We are back, we made it and we even got to the wedding on time.Thanks to abit of niffy driving from Neal and Lemon drizzle cake at the Bristol pitstop from the rentals we all made it to the church on time!! Big big big CONGRATULATIONS to Ben and Charlotte :) A great day.
Now its jobs, houses, hockey and real life. Well untill the next time......
Watch this space, te he he...!
Charlie, Jo, Tina and Ruby xx
Monday 27 September 2010
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Bye bye Yamba :-(
Hellllllllllllooooooo!
We are back online and saying bye bye Yamba. An amazing little village up in the mountains of Africa. They took us in for 2 weeks and made us feel soooooooooo very welcome. Despite the poverty that they all live in, they all seem to have big smiles on their faces and made us all feel at home. Jo taught the nurses all she knows whilst I helped build and teach them computer skills. It was a humbling experience. We both didnt want to leave :-( but have now just added another place to return too :-) http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/
We currently in Tanga.....waiting to catch a bus to Arusha at 6am tomorrow :-( Then we are catching another bus to Narobi to then catch our flight to London to hopefully get to the wedding on time. Watch this space!!
But for now its Kwah Heri Yamba - the people and the volunteer friends we made there. We both will miss you!
And hello England, see you in 3days!!!!!
Charlie and Jo xx
We are back online and saying bye bye Yamba. An amazing little village up in the mountains of Africa. They took us in for 2 weeks and made us feel soooooooooo very welcome. Despite the poverty that they all live in, they all seem to have big smiles on their faces and made us all feel at home. Jo taught the nurses all she knows whilst I helped build and teach them computer skills. It was a humbling experience. We both didnt want to leave :-( but have now just added another place to return too :-) http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/
We currently in Tanga.....waiting to catch a bus to Arusha at 6am tomorrow :-( Then we are catching another bus to Narobi to then catch our flight to London to hopefully get to the wedding on time. Watch this space!!
But for now its Kwah Heri Yamba - the people and the volunteer friends we made there. We both will miss you!
And hello England, see you in 3days!!!!!
Charlie and Jo xx
Sunday 5 September 2010
More proof on Flickr!!
More proof we actually made the top.....
www.flickr.com/photos/49802755@N06/sets/72157624882974918/
And just incase we havent told you all enough - sponsorship pages are:
www.justgiving.com/charlieandjo
www.justgiving.com/joandcharlieclimbkilimanjaro
Charlie and Jo xx
www.flickr.com/photos/49802755@N06/sets/72157624882974918/
And just incase we havent told you all enough - sponsorship pages are:
www.justgiving.com/charlieandjo
www.justgiving.com/joandcharlieclimbkilimanjaro
Charlie and Jo xx
Thursday 2 September 2010
We did it, 5985m!!!!!!!!!!
Woah, well we made it, 5895m. I think one of the hardest things both Jo and I have done on this trip. Just when you think you can see the top....its not!!!
Jo thought her legs were going to pack in at one point....well until I said you have legs like elephants they wont stop working. Te he, she soon got moving. :-)
I also had a meltdown near the top, well actually two if you count before then at 4600m when we saw a guy flat out. But near the top at about 5300m. I was asked if I wanted to go down? No. Do you want to go up? No. However I was dragged (by the guide), pushed (by Jo) and pulled (by the group) up to the summit. So happy to have made it!
We would like to put the sponsorship plea out there again. Please sponsor us, we made it up and it was very very hard!!!! www.justgiving.com/charlieandjo
So a couple of days to relax then off to the village, then home!!
Charlie and Jo (no legs or knees left) xx
Jo thought her legs were going to pack in at one point....well until I said you have legs like elephants they wont stop working. Te he, she soon got moving. :-)
I also had a meltdown near the top, well actually two if you count before then at 4600m when we saw a guy flat out. But near the top at about 5300m. I was asked if I wanted to go down? No. Do you want to go up? No. However I was dragged (by the guide), pushed (by Jo) and pulled (by the group) up to the summit. So happy to have made it!
We would like to put the sponsorship plea out there again. Please sponsor us, we made it up and it was very very hard!!!! www.justgiving.com/charlieandjo
So a couple of days to relax then off to the village, then home!!
Charlie and Jo (no legs or knees left) xx
Friday 27 August 2010
Mole Hill in T-minus 21hrs
We are here in Moshi, all ready and raring to walk up the small hill behind our hotel!!
Watch this space, fingers and toes crossed everyone!
Ohh and if you havent all ready, please dont forget to sponsor us!
Thank you and see you after the hill, yeeeeeeekks!!!!
Charlie and Jo xx
Watch this space, fingers and toes crossed everyone!
Ohh and if you havent all ready, please dont forget to sponsor us!
Thank you and see you after the hill, yeeeeeeekks!!!!
Charlie and Jo xx
Tuesday 24 August 2010
Tanzania........
Right, Australia is done, well the west coast anyway! I am now sat in a very warm 'Business Centre' (well there are 5 computers, 5 rickity chairs and a rubbish fan!) in Tanzania!! Very different to Australia thats for sure!
Finished off Australia watching Aussie rules football - well watching the very fit men run around more than the sport - followed by a very tasty roast dinner then it was a 14 hour flight to Johannesburg! Yawn!
Luckily our travel contacts paid off as we were able to meet up with Nicola and even got to sleep in a lovely bed in a lovely flat for the night! (after a very long day it was so nice!) Had a whistle stop tour of J'burg (including the dodgy city centre at 10pm - dont worry mum we locked the doors and jumped very red light!!) THe highlight was definately the springbok steak and osterich sausage!!! tehehe
So now it is only 4 days till we tackle the little hill, please someone explain why we are doing this!!??!?!? it will be fine, it will be fine, it will be fine........!
WIll keep you updated as a nd when we get to the internet!
Love Jo and Charlie xx
Finished off Australia watching Aussie rules football - well watching the very fit men run around more than the sport - followed by a very tasty roast dinner then it was a 14 hour flight to Johannesburg! Yawn!
Luckily our travel contacts paid off as we were able to meet up with Nicola and even got to sleep in a lovely bed in a lovely flat for the night! (after a very long day it was so nice!) Had a whistle stop tour of J'burg (including the dodgy city centre at 10pm - dont worry mum we locked the doors and jumped very red light!!) THe highlight was definately the springbok steak and osterich sausage!!! tehehe
So now it is only 4 days till we tackle the little hill, please someone explain why we are doing this!!??!?!? it will be fine, it will be fine, it will be fine........!
WIll keep you updated as a nd when we get to the internet!
Love Jo and Charlie xx
Wednesday 18 August 2010
And so back to Sydney..... 9days!!
And so back to Syndey, where it all began. We have just enjoyed our final Greyhound bus, which was an overnight one (13hrs) from Bryon Bay to Sydney. I tell you we both think South American night buses are so much better that Australian ones. We both still have numb behinds and walking around in a daze after not alot of sleep. The buses have v hard seats, are cold and stop everywhere for breaks etc. Yawn. Give me a South American bus any day, food, warm drinks, blankets, comfy seats, armed police, bald tyres, cracked windscreens, pot holes......(ok maybe not that side!!) :-)
Anyho we are now in Sydney, tomorrow meeting up with one of my cousins, cousin Sam and hopefully staying with him, his gf and their dogs and then on Sunday will be meeting up with another cousin, cousin Catherine before boarding our flight to Johannesberg on Monday. So you could say we have a busy couple of days sorting all things African. Mainly stocking up on chocolate bars and sweets to get us up the big hill. Another countdown has began 9 days.......yeeeek.
Charlie and Jo xx
Anyho we are now in Sydney, tomorrow meeting up with one of my cousins, cousin Sam and hopefully staying with him, his gf and their dogs and then on Sunday will be meeting up with another cousin, cousin Catherine before boarding our flight to Johannesberg on Monday. So you could say we have a busy couple of days sorting all things African. Mainly stocking up on chocolate bars and sweets to get us up the big hill. Another countdown has began 9 days.......yeeeek.
Charlie and Jo xx
Sunday 15 August 2010
Chillaxing in Bryon Bay
Well its been about a week since the last post....and im guessing you all wondering what are we getting up to!!??
Well the truth is not much...... After Fraser Island we headed to Noosa, where we stayed for 2 days mainly chilling and running on the beach. Next stop after that was Brisbane where we stayed just one night before heading to where we are at the moment, Bryon Bay. Here we have mainly been chilling and running on the beach. Jo is Sergent Jo, the running machine :-) Tis good though need a bit of training for the big moutain which is fast approaching. 12 days!!
Bryon Bay is very cool little place to hang out, we are thinking of going for a surf but often lazing on the beach gets in the way....maybe tomorrow... We have been topping up the tans in what is Australias winter, tis crazy. I think there winter is better than our summer!! :-)
After Bryon we are heading straight to Sydney where hopefully we shall catch up with some of my cousins who appear to be living in and around the area.
Charlie and Jo xx
Well the truth is not much...... After Fraser Island we headed to Noosa, where we stayed for 2 days mainly chilling and running on the beach. Next stop after that was Brisbane where we stayed just one night before heading to where we are at the moment, Bryon Bay. Here we have mainly been chilling and running on the beach. Jo is Sergent Jo, the running machine :-) Tis good though need a bit of training for the big moutain which is fast approaching. 12 days!!
Bryon Bay is very cool little place to hang out, we are thinking of going for a surf but often lazing on the beach gets in the way....maybe tomorrow... We have been topping up the tans in what is Australias winter, tis crazy. I think there winter is better than our summer!! :-)
After Bryon we are heading straight to Sydney where hopefully we shall catch up with some of my cousins who appear to be living in and around the area.
Charlie and Jo xx
Monday 9 August 2010
Australia Pictures...
Hey,
A few pictures from the Oz leg can be found on....
www.flickr.com/photos/49802755@N06/
Charlie and Jo xx
A few pictures from the Oz leg can be found on....
www.flickr.com/photos/49802755@N06/
Charlie and Jo xx
Sunday 8 August 2010
A whale of a time!
Well since our last post from the amazing Whitsundays (we are still on a high from it!!) we have been keeping ourselves busy. We currently in Hervey Bar where we have just returned from a 2day 1night 4x4 adventure on Fraser Island.
Before then however we went to Rockhampton and inland to Emerald where we went searching for real sapphires. It was back breaking work digging around in the mud, washing and sieving the soil/rocks however both myself and Jo were lucky to find a total of 5 sapphires that are big enough to be cut. Unfortunately we didnt find any big enough to pay for our trip or the next one, but apparently it is possible so there is another place to return too!!!
After trying to find our fortune we headed back to the coast to Hervey Bay where we went whale watching, we saw about 17 humpback whales splashing, jumping and playing around our boat. It was pretty amazing and they are massive, especially when compared to our little boat!
After whaling around we headed to Fraser Island where we drove around in 4x4 along the beach and in lots of sand. Also lots of fun!! Driving in soft sand is definitely a different driving experience!
Next stop for us is Noosa further down the coast and then onto Brisbane. I cant believe only 2 weeks left here....where does the time go. We will be home before you know it :-(
1st a big moutain though......ekkk.
Charlie and Jo xx
Before then however we went to Rockhampton and inland to Emerald where we went searching for real sapphires. It was back breaking work digging around in the mud, washing and sieving the soil/rocks however both myself and Jo were lucky to find a total of 5 sapphires that are big enough to be cut. Unfortunately we didnt find any big enough to pay for our trip or the next one, but apparently it is possible so there is another place to return too!!!
After trying to find our fortune we headed back to the coast to Hervey Bay where we went whale watching, we saw about 17 humpback whales splashing, jumping and playing around our boat. It was pretty amazing and they are massive, especially when compared to our little boat!
After whaling around we headed to Fraser Island where we drove around in 4x4 along the beach and in lots of sand. Also lots of fun!! Driving in soft sand is definitely a different driving experience!
Next stop for us is Noosa further down the coast and then onto Brisbane. I cant believe only 2 weeks left here....where does the time go. We will be home before you know it :-(
1st a big moutain though......ekkk.
Charlie and Jo xx
Sunday 1 August 2010
Wow the Whitsundays.
Wow, what can I say we have just spent 2days, 1 night aboard the mighty Iceberg sailing boat, sailing around the Whitsundays. We saw turtles, humpback whales, dophins, manterays, big fish, little fish, amazing white beaches.
Im not sure I can say anything else that brings the whole adventure justice, so here are just a few pictures that say far more than my words! One of our best trips on the Big Trip so far :-)
Im not sure I can say anything else that brings the whole adventure justice, so here are just a few pictures that say far more than my words! One of our best trips on the Big Trip so far :-)
Sunday 25 July 2010
Carins to Magnectic Island
We have been going down the coast from beach to island to beach to island. Its tough! After exploring Cairns - and finding Nemo on the barrier reef plus making friends with the locals (well Melbourne...) we headed down the coast to Mission Beach. Here we stayed in a hostel named the Treehouse which was pretty much as the name suggest a treehouse in the rainforest. Unfortunately as we were in the rainforest we did encountered a spot....well alot of rain. Jo even said I would quite like the sun to be out. Im telling you she has changed!!
After Mission Beach we headed to Townsville and then onto another island - Magnectic Island, apparently it is Magnectic!!. The sun is now out here - and Jo has said im not quite sure I like the sun being out. Ok - so she hasnt changed that much!!
In Townsville we met up with two fellow travellers (the sister of someone I work with in Bristol). We spent the night exchanging our travelling stories and eating steak. Good steak. We have eaten alot of steak!! Good luck finding another job and deciding your next move Phil and Nicola!! :-)
We think we are going to spend 2 nights here on the islands (well thats if the sun stays out) but it might be more....so watch this space.
Hope all is well back in England
Charlie and Jo xx
After Mission Beach we headed to Townsville and then onto another island - Magnectic Island, apparently it is Magnectic!!. The sun is now out here - and Jo has said im not quite sure I like the sun being out. Ok - so she hasnt changed that much!!
In Townsville we met up with two fellow travellers (the sister of someone I work with in Bristol). We spent the night exchanging our travelling stories and eating steak. Good steak. We have eaten alot of steak!! Good luck finding another job and deciding your next move Phil and Nicola!! :-)
We think we are going to spend 2 nights here on the islands (well thats if the sun stays out) but it might be more....so watch this space.
Hope all is well back in England
Charlie and Jo xx
Sunday 18 July 2010
And so to Australia
We are now in Australia - gud day to ya all!!
We had abit of an interesting start to the journey here - firstly Jo not having a visa, very odd when she did have one but apparently it didnt show on the computer. We then got one but then they put her birthday as the day she got her passport issued. She looks old for a 3year!! Anyway after all that drama we managed to board our the plane to Syndey and then another onto Cairns where we are now starting the Aussie leg.
We did spend some time exploring Sydney - we wander over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera house and the Rocks area very nice. Also found a few chinese markets - well alot...so much so we thought we had landed in another country!
We are now in Cairns where the average temperature seems to be 27 degrees. Tomorrow we board a boat to explore the Great Barrier Reef :-) Im on the lookout for Nemos!
Hope you are all well
Charlie and Jo xx
We had abit of an interesting start to the journey here - firstly Jo not having a visa, very odd when she did have one but apparently it didnt show on the computer. We then got one but then they put her birthday as the day she got her passport issued. She looks old for a 3year!! Anyway after all that drama we managed to board our the plane to Syndey and then another onto Cairns where we are now starting the Aussie leg.
We did spend some time exploring Sydney - we wander over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera house and the Rocks area very nice. Also found a few chinese markets - well alot...so much so we thought we had landed in another country!
We are now in Cairns where the average temperature seems to be 27 degrees. Tomorrow we board a boat to explore the Great Barrier Reef :-) Im on the lookout for Nemos!
Hope you are all well
Charlie and Jo xx
Thursday 15 July 2010
A taste of the south island - and more on Flickr (eventually)
So goodbye New Zealand - its been emotional!!
We are now back in Auckland - after a bit of niffy driving by Jo to catch our flight from Christchurch to Auckland. We both thought the flight was tomorrow (being Friday) and our flight to Sydney was on Saturday, anyho after a last night check we realized we had no time to explore Lake Tekapo. Well except to see the sunrise over it - yes I practiced my new photographic skills!! I'm not quite a pro yet but the pro that taught us only picked up his camera at 28 years old. There is hope for me yet.....
So we now leave NZ, which is sad. We have had some v good high points but also some low points (draw a line and all that) but this does me that we definitely need to return to explore more (there is still lots to see) and rest any demons that may have arisen!!
Thanks go to our host in Queenstown. It was great to see the Blackford clan again :-) The week spent there felt like a mini holiday within our extended trip so was a good time to stay in one place and recharge the batteries - oh yeah and ski..and jump off a bridge, and play frisbee golf, and go on a boat trip.....
Anyho next stop is Sydney where we then board a flight to Cairns to make our way down the east coast back to Syndey. Busy busy!!
Watch this space for Aussie tails.
Hope you are all well back in sunny England
Charlie and Jo xx
P.S Ernie also says sweet as, hey bro thanks for driving me fun places!!
So we now leave NZ, which is sad. We have had some v good high points but also some low points (draw a line and all that) but this does me that we definitely need to return to explore more (there is still lots to see) and rest any demons that may have arisen!!
Thanks go to our host in Queenstown. It was great to see the Blackford clan again :-) The week spent there felt like a mini holiday within our extended trip so was a good time to stay in one place and recharge the batteries - oh yeah and ski..and jump off a bridge, and play frisbee golf, and go on a boat trip.....
Anyho next stop is Sydney where we then board a flight to Cairns to make our way down the east coast back to Syndey. Busy busy!!
Watch this space for Aussie tails.
Hope you are all well back in sunny England
Charlie and Jo xx
P.S Ernie also says sweet as, hey bro thanks for driving me fun places!!
Thursday 8 July 2010
The end of New Zealand is near........
So only 1 week left of New Zealand .....boooooooo!
We said good bye to Cazoline this morning as she makes her way to Uk (via Mount Cook, Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney and Singapore!!!) Ernie is already missing her as dont think He or CHarlie likes my driving that much!! Dont worry Dad i am being sensible! Safe travels Miss Meads!
You will all be please to know that Caroline and Charlie can now take perfect photos after going on a 5 hour photography course yesterday! Apparently it is all about putting it on manual and choosing the right setting .....it is going to be a long 3 months!!!!! tehe
At the moment we are being put up by one of Charlies childhood sweethearts! It is very good to have a bed and proper house to go back to.....thank you Alex and Shel! We will repay the favour when you visit Bristol, although cant promise a 4 bedroom house!!
You will all be please to know that Caroline has found true love.....Rex the dog is still pinning at the window for you! ;0)
Looking to hit the slopes in the next fews days....snowboarding in July.....crazy! Will let you all know how it goes!!
love Jo and Charlie xx
We said good bye to Cazoline this morning as she makes her way to Uk (via Mount Cook, Christchurch, Auckland, Sydney and Singapore!!!) Ernie is already missing her as dont think He or CHarlie likes my driving that much!! Dont worry Dad i am being sensible! Safe travels Miss Meads!
You will all be please to know that Caroline and Charlie can now take perfect photos after going on a 5 hour photography course yesterday! Apparently it is all about putting it on manual and choosing the right setting .....it is going to be a long 3 months!!!!! tehe
At the moment we are being put up by one of Charlies childhood sweethearts! It is very good to have a bed and proper house to go back to.....thank you Alex and Shel! We will repay the favour when you visit Bristol, although cant promise a 4 bedroom house!!
You will all be please to know that Caroline has found true love.....Rex the dog is still pinning at the window for you! ;0)
Looking to hit the slopes in the next fews days....snowboarding in July.....crazy! Will let you all know how it goes!!
love Jo and Charlie xx
Wednesday 30 June 2010
Soooo....tramping!
Hello all! I know it has been a while since i have blogged but all is fine, no need to send the search party out just yet, Charlie and Caroline haven't killed me yet! ;0)
So onto our recent tramps (For those not versed in Kiwi language tramping = walking!)
Firstly we completed a very sedate and picturesque walk along part of our Charlie's very own, Queen Charlotte's Track in the northern Sounds near Picton. Here we didn't see another soul and had the deserted sandy coves just to ourselves for lunch. From here we thought we would pick up the pace a bit and so onto Frans Joseph glacier on the west coast. After seeing the glacier up close yesterday we thought that a more overall view would be in order. For us to do this the only option was a very hard tramp on Alex Knob! Although it was pretty high (1300m) it was still a fairly easy Knob! hahahaha
Onto Wanaka tomorrow - very nice lake apparently! ;0)
Over and out from me!
Love Jo, Charlie and Caroline (plus Ernie of course!)
So onto our recent tramps (For those not versed in Kiwi language tramping = walking!)
Firstly we completed a very sedate and picturesque walk along part of our Charlie's very own, Queen Charlotte's Track in the northern Sounds near Picton. Here we didn't see another soul and had the deserted sandy coves just to ourselves for lunch. From here we thought we would pick up the pace a bit and so onto Frans Joseph glacier on the west coast. After seeing the glacier up close yesterday we thought that a more overall view would be in order. For us to do this the only option was a very hard tramp on Alex Knob! Although it was pretty high (1300m) it was still a fairly easy Knob! hahahaha
Onto Wanaka tomorrow - very nice lake apparently! ;0)
Over and out from me!
Love Jo, Charlie and Caroline (plus Ernie of course!)
Sunday 27 June 2010
Welcoming Ernest, poop poop!
We have been travelling around the South Island in our new friend, Ernest or Ernie to his mates. We picked up this green mean machine in Christrchurch and so far taken good care of us. Only one minor engine light problem that was quickly resolved by a friendly garage. Oh and also one small problem which means I cant drive him :-( so im being chauffered around the south island! :-)
We have seen lots of wildlife - sperm whales, seals, albatrosses, penguins, dolphins (dusky and bottled nose!) and also lots of sea and beaches and mountains. Again its been tough life! Oh yes and we have done lots of tramping, I think one of our best tramp so far was a section of Queens Charlotte's Track near Picton. Lovely!
Today (Sunday) on our way to Greymouth from Nelson we visited the faultline of an earthquake, that happened in 1900s. I was quite excited. We also stopped and looked at some limestone formations that are called pancakes. Again I was quite impressed!
Next stop I think for us is Fox Glacier and then Wanaka and then onto Queenstown. So much to see!
Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine back home :-)
Charlie, Jo, Caroline and Ernie xx
We have seen lots of wildlife - sperm whales, seals, albatrosses, penguins, dolphins (dusky and bottled nose!) and also lots of sea and beaches and mountains. Again its been tough life! Oh yes and we have done lots of tramping, I think one of our best tramp so far was a section of Queens Charlotte's Track near Picton. Lovely!
Today (Sunday) on our way to Greymouth from Nelson we visited the faultline of an earthquake, that happened in 1900s. I was quite excited. We also stopped and looked at some limestone formations that are called pancakes. Again I was quite impressed!
Next stop I think for us is Fox Glacier and then Wanaka and then onto Queenstown. So much to see!
Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine back home :-)
Charlie, Jo, Caroline and Ernie xx
Sunday 20 June 2010
Hello from the South Island!
We are now in the South Island - currently in Christchurch....which fells even more like England, especially with road names like Gloucester Street and Oxford Parade!!
We have mainly spent our time exploring the city, tomorrow - being Monday for us we collect a car - we have opted on a different form of transport after sleeping in a very cold Dug! We will then head off to start exploring, hopefully seeing some whales and maybe even letting Jo finally on the slopes with a snowboard!!
Watch this space :-)
Charlie, Jo and Caroline xx
We have mainly spent our time exploring the city, tomorrow - being Monday for us we collect a car - we have opted on a different form of transport after sleeping in a very cold Dug! We will then head off to start exploring, hopefully seeing some whales and maybe even letting Jo finally on the slopes with a snowboard!!
Watch this space :-)
Charlie, Jo and Caroline xx
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Wind subsided.....so we jumped!!
OMG so the wind went and so did we, literally weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. All the way up in a plane to15,000ft over Lake Taupo and then yeeeee all the way back down to earth. Although I think the way we are both feeling now we are still up there!! A mazing :-)
xx
xx
Rotorua to Taupo
So the blog is back in the hands of its owner....not sure what habbits Miss Meads is talking about but she has a few too....! :-)
Anyho we are now at Lake Taupo - Jo and I are currently sat waiting for the wind to subside so we can then jump out of a plane....the sun is here but the wind is too :-( So watch this space readers...ekkkk! Also planned is more volcano walking - Tongariro Crossing but again we are waiting on the weather....so fingers crossed!
Before arriving here we have had an action packed 2days around Rotorua - we saw lots of things bubbling - mud, water, ground and also walked in the crater of a volanco. Apparently the ground was unstable, we didnt hang around too long! We also went on a Maori experience where we watched the haka but men not wearing alot and ate some food cooked by the energy from the ground. Very tasty lamb.
We have one week left in Dug :-( before handing him back to fly over to the South Island
Weather is getting colder so we are debating what will be best to travel in once we are in the South Island...
Hello to all back home
Charlie, Jo, Caroline and Dug xx
Anyho we are now at Lake Taupo - Jo and I are currently sat waiting for the wind to subside so we can then jump out of a plane....the sun is here but the wind is too :-( So watch this space readers...ekkkk! Also planned is more volcano walking - Tongariro Crossing but again we are waiting on the weather....so fingers crossed!
Before arriving here we have had an action packed 2days around Rotorua - we saw lots of things bubbling - mud, water, ground and also walked in the crater of a volanco. Apparently the ground was unstable, we didnt hang around too long! We also went on a Maori experience where we watched the haka but men not wearing alot and ate some food cooked by the energy from the ground. Very tasty lamb.
We have one week left in Dug :-( before handing him back to fly over to the South Island
Weather is getting colder so we are debating what will be best to travel in once we are in the South Island...
Hello to all back home
Charlie, Jo, Caroline and Dug xx
Thursday 10 June 2010
The Blog has been hijacked.....
.... Here's what is really going on...
So these 2 crazy kids have been blogging away but I (Caroline) have finally hacked in. Having lived in close proximity to the pair of them, its true to say that each and everyone of us have bad habits but Jo's are the worst - just ask her....
We have walked, and tramped, and walked and tramped. Jo is to put me back together tomorrow so we can repeat the feat. Has to be said, there is more than a few places to walk around and they are all pretty stunning. Today was the Gorge and the Pit Rim and even though Charlie was beside herself with excitment due to the mud, i have to confess, it was pretty cool.
Pitstopping and the 'Bones Mansion' has been a highlight, we have had a whole load of homecooked food and really good shower and let's not get started on the wine. Thanks Mr Bones and Carol!
Another 4.5 weeks to go for me, and i could definitely get used to this. I may not be on the plane home......
carolinex
So these 2 crazy kids have been blogging away but I (Caroline) have finally hacked in. Having lived in close proximity to the pair of them, its true to say that each and everyone of us have bad habits but Jo's are the worst - just ask her....
We have walked, and tramped, and walked and tramped. Jo is to put me back together tomorrow so we can repeat the feat. Has to be said, there is more than a few places to walk around and they are all pretty stunning. Today was the Gorge and the Pit Rim and even though Charlie was beside herself with excitment due to the mud, i have to confess, it was pretty cool.
Pitstopping and the 'Bones Mansion' has been a highlight, we have had a whole load of homecooked food and really good shower and let's not get started on the wine. Thanks Mr Bones and Carol!
Another 4.5 weeks to go for me, and i could definitely get used to this. I may not be on the plane home......
carolinex
Sunday 6 June 2010
Northland done.
Dug, Caroline, Jo and Charlie have successfully navigated themselves around the north of the north island of New Zealand.
Highlights so far:
- picturesque picnic spots in Dug
- sunset/sunrises on beaches (particularly 90mile beach which is in fact only 54mile long!)
- sandboarding down big big sand dunes
- walking to the biggest trees in New Zealand - huge!
- driving in Dug
- amazing scenery whilst driving
- and one for Caroline - a fully loaded fridge (she needs to get out more!!)
Next stop for us all is the Coromandel :-)
Love Charlie, Jo, Caroline and Dug xx
Highlights so far:
- picturesque picnic spots in Dug
- sunset/sunrises on beaches (particularly 90mile beach which is in fact only 54mile long!)
- sandboarding down big big sand dunes
- walking to the biggest trees in New Zealand - huge!
- driving in Dug
- amazing scenery whilst driving
- and one for Caroline - a fully loaded fridge (she needs to get out more!!)
Next stop for us all is the Coromandel :-)
Love Charlie, Jo, Caroline and Dug xx
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Exploring the North Island
So we are in NZ, 1st couple of days have been interesting to say the least. Anyho to cut a long story short what was going to be 4 of us is now just the 3 of us and myself & Caroline and Jo have been off exploring the North Island. We picked up our 6 berth camper/bus named dug and he has taken us to many places! Poop poop!
Today we have been exploring the Bay of Islands. We went on a boat trip to a little island called Russel, saw a hole in a rock and lots and lots of dolphins. All pretty amazing despite the intial start to the week.
Tomorrow Dug is taking us to see a 90mile beach and hopefully sample some of NZ wine.
Hope all is well back home
Charlie, Jo and Caroine (for 7weeks!!) xx
Today we have been exploring the Bay of Islands. We went on a boat trip to a little island called Russel, saw a hole in a rock and lots and lots of dolphins. All pretty amazing despite the intial start to the week.
Tomorrow Dug is taking us to see a 90mile beach and hopefully sample some of NZ wine.
Hope all is well back home
Charlie, Jo and Caroine (for 7weeks!!) xx
Friday 28 May 2010
We are in NEW ZEALAND!!
Sooooo after leaving at 23.10pm on Wednesday from Santiago we have arrived safely and some what jet-lagged in New Zealand at 4.20am Friday. All very strange and we are not sure if we are coming or going. And wondering quite where Thursday went.....
Still the aim of the game today is stay awake untill a decent hour...although this does mean we will probably have been awake for 40hrs in total!
Update soon when we are more awake!
Charlie and Jo x
Still the aim of the game today is stay awake untill a decent hour...although this does mean we will probably have been awake for 40hrs in total!
Update soon when we are more awake!
Charlie and Jo x
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Mendoza and ciao ciao South America
Just a quick update to keep you all interested! We spent 5 days in the wine region that is Mendoza...here we mainly well...drank wine and ate steak good steak. Oh yeah and we did one trek in preparation for Kilimanjaro! We had a guide dog called Mike who led us up and down the mountain, a friendly chap. We are wondering if he will come to Kilimanjaro with us.....!
We are now in Santiago waiting to catch our flight to New Zealand, only 14hrs, which is nothing compared to the norm we have got used to of 22hrs on a bus. Although you do get quite a lot of room on the bus!!
We have both enjoyed South America far more than we ever thought and realised that 2months to explore this massive continent is really not enough!! It just means we might have to come back one day....!
Anyho next stop New Zealand, ciao ciao South America!
Charlie and Jo x
We are now in Santiago waiting to catch our flight to New Zealand, only 14hrs, which is nothing compared to the norm we have got used to of 22hrs on a bus. Although you do get quite a lot of room on the bus!!
We have both enjoyed South America far more than we ever thought and realised that 2months to explore this massive continent is really not enough!! It just means we might have to come back one day....!
Anyho next stop New Zealand, ciao ciao South America!
Charlie and Jo x
Tuesday 18 May 2010
Mountains and Lakes!
Just a little update for you all (after charlies essay last time!! hehe!)
Did the trek to the black glacier 2 days ago which was very cool (hehe - glad it wasnt hot!!) To be honest i think we were all looking at the wrong thing for most of the time as the glacier looked like rock, but when we finally got it it was pretty amzing!! Plus the views on the coach were unbeatable! I feel like i say that alot......but the views do keep getting better with every place we visit!
Yesterday we did a 17 mile bike around the lakes and up the mountians (well they could have been hills but they felt like mountains!) Everything looks like the Alps as all the houses are wood cabins! Think they secretly transported us to Europe when we were asleep on the bus!!
We followed this with a little stroll up to a view point....yep the views were amazing! The bike dude said it would take 40mins after the cycle ride....we thought we could do it faster so charged up in 20!! tehe Also managed to half that time on the way down! Us competitive!?!?! Must be missing hockey!;0)
Not sure on the plans today but think it has something to do with lake....mountians...walking....views and chocolate!!!!!
Like i said just a short one! Take care back there - hope it is warmer than here!
Love Jo ;0)
Did the trek to the black glacier 2 days ago which was very cool (hehe - glad it wasnt hot!!) To be honest i think we were all looking at the wrong thing for most of the time as the glacier looked like rock, but when we finally got it it was pretty amzing!! Plus the views on the coach were unbeatable! I feel like i say that alot......but the views do keep getting better with every place we visit!
Yesterday we did a 17 mile bike around the lakes and up the mountians (well they could have been hills but they felt like mountains!) Everything looks like the Alps as all the houses are wood cabins! Think they secretly transported us to Europe when we were asleep on the bus!!
We followed this with a little stroll up to a view point....yep the views were amazing! The bike dude said it would take 40mins after the cycle ride....we thought we could do it faster so charged up in 20!! tehe Also managed to half that time on the way down! Us competitive!?!?! Must be missing hockey!;0)
Not sure on the plans today but think it has something to do with lake....mountians...walking....views and chocolate!!!!!
Like i said just a short one! Take care back there - hope it is warmer than here!
Love Jo ;0)
Sunday 16 May 2010
Buenos Aries to Bariloche.....
Wow...so much to update!!
After experiencing the amazing falls...which we still cant believe we boarded a lovely bus bound to Buenos Aries. Although not one of the longest bus journeys we have experienced it was fairly eventful. We were stopped on more than one occasion...about 7 by the Argentine police. We are still not sure what they were checking but they did ask us if Jo and I were friends, which we nearly sarcastically said no however choose the sensible option at 2.30am in the morning and just smiled and nodded! He had a gun. We also stopped at 11.15pm at a lovely restaurant for a 3 course meal....which was surreal. We didn't quite expect dinner to be dinner in a restaurant late at night. Most bus companies serve you food on the bus so you can expect our surprise when they woke us up for dinner!!
Anyway we did eventually arrive in the busy busy city of Buenos Aries. Here we found the hostel we booked full but successfully managed to manouvere our [which have got heavier...] bags to another hostel. We spent the days exploring the city. Namely visiting the Botanical gardens, Evita museum, Evita's grave and Jo's walking tour [we saw a big metal flower!] The highlight of BA for both of us was a tango show. This included an hours tango lesson, tango show, 3course meal and all the drinks you can drink!! We can now dance 3 tango moves!
Finally we have now arrived [after an even longer bus journey 22hrs] in Bariloche. The time the meal was on the bus and the staff very friendly to the 2 English girls going to Bariloche in the off season!! Also no police checks!
Bariloche has a very European ski village in the summer feel to it..although its the start of the winter, there isn't any snow yet so this is the off season. It is very pretty though with big lakes and mountains. We have booked onto a 1day trek tomorrow where we hike to a glacier and near the border of Chile and Argentina. We are very much looking forward to being out in the fresh air, especially after the smog of BA!
Ok essay update over!!
Hope all is well back in England
Charlie and Jo xx
After experiencing the amazing falls...which we still cant believe we boarded a lovely bus bound to Buenos Aries. Although not one of the longest bus journeys we have experienced it was fairly eventful. We were stopped on more than one occasion...about 7 by the Argentine police. We are still not sure what they were checking but they did ask us if Jo and I were friends, which we nearly sarcastically said no however choose the sensible option at 2.30am in the morning and just smiled and nodded! He had a gun. We also stopped at 11.15pm at a lovely restaurant for a 3 course meal....which was surreal. We didn't quite expect dinner to be dinner in a restaurant late at night. Most bus companies serve you food on the bus so you can expect our surprise when they woke us up for dinner!!
Anyway we did eventually arrive in the busy busy city of Buenos Aries. Here we found the hostel we booked full but successfully managed to manouvere our [which have got heavier...] bags to another hostel. We spent the days exploring the city. Namely visiting the Botanical gardens, Evita museum, Evita's grave and Jo's walking tour [we saw a big metal flower!] The highlight of BA for both of us was a tango show. This included an hours tango lesson, tango show, 3course meal and all the drinks you can drink!! We can now dance 3 tango moves!
Finally we have now arrived [after an even longer bus journey 22hrs] in Bariloche. The time the meal was on the bus and the staff very friendly to the 2 English girls going to Bariloche in the off season!! Also no police checks!
Bariloche has a very European ski village in the summer feel to it..although its the start of the winter, there isn't any snow yet so this is the off season. It is very pretty though with big lakes and mountains. We have booked onto a 1day trek tomorrow where we hike to a glacier and near the border of Chile and Argentina. We are very much looking forward to being out in the fresh air, especially after the smog of BA!
Ok essay update over!!
Hope all is well back in England
Charlie and Jo xx
Monday 10 May 2010
Wow...they were even bigger!
Today we went to the Argentina side of the falls.....and went in a small speed boat into them. They seemed even BIGGER today!! Wow, amazing and like Jo said you cant even really grasp how big they are. Apparently the region has had alot of rain recently too so this has made them even bigger and wow amazing.
Hopefully we will update some pictures soon but not sure they will do them justice we recommend you all come and visit them!!!
Charlie and Jo xx
Hopefully we will update some pictures soon but not sure they will do them justice we recommend you all come and visit them!!!
Charlie and Jo xx
Saturday 8 May 2010
The falls were.....BIG!!!
Just got back from seeing the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls.....they were very impressive!!! Sooooooomuch water tumbling over them - i really cant grasp it! You have to see it to believe it!
We also went to a bird park and i think the birs were a little chilly as it is cloudy here and not tropical like it normally is for them! I hear the cries of sympathy for us from here!
Tomorrow we are going to Argentina to see the falls from there....different perspective and hopefully a boat ride right up close! Wohooooo!
Had our first South American steak yesterday....very tasty! And i think we are opening the wine tonight.....well it is saturday afterall!
Right, Charlie may add more but dont think there is a lot to say!
Hope the weather back there is nicer than here!
Fill you in on more over the next few days
Love Jo ;0)
We also went to a bird park and i think the birs were a little chilly as it is cloudy here and not tropical like it normally is for them! I hear the cries of sympathy for us from here!
Tomorrow we are going to Argentina to see the falls from there....different perspective and hopefully a boat ride right up close! Wohooooo!
Had our first South American steak yesterday....very tasty! And i think we are opening the wine tonight.....well it is saturday afterall!
Right, Charlie may add more but dont think there is a lot to say!
Hope the weather back there is nicer than here!
Fill you in on more over the next few days
Love Jo ;0)
Thursday 6 May 2010
Ihla do Mel = Seaside!!
Wow, we have just returned from 2 days on Ihla do Mel....white sandy beaches, no cars, hammocks and wild dolphins! It was tough..... :-)
We spent the days walking along the coast. We walked to an old fort that they had built to protect themsleves against the spanish and spent another day on a boat dolphin watching, saw lots of dolphins although hard to capture them on camera!! All in all it was a relaxing 2 days with the exception of me getting attacked by midges and Jo red ants :-(
Now we are travelling back to Curitiba and then onto Foz de Iguau. Here we will see the falls from the Brazilian side before heading over to Argentina to see them from that side. We are looking forward to arriving in Argentina to get back to speaking our very basic spanish!! Portuguese is a hard language to understand and learn!
Hope all is well in England :-)
Charlie and Jo xx
We spent the days walking along the coast. We walked to an old fort that they had built to protect themsleves against the spanish and spent another day on a boat dolphin watching, saw lots of dolphins although hard to capture them on camera!! All in all it was a relaxing 2 days with the exception of me getting attacked by midges and Jo red ants :-(
Now we are travelling back to Curitiba and then onto Foz de Iguau. Here we will see the falls from the Brazilian side before heading over to Argentina to see them from that side. We are looking forward to arriving in Argentina to get back to speaking our very basic spanish!! Portuguese is a hard language to understand and learn!
Hope all is well in England :-)
Charlie and Jo xx
Monday 3 May 2010
Sunday 2 May 2010
From Sao Paulo to the Seaside (kinda!)
After Cusco we were hit with the big big city of Sao Paulo. After the culture shock we enjoyed some time and partying in Sao Paulo with Felipes (a work collegue of mine) brother in Law, called Beto and his gf Camilla. They looked after us brilliantly. We had full use of his appartement, 2 laptops and washing machine for 2 nights. While Beto worked we spent the day exploring Sao Paulo. We sat and had a picnic lunch in a very nice park - Parque do Ibirapuera. It had lots of ducks and a big lake! In the evening after work we were taken to an Irish bar on one night, where our non-glamorous and lack of high heels look stood out a little bit!!! Dam...we both knew we would forget something! On the other and our final night in Sao Paulo we sampled some traditional Brazilian food and went to the top of one of the highest skyscrapers in the city. Great night views of the city. Thank you Beto, Camilla and Felipe!
Following Sao Paulo we boarded a bus to Curitiba and arrived at what can only be described as a faulty towers hotel. The website was very deceptive! We decided to just spend one night there before before catching a train to Parangua. It is quoted as being one of the most scenic train rides in Brazil and they werent wrong about that. It was lovely with some amazing views along the way. And they also even handed out peanuts!!! Its ok though, I survived....we had all the windows open, we didnt pay extra for the air condition carriage!
On arrival in Parangua - the last bit by bus. We found ourselves by the seaside..well kinda. It smelt like the seaside and there was a small beach. Jo was very happy! We decided to book ourselves into a hostel and then make our way to Ihla do Mel (or honey island) tomorrow (that being Monday). Parangua is very quiet this time of year though, all the shops are shut (although this might be because its a Sunday?) and there doesnt appear to be many open restuarants....hopefully we will find some dinner!
Bye 4 now!
Charlie and Jo xx
Following Sao Paulo we boarded a bus to Curitiba and arrived at what can only be described as a faulty towers hotel. The website was very deceptive! We decided to just spend one night there before before catching a train to Parangua. It is quoted as being one of the most scenic train rides in Brazil and they werent wrong about that. It was lovely with some amazing views along the way. And they also even handed out peanuts!!! Its ok though, I survived....we had all the windows open, we didnt pay extra for the air condition carriage!
On arrival in Parangua - the last bit by bus. We found ourselves by the seaside..well kinda. It smelt like the seaside and there was a small beach. Jo was very happy! We decided to book ourselves into a hostel and then make our way to Ihla do Mel (or honey island) tomorrow (that being Monday). Parangua is very quiet this time of year though, all the shops are shut (although this might be because its a Sunday?) and there doesnt appear to be many open restuarants....hopefully we will find some dinner!
Bye 4 now!
Charlie and Jo xx
Saturday 1 May 2010
Friday 30 April 2010
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