Hello everyone, This may be anither long one, but here goes. Monday 10/7 Topday we headed off to do our full day on the Franz Josef galcier. The weather was rainy but spirits were high. Got kitted up with waterproofs which turned out not to be waterproof, hat and mittens, big bulky walking boots complete with plasters and ice talonz to assist us in gripping to the huge ice cube. The 9 of us (Team Extreme) arrived at the base of the glacier and we were all amazed with it's size and beauty. Absolutely amazing. The next 6 hours involved hard work climbing the gacier, holding on and slipping lots. We explored blue ice, avoided steep edges, got v.v.v.cold, laughed alot, avoided big plunge pools filled with freezing cold water (Bens leg however managed to find one and he slipped down to his knee - so so funny as he was equipped with an ice axe to avoid these obstacles and to look manly - he failed) We all squeezed through gaps in the ice and saw the most beautiful rainbows and then a couple of rock falls in the surrounding rainforest. After the descent we were greeted with hot choc back at the centre and we then chilled with a welcomed pasta dish and a nice hot shower and an early night. Great experience. Have a look on google at Franz Josef glacier to get a better picture of where we were. Tuesday 11/7 Travelled down to Wanaka and it was still raining. We checked into the Wanaka hotel and went to book our 2day ski pass at Cardrona with Kate and Heather. We then got our hire clothes and met up with Ella na dRobbie whom we met in Thailand. Had a great evening catching up but a bit tired from the bus journey. Oh accompanied Ben to the docs and Ben has Tendonitis on his right hand - In a bit of pain but being manly he's fine with it. He said that it was the worst case he'd ever seen - so Ben thinks!! Wednesday 12/7 Early Start to catch the bus up the mountain to Cardrona. The 4 of us were faced with the giggles and desperate need of the toilet as we got stuck on the mountain on the way up due to a blizzard outside. I had to help the driver put the chains on the wheels as Ben has a sore arm. After 2hrs We arrived at the ski resort and got set with poles, boots and Skis and headed for our first lesson. Really enjoyed it and the 4 of us had a great time. Had lunch woth Hot choc to warm us up and then went to meet our crazy Italian instructor where the 4 of us had a private lesson and we went on a real snow run!!!!!!!! Took the lift upp and Heather decided to grab me as we got off and we both went flying - funny but painful. Really bruised my left ribs, and rather quite sore. That evening we all had a long soak in the bath to help our aching muscles! Thursday 13/7 Another day on the slopes and boy do i ache. Ben went straight into the group 4 class as he was so good and us girls were in group 2. I lost my confidence a bit in the morning as the paralell turns were a bit trickier and the instructor from yesterday had different basics to this guy - total contradiction! In the afternoon i was back on form and was turning like a pro - well nearly. Graet day and Ben did so well. Bring on the snow again. Went out for a meal in the evening with Ella and Ben went home early and i stayed out till the wee hours of the morning and hit bed after 3am. Great night of pool and catching up, giggling and too much drinking. Ok so a bit more to go, so have a drink and take a breather. Friday 14/7 Woke up still drunk. Ben found this hillarious as we had a bus journey to Queenstown (silly girl) Felt rough as anything and just wanted to sleep. Had french toast for brekkie hoping it would cure my condition and got on the full bus to Q'town. It all went a bit downhill as i went white and felt v.sick. Fortunately i had nurse Kate to my side and she grabbed a bag and i sat at the back of the bus and was sick - oh how ladylike. Tom and Paddy in front were very caring and i managed to hide the whole episode very well untill we got off the bus at one of LJ Hacketts bungee jumps and Tom took a photo of me and my bag and Ben laughed lots!!!!!!! We then watched a few mad ones jumping off a bridge and we then landed in Q'town to chill and book more adventure activities. Had a Fergburger for dinner and then hit the bars to drink teapots filled with alcohol (i felt a lot better by this time) Bumped into Beth from the Whitsundays sailing trip in Oz - small world. I then left the party and grabbed an early night. Saturday 15/7 Woke up and realised that today is the day i jump off a 106metre canyon ledge and swing on a bit of cord for fun!!!!! Felt a bit nervous as worried as to wether my MS might relapse from the gforce and the extreme jump! Ben helped squash those fears and the lads Edward, Tom and Paddy all promised to look after me and be big brothers anfd nurses if need be. Got to the place at 3ish and i decided to jump off with the pin drop where i hop off the side - head high, feet together and hands clasped behind my back. Looked down and said bye to the lads and jumped. Crazy, amazing and fantastic. Loved it. Sunday 16/7 Day trip to Milford sound. Saw the sun rise and went to a reflecting lake. Took a boat ride around the Milford Sound/Fjords where we had dolphins jumping the waves and at the front of the boat. Saw seals and the scenery of this national park was absolutely amazing. The waterfalls were amazing with rainbows and the long day was filled with treats for the eyes (so the kiwi driver put it) Today Spent the day chilling after a long lie in. Ben however threw himself off a gondola doing the Nevis. He loved it. Am sure he will update you all soon as he has just gone off with the lads for a manly burger and a beer!!!! Off tonight to get our team extreme t.shirts which we have had made - what a laugh, and then off for our last meal together up the mountain via a gondola overlooking the lake and mountains. We head off tomorrow to Christchurch where we will be staying with mums cousin Russel and wife Vonnie who we have never met, but really excited about getting to see them. Cant believe we only have a few more weeks travelling. The time is flying by. Miss you all lots and lots Loads of love Zella and Ben x x x x x x x