7 months?

Hey everyone! Last night! Wow, I'm putting the final touches on everything, racking my brain about what I should take. I haven't put anything in my pack yet but everything is laid out on the floor ready to go. It seems like a lot but I hope it fits!

Here it all is! You think it's gonna all fit in that pack?

So my flight leaves Portland at 7pm tomorrow and I get into Auckland at 1pm on Saturday Pacific time. Local time will be 9 on Sunday the 24th. It is a 13 hour flight from LAX to Auckland direct. My first host, Alex, who has given me more help than I could ever ask for, has agreed to meet me at the airport and beyond that I have no idea what is going on next!

I am planning on staying with Alex for 2-3 weeks to get settled in and help out with his gardening project (Sounds really cool and I will fill you in when I get details). After that I am moving north for about a month and then back South after that. I am hoping to get equal time on both islands and take in as much scenery as I can!

Thank you so much everyone for all the good wishes! Much appreciated! I will try to keep you as filled in as I can, this blog will be the main source but send me an email and I will reply when I have time! (scottvanbergen@gmail.com) Also people have been asking about sending snail mail, I'll let you know when I know how I am doing this, there are a couple options... I will try and send everyone a postcard or two though!

The next post will probably not be until I am safe and sound in NZ so until then, thank you for all the support and will be thinking of you!