tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83274095525060251012024-02-19T11:49:16.527+00:00Travelling LightDiary of a 60-something travellerJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-37048227435534538522012-03-29T21:50:00.000+01:002012-03-29T21:50:57.977+01:00Ghana and The Hope Orphanage March 2012Ghana and The Hope Orphanage Journal<br />
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Sunday 4th March 2012<br />
I had a good flight to Accra – six and half hours. I sat next to a very strange English man who never spoke to me except on the odd occasion and when I had headphones on watching a film! Anyway, I was pleased to have made contact with him, because.......<br />
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On arrival at Accra there were HUGE queues for passport control and I had visions of being there for well over an hour when a local in a yellow day-glo jacket came up to me and said - 'this way please' pointing to a side door. I was a bit freaked out and wondered what on earth was going on but he was insistent – ‘please come, please come’. My mind was racing with things like abduction, ransom etc etc. Luckily in the queue I found my self standing behind my travelling 'companion' and asked him to come with me, which he did. It turned out that Mandy's Pastor friend had arranged a VIP arrival for me so this local guy led us past all the enormous queues of people and we got through Passport Control in minutes. I bet my travelling companion was really pleased he had made my acquaintance because he got through quickly too. I never saw him afterwards as I, with a local porter, went off to the carousel for my luggage and he, I think, had no luggage and went off to meet his son. So that was my VIP welcome to Ghana.<br />
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Mandy and 'Daniel' met me - Daniel is the Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church’s driver and the sound-man at the Church. He drove us to the hotel that Mandy had booked us in to. It was very nice and clean, but basic. We had a large room with two double beds and en suite. The shower came out tepid but in the heat that it did not matter.<br />
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It was very hot - I had a fan blowing on me all night as well as the air conditioner working. The humidity is worse than the heat.<br />
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Monday 5th March<br />
Today 'Peter', another Pastor, took us out in his car. Our first stop was Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's Mausoleum. He was the leader of Ghana and its predecessor state, the Gold Coast, from 1952 to 1966. We spent some time there looking around the museum and the huge monument. From there we went to the Art and Craft Market. It was very colourful and atmospheric and both Mandy and I bought a couple of things. The whole market was a mish-mash of make-shift stalls cobbled together with wood, corrugated iron and anything else that could be used to make some sort of covered building – and all on dirt and stony ground. We had lunch nearby and after that we were both pretty tired so we were driven back to the hotel. The heat and humidity is exhausting. Travelling around Accra takes time due to both the huge amount of traffic and the poor state of the roads.<br />
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Tuesday 6th March<br />
Today was Independence Day so we joined thousands of others in the oppressive heat to watch the parade in Independence Square. We got there for 7.45am, just in time to get two seats together in one of the many concrete stands. The Square is enormous – far bigger than Horseguards Parade and is surrounded football stadium-like stands. The Parade consisted of representatives of all the services – Army, Air Force, Navy, Fire and Police Departments plus goodness knows who else. What impressed me were the platoons of children from local High Schools. They were as well drilled as the Army and they stood very still on parade and their marching was faultless. The President and his entourage arrived at 8.30am and he duly inspected his troops in an open topped vehicle and that was followed by all the platoons marching past in turn. When the troops had finished there was a parade of Army vehicles, tanks and fire and police vehicles etc. It was a bit like Trooping the Colour – but with a difference. Some of the uniforms were very colourful, as well as the school uniforms. There was a fly past and a gun salute too (I lost count of how many). A very interesting morning.<br />
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From there we took a taxi to Labadi Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Accra. Being a public holiday the atmosphere was fantastic. Huge Atlantic rollers were crashing in and the sandy beach was heaving with thousands of Ghanaians enjoying their public holiday. Music was playing quite loudly and adults and children alike were having a good time in the sea or kicking a ball around on the beach. Decorated horses were giving people rides, rather like donkeys on beaches here. We had a table and chairs under a large umbrella and had lunch watching all that was going on around us. The tide was coming in and some of the waves rushed up under our table and chairs. Luckily all our belongings were on a spare chair. We left at around 3.30pm as Mandy had to meet someone from the University where she is giving a lecture next week.<br />
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After that meeting – at a very nice, rather upmarket, restaurant (we regretted having lunch at the beach when we got there) - we went back to the hotel. Afternoon naps are very welcome here due to the heat.<br />
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I had an early night and Mandy went out until the early hours.<br />
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During the night I felt a spider on my face – I brushed it off and tried to forget it and get back to sleep again but felt it a few minutes later on my arm. By that time I was a bit freaked out and put the light on – only to see a huge cockroach crawling along the edge of the room – so it must have been that on my face. It was almost 2 inches in length. Yuk! I could not rest until I trapped it under a glass but still had difficulty getting back to sleep in case its friend came looking for it!<br />
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Wednesday 7th March<br />
This morning at 0700 we were collected by Daniel (the Pastor’s driver who collected me from the airport on Sunday evening) who drove us to the orphanage. It seemed a long drive although it is only about 95 miles. It took ages getting out of Accra, which is a huge urban sprawl and the suburbs seemed to go on forever. The roads are bad and are choked with traffic, which is very disorganised. There seem to be no ‘rules of the road’ although if there are, no one sticks to them. Overtaking is done either side and pulling out from the kerb is done seemingly without looking in the rear mirror. Horns are honking all the time, mostly to tell someone that they are about to be overtaken. Daniel was a very good driver and, although he seemed as mad a driver as everyone else, I felt safe with him. We were in a newish Toyota mini-bus so I felt well protected. The roads are in a bad condition too, some just red dirt and stones. It is very dusty everywhere. Some of the taxis we used were wrecks and I sometimes wondered if we would get to our destination. They didn’t have aircon either so we had to have the windows open meaning we were breathing in, and getting covered with, dust.<br />
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After about 4 hours of driving we stopped at Kakum National Park where we walked on a ropewalk over the rainforest. There were seven ‘bridges’ in all and they were very shaky. The place was absolutely heaving with school children as this day was also a day off for schools as well as Independence Day. The queues were long and disorganised. Unsure of what to do, we found a guide who was great – he got our tickets for us and guided us past the queues to get to the front. A few people in the queue complained – not about us white people getting preferential treatment but about the guide saying he was only doing it to get a hefty tip from us – he did get a tip but not a hefty one! It was a good place to stop and the walk was interesting. We saw little monkeys in the trees. All in all we saw very little wildlife or birds the whole week (apart from aforementioned cockroach!) which seemed surprising.<br />
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Another hour or so’s drive and we arrived at The Hope Orphanage in a village called Ayensudo just outside Cape Coast. The orphanage consists of two houses, each supervised by a Pastor and wife. In House 1 where we stayed there were 3 helpers – or ‘mummies’ – as well as the Pastor’s wife. 10 children are in that house aged from around 12 months to 5 years old. There are 7 children in House 2 ranging from 16 months to 12 years old. Another Pastor and his wife run that house and they have one ‘mummy’. <br />
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The houses are newish – about 3 years old. Very basic, no air conditioning – just ceiling fans. Mandy and I shared a bedroom with an en suite shower room/toilet. Very basic, the shower was a ceramic square in the floor, no curtain and no hot water, but in the heat the tepid shower was welcome, hot water was not really needed. But at least there was water and a decent flush toilet. Water is delivered by tanker and is stored in a huge tank outside, hence the shower being tepid rather than cold as the tank is in full sun. The main room is very large with only a table with 6 chairs and two sofas and one armchair so there is plenty of room for the children to play and run around. There are two cots there for the babies to sleep in and they are bathed in that room too in a plastic bath and two buckets.<br />
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The children are unbelievably well behaved and know the routine well. At mealtimes they collect their own plastic chairs from the kitchen and one of the 5 year old boys carries the plastic table in. They all sit quietly and eat all their food without any fuss. Bowls are eaten clean and when finished, each child returns the bowl to the kitchen. Nothing is left. They then put away the table and chairs and even brush the floor. And ... these children are only 3-4 years old. The two 5 year olds eat at the bigger table and the 2 year olds and two babies are fed by the mummies. Everything is so organised.<br />
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The daily routine seems to be up at around 5.45 and have breakfast. After breakfast they go to their communal bathroom for a wash. They are then dressed in their smart little school uniforms and sit quietly until they are driven to school. The 3 year olds go to the local village school and the 4-5 year olds go to a bigger school further away at Cape Coast. They return at around 2.30pm and they then shower. They all go in together and seem to wash themselves – amazing considering their age. They are then dressed in ‘mufti’ and play until they have their evening meal. After the meal they play until bedtime – which is on the dot of 7pm. They undress themselves and go to their rooms when told and nothing more is heard from them. I didn’t get to see their bedrooms so I don’t know how many sleep in a room. I am not sure how many bedrooms there were. About 5 I think. We had one and the two babies each slept with a mummy, so I am not at all sure how many children shared a room.<br />
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The 3 mummies and the Pastor’s wife share duties via a roster, each take it in turn to do kitchen duties, bathroom duty etc. While we were there the Pastor’s wife seemed to do the cooking, and very tasty the food was too! All African food and very spicy. We had three good meals a day.<br />
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There are two other buildings on the orphanage site. One is the Compassion Centre, part of Compassion International which is a Christian child sponsorship organization dedicated to the long-term development of children living in poverty around the world. Every Saturday around 200 children from the surrounding area, and who do not go to school, go there for the day for basic education and the parents can attend too, to learn basic skills and education. It is a wonderful organisation. The other building is a school, which is not open yet. It is planned to open in September 2012 and all the orphanage children will attend together with other children from around the area.<br />
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Thursday 8th March<br />
Today Steven, the orphanage driver took us into Cape Coast for Mandy to pay a visit to the large Central Regional Hospital and me to visit Cape Coast Castle. I opted out of the hospital visit as we had no idea what it would be like and, anyway, I am a bit squeamish! Mandy’s report of her visit afterwards made me glad I didn’t go.<br />
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My visit to Cape Coast Castle, accompanied by the Pastor and his wife, was most interesting, and horrible in many ways. Cape Castle dungeons were one of the gathering places of 1000’s of slaves before being shipped to the Americas. http://www.slaverysite.com/cape%20coast.htm . The men’s dungeon consisted of 4 adjoining rooms, each room housing 250 men with no drainage and the only light coming in through a couple of small high windows. I knew something of the slave trade before this visit, but seeing the conditions under which these poor people were imprisoned made me feel somewhat ashamed to be ‘white’. How any human being can treat another in such an inhuman way beggars belief. The men were kept there, shackled, for up to 3 months before being shipped out, living in their own human waste which gathered on the floor. There are marks on the walls showing how deep this solidified ‘waste’ was – up to 3 feet. The stench must have been unbearable. They must have wanted to die than to live in such conditions. The women’s dungeon was similar but smaller.<br />
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The door leading outside to where he slave ship docked was called The Door of No Return. These days it leads out to a beach of sorts with dozens of fishing boats.<br />
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It was a very humbling experience.<br />
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The afternoon and evening was spent at the Orphanage. On most days ‘evenings’ did not exist as we were so tired due to the very early starts and the heat that we went to bed around 8pm.<br />
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Friday 9th March<br />
This morning we went out at 7.30am with the four younger children to spend time at the local village school. What an eye-opener. An open sided long corrugated hut housed 5 or 6 classrooms with dirt floor, basic old wooden desks and chairs and a blackboard on one wall. The other two long buildings were sturdier and had walls up to the roof but it was still very old and shabby. Older children occupy that building. There were, I seem to remember, 3 classrooms in each of those buildings.<br />
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Children are at that school from kindergarten to around 12 although there are some are older teenagers too as not all children start at kindergarten age. Some may not start school until they are older, depending on family duties at home, ie helping out on the farm, and they start school at kindergarten level. Again we were staggered by the discipline and excellent behaviour of the children. Some teachers arrived late due to the appalling traffic and the children just sat quietly and waited for them. Imagine the mayhem in an English school – there would be books and pencils flying everywhere and utter chaos! The children all seemed eager to learn and the teachers are doing a great job. We took a lot of books, posters, pencils etc with us and they were very gratefully received.<br />
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We intended to spend the whole morning there but Mandy became unwell. I was fine. We had mainly eaten the same food so we think she may have picked up a germ from the hospital. So we went back to the orphanage and Mandy slept for the rest of the day. I spent time with the children in both houses, or reading.<br />
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Saturday 10th March<br />
We were collected by Daniel at around 10.30 for our return to Accra. We were very sad to leave the children, and ‘Little John’ in House 2 was crying when I left. Two year old Little John and I really bonded. He and his 4 year old brother arrived at the orphanage about 6 weeks ago after a really tragic beginning to their lives. Their mother deserted them and the father was a drunkard who kept them locked up with no food. Whenever they could escape they went out begging. They were in very poor health, underweight and in a very poor condition. Little John was clearly very traumatised but he loved being cuddled and I did manage to make him smile occasionally. His brother, Alex, looked a very unhappy little boy and it will take a while for them both to settle in.<br />
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All children there have had trauma in their young lives due to either being deserted or their parents dying, probably of AIDS/HIV. But they are in the best possible place and they will be cared for and educated until they are 18.<br />
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I had to hold back the tears when I left. We were made so welcome there and our visit, and all the donated clothes and toys we took with us, were really appreciated by all. I am sure I will visit again one day.<br />
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It took about 3 hours to drive back to Accra and, after living basic African style for a few days, I felt like a bit of luxury so we booked into The Holiday Inn. OK, not the most luxurious of hotels, but there are very few of them in Accra, but to be there sitting by a lovely pool drinking a cocktail was luxurious enough for me. A hot shower and the use of decent towels seemed a great treat.<br />
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Sunday 11th March<br />
We were collected at 7am by Daniel (good old Daniel!) to go to church. Ghana is a very Christian country, although there are many Muslims there too, and almost everyone goes to church on Sundays and they really dress up and make an effort. The church we went to was Trinity Baptist Church, an offshoot from a church of the same name in South Norwood, London. The church in Accra has room for 1200 congregation and it was practically full. It was a fantastic atmosphere. Mandy is known there from previous visits and we were made very welcome and had to sit in the front row. The service lasted for almost 4 hours with lots of singing, praising and a very interesting sermon from a visiting Pastor. The choir was fantastic, as was the band (if that is the correct term). The service started at 8am and was due to end at 10.20am but it overran one and a half hours! I do confess to occasionally looking at my watch for the last hour or so!<br />
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From there we went to Mandy’s friend’s house, Richard – a wealthy and somewhat portly Ghanaian – who gave us a lovely traditional lunch. Mandy ate Ghana style using only her right hand and no cutlery but I did use a knife and fork. We returned to the hotel around 4pm for a swim and relaxation around the pool. I had to leave at 9.30pm for my 11.30pm flight back to Heathrow, the hotel being only 5 minutes away from the airport. Mandy stayed at the hotel on Sunday night and moved on to another, more central, hotel on Monday. She is in Accra for another week.<br />
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It was a wonderful week. I did have mixed feelings about going – not knowing what to expect and thought I would be an emotional wreck at the orphanage. But everything turned out really well. We had lots of fun and laughs and the orphanage was such a happy place that the only tears shed were those of laughter – except when I had to leave.Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-91140584743776227802011-12-05T07:27:00.004+00:002011-12-05T08:04:47.803+00:0015th-16th May<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have just looked at this blog and realised I did not completely finish it. (It is now December!)<br />
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As far as I remember, the last complete day with Jack and Norma was spent quietly, with me sadly sorting out my packing in preparation for returning home.<br />
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I left Cairns airport on Sunday morning 15th May for Singapore where I was to change planes for Heathrow. I knew we had to drop down into Darwin on the way, but didn't know beforehand that we had around 3 hours there. So I was stuck in a small transit lounge with lots of other people. There was only a small cafe/bar and one small souvenir shop. A complete waste of time as I was just anxious to get on with my long journey. Anyway, the flight to Singapore was fine. An hour or so there before continuing on to London.<br />
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It had been a fantastic trip. The comprehensive tour around South Island, New Zealand, with Terry was just amazing and I had my first ever visit to Australia. My stay with Jack and Norma in Cairns was really good. As a house swap had been previously arranged with them for 3 weeks in July/August it was a great opportunity to find out about the house and local surroundings beforehand.<br />
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So - another long trip ends. Bring on the next one ....</div>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-77738937285580496342011-05-13T22:16:00.001+01:002011-05-13T22:16:32.621+01:0012th - 13th May. Two good daysFriday 13th May Jack and Norma drove me about an hour north to Port Douglas. The coast road was stunning with rainforest meeting the sea at beautiful beaches and headlands<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2636.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2636.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We stopped at various bays along the way, and a particular favourite was Oaks Bay, so deserted and unspoiled<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2637.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2637.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On arrival at Port Douglas we went to the Yacht Club for lunch but were disappointed to discover they now only open at lunchtime over weekends. So, at my suggestion as I wanted to buy Jack and Norma a nice meal to thank them for their kindness, we went to the upmarket Sheraton Mirage.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2639.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2639.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wow! What a lovely hotel, more a resort really. 5 acres of lagoon swimming pools with other amazing facilities. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sheratonmirage.com.au/mirage_port_douglas.html">http://www.sheratonmirage.com.au/mirage_port_douglas.html</a><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2641.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2641.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And the hotel resort is alongside the beautiful 'Four Mile Beach'<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2643.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2643.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After a long and leisurely lunch we had a stroll around the hotel grounds and along the beach, then made our way into the pretty town. There is a beautiful old church there, now multi-demoninational and is used for weddings. What a lovely place to get married<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2644.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2644.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the way home we stopped for a drink at Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, allegedly the best Marina in the southern hemisphere. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ykbc.com.au/">http://www.ykbc.com.au</a>/<br />We were there at sunset which was lovely.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2646.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2646.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Thursday 12th May was another 'wow' day. I spent the day on the Great Barrier Reef. What an amazing experience. I, and around 100 others, boarded the Ocean Spirit, a huge twin hulled sailing ship for the Michaelmas Cay Cruise.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2648.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2648.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Michaelmas Cay is a small reef sand island which hosts thousands of seabirds and is surrounded by the amazing coral reef. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oceanspirit.com.au/Dive_Snorkel_Australia_Michaelmas.htm">http://www.oceanspirit.com.au/Dive_Snorkel_Australia_Michaelmas.htm</a><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2653.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2653.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The birds on the island at this time were mainly Black Noddies and Sooty Terns with their chicks.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2656.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2656.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I snorkelled for probably over an hour and loved it. I joined the 'snorkelling tour' which allowed newbies like myself to snorkel with a marine naturalist who pointed out the many different sorts of coral and colourful tropical fish. We were transported from the Ocean Spirit to the beach by the 'beach buggy'<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2657.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2657.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and it ran a 15 minute service throughout the day to and from the beach. I returned to the cruiser for their amazing all-inclusive buffet lunch then in the afternoon took a ride in the 'semi-submersible' - a vessel where passengers are seated underwater to view the coral and fish.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2659.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2659.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Very good but I did find it a bit claustrophobic<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/13/2661.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/13/s_2661.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was quite windy all day, especially the return voyage when it was difficult to walk around the ship. <br />All in all a fabulous day and something else to cross off my 'bucket list'. I was exhausted at the end of the day and fell into bed at 8.30pm!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-39296325439049107712011-05-11T13:07:00.001+01:002011-05-11T13:24:28.134+01:0011th May - RainforestFirst and most importantly - Happy Birthday Aimee. 10 today. Where have the last ten years gone?<br /><br />I have had a fabulous day today. I took the 10.00am Kuranda Scenic Railway from Freshwater station (just around the corner from where I am staying) up to the rainforest village of Kuranda. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kuranda.org/">http://www.kuranda.org/</a>?<br />The journey took one and a half hours to slowly climb 327 metres to the mountain top village, including a photo stop,<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/11/813.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/11/s_813.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Due to the number of people (and screaming kids!) waiting on the platform, I upgraded my ticket to 'Gold'. So I peacefully travelled in style and comfort in an armchair with unlimited drinks - hot, cold or alcoholic - and an endless supply of lovely food. My style of travel! The railway is very historic and is over 100 years old and the website is definitely worth a browse <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ksr.com.au/Pages/Default.aspx">http://www.ksr.com.au/Pages/Default.aspx</a><br />Kuranda village is full of markets and cafes, and is somewhat 'touristy', but is interesting to wander around. I visited the small zoo where I just had to cuddle a koala!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/11/818.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/11/s_818.jpg' border='0' width='181' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And I also saw kangaroos with little joeys in their pockets as well as wallabies, and many exotic birds in 'Birdworld'. Kuranda was a great place to visit.<br />But the icing on the cake was the journey down. I took the 'Skyrail' - a 7.5km cable car high over the top of the rainforest canopy. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skyrail.com.au/">http://www.skyrail.com.au/</a><br />It was truly a wonderful ride and lasted an hour. I had a cable car to myself which was lovely, but a bit freaky whenever the system stopped briefly, as it occasionally did!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/11/821.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/11/s_821.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We passed over the Barron Falls<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/11/824.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/11/s_824.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and the cable car stopped at a couple of stations for us to get out and have a walk through the rainforest on a boardwalk and to take some photos<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/11/830.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/11/s_830.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was a wonderful experience and the views were just spectacular<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/11/836.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/11/s_836.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />As usual, there are loads more photos on Picasaweb <a target="_blank" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/judystevens17/AustraliaAprilMay2011#">https://picasaweb.google.com/judystevens17/AustraliaAprilMay2011#</a><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-22495001232339224832011-05-10T12:44:00.001+01:002011-05-10T12:44:41.851+01:009th - 10th May. Cairns continuedTuesday 10th May. Today is Jack's **th birthday. Happy Birthday Jack.<br />As is the custom in the Perrett family, as many of the clan as possible gather for a birthday breakfast at the Shangri La Hotel at the Cairns Marina. Being a weekday son-in-law Martin nor the two grandsons could be there.<br />Breakfast is buffet style - eat as much as you can for 24 bucks. I sure did get my money's worth! The food was very good, the coffee great and sitting outside on the boardwalk looking out at the million dollar boats in the warm sunshine was a lovely experience. Thank you Perrett's for allowing me to join you.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/642.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_642.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We made a detour on the way home via the Lake Placid Recreation Area on the Barron River. In Feb 1999 the river height was up to the White marker<br />on the tree<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/645.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_645.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then to the Barron Gorge where there is a big power station. It was lovely there<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/649.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_649.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The day ended with a short drive to one of the several lovely beaches in the area - Palm Cove where a sea eagle was being a bit friendly<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/650.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_650.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/652.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_652.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another enjoyable day in this lovely part of the world.<br /><br />Monday 9th May. This morning Jack and Norma took me into Cairns so I could familiarise myself with the area for when I return with Jacky and Aimee in July. <br />We spent time around the Marina and I booked a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef for Thursday and for the Crocodile Explorer <a target="_blank" href="http://www.crocodileexplorer.com.au/">http://www.crocodileexplorer.com.au/</a> for this afternoon<br />We had lunch (great value) in a Club that Jack and Norma belong to and then they took me back to the wharf for me to go see the crocs!<br />It was a great cruise along the beautiful tidal Trinity Inlet, for an hour and<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/653.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_653.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />a half with a most informative and interesting commentary. We did see 2 large crocs on the way to the crocodile farm. This one was about 4m long.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/655.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_655.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On arrival at the crocodile farm we were met by a coach and driven slowly around, with plenty of stops to look and take photographs. There are 200+ breeding crocs<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/660.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_660.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and over 20,000 farm crocs being raised for their skin and<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/10/662.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/10/s_662.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />meat. All the skins are sent to Italy for the upmarket leather trade. This photo shows just one of many tanks.<br />During the evening I attended, as an onlooker, a house group that Jack and Norma host every Monday. They are committed Christians who belong to the New Frontier Worldwide mission <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newfrontierstogether.org/">http://www.newfrontierstogether.org/</a><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-22284213529497651832011-05-09T08:56:00.001+01:002011-05-09T08:56:00.561+01:006th - 8th May. In and around CairnsWhen I arrived at Cairns airport on 5th May, the lovely Jack Perrett came to meet me. He and Norma only live 15 minutes from the airport. It is lovely catch up with them after so long. They are ex-Woking folk and I met them through Send A.D.S. many years ago.<br /><br />So, to keep this in it's usual date order (latest date first): yesterday 8th May was Mother's Day here in Australia and the day started with a breakfast BBQ at Catana Wetlands, organised by Martin, Jack and Norma's son-in-law. Their daughter, Nicola and their two grandsons Samuel and Joshua<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/80.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_80.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />were there too. Martin laid on a lovely breakfast and I supplied the Bucks Fizz. Loverly!! <br />I was lucky enough to see a couple of large birds there which I had never seen before. A Jabiru (black-necked stork)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/86.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_86.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and several spur-winged plovers (masked lapwing)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/87.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_87.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Apart from a brief visit to the local shopping mall on the way home, the rest of the day was spent in usual Sunday fashion .... not doing very much. We did go for a late afternoon dip in their pool where I had a snorkelling lesson in preparation for my planned Great Barrier Reef trip later this week.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/88.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_88.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Saturday 7th May saw us heading up to the Atherton Tablelands to Herberton Historic Village where there are buildings, vehicles and machinery dating from 1870. It was most interesting. Many local people were dressed in fashions of the day which added to the atmosphere. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au/">http://www.herbertonhistoricvillage.com.au/</a><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/89.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_89.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was a lovely drive through tropical rain forest and we passed lots of huge termite mounds<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/99.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_99.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the way back we had a stop to meet some friends at Halloran's Hill lookout - wonderful views.<br /><br />Sunday 6th May. My first full day in Cairns. Well, not exactly Cairns but Caravonica about 20 minutes north. Jack and Norma are making me very welcome in their lovely home.<br />Today we visited Cairns Botanical Gardens - very tropical and all the lovely plants and trees seemed huge. This very strange tree creeper looked almost as though someone had pasted it on as wallpaper<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/102.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_102.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/103.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_103.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We later drove up through the rainforest to Lake Morris and Copperlode Dam. The road up (and down) was very steep with many hairpin bends and the views from the top were tremendous. Norma packed a picnic lunch.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/09/106.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/09/s_106.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A lovely first full day in North Queensland.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-11763538326934885822011-05-08T13:28:00.001+01:002011-05-08T13:28:14.846+01:004th - 5th May. Uluru/ Kata TjutaOn 4th May we departed Alice Springs for Yulara (aka Ayers Rock Resort). It was a 6 hour coach journey including a couple of stops. The scenery was just like we saw from The Ghan - desert, eucalypts and the occasional mountain range. <br />In the early 1970's the pressure of unstructured tourism near the base of Uluru was having detrimental effects on the environment surrounding Uluru and Kata Tjuta. So a new tourist town (Yulara/Ayers Rock Resort) was built 14 kilometres away and completed in 1984. It can hardly be called a town as it is a group of 4, maybe 5, really large hotels. There is a small shopping mall but I didn't get to see it - not enough time.<br />I was really excited about this part of the Australian adventure as Uluru has been on my 'bucket list' for as long as I can remember.<br />On arrival at the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge we had just enough time for a bag of fries for lunch before our first trip of the area. We headed for Kata Tjuta (aka The Olgas) with it's 36 domes.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/854.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_854.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I went for a long walk into the Walpa Gorge between Mt Olga and Mt Walpa. (Tom stayed in the coach as he couldn't tolerate the flies).<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/856.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_856.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/862.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_862.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was about half an hour of uneven walking but I made it to the end:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/865.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_865.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was a fabulous walk.<br />We left Kata Tjuta around 5pm in order to be at Uluru for sunset .... we needn't have bothered - there wasn't one due to too much cloud cover. Sunset at Uluru is an organised circus:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/866.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_866.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All coach operators lay on wine or soft drinks and nibbles for all. It was a great atmosphere even though the sunset let us down.<br />Thursday 5th May was a REALLY early start. We were collected at 0550 in order to be at Uluru for sunrise due at 0615. Again the sun let us down as the famous rock didn't glow red at all<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_868.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />But we did see the most amazing sunrise<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/870.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_870.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were then taken on a one-hour cultural walk around the base of the rock when our guide pointed out many natural features of the rock, sacred sites which we were not allowed to photograph, aboriginal paintings and he told us traditional stories relating to this sacred site. I took many, many photographs and here are a couple. If you want to see more go to my Picasaweb site where I have uploaded them all. <a target="_blank" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/judystevens17/AustraliaAprilMay2011#">https://picasaweb.google.com/judystevens17</a><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/873.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_873.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/876.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_876.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/877.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_877.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was just amazing. An unforgettable and somewhat spiritual experience. I loved it.<br />I flew out of Ayers Rock Airport for Cairns at 2.30pm and was delighted that I was able to see both Uluru and the resort from the air.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/05/08/880.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/05/08/s_880.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Fabulous!<br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-4911282514767566002011-05-08T08:42:00.000+01:002011-05-08T08:42:02.657+01:001st - 3rd May. The Red Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wednesday 3rd May was a full day of sightseeing. The morning was taken up with a trip out to the West MacDonnell Ranges to visit Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. Gaps and Chasms (and bigger 'Gorges') are passes through the mountains - a chasm is bigger than a gap. Simpsons Gap was a beautiful place, much revered by the Aboriginees. <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RcXDU66jXSHK8TTMX-ebfnOneU9FpdcYhW20Z2dWTVHco_XLVnOFjq0mS4AduogC7WiDwf8MeEEEnAqidZVjBOcKivfnsM7j0l6gXSiOLGlLgqsWSLRd6HkTJqowr1ri9PvedZhj3RM/s1600/P1050845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RcXDU66jXSHK8TTMX-ebfnOneU9FpdcYhW20Z2dWTVHco_XLVnOFjq0mS4AduogC7WiDwf8MeEEEnAqidZVjBOcKivfnsM7j0l6gXSiOLGlLgqsWSLRd6HkTJqowr1ri9PvedZhj3RM/s320/P1050845.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi9ILDv0QwQPZpf-IReKtkNeWKJn4cDUMFgdUrBkWmAZJCyHiqXboBr1F1B0wHdczPOX-ufEvY4dj7dD9B7lhw57Lk_C63e-HJwklXLVUZTjaA9wldEeotLA-1T2PKos-5UMCs_ph8T0/s1600/P1050847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi9ILDv0QwQPZpf-IReKtkNeWKJn4cDUMFgdUrBkWmAZJCyHiqXboBr1F1B0wHdczPOX-ufEvY4dj7dD9B7lhw57Lk_C63e-HJwklXLVUZTjaA9wldEeotLA-1T2PKos-5UMCs_ph8T0/s320/P1050847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From there we travelled a few kilometers further to Standley Chasm, a deep red cleft crowded in on either side by craggy slopes that rise 80 meters or so.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIpiwHqybWgP4xsnadcnD4zY4K_FrzB_qyAruSD9ll6fqi9jcELAY7RVEMA1r0gyiiAzJNBBs5UipmJNt5ftIPp-tVi5CqR6LA2ZUNDDtFydcV1SzQwiFBqeJzb3TR1umDNPRFbkvKew/s1600/P1050857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIpiwHqybWgP4xsnadcnD4zY4K_FrzB_qyAruSD9ll6fqi9jcELAY7RVEMA1r0gyiiAzJNBBs5UipmJNt5ftIPp-tVi5CqR6LA2ZUNDDtFydcV1SzQwiFBqeJzb3TR1umDNPRFbkvKew/s320/P1050857.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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The 20 minute or so walk to the chasm from the coach park follows a creek where spring fed pools attract a great variety of wildlife and we saw many amazing trees and plants. The walk was quite a difficult one, as we had to negotiate many rocks and large 'puddles'<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBlkBSQqLDiAwEYDMmtKDPkmIaenNof8QG9_BMtoUsuTLQmZXCQKfK3S-ttpiEXtZbE-S1MxzioOLEsYMI9vSL1Q1RRyWVgsv00hLADJ3YqZYuMdcap6pUmARCygkGSZ6NcQPxsUPvsI/s1600/P1050862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBlkBSQqLDiAwEYDMmtKDPkmIaenNof8QG9_BMtoUsuTLQmZXCQKfK3S-ttpiEXtZbE-S1MxzioOLEsYMI9vSL1Q1RRyWVgsv00hLADJ3YqZYuMdcap6pUmARCygkGSZ6NcQPxsUPvsI/s320/P1050862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The afternoon trip was a 'city tour'. Whereas I loved the surrounding areas, I was not too fond of Alice Springs itself. I was expecting something older and more historic (although there are lots of historic buildings there).<br />
Our first stop was at the Reptile House where I actually plucked up the courage to handle a large python - another 'first' for me<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC3t8r7aCZ7Fh5SwK2JClqEvC9a3BTTgFePjsNz5BZb61h2zi305RyuFX3C_D03VvpIkpqcK2POS9nDfQfmk6fGGIv7ofghuKfsN0fat4eYFRjqYYOnxxIePJOeHM7wph6AmeHkloKlU/s1600/P1050866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoC3t8r7aCZ7Fh5SwK2JClqEvC9a3BTTgFePjsNz5BZb61h2zi305RyuFX3C_D03VvpIkpqcK2POS9nDfQfmk6fGGIv7ofghuKfsN0fat4eYFRjqYYOnxxIePJOeHM7wph6AmeHkloKlU/s320/P1050866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>From there we visited the historic Telegraph Station. Connecting Australia with England by means of a single wire in 1872, the overland telegraph line was a huge achievement, making contact with 'the mother England' much simpler and quicker (before the telegraph, messages could take up to 3 months by ship).<br />
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We then visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum and information centre. I hadn't realised before what an important part of outback life (and other medical emergencies) the RDFS played. The Royal Flying Doctor Service was established in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn. His vision was to provide a 'mantle of safety' for the isolated communities of inland Australia. Using air links and radio, the service provided medical aid to people living, working and travelling in the outback. Today it operates 21 bases and covers more than 7,150,000 square kilometres. The Alice Springs base was opened in 1939 to provide emergency and preventative medicine to outlying communities and stations throughout Central Australia.<br />
Our final stop for the day was to the top of Anzac Hill where we had a 360 degree view of Alice and surrounds. <br />
<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDcU-2H3TT_q9lwxRqe5qHs-OvankdpDqcJHlTQrgieyj1IJUMMQ-WLimzmDPOn0wL3v6-YUyXcB6cON4tLgYfzNz955u6Odz4_0XlhoKK4xFI0vteWGxGhOO-98t5vDPyiJ2KXktD3k/s1600/P1050872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDcU-2H3TT_q9lwxRqe5qHs-OvankdpDqcJHlTQrgieyj1IJUMMQ-WLimzmDPOn0wL3v6-YUyXcB6cON4tLgYfzNz955u6Odz4_0XlhoKK4xFI0vteWGxGhOO-98t5vDPyiJ2KXktD3k/s320/P1050872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Alice Springs was an interesting place to visit but I would not hurry back there, although I loved the surrounding countryside and mountains<br />
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On Sunday 1st May we left Adelaide for Alice Springs. This time we boarded 'The Ghan' - the iconic train which runs from Adelaide, up through the centre of Australia, to Darwin in the north. <a href="http://www.trulyaustralia.com/rail/ghan">www.trulyaustralia.com/rail/ghan</a><br />
We travelled as far as Alice Springs, about half way, but even that took over 24 hours. The train departed at 12.20 and we were called to lunch soon after departure. Kangaroo steak was on the menu so I had to have that. It was nice, not too different to a beef steak. Life on this train was very similar to the Indian Pacific and our compartment was just the same. It was just the scenery outside that was different. We travelled through the desert and I thought I would be seeing miles and miles of nothing but red sand, but after all the rain that has been experienced in Australia over the recent months there was far more green than I expected:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xPsxlK_sJ6ZeyNfzThQ8QRDrDmIvxZrkocWO9A8n7JoVbtYvC3HZaSfAR7lc7sK1u00CTjacFN4njQW0JwSsdxGyUnpWviDoj9023IOxM5atr_sajIGl1iJd-j6Zc0PCi7xP2WpK_I8/s1600/P1050823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xPsxlK_sJ6ZeyNfzThQ8QRDrDmIvxZrkocWO9A8n7JoVbtYvC3HZaSfAR7lc7sK1u00CTjacFN4njQW0JwSsdxGyUnpWviDoj9023IOxM5atr_sajIGl1iJd-j6Zc0PCi7xP2WpK_I8/s1600/P1050823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xPsxlK_sJ6ZeyNfzThQ8QRDrDmIvxZrkocWO9A8n7JoVbtYvC3HZaSfAR7lc7sK1u00CTjacFN4njQW0JwSsdxGyUnpWviDoj9023IOxM5atr_sajIGl1iJd-j6Zc0PCi7xP2WpK_I8/s320/P1050823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was even some water in the Finke River:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbUQm2wtQ63spcom3csBPuLbnW8px3n9HMRgmIE_tV_SX6BEeA0ViP6mc-I94w4_d76pRHTsXwZHeERLIdhFvxIQO2LP9MbRZ6grREWMheG7Xw6DkCZmGIMV1mpv6hBsbhcknrEaBjdw/s320/P1050827.JPG" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived in Alice Springs on time on 2nd May and were taken to the Crowne Plaza hotel. We were some way out of town and later in the afternoon we wandered in to get something to eat. There was not much choice as it was a public holiday, so we found a pizzeria which was open. I was not too comfortable sitting outside eating as there were a lot of aboriginal women wandering around that I didn't like the look of too much. I am sure they were all harmless, but I clung on to my bag evenso!</div></div>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-50094028249078389492011-04-30T09:14:00.001+01:002011-04-30T09:14:23.946+01:0024th - 30th April. Hello OzToday, Saturday 30th April, is a 'not doing very much day'. We pottered around a huge shopping mall in the morning and during the afternoon Tom went to the library 'to use a proper computer' leaving me to catch up on 2 weeks blog.<br />Since arriving in Australia a week ago we have been on the go the whole time, seeing as much as we can in the short time available. All the trips we have done, or are doing next week, were pre-booked in the UK before I left.<br />On Friday 29th April we had a really long day. We were collected at 6.20am for a day trip to Kangaroo Island, the 3rd largest of the Australian islands. It was a 2 hour coach ride to Cape Jervis, south east of Adelaide, then 45 minutes on the ferry. We were met by yet another coach for a tiki tour of the south part of the island which is 155km long and 55km wide. <br />Kangaroo Island was not given that name for nothing - there is a large population of these native creatures and, sadly, we saw numerous dead ones alongside the road. If a kangaroo jumps out of the bush in front of you there is very little you can do about it Although with a driver like our coach driver who thought he was a recycled F1 racer, it's not surprising there is so much roadkill!<br />The first stop was Seal Bay, the home of the Australian sealion. There were many cubs, so cute<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/218.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_218.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/219.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_219.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was a great experience seeing these wonderful creatures close up, not too close though as the wardens made sure we stayed at least 6 meters distance so as not to disturb them.<br />After lunch we were treated to an Australian bird of prey presentation then we drove to the eastern end of the island to the Remarkable Rocks<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/221.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_221.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and Cape Du Couedic to view 100's of yet more New Zealand fur seals and lovely coastline views<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/222.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_222.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/223.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_223.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The day finished with a visit to the Hanson Bay Sanctuary where we saw kangaroos, wallabies and koalas in the wild together with beautiful coloured native birds such as galahs and crimson rosellas<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/224.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_224.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We did not get back to Adelaide until gone 10.30pm, somewhat tired!<br /><br />Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th April were taken up travelling by the Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Adelaide, a journey of 24 hours. I had booked the Gold Service which meant we had a compartment to ourselves which converted to bunk bed accommodation at night. Full en suite facilities made it somewhat cosy! <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gsr.com.au/site/indian_pacific/services/gold_service.jsp">http://www.gsr.com.au/site/indian_pacific/services/gold_service.jsp</a>. We departed Sydney at 3pm on the 27th and arrived Adelaide at 3pm on the 28th. The scenery varied along the route starting with the Blue Mountains where we saw quite a lot of scenery we missed due to the bad weather during our day out there, then ranging from red desert outback to cultivated farmland. We had just over an hour at a mining town called Broken Hill. We took a 'city tour' by coach. I am still wondering why .....!<br /><br />24th to 26th April were spent in and around Sydney<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/225.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_225.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/226.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_226.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The 24th was taken up with a full day's city sightseeing tour by coach. Morning coffee was at Bondi Beach and lunch was on a harbour cruise. Fabulous. That was our only fine day in Sydney.<br />On Monday 25th (which was ANZAC Day) we were booked for an early morning backstage tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House followed by breakfast. Because everything seemed to close down that day we were unsure as to whether the trip would actually take place or not. We could not get in touch with the Opera House to find out nor to arrange our coach pick up. So we took a chance, got up really early and made our own way there to find that all was OK for the planned 7am start. It was a most interesting tour and you will note that the Sydney Opera Orchestra has booked a new conductor:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/227.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_227.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />For our pre-booked 4WD day in the Blue Mountains on 26th April the weather could not have been worse.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/228.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_228.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We suffered a complete fog white-out for most of the day so the anticipated wonderful views did not materialise. The day ended with a visit to a wildlife park where I just had to have the obligatory photo with a koala bear.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/230.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_230.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and a kangaroo<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/231.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_231.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I learned yesterday from our recycled boy racer coach driver on Kangaroo Island that koalas are not completely spaced out all the time (as I thought) due to the narcotic content of eucalyptus shoots (there is none), but because they have no carbohydrate intake whatsoever they have absolutely no energy and sleep for 20 hours a day.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/30/233.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/30/s_233.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Maybe I should try that diet...<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-91266932788565968732011-04-30T05:21:00.001+01:002011-04-30T05:21:51.194+01:0016th - 23rd April. Farewell New Zealand.On Saturday 23rd April I departed New Zealand for Australia. I arrived in Sydney around 5.30pm local time (another 2 hour time difference to get used to) where Tom was there to meet me. We have met up for a 12 day whistle stop tour of a bit of Australia.<br /><br />Tuesday 19th/Friday 22nd April.<br />Terry and I have covered 4100 kms in 4 weeks on the South Island (+ whatever we drove on the North Island at the beginning of our tour) and seen and done some amazing things over the last weeks, but all good things come to an end and on 19th April we said goodbye and I headed up to the Auckland area again to spend my last few days in New Zealand with Carolyn - the same Carolyn that I spent a week with in Pokeno on arrival in NZ on 19th February. But since my first visit she has moved to Papakura, nearer to both Auckland and her workplace. So the days with her until my departure for Sydney on 23rd April were real 'down time' for me, much needed relaxation after the fabulous but strenuous weeks travelling. On the first evening we met her daughter, Julie, for a meal on the Waterfront in downtown Auckland and, as a surprise for me, Carolyn had arranged secretly with Leigh (Terry's son) that he join us. It was a lovely surprise. Thank you Carolyn, and thank you Leigh for playing along with the idea. We all had a great evening.<br />As before, Carolyn headed off for work during the mornings but this time arrived home earlier due to the closer proximity. We spend the week either browsing shops, eating takeaway or drinking wine! On Good Friday Carolyn drove me out to the Thames estuary on the Coromandel for a 'tiki tour' and we stopped at Miranda Springs <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mirandahotsprings.co.nz/">http://www.mirandahotsprings.co.nz/</a> for a relaxing dip in the naturally hot spring pool. It was great.<br /><br />Sunday 17th/Monday 18th April.<br />We drove to Richmond, near Nelson on 17th to Terry's son Aaron's house where Terry is spending the next 6 weeks or so house/dog sitting while Aaron, Jo and the twins visit Ireland. We sadly said goodbye to our trusty Toyota Corolla at Nelson airport when we took Aaron etc for their departure flight during the afternoon.<br />On Monday 18th we paid a brief visit to Nelson. On the way we called into the WOW Exhibition. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wowcars.co.nz/wearableartgallery">http://www.wowcars.co.nz/wearableartgallery</a>. Amazing stuff. Nelson seemed a really nice place but I guess both Terry and I were 'toured out' by then so apart from seeing South Street, we didn't do much else.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/29/3664.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/29/s_3664.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/29/3665.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/29/s_3665.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Saturday 16th April we drove up to Farewell Spit but visibility was bad and it was pouring with rain so we didn't get to see much.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/29/3666.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/29/s_3666.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />But at least I can say I was at both the very bottom and very top of the South Island. We left that area after morning coffee and took our time driving back to Shirley and Margaret's stopping for lunch at the lovely seaside town of Kaiteriteri on the way.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-10780271159852557032011-04-15T09:58:00.001+01:002011-04-15T09:58:07.280+01:0013th - 15th April. Ever NorthwardsOn Friday 15th April we left Margaret and Shirley's house at Tapawera to drive to the northernmost town on South Island - Collingwood. Weatherise our luck of good weather ran out as it was raining hard and low cloud covered the hilltops. I was driving and had to negotiate Takaka Hill, again a steep climb with many hairpin bends. We rose above the low cloud level so we were unable to see what I am sure were beautiful views nor did I have to drive through fog as I expected. At the top of 'the marble hill' as it is called we visited Ngarua Caves. They were pretty impressive with many incredible stalactites and stalagmites, and weddings are frequently held in the enormous 'cathedral', the biggest area within the caves.<br />We stopped in Takaka for lunch and during the afternoon checked into the Beachcomber Motel in Collingwood, a very small township situated on the famous Golden Bay. Unfortunately, it wasn't 'golden' for us today, more like grey.<br />Whilst out for a short walk between showers we were lucky enough to see a Great Egret, or White Heron. These are not seen in Northern Europe. It was big, and a joy to see.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/15/316.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/15/s_316.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/15/319.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/15/s_319.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />On Thursday 14th April we left Westport for Tapawera, a small town in Tasman where friends of Terry live. We followed the Buller River most of the way, and through The Buller Gorge. Yet again we passed through stunning scenery - high forested cliffs and wide blue river. At one point the road passes through Hawk's Crag, a very scary bit where the road has been cut out of the cliff face with a deep drop to the river on one side. I remember going through this in an Inter City bus in 2006 and it was scarier then than it was in the car this time.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/15/323.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/15/s_323.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Quoted from the internet: "The almost vertical cliff at Hawks Crag posed a challenge when building the road through the lower Buller Gorge. The solution was to cut a narrow slot across the cliff face, which had to be negotiated with care by wheeled vehicles. Shown here in the late 19th century, the road was only just wide enough to take carriages and carts." Rather them than me!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/15/327.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/15/s_327.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='168' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our next stop was The Buller Gorge Swingbridge, the longest in the country. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/15/328.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/15/s_328.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We walked over it with some trepidation as it was high and very wobbly, and my return journey was not on foot, but on 'the comet line' ie a death slide! I didn't feel at all nervous and enjoyed in immensely, as this photo shows:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/15/330.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/15/s_330.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Further along the road we passed a massive scar on a mountain which occurred as a result of the Inangahua earthquake in 1967. We had previously called into Inangahua to see photographic evidence and newspaper reports of this. This earthquake dramatically changed the local landscape.<br />As we were not due to arrive at Margaret and Shirley's house until gone 3.30 we had time to kill we so left the highway on a couple of occasions to visit Lake Rotoroa, and Lake Rotoiti near St. Arnaud in the Nelson Lakes National Park. They were both beautiful with mountains as a backdrop.<br /><br />Wednesday 13th April was a 'rest day' in Westport. I am sure there are far better places to relax in but we were both pretty tired and just fancied a day off. It has been a long and tiring 4 weeks and perhaps it is beginning to take it's toll. But neither of us would have changed anything. It has been just amazing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-44426976624275644482011-04-12T21:03:00.001+01:002011-04-12T21:03:27.984+01:0012th April - The End of the Road and lots to tellToday we clocked another 230km on the car by travelling to the furthest point available by road up the west coast. That means that we have travelled the South Island west coast highway from bottom to top.<br />Our first point of call was to a disused historic coal mine at Denniston. Getting there involved turning off the main road and driving to the top of a mountain - steep hairpin bends and narrow roads. The reason for the visit is that Terry has read a couple of novels set in and around that coal mine so she was interested to see what it was like. There is not very much left there now apart from a few derelict buildings and lots of old rusty artefacts. The Dept of Conservation have taken it over and prepared a walking track around the site with information boards etc. From the coal mine atop the mountain the views along the coastline were quite staggering as we were really high up. It was once again a hot sunny day with wall to wall blue sky.<br />The furthest township north is Karamea, around 95km north of Denniston. It was at Denniston we realised that we were a little low on petrol - the computer thingy in the car told me we had 128kms of petrol left. Realising we were going way out in the wopwops with no petrol stations until Karamea we decided to take the chance and drive on knowing that at the end the petrol tank would be very low, hopefully not empty.<br />It wasn't long before we wanted our morning coffee and after a while we came to a village which actually had a cafe - but it was closed. Although the owner was there, he obviously didn't want to make us any. So we drove further and came to a bit of a dilapidated pub. The bar was open, but not the adjoining cafe. The man there obviously took pity on us two desperate ladies and offered to make us one. He really didn't know what he was doing and we had to tell him how much instant coffee to put in the mug and even how much to charge us for it. Then he asked "Do you want a cake? There are some here somewhere". We chose a shortbread each and again had to pay what we thought was the appropriate amount! We left chuckling but refreshed (even though it was yucky instant coffee)<br />Ever northwards, we continued our journey happy that the petrol situation would be ok as we were driving along a long straight road beside the coast. What we didn't know was that, a little distance ahead, we had to drive over high mountain pass thus using low gears and thus consuming more petrol. The climb upwards seemed to take forever and again I had to negotiate many steep hairpin bends and narrow roads We eventually reached Karamea with about 20kms of petrol to spare. Phew!<br />After a lovely lunch at the appropriately named 'Last Resort Motel' we proceeded a further 16km north up a gravel road to Kohaihai car park, the very end of the road. This was alongside the beautiful Kohaihai river estuary where<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/12/2395.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/12/s_2395.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/12/2400.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/12/s_2400.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />the swing bridge marks the beginning of many walking tracks, some 8 or 9 days long. We did a shorter one - 30 minutes up a (small) mountain among beautiful Nikau palms<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/12/2410.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/12/s_2410.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />to Scotts Lookout. It was quite a climb but the view over Scotts Bay was worth the effort<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/12/2419.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/12/s_2419.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The 'end of the road' was paradise. This is the 'mountain' we climbed. It looks bigger in real life!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/12/2425.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/12/s_2425.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On our way home we stopped at Mokihinui to see the river and the estuary. This had been featured on a popular national TV programme a couple of weeks ago as an energy company want to build a huge dam on this beautiful free flowing river thus creating a lake which would cover acres of native forest and decimate many endangered species <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wwf.org.nz/?4120%2FMokihinui-river-dam-plan-poses-ecological-disaster---WWF">http://www.wwf.org.nz/?4120%2FMokihinui-river-dam-plan-poses-ecological-disaster---WWF</a>.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/12/2429.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/12/s_2429.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had 'afternoon tea' at a pub/cafe in the village. I do not think the staff there serve much more than beer because I was asked if I wanted milk in my 'flat white' coffee!<br />We really did spend the day in the back of beyond.<br />I will finish this long blog with something else I saw today that made me smile. The Ladies and Gents loos at The Last Resort motel were called 'Mangoes' and 'No Mangoes'. Very original I thought.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-59069248476384757302011-04-12T09:32:00.002+01:002011-04-12T09:36:04.475+01:0011th April - Shantytown and lots moreToday we drove further north up the west coast from Hokitika to Westport. It was again a beautiful day weatherise.<br />
Our first stop was Shantytown <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/attractions/sightseeing-and-leisure/theme-and-leisure-parks/west-coast/shantytown/">http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/attractions/sightseeing-and-leisure/theme-and-leisure-parks/west-coast/shantytown/</a>. This replica village really brings to life what conditions were like during the gold rush 150 years ago (minus the picnic tables of course!)<br />
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We had the obligatory ride on the steam train. The locomotive (known as 'Gertie') was built in Bristol in 1877.<br />
From there we drove to Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. These are incredible limestone rock formations, like pancakes stacked on top of each other. At high tide, when there is a stiff breeze<br />
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the seawater spurts up through blowholes. Unfortunately while we were there it was not high tide nor was there a stiff breeze. From there we visited Mitchell's Gully historic gold mine at Charleston. This was a bit of a disappointment after reading a huge write-up in a local tourist newspaper. But it was nonetheless interesting. We followed the track and walked through <br />
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several old tunnels. Terry said 'look out for cave wetas, they are sure to be in here'. Not entirely sure what they were I asked 'what are they and how big are they?'. Her answer somewhat disturbed me and made my quicken my pace 'a sort of grasshopper that would probably span a saucer'. Luckily we didn't see any!<br />
Whilst we were riding on the old steam train at Shantytown earlier in the day the 'guard' told us of a hidden gem in the Paparoa National Park so we duly followed his advice and drove down a narrow gravel road to the Nile River, not exactly sure where we were headed. At the end of the road we were not disappointed. It was stunning - a beautiful river flowing at the base of huge limestone cliffs<br />
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and there seemed to be an entire miniature forest growing atop this island in the river<br />
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After checking into our motel in Westport we drove to Cape Foulwind (as named by Captain Cook, and it was not misnamed as it was very windy there) to the seal colony. But what grabbed our interest was not the seals, but watching birds (we think starlings) swooping and sweeping before settling on the trees on the small offshore Wall Island for the night. It was an amazing sight but difficult to capture on camera, although I did my best<br />
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Following that, we were treated to a lovely sunset.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-47356589457483901262011-04-11T10:29:00.001+01:002011-04-11T10:45:39.361+01:009th - 10th April. Hokitika and Arthur's PassToday, Sunday 10th April, we planned to do a day trip to Arthur's Pass, which crosses the Southern Alps from the west to east. When I saw the day had dawned somewhat cloudy with hidden mountaintops I was somewhat nervous as to driving there. But nonetheless, intrepid travellers that we are, we set off. As we drove further into the Pass the clouds lifted and we ended up with beautiful blue sky and sunshine. Once we left the flat coastal region and started driving in the mountains our surroundings became spectacular. We stopped for a coffee break at the famous old Jackson's Hotel (est. 1863)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/11/230.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/11/s_230.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The Otira viaduct has made what was once a difficult part of the road much safer and easier<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/11/247.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/11/s_247.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and a rock shelter has been built to save the road from falling rocks and debris, together with a diverted waterfall<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/11/248.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/11/s_248.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We spent a little time in Arthur's Pass village, and had every intention of walking one of the short tracks but it was very cold there with a strong icy wind blowing.<br />It was quite a long drive there and back so after we arrived back in Hokitika we went for a walk along the river estuary and beach.<br /><br />Saturday 9th April we drove from Franz Josef to Hokitika, further up the west coast. It was only a shortish drive and we arrived at our destination before midday. It was a spectacular drive with high bush and forest on one side and the most beautiful beaches and offshore rocky islands on the other. <br />During the afternoon we took a drive to the Hokitika Gorge with the swing bridge, allegedly one of the most famous views in New Zealand<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/11/318.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/11/s_318.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The river was amazingly blue due to the mineral content of the glacier fed water, even though the sky was a dismal grey.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-44530218461442323592011-04-08T09:06:00.001+01:002011-04-08T09:09:25.921+01:008th April - Up, Up and AwayWe have been so blessed with the weather on this South Island tour. The West Coast is notoriously wet and, to date, we have hardly seen any rain at all.<br />Today was no different and should have started with a helicopter trip over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, but due to the windy conditions high in the mountains our flight was delayed until 3pm. So that gave us the morning to visit the nearby coastal settlement of Okarito. This, like many others, was a booming gold mining town back in the 19th century, but is now a sleepy village consisting mainly of holiday cottages. It has a beautiful lagoon with many birds, especially white herons, so it is a popular place for nature lovers and walkers. The tide was out when we arrived, but we noticed it coming in with great speed<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/185.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_185.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/176.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_176.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />On the way back to Franz Josef we stopped to do the 30 minute each way Pahiki walk. This was uphill through rainforest to a wonderful purpose built timber lookout platform with views over rainforest to the coast in one direction, and over similar forest to the high mountains in the other.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/177.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_177.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We lunched back in Franz Josef and duly 'checked in' for our 30 minute glacier flight at 2.45pm. It was a staggering experience. We were amazed how quickly we gained height and sped to Fox Glacier. The mountains and surrounding countryside looked magnificent from the helicopter. We landed on the top of Fox Glacier and had 10 minutes or so to walk around and take photos<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/178.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_178.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/179.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_179.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Other photos are on my Picasaweb site <a target="_blank" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/judystevens17/NewZealandFebApril2011#">https://picasaweb.google.com/judystevens17/NewZealandFebApril2011#</a><br />Sometimes we flew quite low and by zooming in with my camera I was able to get some amazing photos of the compacted snow:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/180.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_180.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Fox Glacier:<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/08/181.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/08/s_181.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A truly unforgettable experience.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-28630880054861222562011-04-07T09:21:00.001+01:002011-04-07T09:21:35.486+01:007th AprilAnother glorious day dawned this morning. We left Haast and drove north up the scenic West Coast Highway towards the glaciers. Our first brief stop was at Knight's Viewpoint where there were glorious views over native bush and sea.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/215.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_215.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />One of the joys of this drive, as I remembered from my last visit, is the fantastic mix of bush and sea views.<br />We then drove further north around numerous hairpin bends and up and down hills and had another brief stop at Lake Paringa, so peaceful.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/216.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_216.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We arrived at Fox Glacier about an hour later and drove to the glacier viewpoint. We did not spend long here nor did I take many photos as both Terry and I have vivid memories of our previous visit in 2006. For that visit the weather was totally different - absolutely hosing down with heavy rain. We had booked a half-day walk on the glacier. It was a wonderful experience, walking for ages through warm subtropical rainforest and then onto the freezing cold glacier. For that we had to fix crampons to our boots and were issued with ice picks. We got so wet we were soaked right through to you know where even though we were wearing thick waterproofs and we were completely exhausted at the end of the walk. This photo was taken on Fox Glacier in 2006.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/217.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_217.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Fortunately today was a far better day.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/219.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_219.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After our brief visit we drove half an hour north to Franz Josef where we have found ourselves a nice motel unit for 2 nights. <br />We then visited the Franz Josef Glacier. It was awe- inspiring. We walked for about 15 minutes through rain forest then out onto the moraine deposited by the retreating glacier.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/220.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_220.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It took a further half hour to reach the face of the glacier<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/221.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_221.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There was a large cave at the glacier face and we waited for the huge chunk of ice top left of it to fall but needless to say, it didn't! I expect it has looked like that for years.<br />Finally, here are a couple of photos of the sunset over the mountains behind our motel unit:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/222.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_222.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/07/223.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/07/s_223.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another tremendous day.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-23540151290816964652011-04-06T10:14:00.001+01:002011-04-06T10:25:01.835+01:005th - 6th AprilReluctantly we left our lovely apartment in Wanaka today, Wednesday 6th April, and headed north towards Haast on the West Coast, a World Heritage Area. The disappointment of leaving Wanaka was more than made up for by the journey. It was a stunning drive, past Lake Hawea<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/286.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_286.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and then along the northern shores of Lake Wanaka. With the snow capped mountains the vistas were stunning (Lakes Hawea and Wanaka practically<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/287.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_287.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />meet). It was difficult not to keep stopping to take photographs.<br /><br />We were recommended a walk about half way along our route - The Blue Pools<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/info/The-Blue-Pool-of-Haast-Pass.htm">http://www.aatravel.co.nz/101/info/The-Blue-Pools-of-Haast-Pass.htm</a>. This was a 15 minute or so walk through ancient native bush and forest to the pools, which really are a river. We had to negotiate a shaky bridge on the way<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/288.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_288.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />but it was worth it. A real hidden gem<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/290.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_290.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The trees in the forest were amazing, all sorts of shapes and sizes and were very ancient<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/291.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_291.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/292.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_292.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Leaving there we then entered the Haast Pass. This journey is described as one of the most scenic in New Zealand, and it certainly lived up to that for me. We drove between high bush covered mountains alongside the Haast River which varied from rocky rapids to smooth flowing. Some of the mountains were snow capped which made it all the more magical.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/293.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_293.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />On arrival in the township of Haast, no more than 3 or 4 motels, a store and a cafe (so it seems), we checked into a motel then took a drive to Jackson's Bay. We had no idea where we were going, we just liked the look of the road on the map - a dead end coastal road that ended at Jackson's Bay. It was well worth taking the chance as it was lovely there<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/296.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_296.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />On the way we crossed many bridges with amazing views<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/297.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_297.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and we stopped at a couple of wild and windy beaches on the way back.<br />Another stunning day in this beautiful country.<br /><br />We woke on Tuesday 5th April to another sunny day and we decided to do one of the walks we had discovered in a Wanaka brochure. 'The Outlet Track' runs 2.5km from Lake Wanaka to Albert Town and follows the Clutha River. This mighty river, the longest in New Zealand, starts it's 330km journey here and ends in the Southern Ocean at Balclutha where we were on 27th March. This river also has the reputation of being the swiftest running river in the world.<br />The walk was lovely, with the autumn colours at their best<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/06/298.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/06/s_298.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were hoping, upon arrival in Albert Town, to have lunch and other 'necessary comforts' but we found nothing and were told that there was a pub some distance away. We decided it would be quicker to return to Wanaka, which we did. A most enjoyable and scenic walk.<br />During the afternoon we paid a visit to the 'world famous' Puzzling World. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.puzzlingworld.co.nz/">http://www.puzzlingworld.co.nz/</a><br />We didn't do the maze but spent some time being somewhat gobsmacked by the Illusion Rooms. Very weird and sometimes very funny.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-24575607780197282982011-04-04T22:06:00.001+01:002011-04-04T22:07:06.710+01:004th AprilWe awoke in our lovely Wanaka apartment this morning to discover that snow had fallen on the distant mountain tops overnight and the view from our balcony was stunning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/04/2455.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/04/s_2455.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We spent the morning browsing around this small but pretty town. It was quite cold to start with but we didn't get the forecasted rain as it cleared up and the sun became quite warm.<br />After lunch we went for an exploratory drive around the area and went to what remains of yet another gold mining town, Cardrona. The hotel was established in 1863 and is one of the oldest in New Zealand.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/04/2456.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/04/s_2456.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Cardrona is also a popular ski area and we had hoped to drive up to the ski resort for the views, but unfortunately the road to the top was closed.<br />We then explored the road alongside Lake Wanaka and found a lovely walk around Diamond Lake, quite high in the hills. The autumn colours were lovely.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/04/2457.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/04/s_2457.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After our circular walk we followed the sealed road as far as we could. We knew it would deteriorate into a gravel back country road so we drove as far as we could on the good surface. We were right at the foot of the snow capped mountains and it was very picturesque.<br />A lovely day.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-66743673738935468572011-04-03T06:52:00.001+01:002011-04-03T06:52:03.232+01:002nd - 3rd AprilToday, Sunday 3rd April we left Alexandra and drove to Wanaka. On the way we stopped at the historic little town of Clyde, which is typical of the many old gold mining settlements that sprang up in Central Otago in the nineteenth century.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/02/4167.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/02/s_4167.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and we followed the walking guide in a leaflet we had picked up to see most of the historic buildings.<br />From there we drove to Wanaka. I remembered this town from a previous visit when we only passed through so this time we are staying for a few nights to check out the local area and walks (weather permitting, the forecast is not too good). We have booked into a lovely motel unit with the luxury of 2 bedrooms and washer, dryer and dishwasher! A bit different to some of the previous motels we have stayed in and at no extra cost, which is great.<br /><br />On Saturday 2nd April we left Oamaru and drove to Alexandra, about 200kms. We took the main highway route, not Dansey's Pass which would have been less distance but nothing would have been gained time-wise owing to the narrow gravel road and hairpin bends. Once again we enjoyed stunning scenery as we drove through the mountains, not passing through a single town, just a small village or two. I never cease to be amazed how a small country like New Zealand can have so much beautiful 'nothing'.<br />We did a bit of a detour and stopped for a lunchtime sandwich at the little town of Naseby where gold was discovered in 1863 and within 3 months there were 2000 miners there, all hoping to make their fortune, and thus a town was born. Naseby is described in it's publicity literature as '2000 feet above worry level'!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/02/4168.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/02/s_4168.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/02/4169.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/02/s_4169.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We checked into a motel in Alexandra and went out for a welcome evening walk when we found the 'shaky bridge', and it did shake when we walked across it, and we also saw the 'clock on the hill', just visible in the photo below.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/02/4170.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/02/s_4170.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-71573564155041748782011-04-01T10:10:00.001+01:002011-04-01T10:16:58.682+01:0030th March - 1st AprilWe spent the morning of Friday 1st April strolling around the lovely town of Oamaru. Many of the grand old buildings that are synonymous with Oamaru were built during the 1880s-1890s from brilliant white limestone quarried nearby. Some of these buildings are really impressive. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.visitoamaru.co.nz/?welcome">http://www.visitoamaru.co.nz/?welcome</a><br />The afternoon was spent driving around the local area with Ian as our guide. We drove by the place where some scenes from the recent film 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' were filmed and The Elephant Rocks. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.new-zealand-pictures.co.nz/elephant-rocks-waitaki-valley-north-otago-378-pictures.htm">http://www.new-zealand-pictures.co.nz/elephant-rocks-waitaki-valley-north-otago-378-pictures.htm</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/01/217.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/01/s_217.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We also saw the farm where Ian farmed crops and around 1400 sheep for nearly 30 years.<br />During the evening Terry and I went to the Blue Penguin Colony to see the Little Blue Penguins come home for the night. This is the first time we have seen them out of the water - and they are really small, only 10" high and weigh around 1kilo. They appeared out of the sea and waddled up a ramp to their nesting boxes. A really good thing to see.<br />Tomorrow we head off again. It is Terry's turn at the wheel and the choice is: do we take the easy route along the highway or risk life and limb crossing the Dansey's Pass. The driver's decision ....<br /><br />We left Dunedin on Thursday 31st March to drive to Oamaru, further up the east coast. As often as we could we left the main highway to drive along the side coastal roads. And we are so glad we did - we drove along some stunning roads, some practically on the beach. We saw some beautiful deserted beaches and had wonderful views from the headlands<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/01/223.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/01/s_223.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We stopped at Boulder Beach near Moeraki. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.moerakiboulders.com/">http://www.moerakiboulders.com/</a> These were amazing and some were taller than me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/01/224.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/01/s_224.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lunch was at Fleur's Place, allegedly the most famous eating house in New Zealand often graced with the presence of the rich and famous. It looked like an old shack but the food served there has a worldwide reputation. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fleursplace.com/">http://www.fleursplace.com/</a>. It is really famous for seafood but I couldn't resist trying an old New Zealand dish - mutton bird. This was favoured by the early settlers and called such because it reminded them of mutton. It didn't remind me of that! So you could say I ate a sea bird as it's real name is Sooty Shearwater. It was actually quite nice although a tad tough and stringy. We are staying in Oamaru with Ian Grant. Ian is Heather's father (as in Heather and Mike who we stayed with in Titirangi, near Auckland). Ian has made us very welcome.<br /><br />On Wednesday 30th March our day started fairly early as we were picked up from our motel at 8.40am to be taken to the harbour for a wild life cruise on the 'Monarch' along Otago Harbour to Tairoa Head at the end of the Otago Peninsula. Luckily warm jackets were provided as it turned out to be colder than we expected on the water and they also provided binoculars which was lucky as I forgot to take mine.<br />Apart from seeing 3 types of albatross - the Northern Royal, the White Capped and Bullers, we saw sea lions, lots of New Zealand fur seals,<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/01/226.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/01/s_226.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />many sorts of different seabirds, white faced herons and some Stewart Island shags nesting on the cliffs. Unfortunately most of the shags had left.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/01/229.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/01/s_229.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />But the highlight of the trip was seeing a Royal Penguin. These are usually to be seen about 400kms away from Dunedin on the McQuarrie Islands, and this viewing was only the third for the 'Monarch'. It wasn't at all bothered by our presence as we were able to get very close to it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/01/233.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/01/s_233.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />During the afternoon we had a walk in the Dunedin Botanical Garden. I was surprised to see so many plants at such a low lattitude. There was an amazing aviary there housing many native New Zealand and Australian birds. Many native birds that are bred there are relocated to areas where they used to populate but where numbers had declined.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-54497282167238427902011-03-29T08:15:00.001+01:002011-03-29T08:15:37.525+01:0028th - 29th MarchOn 28th March we left Kaka Point and drove to Dunedin. We followed the Southern Scenic Highway, and the second half of the drive was alongside a beautiful coastline through Taieri Mouth and Brighton.<br />On arrival in Dunedin we decided to head for the Otago Peninsula to try to find a motel with a sea view (we got spoiled by the wonderful view we had at Kaka Point). But we felt the peninsula was too far out of town so we did an about turn and headed back to the city. We found a nice motel, Tourist Court Cottages, and we are in a very modern unit and have great hosts who even do the washing up for us!<br />Today, 29th March we took the trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, a unique half day train journey from Dunedin to Pukerangi and return which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. This scenic journey had been recommended to us by several people and they were not wrong. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/31.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_31.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />It was spectacular. We followed the Taieri River looking down to it in a deep gorge. With the sun shining on it, it was like a silver ribbon deep below us.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/33.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_33.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/34.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_34.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We went over the Wingatui Viaduct, 197m long and 47m high and is one of the largest wrought iron structures in the Southern Hemisphere<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/35.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_35.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On return the lure of a visit to the Dunedin Cadbury World was too great. With the offer of loads of free chocolate we felt we just couldn't miss out. But the visit was disappointing. We were hoping to actually see the chocolate making process in operation but because of strict H&S rules we didn't see anything of the production lines at all, just presentations on various DVD's along the way. But we did leave with a bag full of goodies!<br />Next to Cadbury World was the Chinese Garden. We passed it on the train and it looked lovely. It was:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/36.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_36.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our final visit of the day was to Baldwin Street which, according to The Guinness Book of Records, is the steepest in the world. Terry would not let me drive to the top but made me walk up. Believe me, it was very steep<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/38.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_38.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/29/39.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/29/s_39.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So ends another fabulous day in New Zealand.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-14314584658904164352011-03-27T10:32:00.001+01:002011-03-27T10:32:03.416+01:0026th - 27th MarchThe weather forecast for Stewart Island yesterday, 26th March, was rain so we decided the night before to set an early alarm and go for the 8am ferry back to Bluff. We were originally booked on the 6.30pm ferry but as there is very little to do on the island except outdoor activities, like walking, we thought it best to get back to the mainland and journey onwards. It was a good decision as it was pouring with rain.<br /><br />We collected our luggage and the car from the Backpackers in Bluff and headed off towards The Catlins, a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route in Otago. It was a lousy day, rain and very low cloud hiding the hilltops so we missed out on any spectacular scenery although the drive through the Catlins Coastal Rainforest was lovely. We stopped off at Curio Bay to see the fossil forest which was exposed at low tide. This forest was destroyed by volcanic debris in the Jurassic Period and fossilised tree trunks are clearly visible (obviously not the wooden pole in the foreground!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/27/326.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/27/s_326.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were heading for the town of Balclutha but saw a signpost, just before we reached the town, to Kaka Point so we turned off the main road to see what we could find. And we had no regrets at all as we found a nice motel set up a hill above a beautiful beach. This is the view from the balcony:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/27/347.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/27/s_347.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After we checked in our host showed us on a map where to go to see the rare Yellow Eyed Penguins come ashore at dusk. It was only a short 15-20 minute drive from the motel along the coastal gravel road to Roaring Bay on Nugget Point (visible in above photograph). There was a hide there, and we were lucky enough to see 3 penguins. Two were asleep in the grass just off the beach and one of them was kind enough to stand up to have a stretch and pose for us for 10 minutes or so. Long enough to get a good view through binoculars and to take a zoomed-in photo<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/27/351.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/27/s_351.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A third penguin appeared out of the sea and waddled up the beach<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/27/357.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/27/s_357.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='193' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />How lucky were we?<br /><br />Today, 27th March has been a complete washout. Fog and heavy rain all day. So we took advantage of it and had a 'rest day' after our somewhat hectic time on Stewart Island. We did some laundry and made a brief visit to a supermarket in Balclutha for a few necessities and a visit to a garage to top up with petrol. In this area both supermarkets and petrol stations are in very short supply, so we are ever watchful of the fuel gauge in the car.<br /><br />Tomorrow we are heading up to Dunedin for probably 3 nights.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-46253552753803618302011-03-26T21:29:00.001+00:002011-03-26T21:29:41.384+00:0025th March - Penguins, Albatross and KiwisI am loathe to use the word 'awesome' but today has definitely been an awesome day. We woke up to a glorious morning, wall to wall blue sky and sunshine. The dawn colours were amazing:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2591.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2591.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We were booked to go on the 'Paterson Inlet Cruise' during the afternoon so spent time until then strolling around the Halfmoon Bay area. We walked the short distance to the next little bay called Bathing Bay, and it really did give one the urge to don a cossie and brave the water:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2592.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2592.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We boarded the boat at the wharf at 12.30 and set off across to Ulva Island. On the way over we were lucky enough to see the tiny Little Blue Penguins, which are hardly bigger than your average seabirds, and White-capped Albatross which were really big.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2594.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2594.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ulva Island is the largest of several islands in the Paterson Inlet and is a place where native plants and birds can live in a safe environment.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2598.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2598.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We had a walk, led by a nature guide, through the pristine native bush where we saw many interesting birds including the Stewart Island robin, the New Zealand wood pigeon, kakas, and a rare viewing of a saddleback. (This pic is the best I could do I'm afraid).<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2601.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2601.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2612.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2612.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We then cruised the Inlet and were able to see lovely little deserted beaches and coves only accessible by sea. A very interesting afternoon.<br /><br />During the morning we heard of a night time cruise to another part of the island for kiwi spotting. We went to the Information Centre to book it but were told the trip depended on numbers - a minimum of 5 were needed and, at that time we were the only two who had confirmed although there were another two who could be interested. We were asked to return at 6.15 to see if the trip was on or not. So we were on tenderhooks all day waiting to find out. Seeing a kiwi in it's natural surroundings was something I really wanted to do. Anyway, the gods were with us as the other two confirmed and the skipper said that as we had been patient enough to wait all day he would go with just 4 people.<br />So we set off from the wharf at 8pm and motored at speed for about half an hour to where the the kiwis are usually seen. By the time we got there it was completely dark and we set off with a torch each, following a guide through the bush. Never was I so pleased that there are no snakes in New Zealand! We couldn't see a thing except the pool of light from the torches guiding our way along the rough path. After about half an hour's walk we came to Ocean Beach where the kiwis come out of the bush at night to feed on sand hoppers. And ..... we saw FOUR! Well, it may have been three as we saw a male (which is smaller and has a shorter beak than the female), a chick and two females but it could be that we saw the same female twice. It was such a thrill to see these rare and elusive native New Zealand flightless birds. That trip was almost worth coming to New Zealand for even if I didn't see or do anything else! We walked the length of the beach and back being plagued by millions of sand flies and sand hoppers and it also started to rain slightly, but that didn't matter at all!<br />Unfortunately I couldn't take any photos as only the guide's torch was used so as not to frighten them away, and it was too dark for photography. Believe me, I did try - on just about every camera setting I had - but ended up with about 25 plain black photos!<br />Finally, here is a photo of the sunset we experienced on the way to the kiwi beach. A glorious ending to a glorious day.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/26/2621.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/26/s_2621.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-15726695627285770402011-03-24T09:17:00.004+00:002011-03-24T09:22:44.027+00:0023rd - 24th March. Stewart Island.Someone recently said, and I can't remember who, that Stewart Island must look just the same today as New Zealand did when Captain Cook discovered it in the 1770's. That I entirely agree with. It is New Zealand nature in the raw. An amazing place.<br />
Yesterday, Wednesday 23rd we drove from Arrowtown to Bluff. About 220kms. The first part of the journey was very scenic, down the length of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston. The remainder was mainly farmland and we passed through very few villages or towns. We did stop in a small town called Lumsden for coffee, then a break in Winton. We had lunch in Invercargill which seems a very nice place and we may well take a further look around there when we leave here. We arrived in Bluff and found our accommodation. I will not say 'hotel' or 'motel' because it wasn't. It was a very basic Backpackers Hostel. I think adequate describes it. But at least we had a bed for the night. <br />
Bluff seems to be the 'be all and end all' of everywhere. A totally non-descript town which seems to have nothing going for it at all except to be a port and the terminal for the Stewart Island Ferry. There are a few interesting facts about Bluff, one being it was the place where Europeans first settled in New Zealand, and another is that it is the closest port to Australia. Not a lot of people know that! It was lovely at Stirling Point - the very beginning of Highway 1 which goes all the way up to the northernmost Cape Reinga in North Island.<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/24/330.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/24/s_330.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Today, 24th March we caught the 9.30 ferry to Stewart Island. We carried only a small bag each as we were able to leave our suitcases safely (we hope) at the Backpackers. We were able to leave the car there too.<br />
The ferry crossing took an hour and we arrived at this little paradise on earth. After settling into our hotel, right on the seafront of Horseshoe Bay<br />
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we met an Australian guy who told us of a 2 hour walk he had just returned from. It sounded good to us so we decided to do it too. It was a glorious walk along a coastal path through native bush. It was quite spectacular. The sun shone and the sky and sea were deep blue. The Oz man said 'there are a few steps'. I must find out the Oz definition of 'few' - there were ruddy hundreds, both up and down! We were quite exhausted at the end but both agree it was a walk well worth taking.<br />
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We had pre-booked a guided walk for the evening, and went along to the meeting point at 6pm with some trepidation as to what we had let ourselves in for, especially after such a long walk, probably 6 or 7 kilometres up and down hill (with hundreds of steps) this afternoon. The evening walk turned out to be about 5 kilometres led by a very likeable and knowledgeable nature guide who went to great lengths telling us about the native trees and plants of New Zealand and the conservation and replanting efforts here on Stewart Island. We were so interested in listening to him that we forgot how tired we were.<br />
All in all a beautiful day. Helped no doubt by the glorious weather.<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadJudyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8327409552506025101.post-22351837938375461162011-03-22T06:50:00.001+00:002011-03-22T06:50:30.959+00:0022nd March - ArrowtownTerry and I have spent the day in and around Arrowtown. We both agree that this is probably the prettiest town we have seen in New Zealand - and Terry is a born and bred Kiwi!<br />After a slow start we wandered into the town, looking at the lovely houses and gardens and then browsed the shops for a bit. Many of the houses in the old town area are original old settlers houses, beautifully cared for<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3864.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3864.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and the little old settler's cottages equally so.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3865.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3865.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The main street seems as though it has hardly changed since it was built in the late 1800's.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3866.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3866.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In 2009 Terry and I visited Alaska and this town reminds us of Skagway - built in roughly the same era, both gold mining towns and both surrounded by mountains.<br />We bought ourselves a picnic lunch and sat by the Arrow River to eat it and <br />afterwards we took a long walk along the river, very pretty.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3867.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3867.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />After a brief sojourn at our motel<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3868.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3868.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />for a much needed cup of tea we drove a short distance up a nearby high hill (small mountain?) to a viewing point. This photo shows the road we drove up. Luckily it was Terry's turn at the wheel<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3869.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3869.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and this final photo shows a lovely view towards Lake Hayes with a deer farm in the foreground.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/21/3870.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/21/s_3870.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All in all, a very pleasant day in this beautiful little town.<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11585377972615781103noreply@blogger.com0