From the rolling hills of Dunedin to the jagged spires of the Remarkables. In this country it's occasionally remarkable when a place has a meaningful name that is not Maori or historical English. Remarkable or no, definitely a dramatic change of scenery. the drive from Dunedin was very scenic. There was a sudden increase in deciduous trees that were changing, and there were many new outcroppings. Together with a beautiful, light-blue river, the Clutha and the Karawarau (?), and the larger gorges, it made for some fine pictures (I hope), although every stop I made seemed to bring on a new downpour. I gave a short ride to an Australian who was going hunting and fishing for a week, and a longer ride to a German fellow, especially since we had to pause for an hour for "road works." Although the hitchhikers had no trouble in the North Island, it seems to be more difficult to get rides now that the weather is getting colder. I've been glad that I could give these guys rides. Finally the glitzy, tourist ensnaring, trappings of Queenstown. I arrived hoping to see Milford Sound and the glaciers (Franz Josef and Fox) as well as Mt. Cook, but I'm afraid I won't have time to "do it all." I've booked a flight to Milford tomorrow, weather permitting, and I'll probably go rafting on Sunday. Stay tuned to future postcards for the exciting details.

I'm staying in a great little place called the Pinewood lodge. Only NZ$12 ($8) for a bed. Our flat has six people: 2 Swiss, 2 German, 1 Kiwi, and me. It's always fun to meet people from all over.