December 14th, 2014
Well the traveling is coming to an end in New Zealand. A little over a week ago we reached a depth at which the head scientific investigators for the project decided to stop drilling and prepare for coring. This is a huge step for earthquake investigating. To be able to install equipment that will measure temperature changes, pressure, and seismicity at a depth of 1000+ meters is pretty amazing and the fact I had the privilege to be part of it makes it that much more special for me. When they reached the depth at which they stopped drilling they sent me to Dunedin to finish my additional project for my classes. Even though Dunedin is very much a university town it is still quite vibrant, I guess for the holidays. Its very strange to imagine having Christmas in the summer. They typically have a BBQ or go hiking and stay outdoors for their Christmas which is much different than what I have grown up knowing Christmas as. Back home they have already received their first snow of the year and here in New Zealand you start seeing the first surfers and kayakers out on the ocean with their boards. I have enjoyed New Zealand quite a bit. I have met many people and made some new friends as well and probably some life long colleagues but I am ready go home. This year has treated me well in so many ways. I completed my BS, I spent the summer traveling through Louisiana, Colorado, and my favorite place in the world so far, Wyoming. I was able to spend a few weeks in Bogota, Colombia taking a class, was accepted into graduate school and then sent to New Zealand for 6 weeks. More has happened for me in the past 6 months than I could have ever imagines and I bet next year will hold even more surprises. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading about my time here as much as I have enjoyed writing about it. Maybe I have found a new hobby with this blogging thing, who knows! Until next time
Cheers!
