and won't be thinking about work till January 5, 2008 when I return to the classroom. Much needed break!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Keith