Farewell North Island!

Alas, the past week (and then some) has flown by!  After staying at the south end of Lake Taupo last night, Sarah and I left Al at a busy bus stop bound for Wellington while we drove up through the central portion of the North Island back to Auckland to return our car.  Tomorrow, we are southbound and down!  We'll stay a night in Wellington (to re-meet up with Al) before taking the ferry over and then let the real sightseeing begin.  The three of us agreed that we've seen some pretty sights up here, but everybody raves about the south and from the pictures we've seen, it's an area well-worth raving about.  Also, a Wellington local whom we met on a hike yesterday recommended the Malt House in town, so we plan on making the crossing with some good Kiwi brew in us which has been significantly lacking for the majority of the trip.  We're pretty pathetic foresters (and nurses).

I know I keep mentioning the weather, but seriously, it has been depressing to leave cold & rainy California just to come to tolerable & rainy New Zealand.  We have been oh-so lucky to see bits of sun on all of our hikes, but I'm crossing my fingers that our luck will bring us at least ONE full day of sun.  One!  That's all I'm asking for!  Come on cyclone gods, I know you have it in you.  Even just driving through the country today, it's ridiculous how much more beautiful the landscape is once you let a little sunshine hit it.  It would also be nice to leave with some resemblance of a tan...not that I tan much in any case.

I realized yesterday that I haven't taken any group pictures on my camera yet, so here are some stolen photos from Sarah's camera...which is a far better camera than mine anyway!

Haven't heard about anything major happening in the US.  If something big/dramatic/awesome has happened, please let me know.  I'm that kid that went 75 days without knowing about the Gulf oil spill.  So, seriously.  Let me know.  My e-mail is kmwilliams12@gmail.com if you just want to say hi as well!  Miss y'all!

Until next time, Kate