December 14th - 21st
Last flight, had parade again, with army trucks first, then all the pick-ups parking between them.

Driver brought all his family, so we had plenty of crew, landed at the golf course, so it was nice to get loaded up quickly, and get out of there.

Will have memories of standing in the back of this truck, doing 80mph down the freeways!.

Some of our crew on the last day.

Farewell party, good food, and entertainment.

At the launch site, the organizers had 2 pigs roaming around, I guess they ate up all the trash!

Got a taxi to Bangkok airport, for our flight to KL at 5.50pm. Flight took 2 hrs. Arrived 9pm ( 1hr time diff.) Checked in for our flight at 1.20am to Melbourne. Flight 7 1/2hrs. (3hrs time diff) Arrived at 12.30 out by 1.00pm. Our flight is at 5.50pm to Christchurch. Walked around airport, found these strange characters in the carpark.

Found an area of grass, and sunbathed for a few hours, despite people walking back and forth to the airport from the parking structure!

Arrived at Christchurch at midnight, Tues 15th. Our friend Colin met us, and took us to the hotel where christopher and michelle were waiting for us. After a good nights sleep, we met our other NZ friend Leo, and he took us to his Bach ( holiday home ). After a tour of the house, he took us for a ride to the beach.

Michelle outside the Bach. Nice looking place, we thought it was going to be a shack. I think he down played it, it's great.

This is the gravel beach, just behind the house.

Michelle and Leo along the beach. He loved to go fast on this bike, so we held on for dear life!

Thur 17th,

Drove to Leo's house, where he took us on a tour of Christchurch. This is a view of the city, from the hill behind his house

Other side of the hills had views of the harbor.

Christopher and michelle, looking nice and refreshed after their 2 day trip to get here. What can we say, the fare was free, even though it took for ever!

The harbor.

This stretch of beach runs for 80 miles. Lovely sights in Christchurch.

Statue of Captain Cook, who founded New Zealand.

This is the Avon river that runs through Christchurch. They even have Punters. On this boat, they had a japanese couple that had just got married, and the photographer was getting some really good photos.

Christchurch town center.

Christchurch Cathedral in the center of town. This looks like a gathering spot for people. There are market stalls, musicians and food stalls.

Some beautiful houses along the river Avon.

Family pic in the rose gardens.

Lots of parasailing along the beach.

Lots of kite boards.