Well this final (for now at least) blog is being completed at home in sunny Glen waverley. Relatively uneventful trip home - although mid stream in the long flight Chris was called upon to tend an unwell patient and predictably stepped up. Lady recovered quite well and was able to continue on in the Qantas flight into Melbourne. Very sad farewells at Auckland Airport, and for once, I do believe that certain members of the group will in fact keep in touch and catch up on occasions where circumstances permit. As promised, in this final blog, I have included Mike's Ditty for all to enjoy - and reflect on the messages contained therin. For Chis' and my part, we would like to sincerely thank Ted and Judy and all of the other participants, for making this ... read more

You now find us in Puerto Varas - our last stay in the continent before heading home tomorrow night. We did the 2 day Andean crossing from Barilche tp Puerto Varas, stopping at the hamlet of Puella in between. The crossing on the Argentinian side is spectacular as you hop from bus to boat to bus to boat to bus, passing though two lakes, one huge and one smaller but originating in a glacier and therefor a bright turquise colour. Some spectcular scenery - followed up by more land based on the Chilean side. Puella is the original one horse town(we couldnt even find one!) But it has 2 hotels seemingly just for crossing traffic. We stay in the newer and better of the two. It was great - but there wer only16 people staying there. ... read more

Calafate 2 I have first shower this morning before the others are awake, and Chris comes running in. IT’S BEEN SNOWING! I dry off and poke my head out of there to find the area covered in a white blanket of snow, but with a clear blue sky. Further dark clouds on the horizon though …… Weird because this is spring going on summer and not expected. Another good breakfast and much speculation as to what the day would deliver as we head off to our 2nd day of glacier viewing. As we leave the dark clouds turn to further snow. This is great fun as the further we drive, the heavier the snowing gets. Further speculation as to whether or not we would get out of the van when we get to the glacier as ... read more

In Buenos Aeries again today, and while there was a full day tour, it was a relaxing tour designed to allow us all to recharge our batteries. Not quite sure that it worked as we are all pretty tired. Anyway, nice bus ride thru the northern suburbs of BA to the quiet affluent suburb of San Isidro. Went thru a Museum and yes, a Cathedral there too, before jumping on a train along the coast to the river delta at Tigris. There we had a relaxing boat ride thru the canals past extremely wealthy clubs and houses as well as a wide range of weekenders to a surprise luncheon at a lovely restaurant called the White Cat. Really nice 3 courses but the highlight was a great ice cream cake with chocolate sauce. (I know, I’m ... read more

Reputed to be a little like Paris, Buenos Aeries is indeed a little like the Paris I recall from my visit (in 1972!). While we were scheduled for a Tango Show dinner last night, they sensibly moved it because of a late afternoon flight from Foz Iguacu. We didnt get in until after 6.30 so it would have been a bit of a rush. A quick walk around the hotel area and Chris Peter and I settled for a meal in the local food court. Chris and Pete had a Grande Hamburger with chips and a small bottle of wine (beer in pate's case) for about $9. I went with the Parilla Ribs - 2 huge ribs cooked on a large ash BBQ with chips and beer of course, and mine was $13. Magnificent taste. These ... read more