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G'day
This is our last blog from Australia but we have much to tell you about covering the last few weeks. The first bit of news is unrelated to the holiday but for those who know Paul (Tank) and Jane they have had their first baby together. They have had a boy but have yet to name him. Apparently he takes after his dad so we should send some commiserations to Jane.
Anyway back to the holiday. On the day following the last detailed blog we went on a flight in a little six person plane around Kaikoura and saw a whale. It was pretty cool but we were not certain if we would see one before we had to land. Then it just appeared. Its size was immense which isn't really reflected in the pics but it was a great sight. I would love to pilot one of those little planes although the landing was a bit nervy coming through some trees with the wind picking up slightly.
We subsequently departed for Hanmer Springs. This was the surprise I had kept from Jen since Valentines day. We were booked into a nice motel so we did not have to stay in the hippy mobile for at least one night. Further more I had booked us passes for the natural springs. They ranged between 36 and 40 degrees perfect for a slightly chilly (although sunny) afternoon. This was followed by a steam room and a half hour massage during which we both nearly fell asleep. It was a very relaxing day clearly tough on both of us!
The next day we again had access to the springs which included a private pool although we did get very hot and slightly dehydrated which was not sensible. Before this we did a hike up one of the mountains (big hills). This was probably the closest to exercise we came in a very long time despite our original plans for the trip. It offered beautiful views and it again reminded us of Austria and other alpine areas.
We returned to Christchurch for one last night in the campervan although spent much of the evening in yet another Irish bar listening to live music.
Unfortunately the flight back to Sydney was delayed which meant we spent around seven hours in the airport. I read a book from cover to cover and still got bored from the spare time. It felt like returning home when we finally reached Aunt Jeans. She had dinner waiting and we were soon asleep.
The following day we were fairly lazy doing a little shopping and cathing up with the family but we made up for it. The next day we visited Paddy's Market in Sydney. Before walking around Darling Harbour up to the Rocks past the Opera House and around the park/botanic gardens. It was a long day but it was beautiful weather and we could relax in the park as the sun went down. However, as one of the pics shows (a picture of a boring tree until looked at properly) there were tens possibly hundreds of bats in the trees all around. They were fascinating to watch although we wanted to get out of the park before night fall just in case.
We went out with Jackie and met some of her friends in a pub in the evening. It has been a great time to meet the family and to get to know them.
Yesterday we got a train to the Blue Mountains and visited the Jenolan Caves. Again this was great but we needed more time a day was not enough we should have stayed the evening in Katoomba but maybe next time.... We returned to Darling Harbour in the evening. There are great views of the city and several nice restaurants we had steaks for $10 you can't beat it although the pancakes we had as dessert were also darn nice.
We leave Australia tomorrow and we will definately miss the country. The family have been very friendly and made us feel at home. We also feel we have seen so little of the country we have to come back to see more (especially giant fibre glass things!).
Vancouver is our next stop we will try and update the blog then.
All our love.
Rob and Jen
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