I had a great month in NZ catching up with family and friends. Just to prove that dad really is over the hill, and some, we made him walk most of the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds. Also threw in a day kayaking for extra measure. Just to add to the challenge he got to kayak with mum. Sadly, this did not provide quite as many fireworks as predicted by whanau members.
This is the view at Punga Cove. Day one involved a water taxi from Picton to Furneaux Lodge. Would you believe it hailed on the way out. From there we walked for three hours in the rain to Punga Cove. A relatively easy walk made more challenging by the weather, plenty of mud for slipping and sliding.
Uncle John and Brad surveying the action at Portage. This was our second stop. The hardest and longest day of the track from Punga Cove to Portage. By the end of the day, dad - and the rest of us too, were most definitely over the hill(s). Remember, I've been living in England and can't remember the last time I saw a decent hill!
Time to trade in our walking shoes for a paddle. With uneven numbers there had been much speculation, some would even say debate, about who should partner whom. Being my assertive self I made sure I nabbed myself a great partner in cousin Sophie. We might not be the fastest to run up the hills but we sure can get a kayak moving.
The final day was again a longish walk from Portage to Anakiwa. Everyone was thrilled to make it to the Blistered Foot for a well earned drink before returning to Picton.
This trip was the highlight of my month at home. I am now safely back in Cambridge, working hard to earn money for the adventures in store in 2008.
For those who are wondering, baby Stella arrived safely on 11 December.
