misty eyed

hello from the south island where at the moment its rather misty and raining. dont really care as to be honest i am following in my west coast roots and havent had a shower today so perhaps the rain will wash me clean (along with some of my tan)...... actually there is a reason for not showering and that is because i actually think that i might have come out of the shower dirtier than i went in it this morning - to say they were a bit rustic might be putting it politely and you had to pay $2 for the privelage... i dont think so. so i saved myself (poor ricky) until we got to our new campsite where we have just arrived so i can have a free scrub.

the last few days as usual have past in a bit of a blur. on friday we went to the nz v india cricket game which was great fun. the sun shone for us all day and we had a picnic and a few beers and enjoyed the day. we left wellington early on sat morning for the ferry across the marlborough straits and although we had been warned it might get a bit choppy as it can be quite windy we had a near perfect crossing with no sea sickness from mr murray - i am starting to think he has finally found his sea legs. the views across the straights were absolutely stunning and reminded me of sailing up to mull.

once we landed we wasted no time in driving up to abel tasman national park on the top of the south island. the drive was a bit hairy in places for ricky ( a few tight corners) however i was sitting back and enjoying the view - pretty immense - its like scotland a lot but more extreme ie everything is bigger, greener and right in your face. we found a lovely we campsite right next to a cool we beach and then we headed out for a walk and some beer and sampled the local macs gold - cheers for the tip fi - it certainly did the job.

yesterday we got up bright and breezy and decided to test those sea legs again by doing some sea kayaking up to split apple rock which was brilliant fun - arms are still a bit achy today but it was definetly worth it. we were in a double kayak and ricky was getting his own back on me by soaking me with his paddle (no dodgy comments please jim) every five minutes. we passed so many we isolated beaches and the water was so tranquil - we then got on a boat and headed further up the coast to do a bit more exploring of the park. we got off and did a bit of a hike to an amazing vantage point where we could sea across to the north island - it was so clear. after a frantic walk back to make sure we caught the boat we manged to have a wee paddle, the water was freezing but so nice and refreshing after being roasting from climbing up way too steep hills for my liking.

we packed up and ventured a little south where we found a recommended campsite - recommended my arse - it was manky and to top it off it had loads of midges - but i did however for the first time manage to get a full mobile reception to enable me to phone home as it was my dads birthday - happy birthday dad - even if i did misjudge the time difference - sorry everyone.

today we drove down the coast, where the weather has changed a wee bit, however i am sure it will clear by tomorrow. we are basically at the foot of the franz josef glacier and are hoping to get out on to the glacier tomorrow for a bit of a hike before heading for a view of mount cook. we will then be pressing on to queenstown where ricky will contemplate giving up his life all in the name of a bit of fun to do a bungee jump - pray for him people.

so its all good - hoping i can get some pics of the kayaking up soon - keep me updated with whats going on your end - big shout out to em k and mark who are celebrating birthdays this week - hope you have a good one xxxxxx