My trip to the Antipodes

Hi Folks!

My goodness what a day. Woke at 4am, in jet lag terms that suggests that I was having my aftyernoon nap. However the sky was full of stars. Street lights were off and the sky was full. Back to sleep and woke again at 6:30 to the sound of stair rods. Very heavy rain and I imagined a wet bungy later in the morning. By 8 o'clock the sun was out and we've had a fantastic sunny and hot day. I gather that it is expected to get hotter. Not particularly goods  news with 15 kilos on your back. However, back to this morning. Rolled up at 10am to the bungee bridge, weighed in at 89 kilos, stripped off and jumped. Brilliant though the guys up top made sure that the viewing gallery had extra time for photos. I wasn't worried as little JT who seldom pushes himself forward, was hidding well away from all the ironwork and strapping around my groin. Apologies to my granchildren, though I know that my kids wouldn't havr expected anything else. Another box or two ticked and another tee shirt in the bag. Unfortunately the river wave boarding was cancelled due to lack of numbers, like I was the only one. A pity that the morning session had clashed with my bugee. When I checked to see if the afternoon session was on or not the morning group had just arrived back. 4 or five very healthy young ladies struggling out of their wetsuits. Dammit.

I treated myself to a fine winery lunch to get over my disappointment. A very nice 2007 Pinot Noir to go with a rack of lamb and "Jersey" spuds. Deserved I thought.

My drive down from Queenstown to here, Kinloch Lodge was fantastic. The scenery meant that I was constantly pulling over to take more photos. The last 12/15 miles was on dirt roads with a few fords thrown in. I enjoyed myself!

Have  spent the last two hours or more sorting out my rucksack ready for tomorrows 5 day tramp. I have been well briefed by DOC (Dept of Conservation) who do a great job of providing huts, signposts, water points and bogs as well as making sure that everyone is accounted for. I think that I have put in all essentials... just remembered bog roll..with noodles, meusli, homey, marmite, biscuits, dried fruits and 3 potnoodles. They take me back 40yrs.

Can't hang about, my last 2 dollars has just gone into internet coin box.

No reception here so not able to reply top me-maiuls . Maybe better on the tops but if not will be in touch again on Friday. Sarah has details of where to view my Bugee on the web... if you really want to see it.

bfn   bertie