ma were back from hols, and have missed your updates. Your lagging behind, time to catch up!!

guess who? Glad to hear you met up with gail, look froward to hearing what north island is like

jen i was reading about the pukeko, one conclusion was that they were very brave and not afraid of traffic another was they were very stupid and did not know there was a danger of being squished. Take your pick. Glad to hear the rain has stopped.

lynn The birds can't fly. They are New Zealand birds, after all. The rain has finally stopped after three solid days of downpours.

Jon Can the birds not fly out of your way? And is there any sign of the rain easing up?

jen Funny how you have to travel half way round the world to meet someone from newtownards!

lynn There only is one route from Wanaka to the glaciers. It is north over the Haast pass.

mum Did you drive the coastal route from Wanaka or go over the alps to FJ, we are following your route on the map so detail is useful. FJ looks like a better choice than Fox, bigger & more to do.

lynn I will have to check and see if it is where the mints come from. Trust James to be thinking of food.

ur ma Forgot to tell you malcolm's brother Noel summitted Everest on Sunday, he is now back at base camp. anext he is going to do a 17,000 k bike ride down to the coast before coming home. A bit colder than NZ! Have you decided which glacier yet, James says is fox where the mints come from?

mum you should send Gail your journal link and she could keep track of you too

jen Everyone following you on map and enjoying your journals

jen Joe's number is (0064) 35477426

jen Well done you, I knew you'd be ok. We're so jealous at home and check for your updates daily. Now that you're on the road it will probably be a bit easier, smaller hostels may be better to meet people, but you'll know best what suits you. I will look for Joe's number honest!

Jennifer Glad to here you arrived safely, looking forward to seeing some photos. Jon's e-mail address is [email protected] Will send Joe's number when I find it!