A ride to remember

Well, today's venture was in everyone's top one or two adventures of the trip. It was the helicopter ride to the glaciers. This morning the weather was nice but getting cloudy. We got to the helicopter check in and Helen was noticeably nervous. She asked lots of questions about how long we would be up and was very anxious. We all tried to reassure her that it would be ok. They split up the Downes and the Rosier-Giff party into two different groups. Our group went second. Jennifer and I put Helen right in the middle of us so she would feel a little safer.

We went up and went first to Fox Glacier. On the way up we got very close to the mountains. We saw water falls and beautiful trees and snow capped mountains. AWESOME. The helicopter landed on the glacier and we were able to get out and walk around. It was pretty cool.

We were heading through the pass to the second glacier when our pilot decided that the weather was getting to bad to go through. We went around to the Frans Joseph glacier and got to see bits of that one as well. Our pilot said we were one of the last planes to go up. We were lucky!

When we got off the plane Helen said that whale watching and the helicopter ride were tied as her favorite adventure. These were the two things that scared her the most before she started.

Although I am home sick and missing my family, I am so glad that I was able to come on this trip. I have decided that I am going to bring Ron and the kids some day. It is too beautiful. They have to see it with me.

Tonight our villa is hosting a wine and cheese party before we head out to dinner. We decided that this would be Ann Marie's birthday party so we are trying to make it a special night.

From Helen

Helen wanted me to let everyone know she said hello and she is having a good time. She is having a great experience and is glad she came.

So far Helen's favorite things are:

1. Sailing in Auckland
2. Maori day
3. Caves
4. Looking over the Pacific Ocean

From Helen - typed by Kate

Helen just wanted me to tell everyone that she is having a great time in this New World. She says hello to everyone.

Note from Helen (typed by Kate)

This is my first trip abroad. I am very excited to see the Maoris first of all and then the rest of the country. I am particularly anxious to see the Maori perform cultural events and hear about their culture. As usual I am the first sister to travel abroad, which makes me feel very lucky. My children and their families are helping me with what ever they can, especially Kate. I know she will assist me when ever she knows I need some help. I'm not too excited about leaving my grandkids. I know I will miss them very much. I'm sure I will learn alot about the country/New Zealand that will broaden my mind to maybe study their cultures more when I return. I'm VERY anxous to find out what all is there.

PS - I am only 71!