A journey is measured through friendships

The next step

endless_wonder — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:09:00 GMT

It is in the hope of writing this that I find the next chapter will unfold before me. Having an abundance of ideas and so many possibilities doesn’t necessarily present us with the right path and I'm hoping the divine intervention will, well intervene.

I have just read some of the entries of travellers and had a reminiscent chuckle at the abundance of statements with which begin. "I’m alive" being the most sought after expression of reassurance to loved ones. I miss being alive. Not in the conventional sense of where yes of course I’m here and everything is fully functional. I can feel, eat, touch and breath but in the travellers sense. That early morning breeze which smells of adventure and the unknown. Choosing left or right on a map, road or path becomes a laugh a minute. The days where meals are a 'meet and greet' of new faces, a delight of shared cultures, dishes and colour. Evenings when the birds in the trees have no identifiable names and the stars take over to remind us just how mere our existence really is.

In Ireland we have the travelling community who are a nomadic race who have been forced as a minority to settle and conform with societies ridiculous rules. Much like the gypsies, they moved with the seasons and the lay of the land. Travellers were known on occasion as tinkers as they would craft using tin while travelling Ireland to make their way. Although the origin of the term is more than pleasant it has become somewhat of a stigma to be referred to as a traveller in certain parts. I always wanted a pony and trap to travel my home country. I can still here my friends’ giggles as I told them 'I was born to be a traveller'. There is so much truth in this statement.

There is nothing more incredible than discovery.

I feel man has perhaps abused this a little too much however as we all look for a slice of the cake. Sometimes we have to accept that certain parts of the earth are for the privileged few. The Antarctic is currently facing disastrous consequences from mans need to see. It’s vital that we leave only a sprinkle and not an imprint on the places we visit. Which brings me back to the question, where do I go? Where do i make a difference?

Photos: Only 14 days to go!

endless_wonder — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:01:00 GMT

Kelly, Rory & Row and Tau return

Half a pound of tuppenny rice, half a pound of treacle..

endless_wonder — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 08:39:00 GMT

Mix them up and make them nice.....pop goes the weasel.

So confused and mixed are the origins of this tune that you can put any interpretation you like to it. There are several versions all with their own poignancy.

It seems a perfect reflection of the two weeks past where life has flung everything both good and equally bad to test us. I have had some fantastic people come back into my life. Friends of old return to base camp. And I’ve made new friends without even leaving the confines of my beautiful home. Seaside and sunshine.

Rowena and Tau, Kelly and Rory have been staying since they totalled spatica their new car only a week after buying it. Cuts bruises and stitches are all nearlly gone now. We are celebrating an early Christmas dinner this evening as they are off to Ireland on Monday morning. The stockings are up, the tree is decorated and the invites are out. As for those that have left my life, well, they have left me eith a court case which is more of an annoyance than anything. Miss Sarah Curtis failed to tell me she had borrowed money against her car when she asked me to sell it on her behalf. Thankfully, I am in no way liable for her dishonesty and asides missing my manual labour on the day in question fingers crossed all will go well. Just goes to show you never really know anyone. While she has deleted me from her correpondence, the loss is prominently hers. Friends do as friends will for each other.

“Early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy makes a man wise”

endless_wonder — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:50:00 GMT

Who was Benjamin Franklin kidding! In the Kaituna River, on an inflatable piece of rubber tubing, there seemed little if anything wise about our Saturday morning adventures. Bravely sharing this outdoor expedition were four of my friends, Sam, Diego, Cat and Psy.

A 15 minute drive from Rotorua, our excellent guide Nick and the Cascades team equipped us with some stunning gear. A quick briefing on safety and the difference between left and right and there was no turning back now! Remember when taking on the highest commercially rafted falls in the world to teach your south American friends to paddle and should you find yourself frantically yelling across to your mate, don't panic as every fall is perfectly interceded with calm waters. These are perfect for somersaults and tipping upside- down. Even the aqua-phobic has to agree the wetter, the better.

For the really brave of heart you have the opportunity to fall surf from the front of the raft and even jump off a cliff into rapids. These are just before the grade 6 fall which you are not aloud to go over.

Do beware of excess drowning due to laughter and enjoy every minute because its over before you know it.

For those of you looking for a calmer approach to life Cascades will take you slowly through these adventures holding your hand every step of the way. This is a wicked way to start the day.