Although I planned to get back on track and write a weekly blog, not all things go to plan. We have found ourselves in a situation where we cannot communicate easily with the outside world. Yes, us, who used to frown at folk constantly attached to their phone and losing the art of conversation. Perhaps we have become part of that group!!

I have to confess that the situation has occurred where we have become quite reliant on checking 'Facebook,' Whatsapp and email. Of course this does not happen while talking to others or when being served in a shop; however the thought of not having all this technology available at our fingertips has been quite strange for the last few days. I think we have both been quite amazed how easy it is to get 'hooked.'

So here is my new blog entry so much has happened, too much really to put in one blog, so this is a taster, I hope you get a flavour of what we have been up to.

The whole reason for this year is to experience a change in lifestyle. For years, absolutely years, I loved my job and worked hard, but for all different reasons things change. Last year, in particular while commuting I kept seeing what I call 'grey people' - perhaps it was me, but when I observed them, they seemed trapped in their everyday existence, their routine, their commitments, their financial responsibility. Basically the lives they were living, for some, had become mundane, ordinary and this commitment weighed them down. Some longed for Friday and dreaded Monday morning, perhaps this is how I felt. The decision we made was to look at life from a different perspective.

We have only been away for six weeks and have already been inspired by so much. Naturally, we have been on a budget - it's not all about spending the savings and worrying about the consequences. We wanted to stay in good accommodation at a fair price. Our main providers are Airbnb, Bookabach (NZ), Booking.com. It's amazing where we have found ourselves and who we have met. Everyone has a story, a dream that inspired them.

When I started this blog we were on the rugged Westcoast of South Island, Granity. Phil and his wife, were inspired to build pods on the beach with the most phenomenal views. They now have a café and bar. There is nothing else in Granity, so it must serve the community. Everything was clean and modern, but I'm not quite sure what it would be like in the winter! We sat on the wild beach and ate our dinner, watching the immense waves crash on the beach, you felt the power of nature. A rather special moment.

Prior to that we stayed in Tasman with a couple, Roger and Stephanie, who converted part of their house in to a spacious self-contained apartment. They thought of everything - it was just beautiful. She gave up her job and turned a dream into reality. We definitely needed to be there longer than two days!

I think that sometimes when we are immersed in 'our own world' we forget the act of human kindness. May be, because we have more time, we are just more aware, but we have encountered so many kind people - the man who turned his car around and gave us a lift to the station in Plimmerton. It turned out he came from Barnet and left 28 years ago.

On the way to Wellington we stopped off to see our neighbour's ( Dave and Rhoda) sisters in Paraparaumu. It was only meant to be a cup of coffee, but an hour and a half later we left and to be honest we only went because we had to return the hire car. A lovely lunch was provided by total strangers who invited us into their homes and made us feel so very welcome.

We left Wellington on 25th February under a clear sky for our three and half hour journey to South Island, although crossing the Cook Strait was extremely windy and rough, nothing prepares you for the beauty of arriving at Picton Sounds. The ferry slows, as it passes through the narrow passage with islands- fjords either side. It moved almost silently along the still, tranquil water, as not to disturb nature. It must have taken an hour to get to our destination of Picton; however there was slight disappointment when the journey came to an end. It was a such a beautiful experience that will stay long in the memory.

I think we both knew that the scenery in South Island would be amazing, but we have been stunned around most corners. Jeff felt a little cheated in Argentina, especially over the Andes, that he had not been able to drive the bends in the road, the thrill, the exhilaration, the excitement. Well, New Zealand, his dreams have come true, it is full of winding, challenging roads and the further south we go the greater challenge we find.

In the South Island every piece of land is used for something - forestation, orchards of apples and pear, which grow in abundance. It's still strange that we are in March and the fruit trees are ready for picking!! . Then there are hops, vineyards and olive groves that go on for miles and miles.There are cattle and sheep everywhere - up mountains and on the river side.

The most surprising thing to me is the amount of cyclists. Both men and women with their tents and heavily loaded panniers - like all things some seem to be more streamlined than others. The ride from A to B is huge. Once committed, they are miles from anywhere their destination their only finishing line. I wonder if they are cycling away from someone's arms or cycling to a warm embrace. Who knows, but I do hope it's worth it! Under the clear blue sky and hot, hot sun they cycle their two wheeled friend up and down the long, steep winding roads, putting their trust in their ability, determination and their bike. I've always been amazed and truly in awe by the fact that Jeff, Jonathan and Matt go for miles, but this is a whole new level!

Abel Tasman is one of the most beautiful places, it's only drawback is that in the summer months, it has a captive audience, for the water taxis to charge large amounts of money to take the tourists to inaccessible bays. Deciding against the tourist taxis we found an almost deserted beach. We walked on the white sand and the sand banks, it was as if you were on a tropical island. As the tide rushed in the sea birds, of all varieties stood watching for the catch of the day. Under the perfect blue sky and covered in Factor 50, our new best friend, I felt quite emotional that we had been so lucky to come to such a place.

As we left Abel Tasman, we thought the views would be less inspiring, yet we found for the majority of the journey we travelled with the River Buller - we drove down into the gorge, where the road narrowed and meandered with the twists and turns of the ever growing river. The river ran clear and azure blue.

As we travelled down the West Coast on the Ocean Road towards Awatuna, to our new destination passed the huge beaches where the enormous waves crashed onto the shoreline. We drove for 12 km, up a partially unmade road to Ruru Hut, I felt Jeff's trepidation as we approached, but very soon we realised we had found a little'gold mine,' Another couple who had only been together for a few years - that was a story. Annie resembled Joanna Lumley, quite bizarre, with her leopard print glasses on, such an absolutely fabulous character. John, rough and rugged, who knew everything about the land, the mountains and the surviving. I'm not sure it looked like this prior to her arrival, but now the hut had high quality linen and finishing touches that just made us smile. The bathroom was amazing - with white bathrobe and a fabulous shower. The outdoor bath, where you could watch the amazing night sky - the sight of the whole solar system at touching distance. We sat out until late with the open fire. Unfortunately the mosquito loved Jeff - even though we used the spray and have taken the garlic tablets and vitamin B. Ha!!

I have to finish this blog, we have encountered so much and learned so much from the people we have learnt about their thoughts and opinions on politics, global warming and life. I hope it captures a snapshot of what we have been up to. Phew it's done!

I haven't mentioned out visit to the Fox glacier - next time.

Well we keep moving south and have now reached Wanaka - another favourite. I hope all is well in your world and I hope the weather is getting kinder. Love to you all.