For every one back home: Yes we do know the weather is bloody hot over there. Please stop rubbing it in.
Hey all.
The last few days we have spent lounging around doubtful sound. we found a package that included two nights at a hostel on the waterfront, a cruise on the sound and another private cruise.
The hostel was amazing, we were the only ones staying in a 49 person hostel so we got the self contained apartment room. our window overlooked deep cove, the entrance to doubtful sound, it was stunning.
because we were right there we got up early to go on the morning cruise of the sound. we made the right choice because there were only 47 people on your cruise. On the next cruise there were 137 people. I known, we are geniuses.
After that we had lunch and went on our private cruise. this involved renting a dinghy (pronounce dingy got ding-gee) from the hostel. it was 20 bucks for half a day but it was unbelievable driving right up to base of the waterfalls. keep in mind at the time, we were the only people on that part of the sound.
So, now we are back in Te Anau doing washing before heading to Mount Cook. We have one day there, set aside for Sealy Tarns then we head to Christchurch. It is sad we are preparing for the end of our trip, as much as i miss home.
We will see you all soon
Love youse all
Sam & Ailsa.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Sunday, December 30, 2007
New Years Eve
Hey All
Happy New Years Eve
It about midday here but we thought that we should get on and wish you all a happy new year early, our night is gonna start quite early...
The last few days have been pretty nice around Te Anau. Its a good place to spend new years because its got a quite a big tourist presence but it small enough for it not be overwhelming.
The last few days have been actioned packed. we arrived in Te Anau with no plans what-so-ever before new years. after 15 minutes in the Info site we had booked a scenic helicapopter ride and a day walk. It was a great deal, we got a 15 minute scenic flight of the Lake Te Anau area looking at some of the mountains around it. it was pretty scary how close the pilot got to some of mountains. we landed on top on a pretty high peak in the snow and had a goof around.
After the scenic flight we got dropped off at the Luxmore hut, the first hut on the Kepler Track. The track itself looked sensational to walk in full from the helicopter and the small bit we walked was just as good. We climbed mount Luxmore, had a look at some caves and then walked down to Brod Bay and got picked up by a water taxi. the only downside was we only had 5hrs to walk what was meant to be a 6 1/2 Hr segment. we got stressed on the way down and basically ran down the mountain.
For any one in the Holt family it looked very much like the time i needed a turd at the top of Machu Pichu, this time there wasnt any lines of tourists to jump.
We ended up getting to the beach 45 minutes early, which was ok cos our taxi rocked up right when we got there. it reinforced what i already knew: never trust National P)ark time signs designed to be a guide for old grannys with walking frames.
The day before yesterday we went on a day paddle on Milford Sound. The area is one of the most alien landscapes i have seen. the mountains plummet straight into the lake. it has heaps pf weird characteristics like having a 4m layer of fresh water on top of salt water and stuff like that which was all interesting. The tour itself wasnt great, it was good because of the landscape but i was let-down cos i was expecting to see the waterfalls etc up close but they were too far away to paddle to, apparently. we considered to make a break for it but we didn't know whether we could handle it, after all the guides almost didn't want us to paddle single kayaks, the noobs we are.
since, we had a sleep in day and checked into the hostel, its the best priced hostel ive seen for the facilities. then we did more sleeping, and i broke the bed. I'm too fat, good luck to me for training for canada.
So, we wish you a happy new year, stay safe all.
we just came back from buying grog. We bought tickets to a bar that at 1 am are putting everyone in the bar with a ticket onto buses and shipping them of to a "secret, unkno0wn location" where they have a bonfire, Djs, "Hangi" Music (what the hell is that?). Any Hoo its sounds awesome, we are excited.
Just Quickly:
Dad: well done for exposing the fake No. 1 Geelong Fan
Jemma: well done for giving Andrew 'Coulda Hit Em' Holt the back-up he needed
Mum: Where were you to take the punch this time HUH?
Peace Out.
Happy New Year
Out
Ailsa:
Darian: to answer ur question we'll be full on training as soon as we get home? for how long? forever. or at least until canada in july-august this year :) we are going hangliding as soon as i get home so look into it. also everytime i eat the last one of something i keep going EXTREME FEVER
im so lame. Sam: Her hummed renditions of Ode To Joy are getting just a tad old.
doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
hehe the tom tom the pipers son song just came on the radio.. hahahaha
Over and Out Team
Stay Safe. Dont DO Drugs. Stay In School.
Love youse all
Happy New Years Eve
It about midday here but we thought that we should get on and wish you all a happy new year early, our night is gonna start quite early...
The last few days have been pretty nice around Te Anau. Its a good place to spend new years because its got a quite a big tourist presence but it small enough for it not be overwhelming.
The last few days have been actioned packed. we arrived in Te Anau with no plans what-so-ever before new years. after 15 minutes in the Info site we had booked a scenic helicapopter ride and a day walk. It was a great deal, we got a 15 minute scenic flight of the Lake Te Anau area looking at some of the mountains around it. it was pretty scary how close the pilot got to some of mountains. we landed on top on a pretty high peak in the snow and had a goof around.
After the scenic flight we got dropped off at the Luxmore hut, the first hut on the Kepler Track. The track itself looked sensational to walk in full from the helicopter and the small bit we walked was just as good. We climbed mount Luxmore, had a look at some caves and then walked down to Brod Bay and got picked up by a water taxi. the only downside was we only had 5hrs to walk what was meant to be a 6 1/2 Hr segment. we got stressed on the way down and basically ran down the mountain.
For any one in the Holt family it looked very much like the time i needed a turd at the top of Machu Pichu, this time there wasnt any lines of tourists to jump.
We ended up getting to the beach 45 minutes early, which was ok cos our taxi rocked up right when we got there. it reinforced what i already knew: never trust National P)ark time signs designed to be a guide for old grannys with walking frames.
The day before yesterday we went on a day paddle on Milford Sound. The area is one of the most alien landscapes i have seen. the mountains plummet straight into the lake. it has heaps pf weird characteristics like having a 4m layer of fresh water on top of salt water and stuff like that which was all interesting. The tour itself wasnt great, it was good because of the landscape but i was let-down cos i was expecting to see the waterfalls etc up close but they were too far away to paddle to, apparently. we considered to make a break for it but we didn't know whether we could handle it, after all the guides almost didn't want us to paddle single kayaks, the noobs we are.
since, we had a sleep in day and checked into the hostel, its the best priced hostel ive seen for the facilities. then we did more sleeping, and i broke the bed. I'm too fat, good luck to me for training for canada.
So, we wish you a happy new year, stay safe all.
we just came back from buying grog. We bought tickets to a bar that at 1 am are putting everyone in the bar with a ticket onto buses and shipping them of to a "secret, unkno0wn location" where they have a bonfire, Djs, "Hangi" Music (what the hell is that?). Any Hoo its sounds awesome, we are excited.
Just Quickly:
Dad: well done for exposing the fake No. 1 Geelong Fan
Jemma: well done for giving Andrew 'Coulda Hit Em' Holt the back-up he needed
Mum: Where were you to take the punch this time HUH?
Peace Out.
Happy New Year
Out
Ailsa:
Darian: to answer ur question we'll be full on training as soon as we get home? for how long? forever. or at least until canada in july-august this year :) we are going hangliding as soon as i get home so look into it. also everytime i eat the last one of something i keep going EXTREME FEVER
im so lame. Sam: Her hummed renditions of Ode To Joy are getting just a tad old.
doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
hehe the tom tom the pipers son song just came on the radio.. hahahaha
Over and Out Team
Stay Safe. Dont DO Drugs. Stay In School.
Love youse all
Thursday, December 27, 2007
heya from te anau
hey guys,
just a quick post from te anau. internet is so expensive here.
we're about to catch a helicopter up over the mountains and land near mt luxmore on the kepler track where they leave us to walk out for the rest of the day. there's snow up on mt luxmore! then we catch a boat back to te anau. should be wicked.
then tomorrow we're going on a kayak into milford sound. sorry dad, we're not going to doubtful sound cos it costs over double what milford does for everything.
we're spending new yrs at a backpackers here which is on the lakefront. there are fireworks and stuff here and lots pubs even tho its a pretty small town.
so hope u all hav a happy new year if we dont talk 2 u before then.
love youse all
sam says"bye"
:)
just a quick post from te anau. internet is so expensive here.
we're about to catch a helicopter up over the mountains and land near mt luxmore on the kepler track where they leave us to walk out for the rest of the day. there's snow up on mt luxmore! then we catch a boat back to te anau. should be wicked.
then tomorrow we're going on a kayak into milford sound. sorry dad, we're not going to doubtful sound cos it costs over double what milford does for everything.
we're spending new yrs at a backpackers here which is on the lakefront. there are fireworks and stuff here and lots pubs even tho its a pretty small town.
so hope u all hav a happy new year if we dont talk 2 u before then.
love youse all
sam says"bye"
:)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Photos, Finally
Prawn World. For Matt
Ailsa's new backpack, it was the reccomended size.
Just before leaving on the water taxi
Morning Tea on Abel Tasman
The view from mid way on Abel Tasman walk
Walking on ice at Franz Josef
Rudolph and an elf he picked up on the glacier
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Hello All.
We hope you all had a very merry christmas and are preparing for a happy new year.
Since we last spoke we have not only been pining over yuou but we have migrated south on the south island. The last, horribly spelt post we posted was from Greymouth. we dopnt like that place. we had a sensational camp site, until two twats set fire to their garbage next us and the tins they put in there started to blow up. so we moved which was annoying, especially after the wine.
A few more details on the Abel Tasman walk: we took a water taxi in and walked out one day. the scenery was beautiful, my walking partner was beautiful but unfortunaelt we cannot say the same about most of the many, many tourists walking there as well. despite the overcrowded-ness it was a great walk but the afternoon sea breeze canme in a tad too early and we didnt end up swimming at a beach, just lay in the sun.
Our migratory route took us down the western coast of the island past the glacier country. we visited both glaciers but unfortunately did not get the chance to go on guided walk because of a mystery foot injury ailsa sustained whilst simply existing. we fixed it quick though, we amputated it once we arriuved in queenstown. ailsa: my stoopid podiatrist is having xmas holidays, loser..we tried to call him.. i blame my orthotics..it feels like ive straineds something in my arch.. but its getting better i think....
poo bum tits none the less
after glacier country we trekked further south to Wanaka and had a day there for more christmas shopping etc etc. we both werent impressed by Wanaka, it was very crowded and touristy but was still really small so we felt a bit too cosy with the crowds. The wrost bit about wanaka was the wake up call we got from COUNCIL SECURITY. this bloked explained we were illegally camping and told us the cops werwe following him. we didnt beleive him but we space trucked down to queenstown at about 6.00am any way.
i now hand it over to my lovely assistant Alyssa...
not freakin funny SAMULE
sam got me one of those corny number plates for xmas with ALYSSA on it. hahaha
sooo now we've been in queenstown ever since and we'r loving it.. even more than the kaituna at rotorua..
the first day we bought more presents for each other, and walked around the town.. then we went food shopping and bought a feast for xmas and cheked into our hostel the flaming kiwi.
(we chose it cos it had a spa pool, even tho we didnt end up using it)
we played this wicked mini golf with lots of cool gimmicks and left my wallet there!!! we were a bit stressed out esp cos it was closed when we realised..and didnt open until boxing day.
we met a whole bunch of cool people in our hostel and it turned out everyone was doing a group xmas lunch together so we joined in. i think we'v wateched about 5 movies in the last 2 days..everyone was so buggered on xmas day after the previos party night (not us, we wanted to be up and at em on xmas) the hostel was really nice and small and heaps of the guys had been living there and working for a few months.. so it was sorta like a bg share house. there were mainly english and german ppl, we were the only australians..
our lunch turned out really well..everyone made a dish and it was pretty much all meat.. 2 turkeys, 3 chickens, pork, lamb etc etc we had a good feast. we found my wallet. by waking up the girl who worked at mini golf and it was there.. but she wasnt happy to be woken up on xmas day, oops..
the rest of the day was pretty slow, everyone was pretty tired and the pubs opened at 12 midnight. we didnt go out cos we wanted to save our energy for rafting which was thismorning and was wicked!!! we were in a raft with japanese and korean ppl (one of which was an ex korean special ops soldier :P) Sam: i double crossed him and now im on the most wanted list in Korea. I'll see you guys in ten years or so when i resurface from hiding.
so now we'r wandering around queenstown, we're going out tonight with the hostel ppl even tho we'r not staying there again.
next we'r headed to te anau for new yr and to go kayaking on milford sound..
and oh yeh prolly my best xmas pressie was finding out that the aus womens team can go to canada!!!! yay!!!!! and the aus under 21 mens team!!! :)
So, we bid you farewell from queenstown and will get in touch again fromTe Anau or beyond.
Over and Out
See Above for pictures.
OO i forgot, we had FERGBURGER. any one who is any one has tried a fergburger.
We hope you all had a very merry christmas and are preparing for a happy new year.
Since we last spoke we have not only been pining over yuou but we have migrated south on the south island. The last, horribly spelt post we posted was from Greymouth. we dopnt like that place. we had a sensational camp site, until two twats set fire to their garbage next us and the tins they put in there started to blow up. so we moved which was annoying, especially after the wine.
A few more details on the Abel Tasman walk: we took a water taxi in and walked out one day. the scenery was beautiful, my walking partner was beautiful but unfortunaelt we cannot say the same about most of the many, many tourists walking there as well. despite the overcrowded-ness it was a great walk but the afternoon sea breeze canme in a tad too early and we didnt end up swimming at a beach, just lay in the sun.
Our migratory route took us down the western coast of the island past the glacier country. we visited both glaciers but unfortunately did not get the chance to go on guided walk because of a mystery foot injury ailsa sustained whilst simply existing. we fixed it quick though, we amputated it once we arriuved in queenstown. ailsa: my stoopid podiatrist is having xmas holidays, loser..we tried to call him.. i blame my orthotics..it feels like ive straineds something in my arch.. but its getting better i think....
poo bum tits none the less
after glacier country we trekked further south to Wanaka and had a day there for more christmas shopping etc etc. we both werent impressed by Wanaka, it was very crowded and touristy but was still really small so we felt a bit too cosy with the crowds. The wrost bit about wanaka was the wake up call we got from COUNCIL SECURITY. this bloked explained we were illegally camping and told us the cops werwe following him. we didnt beleive him but we space trucked down to queenstown at about 6.00am any way.
i now hand it over to my lovely assistant Alyssa...
not freakin funny SAMULE
sam got me one of those corny number plates for xmas with ALYSSA on it. hahaha
sooo now we've been in queenstown ever since and we'r loving it.. even more than the kaituna at rotorua..
the first day we bought more presents for each other, and walked around the town.. then we went food shopping and bought a feast for xmas and cheked into our hostel the flaming kiwi.
(we chose it cos it had a spa pool, even tho we didnt end up using it)
we played this wicked mini golf with lots of cool gimmicks and left my wallet there!!! we were a bit stressed out esp cos it was closed when we realised..and didnt open until boxing day.
we met a whole bunch of cool people in our hostel and it turned out everyone was doing a group xmas lunch together so we joined in. i think we'v wateched about 5 movies in the last 2 days..everyone was so buggered on xmas day after the previos party night (not us, we wanted to be up and at em on xmas) the hostel was really nice and small and heaps of the guys had been living there and working for a few months.. so it was sorta like a bg share house. there were mainly english and german ppl, we were the only australians..
our lunch turned out really well..everyone made a dish and it was pretty much all meat.. 2 turkeys, 3 chickens, pork, lamb etc etc we had a good feast. we found my wallet. by waking up the girl who worked at mini golf and it was there.. but she wasnt happy to be woken up on xmas day, oops..
the rest of the day was pretty slow, everyone was pretty tired and the pubs opened at 12 midnight. we didnt go out cos we wanted to save our energy for rafting which was thismorning and was wicked!!! we were in a raft with japanese and korean ppl (one of which was an ex korean special ops soldier :P) Sam: i double crossed him and now im on the most wanted list in Korea. I'll see you guys in ten years or so when i resurface from hiding.
so now we'r wandering around queenstown, we're going out tonight with the hostel ppl even tho we'r not staying there again.
next we'r headed to te anau for new yr and to go kayaking on milford sound..
and oh yeh prolly my best xmas pressie was finding out that the aus womens team can go to canada!!!! yay!!!!! and the aus under 21 mens team!!! :)
So, we bid you farewell from queenstown and will get in touch again fromTe Anau or beyond.
Over and Out
See Above for pictures.
OO i forgot, we had FERGBURGER. any one who is any one has tried a fergburger.
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