Trip to Samoa

Well the day finally arrived when Chelsea and I head to Samoa. We had been waiting to go on a trip for a long time and the last couple of days really dragged.

We are sitting at gate 1 waiting for the call up. Chelsea is a little excited but also nervous, hoping she won't get sick while in Samoa.  

It was a great flight with just a little bit of turbulence coming into Samoa. A great view out the window and the lightning flashed all around the cockpit.

Arrived at Coconuts. Tala was driver ...

It was a bit of a restless sleep for me as I was so hot and didn't drink enough on the plane. 

The morning came around and I had to resort to a painkiller and back to bed. By 8.00 I was feeling better and we headed down for breakfast. Chelsea had the pancakes and I has the American full breakfast. Both were nice and a great way to start the day. 

We headed to reception to finally check in and sign up for the meal deal. It gives us our breakfast, lunch & 3 course dinner as well as as much drink as we like for 250tala. 

We didn't do a whole lot today but that's the whole point. 

First day comes to an end and its been amazing. Great food and very friendly staff. Our dinner staff was full of wonderful ladies who kept our drinks fill and were always checking on us. One of them, Lei took the time to stop and chat with us.  

A wonderful end to the first day

Day Two:

Today we felt like we better understood the running of things and we were going to 'do something' today. After another yummy breakfast; pancakes and waffles, we set ourselves up around the pool and read some of our book. A quick swim later and chat with the helpful poolside bar lady and we decided what our adventure for the day was-snorkelling. 

The reception recommended a tour of the island taking us to the hole in the rock and a lovely snorkelling beach. They organised us a packed lunch and a whole lot of drinks as part of our lunch deal. The trip is costing 200tala for the both of us so I think that's a pretty good deal. 

Returned to reception ready for our adventure and were told we would be joined by another family. Had a lovely chat with the receptionist while waiting for the family who were typically late. 

Jack was our driver for the afternoon and he was great. He has a super sense of humour and an even better knowledge of the area. He told us all about the different areas, church's, schools, and rebuilding efforts. I was able to learn an lot from him. 

We arrived at To Le Sua 

It was a beautiful spot and we made the slow climb down into the water at the bottom. After about 30min we headed back up as we were getting hungry. 

Another quick drive and we arrived at our final location for the day. It was a beautiful beach with the softest sand I've ever been on. 

We ate our picnic lunch that was really nice under the shade and I enjoyed what was not my first or last Vailima for the trip. 

Now that lunch has settled its time to hit the water and explore the marine life. 

After a beautiful swim with some very colourful fish I headed back up the beach to Chelsea. Again we had a great chat with Jack and then headed home. 

We were constantly reminded of many beach movies with huge coconut trees growing everywhere. It was a great day wonderful way of seeing the sights of Samoa. 200tala well spent. 

Ended the day with another wonderful dinner and even tried the 'captapult' cocktail. Boy did it launch me into a great night. I had NZ steak for dinner and it was amazing. Mixed with a few more Vailima and we had another perfect night. 

Day Three:

Today's plan is to relax and have a spa so that's exactly what we did. 

Had a little bit of a sleep in before heading down for waffles. Popped into 'The Spa' and booked in for 2:00. We headed back to the pool where I finished my book and soaked up some more sun. 

Looking forward to 5:00 when happy hour starts at the 'Three Stools Bar'. 

We had another wonderful lunch and headed to our spa treatment. Wow it was amazing. A beautiful salon and calming atmosphere soon had Chelsea and I on the edge of sleep. Really enjoyed the back, neck, head and arm massage came out very relaxed and feeling good. 

Headed out for another snorkel and another Vailima. 5:00 rolled around and we headed to the bar for happy hour. Chelsea enjoys her Vanuatu virgin while I keep the Vailima flowing. 

I think that the staff now know to keep my drink fill as I get halfway through a Vailima and they come and fill it back up. Endless sun and beer, what a great place. 

Day Four:

Today we collected our car and well that's about where the fun ended. To cut a very long story short, through a lack of communication we didn't know to pick up our ferry tickets the night we arrived and Samoa Scenic Tours cancelled our car transfer. 

We spent a long day travelling trying to locate our tickets and eventually ended up at Aggies Beach Resort. The rep there put me on the phone with the manager who was very apologetic and informed me of the new arrangements. SST had booked us to seats on the 2:00 ferry. They would pay for a car hire on Savii and had book the return car hire aswel. It felt good to get all that sorted but had put a little dampener on the trip and made me get a restless sleep. 

Day Five:

Woke up pretty early today as I wanted to get all the tickets and stuff sorted. Packed up our room and headed down for our last breakfast. Stuck with what I knew and got the pancakes again. I will definitely miss the friendly faces and great food. After breakfast we sat in the reading room to finish off our books. Check out we quick and easy and the staff were so nice they forgot to charge us for the 'meal deal'. I'm an honest man and after the 2,000 tala was added to the bill it was settled and we headed for the ferry. Looking forward to heading back to Coconuts Beach Resort and getting our complementary upgrade and 20%off next time we visit. 

We arrived with plenty of time at the ferry 11:00 as we were told that at 12 we would meet a person with our tickets. 12 rolled by and with me getting a little stressed again we decided to head back to Aggies where Samoan Scenic Tours is based. The guy there was super helpful handing us our return tickets and ensuring that we were looked after. 

Dramas over and when our rental car was picked up I was told that because we returned the car 2 days early that his manager said to email them and discuss a refund. Looks like everything is working out. I love karma. 

The trip over on the ferry was let's just say long. It was a case of first on first seated. We didn't know this and Chelsea was lucky enough that someone moved over for her to sit down.  The view back to Upolulu was impressive as we slowly made our way to Savaii. 

I got talking with the people around me who were from Australia and New Zealand. Seems like everyone we meet is from oz or NZ. Is anyone actually Samoan?

2 hours it took to cross to Savaii. A long time for Chelsea and her small bladder. 

We managed to pick up the car easily and there was no dramas on that front. It was a beautiful drive on very good roads (a change from Upolulu). Before we knew it We arrived at Stevenson's @ Manese

Day Six: 

Today I headed up Savii to the cater rim for an amazing view aswel as collecting the required info for an Earthcache. It was an interesting drive and ill never complain about NZ roads again. 

On the way down I was intercepted by a local who claimed to be the caretaker of the land. He said that I was up very early to which I told him he was just late.  It coste 20tala which I didn't really mind as it was for a cache and I hope for the area    

I returned to the fale at 9:30 to find Chelsea relaxing in the sun. We gathered up our stuff and headed to explore the lava field and swim with the turtles. 

Our first stop was the lava field and they were very impressive. The different textures and directions the lava took was thought provoking. We couldn't help but make comparisons to custard or heated milk. The Virgins Grave was to be unimpressive. We didn't really understand the location as the name doesn't indicate what was there. However the church and fale were remarkable. Looking at how the lava flowed into the church with its thickness and texture was memorable.

After the church we went out to a fale that was constructed on the lava flow. Sitting amongst the vastness and looking at the plants struggling to grow in this desolate wilderness was sombering. We often complain about the position we find our lives in and yet these people have chosen to return to their land, which is infertile, because its better than any other option


Total cost 5tala each.

Our next stop was to be the highlight of the day. Despite its lack of signage and look of organisation the 'swimming turtles' were amazing. Now it's another case of its not what the sign says. What it should say is "swim with the turtles-7tala"  or something similar. 

We ended up following a dusty road for about 800m before we came to a sign pointing is into the parking spot. The lady's were very manor of fact saying it would cost 7tala each and after we paid simply saying "follow path"

There was another family already there with their taxi driver who was more help telling us about the turtles and that we were able to swim with them. 

It's hard to put into works how cool it was holding, touching, & patting these beautifully peaceful creatures. 

And all this done before lunch. 

We headed back to our resort for lunch and to lie on the beach, snorkel, and relax. It has been a really nice time at Stevenson's and we will do it again next time. 

Day Seven:

Our last day of what has been a long and relaxing holiday. We have made an early start to the day so that we have plenty of time to get around the island to see the blowhole and waterfall into the ocean. Apparently there are only a handful of waterfalls in the world that go directly into the sea. 

We have enjoyed our stay at Stevenson's and would come back again but only for a couple of nights. The accommodation is very beautiful on the waters edge and we enjoyed the sound of the water lapping at our door. The beds were a little less impressive with a few finer details letting the experience down.  This is a very quiet resort where relaxing was easy to do. The beaches were soft and white with a huge amount of coral. 

Seven days away from home and we feel relaxed but are missing our family and pets

Samoa Holiday

It was always planned that Chelsea and I would go on holiday this year but the location was always up in the air.  We planned on going to Dubai then the UK.  As it turns out plans change and our decision was kind of made for us, but thats a whole other story.

We had been looking on the website Teacherexpress.co.nz at a couple of different locations and decided that Rarotonga was going to be our destination of choice.  Before booking and paying for the flights I decided that it would be best to head into Flight Centre and compare prices.

After spending a couple of hours talking with the agent we soon realised that finding accommodation was going to be the challenge. After the cyclone that hit the islands earlier in the year there is limited resorts and with us wanting to travel in the school holidays the resorts are very full.

We had crossed off Raro, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Niue which left us Samoa.  With fingers crossed we left the travel agent to sort out the details while we did some retail shopping.

Upon return to the Flight Centre we were greeted with good news. She had worked around our dates and managed to locate flights and accommodation in Samoa. You Beauty.  We are flying out on the 20th staying 7 days.  We are staying on both islands - Apia and Savaii.

We are going to stay at the Coconut Resort for 5 nights in the treehouse Suite, and Stevens at Manase in the Euro Fales.  Both places look really nice and I know we are going to have a great time.

Treehouse Suite

Euro Vila

We paid for most of the trip today and have to go in and pay the last little bit by Friday. We are also wanting to get a rental car while there and also looking at getting some meal deals to try and save some money.

I've been to Samoa before and thought that it was a really lovely place. I'm looking forward to showing Chelsea around and getting to explore the island of Savaii, its suppose to be amazing.

Post 2 of 2013

The end of the second day of the year and I'm treated to the importance of friends. Chris and Tiff, with their tribe of children turned up at the beach for the day.

We spent an hour at the eastery swimming and kayaking. A quick trip to the bakery for a very expensive lunch then it was off to the surf club for a swim in the waves.

We didn't realise that there was surf racing on so the beach was absolutely backed. Im a firm believer in 'swim between the flags' but it was very had to do when there was so many people that you kept bumping into everyone.  The surf was pretty good with some good breaks coming. I had to have a bit of a laugh as Chris got a little water logged a coulpe of times. For a guy that has the surfer look, necklace, boardies, he struggled with the swimming part.  Apparently it has something to do with his heigh... or lack of it.

Chelsea was normally found with one of the kids in hand and it made me realise what a great mother she will make some day.

It was great to catch up with friends and have a bit of a laugh at Chris's expense.

Post 1 of 2013

It's the start of a new year and I'm reminded of people's words about it being a time to start fresh, leave behind past mistakes, make plans for the future and be happy with the present.

After a quiet New Years at the Bach and being able to go to bed with my wife I find myself struggling to find last years mistakes. I mean there maybe so things I'd change but nothing that I regret or am desperately ashamed of. Therefore does that make last year a success?

Waking up on the first day of a new year to me always feels a little different. Start of work now feels like its getting closer. Everyone gets a year older. Plans and goals for the year are set in motion.

I want to get back into my running again this year so on the first day I pull myself out of the warm cozy bed, tie on my shoes and start pounding the pavement. I did my best but it certainly wasn't vey far. Still you have to start somewhere.

On returning from my shoe run and having breakfast Kevin decided to try his New Years luck with a spot of fishing. Unfortunately there was no luck involved as we didn't catch a single fish. It was still a nice day out on the boat with beautiful sun and crisp fresh air. We were blessed with a visit from a large pod of dolphins and Chelsea was kissed by the sun.

In all it was a great first of the year and if this is how the year continues its bound to be a great one

Royal Standard Battery

Day 3 of the Christmas holiday and it was time to head off on another adventure. This time it was one that the wife was able to tag along.

We organised ourselves the night before so when we woke up we could leave straight away. The body is getting into holiday mode as we didn't leave Whangamata till 8am. It was a short drive to Quarry rd and by 8.30 we were ready to start the walk. The DOC sign said the whole loop would take us 3hr 30min so we were ready for a descant stroll, what we were not prepared for was the mud. This is only Chelsea's second hike so she was still in the 'try and dodge the mud' state of mind.

Seeing the new bridge made us both grateful as after the recent weather the river was a little high. If we had to use the ford we would had gotten very wet.

There was a lot of cool sights to see with cuttings for the old trains still clear and every now and again sections of rail tracks still visible. The glimpse of the stream and boulders kept us interested wondering what it must have been like working here back in 1890's.

We eventually came to a clearing that had another DOC sign - 10min to the battery and 30min each way to the waterfall. We decided to take the 10min direction as we thought the cache might be that close. Turns out it was at the waterfall so had to make the full 30min walk anyway. Glad we did however as there was so much to see. A fun tunnel to walk through, making our shoes wet through, mines to search, swing bridge to walk and waterfall to view.

Clearly collecting the cache here was high on the priority list and I searched the whole length of the tunnel, finding many cave wetas before eventually finding it only 3m from the entrance.

With the cache found and a snack had we decided to complete the loop track. We left the tunnel and crossed the swing bridge. turning right we headed up the hill and begun to wonder if we were on the right track. It kept going further from the car and climbing. Thankfully it eventually turned and headed back down stream, and by down I mean down. It was a very slippery slope down and I was impressed that the wife stayed on her feet.

Glad we completed the loop as it was a pleasant walk and we were back at the car at 12 so it took us about 3hr total. A real fun day out and well worth the walk. Now heading back to Whangamata for lunch and a swim.

Day 1

Got up nice and early to pack our bags and head off to the beach. We were taking with Ashley on Christmas Day and organised to pick him up so that he can get an extra day at the beach.

Ended up leaving Hamilton at about 09.30 and made our way to Paeroa. Why Paeroa? I head you ask, simple, there was a cache there that I HAD to pick up. Turns out that it was a quick grab at both locations (it was a multi) and we were back on the road

Was quite surprised at how empty the roads were. Saw a couple of cops out and about but with no crashes or long lines of traffics it was an enjoyable drive to Whangamata. Stopped in at Waihi to grab yet another cache and some groceries.

Now I'm yet to mention that Ashley was not the only passenger that we were carrying. We also decided to bring Charley. I was a little worried that the trip may cause him a bit of distress but in actual fact he seemed to enjoy the ride. Only after a couple of minutes was he back to chirping, cleaning, and eating. Now that we are in Whangamata he is super happy outside relaxing at the beach.

4hr into day one and already grabbed 4 caches. Not bad

Christmas is close

With the first week of the holiday almost gone already and Christmas Day now just 2 days away things are starting to get busy... and exciting.

I have been super lucky that over the past couple of days I have been able to go caching quite a lot.  Went up to Auckland with Steve on Friday to collect a whole lot and was a little unprepared.  Forgot to take any water with me and didn't really understand just how long the hike was going to be. Don't get me wrong it was absolutely beautiful looking out over some of the bays and a really nice bush walk but with the heat in the sun blazing down it wasn't long before I was dehydrated.  As it is this month has been the best ever, in terms of my caching stats with me collecting 181 caches this month alone.  I still have about 20 planned to do while up at Whangamata over the week between Christmas and New Years.

2012 Calendar

Its been a great year for my start and I have almost cached on ever day in December and January. Got a lot to do in February next year but apart from that I should be on track to fill in my grid.

Anyway, back to Christmas. Chelsea has been getting more and more excited the closer that Christmas Day gets. She is always asking if she can just open one and her latest  ploy was to try and convince me she was part German and that Germans open their presents on Christmas eve.  Nice try honey but you can just wait.

Not really sure what else is not worthy in my life but I know it has been really really busy.  Im looking forward to getting away over Christmas and doing some more exploring and adventuring.  I know Chelsea want to just relax but there is a part of me that just can't sit still.

Wellington zoo

Day two of the honeymoon and we are at the zoo. Got up at like 8 and walked to our buffet breakfast ate way to much then had to walk to the bus stop

A quick trip and we were at the zoo. It's quite small but makes up for it with the interactivity. Had a great chat with the guy about the chimps and Chelsea got to feed the giraffe.

We are now just sitting having lunch before heading off to see the sun near and tiger talk

Wellington, loving it.

Chelsea with the Sun Bear

On the move

Chelsea holding the Red Panda

French Kiss

Chelsea patting the Giraffe

Lazy Monkies

On look out duty

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