Whirlwind month

Feburary was a crazy busy month had my parents come out for a visit. The beginning of March didn't see a slow down as I went for a road trip with Mikenna.

Had an epic 17 days of traveling with the parents. Got back into Wellington on 10 Feb and the parents flew in on 11 Feb. I dropped Stella off with Gary on my way to the airport. Then headed up to Hawkes bay to see Jill and Bas.

James and Ann on quick stop on way north

Margot, Me, Bryan, Bas and Jill after dinner

In 17 days I ended up retracing a good portion of my last 3 months of touring. It was an interesting trip as this was the first time I had traveled with my parents for more than four days since I was a teenager. It was a fun change to really get to appreciate my parents for themselves. Another great thing was I cooked for them for probably the second time in my life.

I played the part of tour guide and didn't realize how excited I was to show them my favorite places until I started driving. Yes, I was driving. Anyone that knows my father knows that he ALWAYS drives. Mostly because if you have ever had him as a passenger you don't want to repeat the experience. He is a nervous rider at best. Early on we had an agreement that I would drive considering left side driving is a little disconcerting.

This went much better than I expected it to. We would joke about how he had called his "friends" when ever construction work was around (causing us to slow to a snail pace). Probably the best statement from him though was when a truck was in front of us and he got more nervous. When I told him I thought he would be happy since I would have to slow down he replied "Truck go boom" only then did I realize it was a gas tanker. In return he gave me crap about not being patient as the first time I went on a rant we happened to be passing Patience Bay Road...needless to say I needed to "travel" this road often.

As always me and my dad made my mother wonder why she ever travels with us...particularly when we would be on a walking track and need to get on our imaginary horse to finish a climb. At one point we did almost buy coconuts so we could do a full impression of Monty Python but I think my mom would have refused to be seen with us. Hehehehehe

And now for the fun photos:

Dad and I thinking the gondola is going to crash in Queenstown

Dad and I at Milford Sound

Mom and I along Milford Sound Road

Anyway I think they had a wonderful time and they also got to meet Jill and Bas which they had looked forward to.