I’ve Always Wanted to Go to New Zealand!

This nation of stunning beauty was the last land in the world to be discovered.   You’ll see that the best was saved for last when you secure one of the four remaining seats on our premier trip to Fiji – New Zealand Feb 6 – 24.   Its summer time Down-Under so we’ll laze on some wonderful beaches between sailing, sea-kayaking, hiking and white water rafting.  New Zealand’s scenery is stunning - volcanoes, rainforests, bubbling mud, glaciers and snow-covered Alps. It was an obvious choice for filming Lord of the Rings.  We relax on Beachcomber Island for two days then spend a week in each of the North and South Islands.  You’ll meet the wonderful Kiwis - some of the most friendly and welcoming folks in the world.  A special feature of our trip is our overnight at the Maori marae (homeland).  You’ll think you’re on the set of Whale Rider!  We arrive as guests - and leave as family.  This marae, far from the tourist crowds, has been welcoming Canyon Calling travelers into their hearts for seven years and long-time customers call it one of the most special experiences in travel.  I will lead this, my 14th New Zealand tour and it is one of the pleasures of my life to see my homeland through your eyes.  Call us at (928) 282-0916 to reserve your space and call Jane at Choice Travel in Phoenix (800) 266 3070 to book your flights.

Linette Harris (AZ). Fiji – New Zealand 06 – Not only is New Zealand absolutely stunning, but having a Kiwi guide made the trip so much more.  Cheryl’s knowledge and love for her native land was palpable.  New Zealand’s beauty is only half the story.  The other half is the people who live life as it should be: in the moment and full of laughter. I will talk about this trip for the rest of my life.

Christmas Dessert!

Growing up in New Zealand in the sixties meant doing things similar to our British forefathers.  Even though it’s summer at Christmas time we sent cards with snow on them!  After eating a roast lamb Christmas dinner in 80 degrees, our mothers would serve the traditional English plum pudding!  Ugh!!  Finally, someone said “Nuts” and arranged a national competition to come up with a more appropriate New Zealand dessert.  The winner was the dessert pictured (right) and because it was light and fluffy it was named Pavlova after the ballet dancer who was perceived the same way!  It’s very easy to make.  Here is the recipe.  Be sure and email us and let us know how your Pavolva turned out.

Heat oven to 300F.  Beat 6 egg whites for about 5 minutes until they peak.  Keep beating and slowly add 1.5 cups of sugar and a drop of vanilla essence.  Pour mix in a pile onto a greased cookie sheet.  Turn oven down to 270F.  Cook for one hour.  Turn oven off and leave to cool for 4-5 hours or leave in oven overnight.  Some of the top will have collapsed as it cools.  Detach the dessert from cookie sheet by sliding a flat metal spatula between and slide Pavolva onto a plate.  Whip baker’s cream and spread on top (this covers all the cracks!)  Decorate with sliced kiwi fruit and raspberries.  Enjoy!

For those who join us on the Sedona Sojourn, Arizona Spectacular, Utah Canyonlands or Desert Mountain Escape trips, I always serve Pavlova when you dine at my home on the first evening of the tours.

Hawaii in March

Now is a great time to be booking your space on our Hawaiian Islands trip March 24 – 31.  We choose all the best things to do on our two favorites – Kauai and the Big Island.  We kayak with dolphins, hike the Na Pali coast, swim with sea turtles and hike to see Kilauea’s lava.  You’re in great hands with your guide Gaelyn, a native Kiwi who is charter boat skipper and a long time resident of Oahu.  Tour price includes the flight between islands. Call us at (928) 282-0916 to reserve your space and call Jane at Choice Travel in Phoenix (800) 266 3070 to book your flights.

Terry Tralongo (FL) – Hawaiian Islands 06 – Hawaii was such an amazing journey, spiritually and literally!  Thank you for making it so enjoyable.  You have the gift to get along with everyone.  I felt like I was traveling with my favorite friends.

Notes From the Trail – Costa Rica

In summary, perfect weather, plenty of monkeys, great rafting!  Costa Rica is such a relaxing place to travel and we get off to a great start with two nights at beautiful Borgainvillea Hotel.  Walking in the lush gardens of the hotel is a treat.  Next stop, Sueno Azul resort is surrounded by rivers and rainforest and is one of the nicest places in Costa Rica – made all the more fun by our horse ride to the cascades (self-described city girl Jen’s first and sadly, last horse ride!)  She did love the rafting though.  Everyone was a beginner so the gentle rapids of the Sarapiqui were fun and gained the confidence needed to take on the Pacuare River two days later.  In between we biked, and we soaked in the natural hot springs of Arenal Volcano.  The next day we were treated to stunning views of Arenal from our porch.  Over on the Caribbean side we LOVED Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero National Park and our cabins in the rainforest made it very hard to leave.

Deanna Bailey (VA) What a wonderful trip!  This was my first adventure trip and I enjoyed every minute – from the beautiful resorts to the howling monkeys, watching the baby turtles race to the ocean, the volcano Arenal and especially rafting the Pacuare.  Thank you for a truly memorable experience.

2007 Schedule of Trips

Wishing you a safe and warm holiday.  Season’s Greetings to all.

Cheryl Fleet
funtrips@canyoncalling.com

Previous Enews:
     • Fall 2006
     • Summer 2006
     • Winter 05-06
     • Fall 2005