It was a moment none of us will ever forget. An Earthquake hit in the middle of the night. The house felt like it would crumble at any moment. It wouldn't stop. 3 Minutes and still the house swayed. Then stillness. Not for long. Another one was coming. New Zealand is an incredible, beautiful place. But that which is underneath her is not so welcoming. We survived as did most people, but the aftermath left us in awe of what Mother nature can do if she really wants to.

Traveling Sons

The Kaikoura Earthquake of 2016

We reminisce about the amazing Wineries in Hawke Bay and also about why we built a huge bonfire on a beach. Anyone heard of Guy Fawkes day?

New Zealand Wines

Since this was such a historic life altering day, I thought it the best place to start even though it is not where our trip began. I will add in stories about Canada and other New Zealand stops as we move forward, but I thought this stop would be the best start We were WOOFing in Blenheim, New Zealand. A quaint town near the coast that was painted with vineyards everywhere. Our host was amazing and as the US Presidential election would be taking place while we were there, she went out of her way to prepare an American feast. While getting ready for the evening, I stumbled across a hilarious bottle of beer in town, that I just had to have. 

Dump The Trump

Kim Morgan is an exquisite potter based in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. Laura and I and the boys just spent a week with Kim and his family woofing, more about that later. As one of the leading potter's on the Island, Kim shared with me some secrets to his success, what keeps him at the wheel and loving what he does and why Podcasts are always playing in his workshop. He even shared his favorite ones which included The Sprocket Podcast based out of Portland, Oregon, our home town.

Kim Morgan - The Rude Potter from New Zealand

Our 12 and 9 year olds are leading our family on a trip around the world for 13 months. They have decided on which countries to visit and are overseeing our budgets, our packing, where we eat and what we do. Yes, both my wife and I might need therapy when we return, but in the meantime, it's the trip of a lifetime and we want to share our journey with you.

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Traveling Sons

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