New Years Eve in NZ

Were in Oamaru for NY which is by the beach on the South Island of NZ were celebrating in true kiwi style by going to watch the Hobbit at the local cinema!

It's a nice 25oC but very windy!!

Arrived in Hobbit Land (New Zealand)

We arrived in New Zealand at 5am on Sunday. After a couple of hours sleep we spent half a day seeing what's left of Christchurch. First food tasted in New Zealand a lamb sausage role with Apple and parsley .....

Ashes..... Day 2

Probably the best day for a Brit to go and watch the cricket on day 2 at the MCG with 13 wickets being taken and most of them Aussie players photos to follow.....

Xmas in Oz

People keep asking what Xmas is like in Oz. Christmas day was spent at one of Kath's relatives eating outside. Lunch consisted of lamb, turkey and ham with various hot and cold salads. It was a nice 34oC, we ate outside with umbrella cover to stop us all burning. This was followed by the kids (and adults) having a water fight - none of the aussies could believe we do this in the UK as well. The day didn't go fully to plan as I ended in hospital and requiring stitches. Photos of the day will follow. Due to this Boxing Day has been spent watching the cricket and the start of the Sydney - Hobart boat race on TV!

The Long Way Round

We thought we are doing a big trip, these guys travelled by road all the way from Germany!

New Drinking Companion

Not quite Norm from cheers, this guys was our drinking companion for a night

More Sailing Pictures..........

Campervan Exploits

We hired a campervan for the first weekend in Queensland. Here is a picture, we also managed to drive through a bush fire didn't have chance to take a picture though..... I put a picture of the fire danger rating to give this post a bit more drama......

Beers of the World #6 Extended Edition

Just back from two weeks in Queensland. Managed to find the only fosters sign in Australia.

 

We are sailing....

Actually we've finished sailing and are relaxing in Mooloolaba. Thanks to the great people at Sunshine Sailing Australia, J  is now the proud owner of a day skipper certificate and I am officially Competent Crew.

Week 2 in Australia

Week 2 in Australia has seen us head to Queensland for 30oC + weather. We arrived on Tuesday morning and headed straight to Brisbane to explore the city. After that we spent a couple of days in the national parks - tamborine mountain and Lemington national park. Now we are spending a couple of days on the coast before we drop the camper van back and head off sailing for a week.

We can't post pictures as we have very limited access to the internet.

First Week in Australia

The first week in Oz has involved having a great time meeting up with family and friends and then heading off to the Grampians in Victoria for a couple of days. The temperatures have ranged from 12oC through to 30+ since we have been here. Here are a couple of pictures showing us using the BBQ and then putting the radiator on the next day. Plus there is a video at the end with the noise of the crickets in the Grampians turn your speakers up as high as they go and you will have an idea what it is like!

Beers of the world #5 Real Ale Special

Our first Australian Pale Ale of the trip and was awarded 4 / 5 for content.

Unfortunately for presentation this was awarded 1 / 5 due to the lack of a pint glass. Mobile phone is used a size comparison.  The one was awarded as the glass was cold.