night before...

Wow, it's finally here....I've been dreaming of this trip for years now.  I don't know what it is, but something has always pulled me to NZ even though I've never been.  My family has gone for over 20 years, so maybe it's the stories shared or the smiles when they return.  I hear stories about the magnificent flyfishing and open clean country that is so focused on the outdoors.  So now here I am, typing the first journal entry, still packing things and not able to find my camera cord.  How will I post pics...something will work out ;)  

Originally I was going to go solo, seeing  as my ticket was bought just over a month ago, and ride a motorcycle from top to toe, taking in as much of the country as possible.  I love traveling this way, honestly, there is nothing else like it.  It puts you so in touch with your surroundings...you feel every facet of the environment you travel through, and for some reason people tend to want to connect with you more.  Perhaps it's because they know you're out in the elements.  I've heard it described this way, which I think sums it so clearly:  when you travel by car/train/etc, it's like you're watching the movie go by.  Whereas on a motorcycle, you're part of the movie.  

My brother and I will be going together, meeting our dad and uncle toward the end of the trip on the south portion of the South Island.  It's amazing how David and I have gotten closer over the years.  Growing up we were such opposites and fought all the time, which I blame myself mostly.  I liked to tease him.  But starting in our twenties, all that changed and we've become quite close.  I'm glad we're doing this trip together.

I've rambled enough :) it's late and I do need to sleep.  I'm not sure what this trip will hold, but something inside tells me it's significant.  You can plan these things thoroughly till you're blue in the face, but they always end up different than what was expected, and for that I'm excited.  Good night,  John