Blogs from Nelson Region, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 46

Wow. Back in New Zealand. It certainly happened much sooner than I had imagined, but for anyone that knows me, you will also know how close I am to my family, & that I would have no hesitation in coming home for someone who was ill. Although Dad's operation was major, & he continues to receive a high level of treatment for his cancer, we still managed to do a few things when I was home, including a short jaunt out on Dad's yacht, which meant a lot to him I think, as well as celebrating both Mum & Dad's birthdays on September 25th & 26th. It was great to see both of them again, & to be able to come home when it was important. Dad seems to want me to go back on my ... read more

Hi Well we are writing from a log cabin in the town of hokitika on the west coast. Staying at a camp site right on the beach. Plane journey over here was fine, but very cloudy and so now sight seeing on the way. Landed in Christchurch and picked up the van, compact but has almost everything you could need (a few thousand dollars is missing from the glove box). Travelled from chrstchurch to punakiaki, of which neither of us has said right yet since we arrived, hence title. On the way dropped in at hanmer spring and had a most fabulous meal at a place called springs deli cafe, the hot chocolate was an art work and huge and the food was just yummy, dave nearly licked the plate, well recommended. Spent last night again ... read more

The last few days have been a little more laid back. No more jumping out of planes as of yet. I spent most of Wednesday on the bus travelling to Wellington and didn't arrive there until about 4:30. Wellington reminded me alot of a small version of San Francisco-cable car and all. I even got harrassed by a homeless man. Ahhh- felt like I was back in the States. I toured around Te Papa- the free museum in the city. Everyone raved about this museum so I thought I'd go have a look. Warning- redneck statement ahead: I am beginning to realize I am just not much of a musuem person. I appreciate the wealth of information about how a sheep becomes a sweater, but lord almighty mostly everything I looked at in that place put ... read more

Hello again! We've had a fantastic week since the last blog and have added another 1000k and a lot of mud onto the car... We left Kaikoura last Sunday and drove through fog and drizzle into the hills to Hanmer Springs. Hanmer is another of the places in NZ where there is a 'hot spot' below ground and they have hot springs that rise to the surface - hence Hanmer has grown as a thermal resort. It's a gorgeous wee Apline village - we were planning on staying one night but liked it so much we stayed two. The hostel in Hanmer was lovely, very friendly and with excellent staff, which is always a bonus. Our first afternoon was spent strolling in the Hanmer forest (more gorgeous autumn colours!), and in the evening we took advantage ... read more

Hello friends and family. I'm sure about now some of you are experiencing lovely spring weather and flora. One friend in Japan just wrote and told me the recently ending Cherry Blossom Season was more spectacular than expected. Aahh, cherry blossoms. I have fond memories of the seasons I spent in DC admiring those lovely buds! As for me, fall is everywhere. The colors of the autumn leaves are stunning but fleeting for those south-westernly winds can be brutal. And just moments ago, there was hail outside. Not too much exciting going on these days. I am diligently working away at my temporary payroll duties. I am continuously "finishing" and then scurrying around the office to see if anyone has anything else for me to do. So I've accomplished a series of inconsequential filing projects that ... read more