HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

 

We are in Invercargill, right at the bottom of the South Island. Since we left Aimee, Richard and Nim the day after Boxing day we had a very scenic drive through the lakes up to Queenstown. It was buzing, up market town, beautifully set on the border of a huge lake surrounded by mountains. It was unfortunately very crowded as this is the holiday season for New Zealanders , supprise supprise!!. Never mind, we enjoyed it. We went to Arrowtown, just a 20 minute drive from Queensland. Very quaint little village.

 

We then went to Te Anoa, at the foot of the Milford Sounds. Unfortunately a very nasty front is going through the South Island and we had a lot of rain and cold winds. However, there was a rodeo in town that we went to see. Our first Rodeo! We actually enjoyed it. The atmosphere is great and lots of fun.

 

Another long drive through wilderness today to get to Invercargill and Bluff where Mike came 40 odd years ago when he was in the Merchant Navy. Nothing much is happening here and as it is New Year's eve everything is closed and deserted. Much like it was 40 years ago!! 

 

We have found a very nice camp site and when we checked in, Mike asked about their room availabilities. Cut a long story short, we rented a lovely Granny Cottage for the night so we feel like we are living in luxury! So nice! To be true, we have been very cold the past few nights sleeping in our van so tonight should be bliss... No other way, is there, to celebrate New Year's eve in style?

 

We hope to speak to you on Skype soon.

 

In the meantime, we wish you all the fun and happiness for 2013.

 

Enjoy the photos attached

 

Love from us