Sunday, March 2, 2008

running from the rain

We find ourselves way up north in Nelson and the Abel Tasman region, but we've been unable to escape the overcastness. Summer in New Zealand has the potential to not be very summery. Through five days of barely seeing the sun, we're thankful for hot beverages, good books, and adventurous spirits. Speaking of adventurous spirits, Wanida is worthy of recognition for surviving and thriving as a campervan camper (almost done, Noodle)! Also, speaking of good books, today I finished The Alchemist--very timely for the start of this journey. Read it if you're a dreamer with a "Personal Legend" to live out.

On Friday night we were relieved to realize that we can still be social; we hooked up with a few friends-of-a-friend in Wanaka, then also met up with a good friend of mine from college who happened to be traveling through Wanaka on the same day! Thanks to Amy and the crew for hosting us and reminding us what it's like to be in the company of friends.

Wanaka to Franz Josef was the drive for Saturday as we intended to crampon our way over the Franz Josef glacier for an all day guided adventure on Sunday. Instead, enough rain dumped to freeze into an entirely new glacier, so we decided to save the money and our extremities by canceling. Bummer, though, as we were left with the rainy day blues and only our imagination to picture the ice castles and ice caves.

Welcome to Nelson, then, the sunshine capital of the South Island. Show me the sun and I'll show you the shine! One highlight that still remains before we depart for Sydney on Thursday is soaking in the thermal pools at Hamner Springs. Join us, won't you, for a drink and a dip in one of God's jacuzzis?

9 comments:

Augustus Rex said...

booya, first to comment! It's always good to search out your personal legend with your "twin soul" as Paulo Coehlo says. Remember where your treasure is and remember you won't find it until you discover the secrets of alchemy/life. I'm not sure what that means, but as my sage friend Bryan once said - "these things don't make sense to the mind." Love you both.

Mackenzie said...

i just found your blog through anj's page...what a gem!! i heard about this little adventure you two are embarking on and i'm so excited that we'll be able to live vicariously through your blog...its inspiring to say the least! God's blessing be upon you as you travel and discover and soak in the great variety and beauty of God's creation and God's people.

and please know that you will be in our prayers...

Scott Hearts NZ said said...

Soo glad you got to hook up with the Lighthouse crew in Wanaka. Aren't they all amazing. Bummer about the glacier. There is always next time. ;-) This blog brings a smile to my face each time I read it.

Corrie said...

So happy to hear of the adventures! Glad you are enjoying the candle.

Whimsique said...

Great read and inspiration for a rainy day...Hopefully the sun finds you before you head off to Sydney. No worries I have seen ice caves before, your not missing anything;)

jessica maneewan tou said...

books, hot drinks are the best! love reading your posts and i'm thinking and praying for you guys. *hugs*

Anonymous said...

“What a journey! Your roving castle reminds me of driving our RV on vacation with our 4 kids. Every few days we'd go park at a Hyatt for a hot shower and a good night's sleep. But you can take it; you're young and carefree ... we were just young. :-)

Congratulations on the courage to swap security for adventure: the timing seems right for you and the rewards will last far into your futures.

We'll keep checking in so keep thinking up new adjectives for all the beauty!

Love

Aunt Jane”

Miriam Maneevone said...

Thank you for blogging so we can share this adventure with you. I love the pictures. I thrill to see you living out your passion. May your love grow for each other and the joy of knowing Jesus through it all. I love you and pray often throughout the day. Love you both. Mom

Wichit Maneevone said...

i am jealous you both. May be mom and dad can starting follow your ideas. Thanks for sharing. Love you and ray er for you. Dad