Yes, we were cursed on the second tour. I can honestly only think of two . . .maybe three days without rain.
But what doesn't kill us makes up stronger. Right?? Well, the challenges kept coming.
First: a stubborn steering column that tried to be fixed by three different mechanics.
Second: if you are going have a flat tire, might as well go all out. Now that is a shredded tire. Fortunately, through the ingenuity of one of our passengers, the spare tire was on in twenty minutes and we were back on the road.
Third: now that the steering wheel and tire is fixed, let's go four-wheeling at the the Mount Cook Department of Conservation, clip a rock, and peel the door outward away from the bus. AWESOME!
"I don't know how to fix this . . . . I'm a banker. I just buy a new one," said Tommy, our Swiss passenger.
After unhinging the door, the guys tried a variety of methods to 'fix' it including "Maybe if all of us stand on it . . ." After many attempts, the door was bent back into a 'usable' state via the pressure of our 2 ton trailer.
We had to use our ratchet straps to secure the door as best as we could until we could get to a bus mechanic to properly fix it. We were soo ghetto.
Despite the road 'obstacles' and weather, everyone kept in good spirits and had good time. Our dysfunctional relationship with the bus was half the fun.
Favorite quote about New Zealand from Carli:
Carli and I climbing up to 13,000 feet
Mom preparing to be the first out of the plane.
Mom is the first to check out the view of Abel Tasman
Carli!
Bye Bye Plane!
Day 2 of Mom and Carli in NZ: Bungy Jumping at Nevis. A 134 meter jump, the 3rd highest in the world with an 8 second freefall. Oh Snap!
Carli hesitated at the ledge and flashed her 'I need my mommy' look to us. The bungy attendant had to ask her to let go of him repeatedly. He told her to pick a rock on the horizon and lean forward as he counted down from five. " five, four, three . . . " he pushed her.
As for me, this was my second bungy at Nevis and coincidentially I am wearing the same thing in the first jump. Here it doesn't matter how many times you do it your adrendaline is still rushing as you waddle up to the ledge.
Drew (tour driver) was completely freaked out. Couldn't look at me with out cracking up and walking away. It was an eventful evening with many highlights. Guys shouting at me that I was a terrible mother as I sipped my wine, a woman giving me the worst look as I bellied up to the bar to order a drink, and I gave birth to the red travel pillow on the side of the dance floor.
Queenstown is Mom Approved!
Awe, look at the happy group of tourist enjoying the sights of Milford Sound. Isn't that a pretty waterfall in the background? What a great idea . . .let's take a group photo.
That's what Ruben and I thought the acronym on our borrowed beanie meant. Actually it means Alpine Glacier Walker; not nearly as exciting.
On the first tour, I convinced 8 people to join me on a 58km crack of dawn cycle to Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki. It is probably the most beautiful cycle I have ever done in my life and I have a few cycles under my belt to make that statement.
"Hello I am Terry and this is my harem" referring to the female passengers waiting at the pick-up point for the bus.
Being a professional Bungy Jumper with one previous jump under my belt, I was keen to have another go at it when Drew (my 'co-worker' who drives the bus) suggests jumping tandem.
I was nervous and convinced we would collide, be knocked unconscious, and drown in Waikato River. We took the plunge, leaping from a 154ft platform. Never had a team building exercise like this in Grad School.
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