NZ; pre-trip TR

We're off for the NZ trip on Friday. The kids are so prepared....I
spent considerable time talking about clothing and sleeping bags, etc,
and they all have backpacks loaded, the right clothing, pile
pullovers, etc; all ready for a week camping in the NZ outback. You'd
never be able to tell that they are HK city-slickers from looking at
them. They have also been practicing casting and tying knots and
rigging up their rods..almost all of them have their vests or packs
(the last few will get them in Auckland). You can really feel the
enthusiasm; I feel really fortunate with this group of kids. Its going
to be a great trip.

We arrive in Auckland on Saturday midday, hit up some fishing shop for
last-minutes, then drive down to Rotorua for the night. Sunday we have
an all-day workshop, rotating between stations teaching fishing
techniques, canoeing skills, and river/wilderness safety. Monday we
head to some tributaries of the Mohaka river where 3 guide/instructors
await us to help the kids fine-tune their basic skills, and on Tuesday
we start downriver for 5 days in canoes on a remote stretch of water,
only accessible by boat. Saturday is a full day...predawn paddle out,
derig, shower and pack, then back to Auckland for a midnight flight
back to HK. Talk about from the woods to the city.

I want to thank those of you who contributed flies, and those who
organized the contribution. I'm waiting to send a formal 'thank you'
until I know that it really had meaning to the kids. Once we get back
next Sunday, they will really have an understanding of the fun of
flyfishing, the importance of preserving a resource, and the
generosity of those who welcomed them to the sport. I'll have them put
something together for you then, and post some pics.

Meantime, hang in there NorthAmericans....its reasonably assured that
springtime comes right after this time of year. At least it almost
always has in the past.

--riverman