What a fantastic day!
i thought our luck had run out; it was so murky this morning and the clouds were low. We even had some rain on the journey
Had to drive like mad to get to Milford in time for the boat, and as we went over the final pass, the sun came out, the clouds lifted and the views were absolutley stupendous. The folk who did the trip in the morning couldn't see much for the fog; we had some cloud on the tops, but otherwise superb weather.
I can't begin to describe the scenery, so majestic, such ancient vegetation; ferns, lichens and magnificent waterfalls everywhere.
We're at Te Anau tonight, then of to Manipouri to get the ferry and bus which take us onto Doubtful Sound for the overnight cruise. I doubt there'll be internet there, so get back to you all when we return
oh, I forgot to mention that all around this area, there are lupins and dog-roses growing wild, the lupins all multicouloured; appparently they were introduced by the settlers.
One day I'll have time (and be sober enough) to work out how to add photos, then I'll scatter them through the whole blog.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
New Zealand is fabulous!!!
hello, everyone.
We've had a fantastic few days, with more to come.
After Christchurch, we drove to Lake Takapo, a fabulous turquoise lake, surrounded by lupins and mountains.
The next day, we drove to Queenstown, but took a detour to Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in Australasia. The sky was clear, the temperature about 24C and the mountains looked fabulous, with their caps of snow.
We're now at Queenstown, in a really lovely new hotel, with lakeside rooms giving stupendous views.
Last night we went across the lake on an old paddle steamer to have dinner at an old farm house followed by a demonstration of sheep-dog work and sheep shearing.
Today, we've been right up the valley, walking in ancient forest and coming back on a jet boat down the River Dart. We've been surrounded by mountains all day, and great scenery, some of which was in "Lord of the Rings". The Jet boat certainly got the adrenaline going, particularly the 360 degree turns, but was great fun.
We leave here quite early tomorrow; we've got to get to Milford Sound by lunchtime for our cruise.
Not sure when the next post will be; it depends on the internet in the hotels, which is different every night>
We've had a fantastic few days, with more to come.
After Christchurch, we drove to Lake Takapo, a fabulous turquoise lake, surrounded by lupins and mountains.
The next day, we drove to Queenstown, but took a detour to Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in Australasia. The sky was clear, the temperature about 24C and the mountains looked fabulous, with their caps of snow.
We're now at Queenstown, in a really lovely new hotel, with lakeside rooms giving stupendous views.
Last night we went across the lake on an old paddle steamer to have dinner at an old farm house followed by a demonstration of sheep-dog work and sheep shearing.
Today, we've been right up the valley, walking in ancient forest and coming back on a jet boat down the River Dart. We've been surrounded by mountains all day, and great scenery, some of which was in "Lord of the Rings". The Jet boat certainly got the adrenaline going, particularly the 360 degree turns, but was great fun.
We leave here quite early tomorrow; we've got to get to Milford Sound by lunchtime for our cruise.
Not sure when the next post will be; it depends on the internet in the hotels, which is different every night>
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Christchurch
We arrived safely in New Zealand yesterday lunchtime, Christchurch in the South Island.
It's lovely here; Victorian architecture, a bit of old England. However, although most things are up and running, there's quite a lot of earthquake damage on older buildings - some with chimney stacks and gable ends gone, some houses gone altogether, and some shaken off their foundations, so although they look OK, they'll have to be pulled down.
We've had a grand tour today; punting on the river Avon (in correct Cambridge style, rather than the cissy style they use in Oxford); scenic views of the city from the edge of an extinct volcanic crater; a plodge in the pacific and a ride up the highest peak in a cable car, all finished off with a tram ride round the old city.
Perfect weather, warm, sunny, and all the flowers are out, ducklings on the river (sorry for those of you with snow and ice)
We get the car tomorrow, then we're off south to a lake whose name I can't remember.
Sorry I still haven't worked out how to add photos, but will beat this thing eventually!
It's lovely here; Victorian architecture, a bit of old England. However, although most things are up and running, there's quite a lot of earthquake damage on older buildings - some with chimney stacks and gable ends gone, some houses gone altogether, and some shaken off their foundations, so although they look OK, they'll have to be pulled down.
We've had a grand tour today; punting on the river Avon (in correct Cambridge style, rather than the cissy style they use in Oxford); scenic views of the city from the edge of an extinct volcanic crater; a plodge in the pacific and a ride up the highest peak in a cable car, all finished off with a tram ride round the old city.
Perfect weather, warm, sunny, and all the flowers are out, ducklings on the river (sorry for those of you with snow and ice)
We get the car tomorrow, then we're off south to a lake whose name I can't remember.
Sorry I still haven't worked out how to add photos, but will beat this thing eventually!
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Leaving Hong Kong
I didn't think I'd get another chance to blog before we left, but there's free WiFi at the airport, so here we are.
We spent a lovely day pottering in Hong Kong itself, in markets and temples, and a trip on the Star ferry.
then back to the hotel for a swim in the roof-top pool before dinner in a neighbouring restaurant.
The weather has been just right; 22C during the day, a bit hazy and a bit of a breeze on the promenade, but perfect for sight-seeing and glorious for sunset and sunrise (yes, I actually saw the sun rise!)
Now at the airport waiting for our flight to New Zealand.
Will catch up with you there, and hopefully work out how to post photos by then!
We spent a lovely day pottering in Hong Kong itself, in markets and temples, and a trip on the Star ferry.
then back to the hotel for a swim in the roof-top pool before dinner in a neighbouring restaurant.
The weather has been just right; 22C during the day, a bit hazy and a bit of a breeze on the promenade, but perfect for sight-seeing and glorious for sunset and sunrise (yes, I actually saw the sun rise!)
Now at the airport waiting for our flight to New Zealand.
Will catch up with you there, and hopefully work out how to post photos by then!
Monday, 22 November 2010
A day out
We've spent a long morning doing a guided tour of Hong Kong. Got up at 6.45 (yes, I really did!) in order to get into Kowloon for 8.30. Been to Aberdeen, with a ride on a sampan, to Stanley market, and then up Victoria Peak, but it's misty today, so the view wasn't as spectacular as it might have been. Out for a proper chinese meal tonight in Kowloon, and to morrow we'll poke around the central part of Hong Kong.
No more from me now till we get to New Zealand on wednesday.
No more from me now till we get to New Zealand on wednesday.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
We're here!
Got to Hong Kong this morning. The flight? Well, it was long, very long; comfortable but just too early to get any sleep, so crashed out as soon as we got to the hotel, and apart from a swim on in the roof-top pool (21st floor) we've done nothing but eat.
The hotel (Harbour Grand Kowloon)is geet posh, and we've got splendid views of the harbour, with all the ferries going past.
We're up at 6.45 so we can go on a five hour guided tour of Hong Kong tomorrow - watch this space.
The hotel (Harbour Grand Kowloon)is geet posh, and we've got splendid views of the harbour, with all the ferries going past.
We're up at 6.45 so we can go on a five hour guided tour of Hong Kong tomorrow - watch this space.
Friday, 19 November 2010
the big day!
The big day has arrived! We're off.
John and Susuan have already set off at lunchtime and will spend the night at Heathrow (in a hotel, not on a bench). I'm heading for Newcastle Airport tonight so I can catch the 9.20 flight in the morning.
Hong Kong flight leaves 12.30.
Wont' have much time tomorrow, so see you in Hong Kong.
John and Susuan have already set off at lunchtime and will spend the night at Heathrow (in a hotel, not on a bench). I'm heading for Newcastle Airport tonight so I can catch the 9.20 flight in the morning.
Hong Kong flight leaves 12.30.
Wont' have much time tomorrow, so see you in Hong Kong.
Monday, 8 November 2010
Nearly there!
This trip has been in the planning for something like 18 months, and now it's nearly here. Angela (Gilly) John and Susan are setting off on the trip of a lifetime on 20th November. journey with us, and see what we get up to.
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