Jono Tackles January 2008 (part 1)

Hello to all my Blog watchers out there! Sorry for neglecting you a bit this past month, but January 2008 has just been so busy that I've been spending too much time engaging in blog worthy activities and no time actually blogging. Because of that, I have split it up into multiple posts and this is Part 1 :)

First up in the new year I enjoyed spending some time with my kite. Although it was excruciatingly hot (most of this month has been actually) I had to wear my hoody to minimise the sunburn!

Katie and I went to Whiritoa after the new year where my flatmates rented out a bach for the week. An awesome time away but boy some of the waves at that place were scary - after all it is a surf beach.

Found this funny looking beach chick...

Also helped Maria make some sand castles during our day trip to Whangamata.

OK Ok, so maybe I didn't help and in reality I just walked up and crouched next to it holding a spade (I had to say that in case Maria reads this thing)

I stumbled across this message that had been written in the sand.

I couldn't agree more.

Katie agreed too, after a few modifications... :)

Part II coming soon!!!

Bye bye 2007...

Happy New Year folks!

I recently came back from two weeks back home in Christchurch and am finally able to provide you with some photographic evidence.

I spent some lovely "bonding" time with my folks, (minus Tess who was cricketing) Katie, and cuzzie Julie at a bach down in Tekapo. Dad spend a decent amount (thankfully not ALL) of the time fishing while the rest of us occupied ourselves mainly by exploring the area. I noticed they're currently building an outdoor Winter park with an ice skating rink and hot pools - so it's definitely a goer for next Winter!

Me with Mum, Dad and Julie in front of Tekapo and Pukaki:

It was surprisingly damn hot most of the time down there so ice blocks were a must. I found these cool things that you stick on the end of your finger.
I think they're for like, five year olds. But whatever...

We made a trip to Mt Cook and visited the Tasman glacier where I stumbled into a near death experience:

But don't worry coz luckily, I did manage to scramble my way up to safety, and survive.

The weather was fantastic and the views were stunning.

Mt Cook - and I just happened to catch him "Cloud Piercing".

On the track up Mt John in Tekapo (I actually ran half the way up! crazy i know!!), I discovered a lot of sheep poos (I hate it when I discover it on the soles of my shoes though). Anyway, I found the culprits:

Back in Chch I got to spend some QFT with my folks. Went r/c yachting with Dad at the Groynes which reminded me of the good old kiddie days (well, not that I ever fully left them behind :) Dad and I raced them around and played tag - judging by the results, I must've improved since those kiddie days.

Well anyway, 2007 was pretty good - bring on 2008!