I am in Nelson. I still can't get a file of photos uploaded but have managed this one of Debbie (on the right), Ailsa and me up the canopy walkway. Will try again later.

Had a great say out in the Southern Highlands on Thursday. We did a tree top canopy walk and a hike along the rim of a valley; no cake though! I'd really enjoyed my few days in a truly beautiful part of the country but it was time to leave for NZ.

Poor Debbie had to drive me to the airport at 5,45am :) I was impressed with Quantas having heard awful things about them. It was a great flight until we neared Wellington. The pilot warned us the winds were very high and we were in for a very turbulent approach and landing...the ONE thing I had been dreading. W'ton is in the top ten most difficult airports to land at and the weather is a massive factor. Sure enough it got so bad that the plane was plunging and flipping from side to side as well. The cross winds were causing us to land at an angle! People were screaming and all the kids were crying. It was bedlam. Now, here's the weird thing, I was giggling and actually rather enjoyed it. I just kept hearing Matt say that they don't land if it's not safe. Who needs Chessington World of Adventures? I had my own roller coaster ride with much better views :) Predictable round of applause as we landed.

Life inside the airport was a bit turbulent too as a flight from Auckland had been turned back. They changed the gate for my Nelson flight so that it was sheltered from the wind as passengers were being blown over walking out to the planes! As we went out to board it was hard to stay upright and the poor lady in front of me was blown off the bottom of the plane steps but was cleverly yanked back on by her husband. A real belly laugh went through the dozen passengers on board when the stewardess announced her name was Hope...priceless moment!! As we sat on the tarmac the plane was being thrown around but off we went! What a take off. These planes are very small turbo jobs but, once we climbed, the wind became tolerable and although it was gusting at Nelson it was fine. We descended over Rabbit Island and the Crusty Crab Cafe and it felt like coming home.

Helen was waiting at the airport and we were soon sat down with a much appreciated cup of tea. Took a walk to stretch my legs after dinner and nothing had changed; great band on at the pub! Had the best sleep in a very long time. Off to the market today for breakfast and then...who cares; being here is enough.