JW in NZ

I'll be honest, I really haven't done that much skiing since my instructors course, but I will be doing lots over the next few weeks; I need to prepare and we've just had a load of fresh snow which is excellent! Coronet peak was closed for a couple of days which was irritating.

If anyone remembers me moaning about chipping my tooth at BUSA regatta earlier this year, you can laugh at me. I've paid the price for ignoring it; the dentist. It was painful! I guess it won't happen again.

Equally expensive is the car. It needs $700 dollars spent on the clutch pack (manages 4wd power). For all the grief the car has caused, when it behaves it is great. Driving up the mountain today (just re-opened), it was nice cruising past 75% of people who were struggling to put chains on (compulsory on 2wd) half way up the hill. The fun only truly began once I got passed to police woman who told me "don't go above 30 k's". Yeah right!

I went to Arrowtown with Helen, my landlady, which was pretty nice. It's an old gold mining town and they've done their best to cling on the image which is pretty tacky but quite interesting.

One thing which I've not seen elsewhere is a large wine shop in town where you can try all of the different wines - you a bit of plastic like a credit card and go round selecting tasters, small or large glasses. There are comfortable seats and they do some simple food/cheese. Highly civilised!

Not much else to say. Am planning to do the luge, just need to find someone to race first!