Finally in NZ

Well have finally made it to NZ, flew over the Southern alps and they were plastered in snow, looking very nice! Have spent the last day or so sorting stuff out over here. Did some food shopping, made some muesli bars, did the final gear sort before heading south! Going to try a few new things this trip food wise. I have purchased a selection of dried beans, quinoa, chia seeds, lentils and rice. Will brew up a large load of bean for a coupole of days, and stew them in my insulated cooker. Flavour them up with some taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin. Also have some pasta packs, and extra pasta, and some uncle bens rissoto packs. Have been trying to keep weight to a minimum as i will be carrying everything, with no gear split between a group as usual! I have had to ditch the tent for this trip as it just wont fit. When i set up base out on the craigieburns the tent will some into its own! However for now the bivy bag will suffice! As i said before i cooked up some muesli/energy bars, Loz got a reciepe for them from one of her work mates, and it goes a bit like this... Tararua Biscuits

• 250gram Butter
• 0.5 Can of condensed milk
• 1.5 Cups of Brown Sugar

Melt together over low heat until a nice smooth brown syrup is made. Stir while heating. Add to the following dry ingredients.

• 2 Cups of rolled oats 2 Cups of flour
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 0.5 cup of coconut

Spread on a flat greased try until about 0.5 inches thick. A sharp tapping motion with the back of a desert spoon works great. Wack into a preheted over (160 deg) for 20mins or until a golden colour. Cut into squares while still warm! Enjoy.

Alright then, this will be me signing off for a bit. The next post should be a trip report of my adventures in Queenstown and Mt Cook area. I will leave you with some parting shots of the final gear sort in Christchurch!

Food for a week...mmmm carbs!