We have just spent our last day on the road before heading back to Christchurch to get ready for the next stage of our adventure. We decided to do a section of the ‘Alps to Ocean’ ride which wends its way over 300km from Mount Cook to Oamaru on the East Coast. Our plans were stymied somewhat when we discovered part of the track had been washed away in the recent cyclone (this one we managed to avoid as we were well to the south from where it passed over) and the track was closed. Unfortunately the authorities didn’t have any suitable signs to explain the track had been flooded so used the duck shooting sign as a stop gap! Typical Kiwi pragmatism.
It seems incredible to believe that our Kiwi adventure is almost over – I was only just beginning to get the hang of describing myself as a traveller and not a refugee from the world of work – and the prospect of a return to a British winter looms large in our thinking (although not before we spend ten days with friends from our house-group at church who currently live in Japan).
New Zealand has provided us with many great memories but the standout moments have to include the night spent on a boat in Doubtful Sound (at our second attempt having lost our original booking when trapped by the earlier cyclone to hit New Zealand), our trip to Stewart Island over the New Year and the trip to White Island and its restless volcano. There were many other beautiful places we visited, all of which deserve further exploration and also countless areas we never even got to. We will be back!
We keep having to remind ourselves of course that this overseas part of the gap year is only part of the adventure. When we return to the UK we will be moving onto our narrowboat ‘Hope’ (after which this blog is named) and touring the waterways of Britain for the rest of 2018. It will be a different experience though as we will be combining travelling with grand parent and parental duties as well as spending time with friends and family both on and off the boat.
One thing we have decided we should do is to put our house in Loughton up for sale. We have not been successful in finding tenants and we are pretty sure that whatever happens after our year out we shouldn’t be returning to rattle around in a six bedroom house. It was a great place to bring up a large family but is now far too big for our future needs. If you fancy investing in a four-storey, semi – detached Victorian house with loads of ‘original features’ in a ‘sought after location in Loughton’ blah blah blah then please let me know!
So, it is ‘farewell’ to New Zealand and ‘hello’ to Japan from where the next blog will come from.
Dear Ian and Sally. I have so enjoyed following your incredible adventure and so appreciate these blogs Ian beautifully written and framed with breathtaking photos.
You both look so content and happy and it is so lovely to see. Enjoy the next stage of your adventure – i’m looking forward to it too.
Hear, hear! So lovely to hear about your gap year and all that it has entailed thus far.
You are both looking so relaxed…NZ must be good for you, so guess you ought to come back again sometime?!
A x
The title and photograph for this article reminds me of one of my favourite children’s cartoon clips, with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck:
https://youtu.be/9-k5J4RxQdE
Wonderful photographs yet again.
I very much look forward to your observations on japan, as Janie and I have arranged to go there for a few weeks in October.
Wishing you continued safe and happy travels.
Loved ‘traveling along’ with u two thru ur blog. Thx! Stunning scenery n u 2! Now for the continued journey… a little tear came at the news of u selling up in Loughton, but know that u have both prayed a lot about it. We pray for the next folk that will live there. Travel well! Luv, Terri n Keith
Great to follow you – safe travels to and through the land of the rising sun.
What a wonderful adventure! Loved Doubtful Sound! Our favourite trip!
Have a wonderful time in Japan xx
It seems Doubtful Sound has been a highlight for many of us! Echoing the above comments about your trip and move on to Japan. Looking forward to catching up with you on your return. We have Ed and Linda here next weekend by which time the jetlag should be better:( Much love xxx
Thank the Lord that he was with you all the way and thanks for sharing your amazing experience – you did it!
Pray for your time in Japan. M
I’ve loved your blog and hope you’re able to keep it up when beset by grandparental duties.
Have a wonderful Japanese adventure.
Love, Gill
ps A thaw has set in, so hopefully spring will be under way when you return to blighty.
Hi Ian and Sally
I have been trying to track you guys for a while after we left Texas to return to our Ernst offices in 1985. Are you coming to Auckland from the south island? I have been living in Auckland since 1987. Regards
Paramjit
Wow, how fantastic to hear from you again. Funnily enough I wad thinking about you not so long ago. Unfortunately we have left NZ for now and are in Japan on our way back to England. However next time!! You must tell us all your news …1985 was a long time ago!
Enjoy Japan and will catch up when you return to England.