We had an early breakfast buffet and then went for a morning walk with Michael in which he oriented us to the downtown area of Christchurch. Then we boarded the coach and went to Lyttelton. We toured the Lyttelton Time Ball station with a good explanation what communication was in the late 1800s. That evening we had a farewell to New Zealand and then on to Christchurch symphony concert. Then back to hotel to pack for departure tomorrow. Hope all you toga clad members of Forum cast had a good audience dress and opening night with full audiences. Break a Leg!!! I'm thinking about all of you guys.... read more

Another beautiful day with beautiful weather. Morning drive to Milford Sound (really a fiord) was long but everything was "frosted" with snow and mountail vistas were beautiful. Then we "sailed" on the Milford Mariner the length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back again. The air was cool and crisp and the scenery was breathtaking. Back on the coach we returned to Te Anau. I slept most of the way. The "frosting" was replaced by the sun shining on the trees. What a beautiful day. Liz (our guide) and Peter ( our driver) were patient and gave us many photo stops, comfort stops, and snacks along the way. I had salmon for dinner in Te Anau hotel restaurant--tender flackey and good. Now to pack and prepare for tomorrow.... read more

Monday the 6th of November was a travel day from Rotorua to Queenstown. Tuesday the 7th. After 6 days in the hospital with pneumonia my mom, Jan McClure, died at 9:18 am PST/USA. She was 85 years old. Then at 12:40 pm CST/USA, Jocelyn Martha Hicks was born to Sara and Wade Hicks. Both mother and child are well and recovering from the c/sec birth. Jocelyn's birth wt. was 8 lbs 6 oz. and 19 in. long. I heard her fiesty cry over the phone. One family member has left us and another has joined us. Queenstown, NZ 11/7/06 We went on an historical tour of Queenstown today, by coach, landing in Arrowtown. Sight saw the Lake district Museum, had lunch, walked around the historic goldrush settlement, and saw an area on the river where a ... read more

A very full day travelling from Aukland to Rotorua with stops at Otorohanga Kiwi House, Lunch at the "Big Apple Cafe", then afternoon at Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Arrived at Rotorua and checked into hotel. Marty swam in the pool and John did laundry.... read more

Breakfast was much better today with not so many people rushing to get food, beautiful sunny day with the view from the restaurant clear. We were introduced to Dr. John Walsby, marine biologist, first through a lecture in the morning called "the coast line of Aukland." Then through an all day field trip of the North Shore. He was with us the whole day and basically gave us his wealth of knowledge on vulcanology, oceanography, flora and fauna, military strategy/history, paleantology, geology, and any thing else we asked about. He was very energetic, always finding the highest place to stand lecture us. He was personable and enthusiastic and moved so much that the microphone system on the bus would give him lots of static. But we ate up every word and had to work to keep ... read more