06/8/13

Settling In…

Where did the balance of life go? What does balance me to me? Before becoming a working mother balance was about getting enough exercise, food, playtime with Felix, time with Jason and having a little solo time on my own to rejuvenate Quite simple, really relaxed.

View from my morning hike to the ‘M’

Now I am on my way to finding my new rhythm and what balance looks like for me now. I’m settling more and more into the rhythm of my work days. During the summer, The Lifelong Learning Center (where I work) moves to closed on Fridays which means, yes, I get Fridays off. Fridays also means I will be working my forty hours in four days. It seems daunting and exciting to me as I have no idea what that feels like, but I am thinking Fridays off with family and friends will be worth it. I’ll keep you posted – he he.

Fun with Potty training – he is now potty trained!

I am getting an internal nudge telling me it’s time – time for what? Time for me to show up and live out the dreams I have been fantasizing about for years. And guess what – YES it is time. Now I am ready to really show up. For those of you who know me, yes I do and have shown up before, but there’s a different part of me that has been whispering to me for years; well, The little whisper is no longer quiet, my spirit is speaking it’s desire to shine brighter, to be seen and to serve. What does this mean? It means figuring out I fit all my passions into my life while also working forty hours a week. It means pushing my self to an internal edge of enough and then going a little further to grow as a human being. It means, including my family in these endeavors so get to play with them and play with my work. It means continuing my Nia practice at work while working and utilizing the beautiful studio on my breaks to move my body. It means speaking up, sharing my passions and helping others find and share theirs.

Beautiful hike in Pocatello, ID - a little solo timr for rejuvenation

Beautiful hike in Pocatello, ID – a little solo time for rejuvenation

I will still be writing on my blog, more frequently than the past few months. I will be tweaking my site. Making maggieschlarb.com more resourceful and informational. I will be creating a newsletter, this way I can share with you when I post as well as when I will be teaching classes. (There is an newsletter sign up on the right hand side of this page if you want be included).

Now I ask you…is there something nudging you? Are you listening to the that nudge?

05/7/13

Becoming a Working Mama

I love this cutie more than I thought I ever could.

I am now entering week three of working full time and it has finally hit how much I miss my boys, and today, particularly my baby boy, Felix. The first two weeks were exciting and new and a much deserved break from being always ‘on’ as a Mama. It really felt like I was on vacation when I went to work the past two weeks. However, reality set in today and I miss my boys incredibly. I know they are fine without me, which might be the most difficult part. They seem to be having a great time together, riding bikes, playing with friends and getting sorted out for Jason’s return to school in the fall. I am quite impressed by the amount of things they do each day. But it is with a sad heart I sit here and type as I know what I a missing during the day. We have been so blessed to have been able to spend each day together as a family over the past year and I am ever so grateful for our experiences as well as for the great job I have landed. The good thing is, I enjoy what I am doing at work, I am busy and learning how to dance in this new role. The best part is coming home to big smiley faces from both my boys, it is such a great feeling, life truly is good.

04/27/13

New Zealand Finale

Hello All,

Here is my last post about our final weeks in New Zealand. It is a little late as the past few weeks have been busy. To give you the quick version, we have been in California, Colorado and then driven to Montana where we have found a place to live AND I got a full time job. More on what’s happening here in Montana and how I’m feeling about becoming a working mama.

New Zealand Finale

We have now been on US soil for two weeks. It’s amazing how time can fly visiting with family and friends.

I want to share with you the Joy of our final weeks in New Zealand. After finishing the bike tour, we were treated with five days at Ginny and Ross’s house. To me, it felt like we were with family, particularly the way Ginny and Ross would treat Felix as if he was their own grandchild. We got to see how the gardens had grown over the last three and a half months and enjoy eating from them as well. We got to meet the two new calves that were born while we were gone and we go to see the chickens daily which was one of Felix’s favorite things to do. We decided to sell our bikes and ended up selling them to a lovely couple in Wellington. They were so lovely, they even let us stay at their house as the day was running late and we had yet to eat and sort out a place to camp. Speaking of camping, we rented a campervan for our time on the North Island. We rented from a company named Rocket ship/Space ship who name each of their vehicles. Our campervan was named “GONAD”: how lovely. Gonad was later to be nicknamed “Gonaddy”. Felix will still ask about ‘Gonaddy’ if he sees a van that looks similar. It was lovely to wheels and an engine under us, being able to see a bit more and stock up on food. We slept relatively well together in the van, Felix even had his own sleeping spot which gave a little more room to Jason and I. It was a treat!

We first travelled just outside of Wellington to camp at a Department of Conservation (DoC) site. It was a wonderful site with many trails for all of us to enjoy. Some of the campsites we stayed at even had hot springs that were free. We were amazed that we were camping on a Friday night and we had the hot springs to ourselves. We got to go on a rare family hike along the river. It was wonderful to hike as a family as you know it was either biking together or Jason running while Felix and I hike together. We even enjoyed a quick family skinning dip before the sand flies ate us alive!

Next onto Taupo where we stayed at a holiday park and enjoyed the swimming pools and more hot springs near by. It is amazing how many geothermic attractions the North Island has. After Taupo we made our way to Rotarua where Jason raced the Tarawera 100km race. We got there early and were able to explore more hot springs and stay at a few low-key campgrounds on the edge of some beautiful lakes. It was nice to be in one area for a longer period of time. There was a lot of press and activities planned for elite athletes. I was proud to see my Jason in the spotlight. Jason ran a great, yet very tough race. He was doing really well at the beginning, but when I saw him at the 85km mark I was worried. I have never seen him so exhausted and almost defeated but he pressed on and finished the race. He will tell you it was the most challenge race his has done since the 100 miler. He had to walk backwards downhill, he found sticks to use to aid him in s l o w l y running the last parts of the trail, he even laid down to rest for a few minutes. It’s incredible that he pushed on and finished the race. Felix was a trooper throughout the day, waiting and anticipating Daddy to run by and then wait again. I was a proud wife when he came through at the finish line.

Pre-race Family Photo – It was EARLY!

The day after the race, we got to hang out with Tim Olson, another professional Ultra runner and his wife Krista. We had a great time driving up to the Coromandal and enjoyed a fabulous dinner together. Tim and Krista left early the next morning to do some exploring before their flight home the next day.

Felix wearing Daddy’s medal with great pride.

Both Jason and I were feeling we didn’t feel like adventuring too far and our goal was to find a few quite campgrounds with trail access for our final ten days in New Zealand. I wanted to take advantage of Jason’s recovery time to take a long day adventure while he and Felix played and rested together. I ended up going for a five-hour hiking adventure on a lovely misty day. It was spectacular; not only because of the scenery but it was nice to get out on my own. I love my boys dearly, but I also love my time alone in nature.

Our final days in New Zealand were spend in Auckland with our new friend Jean. He graciously invited us into his home (I’m not sure if he really knew what he was in for) and took us around to his favorite places in New Zealand, to include an volcanic island. Jason went running, while Jean and I hiked with Felix to the top of the Volcano. That night, he treated us to an amazing dinner out. It was a fabulous end to time in New Zealand.

POST NZ BLUES…

Since we have been back to North America, both Jason and I have experienced a slight sadness and/or depressed feeling. Not because we are sad to be back. For me it is a bit of sadness of the end of such an incredible journey. We really grew as a family while adventuring in New Zealand. It was a bittersweet end as we were and still are feeling ready to be a little more settled into a routine in a community.

We are currently enjoying some time with friends in Boulder. In the next few days we will be packing up the Truck and making our way to Missoula, Montana. I am excited for a new adventure, yet sad to say Goodbye to Boulder one more time and really sad to leave some very special friends in Colorado. Thank goodness for technology, keeping me in touch with loved ones all over the world.

We will have a big shift of family roles when we settle into Missoula. Jason will be heading back to school part time to start; he’ll continue his running and take on more time with Felix. I will be heading back to work full time which is exciting and I know will require a bit of time to adjust. I have been so fortunate to not only be home with Felix for over two years, but also have had Jason around full time over the last year.

I am ready to take on this next adventure in Missoula. I just have to remind myself to choose happiness, worry less and if all else fails, dance my worries and fears away.

02/20/13

Switching Gears

It’s official, we have now cycled 2898 kms around the South Island of New Zealand. Yesterday was our last ride, cycling 77km along the east coast arriving in Kaikoura at 5:30pm. It was a beautiful ride along the coast, with a section of a seal colony to keep us entertained. Felix was amazing. Over the last few rides, he’s decided to forgo his regular nap, which means, to him, his rides are A LOT longer. He must know it’s time to switch gears and can feel the excitement and anticipation of change. Smart kid!

Over the past three and a half months, we as a family have gained so much strength in working together, living with less and getting around without the help of a motor (well a few buses). Not to mention the physical strength both Jason and I have gained. I am so proud of us. Jason for his incredible tenacity for pushing though, running and cycling almost daily. Felix for his patience and his ease for changing locations on a regular basis and me for gaining confidence in myself on the bike and the crazy roads of New Zealand and for pushing through the many moments of ‘ENOUGH’ on this trip, giving me so much strength and power for future challenges.

I feel very grateful for all the time we have been able to spend on the South Island as it has beauty beyond works. Cycling along the Catlins brought our first real beach views, swimming with Dolphins, and watching the yellow eyed Peguins come back from a day of work at the ocean. The Otago Rail Trail brought lots of wind, but no cars. Then our time in Alexandra with The Smith’s was full of fun, adventure and hospitality. Waterskiiing with The Smith’sat Lake Hawea is definately a highlight to our travels. We spent a good chunk of time in Wanaka, which felt a little like the Boulder, CO of New Zealand. The West Coast blessed us with glorious weather, only the first night was rainy and full of sand flies, then sunny the rest of the way up the coast – unreal. One of my favourite rides was on our way to Punakaiki. It was a glorious sunny day with a hilly ride along the coast. Jason and I both enjoyed solo adventures in Able Tasman National Park as well as some time in Picton viewing the Queen Charlotte Sound. If you hop over to Jason’s blog, you can hear all about Wharariki Beach, in which we had to climb a MASSIVE hill to get there. It’s been quite a ride, and that’s just touching the parts of the trip that come to mind immediately.

Although the cycle touring portion of our travels our complete here in New Zealand, we still have a little over a month to visit with The Smith’s again, stay and play at Ginny and Ross’s in Christchurch AND tour the North Island with a vehicle. But for now, I am savouring this moment of joy for completing such a wonderful adventure with my family. ~ Maggie

02/17/13

Travelling Tales from a Two Year Old

As most of you already know, my Mom and Dad have been toting me around New Zealand via bike in my trailer aka ‘The Chariot’. When we first got to New Zealand we had a few days on Ginny and Ross’s farm which was really cool. Mom says we’ll go back and visit again before we leave the South Island.

My Family at Curio Bay

Most of my afternoons are spent in the Chariot. I usually fall asleep after playing with Mom in the morning and stretching with Dad after he runs. When I wake up, I get to get out and play. I love it when we stop by the water so I can splash around while Mom and Dad eat. After they have eaten, Mom packs my lunch in my special pack, then back into the chariot for a ride to where we set up the tent.

Icecream with Dad in Outram, NZ

One of my favourite parts of the trip so far was visiting our new friends ‘The Smith’s’. We arrived in Alexandra to Vanessa and Simon’s house after a good day of Chariot riding. I made myself right at home with their three kids, Sophie (8), Ruby(4) and Max(3). They have A LOT of toys! My two favourite toys I played with there were the shopping cart and the camper van. I really enjoyed having other kids around to play with. We all enjoyed each others company so much we decided to play longer. I got to go on a car ride all the way to Bush Camp on Lake Hawea. Vanessa and Simon have a boat that we all played with along with more of their friends. We camped as a big group at the lake for two days. All the other kids could go back and forth to the lake by themselves so I thought I could too – unfortunately I got in trouble every time I left without bringing anyone with me. Oh well.

Running on the Otago Rail Trail with Mom.

We then took another car ride to Wanaka where Vaness and the kids camped with us. We got to do more playing and hanging out at the holiday park. While Mom, Dad and I were having some lunch in the kitchen, I was playing on my chair. I turned myself around and leaned forward, before anyone could catch me, I was on the ground and crying. I hurt my foot and Mom was really worried. It hurt to walk on but I figured out a way to place my foot so I could continue to walk around and play. Well, Mom and Dad were worried about the way I was walking, so we all travelled back to Alexandra with Vanessa and the kids so I could see their Doctor friend and get some x-rays. I was not willing to sit still for the x-rays, NO WAY – have you ever been in an x-ray room? They are a bit scary. The lady decided that Bun Bun would get an x-ray before me to show me how it was done. I thought it was really cool to see inside of Bun Bun. It still didn’t make me want to have an x-ray but they made me anyways. Turns out, I did break a little bone. The bone I broke was the first metatarsal of my left foot. I didn’t need a cast though, just a bandage to support my foot. We have been having fun playing in Wanaka waiting for the wind to stop. I really don’t like the wind here in New Zealand. Mom and Dad waited for a less windy day to get back on the bikes. I can tell the wind makes Mom a little grumpy,she doesn’t talk much during the ride on windy days.

New Years Eve Rocket Ship

On New Years eve I got to help set off a really cool rocket. It took me a bit by surprised. I was quite upset when it was not longer around to see. Fortunately, the man who makes the rocket offers a $40 reward for anyone who runs up into the hills and brings it back. That’s where Dad comes in. He ran all the way up the hill and brough back the rocket. I was very excited and Dad seemd happy about the $40 too.

I celebrated my second birthday in Makorora. It was a great day. Mom and Dad sang Happy Birthday to me throughout the day. I even got some new toys to play with.

My Birthday Celebration

One of my most favourite activities here is swimming with Dad. He likes the cold water better than mom and likes to splash about. I am getting more confident in my swimming and this makes Mom and Dad proud.

Swimming with Dad

I enjoy some of our days out of the Chariot and on Mom’s back in the Ergo. We got to see two different Glaciers; Fox and Franz Joseph.

Family Hike to the Glacier

Mom had her birthday shortly after mine. She’s old now – 30!!!

‘Happy Birthday to Mom!’

Zip Line with Dad

The playgrounds in New Zealand are really cool. Dad and I got to ride the Flying Fox when we camped at Quinny’s Bush recently.

In a cool cave by the ocean.

We spent a few days near Wharariki Beach. It was great. I got to run in the sand, see baby seals swimming in little tidal pools and hang out in caves. We also met a really fun couple named Martie and Elaine, aka Mot and Lainie. I really liked hanging out with them too.

Mom says we are now close to finishing up our biking part of New Zealand. I wonder what the next part of our adventure here will bring? ~ Felix

12/15/12

New Zealand’s Kepler Track

Ready to hike.

It has been a unique ten days for the Schlarb family here in New Zealand. For those of you who read Jason’s Blog, you know we cycled up to the Divide from Te Anau to tramp along the Routeburn track. It was a successful backpacking adventure leaving us exhausted and excited for tramping the Kepler Track. We spent one full day of rest in Te Anau getting organized and clean. When we were on the Routeburn track, we had just enough food to get us back to Te Anau for a late lunch and nothing to spare. Seeing as we still had this idea of ‘going hungry’ on our minds, we loaded up on food. As we packed on Wednesday morning, I was pleased that I only had to carry Felix and a small pack on my front. Jason had a huge load. A big kudos to him as he carried, three sleeping bags, clothes for three people for four days, a pot and dishes, three breakfasts, four lunches, many snacks and a few other items. Now let me tell you. Our lunches are not light. They ususally consist of hummus, half a cucumber or a whole pepper, one whole salami, lots of cheese, an avacado, crackers and I like to finish a meal with a few bites of chocolate. Yes we eat a lot and that’s just one lunch. Needless to say, even with Felix’s wiggles and extra entertainment duties, I got the better load for this adventure.

Once we were loaded up, we began the first day of hiking up 13.8km to Luxmore hut. It was a marvelous five hours of hiking. The climb was good and the reward once we got past treeline was well worth the effort. We had forty-five minutes of hiking past along treeline on the first day to the Luxmore hut. Upon arrival we found the last few of 55 bunk beds and headed to the caves located 10 minutes from the hut. Felix and I braved the caves for a short period of time, while Jason and Becca (a fellow Canadain) went further into the cave exploring. The rest of our evening was fun getting to know some of our fellow bunk mates.

Luxmore Hut

Fun in the Cave

Thursday we started early (for us) at 8:30 am and we were the second last to leave the hut! There was 14.6 km ahead of us that day. We spent the majority of our time along the ridgeline and we were blessed with beautiful weather. There were magnificent views in every direction. The final decent to Iris Burn hut was the most challenging. There were numerous switchbacks that I felt would never end. Fortunately they did and upon arrival we found our bunks. At the Iris Burn Hut there are three different bunk rooms. We particulary liked this set up as we had three bottom bunnks all together that was somewhat secluded. It was our best hut sleep thus far.

Ridgeline Tramping

Dinner time at Iris Burn Hut

Friday was another beautiful day, threatening rain but only sprinkled a little. Today felt like the longest day and with 16.2 km of trail, technically it was. We were quite tired from the climbing and decending of the previous days. It was a good walk through varying forests. I was particullary relieved to reach the hut today. The Moturau Hut was another unique experience. It is located beside a beach on Lake Manapouri. Jason immediately went in the water while Felix and I played on the beach. I then escaped to make myself a little cup of coffee and enjoy some time with our fellow hut friends. After chatting for a little while, our new friends from New Mexico and I decided we would be brave and take a swim. It was a chilly dip in the lake but well worth it. We had dinner shortly after my swim, listened to the hut talk (this happens at each hut). Once Felix was asleep in the bunk room we went back to the beech to hang out, enjoy the sunset and a bon fire. It was a perfect way to spend the last night of this trip.

Playing at the Beach with friends

Striking a pose

Saturday morning was a slower morning as our bodies were quite tired. We spent about four hours making our way back to our bikes for a total of 15.6km. We were happy to find our bikes and our belongings in the same place we left them (hidden in the woods); re-packed our goods and made our way to the Holiday park indulge in a hot shower.

We are now reminicing on the fun we had and the new friends we met along the track and preparing our minds, bodies and bikes for the next part of the trip.

12/2/12

Finding FAMSS on My Bicycle

Some offroad fun on the Queenstown Trail.

We are now three weeks into bike touring and I am feeling much more conditioned on the bicycle. I practice something called Nia Technique. (find out more a www.nianow.com ) With so much time on the bike and studying for Nia Black Belt in August 2013 I have made the commitment to continue to embody and master the Nia principles and all things Nia while on this Family Adventure and onward.

As I was learning to dance with my bike shortly after my last blog post, it came to me that it was time to find my FAMSS. FAMSS in Nia stands for Flexibility, Agility, Mobility, Strength and Stability. Although Nia is a fitness based class, there is much depth to the practice. Each principle can be applied to Body, Mind, Emotion, Spirit. I find for me, it makes life more fun as well as helps more stressful,uneasy situations flow with more ease.

As we continued to cycle on past Fairly, I had a slight worry (one of many I am working on letting go and trusting) that I would lose my felixibilty with all this cycling. I was happily proven wrong when I got off my bike and decided to practice some yoga. As I moved through a yoga flow-like sequence, I relized my body was more open accepting of certain yoga poses, such as pigeon that usally comes with unique joint popping sounds and stiffness. I was happily surprised. With this physical increase in flexibility, I did a check in with myself and realized I am becoming more flexible with what I think our day to day should look like. I had this grand idea that we would wake up and head out before 9 am to be done our cycling mid-afternoon to enjoy the rest of the afternoon playing with Felix and enjoying a new location. This isn’t quite the case. We have quickly learned it is best for Jason to run before cycling, otherwise, it becomes a point of tension and he doesn’t really get to have a good run…he’s too tired from cycling all day and I want him to hang with Felix and I. We also have to account for a wet tent, needing to be relatively dry before putting it away as well as a good hearty breakfast to carry us through the first half of the day. Our record thus far is leaving at 10:23 am – the funny part about this is at the holiday parks, departure time is 10 am – we push that a little, thank goodness they are flexible too.

I have found a few areas where I have am seeing my ability to be agile growing. Physically I can get my shoes out of my clips at a much quicker rate and thus not making of a fool of myself and having a dramatic stop or near fall. I now have a better ability to stop a negative feeling from turning my ride into a long angry ride to a fun, playful, adventuresome ride. It is really quite important to me that I work diliegently to get unstuck from the sorts of mental chatter than can really hinder my experience. Another area where I have found more agility in this adventure is playtime with Felix. Often at the end of the day all I really want to do is lie down and relax and the wee man wants and needs to run around play. I choose to snap out of my post riding hunger/funk and play with him. It is quite rewarding. I have found some games where he can run, while I sit and we have a fun time together. I am grateful for his love of reading as this also lets me be with him in a more restful way. If feel as though we are much better packing up at the start and re-setting up at end of each day. Becoming While it’s no elite athletes agility, finding more agility in our daily tasks makes this trip much easier.

There’s no doubt about it, The Schlarb Family has mobility. We all love to move and groove our way through life. Jason and I both find ourselves moving our upper bodies on the bike to keep ‘loose’ and keep mobile through our back chest and arms. I am really enjoying my new sense of mobility in my legs. I have a fun time getting my feet, with the help of my legs move smooth circles around the pedal. It really is amazing, focusing on this type of mobility while going uphill can make the world of a difference. Once Felix is out of the chariot, he finds ways to be mobile. There is usually a park to play, each one with it’s on uniqueness, it ‘s fun for all three of us. Jason’s favourite game is to hold me high up on the tetter totter – I don’t quite like this as much as he does.

Strength in my body is where I feel I have improved the most. Thinking back to three weeks ago when we began cycling, I would have never thought I would ride a 70 km day, then take on another 65 km the next day to include Lindis pass. I made it up Lindis pass without walking. It was quite the feat for me as I injured my knee falling on Burkes pass at the beginning of our cycling journey. My knee is healing up now as I have not had to bike much while staying here in Te Anau but it has a constant nagging pain to it. I have found strength in my mind. I worry often these days as to our safety, comfort, how long it will take us unitl we set up tent again and the list goes on. I now have a better ability to stop these worrysome thoughts and be more in the moment. I have to thank my sister, Sarah, for reminding me to ‘BE IN THE MOMENT”. Sometimes easier said than done, but I am doing my best.

My body feels strong and stable, more so now as cars pass. My body used to freeze in fear, but now I peddle on and trust we are safe. I have a few daily rituals and practices that help me to keep my mind and body in check. It’s nice to be in a rhthym. Jason and I are in more sync than I thought we would be by this time. It is a great relief to know we get stronger as a couple as the adventure continues on.

Overall we are having a good time. Eating LOTS and LOTS of delicious food we make ourselves either on our camping stove or in a holiday park kitchen. I wonder why we didn’t eat this well before? Riding so often also gives us the gift of eating more treats than ususally. I have eaten more chocolate in the past three weeks than I have in the last year. It truly is a gift to be able to cycle tour with my family. I am excited for what is to come on this adventure. We are planning some tramping, aka hiking as well as how we will eventually make our way to the wet west coast.

**Here is a quick review of where we have peddaled thus far (each town is where we camped):

Christchurch – Glentunnel – Rakai Gorge – Stavely – Mt Somers – Geraldine – Fairlie – Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki – Mt. Cook – Glentanner – Omarama – Cromwell – Gibbston Tavern – Queenstown and then a bus to Te Anau to save time and energy for the Kepler Challenge. You can find a race report in the near future at www.jasonschlarb.com. Cheers!

***Note: pictures have been difficult to upload. I am working on setting up another link where we can post all of our photos for you to enjoy.

11/18/12

Checking in with My Body, Mind, Emotions & Spirit

We are making our way along the skinny roads of New Zealand. My body is rather sore and confused as to all this hard work it is doing. I have to remind myself to be kind to my body instead of getting mad at it for not being able to go faster – we’ve only just begun the tour and I know it will get easier. For those of you who know me, you know I love to dance, I am working on learning how to dance on my bike in order for my body to be more at ease. I am playing with Nia principles I have from the three belts I have taken and it is making my riding a little more fun and playful. I must say, this morning I am dreading getting on the bike. My mind is ready but my legs are not. We have to climb a pass today – yikes.

This brings me to the mental side of things. My mind is wondering was this a good idea? Well, yes indeed it is a good idea for an adventure, but an adventure it is. The roads are rather skinny and I had my first experience yesterday with an inconsiderate driver. It kicked my courage a little and I eneded up falling when I got back onto my bike, leaving me with my first bike tour wound.

Emotionally I have been all over the map. As we road off from where Ginny and Ross dropped us off, I cried thinking ‘what the heck are we doing?’ Jason was riding with absolute glory and excitement while I was a little stuck in fear. As we peddalled along and have continued to do daily, I find more joy in our adventure and the scenery surrounding us. It really is glorious. I like to hear the sheep as we pass by and to see the cows stand and come to the fence as we make our way past. Yesterday, there were a herd of cows laying in their field, as we rode by, they gave us a standing ovation for all our efforts – it felt good to be recognized.

I have to keep on reminding myself to play and stay positive with being quite exhausted in the last few days. I find my serious, let’s get this biking over with side creeping through as opposed to the side of me that likes to savour the moments. Both Felix and Jason are keeping good spirits. Jason is still running daily and Felix is such a happy little camper. He loves the parks and fortunately they have many to play on along the way. Check out Jason’s post to see the HUGE teeter totter at the Fairlie Motor Camp.

Onward and upward today – wish us luck on a BIG climb.

11/15/12

On our Bikes in New Zealand

Day 1 -

It’s official. We are off on our bikes on the beautiful New Zealand roads. We are on day five today and enjoying ourselves. We are taking our time and not doing too much milage until our hind ends and legs get accustomed our new way of getting around. Felix is doing fantastic. He even slept in a bunk bed last night.

A BIG thank you to Ross and Ginny who took care of us our first few days in Christchurch. We had fun on their farm feeding the chickens aka the ‘chucks’, saying hello to the cows and walking on and around their land. The New Zealand hopitality is quite amazing. We were invited into a family’s home two nights ago as it was about pour rain and we were fixing a flat tire. One of the ladies happened to be a NZ icon. Check out the Topp Twins. We stayed with Lynda and her family.

We are on our way to Geraldene today. Excited to get a little more milage under our belts.

11/4/12

Family, Packing and onto the Next Adventure

We have spent most of the last eight weeks enjoying the comforts of ‘home’. Staying at friends as well as family. Felix and I spent the month of September in Ontario, Canada with my family. It was so wonderful to hang out with my sister and her little boys, her husband, and my mom and dad for four whole weeks. Jason joined us for a week in the middle to enjoy the marvelous fall colours Ontario has to offer. I was in need of a longer stay at ‘home’ since I left for Colorado in April of 2008 I have only spent at most, two weeks with my family I was fortunate to catch two weddings while I was there, one good friend from high school which allowed me to visit with some high school friends and my cousin Gordon’s wedding which allowed me to see a lot of family all at once. Here’s a cute picture of Felix and his besties, aka cousins.

Once we returned to Colorado, we spent ten days at our very gracious friends’ house while we sorted out the details of packing for the next part of our travels, putting our camper away for the winter and getting all of our other items put away in storage. At some points, I was not sure if we were going to be able catch our flight to San Diego, I was not confident we would be ready. Thankfully, I was proven wrong. Everything is now put away in its’ place in Colorado. We have spent the last two weeks in San Diego with Jason’s family before our next destinate of New Zealand.

For preparation for our New Zealand bike tour, we took a three day two night experiment trip along the coast of San Diego. Jason’s mom, Vicky, dropped us off in Del Mar (a beach area in San Diego) and we rode a short seven miles to Cardiff by the Sea where we camped right beside the Beach. Felix was rather excited about being outside and playing in the ‘sleeping tent’. We enjoyed cooking our dinner of potato soup over a campfire and some ‘flip flop’ wine in celebration of the next part of our adventures.

Happy Beach Campers.

Campsite by the Beach.

Bun Bun and Felix

The next morning I had a lovely walk along the beach by myself. Once I returned, Jason went for a beach run while Felix and I played by the ocean and packed up our gear. We headed off around noon and had approximately 40 miles of biking to do. It was a wonderful ride. Most of our time was spent oceanside, a great way to ‘test’ out bicycle touring. Felix was amazing in his chariot. He played with his little airplanes, books , Bun Bun and Blanket. The first half of the ride felt really slow for me. I had Felix behind me and I was feeling sluggish and started to worry about our future cycling adventures. As the day wore on, I was surprised by how my legs found their rhythm and was relieved of toting Felix after about fourteen miles of cycling (Thank you Jason). We were almost half way, and I was happy to share the efforts of pulling Felix. As we cruised along, I was getting excited of having another sunset arrival and camp set up. Well, we did arrive to where we planned on camping at sunset but the campsite was closed. We were told that the next campsite was only eight miles north. Just eight miles? Since there was no choice, off we went with the sun setting to our left and just a little more biking to go. Felix was the least impressed. A little snack and some signing carried him all the way to San Clement State Beach where we set up tent and enjoyed another meal cooked on the campfire. The next day, we had a slow morning, enjoyed some time on the beach and completed our last leg to Doheny State Beach where Jaxon, Jason’s brother picked us up and took us back ‘home’. Phew.

Sunset Cycling.

Felix and I on our second morning.

Jason cycling the trail along the beach.

I definitely grew some confidence in what we are about to embark on. It is really liberating to just have what we need with us and nothing else. I am confident. I am ready. New Zealand, here we come.