Stupid Camera...

My camera jammed with the lens sticking out just as the sun was coming up this morning. of course it was moments before I boarded the ferry from wellington to picton. plus i didnt charge my video camera so i couldnt use that either. and i had my phone packed in with my check in luggage. in other words, i have 0 pictures of the ferry ride, 0 pictures of the bus rides, and 0 pictures of the south island. aside from that, the south island is the most beautiful place ive ever been. ranging from mountains dropping down to the sea, rolling hills of grass as far as the eye can see, seals playing on the shores and gorgeous blue beaches. hopefully the person on the bus will email me some photos, but regardless i will be making that trek again to take my own. The beaches ranged from dark sand, to jagged rocks covered in seals (or sea lions, whichever it is...) to beaches covered in smooth river-rocks. The sound of those rocks tumble against each other as the waves broke and retreated was the most soothing thing i have ever heard. (better than a forest breeze!!) I almost missed the bus cause i was so mesmerized...

This is a post from deep in the mountains by Lewis Pass, one of the only roads crossing the southern mountains. After being picked up in the town square, and filling up some gas cans with helicopter fuel, Akira and I made the 2 hour journey into the mountains. I wish I had pictures of the mountains and the river, but again, damn camera... A light shower is falling outside, and it really reminds me of Oregon. Low clouds passing through the valley, puddles everywhere, and green mountains reaching to the sky. I'll get some pictures with my video camera tomorrow after its had a good charge. The internet connection is quite slow, but it may be good enough to upload some video too. 

Anyhow... since i have no new pictures of the south island... here's more shots of auckand!

Spot I skated behind the hostel