Travels and adventures

2009-09-29T18:48:00.004+13:45

Holidays

In the first week I went to the Social Sciences Conference . Most of my time was spent promoting GIS However I did go on a field trip to Ripapa Island. This was really interesting. I forgot to take my camera so there are only the photos on the website.

2009-08-15T19:43:00.011+12:45

50 Geocaches

In the April school holidays Grandma's A team began geocaching. Our first cache was nearby about 5 minutes walk from home. Since then the team of Charles, Christopher and Grandma has found 21 caches in our local area. Charles and Christopher found 28 more ( plus two they located but could write in log due to muggles) in South Africa. We have place one cache of our own which has been visited five times. Our own cache is called Tana's Track. It is near several other caches in the Wainuiomata River recreation area, including the oldest still active cache in New Zealand.

In South Africa Charles and Christopher place a travel bug in the TB hotel (Palm Tree TB Rest Stop in Polowane). So far it has not been moved.

One of our favorite caches in near Opiki Palmerston North . Check out this interesting website about the bridge.

To celebrate our 50 finds or places we have bought a 50 geocoin which we will start on a journey from the first cache ( Hezka Prochazka) we found.

Check our photo log in the side bar

To quote from Charles speech ( for which he gained a disticntion in the NZ Speech Board exams) " There are thousands of geocaches all over the world. Thousands of people enjoy geocaching. I (We) find it fun. You could join the fun and look for "treasure" too."

2009-07-14T18:01:00.004+12:45

July Holidays in Wellington

First time in three years I have not been overseas in July and with Charles and Christopher (and their parents) away in South Africa there has been no geocaching - though it has been too wet anyway. I am planning to go and check our cache but so far there has not been a break in the rain and gloom.

It was briefly fine on Saturday morning (there was a bright glare in the sky for a few hours) when we pruned the rest of the fruit trees. I also managed to plant a lemon and 20 strawberry plants - it was only light drizzle.

It is very quiet but I have had an enormous tidy up at school; papers will now sit on the desk rather than a heap. Hope it improves my teaching!

Other than school preparation I am working through the indoor chores list. So far other than little tasks like mending and getting bed bolts (wrong size have to swap) for spare bed I have painted the back bathroom. The colour is called Hutt River - probably the colour the River is at present!

Another task these holidays is to buy a new car. This was unplanned. On 25 June I was going to a Meeting at Eagle Technology regarding GIS in Schools when the traffic suddenly slowed. I stooped but the person behind me failed to stop. A big thump followed. This concertinaed my boot and pushed me into the car in front. - only popped their bumper but the towbar pushed in my radiator. I was fortunately not hurt - a bit shaken up. The Ambulance arrived - person behind me went off - she was walking - checking out her back. The Police arrived. I got a ride with one of the police to my meeting and was only 30 minutes late. I have been wondering where I would park my car. The Porirua City Tow Company Yard had not been on my list!

2009-05-09T17:57:00.003+12:45

More geocaching

It was supposed to be wet today but it was beautiful so after some shopping off we went to look for two caches, One in the Catchpole Valley and one at the coast near the mouth of the Wainuiomata River. Both finds were straight forward though we had to watch for the muggles (non-geocachers). But all was well we retreived and replaced without being seen. We then had fun climbing the rocks and watching the sea.

2009-04-17T18:12:00.004+12:45

Geocaching

Charles, Christopher and I have got hooked into geocaching. I had thought about it for a while then decided it would be fun for this holidays; gives our regular walks some more interest. Though I am pleased that the interest in the bush and imaginative games continues (sorry video is on the side I will have the camera landscape next time) and are not lost in the technology. So far we have found two caches within easy walking distance of home -places we have been a number of times before. We now have an idea of where we would like to put our own cache suitable for kids.

2009-04-04T16:24:00.003+13:45

Saturday walk

Wonderful autumn day today. We made the most of it by going for a walk up the Wainuiomata River - we did the Gum loop walk with a bit of an add - on. A picnic lunch by a stream and time to play.

2009-04-03T17:52:00.004+13:45

Easter break

Term 1 is almost over and it is definitely end of term at school. The Year 12 and 13's have their ball tonight - so guess how much focus there has been this week.

I seem to have colds for a fair bit of the time this term so it has taken a whileto really feel on top on my game - now that the term is ending! This has also been field trip term and we had our usual trips. L1 Geography to visit various firms to interview them about Geography in the workplace, year 10 to Martinborough to explore the changes that have occurred there and L3 Geography had their two days in the Hutt River. The weather was great for all the trips which makes difference and the river was not running too high - a little higher than some years as there had been rain over the weekend. The only casualty was two tape measures that that over stretched and broke the plastic knob that holds them to their handle.

I have been appointed manager of our auditioned choir - Seraphim. This is the choir that I travelled to Europe with in 2007. I am enjoying the organisation and relating to students out of the classroom.

Otherwise I spend alot of my time school patrol. This year we look a crossing on Waterloo and Knights Road. Both roads are busy - the new building that is occurring at Chilton is affecting both roads. The wise parents are picking their students up on Knights Road rather than fact the congestion on Waterloo Road.

I have been taking Charles to golf and then doing my shopping before returning to collect him. A couple of Sunday ago we then went into Wellington to see the Monet exhibition at Te Papa. Charles had fun making his own collage Monet. We both enjoyed the exhibition. After lunch at Te Papa we went to the Passchedaele exhibition at the National War Memorial. Our museum crawl was completed by a visit to the Petone Settlers Museum to see the Griffins Exhibition. The factory has just closed.

2009-02-20T07:33:00.000+13:45

Re-launching at Days Bay

15 Jan Octopus

2009-02-14T18:35:00.004+13:45

The holidays are really over

Christine, Richard, Liam Madeline and Izabel are returning to Canada after five weeks with us so although we have been back at school, with hot weather, Waitangi Day and visitors the holiday mode is still close. However the weather is now cold and with folk going back to Canada the term and work are really underway - though we have the Athletic Sports this week and I have a half day field trip. I also hope the weather warms up a bit for the rest of February and March.

One project that has been worked on over the holidays is the Optimist. We had sanded the outside and removed most of the varnish but the project had stalled. Murray Richard and Josh put in the hard work and the boat has been re-epoxyed, painted and varnished. A new tiller has been made and the flotation re-packaged and re-secured. A new centre board is still to be made. Some of the decorative art has been applied. Hopefully Liam will get a sail tomorrow morning before they fly out in the afternoon. We want to get tape to put the number back on the sail and the name has to be painted on.

2009-01-08T16:06:00.004+13:45

Real summer

I 'm not sure why but it has seemed like a summer as I remember from childhood - maybe getting older!! I actually think its because we've just enjoyed local things . Swimming in the river, flying kites, lunch in the forest park - all low key and no great expense. And we've biked. Christopher can go on Alley Cat now. Currently he doesn't pedal but hopefully he will. Charles suggested he should pedal the response was "Grandma is pedalling" !!! Today's expedition was to the library and Strand play ground. Followed by lunch in Ruth's front garden. Just returned from a swim in the river - biked there and back.

2008-12-25T18:03:00.008+13:45

Xmas Day

I walked down to Number 18 to see what Santa had brought. Then we all went back to number 10 for breakfast. Josh and Merewyn joined us for breakfast. Then it was time to open the presents.

Ruth , Pierre and the boys then rode (Pierre took the car) to Pop and JJ for Xmas dinner. Those of use remaining cooked dinner -butterflied lamb roasted on the BBQ with salads and new potatoes freshly dug from the garden. Desert followed - peaches cooked on the BBQ with egg custard and pavlova. The weather has improved as the day has gone on - fine and sunny now. Just wished the Canadian family a happy Christmas eve - as our Christmas day moved into Christmas evening.

2008-12-24T18:11:00.007+13:45

Term 4

Is (was) a very short and very busy term. However we did do a few other things. I visited Judith who has been making great progress. She is just back in Palmerston Hospital for Christmas after more surgery. It seems to be really successful so that is good news. She will be in hospital for a few weeks until she can put weight on her left leg again.

Charles had a music recital at the university and and end of year concert. He took part in an 8 week golf academy which was fun. Christopher is growing up really fast and he involves any willing person in really interesting imaginative games. He has an excellent vocabulary and makes amazingly sophisticated connections (I know Grandmas!!)

Murray and I went over to Masterton for a day to inspect a forest that Murray has an investment in. We had lunch by chance with some people who live around the corner. We drove home via Gladstone and Martinborough. There were scarecrows in Gladstone and we took photos of those at the school with some of their creators. There were scarecrows in Moores Valley during November as well and Charles and I enjoyed a drive down to look at them.

The Geography Teachers Association had an year of year field trip to South Wairarapa. It was an interesting day and good to catch up with other geography teachers.

The last few weeks have been mad with end of year functions, finishing the school year, organising for 2009 and marking NCEA. Nearly finished - just my final report to submit.

Christopher and I watched the Xmas Parade leave from the end of Burden Ave. Charles was at cricket - a game they won - but was back in time to see the parade reach Queen Street.

The last two days have been beautifully fine. On Tuesday we biked to the playground at Parkway. Yesterday we took Tiaan as well and biked up to the swimming hole at the beginning on the track at the end of Hine Road. The water was cold but we had fun.

Now we have completed the Christmas wrapping and hopefully all is prepared for tomorrow. Have a happy and safe Christmas.

2008-10-13T21:37:00.003+13:45

Holidays

The holidays were very welcome after a very busy term. The first week we went to see the tulips in the Botanical Gardens. At first it threatened to rain as it did on out last venture to the gardens in summer. However it was only a light passing shower. We did the usually play ground and cable car as well. On Wednesday we went to see the Argentian tall ship - it was not open on Wednesdays!! so we went to the Museum of City and Sea instead. Charles, Christopher and I went down to the river, played with a kite and in the river. We biked to the Strand play ground. While Ruth and Charles were out Christopher and I had another kite flying venture on the river bank. It was initially much more successful and then so successful that the string broke and the kite flew away over the river.

Other activites including gardening and various house chores. We stacked wood, I continued my sorting out of cupboards and general tidy up. One day Charles , Christopher and I crawled under the bouse so that the TIVO cable no longer coils its way along the passage and through the kitchen to the lounge. Murray managed to lose his phone out of his pocket when he was under the house drilling a hole. We found it today (a week later after our trip south- fortunately the battery was not flat and we were able to locate the sound.)

We went to Palmerston North to see the folks in the seond week. It was an interesting trip as we had to divert because of flood water on the Opiki Road. We were also held up for a while at Ohau for road works.

On quite a few days indoor activites were the order of the day - especially Tuesday and Wednesday on the second week. Fortunately the weather cleared before the annual Level 3 Geography trip to Kaikoura. Other than rain on the first night after our arrival the weather was perfect. We self-drove in a rental van which made everything very easy - though we walked around Kaikoura and hired bikes for the girls to go out the the seal colony.

And now it is back to school for term 4 - another very short term.

2008-08-27T19:05:00.006+12:45

An experience

This weekend we have finished up and cleared out the cafe. For the past 3 years we have been the co-owners of the Blue Lily cafe. over that time we have also catered at the Wainuiomata Golf Club and done various other bits of catering. For someone who doesn't really like cooking it means I have overcome this fear - I still don't like general cooking but know I can cook for numbers. I have gained food safety unit standards so I can even cook safely. I have learnt about the liquor laws and a lot about employing staff. While there have been issues with staff we have also had some great people working for us so there is a mixture of relief and sadness in closing. On the other hand there are many things I will not miss but I think the cafe will be missed by many in the Village. It will be interesting to see what we do and talk about with the cafe!! Now we just have the garage sale and tip trip!

2008-08-24T22:01:00.005+12:45

Melbourne

For the last 6 or 7 years I have been lucky enough to go the the Geography teachers of Victoria annual conference. The conference is Sunday Monday but I flew over on Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon I revisited places I went to when I was 16. I went to Melbourne in 1963 to attend Girls Brigade leadership training course. One of the day trips we did was to travel on Puffing Billy from Belgrave to its then end point and then we walked to Emerald Lake. This time I was able to go by train the whole way. In fact the train goes on further but I would have needed to get an earlier train to do the extra distance. The weather was fine just getting a little cool towards the end of the day.

2008-07-25T21:16:00.003+12:45

The rest of the Canada trip

Somehow I haven't got back to my blog lately.
On Monday 14 I bikes down to the coast and along Dallas Road, up Foul Bay road and on to Carnarvon park where is there is nice water park. I met everyone else here and had lunch before I continued biking. On my way back I visited Craigdarroch Castle. Amazing woodwork and obvious cost a lot - but then men died in the coal mines to earn the money that built it.
On Tuesday I also got out on a bike ride. This time I went downtown after meeting everyone at a children's bookshop! I rode through town to the Galloping Goose Cycle way. I road only a short section but it meant I saw some of the Gorge area.

On Wednesday after we got pack up after Ruth and the boys went to Imax in the morning. We left about 3pm and had tea in Nanaimo before driving on the Sproat Lake Camp site - called Lakeshore. We were as far from the view of the lake as possible. However it was a good base for the outings we had each day.

Thursday 17 was Christopher's birthday and the highlight of the day ( and the trip -other than being with Madeline) was going on the train from Port Alberni to McLean Mill National Historic Site. Because the camp site was less than attractive we cook and ate our meal in a park by a very pleasant stream. A highlight for the two older boys - playing Huckleberry Finn type games in the stream.

The following day we drove to Tofino - rather chilly at first and we had to buy some sweater. However it warmed up by lunch and we had a great day including tea on Long Beach. The trip the following day down forestry roads towards Bamfield turned out to be an adventure. before that though we stopped and saw the Martin Mars flying boats. We then had a really interesting drive down the Alberni Inlet, seeing a log collecting area on the inlet and having lunch in the forest while Murray and Richard removed a small log from the road. Unfortunately Christine and Richards car has a very vulnerable sump - and we hit a rock. We had a long slow tow back - bu we saw a bear. At lunch time the boys especially Charles had collected lots of wood and so we had a good fire and cook marshmallows in the evening.

The camp site itself was not that great but the swimming area on the lake was great for the kids and each morning the children and I had a swim and play - and especially on the last day while the other adults packed up.

The trip was coming to an end. On Monday we did some jobs to help Christine and Richard. Madeline and I went out for a tea party and we later went a played in Beacon Hill Park.

All good things must end and son on 22nd we caught the float plane to Vancouver to begin the long haul home. All went smoothly - the most hassle was in Auckland and the most interesting landing was - yes... Wellington "smack in the teeth of a southerly gale."

2008-07-14T10:15:00.005+12:45

Weekend in Victoria

Saturday

A different configuration of children were unwell, so I went out alone. Walked around downtown seeing the sights including China town and Market Square. I then asked where the transit buses left from and caught a bus to Butchart Gardens. About a half hour ride - rolling country with a good view of the Olympic Mountains including Mt Baker. Enjoyed the walk around the garden though it was very hot. It was interesting to see how an old quarry had formed the centre of the garden. I then took a boat ride in Todd Inlet and Brentwood Bay - restful and cooler. Managed to just miss a bus - they of course were coming on the hour. Back to town had a look at a book sale but resisted any temptation.

Sunday.

Got the troops organised and went down to the harbour to see the Victoria Harbour ferries do their ballet to the Blue Danube.. We then took an outer harbour cruise.

We walked back home and then Ruth took Christopher for a walk ( sleep) and did some shopping. Richard, Liam, Charles, Madeline and I went to Mt Douglas. Drove up and boys and I went to the very top because Madeline was asleep. We then played on the play ground and went down to the sea.

2008-07-12T19:19:00.008+12:45

Victoria - First 2 days. (Thursday and Friday)

On Wednesday evening after tea Richard took the boys to fly the kite down at the coast ( at the end of the street) Could see the Olympus Mountains USA. Christine, Ruth, Madeline, Christopher and Izabel arrived and we go everyone to bed. Thursday we set to with washing and sorting. Charles made a zip-line withe K'nex (there was a zip-line on Grouse Mountain) and Liam, Charles and I set up a line outside and got it going. The day then went down hill with Liam and then Christopher throwing up. Ruth and Christine and Izabel went to the supermarket leaving me to cope! Christopher was OK at this point. He and then Madeline went to sleep and Liam also slept. Charles was really good and entertained himself with activities. After tea Charles, Madeline and I went for a walk to Beacon Hill Park. Played on the playground and trees and then walked to the Look-out Point.

On Friday eveyone seemed much better and after the chores Liam, Charles, Madeline and I went back to the Park and went to the petting farm. Children enjoyed stroking the goats - lots of small ones. We then went to the water play area. Christine, Ruth and Madeline, Christopher and Izabel came with lunch and a change of clothes. We then went for a walk along the water front. Saw some of the land marks - totem poles, Legislative Building, seaplanes taking off, little harbour ferries, house boats at Fisherman's Wharf - saw two seals. Walked back. After tea Ruth, Liam, Charles, Madeline and Christopher and I went down to the water front and had a ride on a horse and carriage.

2008-07-11T09:24:00.010+12:45

Vancouver

We were delighted to fly away from the cold wet of Wellington. I hope I left most things organised for next term -otherwise that it is on a list! We all coped well on the long flights and with the stop over in San Francisco. I had novice elderly travellors- tip make sure you know your name before travelling, don't hassle you neighbour about how to use the inflight! Arrived at Great Western Capilano Inn at about 11pm. Christine had arrived a little before us - all children asleep and we got Charles and Christopher settled and oursleves.

Monday-Capilano Suspension Bridge

After breakfast we initially set off to walk but on realising we were going the wrong way we divided up and Christine ferried us up to the Bridge entrance. It was lunch by now so after refuelling the troops we crossed the bridge - a long way down! The tree walk was really good and the children enjoyed answering questions for an eco badge aand collecting stamps for a certificate.

We put our morning walk to good use and returned to a Greek Tavena for a meal - thought of Angela and Abby in Greece.

Tuesday - Stanley Park

A great day for the children. A train ride and play ground - Christopher's favourites. Then an amazing aquarium- maybe the adult's favourite but enjoyed by all. We then took the free park shuttle and road to the totems. I feel sure Mum and Dad visited this park. I must check out the photos when I get home. We re-caught the shuttle and got off near the fish and chip concession and the water play feature. After food the children had a great time playing in the water. Christine went for the car and took me and the children back and then went for Ruth.

Wednesday- Grouse Mountain

We followed the ferrying method and got the whole team up to the gondola ride to Grouse Mountain. Great views as we went up. Once at the top after refuelling everyone - with a great view over Vancouver. We walked up a track - the kids enjoyed playing in old snow. The highlight was a lumber jack display - very well done -humorous as well as a good display of skills. The grizzly bears were awake (they had been asleep earlier) - OK at a distance but I am sure they are more impressive to see in a more natural habitat - though they had a large area up on the mountain. Took the gondola down. Liam, Charles and I caught a taxi to the seaplane terminal. The others went to the ferry terminal and took a boat. The seaplane was great with great views. and a thrill for the boys.

2008-06-25T21:57:00.004+12:45

Long silence
and no photos -seem to be have used Ruth's camera. My last post was at Easter. The last 12 weeks have been stressful -though gradually feeling better as Judith makes good progress. There have been some downs and she has just heard that she will need surgery on both hips sooner rather than one hip replacement later. She has had to cope with cryptosporidium as well but currently is gaining strength with gym and swimming and is able to go out with a wheelchair. I have enjoyed a couple of outings. We had a nice lunch on a lovely mild late autumn day at the Ashurst Domain and then on 26 June we had lunch in town and look at some clothing shops before visiting Anna at there new house. I am going up every third Saturday -though Ruth and the Boys and I are planning to go this Sunday before we go to Canada.

The weekly work routine continues. I have been busy at school with exams and reports as well as the usual preparation and teaching. Currently both my geography classes are using GIS so we are having a lot of fun. it is working well and the students clearly understand the geographic pattens and relationships.

On Tuesday Charles catches the bus back to Chilton after school and then we go to music. he played at his school assembly last week, his year group were in charge of the programme. Apparently he played well. He has a recital with the Suzuki group this weekend. on Wednesday's I get home in time to look after Christopher while Charles has soccer practise. We have been going to the super market to do the cafe shopping and ride on the rides - a helicopter and pat the postman. Thursday I pick Charles up from gymnastics and then its Friday and I manage a school badminton team. This is not a hard task but I like to support them and it avoids any problems.

We managed to get the garden at Ruth's under control before winter and recent weekends we have been raking leaves - "blown off by the wind and rain" as Christopher pointed out. We have started the pruning just 3 tree left. We will ensure everything that needs to be is securely covered against frost before we leave. I don't think the garden will be Pierre's top priority especially once Murray is away as well and Pierre is it for the cafe as well.

Most weekends we have had a walk ( mostly up the Wainuiomata river) or a bike ride. In the school holidays we did a number of outing. I ventured to Lollipops with the boys - Ruth was at the cafe. We went bowling at Strike - Christopher beat me! We managed a fine day to go to the zoo. It was a day were zoo card members could go early. It was a good time to see the animals.

Another day when Ruth was doing a shift at the cafe I took the boys swimming - we all returned safely with all our gear - I almost lost a shoe. We had a great game of mini-golf at a Pirate Mini-golf centre. Christopher only lost two balls that we couldn't rescue. He preferred to see them in the water. We came home over Hayward's and had a picnic lunch at Dry Creek. The weather was very nice though it had been raining earlier in the week and so the stream was too high for us to ford.

Recently Christopher and I have been watching the phases of the moon - someone - a space person took a piece away! it has bee to wet to watch the waxing of the full moon.

The cafe continues about the same as last year - maybe a little up but then costs are up with increased in fuel and dairy products. Getting the roster sorted for July has been a challenge but I hope I have someone in every space!

Ruth had a stamping party last week which was fun. Different and relaxing even though it was a school night and there was a serious accident which made the demonstrator an hour late. Along with Charles doing some class work on family traditions I feel spurred on to continue sorting out the family tree stuff. This is involving sorting out storage and organising the space a bit better. I think I might invest in some decent shelving as a starting point - then I can see what I am trying to do.

I will see if I can get some photos from Ruth.

2008-03-27T21:27:00.003+13:45

Easter

The boys had a lovely time looking for Easter eggs (mostly silver wrapped spring bulbs) but some chocolate ones too. Good to focus on hope and new beginnings after the stress of Judith's major surgery.

2008-03-06T06:25:00.003+13:45

River trip

We were fortunate with the weather for our annual Level 3 Geography Hutt river field trip. Ruth and Christopher came on the trip this year. The river was very low with the low dry summer this year.

2008-02-10T08:06:00.000+13:45

Back to school

The new school year has started - as one Year 7 said we have have had 3 lots of two days. Which is true for students. I have actually been there every day for the three weeks except for Waitangi Day.

On Waitangi day Ruth, Charles, Christopher and I went up to see the tram Museum at Mckays Crossing. We had a tram ride and then enjoyed out lunch on the beach - this was proably the highlight for Christopher. We then went into Raumati to see if their minature train was running but it wasn't so Charles enjoyed a play in the play ground while Christopher slept. When he woke Christopher thought we were still going to the trains - fortunately the train was running at Avalon park in Lower Hutt so we had out train ride and another playground play. A very enjoyable day - though very hot.

Yesterday Charles, Murray and I got tidied up after Charles had had cricket and went into Government House. We walked up with crowds of others, collected our paper bag lunch and drinks - a very nice lunch and found a spot on the hillside. Great to bump into Judith and Don. We enjoyed the pre concert music before the main concert - a Day in St Petersburg so excerpts of well known Russain composers. The cannons were the big highlight for Charles. he had look at them during the interval and then enjoyed the explosions during the 1812.
No photos as I foget my camera on both ocassions.

2008-01-27T22:06:00.003+13:45

Merewyn and Josh's wedding

Had a great time camping at Rawene. Nor sure who won the 500 school. Boys played some great games in the bush by the camp site, including setting up a "crane". No-one fell out of tress!! We enjoyed swimming in the camp pool. On Friday half the party went to help with the wedding organisation while the rest entertained the younger members. We went swimming at Opononi and after lunch took the ferry across the harbour. Saturday was the big day and the organisation was timed closely to get everyone to the right place having had a sleep first if under 3 years. A misplaced key at the last minute didn't interfere as we got a lift with some others - and the bride was a little late so all were in the right place ready. The children were delightful and everyone else looked suitable for the occasion. Murray and I drove back to Auckland - met up with Chrisitne and Richard and collected car seats and saw them onto their plane before I ran over to catch mine. Murray had another day in Auckland before driving back down to Wellington.

2008-01-27T21:55:00.001+13:45

Newest family member

Of course one of the highlights was getting to know Izabel

2008-01-27T21:30:00.000+13:45

Holiday activities

Over January we enjoyed many activities with all the grand-children or various combinations.

One day we walked to the local park and had a picnic lunch - this trip turned out to be longer than I thought as my watch stopped.

We visited the Karori WildLife Sanctuary. We should have made this trip a little earlier so we could ride on the boat but it was still fun.

I spent 4 days on the south Wairarapa coast with a group of students from school who are working towards their Gold Young New Zealander challenge (formerly known as the Duke of Edinborough award). We were relatively lucky with the weather. We did have very striong winds on the first night and drizzling rain on the second day but we were able to meet all challengs and complete the planned activites. The last day was beautiful and the view from my tent door says it all. The night sky was marvellous. Unfortunately the next day was misty, windy and colder. Time to go home - and back to cellphone coverage!

The last outing we did before the family returned to Canada was to go into Wellington to an event in the Dell. Christine , Madeline and Izabel went in early and caught the first show before the rain set in in. Ruth, Charles, Christopher, Liam and I drove over to Waterloo and took the train into town and then walked along Lambton Quay to get the cable car. We joined the others as the rain bewcame established- so no dancing and picnic in the Dell. We picniced in the Hot House gardens by the Lady Norwood Roase Gardens. Wile the young ones and their Mum's returned home, Liam , Charles and I walked back throught the Botanical Gardens taking in the Tree House and the Cable Car Museum before riding down on the cable car. It was no longer raining, in fact it was quite pleasant. We then caught the ferry to to Day's Bay where we had an ice cream and palyed in the sand before catching a bus to Lower Hutt. We had to take a second bus back to the Waterloo train station to pick up the car. A fun trip - I still have a pocket full of shells collected at the beach.

2008-01-27T21:24:00.000+13:45

Enjoying the best Swiss Chocolate

Vivianne, our Swis Host daughter is currently vising New zealand with her boyfriend Michel. They bought some Swiss chocolte - enjoyed by all, including the younger members who "found " it within reach!

2007-12-30T23:00:00.000+13:45

Family day

We had a great day with Judith, Don and Peter, Anna, Scott and Mckaia. Sun, water, food, trees to climb, salads - a Kiwi summer day!

2007-12-27T16:31:00.000+13:45

Boxing Day

Xmas day was spent with various other family branches and Boxing Day saw a gathering at our place. The weather was fine enough that we did sit outside for some of the BBQ before very heavy rain. The raincleared enough for some outdoor activites including flying Josh's radio controlled plane, briefly. He is going to need a good supply of propellers.

2007-12-24T22:50:00.000+13:45

Christmas Eve 07

As well as the usual Christmas preparations and ensuring everything was sorted at the cafe for the two day break, this Christmas eve was even more exciting. By mid-day no-one wanted to go too far from home..... then they arrived. It was delightful to see the two boys hug and Christopher and Madeline play together and of course to welcome the newest family member to New Zealand (even if she is here on a visitor's permit being a Canadian). We now look forward to a family event on Boxing Day.

2007-12-20T21:58:00.001+13:45

Tree removal

A large Banksia on the north west corner of Ruth and Pierre's was starting to block the whole front of the property. So although it was a good climbing tree - but we were concerned about the concrete under it - it was decided it had to go. It has opened the front up really well and it will be interesting to see if Charles' room is warmer in the winter.

2007-12-20T21:51:00.000+13:45

Xmas Preparations

For me with the end of the school year and marking the preparation for Xmas is always rather rushed. Charles and I did get the tree up and I finally posted some cards to friends. The photo of Christopher rather sums up my feelings about now.

2007-11-23T19:23:00.000+13:45

Walk in Forest Park

On 11 November we - Murray , Pierre, Charles, Christopher , Lucy and I went into the Orongorongos. We took lunch. Christopher enjoyed the ride in the back pack and playing at the river. It was alongish walk for Charles, especially as his good walking boots are just too small. However we made it both ways and he quickly recovered once we were home again.

While we heard some birds in the park we have had two pigeons in the neighbourhood lately.

2007-11-23T18:50:00.000+13:45

Scarecrows

In November the residents of Moore's Valley have a display of scarecrows. ( I have the straw to make one for the cafe but..... no time yet.) Charles , Christopher and I took Lucy to see them.

2007-11-23T18:44:00.001+13:45

5 November

While the celebration of Guy Fawkes in NZ may be puzzling ( I did read a justification of the importance of democracy but I think that pass most people by) the fireworks were fun and probably this will be the last time that home fireworks are allowed. And as we had a rogue firework that exploded behind us I think I support the banning of fireworks except in public displays. It was a school night and so we couldn't go to the big display in Wellington though we could hear it and watched it on the computer. The kids had fun with the sparklers.

2007-11-02T18:03:00.000+13:45

Cultural Day

The Suzuki Music group that Charles' music teacher is part of, had a concert at the University School of Music on Sunday. It was great fun - relaxed and kids all did well. Charles played "Lightly Row" and "Cuckoo". Christopher was fascinated with the grand piano . Food and drink made a popular end.
We then went to the Wellesley Gala for lunch and a look around. After this Christopher, Charles and I went to the Circus Proms with the Wellington Vector Orchestra

"Roll up Roll up! Come to the Circus! The Vector Wellington Orchestra is joined by Wellington's circus troupes to present a concert for the whole family. Enjoy spectacular aerial performers, sensational stilt dancers, jugglers, tumblers, unicyclists and, of course, everyone's favourites - the clowns! All the fun, excitement and wonder of the circus accompanied by the Orchestra playing such favourites as Swan Lake, Baby Elephant Walk and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy."

It was great fun and as Christopher commented "lovely Music"

2007-10-22T18:14:00.000+13:45

Wrights Hill

On Labour Day Charles, Christopher Murray and I went to see the Wright's Hill Fortress. They were having an open Day so we were able to walk through the tunnels and see how the defences would have operated if they had been needed during World War 2. Unfortunately I left the camera behind. Christopher particularly like a small tiger moth pedal car and Charles enjoyed the firing of blank ammunition with various firearms.

2007-10-22T18:12:00.000+13:45

Wet day project

One project that didn't get done in the holidays was making the puppet theatre. Last weekend was not very fine and I was looking after the boys for Ruth so we got started on the project.

Watch this space for the finished theatre and first show.

2007-10-05T21:35:00.000+13:45

The advantages of imagination

We have been planning a trip to Somes Island for some time and had a booking for last night. However the weather was awful, strong northerlies and heavy rain, so we decided that promised a little too much adventure. Instead we settled for virtual islands in the lounge with Charles sleeping in my tent. Please note the brown rug is actually rocks and the green dressing gown is clearly grass - with a ferry (red boat) pulled well up due to the bad weather. I slept on Motopuka Island (usually known as the couch ). We were warm and snug as the wind howled around and rain beat on the roof. We have only postponed the actual trip and will try again in December. The weather was lovely this morning but the wind has now come up again.

2007-10-03T22:24:00.000+13:45

Not Oobleck- Popcorn!

It has been really cold today with a southerly bringing cold hail showers and strong winds. Christopher's comment was that it was popcorn. We have decided an indoor island trip may be more prudent than our planned trip to Somes Island tomorrow- we will postpone this until summer and hope for finer weather

2007-09-30T22:12:00.000+13:45

Conference week

The conference went really well. We had a lot of interest in our stand and our workshop was well attended. The Thursday event where we spent time with Joseph was also good - encouraging. Friday and Saturday Joseph and I visited two confluences 38S 175 E and 36S 174E. We saw some interesting parts of New Zealand as well. On Saturday we had time to stop in at the M atakohe Museum for a short visit. After calling in to see Stephanie, Mike and Baby Riley again I dropped Joseph at the airport and set off for the drive south. It was a lovely afternoon and clear evening so I drove all the way to Palmerston North. Today I returned to Wellington via Dannevirke and Masterton - not exactly a direct route but I was able to see Aunty Ruth and Uncle Des and Aunty June and Mary.

2007-09-25T08:12:00.001+12:45

Local travel

This week I am at the Social Sciences conference in Auckland. I decided to drive up. On Friday after school, finishing all those last minute tasks that had to be and hoping I had left the cafe tasks covered I drove up to Palmerston North where I stayed the night. On the Saturday I drove to Auckland. it was a very pleasant journey - spring is pretty time and having not driven to Auckland for many years I was able to view the trip in the light of recent trips to USA and Europe - NZ is a very pretty if empty country. From Otaki to Tokaroa I saw very little traffic even though it is school holidays and I was traveling during the day. Photos later.

2007-09-09T15:57:00.000+12:45

Grand-parenting

One of the joys is watching gifts being opened. Christopher celebrated his second birthday in July and Charles like Liam has now reacher 6 and is "as clever as clever." Christopher enjoyed his new car - he had enjoyed it at the shop but of course didn't realise it came home to be hidden away till the day. Charles on the other hand did remember the buying and putting away of his present so I was reminded to get it and (shades of his mother!) to wrap it in birthday paper.

2007-08-21T21:12:00.000+12:45

Weekend to Melbourne

After the big trip it has been back into school. Murray and I have managed a couple of Sunday walks, otherwise it has been school and cafe. However I did go to Melbourne for the Geography Teachers of Victoria Conference. It is the 5th year I have been and one of the best. Lots of good ideas some of which I have already put into practise. My hosts Rob and Elise took me into the Guggenheim Exhibition that is currently on the the National Gallery of Victoria. While interesting I think I enjoyed and got more from the exhibition of Australian art - including aboriginal art. We had a pleasant walk along the Yarra before return to Warrandyte. The conference was on Sunday and Monday. I arrived home after mid-night and then went to school on Tuesday. Fortunately not a heavy day and we had no extra evening events, unlike the week before.

2007-07-22T09:57:00.000+12:45

Jet lag

We arrived back in New Zealand safely. I had to ensure we left various students at places along the way - with a responsible adult - it was a bit like 10 in the bed..... I started with 33 at Brussels, left with 30 to go to Heathrow (and aren't I glad we left before all the flooding that has occurred this week). I left 2 in HongKong so went on to Auckland with 28 where I left one and so returned 27 to their families in Wellington.

It was back to school the next day at 8 am. I give full marks to the PD speaker who kept my attention - amazing as I usually drift off when not jet lagged!

I made it though the week. The fact that Murray has recovered the data from the dead disk and that a new computer has arrived removed one source of worry. One night when I thought it was day time I was able to talk though a topic I am teaching with Murray and so I felt much better about the classes for Level 2. The GIS at school has worked well so Level 1 Geography went really well. Philip's reliever is excellent and so after one sort out of the content to be covered I have not had anything extra on that front.

More interesting though it was Christopher's birthday on Tuesday. His second and the first time I have been home - I was away with USA visitors when he was born and last year was in the USA with Christine and Richard. Christopher was delighted with his present. We had the family meal yesterday which he also enjoyed until it got all too tiring.

The weather is appalling today and I should be doing a number of things other than bringing my blog up to date.

Reflecting on the Europe trip has been interesting. Some how all the things that could have gone wrong hit me more this week. I guess when you are in the midst of something you just cope - such as with lost passports, keeping track of people in crowds, the lack of street savy of some - it is afterwards the reaction comes. I particularly enjoyed the Czech Republic and would enjoy seeing more of the country. I also enjoyed (maybe the wrong word) the battlefield experiences in Belgium. It would be good to explore the wider country further. I am getting a lot of pleasure now reading the various booklets I bought so that I can put the whole experience into some sort of context.

2007-07-11T06:58:00.001+12:45

Belguim

The trip from London was straight forward once the passport issue was sorted and extras joined the trip.

I found the visits to the war graves very moving but from the point of view of the tremendous waste of life. More people need to refuse to fight - though the need for defence is still important given the realities of the real world.

2007-07-09T19:17:00.000+12:45

London

I had fun yesterday taking a group around London on the underground. Made sure everyone was able to read the maps on the train - I am not sure I would let two of them off on their own. Not yet achieved on map reading! We saw the Tour de France flash by - more police cars and security that bikers. Then a good walk around the Tower of London - I would like to go again - in winter or at least the down season. We got there fairly early so it wasn't too bad and I saw a lot. We then did the shopping then for the rest of the group - Harrods, Piccadilly and Covent Garden. I now have a clear picture of Picadilly - my other memory was rushing though with Megan and Mike on the way to a meal in Soho - in the early evening - so getting dark. Safely back to Hammersmith with all the group.

Off to westminter Abbey and Belgium today.

2007-07-07T17:11:00.000+12:45

Sight seeing

On Monday our hosts took us to see the Moravian Karst country near Brno. This was a great day and a change from being in town. The cave complex took about 45 minnutes to go through. Particularly interesting was the wet section where we went by boat. Tuesday was a visit to the world heritage sites at Kutna Hora. We visited the ossary, the cathedarl of St Barbora and the Italian Palace ( was has been variously a mint, a palace, a hospital and a girls school.) The choir also sang a concert in the late afternoon. This was a nice town to wander around in. The next part of the trip has been visits to large cities - with a rushed overview. Vienna has been slightly better than Prague as we have had two nights. However Margaret's planning has been great and we have been able to see some sights and have time to take them in. I find I need time to get my bearings, where is the place geographical and time to set it in some sort of historical context. it has been good here in Vienna having internet access as I can look stuff up on the web. ie the family tree of various Hapsburgs. In Prague I particularly enjoyed the Charles Bridge and the Vltava river. There was serious flooding in 2002 so that was interesting as well. Looking back to the castle and St Vitus church is spectacular. In Vienna the Schnobronn Place was a highlight. I think we should have looked at a difference section of the Hofburg though what we saw was interesting. For musical interest both the Mozart Museum and the House of Music were very interesting and extremely well presented. It was thoughtful of the cathedral buiders of St Stephens to include a lift up the spire! - it was a great view. Heavily decorated cathedrals are a bit over the top - I can sympathise a little with the reformers - seems to be more about the greatest of the human sponser than encouraging a reflective spirit but I guess it is a matter of taste.

2007-07-02T18:02:00.000+12:45

More detail

I have found the internet is still free and I have a little more time. So thought I would get down a few more reflections.

The flights over were as expected long and the third leg from Hong Kong particularly so although when it was clear the landscape was fascinating - China - lots of terraces the whole landscape looked brown and some green but carved over. Then the desert of the Gobi but some areas of green in patches. The mountains of the north Tibet plateau could be seen to the south. Slept and then we were passing over Russia very green with very dark brown ploughed soil showing. The rest was too cloudy over Baltic, Denmark Holland and into Heathrow. We had a delay here due to a gas leak on the runway but only about 40 minutes. We reached Prague around 11pm local time and then had an hour and a half bus trip to Padubice and bed. The students have been fantastic.

The next day it we into the festival. My role while they are singing and practising has been largely that of a gofer. I have done a lot of walking and now know the centre of town really well - including ice cream shop and money machines and the quickest way to our various venues. geography rules! This meant I have also been able to see a lot and have found lots of interesting sculpture and historical items - need to ask students if want to know the shopping options!

The choir also sung in the town of Chrudim yesterday - about 15 minutes due south of Pardubice . This was a concert for the choirs who didn't win gold awards. This town has an extremely interesting puppet museum. Puppets are a feature of Czech culture. Later in the afternoon we walked around the castle and historical area of Pardubice, including the castle and Green gate.

2007-07-02T17:37:00.001+12:45

Czech republic

I have a lot of interesting things to add but this will have to wait. My main impressions are the changes in the last 5 years. More open to tourists and generally the consrtuction and improvement at least for some in the goods available. The police now look like Police not military. The girls are being great though it is well outside the cultural comfort zone of some.

2007-06-13T18:50:00.000+12:45

Winter walks

Charles, Christopher and I have done two more Sunday walks lately. We completed the Gum Tree walk along the Wainuiomata River. We had tried to do this a few weeks ago but began walking from home and found Hine Road rather long before we got to the the walk. This time we took the car to the carpark and then walked. We forgot to take the camera so have no photos but we all enjoyed the swing bridge and having our snack where an old cottage had been. Last Sunday we went up to the cellphone tower. I wondered if I could do it with Christopher mostly on my back ( 20kg all up) . I wondered this even more as we started up the track proper but we made it. Christopher enjoyed himself and only fell asleep as we were reaching the bottom.

We had hoped to see many red toadstools at a point where there are usually a lot but only saw two in another part of the track. Maybe it has been too dry or maybe we were too late in the season.

Talking to the bridge troll

Christopher did walk

A well earned rest and snack

Nearly there

Home again!

2007-04-25T21:10:00.000+12:45

Holiday adventures

Liam summed it up really just before he returned to the USA "We've had so many outings I can't remember the first one." We decided that the first one was going to Petone to ride on the model trains one Sunday afternoon. We had three rides and played on the playground in between.

We also all went to the river at the end of our street- that is Liam , Charles, Madeline Christopher and I - I had the stroller and backpack to make the getting there easier. The older boys were pleased because they were able to use stones to get across the Wainui River - this shows how dry it has been and how low the river is. Fortunately Madeline and Christopher didn't want to follow them being content to throw stones into the river. To add to the interest a digger was working on the Hair Street Creek which joins the main river near where we were.

Liam and Charles and I went into the Zoo. We enjoyed the one- legged Kiwi as well as seeing the chimpanzees being fed and the new baby Sun Bear cub. Another day Liam Charles and I went into Wellington. The intention was to go to Te Papa and then have a ride on the cable car which we did but we went passed the vertical bungee and stopped to have a jump. Charles was keen but Liam preferred the playground. Then he decided he would like a jump so Charles had a second jump. This got us a frequent user card with only one jump to go and then a free jump. We completed these jumps the following week. Of course I forgot my camera both times.

During the first week of the holidays Liam Charles and I caught the train to Wellington from Waterloo and then took the Johnsonville train to Johnsonville. The goal was to visit Mack's Tracks. Only a couple of the layouts he has were working but he got Thomas going while we were there which of course was much more interesting. After refueling the boys at McDonald's and them enjoying a play on the playground we retraced out journey by train to Wellington and back out the Waterloo. Fortunately an incident where rocks fell on the Johnsonville line didn't occur the day we travelled.

We enjoyed three walks up the Wainuiomata River. The first was a duck feeding exercise with Madeline and Christopher. The second Liam, Madeline , Christopher and I ( Charles was unwell) did a circuit up the river (Including feeding the ducks) and then home along Hine Road. Today (ANZAC Day) Charles and Christopher and I took our lunch and walked along Hine Road and into the bush area to eat out lunch by Nikau Stream. I hasten to add that I had the backpack for Christopher and the stroller for Madeline on these "walks".

Liam, Charles and I also went for some bike rides and to various play grounds to try out the play equipment. Christopher also got to go for a ride on the back of the bike to the cafe.

Madeline, Christopher and I went for a walk one late afternoon ( so tea could be cooked) As they were walking we made the half block returning home through Cornel's place.

On Monday we had to say goodbye to Liam and Madeline as they returned to the USA - with many adventures not completed but on our list for next time. It was all in all a great 5 weeks and an especially good two weeks school holidays - not much work done but it felt like a real break. The work was still there waiting for me but the boys and girl are growing fast and childhood doesn't wait.

2007-04-02T06:00:00.000+12:45

I have not been doing nothing since last posted. I have photos to add but need to change the batteries to down them. Charles and I have had a number of outings. We went to Te Papa and saw the Egyptian exhibition. One Saturday we took Grand-dad's camp stove and cooked our lunch up near the cellphone tower. We have been for several swims at the local pool during March when the weather has continued to be hot.
With Liam home for a few weeks we have been to Petone and had some train rides and to the zoo.

2007-02-07T17:13:00.000+13:45

Flying kites

Yesterday on Waitangi Day it was fairly breezy and Charle suggested it would be a good day to fly the kites. This was done successfully.

2007-01-04T21:59:00.000+13:45

Outing

Had our first outing since Xmas today. Note the blue sky -second fine day in a row and even warm - needed sunhat and sunglasses.

Picture shows us "packed" up for the outing. There is a trailer under there!

2007-01-01T19:12:00.000+13:45

Local adventures

Having had our travel in the middle of the year we are having more local adventures this January. I have put up our calendars purchased at the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley so while others in the family travel we can remember our travel. Our current adventures consist of discovering the sections and it looks as if our next trip will be to the local rubbish dump! I haven't been out of the valley since the 23 Dec.

I am pleased with the result of the effort so far. The strawberry and blueberry patch at Ruth's is much improved with weed cloth - why didn't I think of that sooner. It should reduce the weed problem. No problem with sunburn - have been gardening in the rain with a warm jersey on. "summer days" - yeah right!

2006-12-25T20:45:00.000+13:45

Xmas 2006

On Tuesday we had a family meal with Ruth, Pierre, Charles and Christopher before they flew to Santa Fe. The Xmas tree in the photo was decorated by Charles - Like his mother tradition needs to be properly observed. On Wednesday morning I took them to the airport.

For those of us remaining we planned a picnic lunch for Christmas Day in the Rimutaka forest park - something different so that it wouldn't seem too strange. So about mid-day Megan, Murray and I walked up Grace Stream to a nice spot by the stream.
The weather was humid and patchy sun. It was very pleasant and then we completed the circular track before returning home. We also did a public service by removing two broken bottles out of the track. In the evening we had Pierre's parents, Pop and JJ and his sister, Cornel and her son Tiaan over for drinks and cake. A very pleasant day - quiet and lots of thoughts especially from the two grandmas for family far away - in the USA but also for Pop in South Africa.

2006-12-21T22:53:00.000+13:45

Outings

Charles and I attended several productions. The year 7 and 8 production at Chilton was Ebenezer. This was very well done and Charles was familar with the story. We sat at tables and there were soft drinks and nibbles - Charles approved of this as well.

The Tales of Beatrice Potter also had some familiar stories. This was a ballet performance by the Chilton Dance School. The costuming and staging were excellent as was the dancing - though Charles was less keen on some of the dance he enjoyed the story and costumes.

Our next production was at Circa - Roger Hall's pantomime verion of Aladdin. Charles is still talking about Twanky, Hanky and Panky. He enjoyed joining in and made a special effort to thank the stage manager. We rounded off the evening by buying pizza on the way home. Fortunately this was the last day of school so parental rules about bed time could be over looked. Anyway he stayed over with Grand-ma so it didn't matter. The final show we went to was at Capital E. Stu Duval is a writer and story teller and we listened to "Captain Black Custard and the Christmas Pud". We managed lunch at Burger King, a visit to Kirkcaldie's Christmas shop and a look at their Christmas story ( in fact we read it three times as we managed to walk by three times - twice from beginning to end and once from end to beginning) in their windows and a ride on the Cable car before returning home to cook a Bon Voyage/Christmas meal for Ruth, Pierre, Charles and Christopher before they left for Santa Fe.

2006-12-09T17:25:00.000+13:45

Term end

We have just finished the round of prize giving and farewells. Heard lots of very good statements about the journey being more important than the destination - which I guess is true but there does seem to be something a bit wrong with the idea of striving all the time and never getting any where - sounds like a wheel in a mouse cage.

I know I will be pleased to be able to vary my journeys slightly much a I like the trip over the Wainuiomata hill to school each day. However first of all marking must be finished. This is a painful process that reinforces the meaning of masochism and reminds one that everything in life ( ie trips to the USA) have a price.

But the exciting news is that I am going to Europe for three weeks in July as part of the school Seraphim Choir tour to two music festivals one in the Czech Republic (The Martinu Festival in Parduice) and one in England(at Wells Cathedral Somerset) . We also have sightseeing days that include Prague, Vienna, London and Stonehenge. Another reason to keep on with the marking!

2006-10-21T07:53:00.000+13:45

Half way through the term

While the travels are more restricted at present I do think I am very lucky that my journey to school is a very scenic one. The view of Wellington harbour from the Wainuiomata Hill road is a fantastic one -as another friend who travelled a lot once said to me when we travelled together to the Hutt by bus - " you pay a lot to go a see all sorts of sight around the world and for a bus fare you can see this every day". And every day it is different and interesting. The Hutt River was running very high yesterday and you could see the muddy river water spreading into the cleaner sea water.

Currently I car pool with another teacher to get to school. Charles come with us and catch his bus to Wellesley from outside Chilton - which works out well. He comes out with me on school patrol duty and then walks to the bus with other Wellesley boys. We have got into a got routine - he usually cleans my whiteboard and then writes his name on it or plays with some of the other equipment I have - like the long tape measures. He measured my office today. It is 6m long ( for four people). On patrol days we then go and do that, otherwise we have a few minutes on the adventure playground.

At school we are doing some interesting topics - Term 4 always allow us to be more creative as the unit are not assessed with formal tests but with students completely activities - my class is making money - including a wallet for an imagery new Pacific State. The year 9's have been having a great time with a simulated voyage of the early Maori in 12th century. Another year group has made card and board games about the Middle Ages and are then going to make castles. I am collecting up boxes from the cafe for the teacher to use. And the year 10's are in themiddle of their enterprise companies - some very creative. In the midst of all this creativity the teachers are writing reports!

2006-10-10T22:05:00.000+13:45

Holiday adventures

Charles and I made a list of places to visit. These included the Wellington Zoo and Te Papa. On Sunday we set off just before lunch for Te Papa. This proved to be a good time as we were there in the later afternoon and the crowds dispersed. Charles first stop was the Golden Days exhibit which he saw a few weeks ago for the first time and which he really enjoys. Monday was reasonably fine so we set off to the zoo. Ruth and Christopher joined us on this expedition which began with lunch at Eva Dixon's. We were able to see most of our favourites although there are some major changes occurring as the zoo renews some areas and refocuses its displays. It is 100 years old this year and they are planning clebrations this month. It was fine at the zoo even though there was rain to the north.

Although Saturday was showery we decided that none of us would melt and we visited the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. We had not been there since the new fence and mainland island predator free area had been established. I was really impressed. It is easy to forget the local attractions. Charles and I took a ride on the lower dam in an electric powered boat and saw a number of bird inlcuuding black shags nesting. We walked up to the upper dam but the highlight for Charles was the old goldmine. Unfortunately the guide was at lunch so we couldn't go in the whole way. At the this point the rain became more steady so we retreated planning to go again and to take lunch.

I spent four days in the second week on the school holiday in Kaikoura with my Year13 geography students. The weather was not the best but we were able to complete everything -only getting a bit wet while cycling to the seal colony on Tuesday. The girls were able to get out to swim with the dolphins and on Wednesday although the day started very wet in Kaikoura it wa fine in Hanmer Springs - and although the rain doesn't affect swimming in the hot pools being fine makes the whole trip more pleasant.

Our last holiday outing was to go to see a production at Capital E called "On our Street". This was good fun.

Then back to school and ERO. I tend to agree with Charles that the holiday are the best part of school!, although Charles started straight back into a school trip to the Museum of City and Sea which also included playing in Frank Kitts Park. So not all bad.

2006-10-06T10:19:00.000+13:45

To LAX - on time

To complete the record of Murray'travels in the USA. He continued driving westward and reached California where he followed the Smith River. The forest changed progressively from the Douglas Fir (as in Oregon) to Redwoods. On reaching the coast he put his feet into the eastern side of the Pacific assuring another chap that NZ also has beaches - being on the other side of the same ocean.

Murray was due to fly out on Monday evening so Saturday and Sunday were to be long driving days without sightseeing. However this lasted only until he reached the Avenue of the Giants. This 32 mile section of road goes through a State Park and has magnificant stands of Redwoods. At the Visitors Centre there was a section of log with rings counted back to 1148AD..

Following the advice of a ranger Murray turned from the 101 onto route 20 to join the I5 and thus avoid San Francisco. After a fast drive on the freeway ( with a slight diversion into a senior living complex with maze-like roads when looking for petrol - the signed station was closed) Murray travelled on and stayed the night in Los Banos. This proved to be an attractive place and the motel was as cheap as earlier ones and a bit better appointed.

Some on us might not have been as surpirsed as Murray was to find he was making a late start on Sunday - actually he wasn't his cell phone was still on moutain time. He drove across endless horticultural land with truck loads of tomatoes. The Sierra Nevadas were lost in the murk. Murray had planned a camping place but the road that heads south in the mountain was closed at either 10 miles or 20 miles ahead depending on which sign you believed.

He didn't want to get lost on side roads but found a road that went back to the I5 but on the way passed through a national forest. The map had tent symbols so this looked promising for the final night in the US. He found Toad Spring camp ground down a narrow dirt road - basic with no water or toilet but the grass was cut and it was free. He began a clean out of the car which continued the next morning. He found a truck stop and dumped two bags of rubbish and then rest at a petrol station.

The next part of the trip was carefully mapped out to negiotate the freeways into LA, find the rental car depot (before it closed for the night) and get across the the airport - flight not till 11.30pm. This worked well until there was an unexpected lane division. Murray exited from the 101 and sorted this but the name didn't match any he had on his list. However the sun was in the right place and he then realised he should have been on the 105. Fortunately he had plenty of time and was at the airport by 3pm.

Having anticipated the extra security he had his carry-on luggage in a Wal-mart plastic bag - which turned out not to be strong enough. There appeared to be a long queue but this was for domestic flights. Murray's queue was short and security efficient. A long wait and then the pleasure (?) of seeing "16 Blocks" for the 3rd time on as many flights. Overnight it was Wednesday and back to the cold of NZ and waiting to be picked up on a windy corner in Lower Hutt after catching the airport flyer to Queensgate. I had managed to leave my cellphone at home so this complicated coordination until I had gone back to get it.

Back to the cold and work - but a great trip with fanastic memories.

2006-09-23T22:41:00.000+12:45

Pemmican cakes

Those of you who have read "Swallow and Amazons" will be aware of pemmican cakes. Charles and I have just finished reading "Swallows and Amazons". We have been discussing making pemmican cakes and cooking outside. It had been put on our holiday list and so today we made pemmican cakes. We make the cakes ( with luncheon meat) and as we had decided we could not light a fire outside near a house we borrowed a fuel stove ( along with friendly native alias grandad). The cooking was a great success and the friendly native was invited into Charles' fort in the native trees at the side of the house. Baby Vicki ( alias Christopher) was in the backpack to avoid any issues with stoves and hot pans, had his in the backpack. A pleasant time on a day otherwise taken up with getting extra supplies to the golf course and sorting out the non-printing eftpos machine ( wrong tape)

2006-09-17T08:59:00.000+12:45

Volcanic dust or maximising a National park pass

When Murray go back to New Zeland I washed his Icebreaker top and even after several rinses there was still grit in the sink. This came from the next section of his trip. After leaving Devil's Tower he camped in the Big Horn Mountains - these are a very ancient formation - Precambrian. The next day he travelled to Yellowstone National Park. Murray mostly freedom camped in national forests but here due to grizzlies also sharing the forest he chose to camp in the official site. He explored part of Yellowstone early before the crowds built up saw Steamboat geyser one of the world' largest turn on a minor display. The evening was spent camping at Palisades reservoir after driving through the Tetons. Murray was just thinking how alludes it was when a thunderstorm arrived. He managed to get tea between storms.

The next day was to be seeing Craters of the Moon and Sawtooth but the best laid plans... Instead it was EBR1, Craters of the Moon plus Palisades dam and roadworks. The last was a half hour delay. EBR1 was the first nuclear reactor to generate electricity in 1951. The whole place has been decontaiminated and he could walk aroud. Outside were two reactors built to develop a nuclear engine for a long range bomber. The idea was for it to fly non-stop for 5 days - there were even menus planned for the crew. The plane was never built.

Craters of the Moon are in Idaho. The lava caves were particularly interesting with ice in the bottom - a huge contrast from the heat outside. A torch is needed but thanks to Merewyn, Murray had his. Idaho itself is quite different from Wyoming. Much of the State is volcanic. In next few days as Murray attempted to move westwards he also made good use of his National Park pass he visited an interpretative centre for the Oregon Trail. John Day Fossil Bed Monument,Newberry Volcanic Monument and Crater Lake. He continued to camp - mostly free except in Ontario, Oregon where he stayed in a cheap motel. The only cooking device was a microwave which was of limited use with metal billies so he boiled some vegetables in the plastic bowl and fried meat, onions and mushrooms with the camp stove on the table - this probably would have pleased the owners as much as it would have pleased the camp controllers in the former Stalinistic Youth camp we stayed in, in Hungry - fortunately in both cases they didn't know and so everyone was happy.

2006-09-16T21:49:00.000+12:45

A Saturday outing

Charles and I did seven interesting things today. We left early to collect our ticket for Malvin Tix the musical clown. We parked under Te Papa and on the way to get the tickets stopped to look at a display of big trucks. Clearly fascinating in their own way to a section of the community. Because we were early we had time after getting the tickets to go over to the water front. Charles noticed a digger so we watched trucks being loaded by a digger that I removing a hill by the lagoon near the rowing club ( the wheel wash was particularly interesting) and to have a look at a display at Te Papa that Charles wanted to show me - about how a fault works. You can press on a lever to build up stress and then the rupture occurs. This was topical as we had a magnitude 5 earthquake during the night and we had been talking about it. We bought something to eat at Te Papa and then went over to the concert. It was first class. Malvin Tix is a very talented musician and clown from Norway and he was conducting the NZSO. Charles was totally engaged for the whole performance. We decided after this we didn't want to go home yet so walked to the new Playground at Waitangi Park. It was a nice sunny day and out of the wind very pleasant. We then felt we wanted to see more of Te Papa. We tried one of the rides (Magic Lilo's - magic seemed to be a theme for the day -large reclining chair that moves as you fly over NZ - slightly sea sickish but reassuring as Charles pointed out that we weren't really lifting up!), looked at the presentation called Golden Days (Kiwi memorabilia) and spent some time in the Pacific Discovery centre. We decided we would go back again in the holidays. By this time we were both hungry and in Charles' case wanting to play on a playground. Where else to go but McDonald's! On the way we stopped to buy Charles a new wallet and a magic book ( you rub patches to find answers to questions). On Charles' count 7 adventures.

2006-09-07T07:43:00.000+12:45

The A-team start school

Now that both mother's have commented I thought Grandma could add a bit. Great work girls 25% of the through the job but a critical phase over -the foundations are well in place. Charles's birthday being on the day of Dad funeral along with the other changes got me thinking back. At school one of the teachers asked for an hour to go and see his son at Starter group ( at Alice town Playcentre) this got the other teachers talking about their PlayCentre training - (2 level 3 and a Level 1) . Some how this got me thinking of the sewing and time we ( Judith and I) put in and the rewards ( yes there are some stresses too!) that one can have as a grandparent. Doesn't seem so long since we made the four matching jackets for our team back then.

2006-09-06T21:49:00.000+12:45

Badlands and the Devil
After a driving day (2 August) Murray camped in the Black Hills Forest in North Dakato. He awoke at dawn to coyotes - obviously more effective than an alarm! The wildlife theme continued a he visited Wind Cave National Park. As well as seeing prairie dogs, antelope and bison. I was particularly envious of this - seems really western. He didn't visit the caves.
The Badl ands were the furtherest east Murray went. Again an amazing sight - familar to geography students from text books but of course much more impressive in reality and on the grand scale that features are in the USA. And its not just the natural features. Murray viewed Mt Rushmore from the road but was more interested to go on to Crazy Horse. This scuplture of the Indian chief is like a medevial cathedral project. It has been going for 60 years and has another 60 to go. The whole thing is some 700ft high and more long, to show Crazy Horse on a horse.

Having found a pleasent campsite in the extreme NW of the Black Hills Forest, Murray could not find his small billy and cooking stove. As these were indispensable he repacked and back tracked two hours to see if he could find them but no luck ( not at this point - hold this for later posts). He camped at the previous night's site again and ate cold andwiches for tea.

Given the lost time he thought of missing the Devil's Tower ( I don't think this personage can be held responsible for the stove) but after trying a different route from yesterday for variety- but variety it seems is not a feature of Central Wyoming - the mentioned difference was following the railway with lots of stationary trains. Fortunately the Devils Tower was worth the effort.

2006-09-05T23:41:00.000+12:45

A smaller adventure

Now that I am back at school the journeys have got back to the routine of back and forth to school. However I am at present car pooling and this involves crossing a bridge we made at the back of the neighbour's property across a disused stream - which is council land. Our neighbour is obviously happy with us cutting across the corner. Christopher tried the bridge out and found it nice and bouncy.

2006-09-05T23:09:00.000+12:45

The Old Geezer goes anoxic

While I was at Calwood and conferences Murray set off in the rental car on his own adventures. I plan to write up some of the highlights. The first being what Murray tells everyone was the highlight of the trip or at least the High point - climbing Long's Peak. This involved Murray getting up at 2.30am and being on the track by 3.20am. ( Almost unbelievable - hard to imagine he was still in the going to bed phase of the day!) The first part of the trip, through the forest, required a headlight to be worn until dawn broke. By dawn he had reached the turn off to Chasm Lake and continue up the Upper Valley and on to the boulder field- (10-20 tonne variety) There was also near vertical granite cliffs with dozens of routes for the rock climbers. Passing through the "Keyhole " he came to the ledges - with a steep drop off. ( I would have been like many others who stop at this point I am sure) By this time the lack of oxygen was becoming apparent. After the narrows which are a sidle along more ledges around to the front of the peak, there was the final climb up slabs to the summit. The major challenge here is getting enough oxygen - climb a few metres, stop and gasp for a minute. The only food he felt like eating on the top was a NZ Braeburn apple - the lack of oxygen didn't encourage eating more. The view from the top made it all worth while - particularly the feeling of looking down on the peaks around. Then there was the journey down. Murray arrived back at the car park about 3 o'clock feeling tired from the lack of sleep. He drove a short distance to Roosevelt National Forest camped and although the road was too close and noisy he didn't care!

2006-08-12T19:55:00.000+12:45

Melbourne

The final 4 days of my trip was spent in Melbourne, Australia. The purpoe was to attend the Geography Teachers of Victoria's annual conference. I find this a really stimulating conference and have attended for the last 3 years. Just as well I had been flying with United (this the only good point - well no the flights were uneventful another good point) and was allowed two bags otherwise I would have had a lot of excess luggage given all the free material I collected - some of which now adorns my classroom wall.

I stayed with friends and on Saturday we went for a very pleasant bike ride that helped the jet lag and I warmed up. There is a big difference between San Deigo and Melbourne especially eperiencing a frost again after weeks in the high 30's. Melbourne has turned a number of former train tracks into walking/cycling/horse trails. We rode from Lilydale to Warburton-about 22 kms stopping for lunch in Warburton. Forgot my camera so no photos of me cycling along.

I arrived home safely 11.55 on Monday night and made it to school on Tuesday - the first lesson involved watching a DVD - a good piece of forethought on my part and I am glad the reliever hadn't used it. Several lessons have featured a DVD I bought of the SW USA - it is amazing how everything can be linked together and made to relate to the actual topics.

2006-08-07T05:56:00.000+12:45

San Diego

Arriving in San Diego is amazing as the airport is right in the city so the tall buildings seem very close. Unfortunately it was cloudy over the Rockies so the only feature I saw during the flight was the Salton Sea.

We are staying at La Pensionne in Little Italy - about 30 minutes walk from the convention centre. (The photo shows the view from my window.) I was down at registration at 7.30am on Saturday to get my registration sorted as the on line had not registered me. While in an organising mode we found the railway station and organised our Amtrak ticket so are ready for the next leg on Wednesday.

There are 550 participants at the Education Users Conference from 22 countries and 46 states. The sessions have been interesting and it has been good to catch up with old friends made on earlier visits.

Little Italy isn't the quietest quarter of town but the music is pleasant and I have had no problem sleeping, despite music, cars, trains and aircraft. I found Ralph's supermarket had food for breakfast and lunch. There is a need to keep the costs down which is a bit harder in a city. For evening meals we managed to get free food at the conference by attending various events.

Monday was the plenary session for the main user group conference. I believe there are about 15000 people attending. It is difficult in a blog to describe the size of the space and the general atmosphere.

Tuesday Stephanie and I attended some sessions and then did the tourist thing. We went on the light rail to Old Town Historical State Park. Had a good look around and bought a few things. Stephanie had got a bad blister, her sandals are not as comfortable as the ones that broke. She returned to the hotel while I met up with Joseph and with Emily we went over to Coronado Island on the ferry. We walked the mile or so to the main beach-The Pacific - NZ some where off the the SW. We returned on the ferry at sunset - beautiful.

I then joined the other New Zealanders who were attending the conference at a resturant in the Gaslamp Quarter for a dinner hosted by Eagle Technology.

Wednesday was departure day but the train was not until 3pm so in the morning after going into town we decided to take an Old Town trolley tour .This took us through central San Diego, the Gas lamp Quarter, across the bridge to Coronada Island and then to the zoo and Balboa Park.

We got off at the park and had a little look and ate our lunch. You can get on and off the tour and it would be great to have a whole day. We continued on to old town where we left the tour and took the light rail back to our Hotel. We got our gear and took a taxi to the railway. Amtrak was good we travelled with an extended family of Amish people. We got a bus to LAX and then it was onto the convenyor belt. I had a good flight - slept most of the way and was unaware of the security incident until we had extra security from Sydney to Melbourne.

2006-08-04T15:59:00.000+12:45

Adventures in Boulder

Transitions are are always fun when travelling. We finished the workshop at Calwood on Thursday. I was just priding myself on having all my gear when suddenly someone said as we were about to board the yellow school bus is this someone's shirt and sock - it was mine - some how got caught up in the linen. The trip on the bus was uneventful this time. We were dropped at the Boulder Library and one of the other members of the workshop kindly offered us a lift. We crammed into the car with our boxes between us and our back packs on our knees. Unfortunately it was the wrong Best Western that we were dropped at. We took a taxi - the rudest person we have met in the USA. However he got us and our luggage to Boulder Inn further down 28th Street to the south. We got our room and organsied a shuttle for tomorrow and a taxi for 3.30pm. A very pleasant young man who had lived in NZ for three years (on the North Shore) while his father taught at the university took us to the post office. He helped with the boxes in fact I think he would have taken them into the Post Office for us. We were happy to tip him. The Post Office people were very helpful and our boxes will arrive in NZ sometime in the future.

We had a pleasant time looking around Pearl Street Mall. Boulder seems to be the Hippies Last Stand - so it is very interesting people watching. I found a very nice gift and toy shop - credit card worst off - grandchildren hopefully will be pleased.

We walked home along the Boulder Stream which has a pleasant walk/cycle way. About halfway back Stephanie's sandal strap broke. For part of the way she walked with it as a slip on and then reverted to true Kiwi bare feet. Fortunately there were really good concrete paths and apparently I missed a sensory experience of all the different surfaces! There was however a convenient restroom at a tennis club/hotel that we were able to use.

We made it safely back to Boulder Inn just before dark. The final adventure has been has been rescuing Stephanie's ear ring from the shower drain! - Swiss Army knife to the rescue.

2006-08-02T07:36:00.000+12:45

Calwood outing

As well as computer work and field work with GIS we went down to Boulder and visited the National Centre for Atmospheric Research. This was to use Liam's phrase a "too good" place. As well as neat displays and resources to look at -such as lighting, tornados we were taken to a lab where they can display the climate models they are working in 3-D format. We had to wear polarising glasses. The images were amazing. I found the model of the actual weather through the year particularly interesting.

Getting to and from was interesting. We went in a yellow school bus. On the way to Boulder we had to wait as a truck was going passed a crane at a road work site and slipped off the shoulder into the ditch. Plan B was being considered when we were suddenly able to go. On the way back the bus went to the National Centre for Atmospheric Research despite the fact thay Anita had completed all the required pieces of paper. it was however a warm pleasant evening waiting outside the Boulder library.

2006-07-30T16:31:00.000+12:45

Cal-wood

We travelled on Thursday from Santa Fe to Denver. We crossed back into Colorado at Raton Pass. Our main sight-seeing was the Garden of the Gods at Colorado Springs. After spending a night camping at Joseph and Janell's we had a day exploring Red Rocks , seeing another very clear discontinuity, and Dinosaur Ridge before driving though Golden. There was to be a Buffalo Bill parade the next day and there were tents up for various stalls including a black one with a silver fern -Hills Hats of NZ! We didn't stop as we were hungry. From Golden we drove through Boulder and on up the Left hand Gorge through Jamestown to Cal-wood. Cal-wood is an outdoor education centre. In the evening we went down to Boulder for tea and saw the sunset on the Flatirons and a view over Boulder.

Cal-wood is a very pretty place located in a valley in the Rockies. There are bears and mountain lions I am hoping not to see any - they do apparently stay in the more densely wooded parts of the property further down the valley.

Murray is leaving for his trip into Wyoming. On his return I will get him to make a post or two.

The GIS Institute has begun well, great instructors and great participants and I don't have to lead, only learn!

2006-07-27T03:29:00.000+12:45

Visiting in Santa Fe

We arrived in Santa Fe late on Thursday night. We left the Colorado Plateau temporarily after our visit to Mesa Verde. We drove into the Rockies through Durango and Pagosa Springs. We crosssed the Great Divide camped at Big Meadows campsite.

The following day we drove down through Del Norte and Alamosa.

Rather than drive directly to Santa Fe we took a scenic route. (In Scenic Driving NewMexico these are drives 32 and 33) The first part called Valle Vidal is a 69 mile drive through the high meadows of the Sangres de Cristo mountains. It starts at the village of Costilla. The road is not sealed but was good. After passing through a gorge we passed into high meadow country with a beautiful stream. Just before the end of this section the others got a flat tyre. The spare was a space saver so the rest of the trip was a bit slower. We returned to sealed road at Cimarron. Cimarron was a rowdy place- a stop on the Sante Fe trail. The guide book mentions that a Las Vegas newspaper once wrote "everything is quiet in Cimarron. No one has been killed for three days." We found somewhere to put more air in the spare tyre on Richard and Christine's car. The Cimarron Canyon is a deep wood canyon though volcanic rock - the Palisades Sill.

We reached Taos just in time to have a meal at El Pueblo cafe and wreckers. ( Perhaps we can rename the Blue Lily?) We reached Santa Fe about 10.30pm.

Friday was spent sorting out tyres and the basics of living, with a visit in the afternoon to Santa Fe Plaza.

On Saturday we packed up drove out to White Rock Overlook to see the Rio Grande before driving on Bandellier National Monument. After morning tea and a nice play in the creek we walked to the peublo ruins. There was a large building on the flats and then many cave dwellings that we were able to climb into. We walked on the the Alcove House which had 4 ladders to climb. Madeline would have liked to go up but I managed to convince her the creek was fun. On the way back we drove throguh Los Alamos and visited the Bradbury Museum for about half an hour. While the science is interesting the whole Nuclear bomb thing is scary.

On Sunday mornng Liam and I went to the Santa Fe Children's Museum - we went again with Madeline on Friday. This is a great place with lots of interactive activities. In the afternoon although it was raining at first we went for a walk in the Sangres de Cristos mountains. We took a trail called the Borrego Trail - it was route used tomove sheep. The rain stopped and we had a pleasent 4 mile loop walk.

Richard had to return to work. So Monday the rest of us went up to Taos to explore the plaza. It was good to see the Rio Grande Gorge route in the daylight after driving it at night. We at a look at the Rio Grande walking across the bridge with a 1200 foot drop and returned to Santa Feover high plateau with some spectucular lighting in the distance.

Tuesday with an outing day that Liam had planned. Grand-dad Liam and I caught the Santa Fe Southern to travel 19 miles to Lamy. This train has a open flat car so we could be outside and get a view. We were very lucky as it was very clear. We had lunch at Lamy bought on the station and eaten under a shady tree. We had had a look at the Last Chance saloon which is a rebuilt example of what would have been there when train was the means of travel.

Wednesday was the shopping and final look around day for Anne with Christine and the children; this included a visit to Liam's school. Murray went for a walk in the ski area reaching Lake Peak 12400 feet.

2006-07-26T16:17:00.000+12:45

Grandma's Brag Post

Of course the main reason for the trip is professional development and the travel through the Colorado Plateau and the Rockies have certainly provided that. As well I have three Geography/GIS conferences that I will be attending over the next two weeks. I hope to increase my skills with Arcview 9 among other things.

However family still comes first. I have had to miss Christopher's birthday and I was out of town on the day he was born but then I missed Liam's first birthday too. I left Charles with a big map of North America and I have managed to send a post card from most places. We have only had the Skype working once. But I have sorted out how to use the US postal service. I have found buying stamps in bulk at small town post offices the best. They are easy to find - on the main road with helpful friendly staff. Having said that the post office in Santa Fe was helpful (and Liam made a social contact Alex who is coming to play on Thursday. )

It was great to meet Laim and Madeline at Desert View. It seems that Liam and Madeline were excited and the grandparents were definitely restless as the expected arrival time drew near. It has been great spending so much time with both Liam and Madeline. Liam travelled in our car so we had lots of interesting conversations. He is currently really interested in differences with NZ and this has concentrated on the US flag. Liam has his own song about the stars and strips. He really enjoyed the junior ranger programme which has lead to lots of conversation about wildlife and geology. He looked out for different sorts of rock.

Madeline is delightful. Liam assured me that he thinks Madeline "understands the accents here". While Madeline does not choose to use a lot of words she clearly understands and has a really mischievious streak, and knows how to annoy her brother. Of course I think all the four children are great and that their parents are all doing a great job of parenting. (I did head this grandma's brag page) Liam enjoys his school (La Casita) and Christine is president of the board. Liam plans to take me to meet his teacher tomorrow.

Since arriving in Santa Fe I have been to the Children's Museum and Liam wants me to take him again so we are hoping to fit that in also tomorrow. Today we went on Liam's planned outing with me (we took Grand-dad) -the Santa Fe Sourthern Railway trip from Santa Fe to Lamy. We visited the Legal Tender saloon but our lunch was on the platform of the station - and then eaten under the shade in a picnic area.

So it will be hard to leave on Thursday but has been good to see where they are. It is hard wanting to be in two places at once and while electronic communication is great it is not the same as rocking your grand-daughter to sleep in the swing seat, watching Christopher gain confidence walking (he is probably running now) or having conversations about A- team matters with Liam and Charles.

2006-07-25T15:59:00.000+12:45

Camping in USA

We have experienced a variety of sites, from mountain to desert to real mountains (as a man from Boulder said comparing San Bernardino to the Rockies).

Our first experience (see earlier post) was in the San Bernardino mountains. After flying for 12 hours and having a very long Sunday we didn't want to go too far. Following Richard's advice we looked out for a map book that showed campsites. As we drove up into the mountians we realised we were still lacking some essentials - namely fuel and matches. However the area was far from remote and we found a shopping centre at Lake Gregory. The camp site at Camp Dogwood, proved to be fairly typical of what we have found - a paved pull off area for car (or RV) a table, a fire area in a steel ring. This site also had showers which were free (but cold). We both slept well after all the flights and the getting organised.

The reason we didn't go too far the first day!

The next two nights were spent in comfort which was good as it allowed us time to catch up more sleep - thanks Colin and Lisa.

Our next site was at J acob's Lak e. This was a US Forest Service site. Again it was a pleasant site set in among the trees. The camp site manager was particulary pleasant and friendly.

The following night we camped for free in the National forest - where many others had obviously camped before. It was very peaceful.

Our site at Desert View was chosen for ease of locationing By Christine and Richard who we knew would not arrive until after dark. We initially wondered if we had made a bad choice as there was an automated registration system with a mechanical voice that became a bit trying but by dark there were few new campers. The first night at this site the camp was almost full with 50 sites taken, the following night it was almost empty with maybe 10-15 sites taken. There were no showers at this site - Anne was caught washing her hair photo by Liam and Madeline was much amused.

The next site at Monument Valley was described as exposed in the guide. It was. It was also interesting getting a site. There were all these sites for RV's with no-one there at 6pm. Tents had to have other sites. We used the 2-way radios with Anne and Liam at the registration while the others looked at sites. This worked well as some other people were allocated a site and when they looked at it they wondered where they could put their tent. The photo shows the site better than I can describe it. The kids loved the giant sandpit - we did not notice any risks maybe luck. I may have already mentioned that sleeping with one's head down hill is not a good idea especially when the ground is VERY hot. We realised that the fly is not necessary and the risk of rain is low- we could have got the fly up in time anyway. Christine and Richard were able to get some breeze into their tent but it was hot.

The faculities were good in that the showers were hot but over all the site was run down and not well maintained. Other than the buildings and general cleaning the water pump leaked ( and was all or nothing so Liam and I had a bit of fun getting water bottles filled without them being blown out of our hands) . A leaking washer on a pump in a desert location seemed to override the notices about conserving water. We showered in the morning as in the evening some exchange students -or similar group took up the showers.

At our next site at Natural Bridges we used ropes to lift the fly on Christine and Richard's tent and we left our fly off - much more pleasant to have some air. There was an area where I think we were meant to pitch the tents but we pitched in among the trees to keep the tents cooler - the children used the tent area as a sand pit.

At Mesa Verde we did camp in the official marked area and we did use the flys - it was raining as we arrived. This shower quickly passed. We had more rain in the night. We followed all the rules regarding bears but did not see any thing larger than deer. We have seen a number of animals - deer, squirrels (including the Kabab sqirrel on the north rim which has a white tail.), chipmucks, praire dogs, bats, humming birds and ravens.

At Mesa Verde we used the laundromat and showers so all ended up clean with clean clothes. Red sandstone is very photogenic but as dust very quickly ensures all one's clothes are dirty and the children grimy.

One thing we have enjoyed is very few insects. The lack of sand flies is no loss. We did notice mosquitos when we were camping in the forest but covered up. We did buy repellant. It was a bit concerning to read notices about plague at Natural Bridges but we followed the instructions - ie used a table cover and did not poke around animal holes.

Out final camping was in the Rockies (Big Meadows) - a total contrast. We lit the fire in the fire place and all had on out warmer trousers and jerseys. I think it was the first time since San Bernardino that I slept in rather than on my sleeping bag. It was easier to get to sleep. We did have to dry the flys because of condensation - not soemthing we had to think about before.This site was rather expensive at $14 for the facilities - long drop toilets and no water that didn't need boiling - we had our own. It was a extremely pretty site with big trees and wild flowers. It was just as well that we saw no bobcats or lynx as I don't know which is protected and which isn't, and I would not have been able to tell the difference.

Murray will no doubt have more experiences during his two weeks travel while I am at various conferences.

2006-07-24T04:52:00.000+12:45

A Junior Ranger

While we were beginning our exploration of the southern Rim we met a Park Ranger who asked Liam if he would like to do the Junior Ranger programme. This seemed like fun so we listened to the talk and Liam had his book signed up. We worked on the activities as we visited the various viewpoints. We noted the birds and plants - Liam ticked some in advance - "we will see one of those". However we did see most of the things eventually. I enjoyed seeing humming birds. We also discovered a lot about Juniper.

Having successfully completed the Grand Canyon badge Liam and I were keen to continue. We found the programme at Navajo National Monument rather disappointing. Liam completed the programme and was given a badge without his booklet being checked. There was no certificate and the person seemed very vague about it all.

Not detered we went on to complete programmes at Natural Bridges. This was an excellent booklet well pitched at Liam's age group and the rangers made a good job of the presentation. Mesa Verde was not such a good certificate or booklet but the activites helped Liam understand what we were looking at. It also meant the adults had a good look at the Museum and learnt something too!! ( Maybe this is the underlying purpose of the programme?)

At Mesa Verde we bought a Junior Ranger hat to put the badges on.

While we were camping a Big Meadows Camping Site in the Rockies, Liam and I got talking with the rangers. One ranger said to Liam I have something for you if you pledge to care for the environment. Liam was well into this now and the ranger came up with a junior wildlife officer badge. Liam liked this badge as it is star shaped. On our return to Santa Fe we added his Sandia Peak badge as well and put the certificates up on the wall.

On Saturday we visited Bandelier National Monument. This was a very good junior ranger programme and a very good ranger completed the formalities. The badge was a sew-on one so in the evening Liam and I stitched it onto his hat.

2006-07-23T17:22:00.000+12:45

Landforms of the Colorado Plateau

All the places we explored with Christine, Richard, Liam and Madeline are within the area known as the Colorado Plateau.

From St George we were also within this region and dramatic landforms were at every turn of the road. I described the initial places we visited within the Colorado plateau area in an earlier post. (particularly the north rim of the Gand Canyon)

Relatively early on Saturday morning we set out to explore the South rim of the canyon. This involved driving from Desert View camp site to various lookouts along the road which took us to the more popular and crowd Canyon Village. The first stop was right by our camp. Here we saw what looked like an Indian watch tower but was actually built in the 1930's. As the guide book said once the Indians were no longer a threat, safely away on reservations, the settlers discovered the value of their culture.

Liam, Murray and Richard took a shuttle bus to Hopi point which is beyond canyon Village, while Christine and I did some shopping. After tea we returned to the Desert View Lookout. A pleasant evening walk and interesting light.

We left the Grand Canyon on Sunday morning. On the way to the Navajo National Monument we stopped and looked at some dinasour footprints and bones near Tuba City, on Navajo land. At the Navajo National Monument we walked a short distance and saw some pueblo dwellings in a cave across a canyon.
We drove on to Monument Valley. In some ways I found this more spectcualar than the grand Canyon. However I do advise if sleeping in desert not to sleep with your head downhill from your feet. I woke feeling very odd and got up and spent the rest of the night sleeping on the camp chairs under the eating shelter. Quite comfortable actually and much cooler. It also meant I was able to watch the sunrise which was really special.

After leaving Monument Valley we stopped off at Goose Neck State park. This was like looking at a geomorphology text book but in a context of a whole region. I am sure I have been shown this site as an example of entrenched meanders many times.

The Valley of the Gods was as the Rough Guide said 17 miles of dusty road but the landforms were interesting. While the Navajo thought they looked like warriors, Liam thought they looked like Policemen, along with a money with a hat. We back tracked a little to take the route that took us up the Moki Dugway . This was not my favourite drive but the view was great and the whole escarpment interesting.

Natural Bridge National Monument has three natural bridges cut in the sandstone by meandering rivers along with plenty more evidence of human occupation. We left our camp early ( very early for Murray but coffee is good) and walked down to the Sapapu bridge. We looked Kachina Bridge and the Horseshoe Ruin from viewpoints short wolks from the road. We walked doen to the third bridge Owachomo. By this time it was getting hot and we were glad of the early start and the oranges etc we had carried.

The next two sites we visited on the plateau focused on the human occupation of the plateau - Mesa Verde National Park and Bandelier National Monument. (For those interested in chronological order we travelled off the plateau, through the Rockies and on to Santa Fe, it is strictly not on the plateau, between these visits - I will write about this in a later post).

As with the other dwellings we had seen it is interesting to imagine the lives of the people. At Mesa Verde we took a guided tour of the Cliff Palace. After climbing around one understands why small children were kept strapped to backboards - Madeline was also firmly strapped into her backpack.

2006-07-22T07:29:00.000+12:45

Iconic Landforms of the South West USA

After leaving Las Vegas we began our exploration of some of the amazing landforms of the South West. Our first stop was Valley of Fire.

After leaving the Valley of Fire we drove on leaving Nevada, cutting across Arizona into Utah. Which for some reason Murray thought he would not visit. In St George we where able to contact Richard and coordinate time and meeting place. This meant we drove back to Arizona (actually we shuttled across the border again as we found Fredona is not the place to buy groceries and we went up to Kanab).

Once we had all our groceries we drove to Jacob's Lake which is a Forest Service camp site.

The following day was spent exploring the North Rim of the Grand Rim.
The Grand Canyon was spectacular -certainly my photos don't do it justice.

By the end of the afternoon I was feeling canyoned out and I enjoyed the high meadows as we drove back and found a free camp site in the national forest.

We also saw evidence of a fire - June this year called the Warm Fire. It was a natural fire which then became too intense.

The following morning which was Friday we drove to Lees Ferry and crossed the Navajo Bridge. We spent some time in the information centre and looking at the bridges. It is interesting getting some feel, even if superficial, of the local history. John Lee seems to have been an interesting and controversial person.

We had arranged to meet Richard and Christine and knew we had time to spare so went up to Page to see the Glen Dam and Lake Powell. The interperation centre was interesting - I remembered to take my pocket knife out of my pocket before going through security.

While we were travelling down to Desert View passing though small settlements such as Cedar Ridge and Gap ( all the are is part of the Navajo Nation) we received a text to say that the Golf Club in Wainuiomata was closed due to flooding - this was very hard to imagine in the shimmering heat of the Arizona Strip.

We arrived at Desert View and found a site that would take two and was not too hard to find. Just as both grandparents were thinking it would be nice if the family arrived in they pulled. Great excitement tempered by Liam walking into a rock in the dark. Finally everyone settled for the night.

2006-07-12T08:58:00.000+12:45

It has been good visiting with Colin and Lisa , enjoying their home and company. In the morning before it got too hot ( this is a relative concept and we maybe left the starting point a little late) we drove out to visit a geological feature - a non-conformity in the rock sequence. This is to the east of Las Vegas in Frenchman mountain. The view was also good and helped me orient myself to the northern hemisphere. Somehow seems like a mental exercise - interesting how we use the sun unconsiously to get our bearings and now the sun is running across the sky to the south rather then the north.

The afternoon was spent chatting with Lisa and Colin and catching up with friends and business in cyberspace. As well Murray and Collin fixed our broken tent pole. I don't think I mentioned that yesterday when he went to move the tent Murray broke a section of the tent pole. However Colin and Lisa took us to a great hardware store Ace hardware and we were able to buy a length of brass tube. Murray and Collin cut a length of tube and slid it over the break to make a sleeve which was then glued in place. A successful repair.

In the evening we met with Lisa's folks and had a very nice meal at Souls2Soul. A very pleasent meal and great company. A good day that was rounded off by a browse in Barnes and Noble where I was able to purchase Bartholew and the Oobleck for Charles.

2006-07-11T18:13:00.000+12:45

Our arrival into the USA was smooth, facilitated by the now "friendly face" of Immigration and Customs. We found our way to the rental car place which was very relaxed - but he was watching the soccer but we still don't who won. It was 1 all at the time.

We initially thought we would look for some shopping in Culver City which is close to the airport. However after missing a turning we decided to head out of LA. We drove through some interesting down-town housing before joining a freeway and then made our way to San Bernadino.

We were by this time (2.30pm) hungry. We found a spanish speaking super market which had nice cheap food to eat and also where we purchased many of the items we needed to camp with, including food.

We then found the more regular mall but it was more the shopping experience rather than where one could buy useful items - though Murray got some sun glasses.

We drove on up into the San Bernadino mountains - realising as we went up that we had no matches or petrol. At this point we also discovered some chocoloate had melted on the suitcases - a waste and a mess to clean up.

We went on wondering what we would find in a mountain area - well, not lack of shopping. We went into a see a lake called Lake Gregory - houses all modelled on Switzerland. We were able to make all our other purchases except petrol - the nozzle wouldn't fit into the fuel bottle. However our luck was looking up in other ways. A bottle of wine fell through the shopping bag but didn't break and at the next regular petrol station we got petrol and round the corner was a camping ground - Dogwood forest.

We found a site in among the trees ( we learnt this morning that the reason there are many tree stumps is because of a bark beetle that killed probably 50% of the trees) . On the way to what we hoped would be a warm shower but turned out to be a cold shower we helped some young guys whose truck had broken something so that there was no steering to the left front wheel. We helped get them off the road.

After our shower we made tea now by moonlight and our head lights. Very pleasant.

Today Monday we drove on through the San Bernadino Forest Service Park through to Bear Lake City. After making some purchases we drove down into the Mojave Desert. Lucerne City is not a place to visit (Christine it would rank after Amardillo) although it was interesting to see the amount of "prime" land for sale. The whole desert area was amazing - we were initially off the inter-state but then rejoined it for the major part of the trip to Las Vegas. Although we have not see the strip we did see Prim just over the border which seems to be a casino outpost and so we knew we were in Nevada. Heard from Ruth about this point - so cell phone technology is amazing -able to discuss GISMAPED business while on a shoulder in the desert!

As we drove on we passed through the Mojave Preservation area - the Joshua trees were really interesting.

As we knew Lisa and Colin were at work we went on a side trip to see the Hoover Dam. We should have bought some rain over as generally by the water level they need it more than we do. We found our way through Las Vegas on the feeways we only needed one slight stop to re-read the instructions to Lisa and Colin's. So we have driven through Las Vegas East to West but all on freeway.

Nice to have two childhood places the Mojave desert and the Hoover Dam turn out to be as interesting in realy life as I imagined as a child.

2006-07-06T22:16:00.000+12:45

As we have our fifth day of continuous rain the thought of going somewhere slightly drier - New Mexico- has even more appeal. This physical journey will I hope involve two aspects of my life journey that are very important to me at present. The first aspect is my interest in Geography and especially spatial technologies (GIS). I hope to see lots of geography! Ever since I bought a book when I was about 12 years old, by Disney on deserts Mesas, buttes and canyons have fascinated me. So the Grand Canyon is definitely in the planned places to see.

The second is to maintain contact with Liam and Madeline two of my four grandchildren. Skype makes it easy but it is not the same as seeing people.

Now I just have to sort out a few issues at school and put the clothes into the suitcase rather than on the floor.