tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62902403272630876442024-03-05T20:05:48.737-08:00Australia/New Zealand tripThe story of our trip to Australia and New Zealand.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-85014542885679055442009-12-11T22:48:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:49:25.139-08:00Home at lastI finally got home about 30 hours after we left the hotel. While I hadn't slept soundly on any of the flights and was quite sleep deprived, I was really wound up with the excitement of the trip. I kept my roommate Miriam up until almost midnight showing her the results of the shopping trips and gabbing about the trip. It was truly wonderful and we were all very pleased to have taken the trip. I know that I'd like to go to Australia again!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-66429800483780808862009-12-11T22:47:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:48:26.263-08:00Cleveland, at last.Dec. 1 – Luggage<br /><br />The last leg of the trip went without any problems until we arrived in Cleveland, but Phyllis and Bill's luggage did not. It turned out that the people in New Zealand had mistyped the final airline code as YA instead of UA. It finally caught up with them a couple of days later, but it was left on a neighbor's porch and not their own home. At least Bill found it when he was outside!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-89812922465144239362009-12-11T22:45:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:47:28.188-08:00Arrival in LADec. 1 – Customs<br /><br />While we supposedly had plenty of time (3 hours) to clear Customs and catch our flight to Chicago, Judy, Richard and I almost didn't make it. We waited in line, and waited in line, and waited some more. Our turn was next and all the agents disappeared. Coffee break time? Who knows what was up. Judy and Richard finally were called up and had to pay some fees, but there was no clerk in the office to take the money. I was held up while they decided if kangaroo leather and crocodile teeth were going to be allowed in the country. It was decided that neither kangaroos nor crocodiles were endangered species and I could bring in the stuff I had purchased. At last we were out of customs. After an extremely fast walk (not quite a run) from terminal 4 to terminal 7, we checked in just under the wire and caught up with everyone else who was on the flight to Chicago.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-34213854398353829202009-12-11T22:44:00.002-08:002009-12-11T22:45:42.416-08:00Goodbye to NZDec. 1 - Goodbyes<br /><br />We left the hotel at 8:00 a.m., went to the Christchurch airport and flew to Auckland. There were problems with ticketing luggage all the way to the end of our trips (Cleveland for us) but the staff finally figured it out. Then, the l – o – n – g trip back to LA. At least it was a shorter flight than flying from LA to Australia because we started farther east. The flight was only 11 ½ hours instead of 15 ½. Trust me, it still seemed like it took a week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-68345988230202111502009-12-11T22:44:00.001-08:002009-12-11T22:44:51.964-08:00Final EventNov. 30 – The end of the day<br /><br />We ended our visit to the Antarctic with a wonderful dinner and time spent with Gilly, our Antarctic tour guide. As part of her training to be a guide at the Centre, she had been sent to Ross Base for an Antarctic experience. It was fascinating to hear what the experience was like.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-73726022571934009692009-12-11T22:23:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:43:58.008-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OqOuyIaSavnZMukqpMEmBk2IZs-Bmu02KoLPvghov2CRmr2z8HXGW27jpPkjv5Gd-wPuWTp64NpPcC4p_7kR4cj-n_SxkXjLCA1bpRgAyyAz7acGgdhPdR3mjgxgv95kpNSv7gsMuDwj/s1600-h/PenguinUpClose.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OqOuyIaSavnZMukqpMEmBk2IZs-Bmu02KoLPvghov2CRmr2z8HXGW27jpPkjv5Gd-wPuWTp64NpPcC4p_7kR4cj-n_SxkXjLCA1bpRgAyyAz7acGgdhPdR3mjgxgv95kpNSv7gsMuDwj/s200/PenguinUpClose.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414232861857519074" /></a><br />Nov. 30 – Science<br /><br />There were many very interesting displays on the science of Antarctica. Scientists go there to study the plant life (lichens, algae and the like), animals, geology, archaeology and the marine life among other things. Some injured penguins have been taken to the Centre to live. These poor birds have been severely injured (for instance one has lost a wing, and another one only has one foot) and can't survive in the wild. We saw this little guy up close, although we weren't allowed to touch him. He has on blue booties because his feet are being treated for some wear and tear that occurs because of the rocks in the enclosure. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hl0N23VoAeXhQQXsIk2qWTuq4p_dStx31qHFhgBtO2O73EmhEqMWJMrdVQwVbX4CNFgK5lZWKgT6G0790EZeJTLKDapRxcj9uzDuGESys1yE5ctV6XwU_uRHpi2DwPWxAblxl21cnMFw/s1600-h/SwimmingPenquin.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hl0N23VoAeXhQQXsIk2qWTuq4p_dStx31qHFhgBtO2O73EmhEqMWJMrdVQwVbX4CNFgK5lZWKgT6G0790EZeJTLKDapRxcj9uzDuGESys1yE5ctV6XwU_uRHpi2DwPWxAblxl21cnMFw/s200/SwimmingPenquin.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414235417176697858" /></a><br />Here is another one swimming in their pool.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-84250771179889164182009-12-11T21:52:00.000-08:002009-12-11T22:23:33.121-08:00It IS cold in Antarctica<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEv9NPZIYdYtHdyp6mcJA4P1esOJuNdvdfRYTZovZCIqux2Q_Q706bdER2jt0ofPcMVwQ7XkF0Ql5ONeCbsGOV3vL97OJMt70IIv59TustSNJRzn7kTb73pbPle7fhxmd-v-rajjyW7KY/s1600-h/ColdRoom.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEv9NPZIYdYtHdyp6mcJA4P1esOJuNdvdfRYTZovZCIqux2Q_Q706bdER2jt0ofPcMVwQ7XkF0Ql5ONeCbsGOV3vL97OJMt70IIv59TustSNJRzn7kTb73pbPle7fhxmd-v-rajjyW7KY/s200/ColdRoom.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414225404557764834" /></a><br />Nov. 30 – Cold Room<br /><br />The Centre has a snow-filled cold room that is used to demonstrate wind-chills.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg0rNvoXVWiU8wyOACN-Q0Siip8vq784H5JyPhVk891SQctjg-81Tb3uA1lTJ11L7zO7tXqb8Z6OWgA-21jnRSLUVw8ueqX3PAhwPpxgca5mTs501y6gypNdFvyGVQEJlAtqtcHZrfqEe/s1600-h/Boots.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg0rNvoXVWiU8wyOACN-Q0Siip8vq784H5JyPhVk891SQctjg-81Tb3uA1lTJ11L7zO7tXqb8Z6OWgA-21jnRSLUVw8ueqX3PAhwPpxgca5mTs501y6gypNdFvyGVQEJlAtqtcHZrfqEe/s200/Boots.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414227628922176898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DjPIipV3dUqujnu2juiRfHwtEN2mjcYkzvP5Q7QPrS1HwBHhLM8blHTgnF4rXiSzYrUb-q6n8wXddXUmPD5r6QxhGM6MHG021YGuxJBnrqY8RipCwkmkPD2TDX8LeJKAnLfx_IPCWrnX/s1600-h/DressingAntarctic.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DjPIipV3dUqujnu2juiRfHwtEN2mjcYkzvP5Q7QPrS1HwBHhLM8blHTgnF4rXiSzYrUb-q6n8wXddXUmPD5r6QxhGM6MHG021YGuxJBnrqY8RipCwkmkPD2TDX8LeJKAnLfx_IPCWrnX/s200/DressingAntarctic.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414230225594231650" /></a><br /><br />We put on rubber boots over our street shoes to keep the snow clean and bundled up in heavy parkas to see what it is like. We didn't have to experience the worst the Antarctic can offer, that would require more clothing and warm boots, but with added wind, the temperature of 17.6 F quickly dropped into the negative numbers. Those of us wearing skirts were glad that it didn't go on any longer than it did, but even those people wearing slacks thought it too cold! The highest wind speed ever recorded in Antarctica was 198.8 mph. The coldest temperature anywhere on earth was recorded in Antarctica at a bone-freezing -192.5 F. When I was in junior high and high school I wanted to go to Antarctica. I've changed my mind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-29829955103883954562009-12-11T21:25:00.000-08:002009-12-11T21:52:29.051-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgIXg4gPtUnLuHLthAa6qn6D-iA7KXmjUgCfRZKV58d1gvyRo7SilD65Nfxg3C7aBygPUSCg1403eaOnDB-K6EFyAvOH-Z5WPPzIbZkh0TsHYj7miCpCEcVeFRN5_Ly1l3RBjcM-SKIIo/s1600-h/ScottBaseDoor.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgIXg4gPtUnLuHLthAa6qn6D-iA7KXmjUgCfRZKV58d1gvyRo7SilD65Nfxg3C7aBygPUSCg1403eaOnDB-K6EFyAvOH-Z5WPPzIbZkh0TsHYj7miCpCEcVeFRN5_Ly1l3RBjcM-SKIIo/s200/ScottBaseDoor.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414218039144845394" /></a><br />Nov. 30 – Antarctic Center<br /><br />Our last stop on the tour was the International Antarctic Centre. Christchurch is a major gateway to Antarctica. Many Antarctic expeditions originated from here including Scott's doomed 1911 attempt to be the first to reach the south pole. There is a mock-up of Scott Base which includes this door. Yes, it looks like a big, walk-in refrigerator. The base is built like a fridge to keep the cold OUT instead of in. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fObMQpS0LJFHfX7wDTT3nhgUOXT750djdv5WxyvAqkw34qxoZsTSCA9nX5kHhl6DInHNs9dTCbNXoW9pGB0Oizw_3PYD5hUHynJPBSO7Rt72SMGvsutXBhH_6IMCWwFk3WR-dgxa5fcn/s1600-h/ScottsBaseCamp.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fObMQpS0LJFHfX7wDTT3nhgUOXT750djdv5WxyvAqkw34qxoZsTSCA9nX5kHhl6DInHNs9dTCbNXoW9pGB0Oizw_3PYD5hUHynJPBSO7Rt72SMGvsutXBhH_6IMCWwFk3WR-dgxa5fcn/s200/ScottsBaseCamp.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414219870235449218" /></a><br />There is also a mock-up of Scott's base camp where there is an audio-visual presentation of readings from Scott's diary. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR5apCd2oaTj158sHTvdM1CENP6oG7rLTZMRncJrWJpcHrlzqQOGX886OfBQ_lwAS9Yl_jWc4zndKVWf5fLMYe0bZNGf-tNf6yJ5IE7TCZwsAibuVTKjdO14PfjR_K4mgIsDKhnpZNvit/s1600-h/SnowmobileTent.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR5apCd2oaTj158sHTvdM1CENP6oG7rLTZMRncJrWJpcHrlzqQOGX886OfBQ_lwAS9Yl_jWc4zndKVWf5fLMYe0bZNGf-tNf6yJ5IE7TCZwsAibuVTKjdO14PfjR_K4mgIsDKhnpZNvit/s200/SnowmobileTent.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414222098250094514" /></a><br />There are also samples of equipment currently used by personnel in the Antarctic including this Swedish Grizzly Aktiv snowmobile and the two-person tent behind it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-55631100157454310732009-12-11T21:06:00.001-08:002009-12-11T21:25:53.773-08:00Flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rGQZX8xPje0cil3KEAH-JgVcQ29bWxTnkc2H662J7AzyVUwCgjXwXqWGz0hNhxnPLr8xXC5StIEbsT-01PeUMplH0KGV8O2LJgYIdC4Gn5HCCatgaKpspUrtwSDIdaurw-Dt1RKakhjf/s1600-h/Roses.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rGQZX8xPje0cil3KEAH-JgVcQ29bWxTnkc2H662J7AzyVUwCgjXwXqWGz0hNhxnPLr8xXC5StIEbsT-01PeUMplH0KGV8O2LJgYIdC4Gn5HCCatgaKpspUrtwSDIdaurw-Dt1RKakhjf/s200/Roses.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414215624462604530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wWdoxHZdfNL1LLnT06-RQ07VuK8rgPJGiVy1AdGiF9BRicNlilOSiZkLGvnAAa1kv4G7NRyD3M-8a0ro7Pva1By-1Z9PMsmpB3uNp13KxqVJRFDvpVf-QFJxPIzDkf5mhqm9DppuORsr/s1600-h/RoseCoveredWalkway.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wWdoxHZdfNL1LLnT06-RQ07VuK8rgPJGiVy1AdGiF9BRicNlilOSiZkLGvnAAa1kv4G7NRyD3M-8a0ro7Pva1By-1Z9PMsmpB3uNp13KxqVJRFDvpVf-QFJxPIzDkf5mhqm9DppuORsr/s200/RoseCoveredWalkway.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414215615966884018" /></a><br />Nov. 30 - Botanic Gardens<br /><br />Christchurch's Botanic Gardens are beautiful, even in the rain. These gardens have native and exotic species from all over the world. , lovely fountains and interesting green houses There were lovely displays of all kinds, but I liked the rose garden the best. I surely do appreciate a rose garden when someone else takes care of it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-31069577760064420972009-12-11T21:01:00.000-08:002009-12-11T21:05:58.859-08:00PauaNov. 30 – Blue pearls<br /><br />And it was time to go shopping, again! We learned about blue pearls, which are cultured in a type of abalone that only lives in the cold waters around New Zealand. The Maoris call it Paua. While the pearls are very beautiful, they are also very expensive because there are only 10,000 abalone harvested each year. Then each one has to be handled individually to seed the pearl. They are then bundled into big drums, fed seaweed for several years and then the pearls are harvested. Out of the original 10,000, perhaps 1,000 are of gem quality. And harvesting kills the abalone, so more must be harvested from the wild. The least expensive pearls are $250.00 and more for a one pearl pendant. The highest grade pearls are called Eyris pearls and are set in gold or platinum. Guess how much those are? Most are $2,000-$3,000 range. Needless to say, I didn't buy any blue pearls, but did buy some lovely jewelry made from abalone shell.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-26397215556403781692009-12-11T20:55:00.000-08:002009-12-11T21:01:27.885-08:00Common species<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtO3qvduWpkARUK0atjhdYIO0bom0bub4zzprlOwIRjw0RbWA67MG7aX9BwdcPq79k-9LTsyLj3VzdsWn6GH6VEqfm21eb4Q_nUBiW9DTCQ7Nkf_7GOM26tfKUnk1kx5SAQDbqLcsww2Z/s1600-h/AmericanTouristNesting.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtO3qvduWpkARUK0atjhdYIO0bom0bub4zzprlOwIRjw0RbWA67MG7aX9BwdcPq79k-9LTsyLj3VzdsWn6GH6VEqfm21eb4Q_nUBiW9DTCQ7Nkf_7GOM26tfKUnk1kx5SAQDbqLcsww2Z/s200/AmericanTouristNesting.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414210333777591922" /></a><br /><br />This picture is of the fairly prevalent touristi americanus. This species can be found in many places around the world. In this case, they are seen in a wooden nest, looking in all directions for interesting flora, fauna and beautiful landscapes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-3216709076693354932009-11-30T02:26:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:27:04.994-08:00Memorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l40rNeFBvJ2KDE84VkXXYHU-UBcxf9YDGaKcqWnjY5muhtQcG6fk5bQTUdDIr95Lvj3WSxIDlAytVT6b-2arSCo8uASiZpGI86puWOfEY69nnWMZA1qC1RTeKU4gqEdOn3qKJdd7pNGe/s1600/FirefightersMemorial.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6l40rNeFBvJ2KDE84VkXXYHU-UBcxf9YDGaKcqWnjY5muhtQcG6fk5bQTUdDIr95Lvj3WSxIDlAytVT6b-2arSCo8uASiZpGI86puWOfEY69nnWMZA1qC1RTeKU4gqEdOn3qKJdd7pNGe/s200/FirefightersMemorial.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409841231376635554" /></a><br />Nov. 29 – Firefighters' Memorial<br /><br />On the way back into Christchurch, we stopped to see the Firefighters' Memorial. The steel for this sculpture was a gift from the city of New York and came from World Trade Tower II. Many firefighters from New Zealand went to New York to assist in the search/clean up after 9/11. This monument honors firefighters the world over.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-24260174312588125982009-11-30T02:24:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:26:06.288-08:00Lighthouse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc1TmasBqG1ErCbv1XCWOUS6B6VvMPm_ilmwsM2NxIHmo1UNnR_QhEmtTfRF5aGkunwhZ04NypUgllEQEVmlykoMiQBKqi_mJeLz5TGixHeLYfpkDXEuhdve5a11gXu6oPxbRPMvx2aW9/s1600/Lighthouse.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc1TmasBqG1ErCbv1XCWOUS6B6VvMPm_ilmwsM2NxIHmo1UNnR_QhEmtTfRF5aGkunwhZ04NypUgllEQEVmlykoMiQBKqi_mJeLz5TGixHeLYfpkDXEuhdve5a11gXu6oPxbRPMvx2aW9/s200/Lighthouse.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409840957648149650" /></a><br />Nov. 29 – Akaroa<br /><br />The town of Akaroa (it's hard to type that instead of Akron) was originally a French colony. The British got wind of the fact that the French were going to place a settlement on the Banks Peninsula so they rushed to the area and planted the British flag. When the French arrived, the British let them lease a certain number of acres per family. So the French got to stay and many of the streets have names in French. The lighthouse is the original one, but it was moved to it's present site when the modern, automated one was built. The town also has a great fish & chips shop. June and I shared a lunch and each had plenty to eat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-87008021818546856922009-11-30T02:23:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:24:49.837-08:00Dolphins!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc8gUYl9BSycul6pWjfjZOJU15AdhR9W83XNuSCN4OHl6K9Ik57vKuCEOdpWgR-Zb5h6nSCZbEQvI9-rKDH2yuDt31ENzPM8ABLOVa-4zLT_ZoGeAsGAz72dIBH9mkH8RlUEy1AP_0lq5/s1600/Dolphins1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc8gUYl9BSycul6pWjfjZOJU15AdhR9W83XNuSCN4OHl6K9Ik57vKuCEOdpWgR-Zb5h6nSCZbEQvI9-rKDH2yuDt31ENzPM8ABLOVa-4zLT_ZoGeAsGAz72dIBH9mkH8RlUEy1AP_0lq5/s200/Dolphins1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409840652144597474" /></a><br />Nov. 29 – Akaroa Harbor cruise<br /><br />The nature cruise of Akroa Harbor was great. We saw all kinds of birds, a seal and Hectors dolphins. They were in a playful mood and various pods of them decided to visit us. Believe me when I say it is much easier to get a picture of water than it is to get a picture of a dolphin. We all kept trying and mostly ended up with water and shadows of dolphins. I did manage to get one fairly decent shot. These dolphins are the smallest in the world and have a rounded top fin instead of an angular fin. The weather turned during our two hour trip, so we had to head back to port a little early. For the most part the weather was great, though!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-83218944158414568952009-11-30T02:22:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:23:47.194-08:00Sure looks like a castle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvmBs0XLlAb2vOOcaotzogVItqRtqogLNxs7rximu5qtQZkBYCqCtTwho-uubfVn_3HGRdDp2bU1zp6n9eimZpGbBMSmZt5JMyrvydvb7sDfH9lPAjkre9Lh7QrfuihJtYiah12TNLVTB/s1600/SignoftheTakahe.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvmBs0XLlAb2vOOcaotzogVItqRtqogLNxs7rximu5qtQZkBYCqCtTwho-uubfVn_3HGRdDp2bU1zp6n9eimZpGbBMSmZt5JMyrvydvb7sDfH9lPAjkre9Lh7QrfuihJtYiah12TNLVTB/s200/SignoftheTakahe.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409840386618691170" /></a><br />Nov. 29 – Christchurch<br /><br />We've left the slightly populated west and the sheep country for the big city of Christchurch. This is our last stop in New Zealand and we are all sad to know that the end of the trip is near. But there are still a couple of days of touring to do, so there isn't time to be sad. On the way to Akaroa we stopped to see some lovely views of Christchurch and interesting buildings along the way. This building is called The Sign of the Takahe (a type of bird) and was built by a gentleman who thought that rest stops were needed by both people and animals on the way up this steep hill. (Switchback roads type of hill.) There were three stops built, but this was the grandest one. It is now a restaurant and hall available for booking.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-4419653577088416762009-11-30T02:21:00.001-08:002009-11-30T02:22:12.015-08:00More movie news<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictwbhW_BTmxneXW0CiD05roOVAuisf0uou2lhnUAmaWrQBEjeClTjU1nden6FZf8To4VzSH2rBg6RmuR6Wtf_hzaC3Eu6orltrwOW_4abRiuoMPzfh_pIjTAFr_pqgC4M0owh7HN89Q7j/s1600/AnotherFilmSite.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictwbhW_BTmxneXW0CiD05roOVAuisf0uou2lhnUAmaWrQBEjeClTjU1nden6FZf8To4VzSH2rBg6RmuR6Wtf_hzaC3Eu6orltrwOW_4abRiuoMPzfh_pIjTAFr_pqgC4M0owh7HN89Q7j/s200/AnotherFilmSite.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839971101967346" /></a><br />Nov. 28 – On the road again<br /><br />We went past another movie site. This one is where some scenes of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and it's sequel were filmed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-90478746541099781402009-11-30T02:18:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:20:59.709-08:00Only half a set of choppers!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjwuiK5BkU7vFFP1UTjivEQ3FJRPqsy3q8x_FsU0OQAX-CiKvKSkdGJBk3vw99XXBdC13ovqJvfyoMuc1sUGN5bNtvZbbt7l_C_GCW3AVyQO78LLtbxnoPOOxOqT4T8iXNbsNn0E_0Jxe/s1600/MerinoWool.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjwuiK5BkU7vFFP1UTjivEQ3FJRPqsy3q8x_FsU0OQAX-CiKvKSkdGJBk3vw99XXBdC13ovqJvfyoMuc1sUGN5bNtvZbbt7l_C_GCW3AVyQO78LLtbxnoPOOxOqT4T8iXNbsNn0E_0Jxe/s200/MerinoWool.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839666167544306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiVfco6gSDdMcJ-ENSh2eFxIfMEZjAT3xXGHbAqeuIf8V-cjoUSBsPbiBK0LqISvIQrcpBEbc9WD75qBt6XYGP2nwXLmqZjjTrkIRhps2JxjA52I3-OpYH6LK6icvBiubDpetQS-eHDB_/s1600/SheepTeeth.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiVfco6gSDdMcJ-ENSh2eFxIfMEZjAT3xXGHbAqeuIf8V-cjoUSBsPbiBK0LqISvIQrcpBEbc9WD75qBt6XYGP2nwXLmqZjjTrkIRhps2JxjA52I3-OpYH6LK6icvBiubDpetQS-eHDB_/s200/SheepTeeth.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409839523005191714" /></a><br />Nov. 28 – The really GOOD wool<br /><br />This ram is a merino sheep. They have very long, fine fibers that are very dense. The outside of the sheep may be filthy, but deeper in it is a nice white. Sheep only have lower teeth, which was news to me. Lambs don't have any teeth and as soon as the first two center teeth come in, they can no longer be called lambs. Every year after that two more teeth grow in for a maximum of 8 teeth. This guy is full grown with all 8 teeth.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-46085794475126797892009-11-30T02:15:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:18:37.518-08:00Aw, isn't it cute?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H_94uQBkP66swcvtaOrhY2NNzmJsCb-P9Mft4Vm1O82lLSnus5lg0rwXr6cOwg2BWPCMxGvZgzUsAxu7n00ZQjoEBiQGzXadwCS_B5Lerv5shn_JVkFwUDqj0XRkvBZbeZiRakPxBjfn/s1600/JudyAndLamb.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H_94uQBkP66swcvtaOrhY2NNzmJsCb-P9Mft4Vm1O82lLSnus5lg0rwXr6cOwg2BWPCMxGvZgzUsAxu7n00ZQjoEBiQGzXadwCS_B5Lerv5shn_JVkFwUDqj0XRkvBZbeZiRakPxBjfn/s200/JudyAndLamb.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409838840952681330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5zylMj5svwVKvmLUAUt8QHl6fmPK731_DhH3MLucm1pD5wfS7nSv3XPkOcS6ZKNhCsQO-oKNqjuEDqBXQXLb1gfQH7ZMWZx9rbNHZW8hzjWj2LjljpdY8h1KXwi9VtnSXSIdH9YkWKhQ/s1600/PhyllisAndLamb.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5zylMj5svwVKvmLUAUt8QHl6fmPK731_DhH3MLucm1pD5wfS7nSv3XPkOcS6ZKNhCsQO-oKNqjuEDqBXQXLb1gfQH7ZMWZx9rbNHZW8hzjWj2LjljpdY8h1KXwi9VtnSXSIdH9YkWKhQ/s200/PhyllisAndLamb.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409838706247838610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OuHCmya8LjfOLMpT8q-qtutS4Ldwez0ee662SVhegxgBFc7m5uu7Z4DZ5xecfmUajO1JqtiUVYSjbOjpHi6AHTVgad6_4BhXo7tiYLov08XZiHFZYGD3bZrDfi_hCo3zF8jpdbDj9KT5/s1600/PetSheep.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OuHCmya8LjfOLMpT8q-qtutS4Ldwez0ee662SVhegxgBFc7m5uu7Z4DZ5xecfmUajO1JqtiUVYSjbOjpHi6AHTVgad6_4BhXo7tiYLov08XZiHFZYGD3bZrDfi_hCo3zF8jpdbDj9KT5/s200/PetSheep.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409838980928347410" /></a><br />Nov. 28 – Little lamb<br /><br />Here are Judy and Phyllis holding a lamb that is only a couple of weeks old. Isn't it just adorable? And I just missed the picture of Richard petting the pet sheep. He really did, though!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-68281777768489529942009-11-30T02:12:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:15:19.295-08:00Working dogs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hbjBvitb6ch2zJ00bFvyyi7xU0OVaapJ29WUjjiGrZdjkemXr_eOcSsFozWzRhiWQIup-G_MDvBUv83ht8trSQQluAwUUH6bqVHJxbfEwfkNEJyExWYXz4gNQEF3gB_gWBwVU6pQnc7l/s1600/SheepAndCows.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hbjBvitb6ch2zJ00bFvyyi7xU0OVaapJ29WUjjiGrZdjkemXr_eOcSsFozWzRhiWQIup-G_MDvBUv83ht8trSQQluAwUUH6bqVHJxbfEwfkNEJyExWYXz4gNQEF3gB_gWBwVU6pQnc7l/s200/SheepAndCows.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409838158049835522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iVnrIa_ZF9HbIz3dxYYdrmYOItUpGJwOV5Ikg-iOquS0H3NEjKhYpqgPzSkEGaJ9kyXnjDWjEFs0tZzzHJ9NNlXuTo_8IseLI-D-wdUOtucnGq1EUuciWWFHN6zpiWLj5FRKqxXaw1V3/s1600/MobOfSheep.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8iVnrIa_ZF9HbIz3dxYYdrmYOItUpGJwOV5Ikg-iOquS0H3NEjKhYpqgPzSkEGaJ9kyXnjDWjEFs0tZzzHJ9NNlXuTo_8IseLI-D-wdUOtucnGq1EUuciWWFHN6zpiWLj5FRKqxXaw1V3/s200/MobOfSheep.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409838032929598898" /></a><br />Nov. 28 – Baa, baa, baa<br /><br />We visited a sheep farm/station (Take your pick, although I think farm is the right one based on the size of the place. A station is measured in square miles rather than in acres.) today and learned a lot about sheep. We watched two dogs work in tandem to separate a bunch of sheep from a herd of cows and then move them to a different paddock. One dog barks and gets the sheep to bunch together. (They are protecting themselves from a predator.) and a second dog that doesn't make any noise at all herds them in the direction desired.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-65040620785363927742009-11-30T02:10:00.001-08:002009-11-30T02:11:56.807-08:00Wait, where'd that water come from?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-MBPvR_fJhnkB5kXkjIJpMloNFPM1jK0OMeRSJPUOBPCBeetcvdxqV2xBD9kzAfEyIkFOalqVYHd5qnXM_232JiTdOOUEYvnqzrXmswPPQXB1fjUYP55JDRheIJ-hTHTBYBAwZrsUhwi/s1600/PutaiBlowhole.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-MBPvR_fJhnkB5kXkjIJpMloNFPM1jK0OMeRSJPUOBPCBeetcvdxqV2xBD9kzAfEyIkFOalqVYHd5qnXM_232JiTdOOUEYvnqzrXmswPPQXB1fjUYP55JDRheIJ-hTHTBYBAwZrsUhwi/s200/PutaiBlowhole.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409837215290343186" /></a><br />Nov. 27 – Thar she blows!<br /><br />Well, it isn't whales that are blowing, but blowholes in the rocks. Even though it was low tide, we got to see some very nice splashes! This one is the Putai Blowhole.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-342384608731917692009-11-30T02:09:00.001-08:002009-11-30T02:10:12.131-08:00Crunchy pancakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaD3nyTAhxdFR_YX1SxtUW6XqoruKlcbCmXS5qVms8w3k9J5f8TupPWW6AFLXyn3UXqpBIjsIT0W89f6PC86UQ7b4CmGAiC-B4oBkG1hhoUPEKpjmmP3oR3pblRALmFhJBGLoE-tl301e/s1600/PancakeRocks.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaD3nyTAhxdFR_YX1SxtUW6XqoruKlcbCmXS5qVms8w3k9J5f8TupPWW6AFLXyn3UXqpBIjsIT0W89f6PC86UQ7b4CmGAiC-B4oBkG1hhoUPEKpjmmP3oR3pblRALmFhJBGLoE-tl301e/s200/PancakeRocks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409836879817680882" /></a><br />Nov. 27 – Pancakes for afternoon tea<br /><br />Only these pancakes can't be eaten. These “pancake rocks” are a bit puzzling to geologists. The best guess is that they were built with alternating layers of a thick hard stone and a thin soft stone that weathered more quickly. Whatever caused it, they are really interesting to look at.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-20895850052779961032009-11-30T02:06:00.000-08:002009-12-11T08:11:52.388-08:00Birds of a feather<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyzE1d6-9U4J8ZKYWEA6XLlrw9Mm9O7fOG73BMFKWuKtl-TMEsnTOfLKEIZpMnZzHVzbUXcVjQpn0YKQNCAAMR3SW7FV6a18IqN6b3pZHwjJy2MjWH4e69QlC13M8HoK6Xln_lDlEoMG/s1600/BirdAndChick.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yyzE1d6-9U4J8ZKYWEA6XLlrw9Mm9O7fOG73BMFKWuKtl-TMEsnTOfLKEIZpMnZzHVzbUXcVjQpn0YKQNCAAMR3SW7FV6a18IqN6b3pZHwjJy2MjWH4e69QlC13M8HoK6Xln_lDlEoMG/s200/BirdAndChick.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409836520089543394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvhfMqrYd97CDR1wNkAemul_3Oj5i8-5eEx-oWmN5LW0dKVy8vcEa0Z2XZHCUtI7XQUUwQGULs9Agts07UiaGC9ikyA4WoIj1a50ZFPpQk9gye3YPyUloCqIvznV1cbjLVnkQZKOw6Ur8/s1600/BirdDisplaying.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvhfMqrYd97CDR1wNkAemul_3Oj5i8-5eEx-oWmN5LW0dKVy8vcEa0Z2XZHCUtI7XQUUwQGULs9Agts07UiaGC9ikyA4WoIj1a50ZFPpQk9gye3YPyUloCqIvznV1cbjLVnkQZKOw6Ur8/s200/BirdDisplaying.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409836377024451314" /></a><br />Nov. 27 – Birds<br /><br />On a nature walk to see some seals, we came across these birds, called Weka, and their chick. They were right by the walk and were not happy about us being so close. The one bird kept displaying, I think in order to get our attention away from the chick. After just a minute or so the chick went into the brush and didn't come back out. I won't bother with the seal pictures as they aren't very close and the seals are difficult to see. Just like all the other seal pictures!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-72392747330452982102009-11-30T02:05:00.001-08:002009-11-30T02:06:40.308-08:00The elusive possum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pf-qbhsvoBI3IEllBeKHlcbl3nBC2RpA1h4wV_cNSPIkoJSpEF2iOI-ZZftw7g-1XtohBBelp5jbYfEFO2uzXPTa6qz3JmGnDHO-BRzbwZ5TvTyLIM_L0CV4uKAw1uRNfvEpf2TSbOAm/s1600/Possum.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pf-qbhsvoBI3IEllBeKHlcbl3nBC2RpA1h4wV_cNSPIkoJSpEF2iOI-ZZftw7g-1XtohBBelp5jbYfEFO2uzXPTa6qz3JmGnDHO-BRzbwZ5TvTyLIM_L0CV4uKAw1uRNfvEpf2TSbOAm/s200/Possum.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409835960387102226" /></a><br />Nov. 27 – Here is what they look like!<br /><br />Finally, a picture of a real (stuffed, dead) possum. This is what they look like. Aren't they cute? Too bad they are so destructive.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-46512402217980931082009-11-30T02:03:00.000-08:002009-11-30T02:05:11.619-08:00Odd neighborsNov. 27 – Reefton Library<br /><br />I've never seen this before. The Post Office shares space with the Library. You walk in and at one end of the counter is the postal clerk, and the librarian is at the other end. I had a nice chat with both ladies, and there is no job sharing. The postal clerk doesn't check out books and the librarian doesn't sell stamps. The librarian was telling me that the District Council bought computers and internet connections for the library. I said that many small libraries in the US also received government computers and internet connections but that the funding didn't always keep the computers connected. She told me that they have the same problem, but that their funding was at least secure for the next three years. It's the same everywhere...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6290240327263087644.post-285526615347088992009-11-30T01:56:00.001-08:002009-11-30T02:03:50.923-08:00Made the old-fashioned way<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBmX7LzuFzqgFZ0-MnkJX4GiNNlDiM_x1SvSyXFSrnEtMynYTbOeE3shmQyPWsWc6KwR2GJC65oI1iiSmvHGuLSfafmORJxiu3r-y9K_02nfj_xOso18OAvLk0pALJ7yUe3kvgpHmRvVm/s1600/BillyTea.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBmX7LzuFzqgFZ0-MnkJX4GiNNlDiM_x1SvSyXFSrnEtMynYTbOeE3shmQyPWsWc6KwR2GJC65oI1iiSmvHGuLSfafmORJxiu3r-y9K_02nfj_xOso18OAvLk0pALJ7yUe3kvgpHmRvVm/s200/BillyTea.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409833636844373058" /></a><br /><br />Nov. 27 – Tea with the miners<br /><br />We had “billy tea” with some miners, made the old-fashioned way, in a billy over a coal fire. (That's coal out of the ground, not charcoal made from wood.) <br /><br />A billy is a pot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCA3EQXpIMEOFJ0ElB5_KybrszygLynKlUPnxraQHnpw8ujwvIvB2asQKotW0JlkKKP0tcCw71uMEN65gTZu1_-E8zp1n5nCZx81dUpEifmzXQpdpFWz1gQC5jZ7DJ-o5LiF4tk8xowRY/s1600/TheBilly.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCA3EQXpIMEOFJ0ElB5_KybrszygLynKlUPnxraQHnpw8ujwvIvB2asQKotW0JlkKKP0tcCw71uMEN65gTZu1_-E8zp1n5nCZx81dUpEifmzXQpdpFWz1gQC5jZ7DJ-o5LiF4tk8xowRY/s200/TheBilly.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409834210043507570" /></a><br /><br /> It is filled with water, then 3 heaping teaspoons of tea are added plus one more. Then some manuka leaves are added for a touch of sweetness. It steeps for a while, then it is strained as it is poured into cups. Need more tea? Just add more water. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25ccX4hB8oe1JegeGenOmgtLUl2gEkOf_6a0P9fbt7R9FjVdkTJDEA5Llvug1uyTo6PnghU68Vn3w8IOixip81UfhZSwjc0sUDRHUrUhg3t8h1yX4LOpNcXTZ6XeTwzPfCA0swDgxwIWx/s1600/ServingTea.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg25ccX4hB8oe1JegeGenOmgtLUl2gEkOf_6a0P9fbt7R9FjVdkTJDEA5Llvug1uyTo6PnghU68Vn3w8IOixip81UfhZSwjc0sUDRHUrUhg3t8h1yX4LOpNcXTZ6XeTwzPfCA0swDgxwIWx/s200/ServingTea.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409834411104394226" /></a><br /><br />These gentlemen and one lady were very interesting and served a really nice cup of tea with hot buttered scones and maluka honey. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWltWSMEBTP-q5qGgeTHs601YySFHqWRswunRF0IEjJwIVBv_FnGCNBHbD30j0UrkiWxSWIAbI4jLT_slKqIC5pBrZi2V0XEPyEb_S0d9bIgE18tbQIufZWfckd245M2J5iUAcQ-vumw5R/s1600/Miner.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWltWSMEBTP-q5qGgeTHs601YySFHqWRswunRF0IEjJwIVBv_FnGCNBHbD30j0UrkiWxSWIAbI4jLT_slKqIC5pBrZi2V0XEPyEb_S0d9bIgE18tbQIufZWfckd245M2J5iUAcQ-vumw5R/s200/Miner.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409834621183356626" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0