Australia: Day 1... Kuranda

After a day of travel I arrived in Cairns, Australia. First day in Australia I went on a skyrail to a little town names Kuranda. I ate kangaroo meat, held a koala, fed a kangaroo, and took a ton of pics.  The ride home was on a train.  I think the pictures speak for themselves...

 how many crocodiles do you see in the pic sbove??

see the lizard??

New Zealand: Day 8... The Earnslaw

Queenstown was a beautiful town.  It was the beginning of spring so lots of blooming flowers and trees!

There's a steam boat in Queenstown called The Earnslaw.  It used to carry sheep and supplies to the island right across the lake. I took the boat over to the sheep farm, ate a bbq lunch and then watched a sheep shearing and sheep dog demonstration.

Fun "historical" day!

New Zealand: Day 7... horseback riding

Unfortunately because of weather and a mudslide my trip to the Milford Sound was canceled.  So I decided to go horseback riding.  The ride goes through some of the "scenes" from The Lord of the Rings.  I didn't feel so great this day, but the scenery was still pretty phenomenal so I am glad I went.  I can't remember my horses name... but he was feisty and had a mind of his own for sure.

 Totally learned the benefit of the full length leather trench coat!

We even crossed some rivers. 

New Zealand: Day 6... skydiving!!!

This is one of my top 3 favorite days of my trip.  The night before when I arrived in Queenstown I asked the guy helping me with my room what I should not miss doing or seeing.  He said... skydiving.  I said, oh great, have you done it??  He says... NO, but you totally should.
I've thought about doing it before and always talked myself out of going.  Then after I got settled in my room I went down to the concierge and talked with him about what I should do.  He says... skydiving for sure.  Oh great, have you done it?? NOPE! Hmmm... so who has exactly??
The next morning I just decide I am going for it.  I go to the front desk and the 2 people behind the desk are excited that I am thinking about it and say that I should totally go for it.  Oh, have y'all been???  NO... but you totally should!  So I signed up to go.
When the van gets there to take me I start to get really nervous.  Everyone in the van is also nervous and it is their first time as well.  We arrive at the jump site and I find out I am the only one jumping from 15,000 feet. Again... have I lost my mind? They show us a video, I'm now even more nervous and I find out I'm going up first.  I meet my tandem guide... he's Irish! And learn how to do the banana pose and off we go!
As we climb in the plane I start to get pretty nervous.  I ask the guy how high up we are and he tells me that we are only 6,000 feet.  Oh my...
I guy with us goes first at 12,000 feet.  I contemplate what I would have to do to get out of this.  Holy cow!!!  And then it's my turn... Brian says... "When I open the door, put your legs under the plane..." Door open, we fall out and it is crazy amazing.  Such a beautiful place.  The 65 second free fall was a little torturous... so stinkin' cold. Once the parachute goes I just enjoy the view.
So glad I did it.  Not sure if I would go again. Not sure where would outdo this!

 the red bag in front is my life jacket... just in case!

the nerves are setting in!

only 6,000 feet so far!!

 feet under the plane...

 beautiful... and sooo cold!

And this is the video!  You can for sure see the moment I want to rethink this decision.  Fake smile!!

New Zealand, Day 5: Haast Pass

After the glacier hike I loaded up in the car and headed south through the Haast Pass. My plan had been to drive the whole day and stop at lots of waterfalls and pretty sites along the way. As I drove I felt a little rushed to be sure that I got to my next destination before dark. Thankfully the Spirit nudged me a couple of times to stop and walk into the forest to see some great waterfalls!!!