Retribution....

So my blogging skills are at very best sub par.....and at the worst they are just plain awful and I apologize for that. I will try in the future to update with more anecdotes and details of my eventful and interesting travels...(modesty gets you a long way). However, I will seek retribution with this modest update. The Christmas/ Hanukkah *you're welcome Matt* season has been one that I will certainly not forget any time in the near future. We arrived in Taupo the 23 of December and instantly realized that we were going to be camping for Christmas. The Hostels had all been booked up by more responsible travelers and we, unfortunately do not fall into that category. Our campsite was known as Reid's farm, and it could not have been in a more pristine location. The river was crystal clear, borderline blue, and our campsite, although slightly elevated, was out of the hustle and bustle of the locals making a pilgrimage to this precious site. We fed some ducks on Christmas eve and called it a relatively early night. The following day, Christmas for those just tuning in, we took an adventurous 200km (124 mile) round trip to see our home for the next five days, the Tongariro Mt. Range. When we finally arrived at the mountains we were in awe at what we were about to take on. Mt. Doom (if you watch Lord of the Rings) was looming in the background almost challenging us to climb her right there. We sized up the mountain range and decided to re-evaluate our plans and shave 14 km off of our total trip in an attempt to not miss our one and only train out of the carrot capital of the world on New Years. Our plans, as of now, consist of hiking through the Tongariro Mt. Range for 4 days and then catching a train to wellington for New Years. The daunting challenge in front of us it what is now keeping me up until this wonderful hour of the night and what has now (blessing in disguise?) provoked me to update this internationally acclaimed blog! The pictures are going to have to stay on facebook but I will soon suck it up and upload a few and or get a photobucket account if I can figure out how to set one up. I would like to end my message with a thank you to my friends and family for without you I would probably not be on this trip. I know that over the years many of you have sacrificed a lot and I do not want anyone to think I don't appreciate everything I have gotten over the years. (tear tear), it's Christmas and I get to be sentimental! Matt I'm still expecting you in Christchurch in no more than a month and Brooks get that #1 blog fan t-shirt made! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all have a happy New Year! Until Next time !

Andrew H. Lewis