Well it has been a while since I got a minute and computer to post. I have been saying with Bronni & Steven. What great people. They have taken care of me as if i were family. It has been really the best. Need to look at my diary to tell everything in order but dont think anyone cares. I have spent two 1/2 days with two chaplains, spent a day touring the Mornington peninsula, and spent yesterday at the animal sactuary. At the sactuary we actually got to watch a Koala and pet a Kangaroo. my camera ran out of juice; that will teach me to check it, and Steve took most all the pictures. Have to say that was a blessing because he has a great camera and a better eye than i.

The penisula was beautiful. gorgious beaches and small quaint towns.
Fun things: Woolworths is a grocery store here. Lot of american chains; McDonalds, Subway, Target, Kmart, safeway to name a few. oh yes and they just got a new costco in melbourne. have road the train into the city twice now. Next will be to figur out the tram. today is wash day and toes getting done. my toes are orange and my new shoes are red and i have a formal thing to go to on the 4th so need to clean myself up.

love to all of you.

Melbourne

Well I have made it here and connected with one of my contacts. hopefully will connect with Chaplains tonight or in the morning. Tired tonight. Love to everyone.

11/20. I am in Taupo NZ. The trip has been really great. Yesterday i did caves with glow worms. lots of walking and amazed myself by how in shape i am. today spent the morning on a sail boat. now going to the "yellow stone" like area.

The drive over from the caves was so interesting. the area would be green fields with cattle and sheep, like ireland and then a wall of trees and forest for several miles, then abrupt change into tropics with LARGE ferns and tropical plants. can really see the volcano effect here. Todays llake is the heart of a volcano and about the size of lake tahoe. the water in the lake is drinkable. Must run.

First post

It is now 5 pm on Saturday 11/14. 24 hours from now i will get on the BART and head for SFO, spend two days in the air and arrive in Auckland, NZ on Tues. AM. Yes i am mostly packed. Several people cant believe how little i am taking but hey it to be hot there and that means you really only need a bathing suit. Besides i am going to two islands.

This is my first attempt at a blog so we shall see how it goes. I am not taking a computer and typing on my iphone is a bit slow so we shall see. Bye for now.