So. . . . . Just got back from the little jaunt with Jade and yes we had a top time. . . . . ! And yes I did (we did) get to do some rafting (good stuff). But before I get in to all that there?s afew bits left to tell ya about my trip back the other day. . . . Quad biking and stuff!

So, I left Kaikoura nice and earlier and just missed the sunset rising over the ocean. I was heading off back down the coast to Christchurch, but on the way going to do some Quad biking. . . Didn?t really know what to expect, but hey. . . .

Got there a little early and had a good chat with the guy, a farmer who?s land it was and the Quad biking was a bit of a good side line! The other guy and his son turned up and before we knew it we were kitted up and asked to ride around the yard a bit and up and down a bank, basically to see if we could handle the bikes. . . . They were some awesome Honda 4x4 thingy?s!

Then once he was happy that we could handle them we were off. . . . Turns out this guy is 3rd generation of the farm land, all 1600 acres of it and we had the pleasure of riding through it all the way to the coast line. To say it was awesome would be an understatement. I tried to compare it with what you would get it the UK and to be honest, it just does not compare, so I think you get my point. . . . ?! We were out for about 3 ? 4 hours and yeah, it was great! Fantastic scenery and just great fun on the bikes. . . . !

So after leaving there I got back on the road and headed back taking in a few really small coastal villages on the way, just to stretch my legs. What I did find though was some crazy back roads. . . . Now, NZ doesn?t have many main roads, but once you get out of the cities you have a strong chance of hitting some of the ?gravel? back roads. Now these can be a little dangerous, but I have actually done a little bit of rally driving, so found it great fun in the old chicken chaser!

I got back to Christchurch and hooked up with Jade and Dean and we went out for some food before going to their friends house. . . However after the food, I felt exhausted, so didn?t last long at their friends place. . . Instead, Jade dropped me back off at home and I watched a movie with Mark. . . . .  We were up early in the morning again anyway, as me and Jade were off down south. . . !

So in the morning we headed off towards Methven and small town south west of Christchurch and I had planned for us to do a couple of walks on the way. . . . We managed to find most of the places and did a few good walks, in fact nearly 5 hours worth, so we were feeling a little tired when we got to Methven. . . . We had some food and a bit of a drive round taking in the area, etc.

We stayed at the local YHA, which was pretty coolio. . . . And the local pub had great food and served Guinness, so all was good. . . . ! we up early in the morning though for the main event. . . . I had managed to get us booked in for the White Water Rafting on the Rangitata River. . . ! Now this is supposed to be one of the best rivers in NZ for rafting, with some grade 5+ rapids!

So me and the slightly nervous Jade (never done rafting before) got to the place on time and settled in before eating some food provided. We then all got kitted out with plenty of clothes, as it was gonna be freezing!

We got down to the river and loaded the boats and we were off, 6 of us plus the instructor. . . . The start of the trip was really steady, just all the safety stuff and basically working out all the moves and if we were all good enough. . . . I think the team worked quite well together, although the 2 Irish lads in the front did get a bit slack at times! Not much to say about the rafting really other than it was absolutely awesome! Check out the photos and see. . . . We did 2 grade 5 rapids and nearly flipped the boat on the first one! Now I mean flipped, not toppled. . . ! The instructor actually hurt himself. . . . ! So yeah, awesome fun. . . Towards the end of the river we had the opportunity to jump in off a 10 meter rock face. . . . Clearly I was up for that and did it. . . . ! Wow, it was a little cold. . . I had already been in a few times and obviously got wet, but jumping in from that distance is slightly different. . . Great fun though!

After the rafting we had a few beers and a BBQ and purchased the photos of the trip then legged it, as we wanted to get up to Lake Tekapo for our 2nd night stop over. . . ! We got there just as sun was setting over the edge of the beautiful lake, we got checked in at the hostel, had a bit of a drive around, then went for a few beers and to find somewhere to eat later. . . .

We ended up eating at the local Chinese restaurant, which turned out to be really nice! I ate too much as ever though. . . . Later that night we chilled out in the hostel for a bit and I ended up playing a bit of poker with 4 other people. . . .wait for it, not for money, but for. . . . . . . Jigsaw pieces. . . ! How cool is that. . . . Now, if it was for money, I wouldn?t have won, but because it was for poxy jigsaw pieces, I kicked their asses! Still a wins a win!

To bed reasonably early and up early again to make the most of the last day before heading back to Christchurch. In the morning we drove all the way over to see Mount Cook and it was worth it. . . I will go back there properly, but it was still nice to get a glimpse of the place! The scenery you drive through is something else. . . Huge ice blue lakes, etc, etc!

We then headed back to Christchurch and there was an emotional goodbye with the chicken chaser, before sitting here and typing this. . . . So that?s it. . . Great fun, as ever! Big smiley faces all round, Jade had a great trip and really enjoyed the rafting, saying it?s one of the best things she has ever done! Happy days! So tonight then, it?s jade Birthday tomorrow and Deans on Thursday, so there is a bit of a party going on at their friends house. . . Not sure what to expect as their music taste is a little different to mine, but hey whatever, Live The Dream, Right?!!

So will let you know how we get on. . . . ! Off back to Oz and to Melbourne early on Thursday morning, so think that?s pretty much it for NZ for now. . . . Ciao people, keeping smiling and share the love. . . . . Just a little thought though before I go. . . I got an email through the other day with this story on it and just thought I would share it with you!

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One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. " They really should get lives. " He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, an d I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"  He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. " Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse!