Friday Karen organised some sit on top river kayaks and we visited the mighty Motueka valley and kayaked along a 4km stretch of the Motueka river. Joshua got wiped out and capsized his kayak while Toby seemed to really suited to the water. Karen was brilliant and after reaching the end of the run rode her bike back to the put in point got the ban and enabled us to re-run the whole stretch again.
Saturday was off to Upper Takaka for caving this was pretty exiting and a really good experience but I think the the general consensus was that it was a bit like sitting in a cold, wet puddle in the dark for a couple of hours. But we learned, and saw heaps of stuff and tried to navigate thru the cave, seeing stalactites and stalactites, glow worms, rock features, climbed waterfalls, crawled the gaps and crevices in the rocks and we also all went up a place called “possum’s passage”!
Three hours caving thru Comentary cave and after exiting through the beautiful Field Entrance only took us 5-10 mins to walk back to the van.
Sunday was abseiling and climbing at Whenua Iti (pronounced fenu iti) which is Karens work place. It was good to have Meeso come and join us and we all were met with challenges which was good.
Karen is amazing with her detail to safety, planning and diverse knowledge of her industry and her trade. She has been really selfless during our trip and gone to great lengths to make sure everything Is in place and done safely and properly. She has really tried to work with the boys to help them think about goals and reaching them. Also the application of those goals in everyday life. It has been wonderful to have someone input so positively into my three eldest sons in such a fresh and direct way when I am at a point where I am so stale and lacking vision. This holiday has not only been a trip of a lifetime but very timely and it’s impact will benefit my family long into the future. A very big thank you to Karen and Meeso for making it all happen.
However, although I am writing this at the end of my trip there has still been much more activity that I should document.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday was spent at the Abel Tasman National Park, sea kayaking and camping on the beach. This place is absolutely beautiful. Although the boys arms did get pretty tired but the rewards were more than worth it for the beautiful views, sunsets, seeing seals from the kayaks on the islands and playing in the water, camp fires and stargazing swimming in the ocean and eating wild mussels from the rocks steamed up.
White water rafting at Murchison on Thursday meeting with one of Karens old friends, Richard who also helped out with the shuttle enabling us to do two runs along the Buller river and the Mataki Taki. The rapids were a grade two plus and Karen says probably the best two plus in nz.
Friday we were back at the tower which is about 13m high. All continuing where we left off and improving on our previous attempts. Later while waiting for Karen Samuel and myself were throwing Karens boomerang and some kiwi kids came over and Samuel gave them some throwing lessons. Now I think they must think every Australian has there own boomerang that they throw everywhere all the time.
Today we will visit the town and the markets and do the tourist thing before getting ready for our flight which leaves Sunday morning. It has been a great trip but I am also looking forward to getting on with things that I need to at home. Life is never static and is always moving. I am glad that this trip has helped me move forward and steer me in the right direction.
