www.2explore.net. On February 16, 2007 we will leave behind the comforts of our home in Seattle to travel through the South Pacific. On this site you can follow along with us, read about our experiences and view some of the photos we have taken en route. Our insatiable urge to explore, sparked the idea for this adventure. In October of 2005, we had a taste of the South Pacific on a 3-week trip to the Cook Islands and have ever since wanted to go back to immerse ourselves in the South Pacific way of life and record our experiences. With many ecosystems at risk from pollution, global warming and climate change, this is now especially critical. We aim to capture the true character of the idyllic South Pacific through photographs and words in a way that makes any observer of our work feel a connection to this special place and in turn, join us in making simple choices in everyday life that can have positive, lasting effects on the world around us. For a year we will be living as modern nomads – traveling only with what we can carry in our packs, living amongst the locals on the islands we visit, spending time sharing stories and experiences and taking in the captivating underwater world on the occasional dive. We hope to help others along the way and keep a vivid record of this adventure to share with you, and keep at the forefront of our memory. Follow along with us and learn about far away places of natural beauty and rich cultures. Experience with us the big world we call home.

DAY 299 A Time to Treasure

NEW ZEALAND | Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 | Views [534]

As the days pass in December, the number of tourists in New Zealand is greatly increasing and soon, the number of New Zealanders on the road will skyrocket as the school holidays kick in. Now, more than ever, we are seeking out the quiet, ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 289 Across the Mountains

NEW ZEALAND | Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 | Views [642]

After leaving the Marlborough Sounds, we made our way Southeast. Clouds appeared as we approached Kaikoura where we needed to stop for the night. Just as the tent was wedged between two camper vans, the clouds broke open and it poured. ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 250 Northland at the South End

NEW ZEALAND | Sunday, 4 Nov 2007 | Views [567]

For the last two weeks we have been exploring the far North of New Zealand, our most Southern destination on this journey. It has been a while since we have last found ourselves at latitudes this far from the equator, where the weather is obviously much ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 82 ...Is Sometimes Too High

FIJI | Saturday, 12 May 2007 | Views [496]

Following a stay on Nacula, we made a stop at Wayasewa Island. The natural beauty and good snorkeling continued here but sadly, so did the 'fake Fiji' experience and the food and accommodation standards actually went further downhill. It ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 78 The Price of Paradise...

FIJI | Saturday, 12 May 2007 | Views [523]

Tourists flock to the Yasawa Islands in droves in search of idyllic beaches beneath rugged hills and a large dose of sunshine, shelling out lots of money as the prices take a dramatic jump from those on the mainland. In search of some respite ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 72 Kava and Bilibili's

FIJI | Wednesday, 2 May 2007 | Views [806] | Comments [1]

While on Ovalau Island, we were able to spend a few days in a traditional Fijian village, staying with at family-run, local 'guesthouse' just outside of Arovudi village. Here, we sampled the real Fijian life. The village and our accommodation was rural, ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 68 South Seas Gem

FIJI | Wednesday, 2 May 2007 | Views [525]

Levuka, a lovely town on Ovalau Island, has become our favorite place in Fiji thus far. The spirit of the town is authentic, lively and filled with genuinely friendly people enjoying a simple life in a far less touristy part of Fiji. The journey there ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 57 A Rough Start

FIJI | Wednesday, 18 Apr 2007 | Views [542]

Last Saturday we arrived in Fiji. Unfortunately our flight into Nadi was three hours late. Because it was almost midnight, we had to take a taxi to our accommodation, which we fortunately booked from Rarotonga. It was pitch dark which made it difficult ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 48 Hanging with the Mossies

COOK ISLANDS | Saturday, 7 Apr 2007 | Views [483]

We have just returned from the island of Mangaia, where the mosquitos outnumber people at about a million to one, or so it seems. The island receives a few flights a week and a cargo ship about once a month from Rarotonga, but still feels very isolated.... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 1 On location in Moorea, French Polynesia

FRENCH POLYNESIA | Sunday, 18 Feb 2007 | Views [482]

We're starting the adjustment process...it is sweltering here, but beautiful. Even with the best preparations, we managed to get eaten alive by mosquitos and sunburned today in just a matter of minutes. After arriving in Papeete, Tahiti we caught the ... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

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