Crap, Crap, Crap! A good hour was spent creating a masterful blog the other day and when i went to spell check the thing it decided to delete itself...poo! Anyway sorry for the delay. i was so bummed that i could hardly bare to look at a comp until this very day.

I had no idea that i had not writtin on this thing for so long. It is so easy for me to get caught up in the moment of this travel situation. I will now attempt to recount the rest of my time in NZ and introduce you all to my new locale.

From the moment our drive began in the South Island we could all tell this place was different. Houses and development are few and very far between. This provides the thirsty traveler with serene scenery. Amazingly i remember quite clearly the many vineyards which dotted the landscape and the little 3 shop towns we drove through. We decided to travel down the west coast due to suggestion. Westport was our first stop. Feeling a bit ragged from our escapades in Wellington we hit the deck hard and rose in the morn to find a sunny sky and a perfect day for driving. South we set, winding our way through mountainous reserves and plush plots of land. We made our lunch at a true place of beauty. Not sure of the name, but the pristine nature of the spot is unforgettable. A lake stretched out in front of us and split a mountain range in the distance. Water is so cool in that sense beacause it has no rules or regards for anything in its way. Our bare feet felt the coolness of the earth through a pebble covered beach. Did i mention it is even colder here than the north island? A small dock shoots out over the water and looks quite lonesome and seldom used. J and i decided to take on this freezing cold lake of pure clear water. Video evidence will show that we sprinted to the end with fierce dedication. I broke the crisp surface and felt my entire body shocked into an unadulturated awarness of the life singing in my viens. Quickly back to the dock and stragiht into a towel, truly a neat experience in a distant place. The foliage that greeted us along both sides of every road seemed much more vivid for the rest of the day.

Although long, our drive landed us in Franz Joseph. Home of the fastest moving glacier in the world. As the sun decended behind the tree line rain began to fall and would not stop falling for any notable period of time for about two days. Determined to get on the glacier we looked into a hike and were told to show up when the weather permitted. On the 3rd day we did just that and the darn tour was booked. Being a crafty devil a had an alternate route planned out. A 7 hour hike would take up right up next to the glacier and we would get as close as we could without actually being on the chunk of ice. Hopes high and hiking gear in effect we set off to find the trail. CLOSED is how the trail sign read, but we were not going to let that stop us. Trekking off we enjoyed a reflection pool of the mountains and glacier. Plants a plenty lined the path like ancient protectors. We crossed a suspension bridge over the torrent deep gray glacial runoff. Falling into this water would be truly deadly. The bridge trembled under our combined weight and we could feel the fragility of our lives. 45 mins into the darn thing we hit another sign...CLOSED to the point. We were headed that way and since we made it this far with not a one prob we pushed on. Plentiful rains created countless streams over, under and through our path. Tiny waterfalls spoke with subtle beauty as the water lazily rushed to find its bigger brother at the bottom of the ravine. If a plant did not occupy a piece of land moss did! Every shade of green radiated from all around. Rocks were slippery and many close calls kept us savy to the trails many interesting twists and turns. I thought of Uncle Steve and Aunt Donna a lot while on the trail. Hi ya if your reading this. Every trail i have been on in the US has been pretty clear, safe and obvious. These three facts did not hold true to this particular trail. In fact it was as though this trail may not have been here a few weeks prior. We stepped through many falls and streams, doggy walked rocky outcroppings, slipped our way through wet foliage and hunted exposed roots to steady ourselves at every turn. After another 45 mins or so of hiking we discoved the routes closer. Stairs which had once clung to the side of a sheer cliff face had been eradicated by part of the cliff above. Without warning the cliff must have just gave up its hold on the rest of itself. Even after much discussion there was no way to pass. The trail continued at ground level on the other side however. Mission time we decided. We got as close to the river which at this point looked more like numerous veins as we could. Blazing a trail down to the dry river bed pieces was humbling. My mind drifted into the past when Native Americans and others around the world must have and still continue to blaze trails through dense vegetation just like this all the time. We hopped like frogs over the tiny streams often wetting our gear even further and made our way back onto the trail. Tedious hours later we reached the point and were immediately struck with amazement. Ice ascended into the heavens as far as the mountains precipice. Sun shone through the scattered clouds and rarefracted off the ice awakening its many beautiful colors. Craggs and crevices were huge and falls dotted the mountains on the south side of this huge cube. Massive rock slides stained parts of the pristine white with rubble. Little creates moved at a turtles pace along this sculpture of mother nature. Happy with our view and money saved we all carved our names into a lone picnic table. Our rubber legs and sore feet guided our stumble ever so uncertainly down the mountain. Straight back to hostel for food shower and warm up by the roaring fire in the properties bar. Back on the road, off to Queenstown.

Driving in the night i could feel myself longingly staring out the window at the blank canvas of night. So much beauty was out there staring back at me yet it would go unseen until daybreak. Bummed, but excited to reach the destination pushed us onward. Sleepies in our eyes and totally unaware of our landscape we arose to find the coolest little town. Mountains rose up on all sides of a pristine lake. One set of peaks was jagged to a point comparable to a stegasaurus. Little dabbs of snow lived on their last lflakes praying for the sun not to come out. We must have spent about 5 nights here due to the scenery and incredible night life. Our funky small hostel attracted many promoters from the various bars in town. Drink specials every nights and packed clubs and dance floors. People watching was the thing to do and we had plenty of it in the hustle bustle of this town. Located in the middle of nowhere the rest of the world kinda evaporated. Winter would bring snow and i could picture myself living here for a season, no problem. We would have stayed longer if not for our flights. Christchurch here we come.

A giant city was all Christchurch really was. Dissapointed we left ourselves time to experience this place we gritted it out. Prepping the car to be returned was fun and entailed all of the following:

hand wash, vacum, polishing and buffing of roof provided by bribbed car wash employees (the roof was bad b/c of my board bag), superglue of antenna on roof which had been broke by board bag, superglue of a piece of panneling on inside of trunk which broke somehow. We were all positive that somewhere in between the e brake pulls on dirt roads and beaches broke something, but the return was smooth and without incident. What a reliable and fun asset that blue nissian beauty was to our travels.

Australia!

Made it. To Brisbane flew my plane and i was harassed by the customs peeps cause i had no accomodation booked. After looking through all my stuff i caught a train into the city. I was lucky the dude at the hostel was a surfer cause availability was only one night, but he extedned it for me. 3 nights here was plenty. Too much city too little nature, escpecially after NZ. A botanical garden was my only solice. Got reading done and watched cricket, a rather boring sport.

Surfers paradise came next. I did not picture to be a grouping of 100's of sky rises all the way to the waters edge, but it was. My hostel was a bit sketchy and was not up to the standards i had enjoyed in NZ. Luckily just as i arrived 2 German guys were going surfing and they had a car. Had a good sess at a super crowded spot and it reminded me of the crowds in SD during summer. Nights were fun and the hostel hosted trips out to the city and i had some fun. Surfed every day with the Germans and made the most of it. Everyone i spoke to told me about Byron Bay so i got a seat on a bus down here.

Here i sit on this comp in Byron bay my total stay here has been about 3 weeks. I bought a tent and have been camping for about 2. Staying at the Arts Factory is like being lost in a cloud. Tucked away outside the city in the middle of a jungle it is mostly inhabited by people of imagination and alternative lifestyles. My time is spent much like a record plays. Sleep, eat, surf, beach, read, eat, volleyball, trek through the jungle, ping pong, eat, maybe go out, and chat with friends. Each day is much like this intinerary. Everyone is so friendly and no one is a stranger especially between some in the camp site who have been here for months on end. You fall into a time warp here, everything is so easy and mellow. I have made some close friends and met people who truly brightened my traveling experience. You may think i would have more to say about 3 weeks of time, but i really don't.

i am now quite exhausted from typing. i truly hope you all enjoyed this one. i will be much more on top of this site in the future.

Christmas is here and i have a very short list. $$$$. Funds are evaporating from my bank account like water in the Gobi desert at the hight of summer. If you think i have been a good boy and could help me out on my trip fund that would be so AWESOME!!! My dad has promised to put anything you send him into my account so i can stay travelling. Thank you so much!

In case your not sure of address:

Russ Harrison
1913 Americana Ct.
Modesto, CA 95357

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

Much love and peace, Chris

Here are some photos hopefully:

NZ, Raglan


NZ, Cathedral Point... i think


Fiji, Bounty Island with Englanders Danny on left and John on right


Fiji, Sunset at Coconut Bay, can you find me?

I am in QUEENSTOWN

hello everyone,

let me start by saying that i miss you all and it is cool to hear from ya whenever you get a chance. let me know if there is anything you were wondering that i might be leaving out

Halloween came and went with nothing real crazy to report. Except that is for the waves. As a matter of fact we were a bit late to the party cuz i was surfing. I am not exaggerating when i say this was the coolest spot i have ever surfed. with a ride that lasted about 100+ yrds i could barely contain myself. the large crowed was well behaved and i got about 5 outside waves. these things were peeling of this left point like a peel off an apple. perfect evertime and holding up so amazing rides were a dime a dozen. at the end of the ride you merely hop out jog up the coast and jump off the point back into the lineup! talk about the ultimate lazyboy of surfing.

We fell so head over heels for this place we spent aout 5 nights there. Although the waves never amounted to the beauty they were the first day i was still able to get some solid surf. i had fun giving all the surf rookies how inhabited this place pointers and actually paddling out with a couple of them. it was fun to think back to a time when i was at the begining of my surf adventure. The people, sunsets and our cookery combined to create a laid back and stellar visit to this removed from the hussle chunk of land.

From Raglan we made our way across the country once again to a place which is home to an artificial reef. how cool is that? when the sweel is right the reeef actually makes a perfect A frame and waves can be enjoyed by all. We stayed here for two nights and the swell hid from sight. Mt. Monganui was the place and there is a cool Mt. at the point of this hustle bustle town which is surrounded by water on three sides. We made our way to the top and enjoyed beautiful panorama views of the countryside. Most of our time was spent hiberanting seeing as though the weather was a bit testy.

The chicken clucked and we struggled outta bed around 9 to get on the road to a famously active place of stinky sulfur. Rotorua. As a matter of fact in the middle of the town sat a park with boiling mud pools and sulfer shooters. We went to a hot springs park and enjoyed the gagging smell of too much sulfer. were talking rotten eggs times 1000. I saw several really cool gysers and sulfer formations. crazy to think were the actual power and heat behind the push is coming from! Back in the car we headed further southeast to Gisborne.

this was a for sure surf spot. although our voyage was not for sure. after spending 1 hr 30 min on a dirt road we were stunned to find our path blocked by a crazy landslide which had taken out the entire road and a big digger which must have been doing work. that night was spent in this interesting little motorcamp. not cool. early rise and off to Gisborne. with scenic drives abound we followed through a gorge and capitalized on a waterfall right on the highway. i jumped out the car and into this hypothermia inspiring water. so neat and different. Gisborne was cool and 3 days stay awarded no surf. Off to Wellington.

Our last stop on the North Island was super neato gang. a cool hip city greeted us with neat trendy shops and an entire pedestrian only street lined with all walks of life and cafe's uncountable. enjoyed the night life for a few nights and kicked around the city doing extensive people watching. i even caught a show featuring some of the neatest band i have seen in a long time. i will provide a list if i can remember the names. after our time it was an early morning a sleepy ferry rided and and eye opening new island to feast on...

New Z Walk(drive)about

Sorry for the long delay everyone it has been a bit of a travelling circus over the past week or so.

Right in Auckland we rented and as my last post suggested we rented a car and drove to piahia. Something like that. It is on the East coast near the bay of islands. We found out where the bus with all the travellers would stop and headed to the pi pi patch. We got there late due to a cool mountainous drive with many twists and turns. Of course the scenery did not let us down. We chilled in the bar connected to hostel and took an early bed. Woke up around 7 for a mission to end all missions. we decided to scour the coastline for surf. With my handy little surf guide in tow we set off around 8. we probably drove for 6 hours dwon small country roads into small sleepy towns only to find small sleepy surf. There seemed to be an alert out that we were coming and the surf ran off to play a practicle joke on us. Dirt roads back roads, whatever we were on them. Pines lined the beach and bays of beauty greeted us at every turn.
Finally at the end of the line we found a spot with beautiful waves that were all of 2 ft. Danny got out there along with me and we both caught some lackluster waves. Stoaked to get any waves at all. The night came and went and we were up and on our way once again.

We were set for a rigorus drive all of about 6 hours up to the west coast just below 90 mile beach to a place called Ahipara. A small sleepy beach town with a point break that was pumped up to have a 250+ yard left. Somehow we arranged our trip around both the outgoing and incoming swell and only had flat waves. Our accomodation and conversations with the owner Trevor and his wife Linda were way cool. two old timers from NZ. He even gave us a bottle of his hommade wine made from a strange fruit that i am not sure how to spell. 3 nights in this secluded beach dorm 50 ft from the ocean was super special. Not to mention our 4 wheel driving excursion up around the point and into the dunes. just wide open beach with no one around pushing 70 km/hr on these cool quads doing some fun stuff and soaking in the seclusion and beautiful oceananic scenery.

Soon we were on to Whitianga. A small sleepy town about 6 hours away and once again on the opposite side of the coast. Rain saturated my surfboard and i have to admit that our spirits were dampend by a drizzle lifeless hostel in the middle of what felt like no where. The host pointed us to another place in town that woudl be full the next night with the bus of kids so we headed over and enjoyed yet another beautiful backpacker's with new facilities all the way around. Friendly staff and cool kids arrived the next day. The owner of the place liked us and offered us a ride in his steel hulled boat we accepted and took off. in 1 foot solid chop we set out at what seemed to be a breakneck or should i say break back pace. i was in the co pilot seat and would feel my body compacting upon itself every time the boat shot up and smacked down on the water. At on point we were actually fully out of the water rudder and all. Maybe 1 foot out to be exact. What a thrilling ride. We took us to see what Cpt. Cook called Shakespeare point cause it apparently used to have the profile of the man back in the day. We also saw the biggest tourist attraction from the boat which saved us a 45 min hike which was Cathedral cove. A huge 25ft tall 35 ft wide and 60ft tunnel through sheer rock . U could actually walk through it and i felt truley in awe at the magnitude and precision of mother nature's hand. Night was fun out in the quite town and we got to bed for yet another journey.

Our whole idea was to be in a cool place for halloween. We made it so and like Scottie pushed our little car to warp speed. about 100 km/hr. due to boards on roof. after about 7 hours in the car we arrived at a cool sweet incredably awesome place...RAGLAN. far and away the best spot yet. We scored a spot at this hostel situated on a bay and filled with happy go lucky travellers from all parts of the globe. Brainstorming with the brits for costume ideas was quite funny and i landed on a ninja idea for myself.

time is up on my comp, but i will continue when i get a chance. hopefully later on tonight!

Auckland, NZ

hey all it is i the travelling bum updating you once again on my adventures.

Upon landing in NZ on Wed we new where we were headed, Base Backpackers in the heart of Auckland. I am still with the boys from England. Our hostel actually got us so excited that we have dubed it a solid hotel! Complete with restaurant, club, cooking facilities and an observation deck on the 7th floor with spa. The view from this deck afforded views of the bay and shipping yard plus a great look at the famous Sky Tower, Aucklands version of the Space Neetle. Our first night was spent hanging out and not really doing a whole lot. Well except for going out on the town for a bit. Due to an Oscar the Grouch we requested a room change the next day and were moved into a room with more upbeat peeps. Actually a whole room full 7 of us in all.

Thursday was just a kick around the city. We spent about 3 hours in a cafe on the main queen street. After drinking instant coffee all week in Fiji i indulged in several latte's. A definite treat. We hit some of the cool book shops and i picked up a surf guide for the entire country. The city is really interesting and full of different people. I was surprised to find such an enormus Japanese population. Walking the streets was sort of like being in San Fran and LA at the same time, minus the dirt and excessive beggars. Not to From our room at the "hotel" we spotted a long white bus deal which appeared to be serving food. Our hunch was confirmed as we wolfed down tasty burgers. We attended the club attached to the hostel and had a great time.

Fri was another repeat of Thursday.

On Saturday we decided to be a bit more productive and look into renting or buying a car to get around the islands. Although we never really made any arrangements we got a lot of research out of the way. The night took a very interesting turn. We had been hearing some talk of a very hip bar which was totally made from ice. The minus 5 degree bar to be exact. After dawning our huge coats and gloves we were escorted into this giant freezer and found ourselves breathing fog and admiring the various ice sculptures which adorned the room. Everything from the bar to our glasses were made from ice. We enjoyed a cocktail and i chomped into mine when i was finished. This was a one off place that was fantastic and a totally cool experience. Dan and i even got a bit silly and tried to see who could last the longest without our jacket on. We are both fine, I think i won though. We all went out in the viaduct, a trendy strip chaulk full of nightclubs and fine dining. Super long night with tons of fun.

Sunday was another chill day that we spent kicking around and not doing a whole lot.

Today we went out to a couple of car buying shops that are set up specifically for backpackers. Almost all the cars appeared to be on their last legs and none fell into our target price range. We decided that the risk in buying the car was not worth it so we plan to rent a vehicle and head up the coast to pahia tomorrow!

Evything is going great, I am healthy and enjoying a relaxed time here!

hope everyone is great and enjoying life!

I'm Back

I have finally landed back in a place where i can give everyone this amazing update. here we go... After arriving in Singatoka by way of a 4 hour bus ride from Nandi we were directed toward our destination "club masa" by a little girl in the village. We, John, and Danny from England and I found ourselves in the middle of no where with amazing sand dunes towering skyward about 1/2 a mile away. Our guide was a bit off and our accomadtion was a room with 8 beds and a shady cast of hosts. Marijuana filtered in through the back window and the vibe was totally bizarre. Some surfers told us that club masa was uninhabitable becuase a film was being shot there, but we should try to get on as extras. We hiked throught the dunes to a rather large encampment at the only dip in the sand dunes. It was surreal to see an actual film set and walk through it so simply. Although we were denied due to overbookings of extra's we were directed toward a different place to stay. Shipwrek! And it was exactly that. A metal fence surrounded the delapidated compound and a coca cola was all that reminded us of civilization. We settled into a metal shack and were given 3 foam pads to place on the concrete floor. After chatting up a few bodyboarders from South Africa and enjoying our hosts "down home" cooking (actually quite tasty) we hit the hay for a 5 am surf sess. John, Dan and I crested the dunes around 6 and soaked in the spectacualar view provided by mother nature. We were all buzzing and tirpping out on the fact that we had arrived at the only beach break in the entire island. My mind was clear and i could feel the blood coursing through my veins in anticipation of the waves. Neither of the boys surf, but had a go with my 6'4". The waves were pretty much perfect. Waist to chest high clean lefts and rights which bowled up on the inside section. i was only joined by two beginner Aussies after about an hour into the sess and had no prob's. As they shouted from the shoulder of the wave of the morning i lost all connection to the land and felt myself drop into a perfect head high left which rode on for some distance. We hiked back and i paddled out with the body boarders for an afternoon sess into solid double over head surf. attempts to surf were fruitless in that the waves would suck backward after breaking and suck the lip of the waves up suddenly. The next morn brought the best waves of my whole fiji experience. Solid offshore winds and double overhead sets met Atti (bodyboarder) and i the next morn. i rode solidly on my 6'4" and pulled into a crazy barrel, but caught the lip on the head halfway through it. Getting barrelled is indescribable so i will not attempt.

The crew continued on to Suva on another grueling bus ride of about 3 hours. We had an excellent stay there, which consisted of frequenting a local nightclub, trekking throught the jungle and swinging from big ropes into refreshingly cold spring water!

Our bus back to Nadi was arduous, but our route along the coast allowed for great views of the ocean and the surrounding villages. We booked a trip up to the Yasawa Islands and spent the night on Sunday in Nandi in a crappy little hostel place.

Monday came too early and jumped on board a giant cat and took a crystal blue water island viewing ride for 6 hours. While aboard i met a self proclaimed master and his 2 students from Australlia. He was cool and showed me some moves. We talked at length about his Tai Chi background and the premise of his teachings which mostly realted back to Taoism. Due to my studies in college we ckicked and i felt as though i had met a life long teahcer. My trip had just taken a strange, but pleasant twist. Our first night was at Mel Bravo and we were joined by the kung fo crew. Overall our stay was a bit lacklaster due to the not so white beaches and dry host. The food was weird and just a bit sketchy. One day we hiked over the island for an hour and a half and landed in paradise. White sandy beaches, lined with plams on one side and crystal clear blue water on the other. It was so hot it was straight into the water with us. Dawning our snorkel gear proved intellegent and our reef viewing experience began 10 ft from shore. We saw hundreds of beautiful fish and healthy colorful coral which stretched out for about 200 yards. Later the Master showed us different techniques and stretches. We met some cool folks and actually 3 guys from san diego showed up and i knew them! CRAZY!

After three days on Mel Bravo we were ready to leave and headed toward Coconut Bay on Naviti. Beauty with our dorms on the beach, volleyball, snorkelling and dancing. I also had the opportunity to take part in a kava ceremony in a hut on the floor. The sunset that night was amazing and a rainbow fromed right onto the island about 20o yards from us as rain drizzled from the sky.

Manta Ray came next at the south island of Naviti. I will cut to the chase and say that we swam with two enormous manta's and enjoyed upper class accomodations.

Beachcomber was next and was rather uneventful yer relaxing.

Last stop was Bounty were Love Island was filmed. The snorkeling was mind boggling.

Out of time post again soon!

FIJI

Oh my goodness!

Fiji this is actually the very first chance i have had to post anything. Thee plane ride was totally smooth all the way through and luckily i met a coouple dudes frrom enlganad in the line wwaiting for the pplane. while wating arounnd in LAAX theey told me of the pplace they were stayiing and that it came highlyy reccomended. so affter flying to the airrport we hopped into a cab aand headed out to our hostel. now wheen we told the dirveer tthe naame of our acccoomodation he said oh all tthe way out in the jungle...we were like ya wee guess. so we drove off for a half hour and eended up in the middle of no where and were all qquite suurprrised. needdless to say our check in time wwas 12 but we werwe there 5 hours early. the people were soo nice they let us check iin earlly and eaat breakfast. i mean this place was a real life rersort type of place. im talking pool views of mounttains, lush green aas farr as the eye could see and the mosst lovely workers. i mean theese people would ddo just aabouut anything to make sure we were all taken care of. the foood was aamazing and wee all haad a great time.. lasst night ii even drank a bitt of kava with the reest of the poeple sttaying at the place. ii am at the airport riight now with tthe ddudes from england and we are headedd down to the south weest coaast tto a ttown called Singatoka. hopefully wwe will stay and actually geet somme surf there at Cllub masa. TThen wwe should be off to annother place to the east caled waaidroka. anyway ii am safe and everything is awesome i aam so totally chilled out itt is great. by thee way a night at the hostel was only 15 buks! and beeer only 2.50 : )

hoope all is well and much love to everyyone!