On July 31st 94 members of the Crescent Ski Council ventured to Queenstown, New Zealand to begin an incredible, unforgettable 2 week adventure!  Since our vacation was so action packed, I can only briefly summarize our daily jaunts.  Shortly after arrival, we kicked-off the trip with a local pub crawl to sample the local libations (there were many pubs to be had!).  The next 2 days involved our favorite---Downhill skiing at the slopes of Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, or The Remarkables.  Tuesday evening we also enjoyed a buffet dinner overlooking Queenstown after a skyline gondola trip up the mountainside.  On Thursday, we all headed for a cruise of Milford Sound with a small group returning back to Queenstown through the peaks via helicopter (words can't describe; you'll have to see pictures).  The last day of "middle earth" (The Lord of the Rings was filmed in N.Z.) everyone enjoyed a day of leisure.  For some of the ETMMites that meant a shot over jet boat ride of the river, a trip to Arrowtown for shopping, and a wine tour.  Later that evening there was a re-grouping to board a 1912 steamship to sail across lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a wonderful dinner followed by a sheep dog herding and sheep shearing demonstration.  On Saturday, August 5th, destination:  Sydney, Australia.  There we relaxed with a Captain Cook coffee cruise of Sydney Harbor giving us a close up look at the world famous opera house.  The next day, away we went on a Hunter Valley wine tour to sample some of Australia's finest.  Needless to say, people were very happy on the return trip to the hotel.  On the 8th was the Blue Mountain tour to see the local countryside.  Shortly thereafter, off we went to Cairns with the highlight of the Great Barrier reef.  Unfortunately, the sea was rough with many of us becoming sea sick, but snorkeling or diving the reef made it all worthwhile.  While in Cairns another tour ensued to the Kuranda rainforest.  There were Kangaroos, wallabies, Koalas, Crocodiles and a number of other Australian species to pet (or not pet).  The tour also included an Aboriginal Dance, spear/boomerang demonstration followed by an Army Duck ride through the forest.  Regretfully on August 12th some of our friends departed for the USA, while some of us continued on to the Outback (Undara Extension).  The highlight of the Undara comprised Lava tube exploration and a chance to see some wild Kangaroos (Joey in pouch).  That evening we filled ourselves with an Australian barbeque at poolside.  Our last day was spent at leisure primarily driving along the coastline to Port Douglas or hiking at the Mossman Gorge to contemplate our last look at the land down under.  Early the next morning we all sadly boarded the plane for our long, long, return home.  In conclusion, vacation is just too short!!!

                                                                                                                Barb Lang