An Early Farewell to New Zealand

We left New Zealand 6 weeks early, in mid-February, because of a family health crisis.  Alan's mother was suddenly diaganosed with ovarian cancer in early January.   During January, we called home almost everyday to monitor and provide support.

   

Although his parents said continue the trip, by early February, it was clear they needed our help to deal with recovery and chemo -

It was a difficult decision, but going home was the right one.  We left our new Kiwi friends with the promise to return, perhaps next summer, ie. our winter.  Alan still dreams of hiking the Milford Track in Fiordland.

So we are living in Philadelphia, probably for a couple of months, helping to take care of Alan's parents - and starting to plan our next adventure.  If all goes well, we will be in (some or all) France, Scotland, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and Holland this summer.   

Alan and Cyane