Hiya Guys
Sos been while again to do diary but finally getting chance now. So last time I left you I was off to explore Kaikoura in South Island. Woke up to that fab view of the sea and mountains, bit cloudy today but off for coastal walk 2 hours, was really nice but cold wind, great views and great pictures (promise on blog soon). Alison and Fiona went whale watching and saw 6 photos were fab, so when get them will pop them on the blog too. Drove to Christchurch on afternoon, not too bad arrived at YHA hostel which really nice and few drinks and meal out tonight, Thai food which was really lovely, starting to get a taste for this so think when get to Thailand should be expert in what to eat ha ha!!!
Not too much of bad head this morning after me and Alison managed to drink all our beers (24 case eeeee!!!) Picked up two new group members today, Dorothy and Ben from Paris really nice couple. So off to Punakaiki today. On the way stopped off another waterfall, sure Lockey is obsessed with us seeing every waterfall in NZealand ha ha!!! Drove further up the coast road which was really scenic and arrived our hostel on the beach. This is one of the most lovelest places Ive stayed in New Zealand, me and Alison chilled out on the balcony watching the sun go down and having of course few beers, well you know it has to be done!!!!! Went up to the Pancake rocks which were really unusually formed like layers of pancakes on top of each other with the waves crashing in on them was really lovely to see.
Next day up early again packed bus and set off for Hokitika, chance for two hour walk or shopping, I choose the latter, feeling bit tired and in need of bit retail therapy. Terry was queueing for the new Harry Potter Book - mad mad mad fan, and in this little town there was a queue outside the only book store, was funny to see all the kids dressed up too!!!! Walked down to the beach with Alison it was so pretty and quiet, found some fab stones and drift wood. You know me and my collection of rocks!!!! Set off for Franz Josef and on the way was a great walk with 360 degree views of the south mountain range. I tell you what steps wasnt in it, me and Julia and Fiona were at the back and cursing as we went up and up and up and up!!!! View was great though and worth the climb, Lockey so funny said to us only few steps up we were like, oh yeah wait till we get back!!!!! He just laughed at us!!!! Arrived tea time at Franz Josef at this cool hostel, had a "Luv Shack", hot tub and fab verander with hammock to chill out, weather nice too, still cold but sunny.
Morning up and out to do my walk up to the Glacier Valley, I didnt do the hike cos Lockey said with my fear of heights might not be good idea as I might freak with the height of the glaciers and walking over or through them so it was the good old feet for me. Met three guys on the shuttle bus and can you believe one of them was from Newton Aycliffe (what a small world eh!!) There were in the army and on exchange programme. Walked with them up to the Glacier and then I took the Callery Waiho walk back on my own - 3 half hours later and two suspension bridges arrived back at Franz Josef village. Really pretty walk and really enjoyed some me time on my own. Chilled out for the rest of the day and did laundry and internet. Managed to get insurance to go skiing in Queenstown for me and Alison so really looking forward to that.
Off next day early start again to Queestown, we drove over Arthurs pass which had fab scenery and stopped off at points, we were in snow!!!!! Sledged down hill on cardboard which was good fun, snowball fights broke out along the way too!! Lockey had cracking shot and hit Alex on the head so funny had to be there though!! Frozen lake on the way we all out on it sliding around was so cool, few cracks appeared and some of us made a run for it!!! Lockey made me sit right at the front for the drive down into Queenstown, talk about twists and turns on narrow roads, my heart was in my mouth couple of times!!!!! Defo fear of heights is getting better I think!! Arrived in Queenstown, which looks cool and happening place, snow in the mountains and went to Pig and Whistle for some homely grub, pie peas gravy and chips, was fab with couple of beers to wash it down. Me, Alison, Julia, Fiona and Terry headed on to another bar for few more drinks and so funny Fiona not had drink and she was the one who fell over in the bar!!!!! Tuesday 24th Skiing today, felt really weird with boots on and ski's, had lesson and really enjoyed it, didnt fall over until after lunch when back on slope for lesson 2, enjoyed it but dont think its a sport for me, for one too expensive and I hated getting knocked over by others who couldnt stop!!! Alison is hooked, sure we will see her soon in the olympics, watch out for little un!!!! Tonight bit of disaster, found out someone managed to scan my cash card and took 1500.00 out of my account little sh*** eh!!!!!!!!! Bless Lorraine in England my saviour and helped to get sorted out with the bank, fingers crossed will get back but take about 3 weeks so not got cash card, Fiona helped me out bless her. So night out for us to -5 bar which was really cool, bar made of ice with sculputures, had to wear coat, gloves and booties only allowed in half an hour cos of coldness, but really pleased we went in and got drink with price !!!!. Off to more bars, with more drink and dancing!!!! Eventually wobbled home at about 3.30am happy!!!
Next day bit of bad head but lie in and full breaky made for us from Lockey. THANK YOU!! Horse riding today, raining but hopefully will help to clear the hangover!! Travelling up to the valley, I felt so sickly even though sat infront of the van but managed to keep it in!!! Ride was great we saw places where Lord of the Rings was filmed and the guide was really great and told us loads of info about the making of the film and we had two of the horses who appeared in the film and she told us the secret about the Orkes!! Did you know they were really all women dressed with padded suits and they carried those large shields and spears!!!! Power to us girls eh!!!! My horse was really strong and going down this hill decided he would jump down instead of step, yep guess what jolted my neck ahhh!!! Third bad luck thing I hope. Early night for me with hot bottle on neck and bed.
Next day up early, 6.45am left on big tour bus for Milford Sound, five hour drive and two hour boat cruise on the fjord. Really long day, but worth it for the scenery and views of dolphins in the sea!!! Back about 7.30pm, few of us started to get bus rage near the end we just wanted to be back!!!! Last day in Queenstown so I popped into town to post some stuff back home, quick email check and then off to Arrowtown to pan for gold. We didnt find any like shame !!! Went up on the Gondola, this is a small lift for four people which goes up the side of the mountain to give great views at the top. Well you can imagine me, Lockey so cruel got in my lift and I was cursing somat rotten, eyes shut most of the way but managed it, had to come back down too like!!!! Saw some guys bunjee from the top of this, I felt physically sick and had to leave really strange cos watched bunjee at Lake Tapo but think cos I was on the ground much easier. Headed back down with Terry and Fiona and still had to shut eyes so far down!!!!
Off to Mount Cook today - 28th July - really remote place with highest mountain in New Zealand, fabulous views again and a lake so blue and more glaciers to see!!! On the way called at salmon farm for fresh salmon for dinner tonight, we fed them then half an hour later they were ready for us to take!!!!! Tasted great!!!!!
Last day of tour today, back to Christchurch felt like forever to get back but finally there. Chilled out and in hotel for the night, managed to sneak Steph into mine and Julias room so she can fly out to Sydney with me tomorrow. Went out for Indian food really different to ours back home but still nice was craving nan bread!!! Fly to Sydney 30th July so will check in with you guys when get there and promise try and get pics downloaded too.
Luv and hugs to everyone and send me your news. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tuesday, 31 July 2007
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
18.07.2007 - New Zealand North and South Islands - Thermals at the ready!!!!
Hiya Guys
Sorry been while since Ive posted what Ive been up to but hard to get to internet when on tour and hostels so busy and sometimes expensive for time. Anyway what have I been up too?????????
Arrived on 8th July and Kara and Emily - Kiwi's from America tour met me from the airport bless them, had lovely day catching up with them and meeting family and Karas's two little dogs, lovely walk along the beach, tried not to sleep cos lost full night and day so wanted to make sure slept night at hotel before the trip.
Set off on the 9th July on our trip, met group there is 10 of us including Lockey tour guide. There is Alison, english girl travelling the world too, Julia, Katherine, Caroline, Terry, Fiona all english, Stephanie and Alex (only guy)american and we have two french joining us in Christchurch later on the trip. All really nice and we getting on well. We had two days in the Bay Islands and cos its winter here knew weather would be bad but didnt expect what we got, there was storms and a state of emergency was called while we were there, unbelievable floods everywhere and bit hairy in the hostel with the trees and wind blowing a gale, but we survived and headed out on the only road open to Waitomo. Here we visited the caves and saw the glow worms who live there, was like lots of small green xmas lights everywhere. We then went on night walk which was so funny, Julia and Steph were really scared in the bush walk, so funny, saw more glow worms and caves with unusual features. The night sky was amazing to see all the stars and we even managed to see a shooting star!!!
Next day we drove to Rotorua and visited the Maori Arts Museum with thermal area and geysers, reminded me of Yellowstone National Park but still nice to see but smell just as bad, smelly socks defo!!!!!! On the afternoon, me, Fiona, Katherine and Lockey went white water rafting. This was really brilliant we went over the largest water fall, 7ft high and other smaller ones, the river is classed as a 5 which is the highest for rafting allowed!!! There were 14 rapids too, this was amazing and the pictures coming down the waterfall and parts of the river are just fab cant wait to show you them!!! Night time we went to a traditional Hangi concert and dinner which showed us the New Zealand culture and song and dance, great night and great food. (Chocolate log was gorgeous!!)
Next day we set off for Lake Taupo and on the way Lockey took us to a thermal pool where we all went in swimming, was lovely and hot and relaxing only thing missing was the bottle of beer or wine to go with it ha ha!!! Then we hit 'Rocking Ropes' dont ask me how but I got talked into doing a 45ft high platform swing. Most of you know I hate heights and I was harnessed up and shaking at the bottom, climbed up the pole and so far to the top I honestly could have cried, infact when got to platform and it was swaying I did cry and was hyperventilating (dont you lot laugh!!!. Caroline came up too and held my hand - thanks to her!!!! Well it was jump time and I just shut my eyes and when the guy shouted 1,2,3 jump went for it, I couldnt believe how much I felt I was stuck in mid air and then a big jolt and the swing swang across the area. All the group cheered at me and shouted at me to open my eyes - I did give them a few choice words but then opened eyes and felt great for doing it, but not sure if ready to do bunjee ha ha!!!!!!!!!! Visited Huka Falls later on that afternoon and walked by the river to town, needed to buy new boots cos mine leaking like mad, well not mine really borrowed off Farrah (drama group member) 6 years ago and never got them back to her!!!!!!!! Cold too so bought thick pair of trousers and thermal socks. Drove up to Mt Ruapehu, hostel was cold like we ended up in our sleeping bags and blankets too!!!!
Big Hike today between the mountains, was really cold and frosty but walking we got warmer and warmer, so stripped off the layers. Hard work but fabulous scenery, saw the volcano where they filmed Lord of the rings!!! Can see why they filmed them all here too the scenery is so changing and great to adapt for the films.
Next day set off for Wellington, long drive got to the hostel, which was more like a hotel and had a chill afternoon, so laundry sorted and visited local museum. Really interactive fun place could have spent more time but had to be back to cook. Went for couple of drinks in Irish bar, really liked this place pity didnt have more time to explore but sure will be back cos Terry lives here now and said would come back to visit, you know me more free beds!!! ha ha
Up early for the ferry across to the south island, beautiful crossing, usually can be rough but we had fab one. Watch Shrek 3 too in the cinema with Terry passed couple of hours, on getting to South island the scenery changed again was beautiful and can see why they say the South is the prettier island. Drove to Nelson, this is Lockys home town and got to hostel, had free afternoon so thought would hit the internet cafe and do the blog and pictures!!! What a big mistake, the guy there said I could use my xd card in the sd reader, AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It scrambled it and now I cant get any of my pics off, so really sos, no pics of the above till I can hopefully get an expert place to try and unscramble if they can. Cried like a baby was so sad on Monday night but hey ho chin up and emailed the gang from america trip and some going to send me cd with theirs so at least will have some. It learnt me though no way will I put my xd card again, will use camera everytime. So plea out to Trish, Yvonne, Lindsay and Sharon and Peggy to send me any pics from Canada, Winston Salem, Jacksonville Florida and Memphis and Hawaii!!!!!!!!! Poor Lockey when he checked on his computer and we then check my CD which thought had backed up but was blank I just cried and bless the rest of the group were so brill and supported me. BIG THANKS TO FIONA AND ALISON XXXXXXXXXXX Rang my Mam bless and her and Dennis trying to get intouch with fuji to see what we can do. BIG THANKS TOO XXXXXXXX
So onwards and upwards cos had trip booked next day to do Kayaking in the sea and costal walk in national park with a water taxi out and back. This was lovely day and really hard work on the sea cos wind was up but me and Fiona managed to get to where we needed to be and it wasnt too cold. ha ha!!!! Night out for the gang too, headed for Sharkys bar with great deal 4 beers and shooter for $13 cant be robbed. How funny it was that the oldies (Me, Alison, Lockey and Fiona) were the only ones left towards the end of the night. A couple of vodkas and coke later and we set off home and we had the giggles so much when we came out, Alison ended up in the construction site posing in the trucks for pictures, I nearly wet myself laughing, it was so funny!!!! When we got back to the hostel, Steph said we were like teenagers laughing in the room!!! EEEE what am I like, showing bad example to the young ones!!
Had bit of lie in today lovely didnt get up till 9.15am, shoulders sore from kayak but no bad head thank goodness. Decided to head out for breakfast cos not setting off till 12.30noon so had, eggs, bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms and toast and fresh orange, which was the best Ive ever had!!!!! Set off for Kaikoura four hours to drive, passed the seal colony on the way, they looked so cute but great to see in own natural habitat. Short walk to another waterfall, which was cool to see. Arrived at hostel and our room has the most fab view of the sea, mountains and snow on the tops. So promise pics taken and will try and get them on the blog soon.
Lovley to get your comments on hawaii pics check out what I said back by clicking on that page. Off to explore Kaikoura tomorrow so will check in with you guys later in the week.
Love and hugs to everyone. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sorry been while since Ive posted what Ive been up to but hard to get to internet when on tour and hostels so busy and sometimes expensive for time. Anyway what have I been up too?????????
Arrived on 8th July and Kara and Emily - Kiwi's from America tour met me from the airport bless them, had lovely day catching up with them and meeting family and Karas's two little dogs, lovely walk along the beach, tried not to sleep cos lost full night and day so wanted to make sure slept night at hotel before the trip.
Set off on the 9th July on our trip, met group there is 10 of us including Lockey tour guide. There is Alison, english girl travelling the world too, Julia, Katherine, Caroline, Terry, Fiona all english, Stephanie and Alex (only guy)american and we have two french joining us in Christchurch later on the trip. All really nice and we getting on well. We had two days in the Bay Islands and cos its winter here knew weather would be bad but didnt expect what we got, there was storms and a state of emergency was called while we were there, unbelievable floods everywhere and bit hairy in the hostel with the trees and wind blowing a gale, but we survived and headed out on the only road open to Waitomo. Here we visited the caves and saw the glow worms who live there, was like lots of small green xmas lights everywhere. We then went on night walk which was so funny, Julia and Steph were really scared in the bush walk, so funny, saw more glow worms and caves with unusual features. The night sky was amazing to see all the stars and we even managed to see a shooting star!!!
Next day we drove to Rotorua and visited the Maori Arts Museum with thermal area and geysers, reminded me of Yellowstone National Park but still nice to see but smell just as bad, smelly socks defo!!!!!! On the afternoon, me, Fiona, Katherine and Lockey went white water rafting. This was really brilliant we went over the largest water fall, 7ft high and other smaller ones, the river is classed as a 5 which is the highest for rafting allowed!!! There were 14 rapids too, this was amazing and the pictures coming down the waterfall and parts of the river are just fab cant wait to show you them!!! Night time we went to a traditional Hangi concert and dinner which showed us the New Zealand culture and song and dance, great night and great food. (Chocolate log was gorgeous!!)
Next day we set off for Lake Taupo and on the way Lockey took us to a thermal pool where we all went in swimming, was lovely and hot and relaxing only thing missing was the bottle of beer or wine to go with it ha ha!!! Then we hit 'Rocking Ropes' dont ask me how but I got talked into doing a 45ft high platform swing. Most of you know I hate heights and I was harnessed up and shaking at the bottom, climbed up the pole and so far to the top I honestly could have cried, infact when got to platform and it was swaying I did cry and was hyperventilating (dont you lot laugh!!!. Caroline came up too and held my hand - thanks to her!!!! Well it was jump time and I just shut my eyes and when the guy shouted 1,2,3 jump went for it, I couldnt believe how much I felt I was stuck in mid air and then a big jolt and the swing swang across the area. All the group cheered at me and shouted at me to open my eyes - I did give them a few choice words but then opened eyes and felt great for doing it, but not sure if ready to do bunjee ha ha!!!!!!!!!! Visited Huka Falls later on that afternoon and walked by the river to town, needed to buy new boots cos mine leaking like mad, well not mine really borrowed off Farrah (drama group member) 6 years ago and never got them back to her!!!!!!!! Cold too so bought thick pair of trousers and thermal socks. Drove up to Mt Ruapehu, hostel was cold like we ended up in our sleeping bags and blankets too!!!!
Big Hike today between the mountains, was really cold and frosty but walking we got warmer and warmer, so stripped off the layers. Hard work but fabulous scenery, saw the volcano where they filmed Lord of the rings!!! Can see why they filmed them all here too the scenery is so changing and great to adapt for the films.
Next day set off for Wellington, long drive got to the hostel, which was more like a hotel and had a chill afternoon, so laundry sorted and visited local museum. Really interactive fun place could have spent more time but had to be back to cook. Went for couple of drinks in Irish bar, really liked this place pity didnt have more time to explore but sure will be back cos Terry lives here now and said would come back to visit, you know me more free beds!!! ha ha
Up early for the ferry across to the south island, beautiful crossing, usually can be rough but we had fab one. Watch Shrek 3 too in the cinema with Terry passed couple of hours, on getting to South island the scenery changed again was beautiful and can see why they say the South is the prettier island. Drove to Nelson, this is Lockys home town and got to hostel, had free afternoon so thought would hit the internet cafe and do the blog and pictures!!! What a big mistake, the guy there said I could use my xd card in the sd reader, AHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It scrambled it and now I cant get any of my pics off, so really sos, no pics of the above till I can hopefully get an expert place to try and unscramble if they can. Cried like a baby was so sad on Monday night but hey ho chin up and emailed the gang from america trip and some going to send me cd with theirs so at least will have some. It learnt me though no way will I put my xd card again, will use camera everytime. So plea out to Trish, Yvonne, Lindsay and Sharon and Peggy to send me any pics from Canada, Winston Salem, Jacksonville Florida and Memphis and Hawaii!!!!!!!!! Poor Lockey when he checked on his computer and we then check my CD which thought had backed up but was blank I just cried and bless the rest of the group were so brill and supported me. BIG THANKS TO FIONA AND ALISON XXXXXXXXXXX Rang my Mam bless and her and Dennis trying to get intouch with fuji to see what we can do. BIG THANKS TOO XXXXXXXX
So onwards and upwards cos had trip booked next day to do Kayaking in the sea and costal walk in national park with a water taxi out and back. This was lovely day and really hard work on the sea cos wind was up but me and Fiona managed to get to where we needed to be and it wasnt too cold. ha ha!!!! Night out for the gang too, headed for Sharkys bar with great deal 4 beers and shooter for $13 cant be robbed. How funny it was that the oldies (Me, Alison, Lockey and Fiona) were the only ones left towards the end of the night. A couple of vodkas and coke later and we set off home and we had the giggles so much when we came out, Alison ended up in the construction site posing in the trucks for pictures, I nearly wet myself laughing, it was so funny!!!! When we got back to the hostel, Steph said we were like teenagers laughing in the room!!! EEEE what am I like, showing bad example to the young ones!!
Had bit of lie in today lovely didnt get up till 9.15am, shoulders sore from kayak but no bad head thank goodness. Decided to head out for breakfast cos not setting off till 12.30noon so had, eggs, bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms and toast and fresh orange, which was the best Ive ever had!!!!! Set off for Kaikoura four hours to drive, passed the seal colony on the way, they looked so cute but great to see in own natural habitat. Short walk to another waterfall, which was cool to see. Arrived at hostel and our room has the most fab view of the sea, mountains and snow on the tops. So promise pics taken and will try and get them on the blog soon.
Lovley to get your comments on hawaii pics check out what I said back by clicking on that page. Off to explore Kaikoura tomorrow so will check in with you guys later in the week.
Love and hugs to everyone. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
04.07.2007 - America, Hawaii, Oahu - Independance Day!!!!!!!
- Fireworks (sorry wrong way round)
- Peggy and Me - Yep drinking again!!!!
- sun set Cruise!!!
- Gorgeous beach (like the new hat!!!)
- the Screamer!!!
- Peggy and Me on the Screamer
- One of the views from our hotel room (14th Floor)!!!
- The original funnel of the Arizona ship
Inside the Arizona Memorial
- Pearl Harbour
- One of many pictures of the show
- Me with Mr Right ha ha!!
- Canoe Padgent
- Tonga (Korean Guy was so funny!!)
- New Zealand VillageAloha Guys
Hows things back there in rainy England, everyone keeps telling me about the crappy weather your all having so sorry Ive got sunshine and blue skies, but just to make you all feel better I leave on sunday and head to -2" in New Zealand, thermals will be back out and new coat will be first purchase ha ha!!!
Anyway back to Oahu and my days since my last post. What havent me and Peggy done wow!! Saturday 30th we went to the Polynesian Cultural Centre which was fabulous and had meal and the show was just really pretty to watch, the costumes are so gorgeous. Whats really good about this place is that all the people who attend here have been studying at the university here and to pay back their student loans they work here for a year or two and then move onto jobs. Also they are all from the islands that are represented which is even better cos they are learning about their own culture and keeping it alive to pass onto others well worth a visit if you ever here this is one tour not to miss.
Sunday 1st July we headed up to Pearl Harbour and the famous Flea market. The Arizona Memorial is a really special place and when you see the film and names listed of all those that died it really touches you. Flea market was great and we got few bargins, yep I was that tourist and bought tacky too, got a coconut that is a postcard and other stuff. Mam another box heading to you after today with more of my goodies in and xmas decorations, honest think will need three trees by xmas 2008. ha ha!!!!!!!!!!
Monday 2nd July we chilled out but then went for a boat ride on 'The Screamer' yep exactly what happened this was so exhilerating (sos spelling not good) we got so wet but had such great fun and laugh and scream was amazing 45mins of pure pure speed and turns and fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Found really great bar, yes I know me and booze again!!! Its Nashville bar - country and western, Sean, Joyce you would love it!!!
Tuesday 3rd July, poor Peggy not too well so she stayed home and I headed off on beach experience on other side of the island. I got there early and there was no one on the beach, picture should be above. Then started filling up but it was lovely and chilled out, but we were robbed said we had bbq lunch, was from the takeaway restaurant next door!!!!!!!!!!! Never mind you live and learn. On the night time we headed off on a Sunset Cruise across the bay and to Diamond Head and back to port to watch the fireworks at the Alamona Tower. These were great and we had prime viewing spot.
Tomorrow we are off to Big Island Hawaii, Im doing half tour with hike up the volcano and lava flows, so Adam I will try and get you pictures to show your science teacher that your Aunty Kaye's was there too!!! Peggy doing a full day tour round the island we both have to be up early so it will be couple of cans and bed by 9.30pm I think (yep know what your thinking, dont think so!!!)
Peggy leaves Friday morning be sad to see her go weve had a blast both here and in Turlock but Im sure we will meet again as the song says and sure her and the family will be heading over to England to meet you all too.
Anyway guys time to hit the beach one more time before the snow and the rain of New Zealand beckons. Take care and catch up soon, might be while again before get on internet cos on 21 day tour, so Martin dont worry its just Im finding it hard to get to internet access.
Luv and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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