Josh & Emily's New Zealand Adventure: March 2007

We're back in the Christchurch, fresh off of a 2 week gallavant around the South Island. While it took us 2 months to do just the bottom half on our first go

round, we managed to kick it up a couple of notches when these two showed up:

Not only did we do twice as much, but we did it is a quarter of the time. Then we shipped them back to the US, thanks of course to Qantas. Their feet never really hit the ground, and we were sufficiently tired by the end. No time for lolly-gagging in New Zealand, people. What do you think this is? France? No gracias.

Our first order of business what to squeeze them and their belongings into, and eventually on top of, our car. Don't let those happy smiles fool you, these two will pack enough to clothe an army! It all worked out in the end, and they took one of our bags home too. (Eric, I apologize in advance for the plethora of stuff they are bringing to the 'Party-finder.')

Mom got in touch with her royal side when we visited Larnach Castle,

and we somehow convinced her to ride the gondola up above Queenstown,

and she didnt get sick when we whale watched,

and she even kayaked.

This was a breakthrough trip for her. We didnt have such an easy time keeping her away from the internet cafes. She was fascinated with them and wanted to visit every one that we saw. It was weird.

I joke, only because she did everything without hesitation. It was so great to see a familiar face and stay in a few places that had beds and showers in the same unit.

Mom and Dad tell us that there are lots of people who read this thing, which makes us feel loved, so thanks. Post a comment or two so we can be sure to remember who you are when we come back.

For now, we are back to camping. It's fun, if you like setting up and tearing down tents. See you.....

Hello boys and girls! Thanks for stopping by. I know it has been a while since we've sent electronic signals through the internets (do you really think there's only one?) to you, but we've been busy trying this 'adventure' thing. It takes up a lot of time, so get off my back, geez.

Since the last update....

Fiordland

No, this is not Norway, nor does it look anything like it, not that I've been there. I'm just guesing. Fiordland is freakin amazing, and is also the site of the yearlong sandfly convention. They just love it there, thousands of them...everywhere...biting. We stayed a while until they drove us mad. Here's a sweet pic:

My beautiful bride took that while I was in the car eating my 2 Minute Noodles. Those sandflies were freakin relentless! Either they really love instant noodles or biting the life out of my legs. Either way was no good for me.

Hokonui Moonshine Festival

We made our way through a couple of other cities on our way to this bad boy. It was an entire day celebrating the life and work of moonshiners in the Southland Region. Quite a reason to party. It was a day full of folk/bluegrass music, great food (things like rabbit sausages and deer bacon! Mmmmm) And there were some beverages for sale....no word on what was actually consumed, however. What happens in New Zealand at moonshine festivals, stays in New Zealand at moonshine festivals. Kind of like Vegas.
That is a picture of Emily holding someone else's glass of wine, I swear!

The Catlins

This is probably our most fun stop yet. We decided to stay and work for a fun couple. She is originally from San Francisco, but they moved back a few years ago. Anyway, they were loads of fun and went at about 90 miles/hour everyday. Needless to say, we were not lacking for excitement. They were in the process of opening a holiday park, with everything from tent sites to a self contained cottage, and we painted everything in sight. Emily got to use a paint sprayer, which she really loved, as you can see.

Our hosts, Paul and Ly

nn, made sure that we worked hard and played hard. Most days, we would finish up painting and don the wet suits for a dip in the Pacific ocean with the boogie boards. This was excitement like we didn't expect, and it was only 5 minutes away from the homestead, so we could be back in time for Happy Hour.

We also experienced an 'At your own risk' ropes course. Certainly like nothing you'd see in America. There were plenty of chances to fall about 20 feet and break something important. But we didn't,

cause were awesome.

This is our only serious picture from the Catlins, cause that course was zero joke. Emily was a champ, and did everything except elements that didnt present a flattering view of her. The birds overhead had a very critical voice.
We're thinking about taking mom through it when she comes. Yeah right....

The Catlins could be the most beautiful place that we've been yet. It is certainly the most undisturbed and pristine environment we've seen. It was beach, rainforest, rolling hills all in the same place. I'll leave you with some scenery. All we thought was, "Wow!" It was stunning.