Day 235 New Zealand…..
…..has been everything and more that I imagined it would be. It is truely an amazing country, and we really haven’t been anywhere but Christchurch, Castle Hill, and all the small towns in between. Let’s just say I am glad we caught our flight….because we almost didn’t. If you read our last post, we were about to catch a train to Sydney which was suppose to arrive about 3 1/2 hours before our flight to Christchurch. This turned epic really quick. Before we even got on the train, it was already delayed almost 2 hours. Between the delay, me getting stuck sitting beside a totally drunk homeless guy with Hep. B, who was on his way to find the guy he shared a needle with to catch Hep. B in Sydney, and Eric locking himself in the tiny bathroom so he could steal a power outlet to edit our Australia Video (which you should check out), it was insane. We ended up getting off a stop before Sydney so we could get a taxi ride into the airport for a quicker arrival. The taxi ride was almost 120 dollars but the train company gave us a voucher…..things always seem to work out. We got to the airport and raced around looking for the check-in counter. By the time we got there, we checked in 5 min. before boarding. This is unheard of for international flights. I think they just felt sorry for us. After racing through customs we finally were sitting in the plane having a New Zealand brand beer and looking forward to the new adventure. Our friend Kirilee, whom we met at Arapiles, picked us up at the airport in her tiny 80s Honda Civic Hatchback and we were off to Castle Hill!!
Since then, we have been camping at the free camp ground. It has been pretty cold but we are definitely making it. We haven’t had any problems with the devil birds that destroy everything in their path, and we have met a slew of amazing people already. The bouldering is going great too. The rumors of Castle Hill and Flock Hill are all true. They are world class, they are slopey, they are slimy, and the mantles are tuff. Thankfully we had a few months in Horse Pens 40 to train those muscles. It’s great, you feel like you are climbing in Narnia or Middle Earth. Eric has had a great start. He’s crushed a couple of the problems I had picked out before we came. I’m struggling a little but it will all come together…I sure of it:)
Besides the climbing, we are trying to find some work. I ended up scoring this amazing job at the Flock Hill Lodge. The people are amazing and the work is good. Hopefully they will be able to keep me around for the remainder of my time here. I’ve only been working for a week….let’s just say “It’s wild here.” Eric is still looking but I’m sure he’ll find something. As soon as all that is worked out, we’ll probably buy a car and continue our climbing and traveling through New Zealand.
No other great stories but we’ll keep ya up to date.
I just want to close by saying a huge congrats to Josh and Brandi on the Twins!!!….and secondly on sending Five-0. By the way, what is wrong with you…..waiting until it is death hot to do a really hard sloper problem?? That’s the Gecko for ya. I gave you a shout out in our latest video….hope you enjoy.
One more thing, to any who email us, moreover, me…..sorry for the late reply or no reply yet. Internet is hard to come by and is usually timed and costly. So don’t feel unloved:) Hope this finds everyone from everywhere smiling. Much love from your traveling friend/family,
-Matt
Matt & Eric, really good to meet up with you guys @ Flock Hill.Looking forward to following your travels & adventures. Hopefully we can keep in touch regarding supporting the dream. Best of luck to you both.
Karena Kaihe-Woolston said this on July 2nd, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Eric,
I really enjoyed watching your “tote” video. Dang, that looked sketchy. But, it’s really inspiring to hear about all of your adventures and to be reminded that you can do whatever you want to in life. I hope all is well with you and your crew.
Your Friend,
Allison
Allison said this on May 11th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I don’t know about you guys, but I am SO FREAKIN” EXCITED!! I can barely contain myself……just thought you two should know that.
Ben said this on May 9th, 2008 at 10:02 am
my elizabeth!! i read up on your adventures. i miss your guts and i love you. remember my scary story before you left? haha. i left you a really long message on myspace. when you get a chance, read it. there is alot going on! i love you, i love you, i love you and i miss you too! good climbing!
elizabeth…
kara laughlin said this on May 7th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Dags… hope the future is treating you both well… the rest of us in Tuesday love you guys and daydream our up and coming adventures together.
Alana said this on May 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Matt
Glad your having a wonderful adventure! Enjoying the pics!
Have fun!!
Teri Fronabarger
Teri Fronabarger said this on May 5th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Hey guys, everything seems to be good where you are, I would like to be with you so much. Your video in Australia is awesome, living in a cave that’s my dream
Continu to enjoy and put more and more videos I have so much fun to see you, it remember so much good time with you. Good luck!!!!
Matthieu Paré (l'ostie de Queb) said this on May 3rd, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Now I am getting ultra excited to watch Prince Caspian and annoy all the movie goers by talking about my awesome brother being there and climbing. So happy about your job, and we need the best video out of Eric yet, since you guys are in beautiful NZ. I am thinking a nice LOTR reenactment where Matt is Gimli. We were all stoked to talk to you! -Sister
Carrie Machen said this on May 2nd, 2008 at 5:35 am
Hey if this guy says he wants to do a work exchange with us should I give him the thumbs up! Just wondering if you two were as stoked as I am. The place is about 4km(2.5 miles+-) from the main area of Rocklands, but it is in its own area of the Pakhuys boulders. Give me a holler and let me know! Peace
Ben
Benjamin said this on May 1st, 2008 at 8:27 am
So Dudes! Matt remember how we contacted Traveler’s Rest. Well I found a place that is nestled in the boulders. Literally in the boulders, and you don’t have to pay the park pass fee if you stay there. And!!, they are interested in doing a work exchange for accommodation. SICK!! You should check it out when you get the chance. It is call De Pakhuys, and is a tea and wine farm. It looks so cool. I just thought you guys should know. It isn’t a sure deal, but the guy(Thys) sounds pretty enthusiastic about it. Love you guys, you’re Awesome!!
B-Trap
Benjamin said this on April 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Matt! I was just thinking of you so i thought i would check out the website to see how you’ve been. i just watch the oz video, and i was blown away! just amazing!! hope you’re enjoying nz, and i know it’ll only get better. you’re going to love queenstown! keep livin’ it up!~~Megha
Megha said this on April 29th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
hi eric! i thought i’d check out your website and see what adventures you’ve been having lately, and it sounds like you guys are never short of dull moments. it’s great to hear your stories and see your videos. have a wonderful time in NZ!! are you going to takaka…north of nelson? i spent some time there at a rock climbing spot called paynes ford…fun place!!! i look forward to seeing your pics from the south island! happy climbing and tim tam slamming to you both!
Kristy De Yong said this on April 28th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Matt, great to hear from you and even better that you are doing well. It is so wonderful that you and Eric have made such a fun loving group of friends. It makes the journey a bit easier and much more memorable. Good climbing to you. Mike
Claudius Klimt said this on April 27th, 2008 at 4:29 am