Exploring South Island

Well, Karen and I were blessed to spend a few days on the South island, exploring just a fraction of the beautiful sights. We flew into Christ Church, and stayed there for a few days, and headed out from there. Here are some highlights

• World South Pole Artic Center. We took a ride in one of those South Pole vehicles through 'South Pole like' terrain. Quite fun. I got to get me one of those vehicles (Do you mind lending me 100 thousand mom?) We also watched the penguins for awhile. Our favourite was Elvis, the blind penguin, who kept walking into rocks, and walls and getting stuck in corners. Poor guy. And we got to experience Canadian weather again, it finally felt like Christmas, as we got to spend time in the snow, and experience a simulated snow storm.
• The Wild-Life Center. THis was a beautiful zoo, but with amazing trails on an amazing property, with a tonne of animals and unique creatures. Karen saw her side of the family (the apes and monkeys) and so that was nice for her (just joking).
• Boat ride/dolophin watch. So we took a tour on a boat and got to swim with the dolphins, although we didn't actually swim, although i think Karen was tempted to throw me over-board a few times. But we did see the dolphins swimming a playing and got an amazing view of the NZ coast line, and the city of Christ Church
• Gondola ride. Took a lift to the top of a mountain. Amazing view all around. Took a nice little hike on top.
• Train Ride and Ferry Ride. We took a train back up to the Northern tip of the South island which was incredible scenery. They had an open section of the train, which you stand in, which didn't have glass or anything, so you could feel the wind, and take some nice photos (or at least attempt). Then we took a ferry across to the North island again, and a train back to Masterton. It was a very beautiful trip.

Anyway, we are back at my Aunt's again, and spent some time with the children yesterday at the school, and today we are doing all our errands and getting ready for our next venture. We get to go to a Youth Group function tonight - a dessert evening with entertainment, so we are looking forward to that. And we are also looking forward to Church tomorrow - worshipping the LORD with our brothers and sisters here. Writing this, I realize that our friends and family back home are a day behind so while we are sitting in church you will probably be playing hockey (and for the Raiders -losing hockey) or doing whatever you do on Saturday afternoon/night. And to my family, as they do their gift exchange, remember to save me a gift, and save some desserts for me (I would like another expansion to Settlers, and a piece of mom's lemon merangue pie)

God's blessings everyone.May His joy and His peace rule your hearts and minds.

Cheers