Christchurch, bubbles, & SHEEP!

We got to Christchurch on the evening of the first and on the second, set out to do some of Dad's requested activities. First we went Punting (sortof an English gondola along the canal), then took a ride on the tram (trolly car), and finally headed out the the International Antarctic Center. Apparently, all flights to Antarctica leave from Christchurch (makes sense, I suppose). They had a room that was supposed to allow you to experience and Antarctic storm and, of course, Dad and I went in without jackets and were fine (Gotta love that Alaskan blood!).

That night I got into a bit of humerous trouble. Our unit at the Moter Inn had a jet tub and so I decided to take a bubble bath, I squirted some shampoo in as it was filling and hopped in & turned on the jets. Before I knew it the foam was more than a foot higher than the rim of the tub and I couldn't reach to turn the jets off without overflowing the tub. So... for the first time in many years I had to ask for the folks' help with my bath (good thing I had a good bubble cover!)

The next day I got to fulfill my agrarian dream.... I got to SHEAR a SHEEP! I'm not sure if I've mentioned it on this blog much, but I love sheep and have decided that in order to lead a complete life, I will eventually need a few sheep on my land. And now I know how to shear them! I also got to see the sheep dogs work and had tea with the farmer... all in all, a great day. our tourguide/ driver was a great guy named Rex who seemed to know everything we wanted to know. He also brought along aguide who was new to the route who spent the return trip testing me on my pronounciation of Maori placenames... needless to say, I impressed them with my skill (really just dumb luck).

This morning we got up and hopped the train to Picton. That's where the ferry leaves from for Wellington, but we've taken a couple of days in between to see Nelson and so I can go kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park tomorrow.

I've gotta run for now, but miss you all. I finally got the pics to work!!!!!!!!!!