Christchurch

After taking an hour ride in a bus to the hot air balloon site, the bus driver stopped when we were almost there, the pilot let out some test helium balloons to check the air, and then informed us that we would not be able to take the flight because the weather wasn't cooperating...the wind was over 40 mph. So, the bus turned around and we began our journey home. Instead of going back to the hotel that we had already checked out of, we decided to walk around Christchurch for the day. It started raining by 8 am and was pouring by 9. Fortunately, we took refuge in a great natural history museum. The museum had lots of Maori culture (native Polynesians who were in New Zealand first) in addition to dinosaurs, birds (stuffed penguins, albatrose, etc), history of New Zealand, a Da Vinci exhibition, and an Antartic expedition exhibit. The museum was quite interesting and we spent several hours inside.

After the museum, we walked around in the rain some more. Most of it was covered by awnings, but we had to walk seven blocks back to the motel uncovered and got soaked right before leaving for the airport. Ed picked up the Bill Bryson book on Australia. So far, it's pretty funny. Thanks Jason for the recommendation. We returned the rental car and headed for the airport. Our flight was a little delayed because of the rain, but luckily, we left before the forecasted snow began.