It’s been far too long since our last update, so here goes …
Jo had her last chemotherapy session at the end of January and followed it up with a clear CT scan in March , so we were looking for ways to celebrate. What better than a holiday!
Lots of fresh air and walking were top of the wish list, so we decided to take a road trip to the South Island. This also gave us the perfect excuse to visit one of our best friends, Sharon, who had recently moved into a new house in Amberley, just north of Christchurch.
We packed up Charlie the Corolla and began the drive south. We’d forgotten just how beautiful New Zealand is. With perfect Autumnal weather, we spent time travelling the quiet South Island roads, chatting, laughing, eating and generally recharging our energy levels, with forest and beach walks and catching up with friends along the way.
There were many highlights to the trip – The 14 kilometre walk to the top of Mount Grey and Shazza’s ‘disappearing trick’ still make us laugh. Getting cuddles from Harper (and her owners Richard and Cushla) in New Plymouth was another lovely stop off. Jo’s secret ‘painted stone’ discovery in Picton still makes her smile.
We also met up with Ellen and Pete from ‘Non-Stop’ for a coffee and a planning meeting about sailing another friend’s catamaran back to Fiji in early June. (more on this exciting development coming up soon!)
We may sound like a couple of old hippies, but after years of swinging on the hook, the last few months of city living and constant hospital visits had taken their toll, and clearing out the cobwebs by hiking in the fresh air and having fun with friends was just what the doctor ordered.
Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Amberley, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Wanaka, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, New Plymouth – We thank you for a wonderful stay!
Anyway, enough waffle. Here are some pretty pictures.