Sheila writes:

We've been in Queenstown (northen Fiordland) for three days - in a little hostel with a back garden and terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range....fantastic! There are even a few tiny patches of snow on the mountain tops. The scenery and views are straight out of Lord of the Rings (literally!). Yesterday we climbed the lower slopes of Ben Lomond (yes - really!!) just at the back (north) of Queenstown and had a 'challenging' steep descent through pine forested rocky slopes with brilliant views over the lake. We visited Mt Coronet skiing area today - with super 180o views of 2500m tall mountains in all directions. No snow just now (its early autumn here) but fascinating to see the deserted guts of a big ski resort out of season - with at least six big snow machines and four chair lifts with all the chairs removed and lying on the ground!

Treated ourselves to a lakeside glass of local (central Otago) Pinot Noir yesterday and while we tried to do our bit last night for Earth Day by putting out our light, the rest of Queenstown and even the rest of our hostel carried on as usual, apparently unaware....

We were spectators at the most famous bungy jump in the world today - at Kawarau Suspension Bridge, with a 43m fall. I was surprised when we got there because it didn't look nearly as bad as we expected and only one (girl) out of about twelve people we saw bungying chickened out when she saw the drop..... The river below looked so inviting today (aquamarine water and pretty deep and cool looking) I was nearly tempted....mmmm......maybe next time....no - maybe not!

We're off south to Te Anau and Milford Sound tomorrow. We're hoping to do some sea kyaking - so watch this space...

Yes - in case you're wondering - I typed this myself - my hands are getting better and I even managed to drive the car today...hurrah!