I'm not a fan of early starts and this morning was no exception. I was picked up by Steve's Shuttle at 5.10am and taken to the airport. Fortunately the other people aboard seemed to share my feelings about the early hour and it was a very quiet journey.

My bag weighed in 300g short of the max limit. Phew! Going to have to work on shedding some weight before flying home or else there will be no room for pressies!

I attempted the automated customs channel with my e-passport but hadn't finished reading the instructions on the machine before it took a photo of me, which meant I had my glasses on and it rejected me! I'll know next time. The flight was incredible as we left. A clear day and spectacular, uninterrupted views of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. I was glad I'd had a salmon and cream cheese bagel in the airport as the brekkie was very uninspiring.

On arrival I had prepared myself for the bio security scrutiny. I had declared that I had been in freshwater areas and in contact with soil... When reaching security everyone was going through the nothing to declare channel whilst I was sent in the opposite direction by a uniformed man. I was getting ready to hand over my tent etc as I walked along the walkway... To the exit. I still don't know wether I did the right thing but shortly after I said hello to steve and after relocating his car we were on the road to Wollongong.

The scenic route Steve took was beautiful, coming through the forest and down the coast. I was amazed by the noise that the Cicadas made, it was almost deafening.

On arriving at the house I had a lovely warm welcome from Steve's fab wife, Ruth. Their two children, Kieran and Connie, were quiet at first, but soon warmed up! I was introduced too to Byron, the 8 week old Bearded Dragon, who was very placid and great with the kids.

After a spot of lunch we drove to the harbour and I treated the children to a bunny/clown ice cream. We all stopped dead in our tracks to watch two very low flying planes, which came over the headland. Brucey bonus points for anyone who can identify them (uncle bob excluded from this game!)

The kids played at the playground and we headed home. I was shown red backed spiders in the garden and saw cockatoos in the wild for the first time.

After supper and a couple of glasses of bubbly to toast our recent engagement I snuggled into my comfy bed.