New Zealand - Homeward Bound

Our last morning and there was a flurry of activity as we attempted to fit everything back into suitcases & clean out cupboards & fridges. Bill did a wonderful job as I got to sit & watch (still not used to those crutches yet). After hugs & kisses all round we left for the airport right on time.

We discovered that luggage & associated items for 2 people are very difflicult to manhandle when 1 person is incapacated & wheelchair bound. Still we made it in fits & starts to the check-in counter where a lovely lady from Qantas sorted us out (lucky me - a window seat with the other 2 seats to myself for my leg) & Bill on the other aisle seat. Queenstown does not have airbridges so to get me on the plane my wheelchair was placed in a little box thing & forklifted up (scarier than the chair lifts) to the door of the plane, boy it is amazing how small these things look from this angle - still we'd got there OK so I was sure we could get home again.

Taking off from Queenstown must be the most spectacular view in the world as you fly over the Remarkables, Coronet Peak & Cardrona Ski fields (and see the skiers). So we were on our way and after a very good flight arrived home at Melbourne Airport on time. Here I was met with a wheelchair and was fastracked through everywhere and delivered to a taxi for the last leg home.

On arrival home I discovered that it is no mean feat to get from the from the front of our building to our apartment. We live right at the end of the hallway as far away from the lifts as you can get. Great for noise - not so great for crutches - still I made it & collapsed. I'm sure I would get better in time. After the obligatory cup of coffee, Bill unpacked the cases & with a chair in the laundry, I managed to get the washing done. Nothing like getting back to normal eh!

Bill was back to work in the morning & I was off to the Dr with my X-Rays & report for a referral & complete diagnosis. I was to get used to the slow trek up the corridor as I caught Taxi's for the week. (Bill was in Perth for 3 days). The Dr looked at my pictures, picked up the phone & I had an appt with a surgeon the next day. After a week of CT Scans, MRI & appts it was decided that I would be operated on Monday 18th to fix the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, the Posterior Cruciate Ligament & pin back the little bone which had come away as well. The Medial Ligament may fix itself so is on hold at the moment. So that done & 3 or 4 pins/screws later, I am at home recuperating. Leg in a brace 24/7 (can't move it) & still in possession of those crutches to walk now not hop. Rehab will start next week and I will find out how long I will be home for.

What will I do you ask. I'm sure I will find things to amuse myself with. Already you have all had a full recount of our NZ adventures and there have been & will be adventures now I'm home - you know what they say - 'you can't keep a good girl down'! So stay tuned for the next exciting episodes in the life & times of the Harris' in Melbourne.

So until next time.............

New Zealand - Adventures on Wheels

Well, a slightly slower start to the morning, I could not quite get my head around the fact I would not be skiing today. I still had poles, just not the right ones. Marg, Pete & Peter M headed off to Coronet Peak early for their last day in the snow, leaving Bett, BB, Bill & I to play tourist once more. We decided that hiring a wheelchair would be a better option than hobbling on crutches (I couldn't work them yet), so we picked one up and headed off to Arrowtown for lunch. Our skiers decided that the snow was not so good and joined us in our favourite little pub in Arrowtown and we all had lunch together. Here we reminisced, laughed & didn't cry about our last 2 weeks, an amazing trip and one we can't wait to do again. With our skiers off to unload cars the rest of us stayed and checked out the Arrowtown Museum - well worth a visit if you are ever there, and then headed home to get ready for our new arrivals that night.

Yes, Lorraine & Hans had arrived and were joining us for dinner that night. Marg made the yummiest seafood stirfry and we all had a wonderful night catching up on everybody's news & adventures. We were also saying farewell to Bett & BB who were flying out the following morning back to Perth. Good Food, Good Wine & Good Friends - what else can I say - an excellent night.

The following morning we waved Bett & BB off bright & early (see you at Christmas) for their trip home and then were joined by Lorraine & Hans for a wander around Queenstown. For us, a last chance for some Retail Therapy, and for them to have a look at the town. We had lunch in a nice little restaurant in the Mall. After lunch we went our separate ways to rest up for our final fling tonight - dinner in Queenstown.

Marg, Pete & Peter M had been off shopping for the day, the bargains they found, hope the excess luggage wasn't too much.

We all met again at Finz (seafood on the Wharf) for dinner that night and then home for drinks, last rushes and another night of riotous fun (thank goodness we had no neighbors). We were off tomorrow and Lorraine & Hans were just beginning their 2 weeks of touring from Queenstown to Auckland. So just one more sleep and it was time to go.....

So until next time..........

New Zealand - Footrot Flats

Thursday morning, sun shining, snow glistening on mountain tops and we are all off on our adventure to Cardrona again. A litle bit of a hitch as Bett decides to take a shortcut down the stairs and ends up covered in bruises. Lucky I didn't hear the scream, a naked BB just might have been too much for first thing in the morning. Still she is OK to join the tour party for the day, thank goodness. A safe arrival, a ride on the cattle truck to base camp and after a few photo's Bett & BB head off down to Wanaka for their day of sightseeing and the rest of us make our way to the ski lifts.

I started the day with a couple of runs on the 'baby slopes' and then I was ready to join the others for the adventure of the day - Footrot Flats - here I come. Up in the chairlift and a perfect dismount - a good start - and we are truly on top of the world. The view from up there is magical. And so we start our descent. Slowly, carefully one run at a time and with only 2 tumbles, I made it too the bottom in one piece. Again absolute elation and it didn't take too much persuasion to get me back up there again. This time Marg, Peter, Bill & Pete were going to come down a huge blue slope which involved skiing down to catch another chairlift to a higher point and then come down from there. I was content to have one more run on Footrot Flats and then wait for them with a coffee.

So after a good look at the view again, a deep breath and I'm off again. Like before slowly & in easy sections, I was doing OK. With base camp in view I set off again and all of a sudden it was .......'Uh oh, shit shit, BUGGER' I hadn't quite made the turn and I was sitting in the snow again. Once I sat up, untangled my ski's (which didn't come off) & brushed myself down, a nice couple came along to help. As they went to help me up I felt a little twinge behind my left knee so thought I had better not risk standing up until I had checked it out. On further investigation I guessed that I had twisted it and the lady set off to send someone to help me. I still thought that all was well and that I was probably just being a wuss, but as they say better safe than sorry. So there begun my next adventure.

A Medic appeared to check me out and decided that it was probably a Medial Ligament, so the Skidoo was summoned and head first down the mountain we went to the medical centre - I would rather see where I was going for future rides. Here I was transferred to a stretcher to await consultation by the Dr on duty. In the meantime our intrepid skier's had returned from their adventurous run and thought I had gone back up again - if only. We found each other shortly after, thanks to Peter M's sleuthing skills, and they got a bit of a shock to see me sitting up, quite cheerful, with an icepack on the knee. The diagnosis, once seen, was not too hopeful. Definitely, probably Ligament damage, so a slab & bandage to keep it still as we headed back to Queenstown, a phone call to Bett & BB to let them know of the change of plans and we were off again on the trek home. Of course we had to stop on the way for a picnic lunch. Peter M was in raptures with the Salmon - & he thought Marg had forgotten the vegemite sandwiches.

On arrival at the Queenstown Medical Centre I was assessed & X-Rayed where all became apparent - Uh oh, not only the ligament but also the little bone that holds the ligaments on. Shock Horror what had I done?. So with my leg in a brace & a pair of shiny new crutches I was sent forth to continue my holiday from a slightly slower perspective. BUGGER!! And so there endeth my skiing adventure for 2006. Footrot Flats bites but I do hope to get back another year and conqueor that darn mountain.

Bett & BB had come home too as she was beginning to feel the worse for wear after her little mishap from the morning. An omen you might wonder.

That night we were all booked to dine at the Gondola Restaurant on the mountain top right in front of our apartments. I decided that I could not master the crutches enough to get in & out of a Gondola just yet so put myself to bed with the telly and sent the others off to see the most wonderful view in Queenstown. The photo's were wonderful. Just 2 days to go and Lorraine & Hans were due to arrive the next day. What adventures were awaiting us.

Until next time..................

New Zealand - The Big Easy

Yep another day, another mountain. Wednesday is fine & warm (double figures according to the radio) and with the snow report forecasting wind at Cardrona we decided that Coronet Peak would be our Mountain of choice for the day. Bett & BB are off to try their golfing prowess at the Queenstown Golf Club. Cars loaded with all the bits and were off to conqueor new trails in the snow.

My one aim today was to get up the chairlift and ski down 'The Big Easy'. To achieve this I thought I needed another lesson and Pete gave me one of his unused ones. So off I went and Wow - I did it - Twice!!! Such elation. Even got off the chairlift (once) without falling and all the way down the bottom twice. (I don't think the smile came off my face all through lunch). So of course guess what I did after lunch - yep that's right straight back up "Big Easy" on my own and down again. I can't begin to tell you the feeling of acheivement, so up again and down again. Yippee. Of course while I was off on my adventure my fellow skier's had been having their own adventures all over the mountains. Bill & Peter M sking runs they would never had thought of at the beginning of the trip. What a day.

The trip home was a happy one and I think I drove everyone crazy with my 'Big Easy' joy, but never mind they survived and we celebrated that night with dinner at Bett & BB's who had golfed and created dinner with success. That Hokey Pokey icecream sure is a winner.

Tomorrow's plan of attack was a 2 car trek to Cardrona, with 5 of us skiing. Bett & BB would drive back down the mountain to see Wanaka, the 'Boy's Toy's Museum & the Bra Fence. We would join them for lunch and come home from there. With the plan in place it was time for 'rushes' and sleep and dreams of 'Big Easy'. Tomorrow I would attempt Footrot Flats. Could I do it you all ask. Like me you will have to sleep on it.

Until next time........

New Zealand - New Horizons

Monday morning dawned fine & warmer again in Queenstown. Bett & BB had risen even earlier as they were off on their adventure to Doubtful Sound today. This morning we were off on a new adventure. We were going a bit further afield to Ski at Cardrona. Marg & Pete assured us this is a great mountain to ski now our lessons were finished. Pete has promised me that the road up is not like the Remarkables Road. Peter M, Bill & I had to take a quick trip to the Kiwi hire shop to get fitted for our new ski's, boots & poles. Boots - I loved them from the beginning. That done we were off again. The drive is an event in itself about 1 1/2 hours through the Crown Ranges (spectacular) and then out the other side into reasonably flat ground then the ascent up the mountain rd takes about 30 mins. My first trip up & down had that familiar terror returning but after that I came to enjoy the drive.

We arrived at the car park, unloaded the boot and walked up to Base Camp. Cardrona is the most colourful of all 3 Base Camps with a great feel to it. The central courtyard area is full of tables for weary skier's to rest, eat, drink & recover. The weather was warmer in Queenstown but bitter at Cardrona. The coldest day since our first Sunday at the Remarks. Still not to be thwarted by such a little thing the 5 of us, (Peter M was back on ski's after his visits to the physio had things on the mend) kitted up and headed off to the slopes. A new lift here (Pommer - spelling?) was the best thing and Peter M & I were soon shushing up and down the lower slopes with more than a degree of confidence. Marg, Pete & Bill were exploring the bigger, higher slopes and having a ball. Peter M joined them a bit later but I stayed and played with the pommer lift for the day. A break at lunch time convinced us that the weather & the wind were not improving so we ate our picnic, holding onto our cups, as we poured the soup, for fear of losing them to the wind, and headed off down the mountain for the ride home. The trip down with the snow being whipped up by the wind made for some amazing footage. Once home it was time for a relaxing afternoon and just as we were leaving for dinner our other intrepid travellers arrived so we all set off for an Indian meal in town while sharing stories & adventures of the day. Drinks & rushes completed the evening and home to bed to rest in readiness for a 2nd assault on Cardrona in the morning.

Up bright & early and off again. This time armed with the snow report we thought we would ski early and then head off to Wanaka for lunch and a look at a Museum over there. This time on arriving a bright blue sky greeted us, still windy, but warmer. We took advantage of the shuttle (cattle truck - great idea) to base camp and before you could say 'snow bunnies' we were all off to our slopes of choice to play some more. Once again a successful morning for 5 happy skier's and we headed down the mountain for lunch as planned.


Down to the main road and a left turn and we were greeted by the most unsual (well, eccentric) sight I have ever seen. Bra's, yes bra's, many, many pairs all shapes, sizes and colours hanging on a fence, along the main highway. Why? Who knows but an attraction they are none the less. Of course a photo opportunity was created and after a suitable number had been taken we headed off as planned for lunch at Wanaka.

Words fail me (surely not) to describe the first look at Lake Wanaka with the Mt Aspiring National Park behind it. So many words come to mind but they have all been used so many times before - still spectacular it was. We had our picnic on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the company of Donald & Daffy Duck who were quite happy to join our little party. Once finished we set off to the Museum for the boys to spend some time drooling over old planes, trains & automobiles. This you might not believe but Marg & I stayed in our respective cars and slept as we were both a little weary.

The ride home took us through some new countryside, all flat and not quite right after the majestic splendour of the mountains. The gorges at Roaring Meg's Power Station put some interest back into the drive and the enforced road block for 20mins as we waited for some blasting to be done gave us the opportunity to 'goat spot' while we waited to move again.

Our day was still not finished though as we were taking a 'Dinner Cruise' on the Earnslaw that night. So on with the finery and down to the wharf to take a trip on the lovely old wooden steamboat. Again the most spectacular scenery with the sun setting over the snow capped mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Our trip took us over to Walter Peak, a working sheep property about a 40 min trip across the lake. We had a wonderful buffet (some never made it past the Salmon) and finished the night (how many puddings BB?) with live entertainment from the farmer who owns the property showing us his Sheep Dog (really)rounding up sheep & a shearing demonstration. An interesting end to a wonderful day. The trip back was complete with the piano player performing the entire songbook of 'hits' so we hummed along all the way back. Too tired even for rushes we all headed straight home for bed and dreams of more adventures to come.

Until next time.............

New Zealand - 'Remarkable' Sunday

Yep it's Sunday morning, warmer than yesterday at 7 degrees. Spring seemed to have sprung in New Zealand and today was the day I was going up 'that' road again. Oh my goodness, how had I agreed that it would be fun to ski at the Remarks again. Red wine sure gets you into trouble sometimes. Never mind we'd got there & back once, I'm sure we could do it again. So with the car loaded up with gear & our picnic lunch for 5 we were waved off by Bett & BB (was that relief on his face) and headed off once again. It was a beautiful day with blue sky and sunshine. The valley was green again as last Mondays snow had melted during the week and with the road dry & dusty (who could have imagined this last Monday) it was a great drive up. The views are magnificent and the drive if you are brave just has too be done.

On arrival at Base Camp we organised ourselves, put the boots on - I really didn't want to give them back that night by now. (When had this change taken place?) Bill & I were the only ones with lessons left so we joined our classes and away we went. On meeting up for lunch, I was able to share my good news that I could now go up the chairlift for a go at the bigger slopes. Sounds great in theory but once on the chairlift I was wondering if it was such a good idea.

After lunch and before I could chicken out my mentors, Marg, Pete O & Bill took me up the chairlift to make my debut run on a 'big hill' Ha - Chairlifts & Ski's are not meant to go together I thought as I landed on my posterior instead of skiing off gracefully like the others. My next thought as I turned the corner to where this easy run started was ' Oh my God how do I get down from here'. Well as there was no other way than to ski that's what I did, very slowly & very carefully I thought, but still managed to tumble a couple of times- gracefully of course - NOT. Still I had done it and got down from this great height in one piece as well. So what did I do then, I went back and tried again. Does the term ' slow learner' spring to mind? Never - just the most amazing thrill to be able to do this. So this time I was going to master the dismount - well almost but not quite. Still back on my feet/ski's I approached the way down again with a tiny bit more confidence but still a huge serving of terror as well. Still down we went again, falling only once this time. I decided that this was enough adventure for one day and let the others off 'Babysitting Duty' so they could get back to the real slopes. I went & joined Peter M on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine.

As it was such a mgnificent day, clear blue skies & light winds, the photographers amongst us decided it would be a good day to ride the biggest chairlift to the highest point of the mountain to get some photo's. Once you get off the chairlift you walk up a bit further to the highest peak where there is a lookout of sorts. This was done without skis & after the photo session they all rode the chairlift down. Bill & Pete O went to the lookout while Marg & Peter M went to the top of the chairlift and turned the surrounding area into NZ's highest esky. Yes that's right, little bottles of G & T & Champagne keeping cool in the snow, while the contents were being consumed by 2 very happy adventurers. Thank goodness the ski's were at the bottom, I think. And yes the photo's from there were stunning. I stayed on the deck in the sun - not ready to attempt another chairlift that day.

Once back together it was time to hand in our ski's, poles & my wonderful boots - what was I thinking. Quite a sad moment as we had had a wonderful week with them and it felt quiet strange returning to car without them over my shoulder. Still back to the hire shop tomorrow morning for a new set, this time minus lessons.

The trip down the mountain was stunning, amazing how your perspective changes when you relax. The intrepid ski party arrived home safe & sound with more tales to tell that night. After a little rest we joined Bett & BB who had been touristing once more and had the best home made soup at Marg's place. Sorry guy's no more for lunch tomorrow. Home to bed and to dream of new adventures tomorrow.

So until next time..........

New Zealand - By Day & By Night

Saturday dawned fine & warm. Yes it was 5 degrees. It's amazing how warm that seems after -2. The intrepid skiers decided that we would return to Coronet Peak to see if we could remember our lessons after our day of rest. Bett & BB by virtue of being tourists got to sleep in (what else is a Saturday for?) Once again we arrived at Base Camp, found a possie and got 'those damn boots' on again. I was a touch concerned as I beginning to feel a bit of an affinity with them by now - what was happening to me, I wondered. We all headed off to our chosen slopes and skied away until hunger pangs brought us in for lunch. Today I even managed to give up my obsession with hugging snowboarders. Or was it the video footage from the other day that was the catalyst for this. 1,2,3.....Thanks for that Pete. Still it was very liberating to know that I can go around them with confidence instead of meeting them nose to nose.

Coronet Peak is a wonderful mountain to learn to ski on. It is close to town, an easy road to drive up and shuttles from the many car parks when it's busy. Great slopes to cater for all levels of expertise. Amazing views from every slope. They also have Night Skiing on Friday & Saturday nights. As Marg had tickets for this we decided that we would leave the mountain after lunch and return at 6.00pm for an hours skiing at night - just to say we had done it. So home we went for a well earned rest between our adventures, shopping & cooking dinner during this time. My turn to cook so Spagetti Bolognaise was easy to prepare now and eat later.

Bett & BB joined us for our night time adventure. We arrived back at the Peak as planned at 6.00pm, put 'those damn boots' back on and hit the slopes again as the light faded away to dark. The floodlights were on and it was an amazing sight. We were surprised at how quiet it was. The upside of that was there was plenty of space to ski and almost no snowboards. We discovered them later. Our hour turned into 2 1/2 hours though watching Marg, Pete & Bill disappear up the chairlift (for one last run) with the cloud almost over the whole mountain was a little disconcerting. The rest of us were entertained by the snowboarders who had set up a ski/board jump from the deck of the Base Camp cafe, down the stairs to the car park area below and proceeded to hold competitions to see who could get down without falling. What an amazing night. The guy on 2 ski's with the stubby won our prize of the night. Off the chair, down the rail and onto the snow without spilling a drop. On the deck were a couple of portable pot belly fires keeping people warm. What an adventure.

Home to eat, watch the 'rushes' & plan for tomorrows return to the Remarkables - urgh that road again.

New Zealand - Magic Mountains

A slightly slower start after our night of mayhem & mirth. But we arrived at Base camp on Coronet Peak with plenty of time to get ready for our next lesson. Bett converted her last 2 lessons to private sessions so hit the slopes first. BB & I joined the same class again and this time our teacher was a girl from France. I think she thought she was teaching skiers for an event far and above what we were there for still we managed to learn to turn and this time were quite happy when the time was up.

As we arrived for lunch Bett was off again for lesson #2 of the day. As we wandered up for another run after lunch we saw her skiing down the slope like a pro. Peter M was wandering the slopes again in his role as candid camera-man. Marg & Pete O headed off up the chairlifts with Bill to check out his progress & ski the Blue slopes but with the weather deteriorating we decided that we would head home early and have an afternoon of rest. .

Bill & I headed off down to the waterfront and had a look around at Queenstown Wharf precinct. This is the hub of many water based activities in Queenstown. It is home to the wonderful old Steamboat 'The Earnslaw', Jetboat rides and the American Cup winner New Zealand. With the magnificent Remarkables mountain range as it's backdrop it is a spectacular place to wander around and take photo's. Also the home of William Rees, an Explorer. Runholder & First European Settler he founded Queenstown in 1861. The Kiwi & Moa sculptures also feature in the surrounding parklands. A nice interlude and after arriving back home we all met again for Margs yummy roast chicken for dinner. We relived the night before watching the rushes - how could we be so naughty? - we blamed the champagne & wine.

Friday morning's snow report did not sound too good so we decided to have a day off skiing (oh the joy - no boots) and do a bit of sightseeing. We headed off to Glenorchy, a very picturesque drive around Lake Wakatipu, though it did rain for most of the trip. Once there we drove out to the Routeburn track and found ourselves in a Sub Arctic Rainforest. It had stopped raining when we arrived but of course in the rainforest it was dripping all the time. It was absolutely beautiful no matter where you looked. Glimpses of snow capped mountains through the masses of trees and vines. Moss & Lichen and little waterfalls throughout the whole area. just magical. In fact it was one of the times I could see instantly why NZ was chosen to film Lord of the Rings. Where were the Hobbits hiding? The trip back was even more spectacular and there were many stops along the way for photo opportunities.

The afternoon saw Bett, BB, Bill & I continue with our sightseeing and head off out the other side of the lake to Kingston. Again a spectacular drive both ways. Kingston is a little town whose claim to fame is the Steam Engine 'The Kingston Flyer'. A quick look around, a coffee and it was back in the car for the trip home with many stops along the way for yet more photo's.

The day finished as usual with dinner, drinks and 'rushes' and a realisation that we had actually missed getting out amongst it on the mountain. Still were were going back the next day.

So until next time..........

New Zealand - Coronet Peak

Day 3 dawned with snow still falling lightly and a layer of snow on the cars indicating that it had gone on all night. The snow reports were positive and Coronet Peak was the chosen mountain to continue our lessons. This choice was greeted with loads of enthusiasm by me as I'm not sure I was just get ready for a second go up the Remarkables road. Bett & BB decided that they would have a day being tourists and stayed home to explore Queenstown and the local surrounds. Also to cook a wonderful dinner for the Ski Team when they arrived back. So with the car all loaded with ski's,poles, boots - urgh and cameras we were off again for lesson #3.

It was a wonderful day on the mountain. A light snowfall without wind added to the magic of it all. Even the snow machines were going flat out as the conditions were ideal for snow making. On arrival we found a possie and all set about putting our gear on. Beanies gloves, and yes, 'those damn boots' We all arrived at our respective lessons - all in different groups now according to our level of confidence, and away we went to achieve all sorts of things over the next hour & a half. I discovered that I still had an urge to go right only this time there was no tow rope, just the edge of the mountain (it was fenced - I think it may have stopped me if I had hit it.) Still we all had a ball and at least I was a dab hand at the Magic Carpet. Bill & Peter M had gone up one level and they were playing on the chairlift and the Big Easy - An easy Beginners Run so they say. Marg was quiet a few classes up and had an excellent morning so was ready to cover that mountain with Pete O after lunch.

We met up for lunch and decided that whilst the food was pretty good we really didn't need to spend all that money on 2 weeks lunches so we would buy flasks and make sandwiches. So begun our traditional picnic lunch of soup & sandwiches each day. Vegemite sandwiches have never tasted so good after a morning of ski lessons & achievements.

After lunch we all headed back to the slopes to practice what we had learnt that morning. Pete took me out for a few runs before heading up the chairlift with Marg and thanks to his patience I found I could actually go straight. - Yippee! Mid afternoon we decided to call it a day and head on back down the mountain for a well earned shower & a rest before reconvening at the Collins/Barrett residence for dinner & the days rushes. Wow was it worth the wait. And the Hokey Pokey icecream for pudding was just what the Dr ordered. The rushes whetted the appitite of our 2 tourists (or was it the footage of the road - not nearly as scary) and they decided to rejoin the Ski party in the morning for a return to Coronet Peak.

The following morning greeted us with no more snow falling and an increase in temp - 0 deg - so we headed off, complete with picnic lunch, to Coronet Peak again. Lesson #4 was great BB joined me and both him & I learnt to go straight down & to weave back & forth accross the hill. All without the poles, I might add. Another meeting for lunch and a catch up on how we were all doing and then it was back to the snow for a further practice. After lunch Bill joined Pete & Marg on some of the easier runs and BB & I stayed on our learners slope to perfect our downs & weaves. Also to marvel at a day without a fall for both of us - I don't think I had any room left on my body for any more bruises. I learnt a great way to stop and become close to a number of snowboarders at the same time. Snowboarders make wonderful speed humps (our teacher from lesson #3 told us). I dicovered there was more than a bit of truth in this. (No snowboarders were harmed in the name of my ski lessons)!

Bett decided she would do her lessons the next day so spent the day in the sun on the deck meeting and chatting to the most interesting array of people. Beryl springs to mind, she came from Vic to ski and got out of the car in the carpark and fell and broke her fingers. She spent the day watching everyone else and keeping us amused as we came and went. Peter M had a few days rest with a bad back but still appeared on the slopes at regular intervals with camera in hand for some candid shots. Hmmm.

Again we called it a day mid afternoon, shed 'those damn boots' and headed home for another night of mayhem this time at Fatz Katz Italian Restaurant. One highlight of the night (apart from the many Cats) was the Men's toilets in the Sofitel Complex - who hasn't seen the email with the gorgeous girls with glasses, tape measures, binoculars etc. Well I have seen it in real life right there in Queenstown NZ escorted by my partners in crime Peter O & Peter M. The gentleman who came in while we were there got a bit of a shock but then he fessed up to having checked out the Ladies the night before to see what was in there. The things we do on holidays eh!

By now we had really caught the Ski bug and couldn't wait to get back up the mountain the next day but just like you we had to wait until the next morning.

So until next time................

New Zealand - Schools In

Hello again, I warned you all this was a work in progress so here we go with Episode 2. Monday morning dawned with snow falling in Queenstown. Temp was around -2 and we were all ready to start our big adventure - First day at Ski School. We had decided that we would start our lessons at The Remarkables. A decision I'm sure we all queried later that day. The road to the Remarks is all part of the adventure and after seeing some of last years footage, the night before, we started up the mountain with our hearts in our mouth. (Well some of us did - BB & me). To say that it is steep is an understatement, with sheer drops all the way up on gravel road, mixed with snow & ice today. The chains went on at about the 8km mark and we kept going, Bett & I rather quiet in the back.

On arrival at Base camp (-5) we all headed off to be fitted with our ski boots (mine henceforth to become known as 'those damn boots') poles & ski's. Once all kitted up we joined the experts, Marg & Pete who suggested we try and put them on so we could get a feel for them. Ha, my first fall happened right there, one foot off the snow and down I went. What hope do I have, thinks me. Still we had a lesson to go to so away we all trudged to Beginners Lesson #1. It was actually fun and by the end of the 1 1/2 hrs we could all stand up, ski down (well sort of) & most importantly stop somewhere in the vincinity of where we wanted to. We also learnt to use the tow rope, Peter M, who was a little apprehensive about this due to an incident last year managed it better than all of us and from then on there was no stopping his ups & downs the slope. Now at this point I must tell you all that the weather decided to close in. Normal people would have returned to whence they came but not this party of intrepid skiers. We had a 2nd lesson to attend to at 2pm.

Lunch beckoned but with the change in weather all the nice warm seats inside were gone so we ate our sumptious soup on the deck sitting at snow covered tables and the hot soup became a chilled delicacy within about 2 mins. At 2pm on the dot our little beginners lesson #2 began in driving snow and wind. (Wind chill -19 someone told us). At least I had something to blame for not being able to go down the hill in a straight line. It seemed I could only go right. Problem was that was where the tow rope was. After a couple of near misses I managed to sort of avoid it but still not sure how. As the 'Blizzard' increased in intensity Bett & BB sensibly left the slopes for the warmth of the cafe, Marg & Pete had given up on recording the 'event for posterity' and were there as well. Bill, Peter M & I were still hard at it. It only took our instructor Mintu, to tell me that I was doing OK and to just ski down to where my friends were to look and see the reality of the situation. I could not see the end of the beginners slope let alone my friends - visibility had decreased to not very far in front of me and on that note I said 'I can't even see them, I'm going home'! I think the two guys should get a medal for finnishing the lesson in such extreme conditions. So after a warm drink and the joy of removing 'those damn boots' we headed back to the cars for the dreaded trip back down the mountain.

I could only imagine if I was terrified coming up then it would be double terror going down. The weather had closed in and each car was being checked for chains before we left and we went in convoy the whole way down at about 6-10 kph. Part way down we turned at one corner and saw the most amazing sight, the whole valley was white. It had snowed down there while we playing in the weather up the top. It was such an amazing sight that both Bett & I forgot to be scared on the way down and just marvelled at the stunning views. I think Peter & Pete were rather glad actually. BB in the other car had his seatbelt off and one hand on the door handle ready to bail if neccessary. He was never to travel that road again. We did go back (minus Bett & BB) on the following Sunday and it seemed almost a pleasant Sunday drive after the 1st time.

Our safe arrival home, our mammoth efforts (how clever we all were to be able to ski), and no broken bones were celebrated that night with a yummy dinner cooked by Marg, lots of celebratory drinks and gales of laughter at the 'daily rushes' a nightly feature of our time away.

So now I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for episode 3 so until next time........

New Zealand - Amazing Awesome Adventure

Greetings all. A lot has happened since I Iast wrote so I thought I would bring you all up to date on our latest adventures. Yes, you got it, we have been to New Zealand for a 2 week ski trip. Well what can I say about NZ that hasn't been said before? So here goes - Skiing in NZ Rhossie style.

We had an early start getting up at 4am to catch a plane from Melbourne Airport direct to Queenstown. No problems there and we left on time at 6.40am expecting to arrive in Queenstown around 11.30. Almost there and the pilot announces they have to land in Christchurch as there was a problem with the plane (not affecting the flying) and it needed to be fixed before we could go on to our original destination of Queenstown. It was a glorious day and so the trip into Christchurch over the mountains was just spectacular (a word you will hear many more times). 90 mins later the fuel pump had been replaced and we were on our way again. The short trip from Christchurch to Queenstown was just as visually spectacular and I was to learn just what we were going to be looking at and admiring for the next 2 weeks.

Once on the ground in Queenstown we caught up with our partners in Ski's, Marg & Pete O. Peter Miller (sorry, but awesome is a neccessity sometimes) & Bett & BB. I thought we had had an early start but they had left at midnight and just arrived before us (4.00pmish). Still it was great to see each other again and we headed off to get cars and find our home for the next 2 weeks. Cranbury Court Apartments in Queenstown. Excellent place to stay.

I am sure that Queenstown airport must have the most spectacular views in all the world. No matter which window (all large) you look out of you see snow capped mountain ranges, probably the most amazing is the Remarkables with it's road to the top all too visible. The drive to our accomodation along Lake Wakatipu was equally beautiful and was a sight we never tired off.

Once checked in we all unpacked and settled in, then after a shopping trip to fill the cupboards & fridges, we reconvened for a drink and a catch up chat before heading off for a wander into town to find some dinner. Cooking was not an option that night. A little Thai place did the job and after a yummy dinner we headed home for a well needed sleep.

Waking up the next morning to see snow covered mountain peaks from the window reminded us of why we were there and at that point excitement (or was it terror) set in and we couldn't wait to get out and about. It had snowed overnight on the mountains and was a very chilly -2 in Queenstown (well it has to be cold to get snow). The snow reports did not sound too good for the day so we thought we would start off with a day of familiarisation. We headed off into town and orgainsed all our ski hire and lessons for the week. Had a really good look around Queenstown, never ceasing to marvel at the constant view of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak & Lake Wakaitpu. We then hopped in the cars and drove over to Arrowtown for a look and had an excellent lunch in a little Pub. A walk through the town makes me wonder does Arrowtown have a link with the Da Vinci Code, look what I found in one arcade.


From there we drove up to Coronet Peak to have a look at what we had in store for the next 2 weeks. The snow, people everywhere on ski's & boards, people just watching others and the views - Amazing. On the way up we had stopped at Arthurs Point to see the Jet Boats in action on the Shotover River - Adventure and by now we were all ready for the ride of our lives - Skiing tomorrow.

A rest & a drink before we had dinner in town at Blowfish (owner Mark is a friends son), still not too sure about the Muttonbird but the fish was wonderful. Home to bed to dream of adventure the following day.

As 2 weeks is far too much for one episode this will be a work in progress, so until next time..........