Day 10
Well we had our alarm set for 7am to check the weather and we were going to take the boat ride out to the glacier lake so we could pet some giant ice cubes in the water (they say 200 meters fell in last week and there was some good stuff out there right now) but it was pouring down rain. So we turned the alarm off and got some of that great sleep. You know the kind where a cool breeze is blowing in the window and you hear the sound of pouring rain outside, all while you are snuggled under warm covers? Yeah, so we went back to sleep. We were up, packed and in the car by 10am and it looked as if it were clearing, but we decided to forgo the glacier trip for the next time we visit Mt. Cook. As we drove out, we got another breathtaking view of the lake and it's milky blue waters. I'm not sure I've ever seen anything like it. We stopped for a few more pictures and turned to take one last look as we drove off. Wow....
Today I really don't have too much to talk about. We had about 4 1/2 hours of driving and the first part was beautiful, but as we got closer to Christchurch, the mountains disappeared and so did all the excitement. :) We stopped in two small towns for either shops or food and drove on in to Christchurch. We turned our car in (over 2000 kilometers of driving on the wrong side of the road) and were relieved the car had no damage ***flashback to the big long crease I put in the van from Taromina after only one block of driving..ha ha*** We got to Christchurch without a hotel, but we found one right away and it is nice. We got all of our stuff in the room and are trying to decided how the heck we are going to get it all home!!! Okay, okay...I like to shop...so there, I said it!!!
We decided to call home and we found some payphones and I went first. Talked to mom for the entire card so we had to go buy another for Guy to call home. Oops. Then as he was talking, I walked over to the bridge and saw a lady planting flowers in the floating pots in the stream. I heard a lady yell, Hey Joe, take a picture of us from up there! So of course, as usual, I walked over and asked him if he'd like to be in it as well and he did. So as I was focusing on the group, I realized one couple was from our bus ride back to Queenstown from the Dart River Jet Boat Safari! So I yelled "Hey Michigan!" They didn't recognize me at first, but then said, "Oh yea, the one with the Governor that's going to jail!" We had a good laugh and we told them the fun things to see in the town. Funny how we saw them again.
We ate dinner at the same Italian place we ate at the last time we were here then walked back toward the hotel. I needed some chocolate, so we looked around and came across a bagpipe and drummer competition. I videoed and tooks some snaps that I'll add to the blog. We listened until they were done and it must have been sponsored by the Irish Pub because of the bagpipes (I'm quick aren't I?) and the guys in Kilts. It was nice and the weather is great.
So that was our day, not as exciting as some of the others, but I suppose they can't all be so action packed. :) I think about how blessed we are to be able to see such wonderful places and it makes you realize how big this world really is. I think I felt a bit sad in the car, tho, because it is our last day here in the South Island. It has been an amazing journey and we couldn't have asked for anything to be any better. The vacation is winding down. 2 days in Auckland and 2 days in Tahiti. Suppose there is still lots to talk about until we hit Tahiti. I think that blog will be 3 words only. SUN - BIKINI - TAN! ha ha. Going to go to bed early since we have an early fight tomorrow back to Auckland. Looking forward to that as well. Hope we can get some sleep tonight, one floor below us they are having a big event of Salsa Dancing and we can hear the music. I suppose it is better than Salsa Dancing one floor ABOVE us.
Will report in tomorrow from Auckland.
All the photos up to this point have been posted. It seems like there is a day delay from when I upload them to the Picasa website and when I can attach them as a slide show within the blog. You should still be able to see them if you double clk on any of the slideshows then go the My Photos. Then you can see all 10 days. :) Cheers!