It was a much awaited long weekend with an absolutely perfect weather forecast! This meant it was time to get the kayak out and in the water. We made our way down to one of the bays east of Akaroa which is situated in a marine reserve. The water was a beautiful mix of blue … Continue reading A Perfect Day for Paddling

As I normally do, it was that time of year I was itching to sink my feet into some fresh snow - to hear the crunch of the hardened snow surface where our footsteps are the first. Any icy climb up Peak Hill overlooking Lake Coleridge was the solution. The walk started up the shady … Continue reading Climbing Lake Coleridge

Wahoo! 9,120m completed to fulfill climbing the equivalent height of Everest (8,848m). The challenge ended with a bang - a beautiful day up on a peak with a view. Thank you to all the supporters! Your donations will be able to help so many people by providing education, clean water, and more to the Himalayan … Continue reading Summit Reached – Over 8,848m Completed!

I'm now on the last week of the Himalayan Trust Summit Challenge to climb the height of Everest (8,848m) to raise funds for the people of Nepal. I'm currently on my way from Everest Camp 3 to the summit - only 1,384m more to go! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me … Continue reading Summit Challenge 2019: 1 Week to Go!

Just a little over a week into the Himalayan Trust Summit Challenge to climb the equivalent height of Everest in the month of March (that's 8,848m - 29,029ft!). So far I've come in just under one third completed with 2,812m climbed as of Saturday. The Himalayan Trust was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary himself … Continue reading Summit Challenge 2019: Progress Update 1 Week

So I've signed up for a challenge to climb the vertical height of Everest over the course of the month of March. That is 8,848m (29,029ft) vertical climbing over the month - about 286m (938ft) a day! If you'd like to follow my journey or consider making a donation I've included the link to my … Continue reading Up and Up and Up….8,848m that is

Stephen is upgrading from a kart to a racing car which means it was time for me to have my first skid on the go-kart before it sells to fund the new car. Wriggled into the pro's racing suit, squeezed my cheeks into a helmet, and pulled down the visor as I sat on the … Continue reading No Speed Limit – Having a Skid

We were down in Dunedin for my work mid-winter party at Larnach Castle which is NZ's only castle (or so they call it...its more of a stately home). Nonetheless, the "castle" is still impressive and the gardens and grounds are beautiful and well kept. It also helped that the day was stunning and full of … Continue reading Castle of the South and A Side Trip to Mount Cook

I'll start out this way...Today's objectives were to Go for a walk and get some exercise See the snowy mountains Have a play in the snow! Its winter here in New Zealand (southern hemisphere remember) and the Christchurch winter isn't filled with snowy days like the Pennsylvania winters where upwards of a foot, two, or … Continue reading Mission: Snowball Fight

First off, its been forever since I've posted. Things are sorted and I'll be back hopefully with more frequent posts on what is going on - what new adventures are up next? This time I'll share our latest Easter holiday. In New Zealand Easter is one of the major long holidays as both Good Friday … Continue reading Airplanes, Glaciers, and Mountain Views – Easter Part 2