Two nights in a motel in Fox Glacier Township. Only just got a glimpse of the Glacier through the rain and mizzle but it was there.

Remember Crossroads? The 60's, or maybe it was the 70's TV soap about life and of course, the tensions of running a cheap motel. I never watched an episode, but now I'm beginning to be a bit of an expert on motels.

New Zealand doesn't seem to have many B&B's or in fact, hotels. But what if lacks in these it makes up in motels.

They all have a sameness. Most, or at least the nicer looking ones have an illuminated neon "No Vacancy" sign outside. The ones we get, the ones with "vacancy" are rectangular, barrack like boxes subdivided into uniform rooms equipped with electric kettle, double bed and a passable shower.

Trying, but failing to see past the breezeblock walls, it has the feeling you mistakenly walked into a public convenience. Sadly the origami efforts of the staff with the towels still can't make a silk purse out the sow's ear.

An and Ivan's van is beginning to look attractive!

.......... I just got a slap. It's not that bad. It's in the centre of town and we're in the buzzing Stumpers Bar watching the super rugby with a lively local crowd. Not sure what the difference is between super rugby and ordinary rugby. I guess it's super when Scotland win.

It still seems funny to walk to a beach and the waves are crashing on the beach, all the way up from the Southern Ocean.