Hello All,

Well this was a special week for us with Charlotte being 25 but will cast my mind back to Sunday in Greymouth!

Sunday 2nd March

We stuck our tent in the tumble dryer the night before and all is well and dry the tent came out unharmed!!

We set of for Greymouth and as we approached the weather wasn't great but better than where we left it. When we arrived at our hostel called Global village it was fab, lots of funky decor and art that made you feel relaxed and at home.

We took some mountain bikes and headed out along the dam walls to the peeble beach. Cold springs to mind and the sea was grey but I attempted to build a shelter for C and I but I failed miserably at as the wind blew it down.

Not much else for that day, Greymouth has walks and things but not much happening, a good stop over I would say.

Monday 3rd March

We headed back to Hokitika as we booked into a craft shop to make Jade and bone stone carvings. Place was called Bonz and Stonz or something like that! the weather was really nice that day but we were indoors slaving away at our art work. This was real good fun and reminded me of my craft and design days. I had a little help when I nearly mucked up the top of the stone but apart from that it was all my own work and I am proud of it.

Charlottes bone carving hook she did for me was really cool and she smiled proudly at her achievements.

We decided to go a walk to the harbour point but it was taking ages and we got a little scared as a boy racer car with 6 guys in it all with there hoodies up circled passed us at least 8 times, as we looked around we realised the neighbourhood didn't look like the most friendly street in the world. We managed to get back to the hostel and we may have been a little paranoid but after 8 times you start to think the worst!!!

We took the car out to the harbour point and watched an amazing sunset, you could also see to the south Fran Josef and as it was a real clear day you could see the top of the glaciers. Really nice

Tuesday 4th March

We headed for Hanmer Springs the next morning where we were staying in a little cottage for Charlotte's big day on Wednesday. When we got there it was a nice sunny day, the couple who owned the property were really nice and the cottage was fantastic. Cheltingham Cottages they were called.

We wondered around the village, had a wee devonshire tea and scones. I also bought some last minute presents and the big thing of the day was we booked the bungy for the following morning of Charlotte's 25th birthday. At night we were given free wine in the Billards room from our hosts and we met some lovely people. A bit tipsy we headed for a bit to eat in the local bar /restuarant called Jolly Jacks. This wasn't pub food and was of a high standard for the money.

The owners had a golden lab called Jordie and it was so friendly, I played with it a lot and reminded me of my deceased dog Pugsy. Same Character as Pugsy and everything, I couldn't fit him in my backpack to take home!!!!

I am now handing you over to the birthday girl for the rest of the blog!

Wednesday 5th Feb

Well, we got up to another gourmet breakfast which was delivered to your suite with my mum's surprise present on the tray which was a full body massage - Thank you, mum, little sneaky woman!

Next - we headed off to the old ferry bridge and checked in for a bungy jump ( bought with money from Iain's family, so thank you - i will never forget my 25th!).......Iain made me a '25 today' giant badge for me to wear and off we went. As we got our ankles strapped together, i thought what the hell am i doing.....but you have to do something mad for your 25th! There was me, Iain and another guy and I chose to go 1st....the worst bit was standing on the edge with my toes over the edge and i couldn't let go OF the rails so the guy said hold onto your thumb so that you have something to grip and go the first time or it will get even harder!! So he went....3.....2.....1......and aaaarghhhhh i didn't even here him say "go bungy" and i was off - can't believe i jumped, it's definately mind over matter but it was soooo scary, you're falling all the way until the tug but then it's even worse as you bouce back up and wait for the next tug........i couldn't even let out a scream!

I was lowered into the boat below and was shaking but at the same time it was fun and i am so glad i did it! Iain on the other hand jumped off with his jimmy hat on and loved it!! He had a face of determination in the photos....He now wants to do another 1 on the North Island! I'll stick to having a go at Skydiving!

After that we spent the rest of the day at the Thermal Pools which had 9 outside rock pools at temperaturse of between 36 and 42 degrees and a smelly sulphur pool! We had a private sauna & steam room aswell and i had a foot treatment and a facial while Iain had a 1hour men's facial and loved it! I went back to the B & B and had my body massage which was wonderful ( never had 1 before) but will definately be wanting another 1!

We then had more champagne and went to a lovely Indian restaurant for tea - excellent food!

We have just stopped for lunch in Kaikoura on the coast and have another 2 hours driving up to Picton for the night, where my mum's friends have recommended a mussel restaurant for tea so we'll be off to that and we will catch the fery across to the North Island tomorrow lunch time and we will arrive in Wellington 3 hours later!

Oh, by the way Iain has had it confirmed that he's going back to his old job at Standard Life which is great as he won't have to go job hunting as soon as we get back home and we can pay the mortgage!!

We will blog when we get to the North Island, speak soon

C & I xx