Barb's turn again. Let me start out by thanking all of you for posting comments - it is like getting letters from home when you are far away and encourages us to keep on writing from this side!
So to the HOT.
Two things to note: Stew has taken to driving the RV and this blogging thing like a duck to water. Thank goodness - you should have seen the switchbacks and steep mountain 'scenic ' roads we travelled on the first day. Unbelievable - the Amalfi Coast drive has nothing on this. And he got us to Akaroa safe and sound. After that anything is possible.
And as for blogging, I think he is making up his evening's blog as we go along and can't wait to get it published. And with the different connections even manages to get the pictures to work when we are in quite remote places. Alan (Bannister), you don't know what you started!
Then the COLD.
It was 18 degrees yesterday after being 28 degrees the day before - bracing. Time for fleece.
The weather turns on a dime over here. Glad of the 'layers' advice. Not to mention the downpour in Akaroa just as we were about to leave The Giant's House. We called the only taxi in town to get us back to campsite and SHE took us literally to our doorstep on site - saved the day.
And now the HOT again.
Not the weather - an agreeable 24 degrees, -but the hot springs here in Hanmer Springs: 9 open air thermal pools, 3 sulphur pools and a 25 metre freshwater heated pool to name but a few of the treats. We tried several including one of 40 degrees. Knockout!
Enough for tonight, I'm sleepy!
Great update, Barb! Delighted to hear of Stew's success in taming the Beast - I've always known that beneath that executive appearance there beats a trucker's Yorkie-loving heart...
ReplyDeleteBy far the most exhilarating highlight of yesterday's 3rd Round TV round up was Southend's equaliser in the last minute at Chelsea! In contrast, it was sad to see Forest Green finally go down 3-4 to Derby after leading 2-0 and then 3-2...
Really enjoying your blog! There was a time when I'd I'd log on first thing in the morning to Robert Peston's blog to find out which British bank had collapsed overnight but your 'New Zealand Calling' link takes pride of place in my Favourites listing now!
all the best
Beamer
We've been in Devon for the past week - and been out of touch for want of internet access. You guys seem to have better communications from your campervan!
ReplyDeleteIt's been bitterly cold here, hardly getting above freezing for days on end, so remember that when you eventually get to the Franz Joseph glacier.
Probably a bit off route for you now, but Arthur's Pass is also spectacular - particularly the viaduct. Keep your eyes open for the Moa.
Happy New Year btw!
Stewart, I hear there are places over there where you can actually participate in the traditional Maori War Dance. Being a former Mori warrior yourself I'm sure they would love to have you join. Great idea this blog.
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