Storm clouds over The Tasman Sea, from the Coastal Walkway in New Plymouth.

Lots of snow and ice on the trail. We will miss being able to hike on the mountain pretty much any time we like.

While it may be hot as hell with 98% humidity on the Eastern Shore, it is pretty cold down here in the Southern Hemsiphere in July. Here is one more picture of Mt. Taranaki, from the Manganui River gorge.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

We took a little break from the kiwi winter and headed north to the Cook Islands for a week. The main island, Rarotonga, is only 32km in circumference. On Saturdays you can visit the colorful market with crafts, produce and a cultural show.

Rarotonga is especially nice because it is surrounded by a reef that protects the land and creates very calm waters for swimming. We snorkeled right in front of our bungalow. The fish were incredibly colorful with the most intricate patterns.

This is Diesel Jr.

Rick always finds a new friend to adopt.

Even the crabs on the beach are feeling the economic crisis. Most of them had outgrown their shell houses and real estate was slim.