So, if you want to check out Mel and Ashley's blog, (because I think that they update more often than we do) this is the link.  Enjoy! We miss you guys.  And, by the way, Mom, we got your package and think it is so adorable and are really excited to make the ginger bread houses.  Actually, its extra great because we had wanted to make ginger bread houses... But! they don't have ghrahm (spelling? I have no idea) crackers anywhere in New Zealand, so we couldn't do it until now.  So, anyway. Thanks!

And this is the link

http://ashnmel.blogspot.com

the Reese Dart, some Thanksgiving, and some Christmas

Glacier! 

At the cascade saddle.  Thats a glacier behind us.

So, we did the Reese Dart which is a hiking route and it was the most beautiful and incredible trip ever (maybe not ever.  But we sure did have fun.)  Below are some pictures of that, and a bit of Thanksgiving from forever ago and then just a few from Christmas and our apartment.

The very beginning at the start of the track (still on the road).  Dana is turning away because she didn't want a picture taken of the "more ugly mountains" and so she didn't want to be in it.  

Ok.  So, I know the formatting is off.  But I am so not capable (well, willing to spend the time) to format it all.

Anyway.  Merry Christmas and boxing day and I promise we'll put some stories to go along with the pictures soon!

although it is usually 75 degrees and sunny here, christmas is fast approaching, and the other day i got home from work to find the flat decorated with a mini christmas tree, garlands of purple tinsel, sparkly ornaments, and a santa tray filled with cookies. it was awesome.  oh, and we were listening to christmas carols.  it's jarring to realize it's just a few weeks away, but luckily we have big plans and lovely company.  we watched elf the other night and drank hot cocoa, and a guy that goes to dartmouth that ate at tatty's restaurant spent two nights on our couch.  i'll have to take some pictures of the flat and post them soon.  it really is awesome- spacious, furnished, ten minutes walk from "downtown."  this weekend we're doing a four day tramp, and next week we might go skydiving.  not something i had originally planned on doing, but, i hadn't originally planned on going to new zealand, if you think about it, and what a great decision that turned out to be ;)  

today mel and tatty and i hiked up queenstown hill and marveled at the incredible view we get from our backyard.  you can see the southern alps, which still have some snow on the peaks.  in other news, we're planning on taking a trip to the coast, taking surfing lessons, and playing with penguins and dolphins.

make some snow angels for us.

xoxoxoxx

Hi so, nearly a month later, we figure that you guys deserve a bit of an update.

Lets see. This one might be a bit short, as the task feels a bit daunting, but, I'll put in all the good parts. Dont worry.

1. We came back to Queenstown and figured we wanted to work a bit before thanksgiving.
2. We sent our CVs in at a couple of places
3. We got jobs cleaning for accommodation at some really great hostels with really great people
4. Next thing we know, we are both waitressing at night at just about the coolest places in town and spending our days doing day hikes and exploring (and not bungee jumping, and generally avoiding the adrenaline junkies, etc.)
5. We met the most amazing girls ever (Mel and Ash) who lead tours in Alaska during the summer
6. We reformulated the plan a bit: start traveling and tramping with them, because four is quite a good number
7. Thanksgiving we spent here, and cooked all day and basked in the sun. It was one of the nicest days I've had here
8. I am leaving in 4.5 weeks to study abroad in Australia
9. Dana is going to stay a bit longer and kick it with these girls and then (possibly) meet up with me again later
10. We are doing the reese dart track next week
11. Mel and I are going to sell crafts and cookies at the saturday market
12. We are going to see the rob roy glacier
11. We are going to do the Dusky track just before christmas, which is supposed to be one of NZ's (if not just the one) hardest tramp. We are planning to get in goood shape before this.


Other notes:

12. I got conjuncitivits. Which sucks and is embarrasing
13. Dana sometimes has to work as a bartender, which is funny. Because she isn't even old enough to drink!
14. Mel and Ash are from Seattle
15. Kanye West played on the north island two days ago, but we couldn't go. It was, however, designated "kanye day". which was nice.
16. I loveeeeeee and miss you all millions

And, I am thankful for my parents for being so great and nice and for instilling such a sense of independence and adventure in me.

Ok. Ttyl