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It’s a nice enough walk up the valley to get to it. It’s funny, I remember the first time I did this walk thinking it was *amazing*… now I think it’s not so exciting – but the hot pools *do* make it worth the trip. Definitely. I think I’m just spoiled by so many other tramps :)

DOC operates a volunteer programme and we met this lovely man – Petia – walking in to take up his position as a volunteer for two weeks.

The man was an absolute horse – his pack had food for two weeks in it. I could hardly lift it – let alone walk with it for 7 hours. He caught up with *us* and kept with us most of the way, he said the company made it easier! Once we got to the hut he offered us a swig of his gin to say thanks. Gratefully accepted!

The next pic is Sjoerds – it’s of Heleen (his lovely partner) standing next to the hot pools.

They really are wonderful to soak in. And really really hot. I can think of worse places to be a volunteer for a couple of weeks!

Then it was off South to Wanaka, where Maaike and I had a days climbing. It was so great to be back out on Real Rock again… I’d almost forgotten what it was like. Definitely planning on getting my climbing skills up a little this year.

We also had time for a little game of mini golf. I think Maaike must have been a little off form that day, as usually I’m defeated badly when we play, but this time I prevailed in fine style. Not that anyone’s counting of course. Ehem. And yes, I do wear a funny hat.. otherwise I just bake in the sun (sun does seem more… vicious.. down here)

Then it was off to Cromwell to meet up with Sjoerd and Heleen, and to stay at our friends Clare and David. Had a very relaxed New Years there. They’re living on a lifestyle block – so all? the fruit on this pavlova was from their garden (and it was yum)

Next it was back to Wanaka, and then headed North towards the coast, taking in a 3 day tramp (the Gillespie pass circuit)

It was an excellent tramp, but I must say, my feet (and the rest of me) were knackered by the end of it. I’m not quite sure why I fared so badly, as I’m not actually feeling that unfit at the moment, but yes.. tricky enough.

Definitely a good tramp, and one I’d like to get back to again as we missed the side trip to what’s supposed to be the highlight – a hanging glacier lake. Unfortunately we ran out of time.

After that it was off to Gillespie beach (just who was this Gillespie chap anyway) for the night.. we lit a fire on the beach, it was great.

Finally, managed to video this utterly weird phenomenon of a cairn building itself on a beach. Weird.

I didn’t take enough pictures (so apologies to Hannah and Miriam who are missing from the above!). It’s amazing how fast the kids grow – and personalities evolve and emerge. No, I still refuse to miss my nieces and nephews ;) (not!) :)

We went for walks, and took in the shared garden that Mary cultivates.

Chris (brother) almost ruined my break by posting the following question:

Roughly how much power do you think the sun emits? I worked it out, but was about 5 orders of magnitude out.

I cheated, and asked William for guidance. We were about 3* out… which is pretty good. My issue was not having a unit to start with.. William roughly knew the amount of energy sunlight has on 1m squared of land per second, and he also knew how many light minutes we are from the sun… after that it’s eeeassssyyyy.

Fun and games.

We also had the arrival of Maaike’s brother (Sjoerd) and partner (Heleen). Here we are helping them to get over their jetlag (a viva villa)

Sjoerd is an excellent chef (in his spare time – I think he gets it from his Dad) and treated us to a delicious dinner (which he mostly made up as he went shopping – I’m quite jealous!)

Excellent way to ease into the holidays!

And that’s all I have to say about that.

Well, I will add something Grandpapa put in a letter once.

An extract from the will of Sir Sydney Cockerell, born 1867 died 1962.

I have been blessed throughout my long life with a number of the dearest and kindest friends, both men and women, that ever man had.

Gratefully conscious of all they have meant to me, I declare Friendship to be precious beyond all words. But it is like a plant that withers if it be not carefully tended. It must be fostered by means of visits, of letters, of little services and attentions and by constant thought, sympathy and kindness.

I implore you all to remember this in order that the blessings that have been so abundantly mine may also to the utmost be yours

There’s a pile of work to be done inside…

But it’s going to be lovely once it’s finished – that’s for sure.

Also managed to sneak in an evening catching up with college friends. Mick took me out for dinner (lovely to see him again – last time was at Domhnall’s wedding.. where we went walking on the Tasman Peninsula ).. and then on to my favourite pub (The Cobblestone).. where pints were had and music was played.

I also managed a couple of home visits, to friends who’ve just had babies… Maeve who has produced the lovely Clíodhna (and Viv who also turned up for lunch)

We also had yummy snickers ice-cream bars. Some things NZ just doesn’t have (doesn’t have shreddies either)

Also dropped in to see Stella and see Ailbhe..

Also had a nice lunch with my friend Katie who is now doing a PhD in TCD. The old perks still apply, so I scabbed free entry in to see the book of kells, and spend a few precious minutes in the most … awesome in the real sense of the word – long room. Just standing in that room – smelling the books and the history… I love it. As a student we were allowed free access whenever we liked,

I used to skip in, maybe 3 or 4 times a year and just zip up and hang out for a few minutes. :)

And all too soon it was time to head back to New Zealand. I really need to solve the work-money issue. I could have stayed longer. I do have a heart, I do miss friends, I do miss family, I do miss a decent pint of Guinness…. but I do love NZ too.. tricky old thing being part of the Diaspora.

They’re keeping the vegge patch! :) Which is excellent news… It was lovely to see their plans, though I think fortunately I spend so little time at “home” now that I feel distant enough to not find it utterly sad and disturbing.

Mum has spent years apparently cultivating mistletoe.. apparently it’s really hard to get it to take, it likes to be on the same type of tree that it was taken from. Anyway, finally she’s made one of the pear trees get infected!

Mum and Dad themselves are as busy as ever.. Dad still heavily involved with the Mountains of the Moon University in Uganda which he helped get started. I did manage to get a couple of recipes out of mum (Strawberry Soufflé is one that I’m hoping to perfect out in NZ with Strawberries from our garden).. so yes, too short a time, but a lovely time for all that.

Oh, managed to downsize the stuff I’d stashed at home.. down to one box now. Probably should just be done with it and ship it out.

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