Queenstown, NZ

February 25, 2011

Hey everyone, I am hoping you are all still keeping the victims of the Christchurch earthquake in your thoughts and prayers.  We have heard a bit of information through the locals, and also through the local papers about the quake.  First of all, apparently a large earthquake was expected.  It has been expected to occur after the 7.1 quake that happened in September.  A person from our group talked to a person from Christchurch.  He fled Christchurch every time he did not have to work because he thought a large earthquake was going to happen.  Fortunately he was not there, and lucky for him his house and close ones are ok.  I read in the paper today that there is officially 98 people declared dead, and approximately 200 still missing.  I also heard today; through my physical therapist (I will get to that story in a minute…) that it has now become the 10^th most expensive earthquake disaster in the world; and could potentially move higher on the list.  So again, please keep all the victims in your thoughts and prayers.

So, onward with my journey, we ended up in Queenstown.  Queenstown is a very touristy town, with lots to do and see.  It was awesome getting back with the group, so great to see everyone again.  The pacific challenge group 1, was in Queenstown also, and we had a rugby match planned against them.  Both groups have practiced (when I say practice, I mean we figured out what a rugby ball looks like, tackled each other for awhile, and called it a day).  Our groups, Pacific Challenge 2, were the Wallabies.  Pacific Challenge 1 group, were the All Blacks.  Heading down to the field our group chanted the whole way.  We did the Haka dance to intimidate the All Blacks team, and got to it.  The game started with Eric running in for a “try” (which is like a touchdown).  After a few plays, I was having a ton of fun, running around, tackling people, getting up, and running some more.  (We probably all looked like chickens with our heads cut off out there, having no clue what we were doing).  It wasn’t long, and I found myself on the ground once again.  This time, I didn’t get up too fast.  Another player rammed into my knee from the side, and I heard a “pop” noise.  Luckily for me, I have only strained the ligaments and have deep bruising, but that is it!  I should be all healed up in 7-10 days, which is great because we get to play again against the “All Blacks” soon!!!  I have been going to the Physio (Physical Therapist) for the past couple days, and things have been going good, and he is positive my knee will be better in no time! 

Kristin & Mandi, ready for the game! 

Coach Kaleigh trying to tell some of the girls what was going on...  Kristin, Mandi, Nicole & Liz don't seem interested... 

Wallabies ready for game-time! 

Bruce & Myself after getting injured in the big game...

The view from our playing field! 

Myself and Mandi, sitting on the sidelines! 

After the game - we went to the beach to enjoy the sun and relax! 

More of the beach..

A big boat came in while we were there! 

Beautiful view from the beach! 

With the knee not doing well, bungy jumping did not get to happen for this girl L  I was bummed out about it – especially watching the others jump!  However, today, we rode the gondola to a Luge Track, which was awesome.  We got to ride down the luge track a total of 5 times.  There was only one person in our group who tipped over, but everyone else did fine.  I almost tipped the cart, but am so happy I didn’t, as it may have affected the knee a bit more than need be.  The view from the luge track was absolutely stunning!!!  We could see all of Queensland, just gorgeous. 

Oldest person to bungy was 94!!!! :) 

The Bridge bungy! 

The beautiful river! 

Tomorrow, we leave Queenstown and head for Wanaka.  In Wanaka we will be staying at a YHA, which is a youth hostel.  We will be going mountain biking and rock climbing while we are there (I am hoping my knee feels up to it, and that it won’t get worse if I participate in these activities!)  I hope you all are doing well; I miss you and love you all!  I wish I could send a million hugs your way!  Know that I am thinking about you all.  xoxo

Jim, our wonderful leader :) 

Fergburger, the BEST burger place I have EVER been to, in my entire life!!!  So amazing!  

The burgers are HUGE!!! 

The lodge we stayed at in Queenstown! 

Myself with the largest pack EVER! 

All the girls ready to go out for pizza! 

All the boys, with the birthday girl! 

The view from our gondola! 

Such a beautiful view! 

Love it! 

It was absolutely beautiful! 

Michelle, Myself, Mandi, Liz, & Riva, all ready for our first luge ride!!!  

Myself with the view of Queenstown!  It was so beautiful! This was the view from our luge ride!!!

Queenstown! 

View back down the gondola from the luge ride!