Even if you plan the night before 5 AM comes too quick. Since I already had to have my toiletry bag sent to our next location I took extra time to ensure we didn’t leave anything behind. Just after 630 we’re on our way for the first tour of the day, 8am.

My interest in Hobiton is both as a movie set and as a business. During their busy 6-8 months this small piece of a farm brings in roughly $800,000 US per week. In a collaboration between the farm owner and the director of the film this is well on its way to becoming a major amusement park. Plans call for a hotel to be developed so that you could actually sleep in a hobbit hole. One of the owners sons manages the farm which surrounds the shire and the other manages the shire and its 700+ employees.

The first tour of the day allows us to see and photograph the “set” prior to all the others. They start at 8, 8:05, 8:10, 8:20…and so on. We are bussed from the welcome area and pressed through the shire with tales of movie magic and insider secrets. When Frodo and Gandalf ride into the shire Frodo must sit further back in the carriage to make Gandalf appear taller and when Bilbo and Gandolf are sharing a pipe at sunset it was really at sunrise because the sun sets in the wrong place. There is only one tree in the shire that is fake and it is over Bag End. (Bilbo’s house green door)

Once the tour completed you receive a free beer, cider or lighter beverage and then back on the bus and to the gift shop.. of course. I was hoping for a cheesy plastic “one ring to rule them all” but there’s none. I passed on the available $200.00 sterling silver option.

Next we’re swept off to Waitomo Caves, fitted for wetsuits, boots, helmets and told not to whine to them if you’re hands are cold cause they’re cold too! Most importantly don’t pee in the wetsuit.

For the next couple of hours we walk and float through a quarter mile long cave waterway up to 150 feet underground. It even involved falling backwards over a couple of 4+ waterfalls. At different places we would shut off our headlamps so we could watch the blue light of glow worms. These pin point lights were so concentrated at places that it looked like outside light. These fly larvae glow to attract food that get caught in 2 inch threads that hang below.

Warmed by a shower and tomato soup we complete the drive to Taupo, fish & chips and Gus.

A benefit of this cold/cough is I spent sunrise outside in a small field next to the studio and got to hear the morning song and the thud of an avocado fall from up high.

This is the second morning with an egg breakfast and traveling with them is easy because they don’t need refrigeration. It’s odd in the supermarket to see them sitting on the shelf next to other goods but since they never have been refrigerated they can be handled that way.

We are up and out and on our way to the Coromandel Peninsula. With the ultimate goal of the hot water beach. On the way we went through a town famous for smoked mussels however none were to be had so off to Cathedral Cove which is hugely popular. So popular in fact that they closed the parking lot and set up shuttle buses from outside of town. After we figured it out it was time to head to the hot water beach to make the low tide.

We passed up on renting a shovel because it looked like it was so crowded we were not sure there was room. When we found an area that seemed appropriate we started digging by the water line as the tide receded. Our neighbor as things would work out was sporting a fine Red Sox Cap. Nice cap I said to the 20 something guy. Are you a fan… No just thought It was a cool cap. In my squeaky almost gone voice I explain just how cool that cap was and the responsibility that came with it. I could tell this young man was pleased has he learned about the treasure he possessed.

Funny thing on the beach as you dig the water comes in from below and ours produced cold water, our neighbors was lukewarm and the one behind was so hot they couldn’t stand it. As time went on and the newly minted Sox fan departed (beware of NY caps) we joined the lukewarm with the hot and soaked with the masses.

The shower back home produced more sand than I ever saw. So now clean and spaghetti fed we joined our hosts for some wine and a couple of hours of getting to know everyone.

They are musicians with an array of musical instruments and recording equipment. They hosted a festival on their property for nine years and still enjoy touring and playing. Guitars, banjo, fiddle piano, bodhran and others surrounded us.

We stayed too late as the morning brings a busy day so we pack before bed. In the night I went outside to see the southern cross so I get to check off another item off the list.our route for the dayA very interesting coffee stop…making junk funSheri has new friendslove the beak…little seagulls are watching the guitar neck folds up so travel is easier

From here we begin our slow journey south through the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Today we go west to Hokianga Harbor South to the Wiapaua Forest and back through Auckland to Katikati. A lot of the names of towns, roads and places relate to the indigenous Maori culture. As we go along we find that there are no easy way to say a lot of the names and many local people say them differently.

Takes a while to get into a travel rhythm and this morning…no rhythm. We spend too much time reviewing plans we made months ago and with Sheri’s cold ending and mine beginning there was little clarity. I was not surprised to learn later that I left my toiletries bag hanging in the bathroom. So off we go and as the miles pass the we get swept up in the landscape.

The color of the water at Opononi is an iridescent blue so different from what I see on the east coast it always stops me. The sand cliffs of the opposite shore of the harbor provide great contrast. The roads wind around and often bridges are one lane with a sign showing opposing arrows the larger one having the right of way. Fun!!

Into the Waipoua Kauri forest to see the big Tane Mahuta tree… impressive but I am not about to give up my Christian views in favor of an all life giving tree…There is a shoe cleaning station to remove impurities that could kill the trees. They do a good job protecting the resource. One more viewing tower then down the lose gravel, hairpin mountain. The wheels, at times behaved as if driving in snow. The driving can be very tiring.

Soon we were at our first two night stay. Penny welcomed and toured us around the fruit, avocado trees and Kiwi fruit. We settled in…

Waking up to the distant sound of roosters and dogs reminds me of the Caribbean. We decided to take a few hours in the morning to relax work on posts and enjoy the spot. Even when breakfast was thick crackers… Biscuits…And instant coffee it is still Tahiti.

If you don’t live right on the coast then like most you live on the side of this massive volcanic mountain range with hair raising roads and hair pin turns that provide spectacular views. Today the sites we want to see are close to the road that rings the island and we were able to go around all of big Tahiti and most of little Tahiti.

After a marina stop (a must) we walk through a great resort and spend the day seeing waterfalls, beaches and gardens. Pictures speak better.

We eat dinner back at the marina then back to the airport for the 2:20 AM 7 hr flight. This will be the 2nd flight on a new Boeing 787-9 and I (non flyer type) liked it. We were not sitting together so when everyone else is eating breakfast I didn’t know Sheri didn’t get the food package. In this new flying order not a nut or chip was offered.

Take off Friday 2:30 am and land in Auckland Sunday at 6:30 am. So after the rental car the next is food and provisions. We find a place down town and I order b-fast and flat white coffee. OK I need another lesson in that.

Rolling north of Auckland along highway 1 gradually getting acclimated the day changed for us and another family. My attempt to provide room for a car in the left breakdown lane had me sideswipe another car coming up through a blind spot on my right. He was in the right and I wanted him to understand how sorry I was. This could have been terrible but Thank God it’s just paint and fiberglass on cars and along with shaken up and grateful humans. Within 2 hours of getting the car I was driving away in another without any hassle. Thanks Apex!

I will let the pictures speak of the beautiful drive north on 16 to Kerikeri. Driving on the left over 2 lane, winding, rolling, quick roads is a challenge. A triple espresso and a lot of small stops later we completed our 3.5 hour drive and arrived to our welcoming home.

After dinner I was asleep in an easy chair. Could it be the 38 hour trip, a head cold, 7hr flight or the 12 hours in the cars…the world may never know

A nice place to watch the day go by

welcome to New Zealand… And car number two

The view out of our studio. And the stars at night amazing!

First time over the equator into the South Pacific. Tahiti reminds me a lot of the Caribbean and Hawaii. Thankfully they drive on the right so being half-asleep I have a fighting chance. We get the car, ends up being twice as expensive, and off we go. No Google maps means more adventures.

We drive up and up and up till we can’t go any further and then we walk up and up. We’re walking around what will be a housing project enjoying the views, trees and birds. Heading down I’m glad we have a standard transmission!

Since we’re only here for a day I’m not going to convert any money so everything we buy has to use a credit card. At the supermarket we get water, French bread and cheese. We make our way to Venus beach and being pros we find a shady spot put the seats back and fall asleep. It’s not a child that wake us up but a few rays of sun coming in the car that’s very warm.

We explore the park and monuments dedicated to Captain Cook who came to Tahiti to see Venus pass in front of the sun. This was hopefully going to provide some insight into the distance from the earth to the sun. There is a good crowd of families and we enjoy the water, the waves, the black sand and the colorful fish.

Supermarket again for dinner, provisions and to the VRBO. Sitting high in the valley we look toward Moorea Island with it’s 3900 ft peaks. The owners are away so her mother checked us into a room different then we reserved but separate from the main house.

Mom in broken English apologizes for not knowing all the procedures and soon she is gone and we have the studio, yard and pool to ourselves. On the negative side the room has no AC to deal with this 94° heat and humidity. Also the breakfast provided is a bit different than Camden on Monday morning…but on the + side it is Tahiti and even the passing showers help the sunburnt travelers.our Muscle carsome good biscuits (that’s the cracker)

…..40 minutes of lines later we entered the float viewing area and marched for miles with the throng admiring the creative way the floats were decorated. After lots to see we made it back to the car and realized we would not make it to the beach for sunset. We did make it to In N Out burger for supper, I ran across the beach to step into the Pacific, car return, flight check in, long shuttle bus to plane and a 7+ hour flight in a new beautiful plane. We determined that we could sleep on the plane in theory but it was more like passing out from exhaustion and being shaken awake a couple hundred times.

And now for the details… I thought because I had pre-purchased tickets we could walk right in and view however managing security and hundreds and hundreds of people means lines. The floats had some interesting decorations like orange slices, Asparagus, tomatoes and peppers sliced and glued on, nuts and berries… It became a game to find something that we hadn’t seen before.

I have yet to see an In-N-Out Burger that did not have huge lines. Those looking for a franchise take note!

Venice Beach can have a lot of interesting characters during the day but at night it becomes a whole different world. With Sheri safely locked in the car I braved the character assembly to touch the Pacific… Crossing 1000 feet of sand is exhausting.

When someone at Los Angeles airport says your gate is a long way away they really mean it. I was thinking what sort of an airline has to bus the passages to the plane. Can’t the plane make it all the way to the terminal? What have I gotten myself into? When we pulled up to this beautiful new plane I was relieved. After takeoff the stewardess with the flower behind her ear gave each passenger a Plumeria flower… Nice touch.

I was almost awake when the Hertz guy said didn’t you cancel your car reservation

Up and out sounds so easy but we made it and we were soon walking to the parade route, enjoying the sights and sounds and amazed how they’ve got it ready for 130 years. Stage coaches jostle position while fancy steppin marching bands practice on side streets and the air is a mixture of flowers and Bacon wrapped sausages…

The stands are filled with football fans, bucket list checkers and those who come often. Packed in we huddle for warmth, share stories of where we’re from and cheer hardily for the man’s daughter fourth row second in brass player and of course the pooper scooper’s. Great bands sounding loud and beautiful floats just keep passing till someone says “is it over”…yes and no. Stories of a float fire and then a tow truck. I am getting text updates from Jim and Dave on this big news story. A lot of people leave but those who remain cheer extra loud for the band and the two floats that passed by the damaged float and make their way down Colorado.

The parking garage is at a standstill and so we opt for a lunch in order to wait for the crowds to thin but we didn’t realize the football stadium was only a mile away and there was little thinning. By the time we made it to the float viewing area at 1:30 we were exhausted so we parked on a residential side street with everyone, put the seats back and slept for 30 minutes till I heard a little girl say to her parents there’s people in that car…are they bums.

The first picture is of one of the shiny tow trucks taken early in the day before I knew they would become the hero of the day!

Still jet lagging…the body says no sleeping in after a long yesterday After breakfast we figure out the half hour route over to the assigned parking and parade route. The parking lot was being turned into stores so we were able to locate an approved garage. The area around the parade was busy with sound checks and lighting crews. On the parade route people were busy setting up their campsites and chalking or taping off their area. Cruising the route was dozens and dozens of classic cars and low riders and hot rods which was an extra bonus. While we were checking out the area to be used for the after parade float viewing we got a call from nephew Ryan and a place to meet and eat. He has a certain style, eclectic tastes and a big heart and we always enjoy spending time with him.

After our Tex-Mex meal we headed off to Griffin observatory to watch the New Year’s Eve sunset with hundreds. This is a great place to watch the sun go down and the lights of LA come up. It was also quite chilly with the breeze. After quick goodbyes we headed back to the hotel by way of a CVS to stock up on cold remedies for Sheri’s energy zapping head cold.

At the hotel we had to be all organized for a 430 wake up, hotel departure, and 11 PM flight to Tahiti. I stayed up till midnight… Eastern time… And wished all a happy new year.

There is nothing better for me then when I can look out the plane window and recognize places and be amazed how beautiful things look. From Denver to LA the landscape is amazing and I try to capture it out those funky windows.

We made it to Phoenix Floats for decorating and wow what a process. A dozen plus floats in various stages of competition. More spectators walking around then people working on the floats which only adds to the sense of confusion. Somehow on parade day they will launch their dozen+floats to the adoring public.

In the midst of all of this confusion are the flowers. I’d stare in amazement at the color and the beauty of more flowers than you can imagine. These flowers are there to serve a color palette for the float. I watched a group of women pealing petals off dozens of objects because they didn’t have enough to finish so peel em off and start with another flower.

Too many time zones….it’s catching up on us.

Finally all packed sitting in the 11th floor window looking out at runway 22L. In 24 hours we will be decorating a float in a barn in Pasadena. Thank God and let the trip begin.

This is a good test for those following…all the details without the jet lag!