notes from the road

Actually, there was no “climbing” involved and I only made it 2/3’s of the way up.  (I am still sadly and pathetically out of shape.)  The only accurate part of my title is that there was a mountain.  Mt. Arthur, which is about an hour from Motueka.  So far, it’s my favorite hike here in NZ, although I must admit, I haven’t done all too many hikes yet.  In fact, I think I may just be an awful traveler.  Not only have I not seen much of the 2 islands, I’m now going back to places that I’ve already been.  I’m headed back to Picton to WOF at the hostel where the girls I met here before are; so same city, different hostel.  I can work at the hostel for free accommodation and FREE MEALS, and get a job at a café or hotel so that I can make and then miraculously – hopefully – save some money.  The plan is to stay there till the end of March, then work for 2 weeks in Nelson, then go down to Christchurch for a day or two because I fly from there to Auckland on the 17^th and then from Auckland to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands on the 27^th.  Then I need to kick it into high gear and see the South Island before ski season starts.  Time goes so freaking fast – I already feel like I’m running out of it.  Eek.