The last tramp to Casey's Hut

Thomas, Amy and Josiah 

The ski season had just finished up so we figured it was time to check out a couple of the mountains on the opposite side of the road. So we jumped in the Barina with our flatmate Josiah and made the drive into the mountains. We departed Highway 73 and headed across the Waimakariri River on a rickety looking, but reliable bridge over to Mt White Station. We spotted the Trail head area, so we parked up, sorted our gear and headed in what we thought was the right direction. 

Unfortunately, we were so engrossed in what must have been a very good discussion and missed the actual trail head and jumped head long into the bush up the creek bed. We were suspicious that we may have been not quite where we were meant to be, but pushed on criss-crossing the steam, getting into denser and denser forest, up steeper and steeper terrain. Thinking we might need to redirect, we decided to scramble to a ridge line and get a better view and work out where we were on the map. Yup, we were not where we should have been, so keeping up a confident front for Amy's sake, we forged a new path through the idyllic but thick beach forest and we just all of a sudden popped out on the trail. Don't ask me how, but it was lucky, as a hundred meters or so along the trail it took a sharp right and had we been a bit further into the bush, we would never have come across it. All in all, we were only an hour or so off course, no harm done. 

One could say the rest of the tramp was less exciting after that point, however it was stunning. Just being out for a quick weekend trip with perfect tramping weather. We made it over Binser Saddle and and proceeded along the Poulter River to the hut. We met some usual outdoorsy characters and just chilled out in a beautiful place, not bothered too much by just a few sandflies. We did some AcroYoga and got a well deserved nights sleep. 

The last anyone ever saw of the old Casey Hut

The following day, we had another really nice days walk with an early start getting back to the car after crossing Casey's Saddle and passing some beautiful alpine flats, with tarns and streams, along with views off to some larger surrounding mountains, a glacier and some waterfalls. A slightly sad note, that afternoon once retuning to Christchurch, we headed off to play an evening game of frisbee golf, however that was the last drive the Barina would ever make. A deficiency of oil caused some nasty sounding engine failure. Also the following weekend, we learned that Casey Hut burnt to the ground, so it is quite possible that our trip to the hut truly was the 'last tramp' ever. 

The Barina, the finest stallion a couple could ask for.

Porters

Early Season at the top of porters, looking back to Christchurch.

Having just returned from a good European Summer, we jumped right back into winter. And a good winter it was turning out to be right across the mountains in New Zealand. We had season passes for Porters Ski Field just an hour and twenty minutes drive from our house, with plans for a big season. 

Thanks for getting us up the mountain Barina

With our trusty Barina to get us safely to the mountain everyday, we made it up about 15 times over the season. Employing some $10 chains that required a bit of Kiwi ingenuity to recommission, we made it to the mountain no matter what the weather threw at us. 

Thomas doing what he loves.

Trying to make the most of the good conditions, I was able to explore and search out some interesting and heart palpitating features. My particular favorite being the tablet rock at the summit.  Over a few beers after riding one day, I decided would be perfect for a 'rock bonk front flip', worth an attempt at least. I also searched out a few nice drops allowing myself to get airborne, making up for the disappointing jumps in the park this season.

First time ever going inverted.

It was a real escape being able to just leave the city and free the body and soul for a day or so every week. We also often broke up our work weeks and took a day out on the slopes that really kept life nice and balanced. Despite the heavy snow falls in the mountains, the winter was still fairly manageable in town. Lighting the fire up each night and having a few beers made for a pretty casual 'cold and miserable winter' -  Yeah Right!

Thomas and Amy with the mountains to themselves

G'Day Australia

The Devos enjoying the view on the Sunshine Coast

Thinking that we were likely going to be heading back off to the Northern Hemisphere very soon, we figured we might as well pop over the ditch and say G'day to the parents and have a little escape from winter for a week in August. It also nearly turned into a bit of a scouting trip, as we had some bad news about my U.S visa application, and we decided we might just move to Australia instead if the U.S was going to keep the doors closed for me. It didn't come to that in the end, but it sure showed us what a nice, casual, Aussie beach lifestyle could have been like. 

Kings Beach

We ducked off from Christchurch on the coolest of NZ winter mornings and happily strode off the plane in Coolangatta around lunchtime to a day that could only be described as perfect. We were staying for a few nights in Kings Beach on the Sunshine Coast and were welcomed with the news that the place was so nice that Mum and Dad had extended our stay. It was just paradise. A beautiful apartment overlooking the beach and park. It was so quiet and peaceful being the off season, but the sun was still warm and the water perfectly refreshing. 

Our days were filled with walking, swimming in the beach, pool and spa, lounging in the sun and me and my dad endlessly kicking and passing the rugby ball back and forth. There is something about being at the beach that makes me just want to sprint, jump, run, kick, dive, swim and generally act like a kid. This quickly led to my ball being stuck high in a tree. I was clambering high up a Norfolk Pine to retrieve my ball, only just realising I was very high and then had to get back down too! All good though.

With two nights in Brisbane in between our beach holidays, we met up with our old flatmate B-rain. We spent the day at the modern art gallery, listing to a free concert on the bank of the Brisbane river, eating the incredible 'craft' burgers of the town and following that with a few beers at a couple of my Dad's favourite craft breweries. 

After brunch up Mt Cootha

Before heading back off to the beach again, we went to table tennis, which is my father's athletic endeavor, one which he can proudly boast that he is still far superior at than his son. We played the rotational tournament and I claimed a few wins, but in the father-son match-up, even with his 40 point handicap, I still didn't stand a chance. Off to Surfers Paradise, a place we holidayed at as a family many times before. Being far more developed compared to the Sunshine Coast, its a bit more image driven here, however the endless golden sand beaches and more powerful surf suited me fine. 

Daddy Devo getting the better of his son.

It was nearly a story or the same old scenario as the Sunshine Coast, beach activities, exploration and good food, drink and company. This time we were based at the Main Beach Holiday Park. There were some angry Plover birds protecting their babies, but once they were shepherded away there was some nice grassy areas to practice AcroYoga. I just can't get enough of this beach lifestyle, especially in the middle of winter.

We took a drive to Burleigh Heads and had a good wander round the headland National Park, with remarkable views back toward the Surfers Paradise skyline. We stopped into Burleigh Brewing and later back in Main Beach we found a nice happy hour to enjoy some beers before some great Indian food for dinner, always worthy of a mention. 

A big thank you to Mum and Dad for spending the week with us and organising an awesome trip. The time we spend together is always entertaining! 

Burleigh Heads looking North to Surfers Paradise.

Queenstown Again.....

Driving South, Sunset over Lake Pukaki

Sneaking off for a long weekend to chill with the Q-Town Devos, we had a stunning sunset drive south across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. There simply is no driving experience that can beat deserted roads with a stunning sunset cascading an array of colors across snow capped mountains while driving in a little 1980's hatchback. En route we stopped about the top of Lindis Pass and lay on the bonnet of the car for warmth, spotting shooting stars. Making good time and even better fuel economy, we made it to the Big-Q in time for a few beers and yarns. A perfect cap to a days work and an afternoon of leisure travel. 

The Barina at Lake Pukaki

To be honest, it was a pretty standard trip, nothing out of the ordinary really! It is just the same old Queenstown after all, like how many times have we been there done that sorta scenario. We played a few games of frisbee golf, the Queenstown course and Tucker Beach course right on the bank of the Shotover River. We drank some beers that I had brought from Christchurch and a pint or two from others in Arrowtown at the Fork and Tap. We sat through the release of a new mountain biking film, even though it was still winter, ugh, and had burgers and beer. Gosh, we had a free concert for the start of Winter Fest featuring Ladi 6 and Parks, but umm I have seen them already! Big-Brekkie at Red Rock, yeah foods okay, and I haven't even mentioned the cold, you went up into the mountains and there was snow everywhere. 

So picture this, we were up there in the mountains, at the Remarkables, which I know like the back of my hand so, same old same old. Except there was a new lift, so I had to put in some effort and learn some new runs and terrain. Some of it was really steep and challenging with rocks, drops and kickers. As well there was fresh snow, FML. I remember doing a run called elevator, it drops down the side country and you have to walk for a few minutes to access it, like really! And then get this, you do the run, and yeah its okay I guess but, the snow was so deep. What a pain, each time you turned it would spray up and get you in the face. So it was just sorta like that for the day. Then the following night we went to Coronet Peak, at night! So for an hour we were limited to only one lift while they groomed the main trails, the views were pretty cool with the sun setting over Lake Wakatipu, but I could have looked that up online from home! Then the other lifts opened up and it was totally dark, except for the lights I guess. Do I need to say anymore?

Thomas, Amy, John and Kel at the Winter Games opening. 

Just another boring trip to Queenstown ay? I'd take it any day!!!!

Konnichiwa Tokyo

'The Scramble'

Tokyo was one of the most awesome experiences we have had. A slight contrast to the outdoor adventures we usually flourish in, however the city of Tokyo really offers a splendid array of contrasts and culture. There was an endless array of attractions to go see and experience and even just walking the streets and riding the subway was such an excitement.

This was the first time we ever used ‘Air BnB’, and we were nervous as our room was a bit out of the center of town. We had to take the subway to the farthest stop, then walk about 20 minutes further. Once we had made the first journey, lugging all our bags and looking quite the tourists in this very residential area, it was with great pleasure that we walked daily through our quiet little suburb at the start and end of each day.

Our quiet little neighborhood for the week.

Usually while traveling, we walk everywhere, both to save money and to experience all that we can, but this week we opted for a weeks pass for the subways so we just bounced from one location to the next with Amy taking full charge of planning our days activities using her Tokyo Lonely Planet guide. She usually arranged a varying schedule that really highlighted the contrast that I speak of. A bustling shopping street, followed by a beautiful garden then ordering lunch by pointing and guessing. More train rides, lots of walking and even ending the night with a nice Japanese craft beer a few times.

 

I loved everything we ate in Tokyo. This was the first place that we have traveled to where we have just completely gone for it and only ate out for every meal the entire trip. Whether it was at the more chain like establishment in our suburb, a tiny eatery on a back street or some delicious market food. We ordered by pointing and by placing our order at the machine then waiting in line with perfect synchronization to be seated right as our order was ready. Amy’s favorite day in Tokyo was the day we had authentic Ramon soup for dinner by ordering at the vending machine, followed by crazy Japanese ice cream with flavors like green tea, red bean paste, and toasted brown sugar dough. We went out of the way a few times to find the one Sushi street vendor and to eat it by the river. It all was amazing and well priced.

My favorite experience of all was walking around the famous Tokyo fish market. The smell, the wet gut covered floors and endless rows of fishmongers selling all manor of sea creatures most of which we would not be able to identify. Seeing a large tuna being filleted using a samurai sword was awesome, and you really had to be on your toes as there were guys buzzing up and down the rows on funny little electric carts. After walking around the market, we walked along outside trying some various and suspicious fried seafood from stalls at the food markets.

Tokyo was a true urban adventure, in one of the ultimate urban environments. It was a pleasure for us to visit with the ease of travel, cost, politeness of people, cleanliness and the awesome contrast of city madness verses peace and tranquility in the gardens and ancient shrines. Arigato Japan! Thank you for the experience!

Our German & Swiss Road Trip

The most important part of our German road trip was ticked off in speedy fashion, 200kph. Now that we had returned to a more manageable and fuel economic speed we made our way further south from Berlin with no real plan, just a few ideas of places Stefan suggested we could stop.  The autobahn was quite informative. A large yellow sign for every historic attraction and an illustration of it existed at nearly every exit, and they all looked equally interesting, so that didn't really help us decide where to stop. We did eventually call at Erfurt. 

What we stumbled upon was just a magical town, with a huge market filled square and two huge towering but opposing cathedrals. The daunting and cavernous medieval presence these structures  had over the whole space was like nothing I have witnessed before. Opposing the cathedrals and lining the maze of narrow streets was a myriad of tall, wonky and colourful traditional buildings. We explored the streets, climbed amongst the historic hilltop fortress and enjoyed a bratwurst. 

A hold up further on our drive held us up for several hours at a stand still on the autobahn only just short of Bad Camberg, We read, slept and peed om the road side, it actually was quite a relaxed traffic jam.

We took a drive with the boys, Mickey and Stefan the Sunday before the wedding to Cologne. More of a working city, but still littered with history and prestige. We just explored and enjoyed our good company. A thousand or so steps took us to the top of The Dom Cathedral, which provided an amazing vantage. We enjoyed a few fresh Kölsch beers, a beer that can only be so named if it comes from Cologne, tasting amazing right from its source.

Amy, Thomas, Mickey and Stefan with the Dom of Cologne in the background

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Heading off for a big week on the road after the wedding, we again didn't have a true plan, just a bit of an idea and we'd see what we came across. En route to the Black Forest, we called into the Spa town of Baden Baden, an elegant spot with beautiful gardens shouldering the river through town with an opulent French influence. Jumping headlong from there onto some awesome driving roads, winding up into the dense dark forests. We quickly climbed to a fair elevation and rewarded with vistas out to the west toward France. Ending the afternoon with a beer in a high mountain town of Freudenstadt at the local brewery Turm-Brau, meaning Tower-Brewery. It was my favourite drinking experience in Germany. Their unfiltered pilsner beer was the genuine thing, in ceramic steins right from where it was brewed.

We made it to our planned destination Freiburg in the early evening, with no maps or booked accommodation, just the address of a backpackers. I was surprised at the size of the university town as we aimlessly drove the city in search somehow of finding the backpackers. In rush hour traffic we circled the town completely lost and not knowing what to do until we stumbled right upon the street of our planned accommodation, to our delight and surprise. Unfortunately, they had no room left but allowed us to sleep in the lounge area, along with a few other unprepared travelers. The town was again another stunner with bustling streets, bars and restaurants. The streets were littered with cyclists, trams and pedestrians. It was a little cultural gem, of youth and history. 

Interlaken, Switzerland was only a short drive the following day. The Swiss alps rising from the horizon, growing and towering are just such an impressive sight, with our tent backpackers nestled right amongst it all. This was our most expensive accommodation for the trip, and actually the most expensive we have ever paid for one nights accommodation, and it was also by far the most basic and despite being summer, we were treated to some wild mountain weather for the stay. Thunderous rain and wild wind managed to blow open the flap door several times overnight, making for a chilly but exciting night. It was nice to warm up in the spa pool, minus the menacing twenty school children having a water fight around us.

Heading up to Grindewald at the base of the Eiger, we were witness to Switzerland 'for-real.' Green pastures dotted with log-cabin villages beneath soaring mountains with vertical glacially carved walls where waterfalls hailed down from above. This place is spectacular. We climbed steps carved through tunnels into the rock then poked out behind one of these great waterfalls and climbed a steep goat trail at the end of the road, literally, and were rewarded of a vista to die for. 

Driving toward Wettingham to visit the Swiss Devos, we were rewarded with one of the most spectacular drives. We continued to be rewarded with these incredible drives throughout Switzerland and further along in Southern Germany while driving off the AutoBahn. What the car beats the train or bus in this situation is that we probably made 10 stops on this couple hour drive, each time with the most remarkable view. Also the switchbacks were fun to drive in our little Spanish made Seat Ibza. Along with the drive, we had a lunch stop in Luzern. We had a sandwich lunch by the lake and took a nice stroll through the historic city, walking the old town walls, crossing the picturesque bridges and happily watching life go by around us.

Once in Wettingham, we enjoyed a fun couple of laid back days with Richard Deverson, and the young Devos, Alexia, Mattias and Natasha. Quite an entertaining bunch, who would be a bit cheeky or shy and try speak only German to us. It was great to spend some more time with my god daughter, Alexia, and we were particularly impressed to attend a little musical recital, which the children preformed the violin and clarinet spectacularly, we'll happily be the audience rather than the performer, solid nerves kids. We just generally got to play and mess around, but we surly gathered a few disapproving looks from locals when we started booting round the soccer ball in the historic town streets.

It was cool just being a kid for a few days, we went to the swimming pools and did flips off the diving boards, went on the watersides, where Amy had a mishap with her bikini, and even had a play around at underwater hockey. Yes it is a sport. Natasha was set on making paper airplanes all weekend long, and we masted the different techniques to achieve the best aerodynamics. We explored the area in the family minivan, found craft beers and finished the visit off with a family fondue. Looking forward to catching you Swiss Devos again soon.

 

Natasha Getting into the Fondue

From Wettingham we headed back toward Germany, with one interesting diversion for 20km or so crossing a small corner into Austria, where we choose to leave the Highway and take side roads as to avoid buying a registration sticker for the highway, one which we had already forked out ‎€50 on entrance to Switzerland and didn't see it being worth that same price again for the quick flash through AUT. So we had a slightly slower journey through Austria, but yet again this was the second time that I have journeyed through Austria and not touched soil. 

Schloss Neuschwanstein

Arriving at Schloss Neuschwanstein, the real Disney castle, we were quite blown away with the crowds. However the castles were well worth the crowds, and it wasn't hard to lose some of the crowds on the strenuous climbs up to the castles. Both King Ludwig's Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles were spectacular. Walking the trails and seeing them in perspective at the base of the Alps, you can understand why Walt Disney used them as inspiration for is own Castle. Heading off North on the Romantic Road and eventually getting lost was a relaxing and scenic way to end the evening while headed for the Tent Village in Munich. With a stop in a town somewhere along the way and getting our schnitzel fix on, served by a cheery lederhosen-clan man. Just a random town, but again filled with its own timeless character you seem to stumble upon everywhere in Europe.

Just another German town.

One full on action packed day in Munich and we ticked off all the good stuff. Mainly beer related, but hey we're in the home of beer! Once again, our night was spent in the tent, this time being a bunch of huge circus tents with sleeping rolls on the floor, but once again, we had some wild weather. No dramas, they provided unlimited blankets, I think we each had about ten. While in the city, we did the free walking tour, learning all the usual historical notes and followed on after to a tour of our own jumping from brewery to bar to brewery. Haupfbrau, Augustiner, Schneider and I can't remember the others. I have heard that many people have similar memory failure in this city. 

 

That's about how it felt.
 

Heading North for a night in Manninheim to stay with our friend Martin, we stopped for a somber and reflective morning walking the grounds and reading the displays at the Dachau concentration camp. Not much needs to be said, but it is a necessary visit. With a good long drive to follow, it gave us ample time to process all that we had just experienced. We made it to Martin's following a serious case of being lost, and we jumped on his suggestion of heading to the local brewery for some well needed stress relief. A few mugs of there keller beer, meaning cellar, an unfiltered helles lager the way beer should be drank and we were spinning yarns of the good old times back at university, of life back where we all met. We stopped for a quick look around Frankfurt the following morning before our flight out of Europe. Lacking slightly the Germanic feel of smaller or more famous places, the center was clean and very modern, typical for a financial capital. We were stoked though to come across a market fair in the center of town. It was a perfect way to end a fantastic 3 weeks in Germany.