Good Bye Cromwell.

So, I finished my last day on Tues. I think my boss was trying to leave me with a good impression, because my last day was easy as. On leaving, my boss gave me two bottles of wine, saying "Here's for being such a great bastard." This was accompanied by a slap on the shoulder. :)

On my drive up to Christchurch, I was continually struck by just how beautiful some of the landscapes were. In my mind, I was making a list of places to come back to.

Kristin and I sat over a table-sized map of the South Island, pointing out places we would like to see, things we would like to do... planning a grand adventure.

It has been decided that Kristin and I are buying fishing poles, and we will be fishing through out our trip. One pole will be a fly-fishing rod, and we will be trying our best to teach ourselves to fly fish (this due to the fact that we are in one of the world's greatest fly fishing destinations, or so I was told by a flabbergasted sports store owner when I asked about spin rods).

I am excited. Very very excited. Ahead of me is a month of camping, hiking, wine tasting, fishing, and general exploration alongside a wonderful girl.

This should be a grand adventure for sure.

~ matt

PS- On a secondary note, for those of you who are always frustrated by what to buy me for Christmas, I will make it very easy for you. I need new clothes. I discovered when packing from Cromwell that I in fact do not own a single piece of clothing without a loose seem, hole, or missing button. Not a single one. Not even exaggerating. I accidentally tore a huge hole in my shirt trying to take it off. Old Navy large shirts fit me well, but pants are tough due to the "Burleigh Butt." :P

Now if only my siblings were that easy, huh?