2014

2014

Another notch in the belt of time.
Or, another belt in the notch of time?
The world appears to want to spin for an additional year.
So spin splendidly along we go.




      Cheryl and Tom continue to chase the glories of New Zealand.  Sam joined them and began his chase on Christmas Eve.  The schedule has been full.  Christmas in Hastings with the Willis Family, adventure rafting along the Rangitiki River, tramping to the Pinnacles, attending local horse races, boogie boarding in the Pacific, wandering through the Maritime Museum, exploring Hobbiton.  Sam had signed up for a social-geographical-anthopologic extravaganza.

Sam met his parents at Auckland International Airport and stuffed himself into the Corolla.  Four hours later he found himself in Hastings-Napier on the east coast.  Awaiting him were the Willis', who served him a generous portion of Christmas goodness.  Then took him to the longest church service in the southern hemisphere.  Cultures from everywhere in Oceania performed.  He realized the service was fun days later when the jet lag wore off.  Chris soothed the lag with his own beer label.

Dawn worked for months honing the Christmas cake.  She is now entered into the Christmas Cake Hall of Fame.  Her secret not revealed, but had something to do with the liquid flavoring splashed on the creation for months before the cutting.  This moment captured on film will be the cover of "Bon Appetit" in future issues.

Angela and Dawn combined for pavlova.  Another masterpiece of fine eating.  A couple months of Ramen noodles came to a glorious halt upon arrival in Hastings.  This theme continued for a generous three days.

And they were fatter and happier.

Sam ( not Samwise Gamgee ) and Cheryl roamed the North Island finding more fantastic sites, some of which were surreal.  A farm changed into Hobbiton with the movie and Peter Jackson's imagination and money.  The farm, located 90 minutes south of Thames offered a fitting beginning to the saga of Sam's trek through Middle Earth.  The detail of the setting impressed the fine eye of Hobbit critiques.   The sun shone on the shire.  Satisfied.

      The Rangitiki River provides a class 5 rafting experience.  Cheryl, riding high on her successful adrenalin lifestyle, signed the group up for the chance.  They drove through sheep country, evading ewes and rams and big puffy ones,  while keeping a close view of the gravel mountain roads.  An auto break down would mean at least a 20 k walk for Cheryl to get assistance.

     Sam practiced his river transportation system while awaiting the rafting bus to take us up river.











         Working as a well-wired rafting machine, the trio wound down the turbulent waters.  The canyon clouded and crisp raindrops cascaded bringing a jungle environment to the experience.  Everyone managed to stay in the boat.  Only 4 people have died on the river since 1980.
They stayed at the lodge that night and savored the experience with the local staff and near-by ranchers.  Then home to await arrival of brother Nate.