Howdy folks!

Yes we are still alive. I know we haven't been 'blogging' much, but we're not often near civilization (and even when we are, there are rarely computers - or at least ones that work!) and to be honest - we're having far too much fun. Therefore, I'll give you a quick run down of the main things we've done since we last spoke!

Left Wellington and crossed to the South Island on the ferry. What an amazing journey. The most beautiful boat crossing we've ever had - not quite Norn Island to Scotland! We then worked our way down the west coast of the South Island, taking in breath taking scenery (and lots of sandflies! and bumble bees!). Then Grandpa Smurf decided he wanted a bit of a rest for a few days (key ignition wouldn't work!). But found the best hostel in the world to stay in for a few nights. Well, we parked in the car park and slept in the van,... but used all the facilities. Just as well cause a massive storm hit the west coast for a few days so at least we were in the best place! It had a real homely feel to it, with a sauna, hot tub, gym, free bikes and a movie room. Brilliant. Then we went to the glaciers. First we climbed a mountain to view Franz Joseph Glacier, where the views were great and I made friends with a mountain parrot - a Kea, beautiful birds. Then we drove south a bit and did a full day hike on the Fox Glacier. Fantastic, but hard work on the feet due to the crampons attached (to the boots to stop you falling on the ice) - and the really sore muscles from the mountain hike the day before! Then we drove to Queenstown and did a skydive. Brilliant brilliant brilliant. Andi wasn't a fan but I loved it! We upgraded from 9000ft to a 12000ft jump at the last minute cause I really really wanted to do it - but Andi wasn't so keen on this idea, but credit were credit is due, he did it too. Although it took him a few hours to get his stomach back down into the right place again - I think it's the longest it's taken him to drink a beer too - and he was quiet for quite some time afterwards, which I'm sure you all know, isn't like him at all!!!!! It is a scary and strange feeling just jumping out of a tiny plane and tumbling downwards at 200km/hr, freefalling for about 45seconds before the shoot comes up - and thankfully it did! Was a bit worrying though, that in the disclaimer you sign it says that there is a risk that the shoot may not open and it can result in serious injury or death! Great experience. Then from there we made it to Gore to stay with a friend (Dan and his girlfriend Bianca) for the weekend. From here we went to Bluff for some famous oysters (in batter) and to get our photo taken at the sign, so now we've been to the top, middle and bottom of NZ.

Along the way, we've seen some great places too, like Lake Matheson (from the famous photos that look like a mirror image cause the water is that still) and went for a walk in the forest, in the pitch black to see glow worms, and came across a few big possums along the way!!! Lots of other little bits that I won't bore you all with - you'll just have to see the photos! As it takes ages to upload photos here, and the fact that we've taken about 3000 in New Zealand alone, we will just put up a few select ones when we get a computer that can do it. To see the rest you'll just have to come round for a beer one night and be bored to death while hearing all the stories. You never know, we may even put a slide show together, and provide cups of tea and scones. Don't you just love seeing other people's holiday photos, ha ha!

Right, we're off now to carry on with the adventures. Leaving Gore tomorrow to work our way up the east coast again - where I'm hoping to have some great encounters with more great New Zealand wildlife!!! Who would have thought that New Zealand has penguins! I suppose the next stop from here is Antartica afterall. Can't wait!

So for now, this is Nic and Andi signing out!