Blog day 165 : In the words of Lionel Richie. ‘Its not easy to say goodbye…’

Everyone knew today was going to be a sad day.  We would be saying goodbye to two Follow That Fire Engine so solid crew members.  Kate ‘Extreme’ Bartishel has been an FTFE ambassador from the beginning and Chris ‘Danger’ Hallward up-ed his game by securing press coverage for our arrival in Auckland, amazing.  These are going to be some pretty big shoes to fill for the stage 7 crew.  Some how waking up in tents in Margaret’s back garden seemed to ease the pain, as did our trip to Oliver’s bakery for some of the most dubious breakfasts of the expedition so far; fish pie, cold pizza or cheese and mince pie anyone?

On our way to the airport we had a look back at what the Bartiwards brought to the Stage 6 party:

Kate will be remembered for her enthusiasm for the project, competitive nature, the constant panic at not being extreme enough and then going all out to do a tandem Skydive from 15,000 feet on her penultimate day, comedy navigation on more than one occasion, constant cab spring cleaning, an iPod of amazing love songs that would make the best of us feel sick, good chat, amazing organisation of stage 6 catering, good cuddles and ordering the biggest breakfast known to man (by mistake).  I would also like to thank Kate for acting as mascot and moral support for all the bungy jump/bungy swingers without one single moan.  You rock!

Chris will be remembered for facing his fear and nailing the Queenstown bungy Trilogy without crying (gnarley!), the most terrified bungy face 2010, the best blog blunder ‘we’re raising money for lunch cancer’, good chat and some on the more dubious side, steady driving with no incidents or ‘Hallwards’ to report, encouraging binge eating (according to Steve who doesn’t need to be encouraged), comedic genius and record breaking snoring (that will not be missed).

Like all good things, stage 6 had to come to an end, with fond memories and good times, all in the name of lunch cancer, the love bus had reached it’s final stop, Auckland Airport.

Amy

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