Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Drive to Christchurch
Drive to Christchurch - 4 hours (from Franz J – 5 hours – all day via Great Alpine Hwy)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Milford Track
Milford Track 12/22 to 12/25
Happy Birthday Lucy!!!!
Merry Christmas to all!!!!
drive to Queenstown
Happy Birthday Lucy!!!!
Merry Christmas to all!!!!
drive to Queenstown
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Dunedin toward Invercargill
Dunedin toward Invercargill (tour Catlins) Curio Bay, McLean falls, Castle rock
Friday, December 18, 2009
Christchurch to Dunedin
Christchurch to Dunedin (5 hours) –Moeraki Boulders? tour Dunedin/Otago Peninsula (Penguin Place – 5:15 pm; 45 min from Dunedin; also visit Royal Albatross Center?) –
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Car Ferry to Auckland
Today we say farewell to Waiheke Island. We'll leave our luggage at Gayleen's place and start our final NZ tour.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Today We Packed and Cleaned the House
Ate what was in the fridge.
Drank the beer and wine.
Tomorrow we move out.
Drank the beer and wine.
Tomorrow we move out.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Kids Finished with school
Benjamin and Emily left school today and so we start packing and cleaning.
The car auction closed, a couple from France will phone about arrangements.
From the awards program, sort of ...
Christmas on Waiheke
Ferries toot, are you listening?
At Palm Beach, the waves are glistening
Our barbeque feast, ready to eat
Christmas on Waiheke Wonderland
...
At Oneroa we can play some beach sports
Tag, volleyball or touch
Pohutukawa branches give us some shade
Christmas on our island is too much!
Later on, we'll perspire
Who the heck, made a fire?
Family's in sight, we're happy tonight
Christmas on our island wonderland
Cheers,
Terry
The car auction closed, a couple from France will phone about arrangements.
From the awards program, sort of ...
Christmas on Waiheke
Ferries toot, are you listening?
At Palm Beach, the waves are glistening
Our barbeque feast, ready to eat
Christmas on Waiheke Wonderland
...
At Oneroa we can play some beach sports
Tag, volleyball or touch
Pohutukawa branches give us some shade
Christmas on our island is too much!
Later on, we'll perspire
Who the heck, made a fire?
Family's in sight, we're happy tonight
Christmas on our island wonderland
Cheers,
Terry
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Last Ferry to Auckland
We did this today! All the blog posts are up!
We took our last family trip to Auckland today. I'll go in twice more to backup my data and close out my office at Uni. Lucy, Emily, and Benjamin will not go back again.
My Delaware shirt lead a former Pennsylvannian to chat with us and offer to take our photo as the ferry passed Rangitoto.
We had a lovely day for this last family visit.
We went to Kelly Tarleton's undersea world too.
For 9 photos and 1 video, click here.
Missed/Not Missed
Lucy shot these photos to show things we will and won't miss from our visit here.
Not missed item: single sink kitchens with non-mixing hot and cold spigots.
See more here.
Not missed item: single sink kitchens with non-mixing hot and cold spigots.
See more here.
Strong Current, Large Waves, Unstable Cliffs, Submerged Rocks, Swim between Markers, Almost Certain Death, Enjoy Your Beach
We had to take the car over to North Island and drive to Piha Beach, the famous black sand beach.
Earlier that week we watched the local reality show: Piha Beach Rescue.
They rescue people early and often. When we got there, we could see why. The surf was the roughest we've ever seen. We didn't bring our suits.
The sand was strange; like walking on talcum powder. No discomfort or grinding feeling as we walked barefoot. Even with our shoes and socks on with sand stuck to our feet, no discomfort.
See 23 photos here.
Thanksgiving--New Zealand Style
Two photos here
We passed on the NZ$55 Turkey--the size of a big chicken--and skipped any Thanksgiving feast. With the summery weather we weren't in the mood.
The kids were in school and I worked from the house.
Lucy talked me into walking to the beach and getting in the water. I waded, she went swimming.
P.S. They get large, affordable Turkeys here for Christmas feast. We'll be on the road then, so we'll skip that too.
Cheers.
We passed on the NZ$55 Turkey--the size of a big chicken--and skipped any Thanksgiving feast. With the summery weather we weren't in the mood.
The kids were in school and I worked from the house.
Lucy talked me into walking to the beach and getting in the water. I waded, she went swimming.
P.S. They get large, affordable Turkeys here for Christmas feast. We'll be on the road then, so we'll skip that too.
Cheers.
Rangitoto Island
We stood on this lava flow, but not for long. The sun heats the rough black rock and makes the island a hot place to tramp. Take a lot of water.
We visited the 500-700 year old island for a hiking day.
16 photos here
Sky Tower
My office at Uni is visible in this photo.
We made the trip to Auckland and made it to Sky Tower.
This set has 15 photos and 1 video that shows someone jumping off the tower in the controlled fall ride. None of us wanted to ride outside of the elevator, so we took a break in the cafe and returned by the conventional method.
Click Here.
Waiheke Walk
Four photos here.
We took an on-island walk on a self guided tour of the plant life on Waiheke Island.
We took an on-island walk on a self guided tour of the plant life on Waiheke Island.
Comics Convention 25 October
Route 66 is popular here. The Kiwis are keen on motorsports and love the idea of driving at high speeds on straight roads that roll before them for days. Yea, like Texas. I've met a few folks who tell me they are saving to travel to the US and drive a car or a Harley from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier over as much of Route 66 as they can find. I suggested they make sure to stop at Ted Drewes for frozen custard. I got this photo through the bus window as we rode back from the ASB Showgrounds. The advert print on the bus window made an interesting effect on the shot. We were on the bus because ...
We took the kids to Armageddon 2009, the comic/anime/gamining convention that runs in Australia and New Zealand in a continuing cycle.
Benjamin and Emily met the voice actors behind Avatar--The Last Airbender, and yes, Benjamin got a large image signed by the voice of the Master Chief from the Halo video game series.
For a three photos, click here.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Labour Weekend 24-26 October
topnews.in
Waiheke Island sprang to life like never before--during our stay, at least.
The bays filled with sailboats and power boats.
The roads were crowded with vehicles, and the ferrys with passengers.
We heard groups of folks walking past our living room window as they
dragged their wheelie-bags up the serpentine road to the rental units
above us.
The police wanted to keep the Labour Weekend death toll down and they
were out in force.
I was breathalyzed twice. Luckily the first time was early enough that
I had nothing to drink--it was before lunch time--and that convinced
me to avoid drinking at dinner. We were going to see In The Loop at
the community cinema.
That was a good idea, I was checked on the way to the cinema.
The police ask the driver to say "one, two, three, four, five" into a
non-contact device. Both times my result was 'no alcohol.'
Despite their efforts, the weekend death toll was up 50% from 2008.
Although the weekend is Friday to Monday, they include deaths that
occur up to 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the count.
In 2008 four persons died in accidents during Labour Weekend. This
year six persons died.
Home Again -- 10 October -- Saturday
We returned home with a side visit to the Manukau market.
We bought fresh-steamed and frozen Tasty Pork Buns and stall-shopped.
The car ferry took us back to Waiheke Island.
We have a lovely Sunday before returning to work and school.
In two weekends the country celebrated Labour Weekend.
Just like our Labor Day Weekend, people travel about during the
three-day weekend.
We stayed on Waikehe. We went to a movie at the community cinema, but
otherwise took it easy.
Cheers.
Still Heading North -- 9 October
We passed the Super Loo, and visited the dam that controls water supplied to the hydroelectric generators along the Waikato River.
In Rotarua, we stopped to visit with live kiwi--the birds--and took a tour through Rainbow Springs.
The next morning we returned to Auckland.
Click here for 7 photos .
In Rotarua, we stopped to visit with live kiwi--the birds--and took a tour through Rainbow Springs.
The next morning we returned to Auckland.
Click here for 7 photos .
On the Way Home--8 October 2009
We've almost covered the two week excursion with these posts. I'll bet that we'll need the first six months in 2010 to post what we will do in December before hopping the flight home.
Our drive north took us past Mt. Ruapehu.
A great photo of the volcano is here.
The area was covered with fresh snow. When the southerlies hit us hard on South Island, the winds deflected eastward hit North Island hard. Over 700 autos were snowed in for the night on a high pass. We changed our plans and went to Taupo through a road that hadn't closed.
After a night in a family suite, we visited Huka Falls, a dam that controls the hydroelectric power system by adjusting the water flow to power demand, and the honey store. www.honeyhivetaupo.com
After some honey ice cream, we were on our way again.
Click here for 6 photos and 1 video.
Our drive north took us past Mt. Ruapehu.
A great photo of the volcano is here.
The area was covered with fresh snow. When the southerlies hit us hard on South Island, the winds deflected eastward hit North Island hard. Over 700 autos were snowed in for the night on a high pass. We changed our plans and went to Taupo through a road that hadn't closed.
After a night in a family suite, we visited Huka Falls, a dam that controls the hydroelectric power system by adjusting the water flow to power demand, and the honey store. www.honeyhivetaupo.com
After some honey ice cream, we were on our way again.
Click here for 6 photos and 1 video.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Riding the Waves Ye Ha!
I think the kids at the window have done this before.
It was nice that someone enjoyed the sea.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Interislander, Moderate Seas, and all the Ice Cubes You Want at No Charge!
A brief walk about the church grounds, a lovely breakfast, and we were driving to Picton.
We took the scenic track and stopped to photograph the view through the sounds.
As we took the final descent into Picton, we saw a mother duck trying to get her ducklings to the water. They had to cross the road! As they ducked--what else?--several cars while we watched, we jumped in the car and drove off before we had to see something tragic.
We boarded the ferry and notice a strong smell--Lucy found out there were several cattle cars on board.
Terry wondered if cattle get seasick.
The sign at the ferry lot said that seas were 'moderate.' They had been 'smooth' for our last trip. The first hour was fine, we were in the sound. We ate and drank. Benajmin and Emily got tickets to Night at the Museum II. We got window seats at the front of deck 7. As we left the sound, and saw the rough seas ahead, the crew announce that deck 10 was closed. No one was allowed outside up there. We didn't get seasick, but lots of other folks did. "Don't go out on the side deck" one husband told his wife and kids, "everyone out there is sick." The crew ran about passing out cups of ice and trying to keep the toilets working.
After 45 minutes, the ship moved closer to North Island and calmer seas. We drove off and headed north. We were land sick again and looking forward to a good night's sleep on land.
Click here for 13 photos.
We took the scenic track and stopped to photograph the view through the sounds.
As we took the final descent into Picton, we saw a mother duck trying to get her ducklings to the water. They had to cross the road! As they ducked--what else?--several cars while we watched, we jumped in the car and drove off before we had to see something tragic.
We boarded the ferry and notice a strong smell--Lucy found out there were several cattle cars on board.
Terry wondered if cattle get seasick.
The sign at the ferry lot said that seas were 'moderate.' They had been 'smooth' for our last trip. The first hour was fine, we were in the sound. We ate and drank. Benajmin and Emily got tickets to Night at the Museum II. We got window seats at the front of deck 7. As we left the sound, and saw the rough seas ahead, the crew announce that deck 10 was closed. No one was allowed outside up there. We didn't get seasick, but lots of other folks did. "Don't go out on the side deck" one husband told his wife and kids, "everyone out there is sick." The crew ran about passing out cups of ice and trying to keep the toilets working.
After 45 minutes, the ship moved closer to North Island and calmer seas. We drove off and headed north. We were land sick again and looking forward to a good night's sleep on land.
Click here for 13 photos.
Night 6, "Do you mean THE College Station?"
We checked into the lovely backpackers and took a walk around the neighborhood.
We went up the main hill to see the church--it was a rainy day when we were there before.
We walked about and found a brew pub for supper. We were exhausted and our land sickness was hitting hard. The tables and chairs wouldn't stop moving. Our drive had added to the feeling. Benjamin couldn't finish his dinner.
We didn't know that we could pay at the bar at any time--each place is a bit different. We chatted with the waitress, who is from the U.K.
Finally, Lucy took the kids to the backpackers while I settled the bill.
The co-owner brought me the check and explained that usually customers just pay at the bar. He was concerned that we were upset--I told him that the kids were just tired.
He and I had a great chat about how much we like NZ. He's from the U.K. and is happy to be here. We talked about the youngsters not appreciating how nice NZ is.
As he handed me the receipt, he asked "So where are you from?"
Usually, I just say 'from the U.S.' or 'from Texas.'
This time I said "College Station, Texas."
He pulled the recipt back. "Where?" He looked stunned.
"College Station, Texas" I said again, a bit louder.
"THE College Station, Texas???" he asked, incredulous.
He shook my hand hard and broke into a great smile.
"I've meet someone from College Station, Texas! Oh my! Where Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett wrote the porch song! I'm a great Robert Earl Keen fan and I like Lovett too. My goodness, this is great."
So we had a long chat about B/CS and he made me promise to become a friend on his Facebook page for the bar. I did.
I went back to room. We slept off our land sickness, but we had to take the Interislander back to North Island.
Click for the Nelson Jazz Club
We went up the main hill to see the church--it was a rainy day when we were there before.
We walked about and found a brew pub for supper. We were exhausted and our land sickness was hitting hard. The tables and chairs wouldn't stop moving. Our drive had added to the feeling. Benjamin couldn't finish his dinner.
We didn't know that we could pay at the bar at any time--each place is a bit different. We chatted with the waitress, who is from the U.K.
Finally, Lucy took the kids to the backpackers while I settled the bill.
The co-owner brought me the check and explained that usually customers just pay at the bar. He was concerned that we were upset--I told him that the kids were just tired.
He and I had a great chat about how much we like NZ. He's from the U.K. and is happy to be here. We talked about the youngsters not appreciating how nice NZ is.
As he handed me the receipt, he asked "So where are you from?"
Usually, I just say 'from the U.S.' or 'from Texas.'
This time I said "College Station, Texas."
He pulled the recipt back. "Where?" He looked stunned.
"College Station, Texas" I said again, a bit louder.
"THE College Station, Texas???" he asked, incredulous.
He shook my hand hard and broke into a great smile.
"I've meet someone from College Station, Texas! Oh my! Where Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett wrote the porch song! I'm a great Robert Earl Keen fan and I like Lovett too. My goodness, this is great."
So we had a long chat about B/CS and he made me promise to become a friend on his Facebook page for the bar. I did.
I went back to room. We slept off our land sickness, but we had to take the Interislander back to North Island.
Click for the Nelson Jazz Club
Day 6, We Return to Nelson
The water taxi arrived and we piled in with the other riders. The crew loaded the kayaks and away we went. Farewell, Able Tasman! The taxi returned us to Marahau, where our car was parked for the week.
The tide was out and the beach was huge. Just as I was wondering how far we'd have to walk to reach the seawall, the water taxi lurched and its engine stopped.
We heard a wench running, then, a tractor throttled up and we went on. They drove the full water taxi right up onto a trailer and a tractor was pulling us along the sand.
We were back! (You can see another boat/trailer/tractor behind us to our left.)
We were wet. The wind was strong and cold.
The car was in direct sun--nice and warm.
We drove to Nelson. We didn't know that we were landsick. The up/down/left/right driving felt natural after spending 26 hours on water. It would hit us in the restaurant.
Click here for 4 photos.
The tide was out and the beach was huge. Just as I was wondering how far we'd have to walk to reach the seawall, the water taxi lurched and its engine stopped.
We heard a wench running, then, a tractor throttled up and we went on. They drove the full water taxi right up onto a trailer and a tractor was pulling us along the sand.
We were back! (You can see another boat/trailer/tractor behind us to our left.)
We were wet. The wind was strong and cold.
The car was in direct sun--nice and warm.
We drove to Nelson. We didn't know that we were landsick. The up/down/left/right driving felt natural after spending 26 hours on water. It would hit us in the restaurant.
Click here for 4 photos.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Day 6, We Worship Kayaking Beelzebub; Otto Returns
The water taxi took us along the red path in this photo:
We paddled back to Anchorage Bay for our water taxi back to civilization.
We had a great lunch on the beach--fresh made coffee!--and spent some time sailing the kayaks. The sailing path appears in yellow.
Our instructor, Steve, had us put the kayaks together as a raft. Ben and I had a kayak at the right end and another fellow and his friend had the kayak at the left. Lucy and Emily's kayak was in the middle and their job was to hold the raft together.
Steve tied a tarp to two paddles and the other kayaker and Terry held the paddles up while Benjamin and another kayaker held the front of the tarp down. The strong north wind drove us along and saved us a lot of paddling. We were able to return to Anchorage. Without the sailing we would have stopped short and waited for the water taxi farther north.
Then, while we waited for the water taxi, we started chatting with the German fellow who was in the 3rd kayak. "Yes, I was on Waiheke Island a few weeks ago. It is beautiful. I walked all the way from Matiatia to Stoney Batter."
"You walked," Lucy exclaimed, "my, how did you get back?"
"Well an American family picked me up" he said and then took a good look at us. "You picked me up!"
Yes, we found Otto the backpacker again and spent a day kayaking with him. He was alone at Stoney Batter but had managed to meet a woman who was now traveling around New Zealand with him.
We had to get a group photo for the blog.
Click here for 24 photos.
Night 5, The Backpackers Hotel Boat
When the water taxi collected us, we had finished walking for 33.0 miles. We have 47 total backpacking miles since we got here.
The backpackers hostel was a great change with supper and breakfast provided.
http://www.aquapackers.co.nz/index.php
After breakfast on day 6, our water taxi came to take us kayaking.
Click here for 6 photos.
The backpackers hostel was a great change with supper and breakfast provided.
http://www.aquapackers.co.nz/index.php
After breakfast on day 6, our water taxi came to take us kayaking.
Click here for 6 photos.
Day 5, Backtrack from Whariwharangi to Totaranui 7.5 km / 4.6 miles
There were more groups at the last hut than at Awaroa; however, the place still felt empty.
The German fellow we saw at earlier huts rejoined us. He had crossed the Awaroa inlet at 4 p.m. and stayed in a tent rather than rise at 3:30 a.m. like we had done.
Emily and I had started a fire--the posted instructions helped--but it looked like it would die. The German fellow opened the firebox and spray some of his cooking fuel over the wood. After that, the fire was hot enough to dry and ignite any wood that we added.
An American woman arrived very late--as we were going to sleep--and she had traveled from Bark Bay to Whariwharangi in a single day. Yikes! She was tall, a fast walker, and had a light pack.
We had to get to Totaranui by 3:15 p.m. and meet our water taxi. We wanted to see Separation Point and look for seals. We had to get going.
We started with the red path until we reached the green path to the point. The blue path brought us back to the red trail. We only had to go 1/2 way.
The Water Taxi made several stops; they picked up an Aggie couple!
Click here for 29 photos.
The German fellow we saw at earlier huts rejoined us. He had crossed the Awaroa inlet at 4 p.m. and stayed in a tent rather than rise at 3:30 a.m. like we had done.
Emily and I had started a fire--the posted instructions helped--but it looked like it would die. The German fellow opened the firebox and spray some of his cooking fuel over the wood. After that, the fire was hot enough to dry and ignite any wood that we added.
An American woman arrived very late--as we were going to sleep--and she had traveled from Bark Bay to Whariwharangi in a single day. Yikes! She was tall, a fast walker, and had a light pack.
We had to get to Totaranui by 3:15 p.m. and meet our water taxi. We wanted to see Separation Point and look for seals. We had to get going.
We started with the red path until we reached the green path to the point. The blue path brought us back to the red trail. We only had to go 1/2 way.
The Water Taxi made several stops; they picked up an Aggie couple!
Click here for 29 photos.
Whariwharangi Hut -- 10 Commandments of Tramping
Among the items kept in the Whariwharangi Hut--chess set, playing cards--we found a report book from the UoA Tramping club.
The end of the line was the perfect place to find these commandments:
1. Thou shalt not wear matching polypropylene outfits.
2. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors trail mix.
3. Thou shalt eat, drink, walk, and be merry.
4. Thou shalt dance a jig at all important occasions.
5. Thou shalt walk straight through the mud and not pussy-foot around it like a sissy little girl; what doest thou think the tramping boots are for anyway?
6. Thou shalt not soil the river.
7. Thou shalt not clean thy teeth nor shalt thou brush thy hair on a tramp.
8. Thou shalt not disrespect, abuse, or waste zip-loc bags.
9. Thou shalt not snore.
10. Thou shalt not worship false idols--for example, Canoeing Satan, or Kayaking Beelzebub.
The end of the line was the perfect place to find these commandments:
1. Thou shalt not wear matching polypropylene outfits.
2. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors trail mix.
3. Thou shalt eat, drink, walk, and be merry.
4. Thou shalt dance a jig at all important occasions.
5. Thou shalt walk straight through the mud and not pussy-foot around it like a sissy little girl; what doest thou think the tramping boots are for anyway?
6. Thou shalt not soil the river.
7. Thou shalt not clean thy teeth nor shalt thou brush thy hair on a tramp.
8. Thou shalt not disrespect, abuse, or waste zip-loc bags.
9. Thou shalt not snore.
10. Thou shalt not worship false idols--for example, Canoeing Satan, or Kayaking Beelzebub.
Day 4, Awaroa to Whariwharengi 13 km / 8.1 miles
Click here for 19 photos.
If we crossed Awaroa Estuary at 4 p.m., we would face a 5 to 7 hour walk to our last hut. If we crossed at 4 a.m., we could take our time and rest during the walk.
We set our alarms to 3:30 a.m.
We packed as much as we could before going to bed and made quick work of setting out.
Breakfast would wait until daylight. We'd have our trail mix until then, and walking the trail would keep us warm.
We had one LED flashlight, one cell phone with an LED flashlight, and two regular flashlights. We started crossing at 4:20 a.m. and we were changing into dry shoes and socks by 4:40 a.m.
Lucy had set the heading on her compass before it was too dark for us to see the sign on the other sign. We followed the heading and walked right to the trailhead on the other side.
We left the hut at 4:20 a.m. and followed the compass on a 300 degree heading.
The read trail shows our long walk to the last hut. We stopped at the lookout before Totaranui and ate.
We skipped Separation Point, we would got there on our shorter journey back to Totaranui on our last hiking day.
If we crossed Awaroa Estuary at 4 p.m., we would face a 5 to 7 hour walk to our last hut. If we crossed at 4 a.m., we could take our time and rest during the walk.
We set our alarms to 3:30 a.m.
We packed as much as we could before going to bed and made quick work of setting out.
Breakfast would wait until daylight. We'd have our trail mix until then, and walking the trail would keep us warm.
We had one LED flashlight, one cell phone with an LED flashlight, and two regular flashlights. We started crossing at 4:20 a.m. and we were changing into dry shoes and socks by 4:40 a.m.
Lucy had set the heading on her compass before it was too dark for us to see the sign on the other sign. We followed the heading and walked right to the trailhead on the other side.
We left the hut at 4:20 a.m. and followed the compass on a 300 degree heading.
The read trail shows our long walk to the last hut. We stopped at the lookout before Totaranui and ate.
We skipped Separation Point, we would got there on our shorter journey back to Totaranui on our last hiking day.
Day 3 & Night 3, Bark Bay to Awaroa Hut
Day 3 went well. We had another lovely walk, a stop at a cafe--yes--for desserts and beer, and a final walk through intense cold winds to the Awaroa Hut.
The wind was a surprise. Terry wondered how often the area was like this. At our final hut we would meet some trampers who told us that those were southerly winds from the antarctic. The mountains were shielding us from their full fury. Things were bad on south and north islands. Over 700 cars were stranded in unexpected snow on North Island between Napier and Taupo--we had tentative plans to visit both places on our way back to Waiheke Island.
Luckily we only walked against the cold air for 30 minutes and then we were at the cabin. We were alone and couldn't figure out the settings on the wood burning stove. Some Canadian girls saved us. Back home, they survive with nightly wood stove fires and got the kitchen warm.
Click here for 16 photos, 1 intense wind video.
The wind was a surprise. Terry wondered how often the area was like this. At our final hut we would meet some trampers who told us that those were southerly winds from the antarctic. The mountains were shielding us from their full fury. Things were bad on south and north islands. Over 700 cars were stranded in unexpected snow on North Island between Napier and Taupo--we had tentative plans to visit both places on our way back to Waiheke Island.
Luckily we only walked against the cold air for 30 minutes and then we were at the cabin. We were alone and couldn't figure out the settings on the wood burning stove. Some Canadian girls saved us. Back home, they survive with nightly wood stove fires and got the kitchen warm.
Click here for 16 photos, 1 intense wind video.
Day 3, Bark Bay to Awaroa 11.5 km / 7.1 miles
The red line shows our path to the Awaroa Hut. You can see the large tidal plain to the north. Trampers must cross this plain within 2 hours of low tide. After that, the currents and depths are too great for walking.
The first tidal crossing comes from a small estuary. We walked along the beach and then turned inland at the north.
We hoped to reach the lodge before 2 p.m. The cafe has cool treats--not a bad way to spend some time 1/2 way through the walk.
After the lounge, we walked along a grass-strip airfield that took us back to the sands of the Awaroa Estuary.
This shows the estuary near low tide. Trampers cross midway between the coast and the southern end.
This image shows the estuary at high tide. No one can cross.
Night 2, Bark Bay Hut
Click here for 4 photos, 1 incoming tide video.
Benjamin standing in the bay as the tide rushes in.
Click here for 4 photos, 1 incoming tide video.
Benjamin standing in the bay as the tide rushes in.
Click here for 4 photos, 1 incoming tide video.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Day 2, Anchorage to Bark Bay, 8.7 km / 5.4 miles
Click here for 32 photos.
After breakfast, we packed up and moved on to Bark Bay.
Our path took us past Cleopatra's Pool and a spur track with two waterfalls; we skipped the waterfalls, but we did take the short spur to Cleo's Pool.
Some huts had these wonderful 3D charts showing the path over the hills.
Lucy noted that the bridge of doom can hold 5 persons and there were five persons there. "So let's go!" Terry suggested that we should wait until the two folks ahead of us got across. In case someone blunders up, misses the sign, and starts crossing.
The track (yellow line) brought to Bark Bay Hut (red arrow) for our second night. In this image the bay is between high and low tide. We arrived at low tide, claimed four bunks in a six-bunk room, and walked across the soggy sand to sit on the beach and watch the sea (red circle.)
Click here for 32 photos.
After breakfast, we packed up and moved on to Bark Bay.
Our path took us past Cleopatra's Pool and a spur track with two waterfalls; we skipped the waterfalls, but we did take the short spur to Cleo's Pool.
Some huts had these wonderful 3D charts showing the path over the hills.
Lucy noted that the bridge of doom can hold 5 persons and there were five persons there. "So let's go!" Terry suggested that we should wait until the two folks ahead of us got across. In case someone blunders up, misses the sign, and starts crossing.
The track (yellow line) brought to Bark Bay Hut (red arrow) for our second night. In this image the bay is between high and low tide. We arrived at low tide, claimed four bunks in a six-bunk room, and walked across the soggy sand to sit on the beach and watch the sea (red circle.)
Click here for 32 photos.
Night 1, Anchorage Hut
The Anchorage Hut is in the trees--I could not get a satellite image.
We shared the sleeping room with some women who are in their 60s and 70s.
The started in the north and were headed south. They gave us some good advice about the next cabin and the path ahead of us.
We shared the sleeping room with some women who are in their 60s and 70s.
The started in the north and were headed south. They gave us some good advice about the next cabin and the path ahead of us.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Day 1, 1 October--Marahau to Anchorage 12.4 km / 7.7 miles
This map shows our drive from Picton to Nelson, and then on to Marahau.
We spent one night at a wonderful backpacker's hotel--Accents on the Park--in Nelson.
Click to visit Accents on the Park.
The Accents web page shows our room:
We had the upper room shown in the photo.
We had a big breakfast in town and drove to the Marahau offices for the water taxi and kayaking companies.
Then, we started walking.
The red trace show the approximate path to Anchorage.
Click here for 20 photos.
We spent one night at a wonderful backpacker's hotel--Accents on the Park--in Nelson.
Click to visit Accents on the Park.
The Accents web page shows our room:
We had the upper room shown in the photo.
We had a big breakfast in town and drove to the Marahau offices for the water taxi and kayaking companies.
Then, we started walking.
The red trace show the approximate path to Anchorage.
Click here for 20 photos.
30 September--The Interislander Ferry and the Samoan Earthquake
We had a 7:30 a.m. sailing from Wellington to Picton. We agreed to get by on water and granola bars until we could breakfast on the ferry. The trip is about three hours long.
You can view movies of the sailings at the Interislander site. Click here.
My cellphone alarm rang and we got moving. We dressed quickly and dashed to the lobby to check out. We didn't have time to look at television or listen to the radio.
When we arrived, we saw a sign stating that the seas were calm today. Good news.
We got our ferry ticket and joined the line in lane 1. In a short time we were driving onto the Interislander ferry Kaitaki. Once our car was boxed-in by other cars, we got out and walked to the passenger stairs and started exploring the ship. Ten decks, two cinemas, two dining areas, multiple rooms with reclining seats, one bar. This was the biggest ship that we've ever been on.
Once the ship pulled back from the dock, the captain spoke over the intercom. "For those who do not know, there was an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off Samoa one hour ago. We are under a tsunami warning with the potential tsunami arriving just as we are scheduled to enter the Marlborough Sound. We are safer away from land, so we are going forward." His Swedish accent was comforting at least.
We bought breakfast in the dining hall. We wanted to finish eating before we left the calm waters in the bay and hit any rough water in the open sea.
Star Trek was showing in one cinema; we sent Benjamin to see it while Lucy and Terry found three chairs together in a reclining lounge room. Emily went to the dining hall and drew. Lucy and Terry watched the reports coming from Samoa and the rest of New Zealand as government agencies and companies prepared for the tsunami. We saw live reports with the usual folks who don't think things through taking their kids to the beach to 'watch' the tsunami. A police officer on the screen stopped a woman headed to the beach with some children. "Madame, do you know there is a tsunami warning?" After she replied "yes," he said "and you're still taking children to the beach?" Oh dear.
Part way through the voyage, the captain told us that the authorities didn't want us entering the narrow Marlborough Sound. They wanted us to enter through the northern route. That had two advantages: the entrance is wider and can accommodate more water, and it would add 45 minutes to our sailing time. The second advantage was probably the real reason for the change. Instead of approaching the docks at the expected tsunami time, we would arrive at least 30 minutes later.
By now you know that the tsunami had minimal effects on New Zealand. We couldn't tell that anything was amiss at Picton. We got in the car, drove off the ferry, and made our way to Nelson.
The effects on Samoa were tragic, devastating. We wondered how many Kiwis went there during their children's school holiday.
Click here for 4 photos.
You can view movies of the sailings at the Interislander site. Click here.
My cellphone alarm rang and we got moving. We dressed quickly and dashed to the lobby to check out. We didn't have time to look at television or listen to the radio.
When we arrived, we saw a sign stating that the seas were calm today. Good news.
We got our ferry ticket and joined the line in lane 1. In a short time we were driving onto the Interislander ferry Kaitaki. Once our car was boxed-in by other cars, we got out and walked to the passenger stairs and started exploring the ship. Ten decks, two cinemas, two dining areas, multiple rooms with reclining seats, one bar. This was the biggest ship that we've ever been on.
Once the ship pulled back from the dock, the captain spoke over the intercom. "For those who do not know, there was an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off Samoa one hour ago. We are under a tsunami warning with the potential tsunami arriving just as we are scheduled to enter the Marlborough Sound. We are safer away from land, so we are going forward." His Swedish accent was comforting at least.
We bought breakfast in the dining hall. We wanted to finish eating before we left the calm waters in the bay and hit any rough water in the open sea.
Star Trek was showing in one cinema; we sent Benjamin to see it while Lucy and Terry found three chairs together in a reclining lounge room. Emily went to the dining hall and drew. Lucy and Terry watched the reports coming from Samoa and the rest of New Zealand as government agencies and companies prepared for the tsunami. We saw live reports with the usual folks who don't think things through taking their kids to the beach to 'watch' the tsunami. A police officer on the screen stopped a woman headed to the beach with some children. "Madame, do you know there is a tsunami warning?" After she replied "yes," he said "and you're still taking children to the beach?" Oh dear.
Part way through the voyage, the captain told us that the authorities didn't want us entering the narrow Marlborough Sound. They wanted us to enter through the northern route. That had two advantages: the entrance is wider and can accommodate more water, and it would add 45 minutes to our sailing time. The second advantage was probably the real reason for the change. Instead of approaching the docks at the expected tsunami time, we would arrive at least 30 minutes later.
By now you know that the tsunami had minimal effects on New Zealand. We couldn't tell that anything was amiss at Picton. We got in the car, drove off the ferry, and made our way to Nelson.
The effects on Samoa were tragic, devastating. We wondered how many Kiwis went there during their children's school holiday.
Click here for 4 photos.
Te Papa and Parliment
Click here for 3 photos.
The sunning morning turned to another rainy afternoon. We headed back to the museum. The day before the museum was packed with families--this was the school holiday's first week--but today there were fewer visitors. They had been here yesterday and had a morning out during the sunny weather.
There were many great exhibits, but the most striking to me is the New Zealand map.
I measured the map at 20 paces from south to north. At that scale we could still see features on Waiheke Island. I could clearly see the features that Lucy saw at Cape Reinga.
Click here for 3 photos.
The sunning morning turned to another rainy afternoon. We headed back to the museum. The day before the museum was packed with families--this was the school holiday's first week--but today there were fewer visitors. They had been here yesterday and had a morning out during the sunny weather.
There were many great exhibits, but the most striking to me is the New Zealand map.
I measured the map at 20 paces from south to north. At that scale we could still see features on Waiheke Island. I could clearly see the features that Lucy saw at Cape Reinga.
Click here for 3 photos.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Funicular
On our way to the funicular, we found a Scout headquarters. In NZ scouting is co-ed at all levels and they have levels that keep scouts busy into their early 20s.
Click here for 7 photos.
Benjamin at a scout meeting place.
The funicular takes the bother out of the hill.
Click here for 7 photos.
Click here for 7 photos.
Benjamin at a scout meeting place.
The funicular takes the bother out of the hill.
Click here for 7 photos.
First Day in Wellington--Cajun Food??!!??
We had a short drive to Wellington. We were there too early to check into the backpackers, so we went to Te Papa museum for the afternoon.
We had the typical Wellington day: rainy, windy, gray.
We picked up our car and checked into the backpackers. We had a four bunk room on the 4th floor. It was handy and saved us time, but it was a bit wild with 20-somethings. We decided to get motel rooms outside of town for our future travels.
For now, we had two nights in the backpacker hostel and it went well enough.
We found parking on the street--free after 6 p.m., but pay-and-display after 8 a.m. Terry got up at 6:30 a.m. and went down to prepay for parking until 10 a.m.
That gave us time for breakfast around the corner.
We almost ate at a cajun/tex-mex place. Their pancakes and waffles were not ready, so we excused ourselves and left. Before we got up, I asked why the menu had Texas/Louisiana food. Our waitress told us that the owner lived in New Orleans for five or more years and had brought the dishes to Wellington.
With breakfast done and the weather looking good--by Wellington standards--we drove to the garden.
We had the typical Wellington day: rainy, windy, gray.
We picked up our car and checked into the backpackers. We had a four bunk room on the 4th floor. It was handy and saved us time, but it was a bit wild with 20-somethings. We decided to get motel rooms outside of town for our future travels.
For now, we had two nights in the backpacker hostel and it went well enough.
We found parking on the street--free after 6 p.m., but pay-and-display after 8 a.m. Terry got up at 6:30 a.m. and went down to prepay for parking until 10 a.m.
That gave us time for breakfast around the corner.
We almost ate at a cajun/tex-mex place. Their pancakes and waffles were not ready, so we excused ourselves and left. Before we got up, I asked why the menu had Texas/Louisiana food. Our waitress told us that the owner lived in New Orleans for five or more years and had brought the dishes to Wellington.
With breakfast done and the weather looking good--by Wellington standards--we drove to the garden.
The Drive to Wellington
The blue line shows our drive to Wellington.
The red arrow points to our ultimate objective: Abel Tasman National Park
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