Rainy Queenstown

Hi from rainy Queenstown. We are on the part of the trip where we are traveling by private charter plane. Boy, do we all spoil quickly. No security lines, etc. We are on the south island of NZ. This is what we have been waiting for. The mountains are magnificient. We went into the Fiordland National Park yesterday and took a boat ride out to the entrance of the fiord (Tasman Sea). Saw 4 lazy seals sunning on a rock. The park was closed after we left due to the threat of high winds, rain, and or snow. We did come through a snow storm at the highest elevation. You can see why they picked this land for the filming of The Lord of the Rings. A storm the size of Aus is making its way across. It is making itself known by heavy rains. We were able to take the Jet boat through the Shot Over River (the tour after us was cancelled due to weather). I think you are catching the drift of things. We are going by steamboat to a sheep station this afternoon. Rain will not stop us (we are just like the US postal system). Tomorrow we fly out for Christchurch for our last night in country. I understand that they are still experiencing aftershocks, so we may have even more to report. I am sure that this will be my last post. I charged my phone this morning, so that I might call all those that I miss after I get through customs in LA. I send my love to all. Now Jane is awaiting her computer time. Time to get wet again.
Hi folks, Jane here. New Zealand packs so much into a small country. From the plane window we could see the Pacific reef, the beach, farmland, and up to snow cowered peaks. It is truly a thrill to see. It has rained, but it hasn't slowed us down thanks to the bus and covered boat. This morning our jet boat ride was like white water rafting with a jet engine. We shot down the gorge at 50 miles an hour. Dave you would have loved it. No telling what new tricks you would have picked up. We have just 2 more days. This trip has been an oportunity of a life time, but still there is no place like home. See you soon.