Hello darling, I am back from the deep south. London was hot and crowded - I couldn't wait to leave it!! Hazie was well and the weather was wonderful. Had lunch at Pin Mill sitting outside - could have been abroad. I am so glad you did not tell us what you were going to do - jumping out of a plane - until you had done it. Rich is very envious! I gather from Ros that there are some old chums in New Zealand at the moment so you never know who you will bump into. Its raining today but warm - hope Charlotte is not getting too wet!!. Three weeks to go to the garden fete and still lots to do. Dad and I are off to the Kelso races on Wednesday with Simon Skerrit - evening races. Hope its dry by then. Just done the family service. there was a good turn out and we managed to sing unaccompanied. We are getting rather good at it. At least we make a joyful noise. Lots of love Mum

I have just got a copy of the lonely Planet Guide to India. I have made enquires about a hotel to stay for two nights in Bombay, the hotel has been recommended to me. Overlooking the harbour, a small hotel with a touch of the RAJ. www.shelleyshotel.com Granny thrilled to hear from you and told cynthia, I trust you have sent her one as well. All quiet here, mummy gets back on Friday evening and Charlotte is away camping for two nights for her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Look forward to seeing the photos when you find a machine you can plug your camera into.

Love as always Dad

I have at last read your account of travels in Peru and early days in NZ. It all sounds amazing: I had an attack of vertigo and my legs started to crumble on the mountain passes. Sorry to have missed out on your birthday - memories of last year are still strong. Our house is now fully on the market, with a trickle of possible buyers, which means disguising the grot, plumping up the cushions, etc. The garden is almost at its best. Joy just our of hospital. Hugo and Philip here over the weekend. Edie pleased that growly Lizzie (Joy's peke) has left. We think happily of you and await a bulletin from Wellington in due course. Myra sends her love.

About to take mummy to the airport. she is staying with hazel for a couple of days, a night with the Hollyers in London, a visit to Mr Gin, lunch with Stella in the West End and home on Friday night. Joy has not been well and came out of hospital yesterday, have you sent your cards yet. Another nice day but far too dry.

Lots of love dad.

Kathy Tom and Janet - I have no idea how to reach you except through this message board but I wanted to thank you for your very kind comments about Edward. I think when he arrived and discovered that he was the youngest member of the group he had a moment of doubt as to whether it would work but we have only heard enthusiastic comments about the whole thing. He really enjoyed his time and your company. It weems it was a great success. So thank you for drawing him into your group and making him feel so welcome. I hope he has given you our address so that if you every visit England you can come and see us. Thank you again for your kindness to Edward.

Good afternoon. Have spent the morning with Jim bringing down some of the new born Lambs, another lovely day here but far too dry. Have moved so many rocks back to the river but as soon as I think I am winning another pile arrives. Angela has re done the path down by the fruit cage and planted a lot more heathers. Borrowed Len's chain saw yesterday and cut up the remains of the old apple tree by the pond. Looking into sky for the cricket!
Hope you are enjoying the change of scenery.
All love daddy.

We just want to add that we concur with Janet's estimation of Edward! We couldn't have asked for a nicer travelling "mate". We appreciate your putting up with us for three weeks, Edward and we are enjoying having a look at your photos. Once we figure out how to get our photos out of the camera we will send you some of the better ones. Hope you are remembering to take your Malarone! Glad to see you've arrived safely in New Zealand. Looking forward to following your further adventures!!

Well, go to the top of the class. What a lovely message to read. She is right, of course!! Had a long day in the garden with Angela - planted red cabbage and leeks, sown more lettuce; Dad had chopped wood and moved yet more stones. It's been warm and still. The wire cage you made for me is now in service - protecting plants out of the greenhouse before going into the garden - protecting from the bunnies that is. I have contructed a mega cage in the kitchen garden with green wire mesh panels. It looks jolly smart and I defy any bunny to get through it!! Troub le is I have to get more from the garden centre to finish the job. When you get home there will be so many lovely vegs to eat. Hope all is well in NZ and that you have found somwhere nice to stay. Will write again soon. Lots of love, Mum

To Edward's Family:
I just wanted to tell you what a fine young man you have raised.

We were on the GAP Peru tour with Edward. Going into the trip we knew that 9 of the 11 travellers were family or friends of ours - we were a bit worried about how the other 2 would fit into "our" group. When we found out that one of the others was 19 years old, we thought "this poor guy will be bored to death with us!"

Having spent 3 weeks with Edward I must say he was a marvelous travelling companion - polite, smart, very funny - some of my best memories of Peru will be of laughing over a pint!

I am looking forward to reading about the rest of his adventures...

Nice to hear your voice last night. Six in the evening here so by all accounts you should be in New Zealand by now. Glorious sunny day here. Ross and Jim still busy in the hills with David and Len helping. Mummy and Charlotte were in Newcastle today, need I say more? Curry from Marks. Look forward to seeing more photos as your trip unfurls.

Lots of Love Dad

Heya Ed, Hows everythign going? soory that i didn't amnage to leave a note on easter day was rather busy on the farm and trying to keep all the sheep in order!According to Rich he has sent an email to you about me..what ever he has written is not true...that is if he has even written anything to you at all!! i never know wheather to believe him or not when it comes to things like that! looks like your having an awesome time.Keep sending us all the pikkies...its great to see where you have been and what you have seen...but i wasn't best amused when i saw the pikki of that massive spider, trust you to out it in! Anyway i will speak to you soon, lovely talking to you the other day on the phone!lots of love x x x x x

Following up my text message....Auckland Central Backpackers!! V Easy to get a taxi from the airport there!!!!! Either phone 093584877 or go to www.acb.co.nz Also check your email...sent a v amusing video of last years B social 6.1's!!!
Enjoy NZ...National Museum in Auckland is pretty interesting, and there's a museum about Scott and the Antarctica!! Sea world or something. Do and see as much as you can, as it really is the most amazing country!!
Take care, travel safelyX