There & Back Again - The Tale of Two Hobbits...

It's all over. We are safe and sound in little Bournemouth town.

Our stop over in Wellington was uneventful except for the pitiful free backpacker meal we laughed at for dinner. In the morning our first tour guide, Nick, was back with us for the 10 hour express drive back to Auckland. A few of his most recent group joined the bus and we set off after picking up a friend of his. We all slept a lot, then played a few games like bus karaoke... hearing my mum sing Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire almost caused a few of us to pee our pants. The lunch stop was at Tongariro National Park where we were able to see the mountain again on a perfectly sunny day! But we weren't fooled after our experience on the crossing...

Arriving in Auckland at Base we said a final farewell to the last of our group and checked in, finding we had been upgraded to a double with an en-suite! The plan was to ditch the bags, make some food and chill out, but we ended up being absorbed by the movies on our flat screen and just didn't bother to eat and went to bed! It was lush!

Our flight wasn't until 6pm so the next morning we repacked, checked out, ate a big brunch and went Christmas shopping down Queen Street. Yes. Christmas shopping. Mum had already picked up a few bits so why not get the rest of the presents here. Now its my job to wrap them!

The flight was alright... stopped at Brisbane and then carried on for 16 hours to Dubai where Mum got stopped by security for the empty bullet shell in her bag from her Blue Duck Lodge hunting trip. But saying that, I was stopped for a random bomb check in Oz.
Our shuttle was Not waiting for us when we finally came out and we ended up getting a Ladies Taxi with a female driver and a pink roof!

The Arabian Park hotel was really lovely but built completely wrong! The pool doesn't get any sunlight all day. So after a 10 am arrival and no breakfast we found the solution in going to the hotel next door! Lots of reading and dips in the pool all day...
For the whole of the 23rd we were out on tour around the city. We learnt about the industry and development of the city as well as visiting the Creek, the Museum, bazaars and a spice market where I was almost sold for a thousand camels! Thankfully mum said no... The shops and fabrics were all really tempting but I was totally put off by the men constantly in your face asking you to come into their shop and try on their scarfs or buy their watches - all 'genuine/fake' of course. It made me cringe so much I had to hang onto mum and get out onto an open street again! Thankfully we finally regrouped and finished our tour with a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab which is Dubai's most iconic 5* hotel (often said to be 7*). We couldn't go in because of the security and they wont let you just look around. It's like that at most of the interesting new projects in Dubai and there's building sites everywhere.

I wasn't too heartbroken to leave, by this point it was just time to get home. At midnight we caught a shuttle to the airport and then a 3:10am flight back to Heathrow. Watched Larry Crowne on the plane which is actually a lot funnier than I though it would be! Slept some more and then taddah!! Hello sunrise over London!
And a tasty hot chocolate and coach trip later we were back in Bournemouth town by midday. The lovely Jimmy and his mashed up car were there to pick us up and he stuck around all through my jet lag and unpacking. Mr Lovely then took me to the cinema the next night and out to see friends the night after! He's a good egg.
John is really pleased to have us home and had chocolate and flowers ready and waiting for mum!! Far to much public affection has been going on for my liking... But they seem happy :)

Now we're home from Lord of the Rings Land and not so many people think to call us hobbits... Everything is falling back into place nicely and normality is returning. The teeny tiny exception to all of this of course is that we now have memories for a lifetime and new friends all over the world.

Life is good.

Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:3-4

Goodbye NZ. You were O for Awesome.

Let me explain. 'O for Awesome' is a famous NZ quote we were told about after a boxer went on a countdown type show and asked for an O for Awesome... A lot of people saw it and alot of people loved it so now they use it all the time!

Next... After Queenstown we regrouped, jumped back on the bus and drove down to Doubtful Sound. Unlike Milford Sound it has no road going directly to it so we had to catch a ferry across with our overnight bags and then pile into two coach's with the other guests and drive to the tiny harbour. The Navigator was a beautiful navy boat with huge sails, photos will come later... Introduction in the saloon, cute quad cabins and kayaking in the rain around a little cove! It was great to meet some new people and be shown penguins, dolphins and seals in their natural habitat. The rain came and went but that's what makes NZ so lush and green so we didn't mind. The food was AMAZING. The buffet was used and abused. In the morning we journeyed back up the sound into another arm and turned off all the engines to experience the Sound of Silence. All we could hear was birds, waterfalls and the rain on the water. All we could see was calm water, rainforest and snow capped mountains. It was really beautiful. They also put the boat really close to a cliff face for a member of the crew to catch some fresh water from a waterfall for us to try! It was only a night stay but it was really memorable!

Sadly the day we left I felt pretty ill on the bus and when we reached our fairly shabby hotel for the night I slept for two hours before a nasty dinner then went back to sleep until our little breakfast...
The 32km bike ride was the activity for the day which nearly everyone completed! The countryside we rode through was totally picturesque, but being in a bad mood already and nearly being blown off my bike by the wind I quit at the 8km mark. Mum did the whole ride (32km!), second from last in and very windswept and well in need of a coffee!!! But we're very proud of her!!

For lunch we stopped in a quirky little town in Oamaru that was celebrating heritage week so loads of locals were walking around in Victorian dress while steam engines went up and down the road. Time warp moment. Sadly after lunch we said goodbye to the first four and carried on to Rangitata without them. Last night we stayed in a rafting lodge which had triple bunks (had to stay in the top), it was super cosy and friendly. We just watched movies, ate and slept before our early start this morning to say goodbye to even more people and carry on straight through to Wellington! The smallest plane took 9 of us from Picton to Wellington and that's where I am now. Tomorrow we journey onto Auckland then fly to Dubai Monday - home Thursday!

That's probably it from us now until were home so see you then!!


Josie and Kim xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Adrenaline Junkies

Since last time we journeyed through Arthers Pass among the snow, saw a few Kea's along the way and arrived for our two night stop in Franz Josef. The Rainforest Resort was full of other tour buses and our cabin was right next to the hot tub where we could hear loads of different languages and accents. About 30 people played killer pool on our first night to win a free bungy or skydive, I didn't do too bad but didn't win! For our whole day mum, Steph and I stayed in the same group for a half day hike up the Franz Josef Glacier with its blue ice! The glacier is always moving each day and every 7 years moves back and forth in size depending on the weather and changing climate, and it sits right on a fault line, a splinter of which caused the Christchurch earthquake. It was really interesting to learn about and how to wear and walk in crampons on the ice. Fortunately no one fell over! Our guide carried his manly pick axe around and casually hacked away steps for us because they have no set route up the ice. He found us an overlap which is were the ice pushes up and creates a dome that we were able to crawl into and be surrounded by clean blue and white ice.
It's pretty hard work to walk around up there so understandably we used our free entry to the hot pools just down the road when we got back before sharing a pizza at the Monsoon bar (when it rains - they pour.) and heading to bed after some fun fun laundry - just cant escape having to do your washing...

Back on the road again the following morning the group had a quick hour walk around Lake Matheson and then the Blue Pools . This was also the day I jumped off the bus a little sleepy and nutted the wing mirror. Tears happened! But I'm fine.
Our evening was spent in Makarora with no signal as we were completely surrounded by snow capped mountains in our little triangle cabins that looked a bit like metal teepee's! Included dinner was great that night and more international pool games.

More beautiful lake and mountain photo stops on our way to Queenstown as well as a stop off at Puzzle World! Lots of puzzles, illusions and mazes to be played with! Then a two hour lunch by the lake to take it easy in the sunshine.
The afternoon bought us just outside Queenstown to the original A J Hackett Bungy site, 43m Kawarau Bridge. I'd sort of talked myself out of it before we got there from fear and money! Mum isn't allowed do bungy on doctors orders so I felt no pressure. But when some of our group started to join the queue and I saw others jumping I had to join too! Out whole group was able to stay and watch and cheer us on as we got kitted out on the bridge. One by one our legs were wrapped and attached to the bungy then we were walked to the edge. I tried to distract myself while I waited and just wanted to be calm enough for the one second it takes to let yourself drop! Thankfully I didn't freak out too much, just posed for my photos in a very goofy manner then heard '3,2,1 -bungy!' and I closed my eyes for a moment to fall then jumped!! I screamed, obviously. But you can be the judge of the jump when I get home and upload the video and photos onto FB.  It was the most freeing felling as I fell and the river rushed to meet me!! I'd do it again in a second even though it would be scary all over again!
9 people in the group ended up jumping and we were really proud of each other.The buzz lasted about an hour before I crashed! Had to buck up after we checked in, shower quick and get back to for dinner in Queenstown with some of the others! Mum and I joined them all in trying a famous Fergburger! I went for a Tropical Swine and I think mum just went for a classic Fergburger. I cant exaggerate enough that these burgers were HUGE. It easily covered my face, and needless to say I was put to shame by not being able to finish it!! Woz then took us on a delightful walking tour to the best ice cream shop, sweetshop and bars. We headed to Altitude bar and bumped into another tour bus then went to the World Bar where you can order a cocktail to drink out of a teapot! It was a bit '60 million postcards' but quirkier and better music! I stayed and danced for two hours after mum went home. Big lie in the next day!!
More adrenaline in the afternoon after Mum and I were picked up for a 4x4 Lord of the Rings tour where we were driven up to see where scenes where filmed around the town and through a river a couple of times for the shot where the 9 wraiths gallop down the river away from the tidal wave. 7 of the 9 riders were actually woman from the area!
Quick refreshments served on the jeep bonnet and then a drop of to the Shotoverjet boat which shot us down the river at alarming speeds and soaked us on each 360 turn. Mum and I shouted a-lot! If you're ever in town, do it!!
Then last night played out similar to the night before except we started in the Cowboy bar and all rode the bull then went and danced again at World bar. Today we have been to the bird sanctuary and now here! Need to get back for dinner now!!!

Love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

South Island

We left you last time at the day we though we might die.. but didn't.

We left Blue Duck Lodge early Friday morning to drive back into Tongariro National Park and get kitted out/briefed for our hike. Only a few people opted out but the rest of us were driven out to the start point as it started to drizzle at 9am. We quickly split up into groups with different walking speeds and mum and I stayed with Monica and Gustav who were our angels the entire time - they wouldn't leave us and said we started it together so we'd finish it together!
At first it was fairly flat over a boardwalk with loads of old volcanic rock surrounding us. It was fairly foggy to we couldn't see to far. The path got steeper with more steps then eventually it was just steep walk up a mountain side! Looking back I cant believe how excited I was to see snow and have a picture with it. After to hours there was nothing I hated more than wind and snow and mountains. We spent about 20 minutes crossing a gap of just white on white only guided by the wooden posts.The higher we climbed the fiercer the wind got and the temperature got. The guides told us it got windy up there but we Never thought it was dangerous. The ridge only looked about 20 feet wide in the fog and every time we heard the wind whistle towards us it was drop to the floor or grab a rock and cling on. Giant rocks became retreats for water and rest stops. I cried about half an hour from the top because I was just so scared and there was no way out except to carry on. The four of us felt totally isolated. Only later when we finished did we find nearly everyone felt the same up there. When we Finally stepped over the summit we were amazingly blessed with 15 mins of a clear blur sky to look down on the Emerald Pools and make our way down to a flat to cross more snow. Just over one more hill and the snow began to recede as we walked down. The sky cleared and we spent the last two hours or so walking down a mountain side in sunshine as the grass turned to trees then trees to forest for the final 3km stretch to the car park. Each set that arrived were applauded. By 4pm we were wiped and everyone was back and on the bus, racing to the hot tub once we were checked into the lodge. Then dinner and drinks we all deserved as we hobbled to our seats.
Mum did So well on the hike. I thought the steps might get the best of her but she carried on and kept me calm at the top. The four of us got through mainly on humour and Gustav keeping an eye on us!!
And that was the Tongariro Crossing.

Saturday the group boarded the bus a little achy but happy as we headed for Wellington! This was our final stop on the North Island with our tour guide Nick and a few members so after check in and a walk around the Awesome Te Papa Museum a few of us came back to catch him before he left. Sad times.
The Museum blew our minds with the animals, culture, environmental info of the country. Pictures will describe it better at a later date!
After dinner at the hostels bar I went out with a few of the younger bunch to watch the fireworks while mum got an early night. I didn't realise they celebrated Guy Fawkes over here but I was please to be wrong. The display was one of the best I've ever seen! We all left smiling and headed up to the Welsh Bar for Cell, then went to the Library Bar which was home for me!! People faded out throughout the evening so Steph and I had a quick dance in Wonderland until out legs told us no more and we headed for bed.
Sunday morning we left a few behind including Gustav and Monica to continue their travels elsewhere. Wasn't nice but we moved on together across the ferry to Picton where we met to new ladies and our tour guide Wozzer. Drove down to Abel Tasmen National Park and BBQ-ed it up before bed! Mum and I got an Aqua Taxi up a few bays the next morning and enjoyed a breathtaking 12km walk back to Marahue Bay for our horse riding at 2pm. Abel Tasmen has blue waters, white beaches and lush green landscapes. We were blessed with two beautiful days there before pack up and having a driving day to Hanmar Springs yesterday (Tuesday).
Passed though Nelson NP and another with great photo stops of the Southern Alps. Greenacres Lodge was lovely and the hot springs after dinner was perfect. Panicked a little when my ring bronzed in the sulphur pools but thankfully the desk could put it in a solution to clean it back to silver!

Today we're in Kaikoura in the best hostel I've ever seen, the Fish Tank Lodge - will snap some pictures!Mum went whale watching but unfortunately they only heard them on the monitor. She saw some dolphins and an albatross and had a nap! I stayed here with Cell as we're saving money for Queenstown activities so while everyone whale and dolphin watched Wozzer took us to do the shopping and we cooked for everyone. Just need to go back a re-heat it all now!! Expect they're starving...

Thanks again for reading everyone, sorry we cant message you all individually.

Tons of love as we travel via Christchurch to Franz Josef tomorrow while you all sleep! Home in two weeks!
Love to our two boys waiting at home,
Josie and Kim xxxxxxxxxx

We almost died today...

Yes, today was pretty scary to say the least but we are alive and well so dont panic.

Back to Auckland. We were picked up at 8am by our very funny and friendly tour leader Nick. Our group is 25 people plus Nick. Travellers from Sweden, Finland, England, France, Denmark, Isreal and Wales! Big variaty of age and background so its no trek america but still great. Plus the major difference is that we travel shorter distances on a smaller island and we stay in a lodge or hostel every night - spoilt!

First day we visited a dormant volcano in Auckland then journeyed round to the Coromandel region to stay at Hahei, stopping for some tree hugger shots with the huge Kauri trees. Checked in in our quad cabins mum and I got ready for the wet weather and Nick dropped us all at the top of the walk down to Cathedral Cove. It was really beautiful with the walk through such different foliage to what the UK has and the cove itself was rainy but stunning. The arch in the rock there was used at the beginning of the second Narnia movie if you're familiar with it (except it was sunny when they filmed...). Very wet and back at the resort, food was prepped for dinner and the we threw on our swim stuff and headed down to a thermal beach where we dug our own holes or 'borrowed' other peoples and lay in the bath like water listening to the colder ocean lapping against the shore. What better way to get to know your group than everyone stripping down to their swimmers on a bus! It was so relaxing once you found the right temp. and then quicly ran back to the bus to shower for a great BBQ dinner together!

Next day was Rotorua and we did a half hour walk to a stunning panoramic view point first thing. I'm suffering from motion sickness in the bus a bit which is really odd for me but I think its because the seats are higher so the space feels really small and all the roads here are tiny and bumpy. Mum felt it a bit to but we just got on with it. And I slipped on my bum on the way back down - mum managed it much more gracefully!
One stop along the way was for an L&P which is a drink that was created in the area from the mineral water with lemon. It's famous in NZ and Really refreshing!
The afternoon was great fun! a couple of people explored the town, one or two hit the spa but a small group of us went to Luge!! I cant really explain what it is just google it! We raced really fast and had 6 goes. I even got mum on the advanced track twice. It was So much fun. Only one accident but Stephs fine now, just a few bruises. The rain poured down on us on our last ski lift up to the top to finish and Mum and I got absolutley soaked! No time to change as it was straight on the bus at 4pm for our Maori Culteral experiance.

We were welcomed and sung in the village, greeted with a handshake and nose bump from each family member as is custom then shown to our group rooms (12 in each) with the designs carved all over the walls. With songsheets we learnt to sing a song with them which we had to perform later in front of all the other evening guests. Our youngest guy (Mr Wales) was selected as Cheif of our 'tribe' and had to face the other warriors to enter their village where we were able to learn all about Maori life and warfare. The singing and dancing performance was amazing! Then our underground cooked Hangi meal was lush! the beds campfire was a great finish and the beds were comfy.

Up and out next morning to view the powerful Huku Falls then just around the corner went for another swim in a hot stream. Blue Duck lodge was the acommodation that night and all the work their doing there is outstanding. The are working to get their land back to bush land to clean the rivers and help the endangered Blue Duck which is being hunted out by ferrets and dying from the dirty river. The jeep tour was scary and muddy, we were up pretty high. Mum wen in another jeep that went gost shooting! I kid you not. A bullet went through one goat and hit another and she went CSI on tracking blood to find the injusred goat....

I'm running out of time but today we hiked up through the Tongariro mnt by Mnt Doom and it took 7 hours. The wind and rain picked up and we felt like we were going to be thrown off the mountain. I cried at the top and called jimmy for prayer. But over the summit we had some stunning views I'll talk about later! Mum did it too!!! Ankles are Throbbing now.....

to be continued...

Love you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx