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When It’s Not What You Expected

Expectations are a funny thing.  They can be helpful and at other times they can be our demise.  When it comes to travel or new experiences, we know it’s best to have no expectations.  But being the silly humans we are, we can’t help ourselves.

We read a review, check out a website or watch someone else’s video and think, “ok, I’m prepared, that’s what this experience will be like”.  Especially if it’s a popular, and well-worn path.

This week we set out on a mission to get to some of New Zealand’s most popular and exotic beaches.  Which happens to be on the exact opposite side of the Coromandel peninsula.  Painfully close as the crow flies, yet so far away by sea.

Luckily, we received an unexpected offer, hatched a plan, and knew exactly what we were in for…or so we thought.

Turned out the whole experience was just one charming surprise after another.  What we expected to be straightforward wasn’t.  What we expected to be a romantic couple’s adventure turned into a community event.  What we expected to be a crowded destination turned out to be secluded and romantic. Plus, I expected something to go awry and it didn’t!

But that is the beauty of travel.  The only thing we can, and should, expect is the unexpected.

So, my dear friends, I am happy to report, that we had the most unexpected and positively pleasant Coromandel journey.

 

🎥 CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO

🎶 MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO

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    • Artists – Sean Magwire, OK Otter, Prophecy Playground, Semo, Ian Post, Randy Sharp, Con Davison, Aves, Chris Mason, Noa Bentor, Campagna

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Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (20)

  • Roger Cox

    In real-estate, Location is everything. Nothing else counts. That appears to be true here on the beach when looking for hot water. Makes sense. The upwelling is not stable. It wanders around and so the hot places move.

    reply
  • Jeanette Brennan

    Oh my goodness- it sure was lovely to join you in your adventure in paradise. Incredible scenery and excellent photography, etc. What a magnificent adventure you guys just had. Always videos are an escape for me and I can’t wait to see the next video. Stay safe, healthy and happy. You bring joy to many people. New Zealanders are amazing people. Enjoy every minute there. Here’s to your next adventure. 🥂💓🌟🏖⛵️💕🙏

    reply
  • Annie

    1) Great video
    2) I’ve only found this blog recently but live it
    3) Have been watching Ridley Road (BBC show) and it was really bothering me why the actress looked so familiar and I realized she reminded me of Nikki!

    reply
  • Alan Solomon

    Thanks for this video. Great travels. Overly friendly people. Terrific content and footage. Loved all of it.
    I cannot say enough. Close to speechless. It is all just great, great, great. Not very original!
    I wish I was there.
    Continued safe travels.

    reply
  • StevieDV

    Jason, If nothing else, on your world travels, you have so much experience with photographic techniques. Not that you were bad in your RV, your skills have really developed. You should consider selling some of your best shots, framed and matted…

    reply
    • Sam

      I’ve mentioned that to him before. But this way there is no stress. Just enjoy. Yeah, with film making and editing, they are magnificent.

      reply
  • Pat

    What a great day you had and I enjoyed it right along with you both

    reply
  • mary van

    Sometimes you just gotta go with it! What a fun experience. How many holes did you actually dig before you decided to build the pool with the others was the best option?

    Being the last 1 on the beach is pretty awesome! (So is being the last one on the mountain top).

    reply
  • Margie S

    Thank you two for taking us to these beautiful places. Hubby & I have been with you since your RV days. You inspired us to purchase a used 35 ft RV & we took a wonderful trip around the US in 2017, 27 states & seeing family on the East Coast. Stay safe & well. Til next time.

    reply
  • Tony Bennett

    Good Old Fashioned Hospitality. How giving of Chris (Mussel Farmer) to welcome you into his life, share his working environment, play Water Taxi and Transport conveyer, and go out of his way to ensure that ‘she’ll be right’.
    Amazing people.
    Thanks for sharing.

    reply
  • Shirley Gautreau

    You have discovered the generosity and the welcoming of the New Zealand people. We were in NZ in 2004 and we are returning this coming October. We have always said since the first time we visited there that the Kiwis are the most amazing people and they are. We enjoyed the same warmth that you have encountered since you have been there. That is the NZ people. We are really looking forward to returning and enjoying their beautiful country.

    reply
  • Tammy Bjugson

    Thank you so much for sharing your adventures in this beautiful country with us. Many of my friends who have visited New Zealand always say it is one of their favorite countries. Loved this video. Praying that you find the right boat for all your future adventures. Blessings,

    reply
  • Hamilton T Zachary

    Amazing how friendly everyone seems to be. Beautiful country and people, thanks for encouraging us with good travels to parts of the world most will not see in our lifetime. Oh too be able to backup our lives 50 years and do this type of travel.

    reply
  • Michael

    Awesome! Thank you very much.

    reply
  • Craig

    This is one of your most beautiful videos yet, I am very impressed how far you have come Pilgrim

    reply
  • Sandra & the 2 Spaniels

    The best experiences are “just a fun, unplanned” day! It fulfills the soul and makes for much happiness. NZ is just amazing!

    reply
  • Paul Thomas

    I really enjoy you adventures!

    reply
  • Andrea L Lawson

    When something goes awry we just say “It’s all part of the adventure!”

    reply
  • Ed

    I thought you were selling the boat?

    reply
    • Curious Minion

      They are, but until it’s sold it’s still their boat.
      Curious Minion

      reply

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