45 seconds of freefall!!

1st Of February

Skydive Lake Wanaka

This morning was a special morning. It was our time to fly, high in the sky. We are about to do a tandem skydive, which we were planning all this time from the beginning and now its finally here. Arrived at the airport, early. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, a perfect day for a jump. We got briefed on the safety, we signed forms to say that we could die and that they are not responsible. Oh the trust we have. The nerves were on edge, well for David anyway. I was not nervous, pretty calm, even though I have never been wanting to do a skydive because I was scared. We got assigned our partners, I got a Swedish man (what a coincidence). David got close with a Polish dude, that new a few words in Russian. All well, in the plane, trying to smile, squashed together, sitting between the legs of our masters, I was relaxed even though I am nervous about flying normally. It was exciting and the scenery was amazing. We could see Mt Cook, the lakes, the longest river in NZ and everything else too.

Its time 12000 ft (3500m), the door opens and it is really happening. We are about to free fall for 45 seconds, down to earth at around 200km/h. David went first, lucky him. I watched as he just disappeared out the door. (thinking, I wonder is this the last time I will see him in one piece?!).

It all happened so fast, next thing I am falling. What a feeling, its amazing. Landing on the ground, David was already waiting for me. We ran up to each other and hugged, and kissed. We both had the biggest smiles on our faces. AEVERYONE SHOULD TRY IT!

Angela & Ingemar

My tandem man

David and his tandem man, the polish guy we call him.

Aaaaaaaaaangela

Angela

Angela

David

David

David must have lied when he said he wasn't scared!

Look at the size of his nose!

David and his pink parachute

Ingemar & Angela

Happy to be alive!

The day was only beginning, but it could not get any better. We went to the Puzzling World museum, which was fun. Running around the labyrinth and visiting the room of illusions, where things roll uphill and the like. Then lunch on the grass, and a dip in the lake to cool off. What a day. Queenstown next.

Angela & David

Glaciers and Angela's Road Kill!

31st January
We love NZ

Who wouldn't like to wake up to this??

Angela

The amazing river with the most milky turquise colour ever!

Waking up by a lakeside of the department of conservation grounds was nice, full of mosquitoes and sandflies as always. The tent covered in dew, we packed it all up and had breakfast by the lakeside. On the road we stopped of at Ross town for some coffee and internet before driving through magnificent scenery to reach the Franz Josef Glacier. In the town we had lunch, and discovered the generous portions that New Zealanders give in restaurants (huge meal). Energy levels were running high, and we went on a walk to the base of the Glacier. We crossed the whole glacier bed, some waterfalls, rivers to get there. It was nice, although looks whiter from a distance away. The walk was great, and Angela managed to find glittery sand that she had to have in a bottle, the work out was nice too.

Big big KIWI lunch

David at the Glaciers, not cool...HOT!

Angela & David

Angela & David

Lucky for you the photo isn't big enough to see all my scars from the mosquito bites!

Back in town we tried to get a shower from somewhere as campsites do not provide them. It was proven difficult, because nobody wants to let you use their facilities, apart from the luxury hot pools place in Franz Josef, the lads in there were kind and friendly, and finally we were clean.
Fox Glacier next, which was much of the same. Lovely views, and huge mountains with snow capped peaks, with an ice slope as the glacier. We only had time to get a few pictures from a distance, as we needed to get to the Lake Mathieson for the sunset and our dinner.

At the lake we packed our lite dinner, of salami and cucumber sandwiches with water to wash it down. On the lake shore the weather was excellent, and the sunset was magical. The mirror reflection of the mountains from the lake is what we came to see, and we got it. A 1 in 20 chance of the weather being like this, all for our pleasure.

Angela & David

The stunning view!!

Can YOU see what's up and what's down??

We still were not finished with the driving for the night as we had to get closer to Wanaka for the next day. So Angela was behind the wheel, for about 200 km. Everything was going well, there were many little rabbits running around, and of course possums on most turns on the road. She did manage to avoid them, until the final 50 km or so. Thump, bang. There goes the road kill for tonight. She finally managed to get one....... but there is no remorse, as they are considered pests here. Bloody Aussies brought them here, and now they are destroying NZ.
Night night!
Angela & David

Eeeie, weee are in New Zealand!

30th January

Seriously, why didn't we come here earlier??

 

The flight over was smooth, although tiring from the early start. The customs control, was worse than in Australia and we had to declare everything from tuna, to tents to washing powder. All for a good cause though, to protect the natural habitat of New Zealand. On exit of the airport Angela kept saying NZ phrases, like (Bret, present- only pronounced Breeet, preeeesent) and (Jeeeermaine, preeeeesent), if you know Flight of the Conchords then you will understand.

Rental car was waiting so we hopped into an old Toyota and off we went driving across from east to west. The drive on route 73 was spectacular. Mountains, twists, amazing views on every turn. We drove, in awe, and mesmorised by the sheer beauty of the landscape. Through Arthurs Pass, Deaths corner, and all the way to the coast on the other side.

Angela, already loving it!

It was time to find a bed for the night, as we were pretty tired. In a town called Hokitika we did manage to find a campsite, by a pretty lake, riddled with insects.. Also before bed we caught the beautiful sunset on the beach and watched a pile of sticks (in the shape of a person) burning down. What an end to a first day......trully brilliant. Love it!

David and the burning stick man!

Sunset in Hotitika

Angela & David

Hello Melbourne!

25th - 28th January

Early rise this morning again, and on the road to beat the Melbourne traffic and get the car back to Hertz by 11 am. It was a breeze, with no major problems apart from missing the turn off, and having to figure out a different route to Kellyannes house. On arrival Kell was waiting for us, and greeted us with a hug and a kiss, it was great to see her again after nearly 4 years. So we began catching up, and that can only mean one thing!!!!! BEER in the back garden. It turned into a 13 hour session, and we served up a feast for mosquitoes that night.

David, Kellyanne, and Benjamin

Eye eye eye, Angela

Kell, Sam, Angela and Tania

Angela and I woke up the next morning, the usual way one can expect after a session like that. Dehydrated, sick and tired. But that was not all, Angela's legs were covered with bites, all 93 of them. We didn't do much this day, only had a drive around the city. As it was Australia Day, the celebration were going on all over the city and bbq were lit for all to see. We however, were not in great shape to participate and were happy to watch a whole season two of Fight of the Conchords.

That's only a few of them. Some on the other leg were 5 times bigger then that!

Day 3 was no better for Angela, her bites swelled up, and a call to the pharmacy was due. They were very amazed, at the sight of destruction of Angela's legs. A lot of ooooohhhs and aaaahhhhs were expressed before we got our creams and antihistamines. Another day gone.

Angela

me like

This is David in 30 years

On the 28th, we went into the city to check out the sights of Melbourne. The city itself is nice, with an arty sort of feel to it. Expectancy of students to jump out at any moment. They also have a great transport service for tourists with old trams running a circle line to most of the major attractions and all for free. Hop on and off. So we got sushi, we watched some Australian open in Federation Square, and we went and checked out the Crown Casino. Angela was the only successful one, as she won a huge 9 dollars, while I lost 3. But just to see the casino, and watch people walk around with 100 dollar notes was good enough for me.

The night was capped with a sensationaly tasty risotto, prepared by Cat (Kell's housemate), and watched many episodes of "Arrested Development".

Drew, Shannon, Angela & David

Angela & David

Twelve Apostles & More

24th Of January

The blow hole

David is in character on the coast

Angela & David

Oh so beautiful!

Waking up early in the free camp site was nice, facilities were lacking, but it was free so that didn't matter so much. We got clenaed up in a sports ground and set off to a Sunday market in Port Campbell. We met a lovely couple from England there, who were selling home made candles, so we chatted to them for ages as that is what Angela has experience of too. We had a hot dog each, and then it was time to start the journey back. But not before visiting the Twelve Apostles again, but during the day this time. The weather was great, and the colours were spectacular. It was one of the best sites we have seen on the trip, and a must for everyone. We spent many hours there, snapping photo's, eating picnics and just enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Razor Rock

A drive back closer to Melbourne was the order of the day then, as we have to arrive early on Monday morning to the city where Kellyanne is expecting us. On our way back along the twisty coastal route we get information about another free camping ground....seemingly there are many of them around. Boy do we feel like we wasted a lot of money on the caravan parks, but its all good anyway, we had a blast.

To the beach we went with a 4 pack of steaks, and some mushrooms fried with onions and a salad was the celebratory meal of the day. We met some fellow travellers (David and Natasha) at the beach side, and as it happens they are also going in the same direction around the world, so hopefully we can meet in Chile for a beer. Its a small world, or maybe the recession has everybody on the move, who knows.

Wild Koala up in the trees....sleeping, what else??

Angela

mmmm...Koala Steak! haha

Off to the forest for a cold night of cards and last night sleep on the ground, for now! Sofa bed awaits in Melbourne.


Angela & David

Great Ocean Road & Sunset

23rd Of January

Angela On Route

This Tiger Shark was caught between the flags!

Tiger Shark

After a horrific windy nights sleep, we awaken to drizzly rain and cloud cover. Everything is wet and people are packing up their tents in dire conditions. Breakfast was nice today, as the camp kitchen was well equipped with gadgets, and off we went on a windy, most scenic drive. Now thats what I call a coastal drive. Turquoise coloured ocean, slight breeze, the sun eventually coming out, and many people on the go. Stops are made at various loookouts, so to capture the beauty of this place through a lense, and it does not disappoint at all. Our aim today is also to get to the Twelve Apostles for sunset.

Twelve Apostles

On route we manage to nearly run out of petrol, as the towns are spaced out and only with one petrol station in them. By the end the car is going on fumes, as the petrol needle cannot drop any further. We make it to one petrol station, which has a not on it that says " This petrol pump is no longer operating". I get a shock, and start thinking of the worst case and thats sending Angela on foot to the next town, which is 30 km away.........no just kidding I wouldn't do that to my darling!

There actually is another working petrol station, and we have to queue up for a bit, as we are not the only ones that obviously cut it thin on the juice.
We get to Port Campbell (Twelve Apostles), but the caravan park is full. Angela finds out about a free camping area and everything is fine again, sunset it is. The limestone cliffs are gorgeous and very picturesque, while the waves splash around them. The sunset is magnificent, if a little bit cold and windy at the time.
We finish off the day with a bbq, and sleep!

Angela & David

I Like Driving My Car

22nd Of January

Today is all about driving and reaching our goal of getting to the other side of Melbourne and onto the Great Ocean Road. After a quick dip in the caravan parks pool we start the car and away we go. To make our journey more scenic and touristy we take the longer route o Melbourne via a the coastal route. It added an extra 80 km to our journey but nothing else as the scenery was not much to brag home about. So next time we would definitely be taking the quicker motorway.

Hello Melbourne, we are close now. So a quick pass through it and its gone, we are the other side again, and on our way to the coast. The time is ticking away and darkness is setting in. We arrive on the great ocean road at Airleys Inlet, at last with about 30 mins to spare before the caravan park office closes. Camp site, please we ask. We get one at a hefty price, but choice is limited during holiday season and Australia day weekend. We get acquainted with the neighbours who end up giving us lettuce and tuna as gifts, and that is that. Nearly bed time, but the high wind is picking up, and the tent is shaking like a leaf on a tree! Its going to be a fun nights sleep.

Angela & David

Killer Whale & Soy

21st of January

Soy sauce all over my sleeping bag!

Mornig time again, good morning everyone. We are lucky to be waking up in the garden of Eden this morning. It is a home to the killer whale museum which we intend to visit straight after breakfast.

"Old Tom" Killer Whale sceleton

The weather is hot once again, and the cool air conditioned killer whale museum is just the trick. We learn many facts about the migration patterns of whales via the east coast of Australia, and feel sad about not being able to catch a glimpse of these huge creatures in their natural habitat, as it is the end of the whale season for this year. On the road again after that for another 300 kilometer drive, or their abouts anyway. On route we pass many beautiful valleys, and countryside with green lucious trees, pretty coastline, and great contrasting colours of the sea and land together. We have time to stop in a small town for some picnic lunch, where we meet a friendly old couple who share their knowledge of Australia and give us a few pointers on things we should or should not do, ie drive under the influence of alcohol being one (we however already are familiar with that one). Also on our way we spotted a place that had mini golf....yes, of course we did :)

Davids favourite one.

I wonder why??

Arriving in Bairnsdale our sleeping village for tonight. We get a camp site and set up the tent in 6 minutes flat, a record so far.

A chinese restaurant also has been spotted across the road, so we ditch the tinned food and get a take away which we proceed to eat in the comforts of our tent, hunched over, breaking our backs. The food is okay tasting, not the real thing though, then all of a sudden Angela's hand knocks over a cup of soy sauce, and right onto the sleeping bag....that sleeping bag is now forever hers. Its a funny end to the night, as Angela kept saying that nothing will go wrong if we eat in the tent. Ha ha ha!



Angela & David