New Zealand/Australia 2013

I had the opportunity to go to New Zealand and the Australia for 2 weeks on business.  Had a grand time.  Such beautiful part of the world!  I saw Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Rotorua while in New Zealand.  Since the trip was business I didn't get much sight seeing in but had a great experience meeting and working with great people.  After New Zealand I flew east to Australia visiting Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong and Brisbane.  13 flights in 16 days.  I squoze in a little running but 3 were rather epic.  The first was in the mountains around Rotorua where I hit 10 beautiful miles of singletrack on the edge of town.  A trail running hub for sure. The 2nd was a sunrise run around Sydney.  Great city!  The 3rd was through D'Argulair National Park outside of Brisbane.  On the day before I flew out, my hosts dropped me off on one side of the park with a map.  16 miles later I topped Mt Nebo and met them at a quaint little café for brunch.  I feel very lucky to have these experiences.  I also had a chance to go to a Mauri cultural center, visited nearly 30 running, fitness, and shoe stores, played a wicked game of lawn bowling, and watched a Union Rugby game.  I think if I have a chance, I'll head down under again!