I have outdone myself!

I have had such an adventurous and amazing time this year. Every day I have tried new things and really pushed myself and I have grown so much because of it. As the year has progressed, I have gradually gotten more adventurous and yesterday was the tops!

Two days ago, I arrived in Makarora and went jetboating on the river. It was such a thrill: 120 kph on a shallow river, cutting corners and avoiding debris while doing doughnuts! It was awesome! Ended the day with an evening of karaoke... in my head I was amazing! I guess that's all that matters!

I had been thinking of skydiving in the last few days and as the bus approached Makarora, I was forced with a decision: do I dare skydive in Wanaka? I made a spur of the moment decision to do it when I found out the plane was broken. Okay, let me explain. The plane has been grounded the past few days but in it's place, Skydive Wanaka has rented a helicopter to take up jumpers. So, I was presented with the opportunity to do something not many people get to do... jump out of a perfectly working helicopter. The day leading up to the jump I was calm as a cucumber, which shocked me. Usually I work myself up into a fit and end of freaking out but this time, nothing. So I was up early and anticipating the morning. Just two of us went, JB and myself. I was so excited and really looking forward to getting up in the air. Outfit: stunning! Tandem master: cool dude, Geoff. Weather: clearest of blue skies. Scenery: mountains, lake, rainforest and beauty all around. What a perfect day! So we got all set up, got into the heli and were treated to a scenic flight over the area as we worked our way up to 12.000 feet. I was just buzzing and so excited when the door opened up. Had a brief "Oh my god!" moment when the first person dropped out backwards and disappeared but then it was my turn. I just scooted my butt up to the ledge, did a perfect banana (the shape of your body: head back, hips out, legs back) and we dropped out of the helicopter. It was 45 seconds of freefall over some of the most amazing scenery in the world and then the parachute opened and I was so calm. I just couldn't get over how beautiful it was and when I was back on the ground, I was just euphoric. And then the adrenaline was pumping through me and I was actually jumping off furniture. It was the best thing ever and just a special day. I crashed and burned about an hour later but I just can't get over how amazing it was. It was made all the more special as everything fell together perfectly (haha).

So I have made it to Queenstown 5 days early and I leave for the southern circuit tomorrow, where we will go to Milford Sound, Stewart Island and Dunedin. It should be amazing... hopefully I can protect myself againt the swarms of sand flies that have already eaten me alive.

I love you all and can't wait to figure out a way to share my video with you all! (I am currently experiencing technical difficulties).

Lisa