Tramping

Not so much net access in New Zealand. It's not that they're so far behind, just that they charge for the privilege! And Phileas is saving his pennies (despite a good exchange) so he can do marvellous things!



Anyway, we have been helped out by good friends whilst here. A great pleasure to meet up with the Dooleys, to be given helpful hints and handy tips as well as an extremely useful car, comforting air bed and liberating gas stove.

Good to meet up with another friend from long ago in Queenstown too. If you have chance, go see their house!! No need for pictures on the wall there!

So, quickly, what we been up to?

Tramping around the South Island: viewing rare penguins and mighty albatross, driving through majestic scenery, camping here and there (see below for the pick of the bunch - beside Lake Hawea, not a person in sight, not even a long drop either! And it was all for free, what could be better?)



Sidled up the west coast to crunch our crampons on Franz-Josef Glacier and then lose a stomach or two on the boat chasing whales. Certainly worth it to witness 5 Sperm Whales arch the back and dive with a flick of the tail.

Christchurch today, Auckland tomorrow. The journey past Middle Earth continues, and with a new lens soon to be in my hand, who knows what pictures to be posted...