Sea Kayaking in Abel Tasman

I did say watch this space, but you must have been watching for a very long time. I thought it was about time I updated my blogs. Well we have returned safely from our adventure at the top of the South Island. We drove the 600 odd kms to our final destination of Marahau and stayed in the local camping ground, which was well set up.

The next morning had the sun blaising at what I thought was much earlier than expected. It was going to be a good day and the weather forecast was set for more of the same, as the photos will show.

The first day was about getting to know our equipment and vehicle. We had a tour guide, Sally for the first day with lunch provided. It was a lot easier than I had anticipated. Beck was the navigator at the front of the kayak while I was in the rear using the foot pedals and oar to guide us in the right direction.

The scenery was aweinspiring. It was so great to be in nature and to see the magnificence it can produce. We are so very blessed in this country. So we kayaked for two and half days. On the final day we left our kayaks on the beach and the company we hired them from had sea shuttles that picked them up for other travellers to use. I recommend using the company we used Marahau Sea Kayaking. They were very professional and obliging. No concerns or problems. They made it an enjoyable family experience.

We then began our tramp out of Abel Tasman. Backpacks fully laden with tents, sleeping bags etc. We walked along beaches, up into the hills and watched the seals bath in the sun. It wasn;t an adventure that tested our will power, but it was one that made us think of the things we take for granted. Mostly about the freedom we have to travel and see Gods creation.

Stopping on, sometimes almost deserted beaches for a swim and some food. Looking back where we had come from and having time to talk and think about our voyage was a highlight for me. Something we will not forget for a very long time. When it was all over it was hard to say goodbye.

The natural waterslide at Cleopatra's pool was also a highlight for us, although the water was icy cold. It would almost take your breath away.

abel tasman trip

Well we are off tomorrow for another adventure. Sea kayaking and walking Abel Tasman. I will attempt to up date this as we go on our trip, but I don't know how often we will be near internet. Anyway watch this space.

Music with Jack Johnson

Just been reading an online article about Jack Johnson and his latest album "To the Sea" due to be released on the 1st of June, which I think I will purchase. I have not bought an album for so long. Part of the reason for this inclination is due to the down to earth feel I get from this 34 year old artist. He talks at interviews about his tours and that all the profits that is earnt from it go to a charity (him being the founder and not so he is rewarded but so he can keep an eye on it) for schools and production activities for others. This appeals to me. SOmeone who is giving back. SOmeone who has not lost sight of humanity and basically "being a good person". He's a thinker I reckon. He also considers why he would go on certain tv programs. He says if they are selling something he stays away. "If it feels like it's selling something, I always feel like I don't want my music to be involved," He says.
Two songs to look out for on the album that interest me anyway are Pictures of people taking pictures and My little girl. THe link where I read about this is.

http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/100508/5/itou.html

What Easter means for me

I watched this video and quite a few emotions started to well inside of me. Mostly about what man has done to man over history and with a little bit of insight into the story of Christ and his innocence and then to suffer such a painful death. The attachment I can have to this man through belief is quite profound. It is not a case of say it's not real or it is real it is a case of believing or not and as I search and derive meaning from the bible I find that my relationship with Jesus the risen saviour is increased. The video does not show it but CHrist has risen and is alive today.

http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=eb799088ad2c7bbbaff6

The good old narrative

The oscars have come and gone, but you can't get away from what most movies tell. It is a story, a narrative whether based on truth or experience or fantasy. I always wonder how they keep coming up with ideas. You see how I purposely removed the word new. The problem is that the majority of humans enjoy a narrative, with its introduction and character developments. The problem or conflict and then resolution with a ending that sometimes has a moral point to make or not. This video is a great example of how simplistic they can become. It is a parody, but simalarities can be seen. I think it's funny.

A Trailer for Every Academy Award Winning Movie Ever -- powered by Cracked.com

Remember the dancing mat?

This guy came up with a great idea to get people enjoying life. The video Where the hell is Mat? is great. Always gets me fired up with enthusiasm and energy. Some think it's just stupid and don't get it, but that's what makes life interesting. The fact that we are all different makes each of us interesting. This video is from the outtakes of the finished product. It takes work to achieve something awesome. It takes a few goes at it and it takes making a few mistakes or even making a fool of yourself.

Government policy sucks

This is the focus I believe that needs to be drilled home to the Government and the people of New Zealand. I reckon 80% of people out there are either too lazy to think or are so accepting of government policy. If it comes from the media or politicians well they know best. Think again. At the moment the National Government is relying on the 80% to stay like that and they use tactics that riddicule or marginalise the oppositions or others that would oppose their views.

I for one don't want to be in that 80% and if you are reading this then you probably would be offended by my comments earlier. That is the nature of the beast. Look at the contentious issues at the moment.

• Tax cuts and GST increases
• Raising the driving age
• National Standards for Primary schools

We complain about these things but hardly any of us have any back bone behind our complaining. We just sit there and say "What difference can I make?"

Well you can start by doing a bit of research on what the issues are. This will help you to make informative decisions. Stop just accepting the status quo. Think for yourself and act accordingly.

We will normally get passionate about things that are dear to our hearts, although we need to be open to support other injustices as well. Let's start with the National Standards. Have a look at this link www.handsupforlearning.org.nz

Anne Tolley our minister for Education is bullying our school representitives. See if you can find the article about how her ministers are threatening to fire Board of Trustees who don't implement the National Standards.

You might think "why should I care, I have no kids or my kids are all grown up?" You will be surprised to find that when you are informed on issues it gives freedom and gives you a right to express your thoughts.

If you are concerned about what the Government is doing with National Standards I recommend you print off the pettition that can be found in the above link and get your friends to sign it and send it off before the end of May. By doing this you can have a part in making a difference.

Trial National Standards Not Our Kids