On monday night Robin & I went & had dinner with a couple for whom the wife will serve as a 3rd Party Independent/or Supervisor for her in ministry. This is something that is set up by the Presbyterian Church Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Anyway the back story is this… this woman’s husband is the pastor at a local church. To be honest was not feeling too keen about going over there for dinner. You know the usual story… to tired, don’t feel like making conversation this evening, my ribs still hurt, i don’t know this church well, but can imagine what its like- do not feel like getting into a BIG theological discussion this evening whereby i sense that i have to defend the reformed tradition/faith. And ultimately… really do not want to sit around and play nice.

If you are expecting me now to say “Wow, was i wrong” you would not be entirely correct. Our time there did go reasonably well. I would not say it was a mountain top experience but i did leave with some insight and reflections.

As we drove home there was almost a race between robin and i to say “ok, you first.” We laughed and then lobbied the other to speak first, intent on hearing what the other thought. Mostly based on our perception as outlined above NOT being the reality of what happened on this evening in question.

Initially let me say i’m not sure how this guy and i haven’t met or worked together or rubbed shoulders in the 10 years pre 2001. As we talked about our backgrounds and work with youth etc there was an obvious pattern of parallel lines but those lines never quite crossing. We even knew the same people from our days in Christchurch. This is not unfamiliar in NZ as once recently described to me as NZ being one large small town.

As we continued to talk there was common ground in our desire and expression on ministry & what that could look like. We reflected on experiences, though not as it was turing into a pissing contest. I can usually spot those and back off right away & have no trouble doing so either. But between hearing about programs he is doing now, has done, or is desiring to do basically covered (w/ another name of course our experiences in)… Mission Work Camp, Global Village, Young Adult Ministry, challenge course and all under the hat of experiential learning, faith based metaphors. The conversation was refreshing it was empowering, it wasn’t framed around boasting. But around, lots of questions that i asked that i hope pushed both of us… of course why questions.

When talking about one’s passion (BTW…don’t like that word) then the conversation is easy. Its almost like you find a kindred spirit that recognizes what you are about and if you wanted to make an expression out of it, could finish your sentence for you.

While this is all nice etc, it can get old and as mentioned could slip into a pissing contest. Which I WAS very sensitive to and tried to avoid. I did however enjoy interacting with someone whom for the most part had a majority understanding of what ministry has looked like for us for the past 11 years and how much satisfaction was gained from it. From the perspective of reach, impact and effectiveness. Of course it never being about us but the people and the goal of ministry.

We threw around some ideas lots of ideas ad dreams and we shall see where it all goes

The end of the week is here. As Sunday evening winds down for Robin and i, reflection time is upon us.

And what a week it was. Sleep patterns alittle messed up, however if that was all then a mint week.

Started with the epic padle across Cook Straight. And all the adventures associated with that a well documented on previous posts. Hoped you enjoyed them. Then if things could get any better. On Friday as we (myself & 2 fellow guides)were returning from a day of hiking with a group of 26 on the water taxi. We get on the boat for the 1hour boat trip back to be told be Fred the boat captain that there is a pod of Orca whales out in the main channel of Marlborough Sounds… REALLY, ARE YOU SERIOUS. One thing i have learned in this job is to ALWAYS take my camera with me. I may go days even a week in between photos, but always have it nearby. And this day was no different.

We did see Orca, a pod of about 5-6, one of which was a huge bull. With a massive dorsal fin. We followed them for about 15mins before heading home. Incredible, is all i can say. Massive Massive animals making their way down the sounds. That said when they come into the Sounds to feed, which isn’t often either. All the dolphin disappear and we begin to see large amounts of seals lying on beaches. Both mammals that serve as finger food for Orca.

Spent yesterday sea kayaking with the same group. Then today mountain biking. Which didnt end so well for me. I was racing ahead after being with the stragglers at the back to catch the speedy ones at the front when i took a spill. Perhaps the best non race spill i have ever taken. I didnt bump my head, thank goodness, and yes i always wear a helmet. But do remember flying through the air parallel to the ground about 3ft up, but not to hit the trail hard, but fly off the trail and land down a steep bank with my bike to come flyng over my head and land right next to me, thankfully missing me. Whew!!! That was close. Bruised hip, grazed elbows and shoulder spilt seconds later climb back up the trail to pull myself together and carry on.

This week i get to work with a school group for 2 days doing outdoor and environmental education. Then on wednesday Robin & i are going paddling for the day to go and explore a small island and some caves that you can paddle into. Up to now when Robin and i have paddled we have taken a double sea kayak. This week i think we are going to venture out in 2X single boats. Should be fun.

Here it goes the report from the lastest Adventure. To paddle across Cook Straight.

We got a late start on Monday afternoon from Picton where i work. Didn’t start paddling until 4.30pm, which was a lot later that what we were hoping for. 3 of us, Andy, Craig(from Scotland) and myself, all guides with Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company. The plan was to paddle to the end of Tori Channel and sleep in a wool shed (a place with sheep are shorn)belonging to Joe & Heather Heverley (sheep farmers on Arapawa Island) then get an early start on tuesday morning.

With the late start we didnt arrive at the Heverley’s place until 10.30pm. Easy enough to find their bay/cove. ‘Come on up, we are the last bay on the left, looks like you have got a good weather window to give it a crack.’ When we arrived after 6 hours of paddling didn’t feel like knocking on people’s door at 10.30pm and there are several other family homes in the same inlet. So we picked what looked like a wool shed and realized we were wrong, but basically crashed there on the ground on a tarp for the few hours of sleep we would get.

Getting to the end of Tori Channel and the Heverley’s was in of itself a challenge as we paddled into an incoming tide. Tidal currents and flow is very strong in this part of the world. And we knew we would be fighting the beginning of another incoming tide in the early morning. Therefore while the weather and marine weather forecast was great we were battling incoming tides on the way to the end of Tori Channel and getting out into Cook Straight.

On the way monday evening we also encountered the numerous ferries as they made the same route to Wellington in their 3hour jounrey. And these are big ferries. They put trains on these and 100’s of cars and trucks.

After eating we bedded down for a few hours around midnight to wake up at 4.30am. Not a great sleep but just good to be horizontal and not paddling for a few hours. As you know (or if you dont) you should go out and see the full moon, its beautiful and the same one we had monday evening and into the dawn on Tuesday morning. We were packed in our kayaks and paddling again by 5am. Summer is fading here so still really dark at this time in late Feb. The moon was wonderful and provided great light to help us see what was perhaps the scariest part of the whole journey.Getting out of Tori Channel and into Cook Straight.

As we got underway we felt quite good and happy about getting out early as Cook Straight is often at its calmest in the morning and the wild Northerly winds pick up in the afteroon. We could see the entrance to the Straight and it looked relatively calm.

This all changed as we really entered the strong incoming tide and just sheer volume of water trying to get into Tori Channel and the Sounds through this tiny narrow passage. Complete mayhem would be the best way to describe the next hour. We were were tossed around by current, rips, swells, waves, whirlpools etc. To be paddling along and then have the kayak either spin 180 degrees or be swamped all the way across the bow and deck of the boat by waves in every direction. Then at one piont to realize we were paddling hard and not getting anywhere. We were literally on treadmill as we looked at the nearby towering sea cliffs in the moon light were not falling behind us. The incoming tide v’s our paddling speed was holding us in place. NO GOOD!! And did i mention its dark and theres no one around just the 3 of us.

We decided to ferry glide out of thr current, which basically means to paddling diagionally out of the current to escape it. This took us out of the tidal stream but close into the rocks along with separating us out, which at one point was as bad as 3-400 meters between all 3 of us. I know that afterwards all of us admitted feeling a little freaked out at that point.

We could see there didnt appear to be any current there, pushing is back down Tori Channel, but big wave slamming against the cliffs. But to our viewing pleasure we discovered there was a backwash current flowing the opposite way and taking water out into Cook Straight. We were very fortunate to find this. As mentioned there was a dangerous distance between us at one point. No a good situation to be in if someone had flipped. I looked again to see how far back Andy was and remember thinking. “Shit, this isn’t good”. I literally paddled for about 20-30 seconds and looked again and all of a sudden he was right there behind me. He caught the backwash current alittle after me, but when he did he flew across the gap and caught Andy and I almost instantly. Very strange and weird feeling.

By now we were spat out of the channel entrance and paddling hard to get away from it and the confusing swells, waves, currents that were constantly coming out way. I found myself checking with a point on the land to percieve if it was slowly falling behind us… it was.

Bu now dawn was appearing on the horizon over the North Island or Te ika o Maui which is the Maori name for it (way cooler name than just North Island) And sun rise arrived were were treated to a magnificant day unfolding before or eyes. WOW.

There was a light southerly ground swell rolling underneath us and our boats (as forecast) and this in fact was pushing us to towards the north island. My worst fear about this whole trip besides Tori Channel was being swept out to sea. However we are all safe kayakers and had waited for this weather window. Each had a emergency flare on our boat and i had the UHF Radio if we needed a mayday call to go out.

From here on out the weather kept on getting better and better the Southerly swell was fading, as forecast, i thank God for weather people. There was a slight Northerly breeze but only really to keep us cool not a head wind at all. It was really now just find that compass heading, maintain it and keep paddling. As we paddled we saw lots of wonderful marine life including dolphins, penguins and albatross a huge southern ocean bird that has a wing span on between 8 & 11 feet. These birds are so majestic and graceful as they glide in and out of the swells hardly flapping their wings.

At one point the straight resembled a perfectly still pond, and the 3 of us were very happy yet tired at the same time. Very hard to believe, when it has such a reputation for being fierce and dangerous, which it is. However on this day we interacted with its good side and it was an absolute pleasure to be out in God’s creation using the very humbling God given talent i have to expereince and commune in God’s handiwork.

Towards the end we were definitely feeling fatigued after spending most of the last 18 hours sitting in a boat kayaking. But well worth it. We paddled into Makara Bay on the west coast of the north island about 6 1/2 hours after we began. We didn’t paddle to Wellington. The few people who even attempt crossing Cook Straight are happy to just make it across and Makara is a popular place to end. We reached the beach and peeled ourselves out to almost greet the beach with a hug, while the few fisherman and other there minding their business had no idea what we had just done… And thats really ok by me. Quickly followed by phone calls & texts to Robin to tell her we did it, safe & sound and that she could relax now.

A friend of Andy picked us up, we tied on the boats to a very dodgy looking roof rack and drove to Wellington hopefully in time to catch a 2.30pm ferry back to Picton. And re-trace our steps in the comfort on a big ferry. We made it to the ferry in good time. As we drove through downtown Wellington it felt strange to be in a big city again but very satisfied to be where i am both at that moment and at this place in my life.

The trip back (the more conventional way) was filled with sleep, eating, and ‘oh remember that part over there?’ and took look again on those swirling waters now safely beneath us as we entered Tori Channel. We made it back to Picton to be eagerly greeted by our co workers. To wash our kayaks that we brought back with us on the ferry and then gear up to bike home to Blenheim… yeah really an hour bike ride after that, but figured my legs had be idle all day so why not.

Today i had to work, and lead a 1/2 day sea kayaking group. My arms are very sore, with a touch of tendonitis. However happily tired and satisfied about completing another adventure. Further metaphorical reflections to come.. you can count on it.

Occasionally…
Semdom…
Infrequently…

The Cook Straight puts on a show of the calm weather variety. This morning was one of those. A quick update to say we are home safe and sound and feeling very satisfied but very tired. Lets just say that it could not have gone more perfect, well… there were a few scary moments early this morning as we set out at 5am.

Needless to say, very tired, spent about 12 1/2 hours of paddling over a period of 19 1/2 hours.

More soon, i have to lead a 1/2 day sea kayaking trip tomorrow(Wed), i hope i can keep up with the way my arms feel right now. Then off until Friday. Will write a full report with stunning photos.

See what happens when you have a few days at home. Lots of posting on ones’ blog site and now even better…photos. I have been away for the past two Monday-Fridays on guided hiking trips, hence not a lot of blogging.
These photos are from today-Saturday. We drove out to Cape Campbell about 30mins from our house. To hike along the seashore to the lighthouse. The 2nd oldest in NZ. Its sits on the eastern edge of Cook Straight and divides the Tasman Sea with the Pacific Ocean. A great day.

Next week i have the opportunity to do something i have wanted to do for a very long time even as a child. As hopefully you know or perhaps have paid attention to the title of this blog”…Adventures” are experiences that i long for or go looking for. Anyways… myself and 2 of my fellow co-worker guides are going to sea kayak across Cook Straight. A piece of water between the North & South Island of NZ. So what you may say, however this isn’t any old piece of water or small easy float and paddle. Cook Straight is a notoriously difficult piece of water. Separating the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean the 22Km point to point at its shortest distance is going to challenge the 3 of us next week.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Strait

We will paddle to the end of the Marlborough Sounds Monday afternoon, then camp out at an old Whaling station near the entrance to the Straight. To get an early start Tuesday morning, complete the paddle and then come home the conventional way on the Inter-islander ferry later that afternoon. Woo-hoo i am very excited to do this. And you can bet there will be some great stories and photos

Theres a clarity that happens when we rub shoulders with the things that we are good at but aren’t in the position to do right now.

Hows that for a thought? Show stopper huh. It maybe redundant and lame to you however this has filled my thinking recently. Not in a “I feel sorry for myself” type of way but more so in these ways…
* Wow, i don’t think i would have done it that way.
* This could be so much better if only…
* I miss that, but how can i get some of that again.

Please don’t hear me wrong, this isn’t some pity party if anything it as mentioned allows me clarity. Because therein lies several things. In what way WE would respond and how would WE given the opportunity examine everything and know that next time WE do have that opportunity what would it look like.

With all that said though there is clarity that comes with a realization of this. Such as more time to reflect on it. With the pressure or maybe i should say expectations to carry out the responsibilities of your job or ministry you can’t take that extra time to think more about the semantics or the details or even the philosophy behind why you did it that way. For me often anyway i would be find myself walking a fine line between we’ve always done it that way so lets just do it and lets turn it on its head and blow this thing up and start over. Yes i know it will take time to do it this way but i don’t want to do it this way because we’ve always done it this way or maybe more accurately put… whats the definition of insanity?

And i’m certainly not suggesting you all quit your jobs and move to NZ to guide hiking or sea kayaking or mountain biking trips. Not all of us can have the opportunity. However consider what it might look like for you to be confronted with the opening statement i made. Furthermore our time here in NZ is not some ‘Robin and Paul escape to find yourself tour’. VOMIT… thats not reality and never will be. However there is a portion of that same opening statement that can only be truly embraced when there has been a portion or the whole of it taken away.

For Robin and i the time span will be several years and you may not have the beauty of being able to do that but there must be moments, retreats, weekends, days off, mini sabbaticals, trips into the back country or outdoors that allow you that clarity. And Robin and i are here at the end of the world for lots of reasons not just the opening sentence.

With all this field research going on its timely when most of it takes place. As mentioned all week the people on these hikes are all savvy people with relatively successful lives. As I wrote this its tuesday evening and everyone has pretty much figured everyone out. Almost like a Tuckman’s Model of Group Dynamics which outlines any groups Forming Storming Norming Performing experience on some sort of level. Not that a lot of storming has occurred or needed to take place. We are past the niceties and for whom its important are having deeper conversations. Part of that this evening included me asking lots of questions but also coming clean to one couple that much of my experiences out here are what i call field research as i ask lots of questions and walk, sit and listen to their ideas of life, success and vocations etc.

This past week i have walked the trail with 9 clients (3 Americans, 3 Aussies, 1 Irish woman, & 2 Brits) quite a mixture. Certainly made dinner discussion interesting.

Meanwhile on the trail we have had days varying from 4-9hours, depending on their speed. That said each day there is the option of taking the boat to the next lodge rather than hiking. And we had 2 takers from the 1st day, as what was supposed to be 5 hours took 7HOURS!!!

As i have hiked i have intentionally spent and shared my time with all the folks that i have been guiding this week. And guess what, the some of the same foci i had in intentional ministry for 11 years are no different now. Not that this should come as any surprise to you. Everyone has a story & more than anything else wants to be listened too. Its been fun but challenging returning to this focus of trying to be the worlds best listener or remember that we have 2 ears & 1 mouth and therefore should listen as much as we speak. Furthermore, providing me with great opportunities to facilitate and ask lot of open ended questions. And provide a platform for my people to speak and more importantly be heard. All of the previous few sentences summarize a fear than or perceived challenge that i was expecting as i transitioned into this work.

In addition to taking these next couple of years for me at least to figure out what is next and what next looks like after here. I am quite sure that it is camp & conference ministry including young adult ministry but what and where is that and what will it look like.

The challenges i have with understanding that as i look forward and venturing into territory when we return is as mentioned… what does it look like & how do i maintain the strengths and passions i have without having to sell out and become this or that.

With all that said the people i am hiking with as all students of the world like all of us. Students of the culture, typically in there 50’s and up. Imagine this as my sample group this week, in addition to the nationalities already mentioned… A retired British Special Forces guy. A woman who runs he own foot care business. A woman who just sold her own foster child agency. A guy who had his own business making plastic bags, a guy who worked on the North Sea oil rigs for 35 years, a woman who works in mental health, amongst others.

All of which is providing me with great field research.

This is a really quick post. I am leaving tomorrow on a 5 day guided hike. Will be taking 9 people out on the Queen Charlotte Walkway. 70Km over 5 days. And staying in those “rough lodges” again.

Will write lots while gone. but no internet not even a phone line until sometime wednesday. so will post a bunch when i get back. have lots of new photos to share.