NZ CONTINUED...

19.9.08...DAY 52...
9.20AM...NO HURRY TODAY...LITERALLY ZILCH TO DO...WE ARE ON OUR WAY BACK DOWN TO PICTON...WE HAVE A FEW DAYS TO KILL.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...ONE FOR MY LOVELY.
10.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.15AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
12.30PM...BACK IN OUR ROOM.
1.05PM...DISCUSSING OUR NEXT DESTINATION...THE NORTH ISLAND...NOT BEING FUNNY[THOUGH I DO TRY]...IT ALL SEEMS THE SAME...WE'VE GOT FIVE WEEKS THERE...TO KILL?
2.30PM...WATCHING VIDEO...BLIND DATE STARRING BRUCE WILLIS.
4.00PM...VIDEO FINISHED...MEDIOCRE.
5.00PM...HUNGER KICKS IN.
5.20PM...FRYING MINCE/ONION...SPUD/CABBAGE/CARROT ON BOIL
6.00PM...THIS IS ONE OF THE CHEAPEST MEALS WE DO...AND ITS WELL TASTY!
7.20PM...WATCHING RUBBISH KIWI TV.
8.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...WHISKEY IN HAND.
9.15PM...NU WANTS TO GO ON THE WHALE TOUR AGAIN TOMORROW...SO WE'VE GOT TO BE UP EARLY...GOES AT 10.30AM...OUCH.


20.9.08...DAY 53...
8.00AM...UP I GET.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...TOGS ON.
9.00AM...NU AS WEETABIX...I DON'T FEEL HUNGRY.
9.40AM...WALKING TO WHALE TOUR OFFICE.
10.10AM...NU NOT HAPPY...THE TOUR IS PACKED...THERE IS A PLACE FOR HER...BUT TO MANY PEOPLE...TO MANY FORIEGNERS.
10.40AM...AFTER A LONG THOUGHT...NU DECIDES NOT TO GO.
11.00AM...WALKING BEACH?...I WOULDN'T CALL IT A BEACH...ITS GREY PEBBLED.
12.10PM...BACK AT THE ADELPHI.
12.50PM...TIME FOR A LATE,LATE SHOWER.
1.20PM...WALKING TO PUB...WET HAIR DRYING IN THE WIND.
1.50PM...PUB...FEEL HUNGRY...DIDN'T HAVE BREAKFAST.
2.00PM...ORDERED PORTERHOUSE STEAK/CHIPS/SALAD...NU'S HAVING GAMMON.
3.00PM...WELL FED...WELL COOKED.
5.00PM...WALKING BACK TO THE ADELPHI.
6.00PM...ANOTHER VIDEO[YAWN]...THE DEVILS OWN...ABOUT THE IRA.
7.40PM...VIDEO OVER...ANOTHER MEDIOCRE.
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...THE LIGHTS POOR...STRUGGERLING.
8.30PM...MORE RUBBISH KIWI TV...JAPANESE GAMESHOW!
11.00PM...TRYING TO SLEEP...KIDS RUNNING RIOT IN HALLWAY.


21.9.08...DAY 54...
7.50AM...I HARDLY SLEPT...KIDS/NOISE/MUSIC...TILL ABOUT 3.00AM.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.55AM...PACKING...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.20AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...HAPPILY LEAVING...NEXT STOP PICTON.
12.20PM...THE 'VILLA HOTEL' PICTON...BOOKED IN.
12.40PM...EVERYTHING OUTA CAR.
1.15PM...RETURNED RENTAL VEHICLE...NU WORRIED ABOUT CHIP ON WINDSCREEN...DON'T SAY ANYTHING!
2.10PM...SPUDS IN OVEN.
2.30PM...TRYING TO CONDENSE ALL OUR'BITS' INTO FOUR BAGS FOR FERRY TRIP TOMORROW.
3.05PM...WONDEFUL BUTTERED BAKED SPUDS.
4.00PM...BAGS STRAINED TO THE LIMIT...BUT I THINK WE HAVE SUCCEEDED...THROWN A FEW THINGS.
4.20PM...BEER.
5.25PM...DECIDED WE NEED FOOD.
6.00PM...IRISH BAR...SEAMUS....WELLINGTON STREET.
6.15PM...ORDERED T-BONE/CHIPS/SALAD x 2.
7.00PM...I HAVE JUST HAD A WONDERFUL MEAL...I RECCOMMEND THIS PLACE.
8.00PM...BACK AT OUR ACCOMADATION.
8.10PM...KIWI TV...GAMESHOW...MAD PEOPLE DOING MAD THINGS...SOMEHOW I CAN RELATE TO THEM!


22.9.08...DAY 55...
6.00AM...ALARM...I DON'T FEEL I'VE SLEPT MUCH.
6.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
6.40AM...SHOWER.
7.05AM...ANOTHER CUPPA...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY.
7.50AM...ALL PACKED UP.
8.05AM...WALKING TO FERRY PORT...ARMS STRAINING.
8.30AM...CHECKING IN...ITS LIKE AN AIRPORT...THEY TAKE THE BAGS OF YOU TO PUT IN THE HOLD.
9.20AM...BOARDING SHIP.
9.40AM...CUPPA COFFEE...HOT DOG!?
9.55AM...GOODBYE SOUTH ISLAND.
10.20AM...TIME TO SLEEP.
12.10PM...WOKE UP...NEED LOO.
12.25PM...ANOTHER CUPPA COFFEE.
1.00PM...SHIP DOCKING AT WELLINGTON,NORTH ISLAND.
1.30PM...COLLECTED BAGS FROM CAROUSEL.
1.40PM...PHONED 'ACE?CAR RENTAL.
2.05PM...ACE?CAR RENTAL PICK US UP...THEY'RE A BIT SLOW IF YOU ASK ME!
3.10PM...AT LAST WE ARE SORTED WITH A NEW RENTAL CAR...TO BE HONEST 'ACE RENTAL CARS'ARE A SHAMBLES.
3.20PM...SEARCHING FOR ACCOMADATION WITH CARPARKING FACILITIES...NOT EASY!
3.45PM...ROBYNS LODGE...DON'T BOTHER...WHAT A DIVE...ACTUALLY MY FIRST THOUGHTS OF WELLINGTON WERE THE SAME.
4.00PM...'MAPLE GROVE HOSTEL'...NO ONE HOME...THATS A GODSEND...LETS GET OUTA TOWN!
4.20PM...HEADING OUTA THE CITY TO A SMALL PLACE CALLED 'MANA'...ITS RUSH HOUR...ROADS PACKED...POLICE CARS ZOOMING EVERYWHERE...THE ROAD WE WANT IS CORDONED OFF...MUST'VE BEEN AN ACCIDENT...THE WAY KIWI'S DRIVE...NO SURPRISE!
5.15PM...STILLWATER LODGE,MANA...WITH ROCKY THE DOG.
5.25PM...BOOK TWO NIGHTS...THERES A TRAIN STATIN NEARBY...15mins TO WELLINGTON CITY CENTRE.
6.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE...CUPPA TEA x 2.
7.10PM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.30PM...HEAD ON PILLOW.


23.9.08...DAY 56...
9.15AM...TIME TO...WELL...TIME TO GET UP I GUESS.
9.30AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.05AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.20AM...WALKING TO TRAIN STATION...WELL WINDY.
11.35AM...TRAIN WAS MEANT TO BE HERE AT 11.32AM...ITS OBVIOUSLY TRUE...NZ IS LIKE ENGLAND!
11.41AM...ON TRAIN.
12.10PM...WELLINGTON CENTRAL STATION.
12.15PM...WALKING TO CABLE CAR.
12.30PM...ON CABLE CAR TO BOTANICAL GARDEN WALK AND CARTER OBSEVATORY.
12.50PM...CARTER OBSERVATORY CLOSED!...WHY DIDN'T THEY TELL US THAT!?
1.10PM...WALKING BOTANICAL GARDENS...TULIPS AND OTHER FLOWERS EVERYWHERE...ABUNDANCE OF TREE'S...LARGE AND NOT SO TALL...TALL AND NOT SO LARGE?
1.55PM...WALKING 'TINAKORI SREET'...THIS IS WHERE THE PRIME MINISTER...HELEN CLARKE RESIDES...SURPRISELY ITS A RATHER SHABBY STREET.
2.20PM..'THE ROSE GARDENS'...BUT THERES NO ROSES...THEY HAVEN'T BLOOMED YET!
3.05PM...'KATHERINE MANSFIELD' HOUSE...ONE OF NZ MOST FAMOUS WRITERS...SHE HAD AN INTERESTING 34 YEARS ON THIS PLANET.
4.30PM...WALKING BACK TO THE TRAIN STATION VIA THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
5.05PM...ON TRAIN.
5.30PM...BACK IN MANA...WHER WE ARE STAYING.
5.40PM...SUPERMARKET...LIVER/ONOINS TONIGHT.
6.40PM...LIVER/ONION/CARROTS/CAULI/MASHED SPUD...AWESOME.
7.10PM...GIN AND TONIC/ORANGE?


24.9.08...DAY 57...
8.30AM...GIVE ME STRENGTH...CAN'T I STAY IN BED TODAY?
9.00AM...NEED MY CUP OF TEA TO SHAKE ME INTO LIFE.
9.20AM...SHOWER.
10.00AM...BACON/MUSHROOM SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.40AM...WALKING TO TRAIN STATION...SUN SHINING...WIND HOWLING.
11.10AM...ON TRAIN...WELLINGTON CITY...HERE WE COME...AGAIN!
11.50AM...WALKING DOCKSIDE TO 'TAPAPA' MUSEUM...NZ NATIONAL MUSEUM.
2.10PM...I'VE SEEN TO MANY MUSEUMS ON THIS TRIP...EVOLUTION/ANIMALS STUFFED/ANIMAL SKELETONS/BIRDS STUFFED/BIRD SKELETONS/INSECTS PINNED TO BOARDS/ODD SHAPED FISH/LOADS OF DIGITAL STUFF/LOADS OF WHATEVER...I THINK I'VE/WE'VE BEEN TRAVELLING TO LONG TO APPRECIATE ANYTHING!
2.30PM...'MACS BREWERY'...SIX BEERS TO TASTE...WHY?...I KNOW I WON'T LIKE THEM...THEY'RE NOT BRITISH!
3.00PM...FISH AND CHIPS WITH COLESLAW SALAD...WAREHOU IS THE FISH...OK/UNSURE...SALAD AND CHIPS OK.
4.15PM...WALKING CITY CENTRE...NU NEEDS PHARMACY.
5.20PM...BACK ON TRAIN.
6.00PM...BACK AT OUR ABODE.
7.00PM...CHEESE/ONION SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.


25.9.08...DAY 58...
8.00AM...THAT TIME AGAIN!
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.45AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BAGS PACKED.
9.50AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATOS ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.15AM...PHONED WILLIAM.
10.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...SUN SHINING.
10.55AM...ON ROUTE TO WANGANUI.
11.50AM...FOXTO TOWN...THERES A WINDMILL TO SEE...OK ITS A WINDMILL?
12.25PM...TIME TO DRIVE ON.
1.10PM...BULL TOWN...NU NEEDS A BEER...THIS TOWN FINDS IT AMUSING TO HAVE SIGNS EVERYWHER LIKE...SOCIALI'BULL'...BEAUTI'BULL'...INCREDI'BULL!ETC...WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT!
2.15PM...DRIVING ON.
3.00PM...WANGANUI...TAMARA LODGE...BOOKED ONE NIGHT...DIDN'T LIKE THE OWNER...PRATT WITH PRATTLE...NICE DOG CALLED SPUD.
4.10PM...LAMB/CARROTS/PEA'S/SPUD.
4.30PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
5.05PM...RELAXING IN OUR EN-SUITE ROOM.
6.00PM...READING...BEER IN HAND.
7.00PM...ANOTHER FULFILLING DAY?
9.20PM...GOODNIGHT.


TIRED.

BYE FOR NOWZ.

NZ CONTINUED....

12.9.08....DAY 45...
8.00AM...SLEPT WELL...COMFY BED...ITS OUR ANNIVERSAIRY TODAY...12 MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ADVENTURE...LIVING THIS DREAM?
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR THE PERSON THE WHOLE WORLD LOVES AND ONE FOR MY NUMBER ONE GIRLIE!
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...CARRYING ALL OUR GOODS TO THE CAR.
9.40AM...WEETABIX/TOAST WITH LEMON CURD/CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...NU TAKING PICTURES OF PLANTS AND THINGS.
10.35AM...CHEERIO MOO...WOOF WOOF!
10.45AM...ON THE ROAD BACK TO WESTPORT...RAINING HEAVILY.
11.55AM...WESTPORT AT LAST...IT WAS A BENDY SLOW ROAD.
12.15PM...SUPERMARKET/PETROL STATION.
1.00PM...NEXT STOP PUNAKAIKI.
2.35PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS FOR CAMERA HAPPY NU...WE ARRIVE AT OUR DESTINATION.
3.00PM...BEACH HOSTEL...LOOKS CLEAN/TIDY...BOOKED 3 NIGHTS.
4.10PM...PANCAKE ROCKS...ROCKS THAT LOOK LIKE PANCAKES PILED UP ONE ON TOP OF ANOTHER...IE...TAKE A 100 PANCAKES AND STACK THEM UP...YOU'LL GET THE PICTURE...PLUS THERE WERE BLOWHOLES...THE SEA LASHING THRU HUGE HOLES IN THE ROCKS...EXCITING HEY?!
5.40PM...PUB...JUGS OF BEER...PIE AND CHIPS...EXCITING HEY?!
7.30PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...BETTER HAVE A BRANDY...EXCITING HEY?!


13.9.08....DAY 46...
9.15AM...COME ON WILLIS...MOVE IT...DO I HAVE TOO?...I ENJOY SPEAKING TO MYSELF...I GET ALL THE WRONG ANSWERS...BUT IT ALWAYS TURNS OUT RIGHT.
9.35AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR NU AND ONE FOR ME!
10.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...RAZOR BLUNT...OUCH.
10.50AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.30AM...IN CAR...NEXT STOP CHARLESTONE...TRAIN TO CATCH!.
12.10PM...CHARLESTONE...WE HAVE TRAIN TICKETS.
12.40PM...IN A TRAIN POWERED BY A MORRIS MINOR ENGINE?
1.05PM...HEADING 'DEEP' INTO THE 'JUNGLE'...THIS IS WHERE THE DOCUMENTARY 'LOST WORLD' WAS FILMED...LETS HOPE THE ONLY DINOSAURS HERE ARE NU AND ME!
1.30PM...NU AND I ON FOOT WALKING JUNGLE[FOREST] TRACK.
1.50PM...ROPE BRIDGE...SIGN SAYS 'USE AT YOUR OWN RISK'.
2.00PM...ROPE BRIDGE SURVIVED NU AND I.
2.30PM...TIME TO WALK BACK.
3.10PM...TRAIN JOURNEY OVER...BIT BORING ON THE RETURN JOURNEY.
3.30PM...CAFE...NU HAVING WHITE BAIT SANDWICH.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
5.30PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/PARSNIP/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL.
6.15PM...WONDERFUL MEAL.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH GERMANY GIRLS.
7.15PM...I THINK SOME ITALIANS HAVE JUST TURNED UP.
7.20PM...ITS OK...THEY ARE FRENCH...PHEW!
7.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...EXCITING WHAT!
7.35PM...ACTUALLY I DO ENJOY IT ALL...THE PEOPLE WE MEET AND HOW IT ALL GOES...I WOULDN'T SWOP WITH ANYONE...ITS A TRULY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.


14.9.08...DAY 47....
9.00AM...I THINK I DRANK TO MUCH WHISKEY LAST NIGHT.
9.20AM...NU AS BOUGHT ME A CUP OF TEA...RECIEVED GRATEFULLY.
9.35AM...NU'S OFF TO SEE EARLY MORNING BLOWHOLES.
9.40AM...I'LL LAY HERE A LITTLE LONGER.
10.10AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...GETTING ALL THINGS READY FOR BREAKFAST FOR WHEN NU RETURNS.
11.15AM...HI NU...I'LL MAKE YOU A COFFEE.
11.25AM...COOKING BREAKFAST...FAT SPITTING.
11.45AM...SCOFFING BREAKFAST...FAT ARE WE.
12.35PM...WALKING TO CAVES.
12.45PM...CAVES...DARK AND GREY.
1.20PM...WALKING BEACH...COLOURFUL PEBBLES.
1.55PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
2.10PM...CUPPA TEA...WISH I'D STAYED IN BED.
2,25PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
3.30PM...OFF WE SET...THERES A WALK 'WE ?' WISH TO DO.
3.55PM...WALKING NARROW PATH BY RIVER...INTERESTING?
4.25PM...BACK IN CAR.
4.40PM...ANOTHER WALK WAY...ARE WE OVER DOING THE WALKING BIT??
5.30PM...PUB...BEER...FISH AND CHIPS.
6.40PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...SHOULD'VE STAYED IN BED!


15.9.08...DAY 48...
8.00AM...BACK I THE DRIVING SEAT AGAIN TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...YAWN!
8.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.35AM...BREAKFAST TIME...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG/TOMATO...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.20AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.30AM...FOOT ON ACCELERATOR.
10.40AM...ANOTHER BENDY ROAD AHEAD.
11.55AM...GREYMOUTH...AND IT IS GREY...ITS NAMED AFTER A RIVER WHICH WAS NAMED AFTER A CHAPPIE CALLED GREY...VERY APT!
12.40PM...AFTER A SEARCH...FOUND A HOTEL WITH SKY SPORTS 2...BOOKED A NIGHT.
1.30PM...WAS GONNA GO TO SHANTY TOWN...A MODEL TOWN OF HOW LIFE USED TO BE IN THE EARLY MINING DAYS...BUT THE HEAVENS HAVE OPENED...OUCH.
2.30PM...STILL DO NOTHING...APART FROM WATCHING RUBBISH KIWI TV.
4.00PM...RAIN AS CEASED...ONE OF NU'S SHOE LACES AS SNAPPED...WE ARE OFF TO FIND A SHOE/LACE SHOP.
5.10PM...FANCY AN INDIAN.
5.25PM...MADRAS/RICE/NAAN BREAD ORDERED.
5.45PM...SMELLS GOOD.
6.05PM...THERES SMOKE COMING OUTA MY EARS...THE AFTERMATH OF A GOOD INDIAN!
7.00PM...BACK AT NOAHS[HOTEL].
7.30PM...BOTTLE OF WINE.


16.9.08...DAY 49...
7.00AM...ALARM...VILLA ARE ON SKY 2 SPORTS...PLAYING SPURS...THATS WHY WE WANTED A PLACE WITH SKY TELE...NU REALLY HAPPY!
7.06AM...VILLA ONE UP!
7.15AM...NU GONE FOR CUPS OF TEA...I'M HAPPY BENEATH THE SHEETS...EYES ON TV.
7.25AM...NU BACK WITH CUPS OF TEA...VILLA STILL ONE UP.
7.50AM...HALF TIME...SCORE STILL IN VILLA'S FAVOUR.
8.05AM...STAR OF SECOND HALF...NU GONE FOR SHOWER...FUNNY WOMAN...WE PAY 200 QUID FOR A ROOM WITH SKY TELE TO WATCH THE VILLA...AND SHE GOES FOR A SHOWER!
8.29AM...VILLA TWO UP.
8.50AM...SPURS HAVE ACCIDENTLY SCORED!
8.57AM...FULL TIME...VILLA HAVE THREE POINTS IN THE BAG!
9.10AM...SHOWER.
9.40AM...TOAST WITH LEMON CURD...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...PHONED MY SON TOM IN ENGLAND...HE'S ABOUT TO START UNIVERSITY...THE ONLY PERSON SO FAR IN THE WILLIS CLAN TO DO SO...I'M PROUD OF THE GUY...WISHED HIM ALL THE BEST.
10.50AM...ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
11.00AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED MILK ETC.
12.40PM...DRIVING ALONG 'ARTHURS PASS'...SEVERAL STOPS FOR PHOTO TAKING.
12.55PM...'ARTHURS PASS' VILLAGE.
1.05PM...BEEF/MUSTARD SANDWICH.
1.30PM...DRIVING ONWARDS TO 'HAMNER SPRINGS'.
2.30PM...THIS IS ONE LONG DULL DRIVE...OCCASSIONAL BURSTS OF RAIN.
4.20PM...'HAMNER SPRINGS'.
4.35PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN HOSTEL.
5.10PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/PARSNIPS/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL.
6.00PM...TUMMY FULL...GOOD MEAL.
7.00PM...WALKING VILLAGE CENTRE...IS THIS THE VILLAGE OF THE DEAD?
7.40PM...ICECREAM...WALNUT MAPLE.
8.25PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...CHATTING WITH OTHER HOSTELITES.


17.9.09...DAY 50...
9.15AM...THE SUN IS SHINING.
9.30AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.55AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.30AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...CHATTING WITH OWNER OF HOSTEL...SHE WANTS TO SELL...FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
12.10PM...WALKING TO HOT SPRINGS.
12.35PM...NU'S GOING IN...WANTS TO GET WET AND HOT!...ITS NOT MY CUPPA TEA.
12.50PM...BAKERY.
1.10PM...DROPPED BREAD BACK AT HOSTEL.
1.30PM...PUB.
2.45PM...NU JOINS ME...THE SPRINGS WEREN'T THAT HOT APPARENTLY.
4.00PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
4.30PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH.
5.30PM...THOUGHTFUL...LOTS OF 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT'?


18.9.08...DAY 51...
7.50AM...HERE WE GO AGAIN.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...CARRYING EVERYTHING TO CAR.
9.35AM...BACON SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...CHATTING WITH OWNER?
10.40AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY.
11.00AM...TALKING ABOUT INS/OUTS OF BUYING A BUSINESS IN NZ.
11.15AM...WE REALISE WE HAVE LEFT OUR FOOD BOX AT HOSTEL...TURN CAR AROUND.
11.50AM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
12.15PM...CHATTING SOME MORE WITH HOSTEL OWNER...IF WE ARE STILL INTERESTED WHEN WE GET BACK TO ENGLAND...WE WILL EMAIL HER.
12.25PM...BACK ON THE ROAD.
2.15PM...WE EVENTUALLY ARRIVE IN KIAKORA...WE HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE...NU WANTS TO GO ON THE WHALE WATCH TOUR AGAIN...WE BOOK THREE NIGHTS AT THE SAME HOTEL...ADELPHI...THE MUSTY SMELLING ONE...THE PRICE IS RIGHT!YOU TEND TO GET USED TO THE SMELL!...AND THE STAFF ARE FRIENDLY.
4.00PM...FISH AND CHIPS...ELEPHANT FISH...WHICH IS ACTUAL SHARK...BAFFLING!
6.00PM...TV NEWS.
7.30PM...CORONATION STREET...TROUBLE IS THEY ARE ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEHIND!


FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

BYE FOR NOWZ.

NZ CONTINUED....

5.9.08....DAY 38
10.00AM...WOKE WITH SORE HEAD...I WOKE AT 5.00AM AND IT HAD TAKEN 2 HOURS FOR ME TO FALL ASLEEP AGAIN...HEAD AND NOSE IN TURMOIL...PARACETAMOL AND LEMONADE.
10.14AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.35AM...RICE CRISPIES.
11.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.30AM...ANOTHER CUPPA/PARACETAMOL.
11.50AM...WALKING INTO TOWN.
12.20PM...BOUGHT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER.
1.00PM...CLOTHING SHOP...NU NEEDS TROUSERS.
1.20PM...NU NOT TOTALLY HAPPY WITH TROUSERS...BUT SHE STILL BOUGHT THEM?!
2.10PM...PUB.
3.20PM...FISH[GUENARD] AND CHIPS...NOT BAD...NOT BAD AT ALL...FISH TASTY...NOT EXPENSIVE EITHER.
4.10PM...WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET...NEED MEAT FOR TOMORROW.
5.05PM...BACK AT ROOM.
5.20PM...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...NU SEARCHING EVERYWHERE FOR OUR PHOTO DISC!...I'M GLAD HER HEAD IS SCREWED ON!
6.25PM...PHONED LAST PLACE WE STAYED...HPOEFUL DISC WILL TURN UP.
8.00PM...FEELING WEAK AND LISTLESS...NEED SYMPATHY 24/7...NU JUST BATS HER EYELIDS...SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING I'M GOING THRU...I'M A VERY DELICATE CHAP!


6.9.08...DAY 39...
8.10AM...DETERMINED TO DO SOMETHING TODAY...I'M NOT ONE TO SIT AND MOAN!
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...RICE CRISPIES...THEY SNAP AND CRACKLE...NOT SURE ABOUT TASTE...MY TASTE BUDS ARE NOT THE BEST...OH WOE IS ME!
9.20AM...SHOWER...FUNNY REALLY...WHEN YOU ARE IN THE SHOWER YOUR NOSE SEEMS OK...PERHAPS I SHOULD STAY HERE ALL DAY?...FUNNY HEY?...MAYBE NOT?
10.10AM...WALKING TO TOWN CENTRE.
10.50AM...SATURDAY MARKET.
11.30AM...NU BOUGHT TWO BOOKS AND A CARD FOR TOMS BIRTHDAY...MINES ON OCT 11TH...JUST INCASE ANYBODY FORGOTTEN!
12.20PM...SHOP DISPLAYING ACTUAL RINGS THAT WERE USED IN THE FILM 'LORD OF THE RINGS'.
1.00PM...PUB...JUG OF BEER...CHEESE AND TOM TOASTIE.
2.20PM...WALKING BACK TO ACCOMADATION...SUNSHINING,BUT A LITTLE COLD...LIMBS ACHING...BODY ACHING.
3.00PM...LULLING ON BED.
4.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
5.00PM...NU GONE TO DO DINNER...I USUALLY COOK...BUT SHE'S SHOWING SOME SYMPATHY...BLESS!
5.40PM...DINNER READY...DO I FEEL HUNGRY?
6.30PM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...SO WILL DEPART MONDAY.
7.20PM...LISTENING TO WORLD SERVICE ON RADIO...HAITI STORMS...AMERICAN ELECTION...ANGOLA GOES TO THE POLLS...FISH PEDICURE?!
8.00PM...CHOC PUD AND ICECREAM...JUST TESTING MY TASTE BUDS.
8.30PM...NU DRINKING BRANDY...ORANGE JUICE FOR ME.


7.9.08...DAY 40...
9.00AM...THIS IS GONNA BE A SLOW DAY.
9.34AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...BACK IN BED...I'M HUNGRY...GUESS I'LL SURVIVE!
11.30AM...STILL IN BED.
12.05PM...SHOWER.
1.00PM...COOKING/FRYING BEANS/SAUSAGE/MUSHROOMS/EGGS.
1.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...SAUSAGES WELL BURNT!...WELL,I'LL EXPLAIN...THE GRILL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY...SO I DID THEM IN THE PAN...BY THE TIME I REALISED THE GRILL WAS NOT WORKING...AND HAD TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHY...THE BEANS HAD STUCK TO THE PAN...THE MUSHROOMS?...WELL,THE MUSHROOMS...AND THE EGGS HAD SHRIVELLED...PLUS THE TOAST HAD NOT TOASTED DUE TO THE TOASTER NOT TOASTING...ALL IN ALL IT WAS A HORRIBLE MESS!...AND THE SAUSAGES GOT WELL BURNT DOWN ONE SIDE 'CAUSE I WAS TRYING TO RESCUE IT ALL!
1.35PM...BINNED SAUSAGES!...FORCED EVERYTHING ELSE IN...I WAS HUNGRY!...GUESS I SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN BED!
3.00PM...RINGING[WITH HARDSHIP...WELL EVERYTHING SEEMS 10 TIMES HARDER WHEN YOU'VE GOT A STUFFED UP NOSE!]...ALL THE PLACES WE HAVE STAYED IN THE LAST WEEK...STILL ON THE TRAIL OF OUR PRECIOUS LOST DISC...THERES SOME GREAT PHOTO'S OF ME THAT I KNOW AN AWFUL LOTTA PEOPLE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!
4.00PM...NO LUCK AS YET...PERHAPS THE PAPPARAZZI HAVE GOT HOLD OF THE DISC AND I'LL BE IN THE 'NEWS OF THE WORLD' COME SUNDAY?
6.00PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH.
8.00PM...PHONED MOTHER AND PAULINE.
9.00PM...VODKA AND COKE/PEANUTS.


8.9.08...DAY 41...
7.55AM...TIME TO MOVE.
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY BABE...ONE FOR ME!
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.20AM...CARRYING BAGS TO CAR...STILL FEEL FEEL...BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN ONE TO SHIRK MY RESPONSIBILITIES!?!
9.45AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.15AM...PHONING SOME PLACE WE STAYED THAT ASKED US TO PHONE BACK IN CONNECTION WITH LOST DISC.
10.40AM...STILL NO LUCK IN SEARCH FOR OUR LOST DISC.
11.05AM...OFF WE SET.
11.10AM...PETROL STATION.
11.20AM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...I WONDER HOW LONG A PERSON USES OF THERE LIFESPAN PUTTING PETROL IN THERE CARS?
11.50AM...RICHMOND...SMALL TOWN...DROVE ON.
12.20PM...ON A RIDICULOUSLY BENDY ROAD GOING UP A MOUNTAIN SIDE.
12.40PM...STILL ON A RIDICULOUSLY BENDY ROAD GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN SIDE.
1.15PM...TAKAKA...ANOTHER SMALL TOWN...DROVE ON.
1.50PM...COLLINGSWOOD...THIS IS THE PLACE WE THOUGHT WE MAY STAY FOR A NIGHT.
2.05PM...DISCUSSING WHAT TO DO...CHEESE AND BREAD.
2.25PM...DECIDED TO DRIVE BACK TO TAKAKA.
3.10PM...BACK IN TAKAKA...KIWIANA HOSTEL...ONLY TWO GERMANY GIRLS AND A CANADIAN STAYING THERE...SUITS US...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
3.35PM...SUPERMARKET.
3.50PM...GUESS WHAT I'VE FOUND...IT HAD BEN IN THE FRONT CAR TRAY ALL ALONG...NU AND I ARE GOING BLIND...ALL SMILES...DISC FOUND!
4.10PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/SPUD ON BOIL.
5.30PM...PLAYING POOL WITH CANADIAN CHAP...HE CAN'T PLAY POOL TO SAVE HIS LIFE!
6.30PM...BORED...NOSE IS GETTING BETTER.


9.9.08...DAY 42...
9.00AM...FEEL/WISH I COULD FLY HOME TO ENGLAND TODAY.
9.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY NAUGHTY GIRL...ONE FOR ME!
9.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.30AM...TOASTED MUFFINS/CUPPA COFFEE.
11.50AM...WALKING IN TO TOWN/VILLAGE CENTRE.
12.15PM...WALKING SHOPS SLOWLY...THERES NOT THAT MANY...HOPING TIME WILL PASS QUICKLY.
1.05PM...PUB...BEER.
1.25PM...TOASTED SANDWICH...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE FILLING...NICE TOAST!
3.30PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...LOADS OF PEOPLE HAVE ARRIVED...I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY HAVE TO CHOOSE THE SAME PLACE WE ARE STAYING!?
4.10PM...TIME TO COOK...TUMMY HUNGRY...GONNA MAKE COTTAGE PIE...THE WILLIS WAY!...KITCHEN PACKED...BUT NOTHING/NO ONE GETS IN MY WAY...ACTUALLY EVERYBODY SEEMS TO GET OUTA MY WAY.
5.10PM...GLORIOUS...GLORIOUS COTTAGE PIE...NO-BODY...BUT NO-BODY MAKES COTTAGE PIE LIKE ME...I COULD SEE 'OTHERS' LOOKING ON ENVIOUSLY!
6.30PM...PLAYING POOL WITH A DANISH CHAP...HE CAN'T PLAY POOL TO SAVE HIS BACON[HA-HA].
7.30PM...BORED.
9.00PM...IN BED...NOT SO BORED?!


10.9.08...DAY 43...
7.50AM...TIME TO STAGGER TO LIFE.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY NUMBER ONE GIRLIE...AND ONE FOR ME!
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.15AM...EVERYTHING IN BAGS...EVERYTHING IN A MESS.
9.25AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.40AM...TOASTED MUFFINS/COFFEE.
10.15AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY...NEXT STOP UNSURE...KINDA MEANDERING.
11.10AM...STOPPED IN TARRAKAWA...I THINK THATS THE SPELLING?
11.15AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED CHEESE...HATE BEING WITHOUT CHEESE...DON'T YOU?
11.20AM...THEY DON'T HAVE 'MAINLAND VINTAGE'...ITS AN EXPENSIVE CHEESE...BUTS ITS THE CLOSED TASTING TO ENLISH MATURED YOU'LL GET HERE...OUCH!
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR.
1.20PM...MURCHISON...THEY CALL IT A TOWN...WE WOULD CALL IT A VILLAGE.
1.45PM...BOOKED INTO 'THE LAZY COW HOSTEL'...ITS MANAGED BY A COUPLE OF 60 YEAR OLDS FROM SOMERSET,ENGLAND.
2.40PM...WALKED THE SIX SHOPS IN ABOUT 4 MINS.
2.44PM...PUB.
3.00PM...CHATTING WITH RETIRED KIWI COUPLE...PLEASANT ENOUGH.
3.30PM...CHALLENGED A LOCAL [NAMED LEE] TO A GAME OF POOL...ALSO PLAYED HIS MATE TIM...WASTE OF TIME...THEY'RE HOPELESS...OR AM I TOO GOOD?
5.30PM...BACK AT 'THE LAZY COW'.
6.10PM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH SOMERSET COUPLE...HAVING A BEER.


11.9.08...DAY 44...
8.00AM...ANOTHER DAY OF MEANDERING...I GUESS.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...AND ONE FOR MISSY!
8.40M...SHOWER.
9.10AM...WE HADN'T BOUGHT MUCH IN...SO THERE WASN'T MUCH TO TAKE BACK TO THE CAR...EVERTHING STILL A MESS!
9.35AM...WEETABIX/CUPPA TEA.
9.55AM...TIME TO MOVE...GONNA DRIVE IN THE DIRECTION OF WESTPORT.
10.30AM...THE SUN WAS OUT...BUT NOW THE RAIN AS ARRIVED.
11.40AM...WESTPORT...SUPERMARKET...THEY HAVE THE CHEESE TO PLEASE...ALSO BOUGHT BREAD AND COOKED BEEF.
12.05PM...ON CARPARK...SCOFFING BEEF SANDWICH WITH COLEMANS MUSTARD...DO YOU KNOW...YOU PROPERLY DO...BUT I DON'T WANT YOU FORGETTING!...ITS ONLY ONE MONTH TO MY NEXT BIRTHDAY WHEN I'LL BE 42!
12.35PM...DRIVING TO KARAMEA...ALONG BEACH ROAD...VERY SCENIC...WAVES CRASHING.
2.00PM...KARAMEA...IF THE LAST PLACE WAS A TOWN...THIS PLACE IS A HAMLET...RONGO'S HOSTEL...WITH A DOG NAMED MOO...HE'S NOT SURE ABOUT US...BETTER FIND THE DIGESTIVES!
2.15PM...BOOKED A NIGHT...ATTEMPTING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH MOO.
2.50PM...EVERYTHING COMING OUTA CAR...NEEDA SORT...NEEDS A TIDY.
4.00PM...STEAK UNDER GRILL...CAULI/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL...WE'VE GOTTA ENOUGH STEAK TO FILL THREE...SO WE'VE ASKED BRIAN TO JOIN US...WE ARE THE ONLY ONES STAYING HERE...AND HE'S ON HIS OWN RUNNING THE PLACE...KINDA FELT IT WAS RIGHT?
4.30PM...THOUGHT I'D OVER COOKED THE STEAK...BUT IT TASTED OK.
5.00PM...WASHING UP.
5.30PM...MADE FRIENDS WITH MOO...DON'T KNOW WHETHER IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CHEWY BIT OF STEAK I GAVE HIM?
6.20PM...BOTTLE O'WINE...BREAD AND BUTTER PUD/CUSTARD?
7.30PM...MOO WANTS MORE FUSS[TUMMY RUB]...I'M MOO'S BEST FRIEND NOW!


YOU'RE NEVER TO OLD TO LIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD!


BYE FOR NOWZ.

NZ CONTINUED....

29.8.08....DAY 31....
7.40AM...FEEL DRY...NEED MY CUPPA.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR NU...ONE FOE ME!
8.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.55AM...CARRYING OUR WARES TO THE CAR.
9.30AM...NU HAVING WEETABIX...I'M NOT HUNGRY...A CUPPA IS ALL I NEED.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.05AM...NEWSAGENTS...THEY HAVE MY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER!
10.20AM...WE CAME IN ON THE HIGH ROAD...WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE LOW ROAD OUT.
10.40AM...THE ROAD IS PLEASANT ENOUGH.
11.00AM...BLUE DUCK CAFE...MUFFIN AND COFFEE.
11.40AM...BACK IN CAR...HEADING FOR CHRISTCHURCH...GOTTA FIND THE BY-PASS ROAD...AND THEN PICK UP THE ROAD FOR KAIKOURA.
12.20PM...ANOTHER BENDY ROAD.
1.00PM...BY PASSED CHRISTCHURCH...ONLY 140K TO GO...LEAST THIS ROAD IS SOMEWHAT STRAIGHTER.
2.40PM...TURNED OFF MAIN HIGHWAY...ABOUT 40K TO GO TO KIAKOURA...ANOTHER BENDY HILLY ROAD.
3.15PM...ADELPHI LODGE,KIOKOURA...BOOKED THREE NIGHTS...ALSO BOOKED WHALE WATCHING TOUR FOR TOMORROW...FOR 12.45PM.
4.00PM...IN ROOM...SMELLS MUSTY...CUPPA TEA.
5.00PM...WALKED TO THE STRAWBERRY TREE PUB.
5.25PM...BEER AWFUL...COULDN'T DRINK IT...NU HAD A COCKTAIL...JAPANESE TYPHOON...SHE COULDN'T DRINK IT...AWFUL.
6.00PM...FISH/CHIP SHOP/RESTAURANT.
6.25PM...ELEPHANT FISH...BEST FISH I HAVE HAD IN NZ SO FAR...CHIPS NOT SO GOOD.
7.10PM...BACK IN OUR MUSTY SMELLING ROOM...TIRED...DON'T KNOW WHY...HAVEN'T DONE ALOT.



30.8.08....DAY 32...
8.40AM...SLEPT WELL.
9.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY EVERTHING...AND ONE FOR LITTLE ME!
9.30AM...SHOWER.
10.15AM...BOILED EGG/TOAST...CUPPA COFFEE.
11.00AM...LAUNDRY IN WASHING MACHINE.
11.40AM...LAUNDRY IN DRYING MACHINE[I'M JUST SITTING...WATCHING MY WORLD GO ROUND AND ROUND!].
12.30PM...WALKING TO WHALE WATCHING TOUR OFFICE.
12.45PM...BOUGHT TICKETS FOR WHALE WATCH.
1.15PM...BOARDING BOAT.
1.35PM...THIS IS ONE ROCKY RIDE.
1.50PM...SPERM-WHALE SPOTTED...BOAT COMES TO A HALT...ALL EYES AGOG!
1.55PM...ALL EYES ON MOHU THE SPERM WHALE...13 METRES OF HIM...I'M NOT GONNA GO TO CLOSE...DON'T FANCY HIS SPRAY!
2.20PM...LOTS OF 'ROAMING GIBSON ALBATROSS' FLYING AROUD BOAT.
2.35PM...A SEAL SWIMS BY...LOOKING A BIT LOST.
2.40PM...SECOND SPERM WHALE SPOTTED...NAMES MOAU DOH.
3.00PM...LOOKING AROUND THE BOAT...A FAIR FEW PEOPLE ARE CLUTCHING SICK BAGS.
3.20PM...THIRD SPERM WHALE SPOTTED...THIS ONE IS CALLED 'LITTLE NICK'...ALL THE SPERM WHALES LOOK THE SAME TO ME...I DON'T KNOW HOW THESE GUIDE FOLK TELL THE DIFFERENCE...STRANGE!...THESE WHALES FEED HERE IN THESE WATERS THEN GO OFF TO TROPICAL SHORES TO SORT THE WOMEN WHALES...SOUNDS A PRETTY GOOD LIFE TO ME!
3.35PM...HEADING BACK TO LAND...PHEW!
4.10PM...DRY LAND...ITS COLD...ITS BEEN COLD ALL DAY.
4.30PM...SUPERMARKET...PORK FOR TODAY...LAMB FOR TOMORROW?
5.30PM...PORK/CAULI/SPUD...WONDERFUL.
6.10PM...WATCHING THE LATTER PART OF SOME RUBBISH FILM ON TV IN TV LOUNGE.
7.00PM...IN OUR MUSTY ROOM...HEATER ON.
7.30PM...VIDEO...7 YEARS IN TIBET.
9.30PM...GOOD FILM...GOODNIGHT.


31.8.08...DAY 33...
10.00AM...ITS 10AM!...WE ARE STILL IN BED!
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY GIRLIE...ONE FOR LITTLE OLD ME!
10.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.15AM...CORNFLAKES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.30PM...NOT REALLY DOING ALOT...CHATTING BETWEEN OURSELVES...WE HAVE THESE MOMENTS...I USUALLY DO MOST OF THE CHAT AND NU LISTENS!
3.30PM...NU JUST WOKEN UP!
4.00PM...THINK WE'LL GO FOR AN INDIAN MEAL TONIGHT...LEAVE THE LAMB FOR TOMORROW.
4.30PM...ON THE BOARD IN THE LOBBY...THERE IS AN ADVERT FOR THE 'INDIA PLAZA'.
4.50PM...OFF WE STROLL.
5.15PM...AT 'INDIA PLAZA'DOOR...NOT OPENING TO 5.30PM...OK.
5.20PM...WE STROLL ON A BIT FURTHER...WE NOTICE A FRESH FISH SELLING OUTLET...ITS SUNDAY...BUT ITS OPEN.
5.40PM...HAVING CHATTED WITH CHAPPIE BEHIND COUNTER...WE PURCHASER 4 PIECES OF FISH...TARAKIHI...INDIAN MEAL WILL HAVE TO WAIT.
6.10PM...FISH IN OVEN...BUTTERED...WRAPPED IN FOIL...SPUD ON BOIL...PEA'S ON BOIL.
6.35PM...EATING A SPLENDID MEAL...BEST FISH WE HAVE EATEN IN NZ.
7.50PM...BACK IN OUR MUSTY ROOM...KINDA GETTYING USED TO SMELL NOW...WATCHING ANOTHER VIDEO...CAST AWAY...STARRING TOM HANKS.


1.9.08...DAY 34...
8.00AM...NU HAS TOLD ME ITS TIME TO GET UP.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR YOU KNOW WHO...AND ONE FOR ME.
8.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...CORNFLAKES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...CARRYING BAGS TO CAR.
10.15AM...IN CAMERA SHOP...NU'S CAMERA NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.
10.25AM...FOUND OUT IT WAS ON VIDEO SHOOT...NOT STILL SHOT.
11.00AM...NEW WORLD SUPERMARKET...NEED MILK ETC.
11.30AM...NU IN HAIRDRESSER'S.
12.05PM...NU LOOKS LIKE A NEW WOMAN!
12.20PM...ON THE ROAD TO BLENHEIM.
1.10PM...BIT OF A BORING JOURNEY...NZ STARTING TO LOOK SAMEY.
1.30PM...BLENHEIM...WAS GONNA BOOK A NIGHT AT THE 'HONEY-BEE'...THEY HAD NO ROOM...I WAS CHUFFED...DIDN'T LIKE THE LOOK OF THE PLACE.
1.55PM...DRIVING ON TO PICTON...PICKED UP AN AMERICAN MUSICIAN HITCHHIKING...WELL HE SAID HE WAS A MUSICIAN...I DIDN'T SEE AN INSTRUMENT...ITS LIKE ME SAYING I'M A WRITER...THOUGH I DO ALWAYS HAVE PEN AND PAPER...SO...!...!...SO I GUESS...WELL I DON'T WISH TO BLOW MY OWN TRUMPET!...BUT NO DOUBT YOU GET MY DRIFT!
2.45PM...'THE VILLA'!HOSTEL,PICTON...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS...FREE APPLE CRUMBLE!?
3.25PM...EVERYTHING IN OR ROOM...THIS ONE SMELLS BETTER.
4.00PM...WALKING TO PUB...NU INSISTED!
4.25PM...'TOOT AND WHISTLE'...ITS A CONVERTED TRAIN TICKET OFFICE.
6.00PM...BACK AT OUR NEW ABODE...LAMB UNDER GRILL...SPUD AND CABBAGE ON BOIL.
6.55PM...ALL SORTED...WE ARE FAT AGAIN.
8.00PM...FREE APPLE CRUMBLE...DOUBLEY FAT AGAIN!


2.9.08...DAY 35....
9.30AM...NU WAKES ME WITH CUPPA TEA/TOAST.
10.10AM...STILL IN BED...FEEL LAZE...GETTING LAZIER.
10.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.40AM...WALKING TO PORT[10 MINS AWAY]...4.9.08 THE CAR RENTAL IS UP...BUT WE WANNA RENT ANOTHER...BUT GONNA SHOP AROUND...MAYBE GET A BETTER DEAL.
12.30PM...ACE CAR RENTAL...CAR WITH FULL COMP INSURANCE FOR 30 DOLLAR A DAY[12 QUID]...WE ARE PAYING 25 DOLLAR A DAY...BUT THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE...SOUNDS GOOD...NU WANTS TO HAVE A THINK...STEADY!
1.10PM...PUB...NU THINKING!
1.30PM...BEER...CHICKEN KEBAB WITH RICE FOR ME...NU HAD A CHEESE/TOMATO TOASTIE.
3.20PM...DEPARTING PUB...THINKING TIME OVER.
3.40PM...BACK IN OUR ROOM.
4.00PM...WE HAVEN'T HAD CURRY BOG FOR AWHILE...SO TASTE BUDS TINGLING.
4.45PM...IT WAS OK...BIT DRIER THAN USUAL.
6.00PM...CHATTING WITH OTHER ROAMERS.
8.00PM...APPLE PIE AND ICECREAM.
9.00PM...WATCHING RUBBISH TV IN OUR ROOM.


3.9.08...DAY 36...
10.05AM...AM I GETTING LAZIER OR AM I JUST BIRED?
10.20AM...MARMALADED TOAST/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...SHOWER.
12.05PM...ACE CAR RENTAL OFFICE...TOD LADY WE WISH TO RENT VEHICLE...TOLD US TO RETURN IN ONE HOUR...SHE WAS BUSY WITH OTHERS...NO PROBLEM.
12.15PM...WALKING TO BEACH.
1.00PM...ACCIDENTLY FOUND 'IRISH BAR'?...THERE KITCHENS WERE OUTA ACTION...BUT THE LADY SAID WE COULD BRING FOOD IN.
1.10PM...NU SENDS ME ON MISSION TO FIND FOOD.
1.35PM...I RETURN WITH CHICKEN/MUSHROOM PIZZA...BIT SALTY!
2.10PM...DEPART PUB.
2.30PM...ACE CAR RENTAL OFFICE.
3.35PM...BIT SLOW GOING...BUT ALL SORTED NOW...WE HAVE RENTED CAR FOR 17 DAYS ON THIS ISLAND...THEN PICK UP ANOTHER ON THE SOUTH ISLAND ON THE 22.9.08.
4.10PM...VIDEO SHOP...RENTING 'LARS AND THE REAL GIRL'.
4.30PM...LIQUOR STORE...NU NEEDS BRANDY...VODKA ON OFFER?
5.10PM...IN OUR ROOM.
6.00PM...FINISHING OFF YESTERDAYS LEFTOVER CURRY BOG.
6.50PM...NU LOAFING ON BED...ME FIDGETTING IN CHAIR...VIDEO ABOUT TO START.
8.30PM...VIDEO FINISHED...WATCHABLE...BUT NOT AS GOOD AS I WISHED.
8.45PM...VODKA/LEMONADE...PEANUTS.


4.9.08....DAY 37...
7.50AM...NOT HUNGRY...NEED A CUPPA.
8.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA... MADE MY LITLE ME!
8.25AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...ONE ROUND OF TOAT/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.25AM...LOADING EVERTHING INTO CAR.
10.00AM...RETURNING RENTAL CAR TO BUDGET.
10.15AM...THROWING EVERTHING INTO OUR NEW 'ACE RENTAL CAR'...RAIN POURING DOWN.
10.50AM...OFF WE SET...ON THE WAY YO NELSON...GONNA TAKE SCENIC ROUTE VIA HAVELOCK.
11.20AM...THE ROAD IS WINDING AND NOT VERY SCENIC...RAIN NOT HELPING.
11.40AM...HAVELOCK...AT LAST...SEEMED AN ETERNITY...NU NOT FEELING WELL...TO MANY BENDS.
12.05PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...NOT ENJOYING THIS DRIVE IN THE HEAVING RAIN.
1.10PM...ARRIVE IN NELSON.
1.35PM...THIS PLACE IS PACKED...THERES SEVERAL CONFERENCES GOING ON...PLUS AN AMATEUR WOMANS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HAPPENING!
1.55PM...TRIED MANY PLACES FOR ACCOMADATION...NOT HAVING MUCH LUCK.
2.05PM...'SHORTBREAD COTTAGE'...THEY HAVE NO SPARE ROOMS...BUT GUY THERE SAYS HE'LL RING ROUND FOR US.
2.25PM...'THE TASMAN' AS A ROOM AVAILABLE...MORE THAN WE WISH TO PAY...BUT IT'LL HAVE TO DO.
3.10PM...'THE TASMAN'...FULL OF GIRL FOOTIE PLAYERS...WHAT A NOISE!...PLUS I HAVE GOT A COLD COMING ON...I DON'T FEEL GOOD.
3.30PM...IN ROOM...ON BED...FELL ASLEEP.
6.10PM...AWOKE...HUNGRY.
6.45PM...PORK/CAULI/SPUD/CARROT...WONDERFUL MEAL...THE NOISE IS HORRENDOUS...I DON'T LIKE YOUNG GIRLS!!!
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH OZ GIRL WE HAVE BUMPED INTO A FEW TIMES ALONG THE WAY.
9.00PM...IN BED...HANDKERCHIEF AT THE READY...BODY WEAK...BRAIN UNHAPPY.


HIBERNATION?...JUST A THOUGHT!

BYE FOR NOWZ.