England- time at Brockwood Park

Just another quick update which will probably be it for the next two weeks until I return to London. 
I have just about spent a week here at the Brockwood Park Krishnamurti School and Learning Centre. I am lucky enough to be staying as a guest helper at the centre where I have my own room and bathroom. As it is a retreat/learning space the people here are amazing to talk to plus there are loads of books and other resources too. 
The school itself is a 2min walk away through a lovely walled garden walk. There are currently 70 students and 30something staff. I have met and had conversations with most of them and have felt very welcomed. There is also a lot to talk about with everyone here too-my first couple of days were quite tiring. 
The weather has slowly improved and/or I have finally acclimatized - even enough to do a couple of hikes with a school group.
I hope all is well with everyone. 

- posted by kb :)

England - the first week

Auckland to York in 27 hrs! How amazing-two flights (which were no where as bad as I thought they'd be even being 90min late arriving at heathrow - but did miss catchg up w David):( plus catching a train (which of course had a mission of tube changes due to closures). 

Have been staying w Sharon's mum and have seen the sights of York again. The squished in buildings are still funny to look at. Yesterday (Mon) we went to Whitby-home to Bram Stoker's Dracula. The town is perched on the seaside. Buildings packed together rising up hillsides-I'm surprised they are still standing. Had the most delicious fish and chips with mushy peas and butties here -Yum! The Magpie cafe was packed-100 ppl at least at 2pm when we left and there was a que at the door too. 

We also drove through the North Yorkshire moors and to Goethland where some of the Harry Potter train scenes were filmed. Very picturesque old England lanes and bridges. 

I think I have sorted out the jet lag-it wasn't bad but am still get tired at about 7.30pm though-hopefully this will pass by the weekends Waitangi Day celebrations! 

Heading back to London for the rest of this week.  Then onto Brockwood Park School for 3wks. 

Hope all is well. Look forward to hearing from you. 
- posted by kb :)

Leaving Hamilton

I have finally left Hamilton - half an hour earlier as Dad gave me the hurry up "we might not get to the airport in time"! So a bit of frantic last minute jobs.

Only 5hrs till departure - NZ2 has my name on it.
I am not looking forward to so much time on the plane but the sites and experiences of London are quite exciting!

Not sure what I have forgotten yet-passport "check", ticket "check", money "check" anything else doesn't really matter :) will let you know what pans out


- posted by kb :)

Drinks & dinner

Ok - I have finally thought of where and when to say "hoo roo". Keystone bar/restaurant Wed 26 Jan - if you want to make dinner at 6pm, let me know asap as I will book a table, otherwise I will see you from 7.30pm for drinks!!
- posted by kb :)

First post

Welcome to my blog.  It's purpose is to keep those of you who are interested up to date with my day to day (or week to week) happenings on the 5million step adventure called the Appalachian Trail.

Firstly - a huge thank you to Colin at Trek 'n' Travel (see the pic and link on my sites) who has been most supportive in helping me achieve the goal of setting off on my adventure.  Please call in and visit his wonderful outdoor store to say hi, buy something or just see where I am.

If you want to know more about the AT check out the website listed at the top of my blog page - there is a map, info about the trail and numbers of hikers who start and complete the thru-hike.

There are currently 29 days until I leave NZ.  There will be a farewell of some sort on Wed 26 Jan 2011 - time and place tba. 
First stop is England (via LA) 24hrs and 40min later - for a 6 week stop-over.  AT hike start is planned for Mar 11 2011 (11/03/11).

I will keep you all updated via my Facebook site (KB's Appalachian Trail) or directly through this blog site (whichever is easiest for you to access).

The next test will be updating the Hillary Trail - a 4 day hike on the west coast in the Waitakares. 

I look forward to hearing from you - please feel free to comment here or on FB
kb :)