Hard to believe, but we are finally coming home -- at least for a while.  We will be back on Dec 12th  . . . so feel free to give us a call at home on the 13th and after!!!  Hope everyone is having a good holiday season.

Many people, apparently, visit NZ as an afterthought -- usually on the way to/from a vacation to Australia.  Don't let that happen to you.  The most common reaction from other people is something like:  "I wish we had spent more time in NZ, or just skipped Aus altogether and came here."  Despite the cold and often wet weather, we have found NZ to be an amazing vacation spot.  The whole S Island is, basically, a big nature reserve and adventure playground.  In such a small space, there are so many things to do -- and such diversity and contrasts.  Much of NZ resembles CO or MT (perhaps as they existed 100 years ago), while other parts resemble the Pac N'west -- and some areas represent a combination of those areas.  NZ is, basically, one giant postcard -- the kind of place you could get out and take a great photo every other 10 feet.  Mountains, ocean, farmlands -- all converging together . . . so green . . . just beautiful.

After a few days sight-seeing and relaxing in C'church (the big city, at 340,000 people), we headed out for a 9 day camper van adventure.  We had a great time, and saw so much beautiful scenery.  We spent a few days in Kaikoura, where we swam/snorkelled with seals!!!!  Just an incredible experience.  We also took a scenic cruise in Abel Tasman NP and then walked the famous coastal track.  From there, we headed to Picton, where we enjoyed and sea kayaked in the Marlborough Sound.  All in all, we had a great 9 days and really enjoyed the S Island.

Now, we are back in C'church -- we'll do a bit more sightseeing and also head to Akaroa, where we'll swim/snorkel with wild dolphins.

Then, as you know, we leave on Dec 12th -- we'll be home in our beds that night.  Hard to believe.  Looking forward to talking with everyone and to showing anyone who is interested our photos.