Then we headed off for an Oldring/Armstrong/Mieske family holiday to South America. We flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, got on a ship and hopped down the coast to Cape Horn and made our up the Chilean coast to Santiago. We were 19 days on the boat so we got used to a very high level of pampering. The trip was amazing and we got a chance to spend time with family and watch our new nephew, Gavin, grow up a little. He was the star of the ship and, thankfully, took the attention away from his ill-mannered father and rowdy grandmother.

I took a couple thousand photos so here is a little sample of some trip highlights. So much to see in 3 weeks so it's hard to do the trip justice on our little blogsite.

The harbour in Punta Arenas.
Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo, Uruguay

John and I went Scuba diving in Puerto Madryn with a huge group of sea lions. They were so curious and would come right up to you to play. Best. Dive. Ever.

Camarones, Argentina

Camarones, Argentina

Camarones, Argentina

I went for a run in Camarones down a completly isolated stretch of desert along the coast. As I got back closer to town, a family had came down for a BBQ. They insisted I stop running and sit down for a beer and some roast meat. How could I refuse?

Near Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas, Chile

Down the Chilean Fjords towards Ushuaia.

Getting ready for New Years south of Cape Horn.

Looking fantastic, just waiting for some ladies.

And here they are!

Cape Horn at midnight on New Year's!

Walking through a campground on our way for a hike in Tiera Del Fuego National Park, near Ushuaia.

Lookout near the top.

I went for a run to try for the summit but ran out of time. There were a couple Spanish climbers that were able to take my picture.

Heading back north through the fjords.

Ancud, Chile

Ancud, Chile

Market in Valdivia, Chile

La Serena, Chile.

Gavin and Grandma, swimming in the pool in Santiago, Chile.

Loving the beans. So much.

Christmas holidays were great, I was able to come home a little early and teach out in Morley for a few weeks. Got some skiing in with the mates and had a lovely, early Mieske/Johnston/Dingman/Bawden Christmas. Was so nice to see all three Grandmas, Kerri, Scott and the boys, plus my parents out at the lake.

Fun playing games!

Cole, such an angel.

Right.

Big brother Hale knows just how to deal with the angel.

Puccin with their new hurlies, straight out of Ireland.

Grandmas Mieske, Bawden, and Dingman finishing off the puzzle.