Kill a possum, save a tree

Hey guys,

Here in New Zealand there is an unnatural abundance of Possums due to a wrongful introduction from Australia. The possum is ruining natrual habitat like certain trees and plants and therefore taking food from the animals that belong in New Zealand. This is why there is such a hatred for them over here. Some bars even have a promotion where if you bring in a possum tail (one that you've killed) then you get a couple free pints. When we were at the Punakaiki rocks we saw a notice from the New Zealand government essentially urging people to off possums when they can. It's quite funny. This is why Eddy (our cave guide) uses the saying, "Kill a possum, save a tree." He said that if you see a possum on the road while you're driving, hit it. Unfortunately we haven't seen any possums on the road yet. But...I have seen other things. Birds like to sit on the road, most of them fly away once you get close. If they don't, you slow down a little to give them more time. But, (Kelly stop reading) you can't stop when there is a huge truck RIGHT behind you. I'm sorry to confess that I, Elke, killed a little bird that didn't get off the road. It was hard to focus on driving through the tears but the little thing just wouldn't move! Conor says it's all about survival of the fittest, as all of the other birds flew away. I agree but I still feel terrible. I think I even saw his picture on the endangered species list. And then, yesterday an animal I've never seen before didn't run in front of the van but just INTO the tires! I seem to be lethal these days and the only way I can feel better is to confess it to all of you. I know it seems silly to get upset about animals that have obviously just been trying to commit suicide but being the bigger animal in the situation I feel like there is a chance I could've done something. I wouldn't have felt so bad if it was a possum.

On a brighter note, we're in Queenstown and it's lovely. We drove from Wanaka down to Queenstown only to see it in the rain (no surprises). The forecast said that it was supposed to get better so we booked a Horseriding trek in Glenorchy (about 45 minutes west of Queenstown). We woke the next morning to a great day. We noticed that were are surrounded by mountains and Lake Wakatipu. It's sublime. Like Wanaka, it's a ski town reminiscent of Whistler but I find it to be ultra pretentious. Everywhere you look there are hotels, villas, and chalets. Queenstown is the adventure city but for some reason I don't find it to be about true adventure - just adventure activities for the profit it creates. I realize that all business is in it for the profit but usually it's disguised by the true passion for adventure; here in Queenstown, I find that it isn't disguised at all. Don't get the wrong idea, this place is charming and has a lot to offer. I think I could stay here for a few more days.

Yesterday was a great day for a 3hr Horse ride through Glenorchy (Lord of the rings country for those interested). On the drive there we were bombarded with fabulous scenery and at one corner we turned my eyes started to water. I've never been touched so much by nature then at this point. My eyes watered because I couldn't believe that I was in the presence of something so magnificient and I was awed by the fact that this was even created.

The horse ride was great. I rode a horse named Reilly...stubborn at times but in the end he did what I said. Conor had a horse named Will -- obedient as ever. It was a nice ride, of course filled with a few mountiains and river crossings. We even got to wear oilskin jackets -- I could really see myself being a great cowgirl. Maybe one day. Haha. One other girl was on the trek with us and I actually saw her get tossed from her horse! To boot, it was her first time on a horse. They say that horseriding is more dangerous than skydiving, and she got a taste first hand. The horse wasn't trying to toss her off, it just jumped a ditch and the girl didn't know how to stay on. But she was up right away and didn't get hurt, luckily - it looked like it could've been bad. She even got back on the horse, what a trooper. Conor and I got to go ahead of them for a bit and trot/canter with the horses -- soo cool. Once you get the rhythm it feels so awesome. My hair was blowing in the wind.
Again, another perfect day, on God (thanks Kaylee).

Today has started as a warmer day -- I'm wearing shorts for the first time since Fiji. We'll be heading out to Milford Sound today (about 5hrs west of Queenstown, only because we need to get around a mountain). If we have time we may take advantage of the nice day and go for a Bungy (we'll see...).

We plan to do a day in Milford Sound, then head to Kaikoura via Christchurch, do some things in Kaikoura, drop-off the van in Christchurch on the Friday and head to Dunedin to visit with Conor's family who sound really fun and nice. We'll have 10 more days in New Zealand so may come back to Queenstown and area for some activities before heading to Australia...where the heat is.

Hope all is well,
love elke.

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