Day 14 - Sorting it all out...

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Trip Start Apr 04, 2009 Previous
Entry Trip End Apr 19, 2009

  Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
Sunday, April 19, 2009

Kia ora,
 
An amazing adventure comes to a conclusion.  We have done most everything we hoped to do or see.  Now it's the sorting out and cleaning up of everything in our two week home on wheels ("Buddy").
 
We had actually lived with the "bed made" the entire time of our trip.  Each night we would unload the bed of gear in a certain way and then each day we would stack all of our things back on the bed so they would not sling off onto the floor during the drive and generally batten down the hatches.   We got in a certain pattern and while things were certainly cozy we made it work.  Most of the campsites where we stayed had clean and nicely appointed bathrooms/showers.  Also, we did leverage their kitchens a few times as well.
 
For me (Allison), my favorite portion of the trip was from our arrival on the South Island, then driving through the picturesque vineyards to Nelson and our two days in Abel Tasman.  The natural beauty was beyond words and the hiking/kayaking trip and meeting the folks at Torrent Bay lodge was a highlight.  Overall, the most special memory of the trip was spending all that time with Jessica and getting to share her joy in experiencing everything and particularly the dolphin swim. 
 
For me (Jessica), my favorite part of the trip was of course swimming with the dolphins and being so close to them was majestic.  I also loved going to the Mitai Maori Village and learning about their culture and watching the concert that they put on for visitors.  The scenery wasn't that bad to look at either.  I would have to agree with Mom that the Abel Tasman National Park is some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen even though it required a little physical exertion. 
 
So, sorting it out by the numbers...
 
10,000             Sheep and cows seen
3,000               Glow worms viewed in the caves
2,100               Kilometers driven
600                   Dolphins swum with
327                  Sheep and cows were yelled at out of a moving vehicle
36                    Numbe of times Jessica burped loudly
23                    Strangers educated to "Say No to Didymo"
14                    Days spent in New Zealand
8                      Towns visited
6                      Traffic cones driven over
1                      Absolutely Amazing Adventure!
 
0                      Animals were harmed in the making of this adventure.
           
 
We are now sitting in the Auckland airport waiting to board our plane and completing the final entry in our travel blog.  As is certainly apparent, we have enjoyed our wonderful trip, and we have enjoyed sharing it with you and all of your comments.
 
Hei Konā!
 
 

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Getting started with the sorting	All done!	Just dropped "Buddy" off...	Maori greeting

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