We woke to an early morning alarm, did a quick fast walk, and then threw things in the car for a 4-hour drive and one-night stay down south near Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. First after today's drive and the accumulated others, I must say that I have had enough of driving! I cannot get excited about driving to another destination - anywhere!! No more. Breathe deep, breathe deep. Yes, however, in spite of all the driving required, Mt. Cook and the bus ...

Today was a total travel day. After catching the 6 am shuttle to the airport to enable the three hours Virgin Australia said we'd need to get through international security, yada-yada, we zoomed through everything and then proceeded to sit a while until it was at last time to board our Air New Zealand jet to Christchurch. It was a nice flight though and the scenery at landing was exhilarating—completely different view from what we've seen so far and reall...

Stephan said there was absolutely nothing to do at Goulburn and he was right on the money. That's ok though. We woke to a steady light and cool mist outside, so no exercise walkie today! We took our time getting packed and ready and then stopped for the complimentary continental breakfast in the restaurant. If you want a full breakfast, it is available, but all the old folks like us opt for the freebie. We greeted the chef because he was there and cooked ou...

Today is Stan's Birthday! Happy Birthday, Stan from me to you with love!! What a quaint and happy little place we found for last night's stay. I think I will always remember Ruthergen, Victoria. We actually stayed in the area until about 2 pm today, getting to know the inn-keeper a bit, learning about her young family and how it happened that they left the city and moved out here to Rutherglen. We toured the little town and visited recommended wineries. We...

Today is the last day for Stan to be at his current age! Tomorrow he officially turns another year older, although if he were still in the states, that event would occur 16 hours later. Freaky Australian time! None the less, I want to be the first to wish this wonderful man of mine and father to our daughters, Happy Birthday!!! Stan, you are indeed, you are the light of my life! We saw more countryside today. Honestly, once you leave the city, any city, the...