Hi all hope you are all well.
Well another continent is about to start. We have spent the last 15 weeks in a camper van and are now looking forward to beds again. Still, we have had an incredible time here and can see why people rave about it. Since the last blog update we have seen a great deal of the North Island, in fact all of the North Island. Amazing place, but like most, we preferred the South Island.
One of the highlights had to be the volcanic areas that although stank of sulphor were amazing to look at. They supplied us with geyzers that flew 18 feet into the air, bubbling mud pools and spectacular views like the one above. As you can see it was chucking it down, something that happens far to often here.
Another must do on our trip was a rugby game which again is something I would recommend. We watched the Wellington Chiefs against the Crusaiders. The Chiefs were 8th in the Super 14s and the Cruisaders hadn’t lost once. We won still against all odds. Must have been us. The game was in the evening and we had spent all day watching the V8 super cars racing round the town. Not as exciting but I did manage to blag our way in for free.
Our final highlight had to be sand surfing. It involves hurling yourself down huge dunes on a boogie board. As you can see, the dunes were massive. IF YOU LOOK CAREFULLY AND ZOOM IN, YOU CAN SEE MIRIAM IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND CORNER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FIRST DUNE BY THE WATER WITH A WHITE AND A YELLOW BOARD. The dunes were about 50 meters high and god did we know about it. They took about 15mins to walk up the steep slippery slopes then only about 15 secs to slide down. Definately worth it though.
After lying down (as we supposed to) the big man decided that we should stop being whimps and try it standing up. Here he is giving us a quick lesson.
We eventually sussed it and Miriam even had a go. I would love to have tried one of the bigger slopes with a proper board, oh, and a drag lift.
So, off to South America tomorrow and we land in San Diago for a night then onto Bolivia followed by Peru then Mexico. Looking forward to the historic sites again as well as hotel rooms (Colin, you did us proud still!!) Bit worried about the time frame as we only have 3 and a half months left. Sounds a lot but time is really flying by. Will update you soon and keep the comments coming.
Cheers folks.
The three of us
Its hard to think you have been away nearly nine months, but we do miss you guys, especially AM but he does look a woose on the boogy board. I’ve heard of big boards but that is ridiculous however he has got a better stance than Rich!!
By: GOG on May 1, 2008
at 4:08 pm
Miriam – At last I have found you! WOW what can I say apart from you lucky lucky cow!!! Sorry but I am so jealous. Poor old me is still here stuck in boring old Deeping, working Mon – Fri 9 – 5pm. One positive though is my son Jake (3) – he keeps me on my toes. You must be having an amazing time! Please get in touch cos its been sooooo long! Louise Stimpson xxxx
By: Louise on May 4, 2008
at 4:33 pm
Hi yoy 2, I’m now in the 21st century or at least my computer is. So poor things your wowed out with pretty stuning scenery so it’s back to the old ruins- you’ll be very much at home then when you visit. I green with envy with whate you’ve done and seen but I dream on and enjoy from the warm, dry comfort of the couch. Shame bu will be seeing you again all too soon it might have gone quick for you but it seems ages since it was still on countdown to go. love Barrelxxx
By: Barrel on May 8, 2008
at 2:13 pm
very, very nice you have money a lot to plain this excursion! when i and my girlfriend have some money we also go
By: florin on October 3, 2008
at 10:08 pm