Working 9-5, maybe?

The past few days have been slow. I've been holed up at a Holiday Park in Paihia.


Beach view from my campground

Beach view, deux

I camped here last night and had plans to drive north today but I was sidetracked by minor logistics. Things like job searching and getting sorely needed work done on my car.

*fist shake that my wagon has 6" of clearance and I can't even change the oil *
I kinda, sorta, totally, immensely, unfathomably, miss my truck.
My baby.
 xoxoxo my sweet Armadillo.Thank you J Crew for looking after her while I'm gone!!
So, I decided to write a post with somewhat random thoughts and photos.

I'm trying to get a pic of the stars here. Trying.

If you don't like it, don't blame me. Blame my dwindling budget and the kiwi who sold me a car with 2 torn CV boots.
*fist shake that I test drove my car in a parking garage and couldn't hear the obvious clack of crappy CV boots*

Borrowing the immortal words of Monty Python-
"And now for something completey different".
A quick update:
I applied for a Jr Ranger job in the south island. I am very underqualified, but I went for it.
I applied for a job in Waitoma as a black water rafting, abseiling, glow worm cave, tour guide. They contacted me for more info and I hope to hear from them in a couple of days.
In the meantime, I backtracked to Russel today to interview for a temporary job at a winery. Pruning and weeding for their spring season. It's a 2 week job, and it pays! Which sounds redundant, but here there is a ton of unskilled temp work available, but only in exchange for accomodation. No money at all!
I think I got the job. They'll call me tomorrow if I'm selected for the 2 weeks of back breaking labor...fingers crossed!
I enquired around Paihia today for some, ANY temporary work. If I'm lucky, I may have a 4 hour shift next week pouring delicous beer for the discerning patron at a place called the Road Runner Tavern.

So, with time on my side I checked out Hurua falls just outside of Paihia.



                                      

                                                   Hurau falls

I call this one "Hurua Falls + 1"

After Wharangei Falls, Hurua falls was kinda anti-climatic. Still pretty though.

Hurua falls, again



There were birds everywhere on this ledge by the falls.
I think this one was their king.

So I drove all around today. Up to Kerikeri on my way north until I got sidetracked by incredibly nice strangers and a $95 oil change. SCORE.

Then back down to Russel for my vineyard interview. So, I decided it was a good day to grab a beer and fries and watch monday night football (at 1:30pm on Tuesday) then camp at the holiday park again because it has hot showers and a kitchen. Ungh!

Back at camp, I rented a kayak for an hour and had a blast.

It was my 3rd time in a kayak and my 1st time on the ocean with it. Although really I was in a harbour.

       

Beaching the kayak to give the old shoulder a break

I don't miss a singe opportunity to document my goofy face!

The wind was strong and the water kinda choppy, at least it seemed that way...

Then, I was back to camp. And enjoying the sunset.

                          But not before I put my kayak away and sipped a few Double Brown beers.


I call this one "kayaks at rest"

Now to sleep in my freezing car. Its a little colder tonight. Last night I slept on my air matress with 2 pairs of socks, a beanie wrapped around my feet, my sweats with pants over them, 2 long sleeved shirts, a regular shirt, a sweatshirt and my fluffy jacket on. I stuffed my running hoodie and thermal over me inside my bag. My rain jacket was wrapped around the outside of my bag and I put my sweater between my torso and my air matress. Then I completely zipped up my sleeping bag until there was not a single tiny gap (not even to breathe) and I was actually warm enough to sleep through the night.
I'm hoping for the same luck tonight.