Whitsunday Islands

We spent March 23rd on Hamilton Island in the Whitsunday group. It's a tiny place with a lovely beach where we wandered and walked in the surf. We had to tender onto the island and there wasn't that much to see. We watched a rain storm come in and got caught in the shower! We told ourselves "It's a warm rain so it doesn't matter!" Anyways, we got soaked! It was a quiet stop after the bustle of Sydney so we enjoyed it.
We've been to several "parties" on board the ship and are enjoying the cruise. We just completed three sea days and the time flew by. I read a great book called "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks and will save it for the library. I also did a 5km walk for cancer called "On deck for a cure" It was crazy hot and humid. When I was done I went in for a drink of water, came back out and my glasses fogged up! There's been some rain but it doesn't really cool things down too much. I'm certainly not complaining!
I can't seem to upload a picture today but will try again next time.
I mailed a bunch of postcards so hope they get to Vancouver before we do.
Love to everyone, Kelly

Report from Cairns

The St. Paddy's day parade in Auckland on Sat March 14.

March 24th - Tuesday

We just got back from a fabulous train and sky ride up to the mountains. The weather is hot!! and humid! It's been a great day in the rain forest.

Hope all is well now that many of you are back to work!

Love Kelly and Blair

Bay of Islands

Hole in the Rock and the guardian.

Good times with good friends!

Hello again!

We've reached sunny Sydney and were lucky to enjoy some wonderful weather and an arrival after day light yesterday morning. It was fabulous coming through the heads and being able to see the harbor. We were late getting in so it meant we were up and about and got a description of everything as we sailed into port. Good luck for us, panic for those who had to catch airplanes!

We're docked right next to the ferries and opera house. Couldn't ask for a better spot. We did a walking trek yesterday through the botanical gardens and saw the bats! Pretty amazing! This has to be one of the most beautiful cities around. I see what all the fuss is about!

Today we've taken the ferry to Manly Beach. It's a 1/2 hour ride and well worth the trip. More pics and stories to come. Hope all is well with everyone in Vegas, New York, Quebec and where ever else you're getting to during Spring Break!

Thinking of you all. Blair and Kelly

Pics

In the meeting house with a new friend

At Weintangi

On 90 mile beach collecting clams for dinner!

Sand sledding!

The uppermost spot of New Zealand!

March 15th Happy Birthday to Deb! Thanks again to Donna and Sandy who should now be home!

Love Blair and Kelly

Greetings from Paihia!

March 12, 2009
Hello from sunny New Zealand! We made it! Blair and I arrived after a long plane ride and Donna and Sandy were at the airport to meet us. It was off to the north and a day of driving on the other side of their wonderful windy roads. Good thing Sandy was driving!
We did a fabulous tour of 90 Mile Beach and the most northern point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. Our driver was the last light house keeper up there and was full of good stories and jokes. We drove on the beach, got to do some sand sledding (pictures to follow!) and even picked fresh clams for our dinner. Can't beat a day like that!
Today we're off on a boat ride through the Bay of Islands! This area reminds me a little of Qualicum/Parksville but with a more little bays and islands all around. They're promising us dolphins today and we get to see "Hole in the Rock"! Should be another good day!
Yesterday we went to the Waitangi and had a look around there. It's a beautiful land reserve where the Brits and the Maori signed a treaty in 1840. Their was an incredible war canoe and Maori meeting house. We figured we should try to get a bit of culture while we're here.
That's it for now. Love to everyone. Post cards to come. Will try to write from Auckland on the week-end!
Kelly and Blair

We're off!

We're leaving on a jet plane!! Today's the day and I'm happy to say good-bye to the snow! A lovely going away present. Take care everyone and we'll catch up again soon.

5 more sleeps!

We're almost there! I think we've got everything done and we're ready to roll! I'm starting to have trouble sleeping I'm getting so excited.