We awoke to our watch alarms crying like restless children,
telling us that it was time to begin our first day in Kaikoura. We proceeded to
drag our semi-animated bodies into the kitchen for a fulfilling breakfast
comprised of cereal, omelets, and fruit. Tim, Ben, and Linsay unfortunately told
us that surfing was not an option, but our fearless leaders did say we would be
going for a day hike along the rocky beaches of Kaikoura. This was the first
time I fully realized the perfect beauty that is the New Zealand coastline. The
coast is made up of furry seals, rolling green hills, and cerulean blue water.
We finished our hike and piled back into our vans, Hemmingway and Wilde--yes
they have names--for a short trip down the road to a pull off. Here we, Robbie
Epps in particular, came across an incredibly arrogant pack of seagulls who
clearly thought they owned the place.
When we were done eating, and Robbie was
finished bad-mouthing seagulls, we crawled back into the vans for a 3 hour
drive to Nelson, New Zealand. Before heading into the city we took a detour to
one of the most breathtaking stretches of beach I have ever witnessed. While
half of the group went for a strenuous hike up a steep ridgeline, the other
half lounged and swam on the rocky beaches. We left our oasis, our next
destination being our new hostel. After dominating Sarah in a game of darts, I devoured
a well-deserved pizza while writing this very blog. Goodbye for now
-Troy Leach-
