Nelson Christchurch trip

For over 20 years now I travel the 500 km plus road from our home (outside of Nelson) to Christchurch for mainly 'commuting' reasons- almost all my tours start and finish in Christchurch. From our place is a five hour drive through the Lewis Pass (864 meters /2500 feet) In winter there is always the distinct possibility that the snow fall there closes the road or at least has delays while clearing.
Last weeks' trip was just a day after heavy snow and the trees were loaded with snow, melting now and throwing flurries around and on the cars traveling through the narrow canyons and tree lined road. Pretty vistas across the river with snow capped mountains and clear rushing river waters glittering in the blazing sun light.
Across the 'hill' scenery changes again and the landscape flattens out- and the snow and cold disappairs as well-many changes over the years are happening. Mainly changes transforming the landscape from dairy, sheep and cattle paddocks into vast areas of lines of grapevines tied along wire and posts. Hundreds of acres new plantings each year and the closer we get to Christchurch, the more prolific these are along the highway.

Christchurch was as usual buzzing, this time an arts festival with large sculptures, music and the likes around town. Had to check and refresh our relationships with the various lodges I use for our tours and traded in my vehicle for the latest model Previa- in my view and from feedback from our guests, the best (and in NZ only) luxury option of transport for our luxury personal custom tours. The 7 seater spacious vehicle will only take my maximum of 4 guests, which leaves a generous space for them to travel. And for me as the driver, there is no more comfortable (large) vehicle than this one.

Only a few weeks away and I will be back in Christchurch to start the first tour of this 07/08 season taking a couple from Maryland via the Westcoast and Wanaka to Queenstown.

Hope to tell more about that later.

Almost spring update (August 2007)

It looks like we are in for a few more snow flurries in the mountains before we get to spring. The skifields are devided about their season- soem say a great season sofar and some have not been able to open at all. The larger fields have been surviving on their snaow making facilities.
It is a few months now since we had Greg Lance from Wyoming over for a visit. He was a New Zealand traveler in 1992 and visited again in 1995. It was great to see him again and learn about his journey in life. Struck by Multiple Scleroses he is still keen to undertake any traveling and is constantly trying to maintain his positive outlook and friendships.
This week I am again researching some accommodations on the South Island with the first tour already coming up in September.
That's all for now.