Smiles

Experiences that make me smile happen so often but here are a couple of my favorites from the last month.

Brunch:

A group of us had decided to meet up for a $5 english breakfast so after rounding the troups (except JJ cause I forgot I had his number) we went down to the pub. Arriving at 11:00 on a saturday we were asked for id, to eat breakfast. As we all had been out the night before this was quite confusing and because I only had my Minnesota license (which is really thin and looks kinda fake) I almost didn't get breakfast. The best part of this is that I have never had a problem with my id while actually drinking.

Mikenna had been holding the table so she went to get water...and was also id'd. To continue with the amazingness the menu had stated scrambled eggs and they came out sunnyside up. Than Sebastian did not receive his breakfast. With the grand finale of the amazing breakfast to have a dove fly out of Mikenna's hair...we didn't know that she was a magician! Okay so it just flew right by her head but overall the brunch was great since it was so interesting.

Golf:

During week 8 post arm break, which is when I should have been able to ride my bike the weather was incredibly windy and/or raining. As such I could not try to ride again. This made me unhappy and I started to get in quite a funk.

So when Friday came around and it was raining and JJ suggested the driving range I was super excited. Everyone had to wait until after my physio appointment...where I asked if golfing was okay. She said that if I hit the ground it would be really painful but take it easy and stop when it starts getting tired.

JJ, Jorge, Max, Ester and I all got into the car and were getting a little concerned as lightening and than hail came down. I can only imagine what our motley crew looked like as we dashed from the car through the rain into the range. Jorge and I are both lefthanded golfers so we fought for clubs (okay so we didn't).

I got through about a half bucket of balls before I couldn't hold my club anymore. It felt great to be able to get out aggression through the balls and my 6 iron skills were actually better than normal. The only thing was I couldn't use my woods because the vibrations came back into my arm, which is my favorite part of the game.

Watching JJ, Ester and Max's form

I then watched the others. Everyone has their own style and it's great to watch people. Jorge's is a really fast swing. Max has a short aggressive swing. Ester has a tense/relaxed swing. JJ has a relaxed natural swing. I suppose if I was my normal self I wouldn't have seen any of this but it's interesting to see how people move when doing activities.

We than continued on and drove around the bays...the route I had taken on my bike a couple of months earlier. Luckily the wind was so fierce that there was no way I would've been out on my bike that day. We stopped at the Chocolate Fish cafe and continued to the Bach Cafe. Where Ester had the most amazing Iced Chocolate...it had marshmellow, ice cream, chocolate flakes, chocolate sauce and chocolate milk....in other words it was amazing.

We got back in time to have downtime prior to starting Sarah and Michelle's going away party.

Pirates vs. Gypsies:

I realized that I had been to only one concert since I got to New Zealand and that I needed to dance to a live band. Mikenna in need of a show so we made it our goal to find some on Saturday night. We also convinced a group that they wanted to go.

We were going to wander to a couple of bars hoping for good music but Jack came back talking of Pirates vs. Gypsies. This was all the information that was given to us but did we need more? No, because it was Pirates vs. Gypsies. Going up the stairs to the Mighty Mighty I had no idea what to expect but once getting into the venue I knew this was going to be an amazing night.

The venue was cozy but decent sized with couches and chairs in case you didn't want to dance. Entering the band had eye patches and a washboard player...punkish stylings. It was lively and fun to dance to and even Max got on the floor.

The second band, the gypsies, came out through the crowd with a sax, trumpet, accordian, trombone, and tuba. Generally the evening was exactly what I needed and so much dancing happened. It's crazy how much more fun dancing is when it's to a band and not a DJ. The best $5 I've spent in a long time.

Clean up:

It was National Clean Up week so the hostel adopted the street outside to clean up. Well there is a walking path up to the hostel that is a perfect spot to sit at night and drink....which is evident if you have to clean it up. We had 20 bags full of trash and barely dented the garbage.

After the clean up we decided to go for fish and chips and than a walk. We had a massive amount of fish and chips and continued to the beach. We started up a creek bed and saw a little dam. Continuing on we crossed the creek a couple of times. Since my new hiking boots are waterproof I decided to take my own route across...which ended up with me falling in the creek...yes I am that good at life. My pride has officially died and I buried at sea.

characters in the play that is my life

I realized that I have provided no background on any of the people that are currently my friends...here's a brief description of some of the more prevalent personalities.

Matt - Canadian who left for home and university a couple weeks into my trip. He told me a bunch of little hints and we wandered around wellington together. Also, was a roommate.

Zeke - Scottish roommate every time I came back to wellington till Sept, which ended up being way more than expected. The "yes" man of what would be three people. Just as stubborn as me.

Kiet - Malaysian roommate who told me the weather by singing U2's 'Beutiful Day' on nice days. Had broke his wrist twice so understood my frustration and helped me see the big picture.

Mikenna - American and my New Zealand counterpoint to Emily. Cook, drink, and explore together. Generally makes the better decisions.

JJ - Frenchman who was the third in Zeke and my drinking party. Always up for something. Great at organizing outings such as golf, tramps and general good times

Jill and Bas - Older couple who adopted me when I broke my arm. Jill is vivacious and a wonderful cook/faux-mom. Bas is a wily farm, quite sarcastic and reminds me of my grandfather...we got along great (but don't tell him that).

Sarah M - Englishwomen with a dry wit and helps me meet my judging quota

Katy - English, has a plan and if greatly organized. Loves the small things as much as me...was roommate first time in Wellington.

Jorge -German who is up for exploring and has great sense of humor...also makes great spatzle

Max - Surly german who has a dry sense of humor and who's soul will be crushed when i can finally play basketball again

Esther - Dutchee who loves to dance and is great fun.

Meg - Kiwi, manager of the backpackers I kept returning to in Wellington...spunky

Phil L - American from Iowa. Also a cyclist who helped me get back on my bike. Understands the awesomeness of hotdishes.

Phil W - Englishman who is "singy". Always brightens everyones day with is upbeat personality and constant singing.

Alessandro - Italian who taught everyone to make pizza....delightful and also my roommate...we had our own language in the mornings since neither of us were morning people

Padraig and Collin - Irish lads, not a couple but homosexual....faaaiirrly certain....Padraig is loud and hilarious and Collin is reserved and funny

Biding time

End of August

August 10th

I arrived back in Wellington in time for a bunch of my friends to also be back. I spent a week with them relaxing and then went to the doctor for an appointment. To my great pleasure he told me that my arm was healing nicely and that I could get a new cast....this one below the elbow. So I chose my beautiful pink color and rejoiced (to all in the hostels annoyance) about being able to bend my elbow again. It is an amazing experience to go from not being able to touch your head/face to being able to. People that have never had the opportunity to discover this really don't understand the freedom that this allows.

August 15

After this I decided to leave Wellington for a couple of weeks as I had no idea the amount of rehab that would be necessary, and as such the next time I would be able to leave. I headed north to New Plymouth to see Mount Taranaki and more importantly up to Waitomo Caves and glow worms.
In one of the Caves at Waitomo

New Plymouth was nice I did get to see Taranaki but did not get pictures. I also got to enjoy the sunset on the beach.

Than I went to the Waitomo Caves with their glow worms....which were amazing. Imagine being on a river in a cave and looking up to a night sky with more stars then you have ever seen. That is the caves. I went on a basic cave tour first, which was a one on one tour, and had a great time discussing caves and everything with the guide. Than I went to the most famous of the caves, which are famous for good reason. Both tours were great for the different atmospheres they presented.

Once I was done with the caves I proceeded to Whitecliff Brewery which is home of Mike's Beer including a double IPA and a Whiskey Porter. The first day I got to go in the beer vat to help clean it out. It was an interesting time as I was helping a guy with a badly injured foot and I had my broken arm that I couldn't get wet. I spent most of my five days there making a sign for Oktoberfest and then hitched a ride back to Wellington since they were going down for Beervana.

Since August 25th I have been in Wellington, some of the highlights of this stay include:

Getting my cast off...only to realize the true journey has just begun. I still can't rotate my arm. Ligaments are not happy with me. Luckily I have friends here to pick me up when I need a hug, encouragement and if necessary a beer.

Making sushi with Zeke and JJ for us, Mikenna and Sarah. We went a little crazy and had enough food for 10 people.

Finding a salsa dancing place. I will convince the world that salsa dancing is amazing, even if you aren't good.

Hiking with JJ and Jorg and seeing this amazing picture. I just hope that bikers and dogs don't get confused!

Finishing a hike with a full out 30 minute run down a hill, to get out of the park 3 minutes prior to the gate locking. I'm not sure how I did not fall down the cliffside and injury myself more. The worst part was the last bit was amazingly beautiful in the sunset but none of us (JJ, Jorg, Mikenna or Phil W) could take photos.

Long Island iced tea night, and everyone at the hostel being crazy. Followed by sangria and potroast night.

Before and after mishap

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Welcome to my unorganized thought process...with one handed typing I don't have time to edit correctly.

Wellington Round 1

Saw glow worms in the botanical gardens. It had been pouring all day and it was getting cold. People started to cancel...soon it was only Katy and I left. We said fuck it and wrapped ourselves up and headed out. It waited to rain again until we got to the gate where there was a convenient waiting shelter.

Slowly people arrived, mostly appearing out of parked cars. Our group consisted of about ten children with parents, one teenage couple and Katy and I. We followed the tour guide as he described that the glow worms were actually larvae of a fly and how their glittering lured in unsuspecting insects to be eaten. On request (mostly of me and Katy) we continued the tour around a creek where the twinkling of the lights gave the night time a magical feel…you could almost believe that fairies houses were located on the bank.

Went out with Katy and Mikenna to the seal colony at Red Rocks.

The beginning….

I woke up early to head to the train to Featherson. Had a slight shimmy telling me that I needed to readjust my packs, not having time I walked the rest of the way to the station.

Trains! Hehehe. It’s amazing how they make me smile. The train had a luggage compartment but no restraints for bikes (so Northstars confusing/time consuming straps weren’t looking so bad). It was a beautiful clear day as I admired the scenery and the train infrastructure.

Arriving in Featherston my packs were adjusted and my bike tour started, though I wouldn’t feel like it officially started until I headed toward Masterton. It was a 18 km ride to Martinborough, gentle rolling hills.

After heading down the wrong driveway I made it to the Brodie Estte where I would be wwoofing for the first time. My job would be to help with clearing vines after the pruning. Placing my gear in my own room (with private bathroom) I went down to begin my training.

I had only been on one vineyard before and really had no idea about caring for vines. Soon I was beginning to understand the level of effort that they require.

First, you have to decide if you want the vines to be best this year or if you would like to improve next years (this was done by James). Then, you prune all of the other vines leaving four or five to be tied down. This is where I came in. I would bring up the wires (so when the buds came out they weren’t hit off) and follow up by clearing all of the pruned vines.

Leaving for Masterton it was a foggy morning with the sun promising to come out shortly. I said goodbye to Ann and James and started off. The suggested road started with rolling hills and had little traffic. The excitement of beginning my adventure was immense.

This trip was meant to push me. I knew that my legs would become stronger but the first few days would be hard as they adjusted to the kilometres. Overall the first day was successful with minor complication. I made it to Masterton where I needed to determine if I could handle another 40 km to Ekethuna. I decided that I had plenty of time and I should still be able to stop at Mt Bruce for a visit.

From Masterton the road is a gradual uphill for the next 25km with a steeper incline just prior to the highest point. Riding by yourself gives a person plenty of time to think. It’s not the daydream thinking that you get when driving as you need to be aware of the road ahead and behind. Also, for me I got to have a long and sometimes bitter conversation with my negative voice (you know the one that says you can’t do something). Like when I needed to get off and walk up a portion of the hill (which ended up being the last .2 km of the climb). Knowing that the worse was over and I had 5 km to warm food and time off the bike was an amazing feeling.

After wandering through Mt. Bruce seeing the native birds (including kiwi’s) there was only 10 km till the campsite. It was threatening rain so I tried to hurry the best I could, thankfully it was downhill.

I’ve never been so happy to see a campsite in my life! And it had a shower and kitchen…which I could’ve kissed, germs be damned. It rained through the night but stopped by morning.

Off I went to Dannervirke, after one wrong turn.

Wellington Round 2

I was walking up to the botanical gardens and as I passed a school I heard violins playing. Stopping to listen a bird decided to join me and also enjoy…jumping from branch to branch to ensure the best listening point.

Another beautiful day and my arm is not very swollen so I’m off for a walk. I wander towards Otari Wilton Bush. It’s sunny and perfect weather to be outside. I find a walking path that goes through a cemetery, where the trees look as if they are loosing their skin. A bird jumps out at me and I jump followed by a giggling fit.

Continuing on the path I meander with the creek and walk all by myself surrounded by nature. On my entire 3.5 hour walk I will only see a handful of people.

Detour ahead

July 27, 2010

All great adventures are about the journey not the destination and my latest impromptu expedition through the woods just helps to reinforce this thought. Me the day before my accident after I set up my tent

On July 19th I woke up early and cold as the rain had stopped allowing frost to come in. Packed up camp excited to sleep in a hostel in Napier that night. Went to the local mower/bicycle store (this made my day) purchased a high visibility jacket and was directed to Middle Road.

The sun was coming out and a beautiful day was promised. Turning on to Middle Road I was relieved to be away from the traffic of the main highway and the scenery was great. Riding through valleys I would push through heavy fog and feel like I had enter some scary movie. As I came out of fog up a hill I stopped at a fence gate to have a snack. As soon as I had placed my bike there I saw the farmer approaching on his 4wheeler (called a bike here). At that moment I truly did not want to have to move my bike and luckily he was content with talking about my adventure. He gave me cookies and his phone number in case I had troubles. I told him I hoped never to see him again and than continued on my way.

About 20 km into my ride and 2 km after I chatted with the farmer a downhill windy section of road was ahead with an amazing view of the valley below. As I took the second curve in the shade of the hill I hit a patch of ice (yes ice the thing I rode on for 4 months this MN winter) and began my crash.

Looking back at where I was coming from

I believe that as I began to lay my bike down my front left pannier came lose and started dragging and up righted me back on to two wheels. I veered to the left, which up until this point had been a hillside. To my horror in this exact location and only for about 200 feet there is a fence and a gully to my left. By this time it is too late as my wheels are airborne and braking is not an option...also I'm clipped in and not unclipping fast enough. As a last ditch effort I flail my arm out for anything to grasp and connect just below my wrist with a branch. My bike proceeds to hit the fence and I fly somersaulting over into the gully. I land with a yard sail of gear but luckily my bike has remained with the fence. Looking at my wrist the break was obvious and I climbed out of the gully.
Where I went down...my bike was stuck where I was standing

My glasses were lost and I was hoping my handle bar bag still held my phone. It did but as I feared no signal. I began slowly climbing out of the valley on the road hoping for signal. Shortly a car passed and I did my best to stop them. Thankfully the three older ladies stopped and one happened to be a nurse.

They made a makeshift sling with my windbreaker and we went to find a house to call the ambulance.

Ambulance/Hospital

While waiting for the ambulance the question that would haunt me for the next couple of days was asked "Where are you staying in Hawkes Bay?". Well I was going to stay in a backpackers but since I have broke my arm I really haven't thought about it.

Luckily I had multiple people offer to stay in their homes (ex: ambulance driver, house where made ambulance call, people picked me up). At first I was not willing to accept these offers but the reality of the situation and the pain of staying in a backpackers slowly set in.

Lesson learned: Sometimes you need to accept help.

I decided to take the farmer who had heard from the lady who drove me to call the ambulance that I had had a crash. He reminded me of home and was the only person I had not previously inconvienced.

Once I had my cast on and than had my arm "manipulated" and in another cast I stayed the night in the hospital. I was released on Wednesday and Bas came to pick me up. After discussing if we should take my bike and bags (which the social worker had went out of her way to find storage for) I won and we continued to my recovery center.

Bas and Jill (aka My saviors) in Napier...one of the day trips they took me on...and my first ice cream in NZ

Recovery

I've decided to cheat a little with recovery and just show you the pics as we go!


Jill and I with my black cast...above the elbow...two days after accident



I have an elbow!!! and a pink cast...super awesome fantastic times!


Bionic arm activate!!! My new brace to help rotation