The Cross Over...

A milestone day, the day of Brad's crossing Cook Strait from the North Island to the South Island. The North Island was challenging, but the South Island will be more challenging. Fewer towns so resupply is more difficult; much more remote and isolated; fewer opportunities for e-mailing friends and family; tougher trails; and the days are getting shorter and colder. The Te Araroa Trail has been unfolding with many wonderful memories and friends being accumulated along the way. On it goes...

Cook Strait Ferry

A Milestone Almost Reached

Brad left Whidbey the middle of November for an "adventure of a life time". A five month trek from the north end of the North Island to the south end of the South Island on the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand.

Brad will cross from North Island to South Island, early February. Tomorrow he leaves Palmerston for Wellington, where he will catch the ferry to cross Cook Strait.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Auckland, New Zealand, where Brad treks.

Brad's Adventure!

SeaTac Departure

Check out his new shirt from Wander on Whidbey

Brad departs for New Zealand tomorrow for a five-month hike of the Te Araroa Trail. The missing-of-Brad has already started and he's still in Seattle. If you want to follow Brad's adventure see Brad's Blog or Fran's Blog as they follow Brad on the Te Araroa Trail from the north tip of New Zealand to the south tip. An adventure that will unfold over the next five months (mid November to mid April).

Tater Tot and Sushi Moto

We've had a sad kitty month. Both of Brad's much-loved kitties have died recently. Toter Tot of old age and Sushi Moto of Cancer. Goodbye sweet kitties.

Benton At Six Months

Benton is growing up. At 35 lbs. he's the perfect size and we're hoping he will stop growing, RIGHT NOW. He's a cutie and we're loving him most of the time. Every now and then though his puppy antics are trying, but mostly he's super.

Where are we?

It's amazing how the foliage is almost hiding our buildings from the east. As we look out our windows, towards the east, it doesn't seem like we are so hidden. Yet, from the neighbor's backyard, our screening is very effective.