http://www.2explore.net Follow along with us on our travels through the South Pacific. Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:15:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY303 The time has come for us to leave the South Pacific and embark on an adventure of settling somewhere and working to make the dreams we have been having turn into reality. For several months we have debated when to return to the States and since our funds still have not yet run out, there wasn’t much of a forcing function, other than that traveling has become our way of life and it is not longer as special as it should be. It feels so normal to jump from place to place and live out of our packs. We have grown so accustomed to travel and the South Pacific that there isn’t much in the way of anticipation or excitement when we go to a new destination – the sparkle has faded. We have had many amazing travel experiences and feel very fortunate to ... Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:15:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY299 As the days pass in December, the number of tourists in New Zealand is greatly increasing and soon, the number of New Zealanders on the road will skyrocket as the school holidays kick in. Now, more than ever, we are seeking out the quiet, out of the way places – those that are overlooked by most because there are no real attractions. That is the ‘attraction’ to us. On our way from the Mavora Lakes, we went off the main route to Naseby, a tiny town with a lovely, small campground. Having Kiwis (New Zealanders) as friends has made all the difference as they have given us great tips and insight into ... Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY295 We have been so very lucky to spend a few days off the tourist trail again. Especially lucky, as we got to spend the days in the company of a welcoming family. We had met them earlier this year in Samoa and promised to pay a visit if we ever ended up in their neck of the woods in Te Anau, New Zealand. Being part of the household for a while has been such a true pleasure and welcome break from sightseeing. The family’s house sits atop a hill at a breathtaking location with sweeping vistas ... Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY289 After leaving the Marlborough Sounds, we made our way Southeast. Clouds appeared as we approached Kaikoura where we needed to stop for the night. Just as the tent was wedged between two camper vans, the clouds broke open and it poured. A terrible night was had, mostly because the campground was far too overcrowded and of course the pouring rain was a factor as well. We just wanted to turn around and drive a full day back to the Marlborough Sounds! Bright and early we woke to clear skies and quickly bolted ... Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:30:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY283 Under a clear blue sky and blinding sun, we drove the narrow, winding coastline from Picton to the Marlborough Sounds, intending to pay a visit to a friend and relax for a few days. En route we frequently pulled over, lured by the occasional glimpses of the twinkling turquoise waters, for the chance to catch a view through the bush out onto the sound below. With little traffic and time on our side, we meandered until reaching our destination close to Portage Bay where we settled in and caught up with our friend, Craig ... Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY265 To me, the greatest attraction of New Zealand lies in its unrivalled nature and wildlife. The best way to experience it must be by walking the many fine trails that crisscross the country. According to our documentation, one of the best (if not the best) one-day hikes on the North Island is the Tongariro Crossing in the Tongariro National Park. Measuring 18.5 km (11.5 mi) in length and including an elevation gain of more than 750 m (2500 ft), it took me a bit of effort to convince my sweet wife to join me. But Amy was a great sport so we drove the distance on ... Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY250 For the last two weeks we have been exploring the far North of New Zealand, our most Southern destination on this journey. It has been a while since we have last found ourselves at latitudes this far from the equator, where the weather is obviously much more seasonal. The austral spring is in full swing with the fruit trees blossoming, little lambs prancing around and hyper-active birds chattering away. After equipping ourselves with a cheapo rental car (a seasoned Nissan Sunny), a tent and another few essential camping items, we started raking up kilometers driving north. Last time we were in New Zealand we excluded ... Sun, 3 Nov 2007 13:30:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY236 Before we set off from the hot, tropical South Pacific, we wanted to leave all our readers with one last visual treat... some more imagery from paradise found. Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:00:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY229 Far North Vanuatu is home to the most remote archipelago in the country and lured us for how far it sits off the beaten track. After the short detour through Australia, we were ready to take the route less traveled once again and get back to basic living. A weekly flight allowed us to make our way to the Torres Islands by small plane. We had few fellow passengers, all locals, and most of the plane was taken up by cargo as this weekly flight is the only real connection the people of the Torres Islands (a cargo ship calls here only twice a year). Most people rely solely on ... Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:30:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY215 Between the Solomon Islands and Australia lies a vast, deep blue sea that separates two shockingly different worlds. Resulting from an involuntary re-route, we were not quite prepared for so many people and commercial activity. Suddenly swallowed up by the Western world, we initially felt somewhat uneasy but soon adapted to its inherent comforts and structure. When reality struck us again, we decided that we might as well sample the land down under! After so many months in the South Pacific islands, we find that we have trouble dealing with the oppressing crowds and frantic life of the city so we high-tailed it out of Brisbane. We splurged on ... Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:30:00 +1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY196 Wonderous nature and wildlife and friendly people (outside the towns) have become the highlights of our visit to the Solomon Islands. After experiencing the engaging wildlife around Marovo Lagoon we were eager to seek out more of it and set our sights on the conservation island of Tetepare. The island is the southernmost island in the Solomon Islands' Western Province and can only be reached by chartered boat. Transportation is pretty much a nightmare in the Solomons, but with persistence and much patience we did find ourselves in a very humble, open aluminum boat on the way to Tetepare. You'll have to ask us about the harrowing trip in an enraged sea that ... Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:30:00 +1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY188 Water laps against the posts of our overwater leaf house as I sway in the hammock to create air movement as it is hotter here, 8 degrees South of the equator, than anyplace else we have been. Maybe it is the hammock's perfect fit, or the view out over the vast, placid lagoon, or the peaceful, near silence that is reason for the state of bliss we are in despite the incredible heat. Five days after arriving in Honiara, and after the all too common dilemmas we encounter in the South Pacific ... Sat, 8 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY177 On our last two days on Ambrym island, I decide to take on the challenge of walking cross-island to climb one of the island's dark, brooding volcanoes. It is said to be a hard, long hike requiring an overnight stay at the base of the mountain. Amy decides to stay in the village, while I set out with a guide to take on Mt. Marum, Ambrym's most active volcano. When approaching from the North, the trail to the volcanoes winds through lush jungle and coconut groves. It's a pleasant walk, regardless of the constant incline. The sun is out most of the time and my guide and I are making good progress. Suddenly my guide Jonas stops ... Wed, 5 Sep 2007 11:00:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY176 After spending a few days roaming around Vanuatu's capital, Port vila, and another ten exploring the island of Tanna, we decided to head North and set our sights on Ambrym Island. To many people, the island is a bit mysterious. Its two active volcanoes are often shooting thick ash into the sky and shroud the island in clouds. The interior is made up of dense jungle and apart from a few small settlements in the north, everyone lives near the sea. There are no real roads and ony a few pick-up trucks on the island. The only way to get from village to village ... Tue, 4 Sep 2007 11:30:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY169 There have been times on our trip that we have wished for comforts, times that were hard, even times that we perhaps rather would have been in the comforts of our apartment and former familiar surroundings. Somehow though, it feels like we have known that those times were a means to an end: a tax - as you will - to pay for the times where you'd wish you could stop time to savor in the moments of true discovery and immersion in local, far flung culture: the real deal. These are the times we have just had on Tanna island in Vanuatu. A truly memorable week has just passed. A week we will fondly remember for a long time. By chance, we stayed with an extremely ... Mon, 6 Aug 2007 16:30:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY164 There are many active volcanoes in the world but only a few erupt as regular and consistent as Yasur volcano on Tanna island, Vanuatu. From the moment we arrived in Eastern Tanna, we had heard the grumbling of the old man - which is what Yasur freely translates to. A sound very much like thunder, sometimes accompanied by minor tremors. So it was with roaring anticipation (pun intended ;-) that we set out to climb the mountain leaving a few hours before sunset to see it both in daylight and at night. As the volcano was at a safe level ... Mon, 6 Aug 2007 16:00:00 +1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY153 Most people would probably agree that being the captain of your own boat is the best way to see Vava'u. For us however, that meant going about on a simple, borrowed, plastic kayak complete with disfunctional paddle. Regardless, the natural beauty of the region more than compensates for the minor inconveniences. For the last week, we have based ourselves on a Southern stretch of beach on Utungake Island in Vava'u and explored the sparkling water and offshore islets. Our daily strugges are comprised of deciding ... Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY142 We got a little more than we bargained for when we wished for true adventure, authentic cultural experiences, and undeveloped tourism to come our way during our stay in Tonga. Tucked away on the most Western side of the Vava'u group of islands is a little known island called Hunga. Through someone we previously met in Neiafu, we were able to arrange to stay with a family living in the one village on Hunga. (Population 300) The only transportation method for us there was by a smallish boat owned by the village and dramatically underpowered by an outboard of what could not have been more than 25 ... Mon, 23 Jul 2007 19:30:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY134 Last Thursday we touched down in the Kingdom of Tonga. Through a string of good fortune, things fell into place: a much needed, long awaited package was actually waiting for us at the post office in Tongatapu and at the airport we were able to walk up, buy a ticket, and fly out to the islands of Vava'u, North of Tongatapu, the same day! After arriving in Neiafu (Tonga's second largest city with a population of 5650) our good fortune continued as ... Wed, 4 Jul 2007 15:30:00 +1300 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY122 Days have passed without much ado during our stay back in Samoa. We have spent much of our time on quintessential tropical beaches allowing us to take in even more sun :). It has been relaxing and we have had lovely weather, some spectacular thunderstorms at night, and some good star-watching opportunities. After a few days in Apia, we split our time back between ... Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:00:00 -1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY100 Here we sit in Pago Pago, American Samoa - a place where no one should choose to linger. The road around the island is clogged with oversized pick-up trucks and SUV's and dotted throughout are grease pit restaurants and cafe's spewing out "American food" - mostly fried and very unhealthy. There really isn't much to see and do to entice a visitor. A lot of rubbish lies alongside the road and piled up on the coastline. Pago Pago harbour hosts commercial fishing boats that supply ... Mon, 4 Jun 2007 15:00:00 -1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY100 After crossing paths with the fellow travellers we met on Savaii, who we will now refer to as friends, we headed back to Upolu and on to Lalomanu. It was a very long travel day (taxi, ferry, taxi, taxi) made bearable by sharing the experience (and taxi fares) with them :). We left the resort on Savaii around 10am and arrived in Lalomanu just before dinner was served. Hungry, dead tired, and still sad, we stopped in at Taufua Beach Fales (definitely deserving of a mention!) where we were given our choice of fale and ushered to the communal dining area. Jovial conversation echoed ... Tue, 29 May 2007 12:00:00 -1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY94 Each time we step foot into a country for the first time, we are filled with anticipation and, for the most part, we really aren't sure what to expect. We set out in a sponge-like manner ready to absorb every detail and take everything in. From the start, it has proven very difficult to soak up the culture, integrate with locals as we usually do, and really get to know and understand Samoa. In our experience, the vast majority of locals ... Tue, 29 May 2007 11:30:00 -1100 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY82 Following a stay on Nacula, we made a stop at Wayasewa Island. The natural beauty and good snorkeling continued here but sadly, so did the 'fake Fiji' experience and the food and accommodation standards actually went further downhill. It is such a pity - if the resorts were thoughtfully run, the Yasawas would truly be paradisal. If you have money to burn then there are a few resorts in the F$1000 a night range and those surely must treat the traveler well and weed out the hoards of backpacking, party focused youth! Our experience on Wayasewa was more like being ... Sat, 12 May 2007 14:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY77 Tourists flock to the Yasawa Islands in droves in search of idyllic beaches beneath rugged hills and a large dose of sunshine, shelling out lots of money as the prices take a dramatic jump from those on the mainland. In search of some respite and sun, we joined the mainly 18-22 year old set (all it seems on RTW tickets) on a quest for another slice of paradise. After a few days we have really started question whether the extreme imbalance between what you pay for and what you get is worth it - It is such a contrast from what we experienced on Vitu Levu and Ovalau, not just in price but also in lack of culture and authenticity. To get to the Yasawa islands, there is only one realistic option ... Sat, 12 May 2007 13:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY72 While on Ovalau Island, we were able to spend a few days in a traditional Fijian village, staying with at family-run, local 'guesthouse' just outside of Arovudi village. Here, we sampled the real Fijian life. The village and our accommodation was rural, very basic, and completely authentic. Our hosts were extremely hospitable and provided home cooked Fijian food for us daily. The couple that ran the guesthouse was assisted by their 5 children and any cousins that happened to be about - it was quite a family affair. We spent much of our time talking and relaxing and even took a bilibili out for a ride. (A bilibili is a bamboo raft used by Fijians to fish and for river transportation). Tourists that pass through here are still few and far between, so we were quite an attraction. We were lucky enough to ... Wed, 2 May 2007 14:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY68 Levuka, a lovely town on Ovalau Island, has become our favorite place in Fiji thus far. The spirit of the town is authentic, lively and filled with genuinely friendly people enjoying a simple life in a far less touristy part of Fiji. The journey there is not easy, but worth it. We took a small boat from Nananu-i-Ra to Ellington Wharf, then a shuttle back to RakiRaki where we caught a bus that continued Southeast on the Kings Road for 4 hours. (This road, which is really more like a track, is most certainly NOT fit for a King!) The bus ride takes 4 hours because of the absolute horrible road conditions. It is quite amazing that the buses are able to make it through the dirt, mud, and loads of potholes that make up the so-called road. Riding on the bus was a bit hair-raising at times with the width of the bus being wider than many of the rickety bridges we had to cross, but we eventually arrived safely at Natovi landing. Dirt encrusted from the ride, we took a ferry ... Wed, 2 May 2007 13:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY64 Nananu-i-Ra is a small island of 3.5 square kilometers of Vitu Levu (Fiji's mainland) that feels like another place far from Fiji as there are a number of holiday homes and guesthouses, none of which are occupied by Fijians. During our 4 night stay there we felt as if we were exiled. There are no facilities and as a result of no native culture, a real lack of anything 'real'. We were very skeptical about this island when we read about it in the guide books and had nearly decided to pass it up when we realized that location wise it would break up our journey along the Northern coast quite nicely. From Lautoka it was a 4 hour bus ride on the Kings road through plantations ... Wed, 2 May 2007 12:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY60 For the past few days, we have been trudding around Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city. This city bustles during the day, especially around the market and bus station, where buses belch out thick, black fumes. From here it is possible to catch a bus to just about anywhere here on Vitu Levu (Fiji's largest island). The market houses a vibrant, abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and Fijian handicrafts. Winding around the seller's tables is often interrupted by a local stopping to say, "Bula!" and many want to engage in a chat. Niels is especially good at carrying on a conversation with them and he often ... Wed, 28 Apr 2007 14:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY57 Last Saturday we arrived in Fiji. Unfortunately our flight into Nadi was three hours late. Because it was almost midnight, we had to take a taxi to our accommodation, which we fortunately booked from Rarotonga. It was pitch dark which made it difficult for us to get our bearings, but luckily Niels had studied the map enough that he was soon able to confirm that the taxi was not just taking us for a ride. The ride into the mountains was rough. The beat up wagon did not have any shocks and the brakes did not seem to be operating properly as we bumped along the potholed, muddy track. After about 20 minutes ... Wed, 28 Apr 2007 13:00:00 +1200 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=1#DAY49 "How far are you going?" "Do you need a ride?" "You two okay?" "Help yourself to the fruit!" Most people in the Cook Islands are so very kind. We hear the above phrases all the time. Perhaps it is the nice weather and slow pace that really brings out this kind nature in the locals we come across. It makes being here very pleasant indeed. Often, when we are walking ... Fri, 6 Apr 2007 16:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY48 We have just returned from the island of Mangaia, where the mosquitos outnumber people at about a million to one, or so it seems. The island receives a few flights a week and a cargo ship about once a month from Rarotonga, but still feels very isolated. It is easy to drop off the planet for a while here. Mangaia is sparsley populated and overall quite primitive compared to Rarotonga. Between the two of us, we make up more than 1% of the average annual number of foreign visitors. The pictures included with this post provide a glimpse of the characteristic scenery of Mangaia: caves, isolated beaches, Makatea ... Fri, 6 Apr 2007 15:30:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY36 Another week has gone by since we have been back on Rarotonga. Nothing too eventfull to report. We are just slowing slipping into the non-touristy daily life here. We have been frequenting the Cook Islands library since Amy joined a few weeks back. The collection of books is quite random, but there is a good reference collection on the South Pacific. Niels likes to browse the flora, fauna, and picture books. Nearly a week ago now, we finally set out ... Mon, 26 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY28 The highlight of any visit to Aitutaki is most likely a cruise on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the South Pacific. Although spendy, this is a worthy splurge! We hopped aboard a glass bottom boat and made our way to the open sea to try to spot some turtles. Amy caught a glimpse of one just before we had to head back into the quiet waters of the lagoon as the rough seas were causing the boat to take on water. Giant clams, that have been ... Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY27 Our days on Aitutaki passed as we geared back to an even slower pace, walked and bicycled our way around and took time to just sit and take in the amazing scenery. It was pleasing to see that not much has changed even since Survivor was filmed on the motus (islets) of Aitutaki's lagoon. A wave and a smile are freely given here and always returned. Locals take time to stop and chat and make sure there isn't a question that needs answering. Life is slow and simple. Tue, 20 Mar 2007 10:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY25 After over a week of 'monsoon like' conditions, we are once again seeing the sun, yea! The amount of rain was quite uncharacteristic for Rarotonga and resulted in flooding and as one shop owner told us, 'bad business'. Hopefully we will see the sun more often, but it is the end of the rainy season here. Yesterday we rented bicycles and rode around the island, stopping at a shop that sells carved items, for a snack at The Fruits of Rarotonga, and to snorkel off the shore at the Rarotongan Resort. It was a lovely day ... Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY21 When we arrived at Rarotonga, Cook Islands and to our 'home away from home' - a small 1 bedroom bungalow in a garden setting, a 20 minute walk from the main town of Avarua - we were able to take our first hot shower since leaving Seattle! Since it had been so hot everywhere, a hot shower isn't really necessary and many places of accommodation just don't have hot water, but taking a hot shower with soap that actually lathered felt quite decadent :). After 2+ weeks in bare bones, no privacy accommodation, it is also so nice to have a space to ourselves that has real windows that can even lock. Previously the places ... Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY19 Aargh, it's still raining in Rarotonga. The high humidity makes it feel quite stuffy for most of the day. At midday the temperature hovers around 29 degrees Celcius, but luckily it cools down to around 25 degrees at night - a fairly comfortable temperature. Today, I (Amy was not feeling well) set out to hike one of the trails that go inland, into the Rarotongan rainforests. I thought the rain and humidity Fri, 9 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY17 In a strange way, being back in the Cook Islands feels a bit 'home like'. We arrived on Rarotonga on Saturday, 4 weeks earlier than we planned because French Polynesia was so grossly overpriced and in our opinion, much overrated. So before we blew through our budget, we decided to change course, slightly. We do not have much of a plan yet (of course) as we are hoping to take a cargo ship to the... Mon, 5 Mar 2007 13:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY11 We have found a slice of paradise here on Motu Tiapaa (One of the islets in the lagoon). The wind blows most of the time making the temperature much more bearable. At the place we are staying, Maupiti Village, there is a wide stretch of white sand beach, dotted with coral and shells. The lagoon is bright turquoise and clear and offers some great snorkeling with an amazing variety of fish. About ten years ago, Maupiti was hit by a tropical storm which ... Fri, 3 Mar 2007 14:03:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=2#DAY10 It's strange but the highest peak often calls out to me. So your slightly crazy photographer decided to climb the highest mountain/rock on Maupiti, Mt. Teurafaatiu - all 380 meters (~1300 ft) of it. Doesn't sound like much, does it? But when you add the tropical temperature and humidity to the mix and discover that the trail requires both hands and feets half the time, it becomes a bit more challenging ;). I set out mid-morning from the coastal ... Fri, 3 Mar 2007 14:02:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY7 We had a rough first week here in French Polynesia, but the peak was definitely waking up to find a stranger entering our room at 2am! We were sleeping in our room at a pension on Maupiti when I awoke to a shuffling noise and saw a man entering our room through a window. I bolted upright, threw back the curtain, and swore loudly at the intruder who, luckily, turned and went out the window without any of our things. I didn't sleep much after that!! Fri, 3 Mar 2007 14:01:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY6 You know you are off the beaten track when you find yourself deep within the inner workings of a city; surrounded by industrial buildings and shipyards, where it is obvious no other tourists regularly venture by the way people stop everything and look at you like you are from another planet. The locals that we told our intention of taking the cargo ship to laughed ... Fri, 3 Mar 2007 14:00:00 -1000 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY5 If papeete makes you think of romantic South Pacific scenes, then I have to set you straight. This place is not worth your time, not even an hour of it. Think overcrowded French city coupled with frantic all day traffic and accompanying exhaust. How wrong I was expecting a laid-back atmoshpere in a lush, tropical setting. The spectacular, verdant green jagged mountain peaks that look so appealing from down here in the town are practically unattainable for those of us on a budget and ... Wed, 21 Feb 2007 09:58:00 -0800 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY1 We're starting the adjustment process...it is sweltering here, but beautiful. Even with the best preparations, we managed to get eaten alive by mosquitos and sunburned today in just a matter of minutes. After arriving in Papeete, Tahiti we caught the ferry to Moorea and once we arrived, set upon the task of figuring out where we could crash for the next 2 nights or so. We got lucky on the 3rd try just as the packs and heat were starting to get the best of us... Fri, 17 Feb 2007 21:58:00 -0800 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY0 Oh boy, this is it! We're at LAX waiting for our flight to Tahiti, French Polynesia. We had a near disaster in Seattle as United Airlines could not find our reservation for the flight to LA and the plane was already full! Luckily the more competent people at Air New Zealand were able to save the day. Not exactly a stress-free start!! Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:58:00 -0800 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY-14 11 days have passed since the last post and they have flown by. We are starting to feel a bit nervous about getting everything wrapped up but we're also feeling a little excited. We have spent a lot of time looking into the challenge... Fri, 2 Feb 2007 23:58:00 -0800 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY-25 Progress is slowly being made to wrap up many loose ends. I am just back from taking a load of things to store at my parent's house, since they have offered to keep everything for us. It was nice to spend a few days with my family and just relax. Niels and I will be headed their way again in a few weeks to take the last of the things we want to keep... Mon, 22 Jan 2007 23:44:02 -0800 http://www.2explore.net/log/index.php?page=3#DAY-33 With little over a month to go until we take off, the realization that we really are about to leave this life behind is starting to set in. Prior to this, it really felt more like a dream. I write this first entry while sitting comfortably in the apartment we have been living in for 4.5 years and for the first time since we moved in, it doesn't feel quite like home. No longer surrounded by the things we have collected and that have become so familiar - but by a few things and lots of boxes, bubble wrap... Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:40:02 -0800 The web feed for 2explore.net is now set up! Subscribe to this feed if you are interested in seeing when updates are made to the 2explore website. We try to update the site with stories from our trip through the South Pacific whenever we can. Tue, 12 Sep 2006 00:39:08 -0800