It is quite incredible that almost every area I visit in New Zealand is more beautiful than the last. For such a small country the diversity of things to do is simply incredible.

I am in Queenstown – the outdoor adventure capital of NZ and where bungee jumping originated. I am skipping the bungee jump.

Yesterday I flew in small plane (as co-pilot) to Milford Sound. The views, as you can see below, were spectacular.  I then took a boat throughout The Sound and lastly flew back to Queenstown via helicopter and landed on a glacier. I must admit I was scared as hell and clung onto the remarkably calm 80 year old woman next to me. I thought about grabbing the pilot’s arm or knee as he was on the other side of me but he was so busy playing with his iPod as he tried to get music to play I didn’t want to distract him even more while we flew incredibly close to the very steep mountains and landed on a glacier. I really thought I might have a heart attack to be honest.

I got back and was a little out of sorts and nauseas from the ride but decided to follow through with my plan to go paragliding. Fantastic!! Nothing like running off a mountain and letting a big parachute catch you. As I remarked on the incredible views, my awesome tandem teacher Jim said “yes, it’s a pretty good office.” That’s what I need I thought to myself!  A job that excites me while helping others in some way….not sure what that is though.

Anyway, I cannot even put into words the beauty I experienced yesterday so I will just share photos…

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My pilot Matt!

Aiming for that happy smile down there at the end of this journey. I know many people have written me that they are “jealous” or “living vicariously through me” which is greatly appreciated but there are many things I wish I had in my life that haven’t played into my hand. Yet. I am shuffling the cards you see and hoping I come up with a winning hand. But along the way, the scenery and these views are helping me get back on track and deal.  Off to a more chill day of wine tasting today….