I Heart New Zealand

So New Zealand is awesome....absolutely beautiful with the most amazing, lush vegetation juxtaposed with glacial ice in some parts. After our arrival back into Christchurch, Lynn and I rented a car to do a whirlwind tour of some of the south island (I am now ambidextrous on the road). Our primary targets were Franz-Josef (stayed here, very nice: http://www.glacier-retreat.co.nz/default.asp) and Fox glaciers on the west coast, which descend to near sea level as you hike through rainforest. Really incredible to see. We also visited Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest peak (named after Captain James Cook, of course). In between, we visited the beach town of Hokitika and stayed in the resort town of Wanaka, where fate led us to the B&B of Sally and Don Middleton (http://www.rockwoodwanaka.co.nz/about-your-hosts.htm), a wonderful couple with an incredible history. Don is a former pilot for fixed wing aircraft as was Sally's father, Harry Wigley. Mr. Wigley was responsible for developing the retractable ski for ski planes (http://www.skiplanes.co.nz/About-Us/Mt-Cook-Ski-Planes-history.asp). Their very detailed guest book even includes the signature of Sir Edmund Hillary (and now mine and my picture).

I need more time here :)