The ever-present Air Canada last-minute changes bug has afflicted us again, with eight people in our group (D. Royer, T. Lapolla, G. Brière, J. Zelman, E. Main, S. Thomas, E. Newell, and B. McLennan) forced to change their plans at the last moment and rush in to Toronto on earlier flights.  Our original Toronto — Los Angeles flight has been cancelled for reasons unknown.  All has now been re-arranged, thanks to our ever-trusty travel agent, Monica Voigt, from Carlson-Wagonlit Travel.  She rocks!

With that emergency handled this morning, here is Cathy's latest chronicle from Christchurch:

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Hello Canada,

The NZ Nationals team has made good use of their time off between tournaments.  Today, Manager and Medical headed off to Arthur's Pass on the TranzRail Adventure.  On a BEAUTIFUL, sunny New Zealand day, we saw some of the most beautiful geography in the World.  Spectacular snow-capped mountains, rushing glacier fed rivers and a wild jet boat ride on the Waimekiriri River was topped off with hands-on sheep shearing and a herding demonstration by some very talented canines.

Back in Christchurch, Dave, Mike, Daniel, Stephan, Benoit and Marco had a quiet day, sunning themselves in this glorious springtime weather.  Sue did a little sunning and added a little trip to the local mall.  Sue took the tour guide reins today and organized a trip to Hanmer Springs tomorrow for all but the Queenstown Three (Steven, Patrice and Fabien).  We'll do a little thermal springs warm up, some more jet boating and again enjoy this beautiful country.

Good thoughts from all of us here, to all of you catching flights today/yesterday/tomorrow.... whatever.  We're anxious to see you all.

Good night from New Zealand.