2 Weeks to Go! Copy that?

My New Zealand adventure is coming to an end. It is hard to believe that I arrived in New Zealand three months ago. During this time I have experienced so many things, both mentally and physically. On a good note...my bruises have almost disappeared. I have been fortunate to meet people of all ethnic backgrounds, of all ages, and of all personalities. It has made this journey one I will never forget. Some of these people I will see again or at least keep in touch with via email and others I will probably never have contact with or see again. All the same, each person who I had the honor to work with during harvest, has touched my life in some way or another.

All of us go through some difficult things in life. Some go through more than others. For those of you who know my past and even those of you who don't, this trip was probably one of the best decisions I have made in a really long time. I don't think that I have accomplished everything that I had hoped to accomplish, but my trip has just begun. I am beginning to feel like my old self again. I smile and I laugh. I miss my family and my friends. I apologize for not being able to email, write or call everyone personally. but I hope you are enjoying this blog.

Today I moved from Renwick (Alma Street) into a different vintage house closer to Blenheim. Everyone in our house has been split up into the remaining houses. Gabby and I have a granny flat in back of the main house and it has a bathroom and sink. It is nice to have some private space again.

This past weekend a group of 20 or so of us from the winery went to Hanmer Springs. You can check out the website http://www.hanmersprings.co.nz/thermal/home/ or here is a tidbit I copied from there:

Nestled in the magnificent South Island high country, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has, for 125 years, attracted visitors seeking the benefits of its natural mineral waters and clean, clear alpine air. Set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by forests and mountains, the award-winning Thermal Pools offers visitors a wide range of experiences, from soothing indulgence to exciting family fun. The Thermal Pools & Spa has nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools and four private thermal pools, as well as a sauna/steam room. A fresh-water, heated pool and a popular family activity area, complete with water slides and water toys and picnic area, ensure the Thermal Pools & Spa offer something for everyone.

The pools range in temperature from 33-42° Celsius, perfect for soothing away aches and pains or for just unwinding. The Hanmer Springs geothermal water is drawn from a bore adjacent to the Reserve complex, providing natural water of the highest quality. And with a bounteous supply of the thermally heated spring water, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is open 364 days a year.

At the heart of the Hanmer Springs Alpine Village, the Thermal Pools are within easy walking distance of a full range of accommodation, shops, a golf course and other amenities. For outdoor activity, the forests surrounding the village are criss-crossed with walking and mountain bike tracks and the region offers an exciting array of adventure activities. In winter, visitors to Hanmer Springs are only one hour's drive from two excellent ski areas.

During my visit to Hanmer Springs, I went on a nice 2 hour hike to a waterfall. Check out my pictures. I am off to bed.

Cheers,

Becky