Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Hello everyone
At last I have managed to find a computer, and the time, to do another blog. Actually, it's quite good that I couldn't get on line before as Ian and I were both a bit disappointed the first day we arrived in Christchurch and picked up the campervan. Our first thought when we looked at it was AAAARRRGGGHH !!! So were our second and third thoughts. It seemed rather cramped and a bit tatty. BUT after a good night's rest we worked out the best way of setting up the interior, so that we only leave it set up for sleeping, and it's good that it's a bit tatty as we don't have to worry too much about any damage - the hire company don't really care !!!!
So - New Zealand is utterly FANTASTIC. It is so beautiful and we have had mostly glorious weather. The best place for me so far, and I think for Ian as well, was Mount Cook, where we stayed for 2 nights. We took a 4WD trip up onto the Abel Tasman Glacier and looked down at the lake with all the icebergs. Our guide uttered the immortal words, whose combination I'm sure I won't ever hear again, "the icebergs have blocked off the beach". Icebergs and beach in the same sentence - amazing. There had been so much rain that the lake rose by 7 metres, the wind blew the icebergs onto the beach area and the lake then went down again stranding two of the big ones - when I say big they weigh 150 tons each. We were able to go down and actually touch the bergs and to break off bits to "eat" (drink?). It was fantastic.
We have now driven down to Queenstown, along a stunningly beautiful route, with hardly any traffic and today took the cable car up to the highest (yes- beautiful) point and then walked down again. I say walked - it was more of a scramble for the last third as there isn't really much of a track down there.
All in all, we are having a brilliant time and New Zealand is certainly a great place. There has been much laughter about our van, but it's working out really well and is a great way to get about.
Anyway, must sign off now as we are about to go and have something to eat, with possibly (definitely) a nice glass of NW white wine to wash it down.
Lots of love to everyone and I hope none of you are too "snowed in" in the UK. There is lots of snow on the mountains here, but we stand in the blazing sunshine to look at it - sorry !
Issy and Ian
xxxxxx
- comments