Beckster So glad to hear that you've made it back to CA safely!! You, like so many who have gone, there have fallen in love with NZ. I have some other friends that were ready to relocate the minute they returned and are still considering it for long-term residence. Looking forward to seeing more pictures and hearing all about your adventures. Talk to you soon... Beckster

laura No Zorbing unfortunately as it was in Rotarua only an that place was swamped by tourists so we were warned away and there was no practical way for us to fit it in. Apparently though there is some place in the US they are starting to do it. After the abseiling I realized my limits, no way could I zorb, I would puke!

holly hi you guys! well, i guess you're going ot be back tomorrow but i wanted to let you know i looked at your pictures, i really liked the climbing ones. but where is the ZORB???

Shane Glad to see you made it back safely. Did you like Milford Sound? The sand flies are very hungry. :)

Timothy Unbelieveable pictures, you two! Looks like its been an incredible journey... I understand there were some mix-ups with your return flight. Still need a ride, or will you two be turning into US-expats?

laura Thanks Chris for the update on le purr and le mew...we've been thinking about them. Hope you're enjoying the "pad"

Laura OMIGOD! Can I just SCREAM?! This freakin machine is a pentium II running windows 98 and it's taken me 20 minutes to upload 25 pictures. So there probably won't be much more downloaded until we get back to Auckland. It's DAMN hot here in Christchurch 29 degrees celsius (approximately 90 degrees fairenheight with 80% humidity) We have over 800 pictures so far and have sent back 3 packages of things we've bought to my office in SF. Gotta go Phil just got back...time to eat!

X-opher the Master of Felines What a blast looking through these pictures. I hope you two are having the time of your lives. The cats and the apartment are fine and -- other than the homeless heroin addicts I've invited to stay with me-- just as you've left them.

Mom and John Sorry we missed your call. I was downstairs. I was puzzled by your comment and had to re read my last message. I guess I wasn't clear. I meant the " in person" story you will tell us when you see us about each photo. Glad to know that the world will be here tomorrow when I wake up :). Looking forward to more photos.....

Mom & John

Mom and John How great! Leave it to you guys to find the kitties! Everything looks wonderful. We are waiting for the narration to go with all the photos. You both look so relaxed and happy. We're sure glad you're having such a terrific time. What wonderful memories. The abseiling looks like lots of fun. John says he'd love it. We'll check back soon for more photos.

Ann Laura and Phil Who gifted you with the caves expedition? Friend or foe? Seriously, it sounds ike you're having the adventures of a lifetime! Can't wait to hear more in person....

Andrew You were mentioning gloworms, but it looks like you guys had to transform into worms yourselves to get through some of the spots in that cave! Yikes! I could feel my body start to ache when Laura was talking about it being the hardest physical day of your life. What a sense of accomplishment though. Looking forward to your next set of photos!

shane Dinner is a must, but since it is summer is a barbeque an appealling?

Shane Glad to see things are going well on your trip. See you soon. Shane