"Scotland on Steroids"-tourguides words

Smith planned an awesome journey from Te Anua to the Doubtful Sounds which is in the heart of fiordland. We woke early to catch a boat to a bus to another boat in which we toured the sounds for 3 hours. It was am awesome journey with mountains rising stright up out of the water! We saw seals and made it all the way to the Tasmanian Sea! We were able to stop all along the way to take pictures and view the scenery. There was a nature guide with us who pointed out all of the animals and plants as we passed by. After our trek, we got some exercise along a beautiful lake, cooked up some dinner in the car, and headed to Queenstown where Smith had a backpackers booked. Little did we know it would be the most hippie/out there backpackers EVER, but just add it as another different and unique experience. We are giong to play golf today and hike up the gondola path. We will camp out tonight to have to peace and quiet away from the other crazy travelers!

Keplar Track and Te Anua

Eh Mates! Smith and I hiked the first portion of the Keplar Track yesterday after a camp out in Queenstown. It took us about 4 hours in the pouring rain. It was a vigorous workout! 3/4s of it is uphill-can I say burning thighs? It was like hiking through a rain forest-what I imagine Costa Rica to look like. At one point, I felt like I was in an enchanted woods and a little creature should pop out and say hi! The trees were mossy green and there were spots of snow along the top ridge. We made it to the top with a new hiking buddy and slept in a hut with 60 other hikers. It was quite the experience meeting people from all over the world and playing spoons (the card game). The hike down took us about 3 hours, and we immediately found a place to stay because we were exhausted. Tomorrow we wake at 7 in order to whale watch in the sounds. Smith has booked this special adventure-can't wait!

Marth arrives!!!

From Marth: After 41 hours of travel, I was absolutely delighted to make it safely through customs in Christchurch and walk out into a sea of people and immediately spot Smith! Tears filled my eyes and I gave that handsome boy a big hug! What a Christmas. I feel so fortunate to be in New Zealand with Smith. We slept in a cool, cozy back house and didn't get up until 11. I met Nico and Lui, who are very cute and constantly on the go. We immediately got to work and bailed some hay. Nico chased the alpacas around the pasture-hilarious! We headed to the golf course for 9 and both played really well. After going to the grocery and picking up the ingredients for a home made cake, we bar-b-qued with a couple of other families out back and then played rugby/football in the sprinklers! I was proud to say that the cake tasted like Mom's! It is 65 degrees and Christmas Eve. Things could not be going any better. This family is hospitable and fun! Tomorrow, Smith and I will head to Queenstown. Lots of love and a Merry Merry Christmas! We have much to be thankful for this year and every day!

From smith- As you can imagine, I have been becide myself with excitement about marth's arrival. We a 'fun filled christmas eve day that martha has spoken of previously. Having marth as a woof/travel partner is such a delight.

Sailing in the sounds

From Christchurch I took the scenic route through the mountains to the west coast then weaved back east up to the marlborough sounds of the upper south island. The 3 days i spent on the road were filled with day hikes, golf, whale and seal adventures, beach walks, 100 yard long swing bridges, rock castles, photography, Did a bit of track digging with mike. He took me sailing on his 25 foot boat which was unforgettable.

Land of the long white cloud

I should be sailing day after tomorrow up north. I decided to take the long way getting there though Arthur's Pass which winds its way through the southern alps. I have been very glad i did.

Last night I slept in a hammock strung between tree and car stearing wheel (seen above) due to the absence of trees, it worked perfectly as i had yet another night among the stars.

Less than a week until Marth arrives: cant wait!!

Christchurch with a family of 4

2 boys (5 and 7) so it wont suprise you that activities include wrestling, legos and dinosaur books. Did a bit of tree work and painting. Jason and Kate are great. I have slept in hammock every night although they had a nice sleepout. Too nice under the stars. I have many funny stories from this week but they will have to wait. Marth here in a week now. so excited.

The Southern Alps