It was all about my husband Steve celebrating his "50th " year. What "I" walked away with, was more than anything I could have imagined, or dared to dream for him and for me. I was definitely the weakest link (physical ability wise)....but I gained more strength, both emotionally and physically as I discovered what I was really made of. The three day backpack in Nelson Lakes was a real life changer for me. I bared my soul and totally trusted my guide ,Lina, with details no one should have to carry. She not only gave me the encouragement I needed to complete the hike, but I found a kindred spirit. With her direction and encouragement, I not only made it to Lakehead Hut, but had the courage to hike the next day trusting her to get me out safely. She never sugar coated what it would take to hike out. She just simply told me I could do it. It wasn't easy to face my fears of heights and swing bridges but I did it.....and I am all the better for having done it. In the, almost, 19 years of marriage to my husband, I have never heard him be so silent and let someone else lead the way. Ha Ha..... It was a privilege denied many. That can be said for the whole trip. Day after day, I was met with challenges, some I powered thru and others I didn't quite make it, but with Nat and Lina there to guide my steps and call me THEIR hero made every day one to celebrate. So all this to say.....maybe this trip was for Steve's 50th, but it ended up being much more. It was for me to celebrate myself too. That I am capable of doing a lot of things I was too scared to even try and to have fun doing them. This was absolutely the trip of My lifetime. One I will carry with me all the days of my life. I will always have a soft spot for NZ and hope to return there someday. Hopefully in better shape than I left it.....ha ha... My greatest challenge since returning home has been to keep the spirit of NZ and all the people I shared it with. Life, back home, tends to lend itself to being too busy and not taking time to just be. When I need a dose of, real, reality I close my eyes and hear the words and laughter of all those friends I made on that 2 week journey. Nelson Lakes, the bonfire and stories in Okarito, the jet boat ride, the para-gliding, the kayaking in Milford Sound, and my personal favorite, Braemar Station. Sitting by the fire and sharing..... So thanks Active NZ for putting the right combination of activities together combined with "THE BEST" guides. Our trip wouldn't have been the same without the chemistry of those two. They were an awesome team. Nat could definitely have a second career as a cook. She is beyond talented not only in the kitchen, but has a way with people. Her energy and wisdom are far beyond her years. Her smile in the mornings and cheerfulness throughout the day just made the journey sweeter. As for Lina, she is a "Gift" . Not just to me, but to all the people who's life she touches are richer for having known her. She carries strength and wisdom and a wicked sense of humor. I love her laugh. I am definitely a better person for having met her. So now that my novel is done, I will say one more time how very much I treasured every moment of my husband's 50th year celebration. SWEET AS! Cheers, Lore Lis California, USA

| January 1970