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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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?

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

Everyone following you on map and enjoying your journals