A moment of gratitude.

As sparks fly a youthfulness is casted over every person. The transforming colors and patterns take the midnight sky, and for the 7 minutes all eyes stare up in hopes That the Next moment will surpass the last. Nothing short of amazing,the defusing sparks fall slowly decapitating before reaching the earth. It's as if God paused time, the once glimmering fireworks has become frozen and placed into the night sky forever. Stars cast over us daily, yet the recognition of a phenomenon above is merely simplified to a glance up in hopes to see the occasional full moon. magnificent beauty seen by few outside this globe is taken for granted by all. For seeing things is amazing, but sharing them produces the perfect moment. A bond formed with the uncomprehendable  sites, and connection with those you care about create a warmth inside the soul that leaves you  satisfied, like  that of a young child sipping on hot chocolate after a day in the snow. Whipping up dinner, following it with dessert, and toping it off with star gazing on a twin size mattress, the six of us joined together sharing moments, and laughs through a freedom of travel and special bond formed in every traveler. The worries of the world is left at home with mom along with emergency contact info. and bonding with fellow travelers create stronger friendships faster then any connections. Similarities are already aligned for ambition has driven us both to the same place. The road of traveling.

As mountains abruptly halt, and water aimlessly falls to the rivers an stream beneath, The unique creation of a waterfall is quickly spotted everywhere down the west coast of the south island. I see your lakes Spokane, and raise you a cornucopia of waterfalls. Like stars in the sky, waterfalls can slowly become less appealing because in the last four days it's been a common site. As life comes full steam ahead it's important to not become continent on the road of traveling, nor at home. For in the moment of seeing another waterfall, large or small, soak in that moment for what it is...amazing. 

As our travels continue we eventually come to a fork, two signs pointing in two different directions. One says Dunedin and the other Christchurch. Goodbyes are heavy, but if it's only temporary, which I have to believe it is, then the hellos to come will be even heavier.  these three girls allowed me to accompany them for a week, and o the joy that has come from this period of traveling. A small family was created in a tiny four door corolla. And as I come back home and share this part of the journey with friends, only the ones in that corolla will be able to Phaethon what was experienced. And to you three I say this, you are women of strength and beauty, love and kindness, humor and sarcasm, but what I will not remember you by is where your from, nor your ethnicity, or features , but by your hearts and souls. Enjoy the rest of your travels, and I hope your travels allow me to stumble across you again. 

As for me, I saw glaciers, lakes, mountains, sounds, and sheep. Slept on a hippies bus, to a bus in a families backyard. Held parrots, hung out with baby cows, and stood under waterfalls. There was even a
moment where I descended into the clouds( We were so high up at one point in our drive that we sat above the clouds). Pictures have been captured and memory's made, but the only thing I can say about this part of the trip is mystical.

Now off to Dunedin I go. Excitement roars within like a lion, yet composed with calmness like a cheetah spying on its prey. The reason behind my travels is about to be achieved. Seeing my uncle and his family in dunedein is something I longed for. The journey leading up to this point is nothing less then riveting. A reverence for the road at hand. A tip for the man playing on the corner. A silent applause orchestrated by the wind. Followed by a bow from the trees. I'll drop my comments off in the clouds, and listen to what the rain has to say. And when she's done talking Ill thank he who created this place. And continue on with my journey.