I've just arrived in the town of Westport, which is on the western coast of the South Island. The last few days have been relatively laid back. We finally left the hippy conclave of Takaka (which admittedly is a nice town) to journey southwards to St. Arnaud... a small ski village located on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. We spent two days in St. Arnaud, looking at various things of geologic significance.

Among the interesting sights we got to experience, was a brisk hike up Mt. Robert yesterday (which was also my birthday), which overlooks Lake Rotoiti. After arriving at the top, we were caught in a short snow flurry, but were able to take cover in a shelter along the trail. The views from the top were quite dramatic and fascinating. However, clouds quickly moved in and it began to rain on our way down. The last few days have actually been rather rainy too, which is somewhat disappointing. I've never been to a place where the weather changes so fast though.

On the first night at St. Arnaud, a few of us went for a walk down to the lake. It started out quite clear with some clouds across the lake. In the 15 minutes it took to get to the lake, the wind picked up, it started to rain, and then started to hail! We tried taking cover under some trees (no thunderstorms thankfully) but the hail storm was quickly over. On the walk back, it cleared up again and things were fine. Everyday has nearly had some sort of experience like that. It's quite crazy.

Internet access has been extraordinarily spotty though. And most of these places have stupid setups that require you to pay money if you want to upload pictures from a camera. So it's been quite hard to share my pictures. At the moment, this internet cafe is costing about $0.50 for every 5 minutes of computer time that you use. It's rather ridiculous if you want to do anything serious, like editing/sharing pictures, but for quick email writing, it suffices.

Anyway, we have some serious geology to do over the next week while we stay at a very nice geology field station in Westport (run by the University of Canterbury). We'll be under the direction of a new geology professor for the next few days as well. Some of the stuff we're going to do sounds absolutely fascinating. So far, this field camp has been a blast and we're looking at some many different types of things.

All of us have been pretty surprised by how fast the first week has flown by.

And now... for some pictures (from the past 2 days).

Right click on picture and click "Save As..." to view larger size photos

We had the day off today and spent it at a beautiful beach in Abel Tasman National Park on the South Island. I could probably count on one hand how many people were at this beach. Absolutely beautiful! We're on our way back to the Geology Field House at the moment and stopped in town for some resupplies. Unfortunately, I forgot my damn camera cable at the field house, so I can't upload any pictures from today.

Things are going swell though! This really isn't a vacation however. We have a syllabus and criteria we're going to be graded on. And we're constantly being inoculated with geology. On Thursday, we were in the field by 9AM, returned by about 6PM (the sun doesn't set until almost 9PM here and it doesn't get dark until around 10!) and then worked through dinner at the field house until well after 10pm, compiling and analyzing data we collected all day. Basically, everyday has been like that.

We went to a pub down the street last night to celebrate New Years, but it was quite crowded, so we left and came back to the field house to celebrate.

We also sat outside and watched shooting stars through the night (and got to see some neat features that we don't get to see in the Northern Hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross and Magellanic Clouds! Also, because of our perspective, the constellation Orion appears upside down! And apparently, so does the Moon. We haven't been able to see it yet though). It is definitely one of the most dramatic and amazing night skies that I have ever seen in my life.

Anyway, I'm definitely enjoying it here. We'll be holed up here in Takaka / Onekaka for a few more days before we disembark for points further south.

Some of you have probably gotten this email already, if so... I apologize!

I just wanted to inform everyone that I've arrived in New Zealand! After 2 years of planning this trip, it's finally happened. I'm currently in staying in Wellington. Tomorrow is the first official day of field camp, and we'll head to the South Island. The flight over here was "only" 13 hours long, but actually went by fairly fast now that I think about it. Unfortunately, I was only able to sleep for 4 hours.

We landed in Auckland at 4:45am local time (7:45 Pacific) and then I took a short flight to Wellington and landed here at 8am local time. Since then, I've pretty much just been walking around the city and exploring downtown and the wharf. There are a bunch of kayaks out on the bay and I was thinking of renting one.

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The weather here is PERFECT. Not many clouds in the sky, about 74 degrees F with a light breeze. Apparently, Wellington is a sister-city of San Francisco. It makes sense when you look at the geographical context of both cities: excellent natural harbors, built among (and on) lush green hills. Even the people (though most are on holiday this week) are quite friendly and laid back. Oh yes, even the transients have the same charismatic one-liners that their San Francisco counter parts have. "MAN! You're a lucky punk! Want to trade?" yelled one person to a guy in a car with his attractive girlfriend. One person I talked to mention another uncanny similarity with SF: Very few people in this city are native to Wellington.

And for my Bay Area friends... here is another AMAZING similarity that I randomly found today. Apparently, there is no relation to the SF/Berkeley restaurants.

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I'm also noticing an abundance of Subways (food) places here. Within a 10 minute walk of my hostel, there are 3 of them. Every time I see one now (especially since I'm in a foreign country), I can't help but laugh at Mitch Hedberg's joke about how when he offends people overseas, he feels as if the Subway is an American Embassy of sorts. I'll have to keep that in mind. There is also an abundance of internet cafes within the same radius. I counted 6 on my way up the street.

For those wondering about the time difference... we're 3 hours behind, but one day ahead. So as I write this, it's 1:22pm on the 27th here. Back home in California, it's 4:22pm on the 26th. The other thing that's going to be crazy to get used to is the fact that they all drive on the wrong side of the road. I really need to remember which way to look. Doesn't seem like it'd be too bad to get used to, but old habits die hard I suppose.

For Dan: While they drive on the opposite side of the road and the driver's seat is different from ours, the setup with the clutch is exactly the same. Clutch on the left side. However, the stick shift is on the left side as well. That'd be weird to get used to. (In my unscientific sample earlier this morning, I noticed the majority of cars parked around downtown were stick shift).

It's weird... I really can't believe I'm basically on the opposite side of the world. It's quite crazy. Of course, all I have to do is look at the side of the road people are driving on and I know I'm not dreaming. ;) The weather itself is so great though. It feels like an awesome San Francisco / Berkeley early summer day. Exactly like it! That alone makes it feel like I never really left California. When we landed in Auckland last night though, I know I had the biggest, cheesiest grin on my face that I actually made it here. Awesome. :)

Click here for full size image

Click here for full size image

Tomorrow morning, we take a ferry to the South Island, where we'll spend the next 3 weeks before returning to Wellington. From there, we'll spend another 3 weeks on the North Island... and then it will be time to go home.

Here is our itinerary that we received about 2 weeks ago.

(Click below to read)

Field Camp Itinerary - December 28, 2005 to February 7, 2006

**28 December 05 (27 December 05 – US Time)**Field trip starts in Nelson approx. 2 pm. Travel to Takaka in Golden Bay. Accommodation: Geology House field station. Briefing and orientation. Field station is about 10 minutes drive from Takaka township which has internet cafes, shopping, pharmacy etc. No money machine but retailers will give cash-out with purchases.

29 Dec. to 1st Jan. At Geology House. Leave each morning after breakfast, preparing packed lunch and being briefed, for field work at locations in surround areas. Return about 5 pm. Prepare dinner, eat, then do compilation under guidance. Several maps to be handed in during this period. Topic: Introduction to Geological Mapping and Structural Geology. Break for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

2nd -3rd Jan. Accommodation change to “River Inn” Backpackers www.riverinn.co.nz in old hotel a few minutes away from Geology House. Continue fieldwork.

4th-5th Jan. Move to St Arnaud village, Nelson Lakes National Park, in a spectacular lakeside setting. Topic: Glacial and Tectonic Geomorphology. Activities include a hike up Mt Roberts via the “Pinchgut Track”. Accommodation: Alpine Chalets http://www.alpinelodge.co.nz/

6th–12th Jan. To Westport with accommodation at University of Canterbury Field Station. Dr John Bradshaw takes over instruction. Westport is a major town on the West Coast of South Island and has everything that a modern city has but geared to a lower population base. Internet access, money machine etc will be available. Prof. John Bradshaw takes over for this part of the camp. Topic: Structural Geology. Exercises will comprise mapping of a coastal section with access governed by tides.

13th-14th Jan. To Harihari, in the very south of this district and near the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Activities will include a visit to an excellent exposure of the Alpine Fault contact between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Pacific Plate. Towns at each of the glaciers will have internet.

15th-16th Jan. To Christchurch the Garden City. Sunday 15th will be spent travelling north then east across the Southern Alps to the outwash plain on which Christchurch is situated. Accommodation is at Coachman http://www.coachmanbackpackers.co.nz/ . Monday is your free day to explore the city and visit points of interest. The New Zealand Antarctic Centre is located here as is the US base for flights to McMurdo Station. Towards the east on the coast, is the picturesque township of Akaroa where early French settlers made their home, and the port of Lyttelton on the shore of an eroded volcano and caldera.

17th Jan. Tuesday: I will pick you up from the Coachman at 7.15 am for the 5 hour drive to Picton for a 1230 check in on the Wellington ferry.

18th-23 Jan. In Wellington. Introduction to Quaternary tectonics and sea level changes of this region. Visits to sites of geological interest. Accommodation at Cambridge Hotel Backpackers www.cambridgehotel.co.nz within walking distance of restaurants, supermarket, Te Papa (national Museum) and right next to the Embassy Theatre where the Lord of the Rings world premiere was held. (The extended stay is on the recommendation of past students).

24th-27th Jan. To Tora-White Rock area, SE North Island. The plate boundary here is a few kilometres offshore where the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Indo-Australian Plate has produced the Hikurangi trench. The accommodation will be rustic and we will be staying either at Busby’s farm or White Rock Station (still to be finalized). The coast is spectacular and is a favourite with surfers. No Internet access and the nearest town is about 40 minutes drive away.

28th Jan. Travel North through the Wairarapa Valley to Napier, Hawkes Bay. The Wairarapa has become a very fashionable area producing Pinot Noir and olive oil as well as the fruit and vegetables: also a sheep farming area. Hawkes Bay is a long established wine and fruit producing area. Geology work through these parts will comprise a continuation of the study we started on the Tora Coast.

29th-30th Jan. In Napier. Discover the features of the area. Napier was hit by a large earthquake in 1931 that devastated the town. Which present day features can we attribute directly to the earthquake? Free day. Accommodation at Archies Bunker’in the heart of Napier close to Museum, restaurants, coffee bars, Marineland. www.archiesbunker.co.nz Internet access in-house from this point on.

31st Jan. Travel to Taupo situated on shore of Lake Taupo, Central North Island. Taupo gives its name to the Taupo Volcanic Zone characterised by active volcanoes from Ruapehu in the southwest to White Is and a chain of undersea volcanoes to the northeast. In between, activity is evidenced by steaming ground, geysers, boiling mud pools and other types of geothermal activity. The geothermal power station of Wairakei is just north of Taupo. Visit locality for sampling obsidian. Visit Craters of the Moon geothermal park. (Accommodation to be decided).

1st-4th Feb. At National Park Village situated in the shadow of the great, active andesite cones of Mt Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe with the Tongariro Massif further to the north. Accommodation at National Park Backpackershttp://www.npbp.co.nz/ . Walk the world-famous Tongariro Crossing: takes you past Ngauruhoe (“Mt Doom” of Lord of the Rings) and a side trip to the summit and crater can be done within the time-frame for the day’s activity. Option to end day with swim at Tokaanu hot pools. Dr Bob Stewart joins us for next 4 days. Study of tephras: tephra stratigraphy - types, description, chronology and importance in geology.

5th-6th Feb. To Rotorua, “known to Kiwis as “Rotovegas” ! Active geothermal activity right in the city. Continue volcanism study. Free day on 6th – try the Luge, etc. Option one evening of Maori cultural evening concert and hangi (food cooked in the ground; cost approx $70NZ / $50US.

7th Feb. Travel to Auckland with drop-off at Auckland International Airport. Goodbyes : end of field trip

My flight leaves at about 7:00PM on Sunday. I'm almost completely packed and ready to go. All my flights and accomodations are booked as well. Nothing to do now but wait. All the roommates are now gone as well, so I'm all by myself at the house for the rest of the weekend (a very rare occurence)!

Since my sister has an inconvienent work schedule this week, she wasn't able to fly home to visit the family either. Tomorrow, she is going to spend Christmas with a friend's family who lives near by. They invited me over for dinner tomorrow night as well. That is very nice of them, and is especially thoughtful since I was feeling rather lonely due to the circumstances. It's going to be my first Christmas / New Years / Birthday away from home! It's all a part of growing up of course, but there's something sentimental (and scary) about it being the first time, especially coupled with the fact that this is the first time I'm travelling overseas too.

I'm quite excited and wonder how on Earth I'll be able to sleep both tomorrow night and on the plane as well. It's roughly a 16 hour flight there. The longest flight I've ever had before are the short one hour hops back and forth between San Francisco and Southern California. Meghan, a veteran of these long trips, bought me an interesting game called Sudoku to help kill time on the flight. I've played with it a bit already and it's quite fun. I'm also bringing along "Life of Pi", which quite a few people have recommended to me as an excellent book. There's also the whole (trying to) sleep aspect as well as watching movies. Especially since we know how often I see actual movies anyway. It'll be like everything is new to me!

Another nice issue is that I found someone to sublet my room for January, courtesy of my friend Julie. A friend of hers is moving back to San Francisco after a short stint in Texas and is looking for a place to stay for a few weeks while she gets settled. It'll be nice not having to pay for a room that I'm not actually using. Of course it's almost like moving out, so I've been packing up a lot of clothes and other random stuff laying around my room and storing it in boxes. Furniture is thanfully staying though, so she'll utilize that.

While packing up my room, I was able to fill up two full trash bags of clothes that I dropped off to the Goodwill this week as well. That freed up quite a bit of space. There were also a lot of things I was able to get rid of. For some reason I was apparently collecting rotten old shoes. I tossed out about 5 pairs of completely destroyed shoes that were hiding in the back of my closet.

Among them, were a pair of hiking boots that have been with me through thick and thin. It was almost hard to throw them away, and I wanted to keep them for nothing more than sentimental value (that must be the word of the day). They've been with me from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the top of the Sierras and literally everything in between, plus some (Death Valley, Basin and Range, Salton Sea, Owens Valley, Nevada, Montana, as well as the infamous Caribou Scramble - 2 miles, 2500+ft of elevation gain, 100 switchbacks). I really think that I've easily put a brutal 500 miles on the things. They've lasted me well over the years... especially for a $40 pair of boots.

Ah well. So long Hi-Tec's! It's a shame you won't be sharing in yet another adventure with me.

In other news... I went to a currency exchange shop downtown earlier this week and pulled out some New Zealand Dollars, so I'm prepared once I get there. I have to say, we in the United States have some of the most boring money in the world. The cash from NZ is quite colorful and interesting to look at. Perhaps that makes you want to spend it less (riiiggghhhht).

Baseball is back! I have to say last year's playoffs was some of the most amazing baseball I have ever seen. From the Cubs to the Red Sox and even the Marlins, all the games were just phenomenal. And now that Murdoch and Fox have finally sold the Dodgers, I can like them again without a guilty conscience. Not a moment too soon too, because they are ON FIRE this year!

I just got back from a game tonight with some of my fellow geology classmates. Oakland A's versus the Yankees. While I'm not necessarily a fan of either team, I am always down for hating on the Yankees. It was a great game and went all the way to the top of the ninth inning, when in true Yankees fashion, they tied it up and then drove in the winning run. While I wasn't rooting for them, I can definitely appreciate some fine baseball.

Plans for the weekend:

» Wait for more info on that internship. » Friends from high school, Emily and Brandy may be in town on Saturday night. » Write a paper for paleontology. » Finish up TWO late labs for geomorphology. » Start looking for people to sublet my room for the summer.

Tomorrow is advising day as well. Looks like next semester is going to be another tough one. Currently on my plate is Mineralogy, Stratigraphy and Structural Geology. However, I might not be able to take the Structure class due to some funky prerequisites, so I may be taking Hydrology instead. In the next year I will need to squeeze in Physics 3 and Chemistry 2 somewhere also. Perhaps if I kick butt, I can take field camp in New Zealand in the winter of 2006! That would be so amazing! I think I can save up the roughly $4500 it will cost between now and then. Definitely worth it for 6 weeks!

Some various cleanup on the website too. I've added ratings for songs in the music section. Also, for those using Internet Explorer or Mozilla derivatives, you might notice the new background graphic up above. I thought it added a nice bit of personality to this blog. :) The background picture doesn't render in Safari for some reason though. Not sure why at the moment.