Back to July 11th

Going back in time to July 11th... we had a travel day.  We had to have our suitcases down to the coach by 6:30 a.m.  A truck came and picked it up...then the truck drove right onto the Interislander Ferry.  We said our good-byes to Rob, our coach drive, and hopped on the ferry.  It took one hour to get out of the Wellington Harbor...one hour to go across the open seas, and another hour to come into the south island.  Coming into the south island was absolutely beautiful!  All these little islands dot the water...it's all so green and lush... We had a few sea sick delegates, but all seemed to quickly recover once we started going into the south island.  The water became much calmer!

Hanging out the Interislander Ferry

We met our new coach driver, Brian, from Christchurch.  He told us that everyone had damage from the earthquake, but some more - much more - than others.  He had damage, but his home was not destroyed.

We took off for a long drive (7 hours) to the town of Methven.  Driving through the south island looks so much like home...and even more like Trinity County.  I kept having to remind myself I was in New Zealand since the scenery looked so familiar.  We passed winery after winery ... and past forests.  Brian told us that 85% of New Zealand's forests are Monterey Pine.  They call it something else, but it's the same tree.  10% are Douglas Fir and the other 5% are a  mixture of species. 

 This was not our coach...but I liked it!

 New Zealand is absolutely gorgeous!!!

 I loved watching Zoe take pictures!  Unfortunately, her camera broke after we left New Zealand...

 Bathroom break town...

We arrived at Pudding Hill Lodge, which seems to be out in the middle of nowhere...it's actually a ski lodge, very rustic.  They had a huge fireplace blazing...and also a wood stove to warm up by.  It was definitely COLD! 

We're ready for FULL-ON!