Ah Taupo, how I love thee, let me count the ways....... Ok, so the move went of with out a hitch. My final day at Guardian Tree was spent abseiling off the side of a 100 foot grain sylo, as a training excercise to teach the boys how to set up top ropes, learn various rappelling techniques, practice aerial rescues and generally have a "play day." That evening Clay and I threw a "thatnk god we're getting rid of Natti" party. We cooked meat on the grill, drank oodles of beer and had a few rather epic jam sessions with the didge, drums and a few guitars. I got to bed about 2:30 in the morning! I must say.... it was a great distraction for me as that my ladyfriend left that Thursday for a week in Figi and then back to her home in So. Cal. I was pretty sad about the fact that I wasn'g going to see her again until July (hopefully). It was a great relationship, while it lasted and I think we are both pretty happy with the way it all went.
Anyways, that Saturday I finished packing up the work van (her final voyage as a climber mobile), slightly hung over but with the exitement of the move pushing me on. We actually managed to hit the road by 10:30 AM.... which was a meer half hour later than we had originally planned to bail.
We arrived at the new flat just after lunch. It is a pit. A glorious, rundown little hole in the ground.... but it is mine all mine and for the price, how can I complain. Despite looking a bit haggered, it suits me just fine. It is a 2 minute walk to the lake and a 10 minute walk to town. The yard is actually fairly big and altough it needs a good raking.... it is landscaped quite nicely.
We did a power unload and decided that the weather was too nice and that a climb at "our" crag was in order. On the way to the cliff, we stopped off at the local climbing shop to grab a few odds and ends and meet the local vendor. He said something to the effect of "So YOUR Matt Natti.... heard a lot about you. Really glad to have you up here, love all the development you've been doing. Hey, the store is starting a bolting fund for you..... if your heading to the cliff now, do you need a few bolts? They're on the house.
Ok, so that was cool. We got in a great day on the rock. That night we had a proper "climber" house warming... we drank beer and watched climbing videos and talked about epics we've had on the rocks. Sunday I did a bit of "neccesity shopping," and we headed back to the cliff. The fella from the climbing shop was out climbing for the day and let me know that the "store" had just purchased 200 new bolts.... that were being made availible (free) to me and the development crew.... to assist in improving the local climbing scene. WHAT!?! Day 2 and I get a new sponsorship.... not to shabby.
Monday, my mate Ryan and I planned to head out to Reperoa again (check out the guide if you want... its on www.freeclimb.co.nz under central north island), but we hit a detor and were forced to drive down a different road than usual.... which lead to the discovery of 2 new cliffs!!! I can see that I'm going to be a busy boy up here! It's a tough job.... but SOMEONE has to do it.
On that note, I started the new job that tuesday. It is ok. Just ok for now.... but hopefully I can work some magic and get these guys up to speed. As with any tree company, sometimes you need to do uninspiring jobs sometimes, so hopefully I just came in on an off week. So far we've done a transplating job, a few hedges and a few small removals. Not bad work, but not quite as inspiring as I could hope for.
Ok... y'all are probably falling asleep or seeing cross-eyed by now. That's the news. Happy Thanksgiving to the hometown crew!

Well, it's about time for an update I suppose. I have less than a week left living in Palmerston North and less than a week having a girlfriend. For the latter, I am sad as that I really have had an absoulute blast with Erica..... but we both knew that realistically this was a finite relationship. As for getting out of Palmy though...... WAHOOOOOOO!!!!
In proper Matt Natti style, I JUST managed to find a flat to move into. That being said, in Matt Natti style, I totally scored! I will be moving into a 2 bedroom house, right on lake Taupo, and paying only $100/ week. Considering that for the Taupo region just a ROOM in a house goes for $140 or so.... I'd say I lucked out. The flat is owned by one of Plateau Tree Service's regular clients. The landlord has not been renting it because money was not an issue.... he just wanted to wait for "the right" person/ people to come along. Thankfully, that is me.
I still need to suss up a new work visa.... but as that I still have until Feb on the old one I should be sweet (oh Natti.... don't put THIS ONE off or they'll throw you out!!!). My plan is to move in this coming wekend and then go to immigration Monday or Tuesday. No worries..... I always manage to pull it together at the last minute!
SO...... 2 bedrooms. One Natti. Do I hear guest bedroom? This means I need guests. This means....... I WANT PEOPLE TO COME VISIT ME!!!!!!!!! New Zealand kicks serious butt and I will be living smack dab in the middle of all he coolness that the North Island has to offer. Great rock climbing, sweet mountains (year round back country snowboarding), FREE hotpools around every bend, caving, kayaking, some of the world's greatest trout fishing.... what ever!

Ah well... my own damm fault for moving so far away. Luvs ya all!