Day 162: Doomed

We’re getting up at half five?  On boxing day?  OK then.  And this is how it has generally been on Stage 6.  Who needs sleep? We can do that later.  The journey today is a biggy: Kaiteriteri to Picton and then on to the Tongairio National Park (for Lord of the Rings geeks – Jamie – that is where Mount Doom is). We’re looking at a travelling time of about 14hrs.  Good job we didn’t celebrate Christmas too hard .  Thank you South Island, action packed adventures in beautiful and dramatic landscapes.

Kate and I only have three days left?  How quick was that. Feeling a bit melancholic as I write this, and thinking about the highlights my thoughts return to the good times with the Stage 6 crew.  I think we have worked really well as a team with a lot of laughs and banter.  Good natured banter, with the exception of an outrageous wide call by Steve during beach cricket on Christmas day.  Thankfully we lost the ball, which saved me ruining the day with my petulance.

Stage 6 has given me a couple of new friends too in the form of Jamie and Kate Abela and if you can look past their filthy tongues and sarcasm they have been a real treat ha ha ha!  Seriously, Jamie and Kate have been top tour guides and thanks to them we have packed so much into this stage.  Today was no exception, although we had a mammoth trek up to the National Park, the route was epic and after a bit of scratching around for a camping spot we ended up in a ski lodge with one of the vista’s of the trip, just as the cloud clears and we entered the golden hour – check out the photos.  We are dog tired and after a smidge of Risk and some pasta we hit the hay – night night.

As this is my last blog (not such a shame for you readers), I wanted to big up New Zealanders and your awesome country.  Also, the generosity over here has been second to none.  Thank you New Zealand.  I also want to wish the rest of the crew good luck!  Especially good luck to Amy and Steve who set sail on the 10th January for over FOUR weeks – they are going to be bored so get on the sat phone people.

Happy New Year!!

Chris

Culinary highlight:  Mince cheese pies. ABSOLUTE FILTH.

Cultural highlight:  Does playing Risk count?  Sorry.

Musical highlight:  Brothers in Arms heading to Picton.

Activity highlight:  Jumping off or out of stuff.  Mummy.

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