Here we are in Wanaka, New Zealand. A town situated around a rather large fresh water lake that is spectacular! We are surrounded by the South Alps which make me anticipate our Lord of the Rings tour even more. It is beautiful and yes, a lot like August at home.

After a mere 26 hours of travel time, 4 planes (all but one homemade in Everett!), and 5 airports (Seattle, San Francisco, Aukland, Christchurch, and Queenstown) we finally arrived at our final destination or new starting point depending on how you look at it. We were met at the Queenstown Airport by Jan McCreedy (owner of Santana) and Maggie (she and her husband are our sag wagon support). The four of us enjoyed lunch then Howie and I had some of the best hot chocolate (makes my top 5) ever, who knew they could do that in an airport! They had funny t-shirts that said, "I'm Queen of the Chocolate," and "Save the earth! It's the only planet with chocolate!" After being suitably impressed by their appreciation for chocolate we were then driven on the wrong side of the road (they think it is the proper side) to Wanaka where we are staying at the lovely Oakridge Resort.

Our first oder of business was for Howie to build the bike, which he did in our hotel room (I helped by holding it up and spinning a tire every now and then, he did all the greasy work - he just can't get enough of blood! Whether at work on people or bikes...). We then walked down into town where we had dinner at a nice Thai place (served by Japanese waitress). Howie had the usual Panang Nua and I tried their Pat Thai. It was presented differently but still hit the spot. All we needed now was some chocolate. The night was rounded out by a sumptuous Chocolate Pot (imagine chocolate lava cake with lots and lots of chocolate oozing in the middle) at a restaurant called Trout. We saw no fish, just lots of ads for beer and people enjoying their apparent favorite past time which is drinking wine and talking talking talking. While waiting for our taxi, Howie entertained some locals by putting his head through a circular bike lock thing on the street and barking like a seal. A kodak moment I missed! So sorry.

Today we feel right at home because we have Seattle weather. Some crazy teams have been out riding, but Howie and I are waiting for a break in showers before we venture out. We look forward to beginning the actual bike part of this tour but are embracing the joy of being on the other side of the world in a new place. Heavenly Father sure did bless us with a magestic world, for which we are again very grateful.