Well it's all over - always so quick.
The visit to Grandma wasn't too bad actually - she was on quite good form, and only mildly rude and offensive to Dad and Minority groups, so it wasn't too tedious.
Christmas Day itself went well - dinner was delicious (Peking Duck, drunken prawns, crispy beef, crispy wontons, money bags etc etc!) and not much activity was had by all!
My new camera lens is proving to be most excellent, though I think I will need to take both lenses out with me all the time now - more baggage! Asides from that I got exciting things like a torch, pop-up bin and windscreen cloth for my car - whoohoo!
On Boxing Day we went to my Uncle Tim's in Frome, which was ok (sadly better than last year as my cousins weren't there - tis a shame I feel this way...), which was pleasant enough.
I do have to confess to be bored quite a lot of the time this festive period - I need to go back to work I think!
Anyway, we went sales shopping in Salisbury the following day, with the next day given over to walking at Blashford Lakes (trying out my new lens!) and clearing up the Xmas refuse piles!
Today I have just got back from shopping with Hayley, where my objective of buying some more trousers failed spectacularly when I bought some expensive new boots, yet another skirt and yet more jewellery - I think I have some sort of compulsive disease! I most excellent day though, but no more clothes now! Come on Charlotte, you can do it...
Only a few more days until back to work - quite frankly I'm looking forward to it (maybe not the early start...or the late finish....or being in Devizes....or being sat at a desk all day.....)!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Sunday, December 24, 2006
It's almost time!
The present pile under the tree is a strong lure, the food preparation for the many Chinese dishes for tomorrow is under way, and we've been raiding the countryside for our table decoration, which can only mean Christmas!
I finished work on Thursday, after very little work was done, and the biodiversity team lost a game of sprout subbuteo to the education team. Every year apparently, the fundraising team put on a load of silly games in their offices, such as the aforementioned sprout-based game, and table football with broken handles - very amusing indeed!
Friday was spent doing the Christmas shop - what horror! And then last night I went out into Salisbury with Hayley's friends again, for an evening of being groped in the chapel by 18 yr-olds - the air was thick with testosterone. Despite this, 'twas a great night, and a good way to see in Christmas Eve. Now I am extremely knackered, which should mean that I can sleep soundly ready for tomorrow morning. But before I get to that stage, I have to go and visit Psycho Grandma - great...
I finished work on Thursday, after very little work was done, and the biodiversity team lost a game of sprout subbuteo to the education team. Every year apparently, the fundraising team put on a load of silly games in their offices, such as the aforementioned sprout-based game, and table football with broken handles - very amusing indeed!
Friday was spent doing the Christmas shop - what horror! And then last night I went out into Salisbury with Hayley's friends again, for an evening of being groped in the chapel by 18 yr-olds - the air was thick with testosterone. Despite this, 'twas a great night, and a good way to see in Christmas Eve. Now I am extremely knackered, which should mean that I can sleep soundly ready for tomorrow morning. But before I get to that stage, I have to go and visit Psycho Grandma - great...
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
S-L-O-W
Question: How slow is this week going?
Answer: very
The ordeal is made even worse, when there is very little work for me to do. Instead, I am having to resort to tidying my office, something I had planned to do from the offset. The filing is now almost sorted, but the shelves are a whole different story!
Last night was a little soiree held by my parents, consisting of a rolling buffet of food Dad had spent all day cooking - utterly delicious as always. Also present were Carol and Dave (him on top form, a lesson in how to be as offensive as possible, but hilarious nonetheless!), George and Caroline from next door, and Gerry and Jenny Sword from around the corner- great to see them again after all this time. Jo, I do hope they weren't put off any such events in the future by non-PC comments!
Today at work was especially quiet- you do get the feeling that you are the only one there - on the ground floor at least. And normally I have to get someone to move their car so I can go home, but not today.
Come on Christmas- saying that, we spend so much time preparing and waiting for it then it is gone so quickly!
Answer: very
The ordeal is made even worse, when there is very little work for me to do. Instead, I am having to resort to tidying my office, something I had planned to do from the offset. The filing is now almost sorted, but the shelves are a whole different story!
Last night was a little soiree held by my parents, consisting of a rolling buffet of food Dad had spent all day cooking - utterly delicious as always. Also present were Carol and Dave (him on top form, a lesson in how to be as offensive as possible, but hilarious nonetheless!), George and Caroline from next door, and Gerry and Jenny Sword from around the corner- great to see them again after all this time. Jo, I do hope they weren't put off any such events in the future by non-PC comments!
Today at work was especially quiet- you do get the feeling that you are the only one there - on the ground floor at least. And normally I have to get someone to move their car so I can go home, but not today.
Come on Christmas- saying that, we spend so much time preparing and waiting for it then it is gone so quickly!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The Countdown Begins
If I hear one more Christmas song I swear I am going to scream...
I do actually like them, but the same CD is constantly played throughout the house, especially when I come home from work, so it is driving me up the wall just slightly.
Anyway, more updates on my exciting life...
This week consisted of trying to find enough work to do (relatively quiet on the planning front at the moment), until Wednesday when it was the Rivermead Xmas Work Party. This is a practical conservation day involving all the staff, apart from the senior management who were on reception all day! It was great fun - I was leading on the bonfires with Sarah, which involved much flapping of cardboard to try and get them going. The potatoes we tried to cook in the embers failed to utterly, so we had to wait another hour, but we didn't mind. The hedgerow some people planted will have to be dug up again, as they planted it on the wrong land (thanks Swindon Borough Council) - somewhat dispiriting.
Then Friday was spent out at Langford Lakes, and touring a few sections of the Wyle as my induction continued - I have now almost finished finding out what other people do!
Last night was the Graduates Christmas Party at Southampton, which was very nice indeed. The entrance had the most enormous and scary Father Christmas ever, with a string quartet to greet us as we walked down the red carpet. We bumped into Leigh (drunk as ever!), Dave (ex-housemate, still the same if you know what I mean...), and Ellie and Rupert from the ES BSc (they graduated a year before me), which was a bit of a surprise.
I am now very knackered, and still haven't had much time to sit down - why is Christmas such a busy non-relaxing time?
I do actually like them, but the same CD is constantly played throughout the house, especially when I come home from work, so it is driving me up the wall just slightly.
Anyway, more updates on my exciting life...
This week consisted of trying to find enough work to do (relatively quiet on the planning front at the moment), until Wednesday when it was the Rivermead Xmas Work Party. This is a practical conservation day involving all the staff, apart from the senior management who were on reception all day! It was great fun - I was leading on the bonfires with Sarah, which involved much flapping of cardboard to try and get them going. The potatoes we tried to cook in the embers failed to utterly, so we had to wait another hour, but we didn't mind. The hedgerow some people planted will have to be dug up again, as they planted it on the wrong land (thanks Swindon Borough Council) - somewhat dispiriting.
Then Friday was spent out at Langford Lakes, and touring a few sections of the Wyle as my induction continued - I have now almost finished finding out what other people do!
Last night was the Graduates Christmas Party at Southampton, which was very nice indeed. The entrance had the most enormous and scary Father Christmas ever, with a string quartet to greet us as we walked down the red carpet. We bumped into Leigh (drunk as ever!), Dave (ex-housemate, still the same if you know what I mean...), and Ellie and Rupert from the ES BSc (they graduated a year before me), which was a bit of a surprise.
I am now very knackered, and still haven't had much time to sit down - why is Christmas such a busy non-relaxing time?
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Pics!
Blofeld at the WWT Xmas Party.
People's Front of Judea (Rob); Migrating coconut (Alex), dead parrot (Emily)A few random photos of Chris's 30th
Ooooh, get me with my social life
It all started with my (now ex) boss Amanda's leaving meal in Devizes last Friday, which was a good opportunity to bond with colleagues, and was a very nice evening indeed.
Then on Saturday was the long-awaited Medics Revue: "Hairy Proctor and the Urologist's bone"!!! Not nearly as good as last year (only limited input from my brother this year), but some memorably-disgusting songs!
Following on from that was the work Christmas Party. This year a Bond theme was chosen with hilarious consequences - I'll be putting some pics up shortly.
Friday saw Amanda actually leave, which was very sad, but I've only known her for a short time.
And then last night was the extravaganza that was my Monty Python themed Christmas party of 4 people. A truly pathetic turn out, but we all had great fun. Pics of then going up soon too! Special mention must go to Rob from WWT who only having known me for just over a month came in costume, got slightly sozzled, and proceeded to fall asleep on my sofa! Excellent.
I swear I was still drunk when I got up this morning!
Then on Saturday was the long-awaited Medics Revue: "Hairy Proctor and the Urologist's bone"!!! Not nearly as good as last year (only limited input from my brother this year), but some memorably-disgusting songs!
Following on from that was the work Christmas Party. This year a Bond theme was chosen with hilarious consequences - I'll be putting some pics up shortly.
Friday saw Amanda actually leave, which was very sad, but I've only known her for a short time.
And then last night was the extravaganza that was my Monty Python themed Christmas party of 4 people. A truly pathetic turn out, but we all had great fun. Pics of then going up soon too! Special mention must go to Rob from WWT who only having known me for just over a month came in costume, got slightly sozzled, and proceeded to fall asleep on my sofa! Excellent.
I swear I was still drunk when I got up this morning!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
What a weekend
You know when you have everything planned, and you somehow end up on a Sunday evening with a feeling that nothing's been achieved? Well I have had one of those!
I just don't know what I've done with it all. Still, at least it has had a meaningful ending, with Hayley, Claire and I finally finding time to meet up for an extra-long gossip in Salisbury. Rain stopped our walking plans, but we have now thoroughly updated each other on our lives (nice one Hayles), it was so good to be together again, just like old times!
Still some time left to do something constructive...
I just don't know what I've done with it all. Still, at least it has had a meaningful ending, with Hayley, Claire and I finally finding time to meet up for an extra-long gossip in Salisbury. Rain stopped our walking plans, but we have now thoroughly updated each other on our lives (nice one Hayles), it was so good to be together again, just like old times!
Still some time left to do something constructive...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
How times flies passed!
Now in the middle of my fourth week, so much has happened and I've been so busy it's dificult to know where to start!
The late night AGM went really well, and I even got to have a long chat with Chris Packham about the lack of under-25 interest in conservation. Very nice man indeed!
Then I went to Chris from Natural England's birthday do at Jongleurs, which was an amazing night, and so good to see all the old crowd (though Leigh was an exception - naughty!).
Last week saw me continuing to try and keep up with casework, whilst trying to find time to go up to York for the ALGE conference. This was very interesting, and York is beautiful, but the train journey back down was horrendous, as I missed my connection in Bristol and ended up calling my Mum out to collect me as I was stranded! Oh well.
Then on Saturday Jo came back for the weekend, so we all met in town for a good chat and a few drinks. It was cut slightly short, by certain members of the party having a lovers' tiff, but hey!
I've also been going walking with Hayley every Sunday, which is a brilliant chance to exchange gossip. A shame Claire can't join us - she must have so much to talk about - come on Claire!
And so far this week I've been in solid meetings all week, mostly lasting 3 hours and all lasting at least 50% longer than they should. This makes me mad, but I do think that people like meetings, to save them from doing real work - am I alone in this thought?
Finally, it looks fairly likely that I will be getting a Planning Blog for the Trust, so when that's sorted I'll put a link on here for any of you interested. ....Don't all shout at once!
The late night AGM went really well, and I even got to have a long chat with Chris Packham about the lack of under-25 interest in conservation. Very nice man indeed!
Then I went to Chris from Natural England's birthday do at Jongleurs, which was an amazing night, and so good to see all the old crowd (though Leigh was an exception - naughty!).
Last week saw me continuing to try and keep up with casework, whilst trying to find time to go up to York for the ALGE conference. This was very interesting, and York is beautiful, but the train journey back down was horrendous, as I missed my connection in Bristol and ended up calling my Mum out to collect me as I was stranded! Oh well.
Then on Saturday Jo came back for the weekend, so we all met in town for a good chat and a few drinks. It was cut slightly short, by certain members of the party having a lovers' tiff, but hey!
I've also been going walking with Hayley every Sunday, which is a brilliant chance to exchange gossip. A shame Claire can't join us - she must have so much to talk about - come on Claire!
And so far this week I've been in solid meetings all week, mostly lasting 3 hours and all lasting at least 50% longer than they should. This makes me mad, but I do think that people like meetings, to save them from doing real work - am I alone in this thought?
Finally, it looks fairly likely that I will be getting a Planning Blog for the Trust, so when that's sorted I'll put a link on here for any of you interested. ....Don't all shout at once!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Into my second week already!
Time has gone so quickly, but I'm enjoying every moment. It's so much harder than my previous job, so much more to learn about with the wider remit of the Trust. And because they haven't filled this post for the last 2 months, there is a massive backlog of work to sort out!
The weekend was also busy - on Saturday I went with my family into London for the ICount climate change event in Trafalgar Square. We were actually really disappointed by it- poor publicity from WWF (no big banners with the panda on, though the Trusts had one!), and the presenters were rubbish. The speakers were drowned out by the march, which I have been told was great fun, and it did look amazing, but WWF weren't taking part - again, rubbish!
There were some right weirdos in the crowds though - one woman walking through louding proclaiming the entire event as pointless as God will come along and there will be a second creation, destruction being part of the world apparently. Bizarre.
We got bored and left early, as the power had just cut out (such a shambles) - the lure of retail therapy was too strong I'm afraid! In a way I wished we had stayed, as K T Tunstall and Razorlight were on later, but that's not really the point of the event is it? And only 25000 people turned up, out of a population of 60 million. Hmmm.
So now back to work, with the morning off in preparation for the late night AGM (finishes at 10pm!), and with one of my Childhood idols Chris Packham making a speech, should be an entertaining evening. I am finding myself fitting in here just fine!
The weekend was also busy - on Saturday I went with my family into London for the ICount climate change event in Trafalgar Square. We were actually really disappointed by it- poor publicity from WWF (no big banners with the panda on, though the Trusts had one!), and the presenters were rubbish. The speakers were drowned out by the march, which I have been told was great fun, and it did look amazing, but WWF weren't taking part - again, rubbish!
There were some right weirdos in the crowds though - one woman walking through louding proclaiming the entire event as pointless as God will come along and there will be a second creation, destruction being part of the world apparently. Bizarre.
We got bored and left early, as the power had just cut out (such a shambles) - the lure of retail therapy was too strong I'm afraid! In a way I wished we had stayed, as K T Tunstall and Razorlight were on later, but that's not really the point of the event is it? And only 25000 people turned up, out of a population of 60 million. Hmmm.
So now back to work, with the morning off in preparation for the late night AGM (finishes at 10pm!), and with one of my Childhood idols Chris Packham making a speech, should be an entertaining evening. I am finding myself fitting in here just fine!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
First couple of days
So far things have gone well. My boss keeps throwing more stuff at me, which is somewhat overwhelming, but quite a lot of it is really interesting, so I don't really mind!
I've already done one response about the extension of Westbury Quarry, and I'm now going to a meeting in Trowbridge about it next week, which should be cool. Today I've been working on producing some guidance to Local Authorities and Parish Councils on the new NERC Act, and am taking the lead on a big proposal to create a new stretch of canal - not something you find in Hampshire - one of the little differences between the counties!
The people all seem very nice, though there are far too many of them to remember - about 70 in all! I'm also going to the AGM next week, where Chris Packham is the guest speaker - my childhood idol! I know they always wheel him out in Hampshire, but I always miss him, so hopefully this time it will not be the case!
Of course I will keep you posted on all developments re: job!
I've already done one response about the extension of Westbury Quarry, and I'm now going to a meeting in Trowbridge about it next week, which should be cool. Today I've been working on producing some guidance to Local Authorities and Parish Councils on the new NERC Act, and am taking the lead on a big proposal to create a new stretch of canal - not something you find in Hampshire - one of the little differences between the counties!
The people all seem very nice, though there are far too many of them to remember - about 70 in all! I'm also going to the AGM next week, where Chris Packham is the guest speaker - my childhood idol! I know they always wheel him out in Hampshire, but I always miss him, so hopefully this time it will not be the case!
Of course I will keep you posted on all developments re: job!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Last week and new job
My last week at Natural England went very well. I was training up the new RDS people in casework, and getting them to do some responses, and they seemed to enjoy it, though I'm not sure quite how productive they'll be this week!
Friday I went out with Rachel, Val and this RDS person called George to have a look at some casework in action, which was really interesting. Alex had been away all week in the Lakes, so she missed out on the big cake I had bought, which went down a treat when we got back! It was really sad to say goodbye, and some tears were shed, but I will see most of them quite regularly as they are now firm friends.
Friday evening also saw my parents depart for the Cotswolds, so I had the house to myself. I had originally planned a party but no-one could come. Instead, I cooked for Rachel and Grant and Alex, which turned out remarkably well, before watching The Holy Grail - I had carved out a pumpkin as a grail-shaped beacon! It was a thoroughly nice evening and I'm sure we'll do more in the future. I'll see them again in a couple of weeks anyway for Chris's birthday.
So my new job starts tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it. How will Wiltshire planning differ from Hampshire? Time will tell...
Friday I went out with Rachel, Val and this RDS person called George to have a look at some casework in action, which was really interesting. Alex had been away all week in the Lakes, so she missed out on the big cake I had bought, which went down a treat when we got back! It was really sad to say goodbye, and some tears were shed, but I will see most of them quite regularly as they are now firm friends.
Friday evening also saw my parents depart for the Cotswolds, so I had the house to myself. I had originally planned a party but no-one could come. Instead, I cooked for Rachel and Grant and Alex, which turned out remarkably well, before watching The Holy Grail - I had carved out a pumpkin as a grail-shaped beacon! It was a thoroughly nice evening and I'm sure we'll do more in the future. I'll see them again in a couple of weeks anyway for Chris's birthday.
So my new job starts tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to it. How will Wiltshire planning differ from Hampshire? Time will tell...
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Update!
Do you remember the WWT malarky? Well the second interview was today, and I felt it didn't go so well. They asked me to prioritise 5 pieces of casework and say what you would include in the response to the top two. I thought I'd done OK until they said that in Wiltshire we do this, here we do this etc etc.
However, despite them saying they would get back to me tomorrow they in fact phoned me at 3pm to say that (fanfare please) I have been offered the post! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So as of the 30th of Oct (1 week notice - one good thing about being on a temporary contract!) I will be the new Planning and Policy Officer for the Trust! I just can't believe it.
Obviously I will be very sad to leave the wonderful people at NE but the call of a permanent job is too strong...
On another note, Mum and I went down to see the deer on Sunday, but alas the rut had finished. Despite this we did see several fallow deer and one young red deer stag madly thrashing the conifers for a hind, so that was nice.
Oh, and though I'm still doing the training for the new people next week, I have lost two members (one has a broken wrist and the other has been seconded to another department until Xmas) so it all feels slightly pointless, but it will look good on my CV!
However, despite them saying they would get back to me tomorrow they in fact phoned me at 3pm to say that (fanfare please) I have been offered the post! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So as of the 30th of Oct (1 week notice - one good thing about being on a temporary contract!) I will be the new Planning and Policy Officer for the Trust! I just can't believe it.
Obviously I will be very sad to leave the wonderful people at NE but the call of a permanent job is too strong...
On another note, Mum and I went down to see the deer on Sunday, but alas the rut had finished. Despite this we did see several fallow deer and one young red deer stag madly thrashing the conifers for a hind, so that was nice.
Oh, and though I'm still doing the training for the new people next week, I have lost two members (one has a broken wrist and the other has been seconded to another department until Xmas) so it all feels slightly pointless, but it will look good on my CV!
Friday, October 13, 2006
November?
Tony said yesterday that Nikki (who I am covering maternity leave for) was coming back in November - needless to say, I was a bit taken aback, when she had said she was going to come back after January.
I asked Russell about it today, who denied all knowledge of 'November', saying Nikki was probably coming back in February, and that he'd have a word with Tony. Tony then came in saying I must have misheard and that he had actually said February - they do sound similar don't they??!!!!!!! So he came out of it making me look like I was stupid - very annoying, but I think he is good at getting out of tight spots untarnished.
On another note, I went to see the red deer rut in the Forest yesterday - amazing! Lots of deer around, some stags with huge antlers and roaring heard in the distance, but I had to leave early. The others came in today saying they had seen stags fighting and mating with hinds - how annoying? It's almost the end of the rut, but hopefully I am going to go back Sunday afternoon for a last look, and now know where to look for next year.
I asked Russell about it today, who denied all knowledge of 'November', saying Nikki was probably coming back in February, and that he'd have a word with Tony. Tony then came in saying I must have misheard and that he had actually said February - they do sound similar don't they??!!!!!!! So he came out of it making me look like I was stupid - very annoying, but I think he is good at getting out of tight spots untarnished.
On another note, I went to see the red deer rut in the Forest yesterday - amazing! Lots of deer around, some stags with huge antlers and roaring heard in the distance, but I had to leave early. The others came in today saying they had seen stags fighting and mating with hinds - how annoying? It's almost the end of the rut, but hopefully I am going to go back Sunday afternoon for a last look, and now know where to look for next year.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
I suppose it's good news
After phoning up WWT to ask once more for feedback from the interview, and once again receiving no reply, Mum phoned me up to say a letter from them had arrived. It turned out that they can't make up their minds, and whilst I am shortlisted, I need to go there once again for a 2.5 - 3 hour 'exercise and debrief'. Those are all the details I have, so I am hanging on in there.
On another completely unrelated note, Goodwood was on last night and I forgot to record it - aaarrrggghhh!
On another completely unrelated note, Goodwood was on last night and I forgot to record it - aaarrrggghhh!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Grrrrrrrrr
I still haven't heard from WWT yet, which is really starting to annoy me. I phoned them up today and left a message, but still no reply. Very frustrating but at least I don't have to worry until at least January, possibly later.
I'm so excited! My parents are going away in a few weeks for the weekend, which means party time! I'm having a Monty Python theme, everyone must be dressed up and I'm not sure what else will be going on, but it will be extremely silly. All my friends - consider yourselves invited (28th from 8).
I'm also a bit worried about the responsibility that comes with being asked to train up the other area team's staff in casework law and processing responses over several days. Interesting....
I'm so excited! My parents are going away in a few weeks for the weekend, which means party time! I'm having a Monty Python theme, everyone must be dressed up and I'm not sure what else will be going on, but it will be extremely silly. All my friends - consider yourselves invited (28th from 8).
I'm also a bit worried about the responsibility that comes with being asked to train up the other area team's staff in casework law and processing responses over several days. Interesting....
Monday, October 02, 2006
WWT interview
It went ok, and the atmosphere in the interview was much warmer, but I felt I could have done better on the presentation, fluffing up my first line and maybe going a bit too fast. We'll see. It would be a shame if I didn't get it, as there is scope for me to go out with other members of staff and learn about mitigation etc, which would be really interesting. But it is no longer the end of the world if I don't get it, as I have a few more months with Natural England now.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Goodwood Photos
Mustangs and spitfires; Rowan Atkinson's Jaguar n.o 7; The Sprite!; the car auction; glam cabs; Dad's army; Stirling Moss in his Sprite; wwet racing conditions!
Turn up for the books!
You'll never guess....
I was called into my team leader's office today to be told that my contract had been extended! I will have at least another few months at Natural England, as I will be covering maternity leave. So very good news.
The only thing is I was quite looking forward to handing over all my casework, and I had told everyone that I was leaving, so it is mildly annoying but I am of course extremely pleased! Apparently, my fellow casework team buddies Alex and Rachel had been begging the Deputy Team Leader Russell to let me stay, and they had made a formal request to keep me, which panned out in the end. Talk about leaving it to the last minute!
On a sad note Kate, the Polish receptionist, and Leigh, my fellow casework team buddy, both left today, which was really sad. But we'll all keep in touch of course.
I was called into my team leader's office today to be told that my contract had been extended! I will have at least another few months at Natural England, as I will be covering maternity leave. So very good news.
The only thing is I was quite looking forward to handing over all my casework, and I had told everyone that I was leaving, so it is mildly annoying but I am of course extremely pleased! Apparently, my fellow casework team buddies Alex and Rachel had been begging the Deputy Team Leader Russell to let me stay, and they had made a formal request to keep me, which panned out in the end. Talk about leaving it to the last minute!
On a sad note Kate, the Polish receptionist, and Leigh, my fellow casework team buddy, both left today, which was really sad. But we'll all keep in touch of course.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Nope...
...didn't get it.
My concerns over my lack of experience of community work were well-founded. I can accept that, though what I can't accept, and has really gutted me, is she then went on to say that I came over a bit abrupt and loud and that I should 'bear this in mind for future interviews, to tone it down a bit". I was realy upset by this, but the girls in the office have been great, saying that it is their loss, and that it didn't sound like the kind of job I wanted. It does annoy me when we make the effort to apply and go to the interviews, only to find out what the job is really about, i.e. this one was a general dogsbody and mainly organising events and working with communities. Grrr.
So I will be off to the hospital to work for Mum on Tuesday - it's that or unemployment.
My concerns over my lack of experience of community work were well-founded. I can accept that, though what I can't accept, and has really gutted me, is she then went on to say that I came over a bit abrupt and loud and that I should 'bear this in mind for future interviews, to tone it down a bit". I was realy upset by this, but the girls in the office have been great, saying that it is their loss, and that it didn't sound like the kind of job I wanted. It does annoy me when we make the effort to apply and go to the interviews, only to find out what the job is really about, i.e. this one was a general dogsbody and mainly organising events and working with communities. Grrr.
So I will be off to the hospital to work for Mum on Tuesday - it's that or unemployment.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Interviews a-plenty!
Off I went to Dorchester for an interview with the Dorset Wildlife Trust as an Assistant Conservation Officer. The interview itself seemed to go ok, though I don't think I'll get it because they kept asking stuff about organising events, working with community groups etc, which I don't have much experience of. A bit annoying as I actually want this job!
I was quite worried about it this morning as I was still really tired from Saturday night/Sunday morning (bed = 3am!), but my mind seemed to just about function. I had a great night, when they eventually arrived (night began 10.30pm!), eventually ending up in the Chapel, which I hadn't been to for ages.
I was quite worried about it this morning as I was still really tired from Saturday night/Sunday morning (bed = 3am!), but my mind seemed to just about function. I had a great night, when they eventually arrived (night began 10.30pm!), eventually ending up in the Chapel, which I hadn't been to for ages.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Another week down
This last week has gone so quickly, I can't believe only one week to go!
Of course this week was marred by poor old Richard Hammond - I do hope he pulls through and gets back on the show.
Earlier in the week I discovered I have an interview on Monday for an ACO post at the Dorset Wildlife Trust, which I really want. Then, after a two hour journey home due to appalling traffic, I discovered I now have another interview on the 2nd of October for the Planning and Policy Officer for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew with this one, but as per usual I relish the challenge! I have to do a presentation, which sounds really difficult. Oh well.
And now it appears I am going out tomorrow after all, so once again the weekend will fly by and I will be knackered on Sunday, when I was hoping to go for a nice long walk with Mum and her ramblers. Never mind!
Of course this week was marred by poor old Richard Hammond - I do hope he pulls through and gets back on the show.
Earlier in the week I discovered I have an interview on Monday for an ACO post at the Dorset Wildlife Trust, which I really want. Then, after a two hour journey home due to appalling traffic, I discovered I now have another interview on the 2nd of October for the Planning and Policy Officer for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. I think I might have bitten off more than I can chew with this one, but as per usual I relish the challenge! I have to do a presentation, which sounds really difficult. Oh well.
And now it appears I am going out tomorrow after all, so once again the weekend will fly by and I will be knackered on Sunday, when I was hoping to go for a nice long walk with Mum and her ramblers. Never mind!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Absolutely knackered
What a weekend! It all started at Alex's on Friday evening. Together with Leigh, it was to celebrate our time with English Nature, and say goodbye to both of us from Alex. An excellent evening, which ended at approx 2am after selecting random German words out of the dictionary to use as insults. Quite amusing!
The next morning I drove back home, feeling very tired, but to try and get ready for the evening. It is Jo's birthday today, so last night we all went out in Salisbury again and had a great time, though I feel very old now - a few years ago I'm sure I wouldn't feel this tired! Happy Birthday Jo!
Anyway, today is recovery day, and then back to work tomorrow- only two weeks left and I still haven't got a job!!!
The next morning I drove back home, feeling very tired, but to try and get ready for the evening. It is Jo's birthday today, so last night we all went out in Salisbury again and had a great time, though I feel very old now - a few years ago I'm sure I wouldn't feel this tired! Happy Birthday Jo!
Anyway, today is recovery day, and then back to work tomorrow- only two weeks left and I still haven't got a job!!!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Sad news
We received some sad news earlier in the week: Ebin Black, Mum's friend Alison's Dad, died. He had had heart problems for some time and was 86.
We are just so thankful we got to see him in NZ before he went. He had such a brilliant sense of humour and manner with us all, and he will be sorely missed.
We are just so thankful we got to see him in NZ before he went. He had such a brilliant sense of humour and manner with us all, and he will be sorely missed.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Goodwood!
This weekend was so knackering but absolutely amazing!
After my interview on Friday, which went very well (I actually enjoyed it!) I then found out at 6pm that I hadn't got it (not enough experience), which I wasn't too gutted about really. It sounded a bit like a glorified librarian.
Anyway, we drove down to Goodwood for the Revival, which we would attend all weekend. It was brilliant, so entertaining with everyone dressed up (the boys did, but us girls would have got a bit cold and wet as it was disgusting on Saturday!), and with Dad's Army and Glamcabs. So surreal.
We watched so many classic cars racing, being raced by Stirling Moss, Rowan Atkinson (he spun his big Jag), Christian Klien and Johnny Herbert to name but a few. And the air displays of spitfires and Mustangs were spectacular.
I will almost certainly be going again in the future - what an experience!
After my interview on Friday, which went very well (I actually enjoyed it!) I then found out at 6pm that I hadn't got it (not enough experience), which I wasn't too gutted about really. It sounded a bit like a glorified librarian.
Anyway, we drove down to Goodwood for the Revival, which we would attend all weekend. It was brilliant, so entertaining with everyone dressed up (the boys did, but us girls would have got a bit cold and wet as it was disgusting on Saturday!), and with Dad's Army and Glamcabs. So surreal.
We watched so many classic cars racing, being raced by Stirling Moss, Rowan Atkinson (he spun his big Jag), Christian Klien and Johnny Herbert to name but a few. And the air displays of spitfires and Mustangs were spectacular.
I will almost certainly be going again in the future - what an experience!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
An interview!
Yes, I have an interview on Friday morning for a job with the Hampshire Widlife Trust. It sounds like quite an exciting job, but the pay is worse than I'm on at the moment, and it is based in Botley. I would not relish the M27 commute every morning! But hey, I'm quite pleased really. Hopefully more interviews to come though.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
More time in Auckland and then home
We got the bus and then the ferry from Devonport to take us into the city. Once we'd got our bearings, we set off for the Skytower, marketed as the highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere (quite obviously wrong but hey). After a roundabout route, we located it and headed on up to the observation level. The views were spectacular, of the entire city and the Hauraki Gulf. Really beautiful. Of course there was the obligatory piece of glass to stand on. After watching someone on a controlled plummet from the top (euuggh) we headed up to the highest level for more amazing views. We realised we were running out of time, so we quickly went back down.
The reason for our rush was to catch the ferry from the city to Rangitoto, a 600 year old dormant volcano, which dominated the skyline. Our aim was to reach the summit and get back to catch the last boat back.
It really was like another world. You could see how young it was: the path was basically over old lava flows, which also surrounded you. There wasn't much vegetation apart from Pohutukawa trees (the NZ Xmas tree because it flowers bright red then). The climb was an ordeal, and the party quickly fragmented. However, we all made it in the end, and the reward made it all worth it. Beautiful views of the many islands and the city. We were joined by many cute little silvereye birds, which were exceedingly tame indeed. However, we could not dawdle too long, as there was more to do. We stopped off at the crater on the way back, which was surreal, before heading off for the lava caves. These are formed when the lava cools on the outside, so the walk through pitch blackness consisted of negotiating jagged rocks and an uneven floor. Nevertheless, Mum led the way (!) and it was certainly an adventure!
We then went back down the difficult path to catch the ferry, after completing a short mangrove walk. It was here that we had watched a gannet plunge-dive for fish as we got off the boat, but alas it had moved on when we got back. We then went back to be fed at the Halkyards for a satisfying end to a truly knackering day.
The next day we decided to explore the Waitakere Ranges, which are sub-tropical forested hills a short distance away from the city. However, though the views were amazing, and the forest very pretty, we had already seen quite a lot of forest already! The next destination was the wild west coast beach of Piha. This has beautiful sparkling black sand, and is dominated by Lion Rock - a huge outcrop on the shore. We climbed a lookout for lovely views, but the surf was not great enough for the blowholes to be seen.
Tonight we would not be dining at the Halkyards, but be taken to a restaurant with the Halkyards and the Blacks (Alison's parents). We were told it was a Mongolian BBQ, and didn't quite know what to expect, but it turned out to be absolutely unique and delicious. You basically selected your raw ingredients, including sauce and oil of your choice, which were then fried on a large hot plate. You then added side dishes of rice, salad or noodles. Needless to say we all gorged ourselves, especially as there was so much garlic and seafood! It was also really nice to meet the Blacks again after all these years, not looking a day older, and it was as if we met everyday. A wonderful evening indeed.
Our final day of the mammoth trip finally dawned. We had planned to spend the morning packing, have lunch, and then spend the afternoon with the Blacks. The packing was not too bad, and after Dad had finished his final touch-ups to the Van (including subtle use of mascara and toothpaste) we walked the short way to Blockhouse Bay for lunch. The weather was gorgeous, very mild indeed, but time was pressing on. We went to the Blacks, where Dad and Alexander went to dispense of the wretched van in all its stinking, rotting glory. Meanwhile, us girls were taken for a delightful walk around the local park, where we saw a Monarch butterfly and the non-native (and regarded as pests) Rosellas (colourful bird from Oz). Alison then came back and took Mum on a tour of all her old haunts, including her old Intermediate School which was about to be knocked down, so she was lucky! We rounded off the evening with a lovely light meal at the Blacks, before Alison said goodbye to us at the airport.
We found our flight was delayed by an hour, and the shops had closed in the terminal, so there was not much to do. Once on the flight to Singapore, it became clear that we would not get any sleep, thanks to the constantly-chanting Islamic clerics behind us. Arriving in Singapore, the delay had cost us our showers so we were very annoyed indeed. The flight to the UK was long, and a day flight, so of course no sleep. However, the views of Asia and the Middle-East were amazing.
Arriving back in the UK, we were struck by the dryness of the grass, and the heat was simply unbelievable for us! The journey back home was a struggle to stay awake, but it was the end, finally, of all the planning and amazing experiences of the journey of a lifetime. I want to go back!!!
The reason for our rush was to catch the ferry from the city to Rangitoto, a 600 year old dormant volcano, which dominated the skyline. Our aim was to reach the summit and get back to catch the last boat back.
It really was like another world. You could see how young it was: the path was basically over old lava flows, which also surrounded you. There wasn't much vegetation apart from Pohutukawa trees (the NZ Xmas tree because it flowers bright red then). The climb was an ordeal, and the party quickly fragmented. However, we all made it in the end, and the reward made it all worth it. Beautiful views of the many islands and the city. We were joined by many cute little silvereye birds, which were exceedingly tame indeed. However, we could not dawdle too long, as there was more to do. We stopped off at the crater on the way back, which was surreal, before heading off for the lava caves. These are formed when the lava cools on the outside, so the walk through pitch blackness consisted of negotiating jagged rocks and an uneven floor. Nevertheless, Mum led the way (!) and it was certainly an adventure!
We then went back down the difficult path to catch the ferry, after completing a short mangrove walk. It was here that we had watched a gannet plunge-dive for fish as we got off the boat, but alas it had moved on when we got back. We then went back to be fed at the Halkyards for a satisfying end to a truly knackering day.
The next day we decided to explore the Waitakere Ranges, which are sub-tropical forested hills a short distance away from the city. However, though the views were amazing, and the forest very pretty, we had already seen quite a lot of forest already! The next destination was the wild west coast beach of Piha. This has beautiful sparkling black sand, and is dominated by Lion Rock - a huge outcrop on the shore. We climbed a lookout for lovely views, but the surf was not great enough for the blowholes to be seen.
Tonight we would not be dining at the Halkyards, but be taken to a restaurant with the Halkyards and the Blacks (Alison's parents). We were told it was a Mongolian BBQ, and didn't quite know what to expect, but it turned out to be absolutely unique and delicious. You basically selected your raw ingredients, including sauce and oil of your choice, which were then fried on a large hot plate. You then added side dishes of rice, salad or noodles. Needless to say we all gorged ourselves, especially as there was so much garlic and seafood! It was also really nice to meet the Blacks again after all these years, not looking a day older, and it was as if we met everyday. A wonderful evening indeed.
Our final day of the mammoth trip finally dawned. We had planned to spend the morning packing, have lunch, and then spend the afternoon with the Blacks. The packing was not too bad, and after Dad had finished his final touch-ups to the Van (including subtle use of mascara and toothpaste) we walked the short way to Blockhouse Bay for lunch. The weather was gorgeous, very mild indeed, but time was pressing on. We went to the Blacks, where Dad and Alexander went to dispense of the wretched van in all its stinking, rotting glory. Meanwhile, us girls were taken for a delightful walk around the local park, where we saw a Monarch butterfly and the non-native (and regarded as pests) Rosellas (colourful bird from Oz). Alison then came back and took Mum on a tour of all her old haunts, including her old Intermediate School which was about to be knocked down, so she was lucky! We rounded off the evening with a lovely light meal at the Blacks, before Alison said goodbye to us at the airport.
We found our flight was delayed by an hour, and the shops had closed in the terminal, so there was not much to do. Once on the flight to Singapore, it became clear that we would not get any sleep, thanks to the constantly-chanting Islamic clerics behind us. Arriving in Singapore, the delay had cost us our showers so we were very annoyed indeed. The flight to the UK was long, and a day flight, so of course no sleep. However, the views of Asia and the Middle-East were amazing.
Arriving back in the UK, we were struck by the dryness of the grass, and the heat was simply unbelievable for us! The journey back home was a struggle to stay awake, but it was the end, finally, of all the planning and amazing experiences of the journey of a lifetime. I want to go back!!!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
More photos of NZ
Rangitoto Island, Mangapahoe natural bridge, the lava caves on Rangitoto, Taranaki from Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, a tree fern, the single-person bridge in the Kauaeranga Valley, Mum and Alison on the beach, Hokianga Harbour, Piha, Father of the Forest kauri tree.
Paihia to Auckland
Picking up where we left off, we journeyed across the top of Northland to the Waipoua Kauri Forest. It was here that we did several short walks to see the enormous kauri trees, which are a type of pine apparently. First up was the God of the Forest, which is the largest kauri and estimated at about 1500 years old. It was just amazing to see a tree completely fill your view! Nothing prepares you for it.
We also saw the second largest kauri (Father of the Forest), festoones with epiphytes and even wider, though not as tall, the Four Sisters (four kauri growing very close together) and the Yakas (7th largest kauri). Once we had seen all those, we drove onto the Trounson Kauri Park, which is much smaller but less touristy. We had a good amble round the trail, though none of the kauri were as old as the ones we had already seen. This park is a mainland island of forest in a sea of agricultural land, with intensive eradication of pests ongoing. This makes it a stronghold for many native birds including kiwi.
Once we had found the nearby campsite, we had a very short time indeed to eat before our nightime guided walk through the park. It was a beautiful starry night, and as soon as we had stepped onto the front lawn at the entrance to the park, our guide from the campsite - who was very knowledgeable - said she had already seen a kiwi! Well, as you can imagine, I was almost exploding with anticipation. We heard a female's hoarse grating cries, but didn't see any kiwis for a while. We all stood in the cold being silent, whilst Dad muttered about the amazing stars - priorities please! Then our first glimpse of a young male foraging on the lawn. They are so strange, looking a bit like rabbits from behind, but with a peculiar scuttling walk. Once the red-filtered (so as to diminish the disturbance) was shone on him, he quickly scarpered, but the quivering of the bushes told us he was close. We kept hearing the cracking of twigs, and then our guide said the kiwi was hiding under the bush! Needless to say, we were all amazed, and had the encounter on film!
Moving on by the trail we had traversed through the day, we were soon introduced to a large eel, which the guide had been feeding for eight years! The streams were all teaming with life, including koura, which are the native crayfish, and whose eyes glow a bright orange when a torch is shone on them. We soon encountered another two kiwi, with one large female just passing right by the boardwalk at extremely close range, seemingly oblivious to our presence. We were also shown the glowworms, which was magical, and kept hearing the screeching calls of male kiwi throughout the walk. Finally, we came across the cave wetas. These are large crickets that can jump up to 3m! They have extremely long antennae and love rotten wood, of which there was plenty about. I was fascinated, but other members of the party kept their distance!
Following the drive back to the campsite, the guide showed us her own colony of glowworms occupying the vegetated banks next to the river - so beautiful, and in greater numbers than in the park, though obviously not to Waitomo standards!
The next day we drove back down the coast to Auckland. On the way we passed by the Hokianga Harbour, which has huge expanses of white sandy beaches, and vegetated sand dunes so high they look like cliffs. We arrived at our friends the Halkyards in time for a delicious lunch and an afternoon of reminiscing. We saw 'their' beautiful beach, our first glimpses of the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island, which we would visit the next day, and the docks where Mum departed all those years ago.
We also saw the second largest kauri (Father of the Forest), festoones with epiphytes and even wider, though not as tall, the Four Sisters (four kauri growing very close together) and the Yakas (7th largest kauri). Once we had seen all those, we drove onto the Trounson Kauri Park, which is much smaller but less touristy. We had a good amble round the trail, though none of the kauri were as old as the ones we had already seen. This park is a mainland island of forest in a sea of agricultural land, with intensive eradication of pests ongoing. This makes it a stronghold for many native birds including kiwi.
Once we had found the nearby campsite, we had a very short time indeed to eat before our nightime guided walk through the park. It was a beautiful starry night, and as soon as we had stepped onto the front lawn at the entrance to the park, our guide from the campsite - who was very knowledgeable - said she had already seen a kiwi! Well, as you can imagine, I was almost exploding with anticipation. We heard a female's hoarse grating cries, but didn't see any kiwis for a while. We all stood in the cold being silent, whilst Dad muttered about the amazing stars - priorities please! Then our first glimpse of a young male foraging on the lawn. They are so strange, looking a bit like rabbits from behind, but with a peculiar scuttling walk. Once the red-filtered (so as to diminish the disturbance) was shone on him, he quickly scarpered, but the quivering of the bushes told us he was close. We kept hearing the cracking of twigs, and then our guide said the kiwi was hiding under the bush! Needless to say, we were all amazed, and had the encounter on film!
Moving on by the trail we had traversed through the day, we were soon introduced to a large eel, which the guide had been feeding for eight years! The streams were all teaming with life, including koura, which are the native crayfish, and whose eyes glow a bright orange when a torch is shone on them. We soon encountered another two kiwi, with one large female just passing right by the boardwalk at extremely close range, seemingly oblivious to our presence. We were also shown the glowworms, which was magical, and kept hearing the screeching calls of male kiwi throughout the walk. Finally, we came across the cave wetas. These are large crickets that can jump up to 3m! They have extremely long antennae and love rotten wood, of which there was plenty about. I was fascinated, but other members of the party kept their distance!
Following the drive back to the campsite, the guide showed us her own colony of glowworms occupying the vegetated banks next to the river - so beautiful, and in greater numbers than in the park, though obviously not to Waitomo standards!
The next day we drove back down the coast to Auckland. On the way we passed by the Hokianga Harbour, which has huge expanses of white sandy beaches, and vegetated sand dunes so high they look like cliffs. We arrived at our friends the Halkyards in time for a delicious lunch and an afternoon of reminiscing. We saw 'their' beautiful beach, our first glimpses of the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island, which we would visit the next day, and the docks where Mum departed all those years ago.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Thames to Paihia
Our journey then continued through Auckland to Warkworth. Here we had a quick stop off to do the Dome Walkway, which was a walk up the Dome hill through native forest, including our first sighting of the Nikau palm, the world's most southerly growing palm. It was a lovely, if knackering walk, with beautiful views over the valley, and past really interesting ferns and epiphytes. We continued on to Whangarei, where we had a quick peak at the picturesque falls there, before settling down for the night.
The next day we drove the short distance to Paihia, where we would be having a boat trip. After checking it was going ahead (it was) we headed off to the Haruru Falls Mangrove walk, which was supposed to be a boardwalk through, guess what, mangroves. Well, we didn't have time for all of the walk, and the part we did do wasn't through the mangroves. However, the views of the estuary were nice and the trees were quite gnarled and interesting. Via the Waitangi Treaty House car park, for a photo (again to say we'd been there!) we headed back to Paihia. This is the main port of call for exploring the Bay of Islands, with its myriad islands and coves. It was a very balmy day, but we could see the bad weather coming in, so hoped we'd miss it whilst at sea.
The aim of this trip was to explore the Bay, see bottlenose dolphins and hopefully go through the Hole in the Rock, a rock arch out at sea. We soon encountered the dolphins, which were very obliging and allowed those swimming (not us) a good experience, though with a whole boatful of people gawping at you, it wasn't nearly as 'intimate' as our Akaroa experience.
Just as that had finished, and mindful that this time of year was the best to see orca, the skipper said another boat had seen a pod kill a baby dolphin. Off we sped, and sure enough, there were the orcas! I have never felt so amazed to be in the presence of such enormous creatures in such proximity. It was a small pod of females, with a calf visible among them. They stayed with us for ages, and were very curious, swimming right under the boat. Needless to say, we have numerous pictures! With the weather closing in, and waves too big for the Hole in the Rock, we headed back to shore and then back to the campsite.
Before we left the campsite the next day, we walked the extremely short distance to the Haruru Falls, where the river falls over an old lava flow. They were very pretty I guess.
Once the customary 'ooohhhs' and 'aaahhhs' had been done, we continued north west to the great Kauri forests of Waipoua and Trounson.
The next day we drove the short distance to Paihia, where we would be having a boat trip. After checking it was going ahead (it was) we headed off to the Haruru Falls Mangrove walk, which was supposed to be a boardwalk through, guess what, mangroves. Well, we didn't have time for all of the walk, and the part we did do wasn't through the mangroves. However, the views of the estuary were nice and the trees were quite gnarled and interesting. Via the Waitangi Treaty House car park, for a photo (again to say we'd been there!) we headed back to Paihia. This is the main port of call for exploring the Bay of Islands, with its myriad islands and coves. It was a very balmy day, but we could see the bad weather coming in, so hoped we'd miss it whilst at sea.
The aim of this trip was to explore the Bay, see bottlenose dolphins and hopefully go through the Hole in the Rock, a rock arch out at sea. We soon encountered the dolphins, which were very obliging and allowed those swimming (not us) a good experience, though with a whole boatful of people gawping at you, it wasn't nearly as 'intimate' as our Akaroa experience.
Just as that had finished, and mindful that this time of year was the best to see orca, the skipper said another boat had seen a pod kill a baby dolphin. Off we sped, and sure enough, there were the orcas! I have never felt so amazed to be in the presence of such enormous creatures in such proximity. It was a small pod of females, with a calf visible among them. They stayed with us for ages, and were very curious, swimming right under the boat. Needless to say, we have numerous pictures! With the weather closing in, and waves too big for the Hole in the Rock, we headed back to shore and then back to the campsite.
Before we left the campsite the next day, we walked the extremely short distance to the Haruru Falls, where the river falls over an old lava flow. They were very pretty I guess.
Once the customary 'ooohhhs' and 'aaahhhs' had been done, we continued north west to the great Kauri forests of Waipoua and Trounson.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Waitomo to Thames
Journeying on from Waitomo, we crossed to Rotorua, just to say we'd been there (!) before heading north to a beach near Maketu. It took us a while to find this small beach, which we accessed via a small path across a field, down beside the cliffs. The reason for finding this exact beach was that in 1973 this was where my Mum's brother died, so it was a rather sombre occasion. This mood was disrupted somewhat by the sudden loud honking calls of a fur seal along on the rocks. We had a good look around the rocks, finding humungous examples washed up of the shells of the green-lipped mussel.
We moved on up the coast to the base of the Coromandel Peninsula. This is supposed to be beautiful and unspoilt, clothed in forest and with numerous coves. Unfortunately, the rain descended and the windy coastal roads proved destinctly view-free. We made a quick stop at Whitianga, before moving on to Coromandel township itself. Here we consoled ourselves we a delicious lunch with much seafood!
We headed on back down the coast to Thames, where we took the turn off for the Kauaeranga Valley. We had A Plan. This consisted of locating a suitable Department of Conservation campsite (very basic, but all we needed was water) before heading off for some walks in this remote region. The road was narrow, windy and quite dangerous, with numerous small concrete bridges across streams. We found a campsite, and a cursory glance around found no water. Nevertheless, we decided to go on a quick walk (we only had time for one due to the lack of time and daylight!) before beginning the true search.
We walked through boggy ground, diverted through tricky forest and rocks due to flooding, and found ourselves at a swing bridge. We had encountered these frequently, but this one said: "Maximum load: One person", which made us a bit worried. In the driving rain, with less grip than usual, coupled with being suspended over the Kauaeranga River, which we watched through the holes in the side of the bridge (which weren't supposed to be there btw!), we all eventually arrived on the other side. It was then a short stroll to the Billy Goat Landing, where, through the murk, a large waterfall could be seen in the distance. It must have been huge, but that was the closest we got.
We walked back, and in the increasingly boggy conditions began the - as it would turn out- futile search for water. None was found, and now completely sodden, we headed back down the road to Thames. This was in the dark and the narrow concrete bridges could not be seen in time. They were also frequently situated on sharp corners, with one notable occasion involving Dad doing an extremely sharp turn to avoid falling into the river. One wheel caught the side of the bridge, and we settled back on the road with a jolt, accompanied by many cries out indeed! So the Roses nearly dammed a river - a first.
Arriving back in Thames we finally found the campsite located a short distance away. Tomorrow we would begin the journey to Northland.
We moved on up the coast to the base of the Coromandel Peninsula. This is supposed to be beautiful and unspoilt, clothed in forest and with numerous coves. Unfortunately, the rain descended and the windy coastal roads proved destinctly view-free. We made a quick stop at Whitianga, before moving on to Coromandel township itself. Here we consoled ourselves we a delicious lunch with much seafood!
We headed on back down the coast to Thames, where we took the turn off for the Kauaeranga Valley. We had A Plan. This consisted of locating a suitable Department of Conservation campsite (very basic, but all we needed was water) before heading off for some walks in this remote region. The road was narrow, windy and quite dangerous, with numerous small concrete bridges across streams. We found a campsite, and a cursory glance around found no water. Nevertheless, we decided to go on a quick walk (we only had time for one due to the lack of time and daylight!) before beginning the true search.
We walked through boggy ground, diverted through tricky forest and rocks due to flooding, and found ourselves at a swing bridge. We had encountered these frequently, but this one said: "Maximum load: One person", which made us a bit worried. In the driving rain, with less grip than usual, coupled with being suspended over the Kauaeranga River, which we watched through the holes in the side of the bridge (which weren't supposed to be there btw!), we all eventually arrived on the other side. It was then a short stroll to the Billy Goat Landing, where, through the murk, a large waterfall could be seen in the distance. It must have been huge, but that was the closest we got.
We walked back, and in the increasingly boggy conditions began the - as it would turn out- futile search for water. None was found, and now completely sodden, we headed back down the road to Thames. This was in the dark and the narrow concrete bridges could not be seen in time. They were also frequently situated on sharp corners, with one notable occasion involving Dad doing an extremely sharp turn to avoid falling into the river. One wheel caught the side of the bridge, and we settled back on the road with a jolt, accompanied by many cries out indeed! So the Roses nearly dammed a river - a first.
Arriving back in Thames we finally found the campsite located a short distance away. Tomorrow we would begin the journey to Northland.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Taupo to Waitomo
The next day we carried on up the road to another two thermal areas. The first was WaiOTapu, which has the amazing Lady Knox geyser. The staff member pours a packet of soup flakes into the vent every morning, which breaks down the surface tension of the water, leading to an eruption. It was very spectacular, and slightly comic with it spewing soap bubbles before the main eruption. It erupts to about 10m.
We then explored the main area, with lots of furiously bubbling and extremely stinky mudpools - the worst were called the Devil's Inkpots. There were also some lovely rock formations, caused by despoits of minerals from the waters. The highlight of the area is the Champagne Pool, which is a huge hot pool (boiling in fact) ringed with beautiful hues from minerals and bacteria. Once we had finished, we carried on down the road to an extensive mud pool, which really was huge. Once we had had lunch we moved onto Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This was only formed in 1800-and something, when Mount Tarawera erupted. The eruption completely destroyed the famous pink and white terraces, and created whole new lakes and geysers. There was the world's largest geyser at Waimangu, but it last erupted decades ago. Whilst the formations weren't as spectacular as WaiOtapu, steam could be seen to be issuing from everywhere, including high up on mountain tops, so it was a very atmospheric area to walk through. We decided to do the hiking trail through it, which climbed for stupendous views over the area affected by the eruption. Once we had finished there we headed back down to Taupo to stay the night.
Climbing the slopes near active volcanoes was the highlight of the next day, which we spent in Tongariro National Park. The journey there was quite long, but very scenic via the Desert Road, with beautiful views of the snowy volcanoes of Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. We had a quick detour from the road to see the Tree Trunk Gorge, where the Mangawhero river is channelled through a narrow fissure far below. We started up the Ohakune Mountain Road to begin our walks. Unfortunately, the journey had taken longer than expected so we only had time for one walk. We chose to do the one to Waitonga falls, which was very strenuous. We climbed above the snow line, through thick forest, before emerging out onto the alpine boggy area with stunning views of Ruapehu. On our way up we could also see Mount Taranaki, which was many kilometres away so must have been huge! We were so lucky with the weather, which remained gloriously fine for ample photographic opportunities. The falls themselves would have been beautiful by UK standards, but they were ok by NZ standards! Once we were back on the road, we continued up to see the Mangawhero Falls, which plummet dramatically over an old lava flow. We continued on our way, reluctant to leave this beautiful park behind. We camped at Taramanui before moving onto Waitomo the next day.
We reached Waitomo in good time to begin our tour of the area. First up was the Waitomo glow worm caves, world famous and used by Saint David Attenborough in Life in the Undergrowth - we trod on hallowed ground!!!!! It was magical, with millions of tiny blue lights just above your head, before emerging out on the river into daylight.
Next we journeyed down the road to Ruakuri Natural tunnel. Here we walked along boardwalks that seemed to defy gravity by their positions stuck onto vertical rock faces. We walked over the Waitomo Stream (more of a river), and through small natural tunnels to our goal, where the river runs through a large tunnel out into the open. The region is known for its karst limestone, so the ground is literally a network of caves and rivers, with amazing rock formations. It cerainly was a brilliant walk, and with lots of glow worms along the way, we decided to come back later when it was dark to try and rival our caves experience.
Further along the road we came to Marokopa Falls, where via a slightly strenuous walk, we came out to an amazing sight. The now larger river plummets over a rock face, and is surrounded by lush rainforest. One of the most different falls we came across.
Going back along the road to Waitomo, where we would camp, we came to PiriPiri Caves, which are free to access via a short walk through native forest. Whilst we had brought a torch and wore our walking boots, the descent to the floor, where you can walk through to a room to see large fossil oysters, proved exceedingly treacherous, so we hastily abandoned that!
Our final port of call along the road was the Mangapahoe Natural Bridge. This was much like the Natural Tunnel in how it was formed, namely an underground river had had part of its roof collapse, only leaving one part to form a bridge. Walking under the bridge through the gorge was very scenic, again with glow worms present though not yet alight. We then set off on a short diversion through fields back to the carpark. These fields contained large limestone boulders with the fossilised oysters making up the bulk of them. These were huge, about the size, if not larger, than a hand!
We journeyed back to Ruakuri, but alas it was not dark enough for the glow worms, so we continued on back to the campsite in Waitomo.
We then explored the main area, with lots of furiously bubbling and extremely stinky mudpools - the worst were called the Devil's Inkpots. There were also some lovely rock formations, caused by despoits of minerals from the waters. The highlight of the area is the Champagne Pool, which is a huge hot pool (boiling in fact) ringed with beautiful hues from minerals and bacteria. Once we had finished, we carried on down the road to an extensive mud pool, which really was huge. Once we had had lunch we moved onto Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This was only formed in 1800-and something, when Mount Tarawera erupted. The eruption completely destroyed the famous pink and white terraces, and created whole new lakes and geysers. There was the world's largest geyser at Waimangu, but it last erupted decades ago. Whilst the formations weren't as spectacular as WaiOtapu, steam could be seen to be issuing from everywhere, including high up on mountain tops, so it was a very atmospheric area to walk through. We decided to do the hiking trail through it, which climbed for stupendous views over the area affected by the eruption. Once we had finished there we headed back down to Taupo to stay the night.
Climbing the slopes near active volcanoes was the highlight of the next day, which we spent in Tongariro National Park. The journey there was quite long, but very scenic via the Desert Road, with beautiful views of the snowy volcanoes of Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. We had a quick detour from the road to see the Tree Trunk Gorge, where the Mangawhero river is channelled through a narrow fissure far below. We started up the Ohakune Mountain Road to begin our walks. Unfortunately, the journey had taken longer than expected so we only had time for one walk. We chose to do the one to Waitonga falls, which was very strenuous. We climbed above the snow line, through thick forest, before emerging out onto the alpine boggy area with stunning views of Ruapehu. On our way up we could also see Mount Taranaki, which was many kilometres away so must have been huge! We were so lucky with the weather, which remained gloriously fine for ample photographic opportunities. The falls themselves would have been beautiful by UK standards, but they were ok by NZ standards! Once we were back on the road, we continued up to see the Mangawhero Falls, which plummet dramatically over an old lava flow. We continued on our way, reluctant to leave this beautiful park behind. We camped at Taramanui before moving onto Waitomo the next day.
We reached Waitomo in good time to begin our tour of the area. First up was the Waitomo glow worm caves, world famous and used by Saint David Attenborough in Life in the Undergrowth - we trod on hallowed ground!!!!! It was magical, with millions of tiny blue lights just above your head, before emerging out on the river into daylight.
Next we journeyed down the road to Ruakuri Natural tunnel. Here we walked along boardwalks that seemed to defy gravity by their positions stuck onto vertical rock faces. We walked over the Waitomo Stream (more of a river), and through small natural tunnels to our goal, where the river runs through a large tunnel out into the open. The region is known for its karst limestone, so the ground is literally a network of caves and rivers, with amazing rock formations. It cerainly was a brilliant walk, and with lots of glow worms along the way, we decided to come back later when it was dark to try and rival our caves experience.
Further along the road we came to Marokopa Falls, where via a slightly strenuous walk, we came out to an amazing sight. The now larger river plummets over a rock face, and is surrounded by lush rainforest. One of the most different falls we came across.
Going back along the road to Waitomo, where we would camp, we came to PiriPiri Caves, which are free to access via a short walk through native forest. Whilst we had brought a torch and wore our walking boots, the descent to the floor, where you can walk through to a room to see large fossil oysters, proved exceedingly treacherous, so we hastily abandoned that!
Our final port of call along the road was the Mangapahoe Natural Bridge. This was much like the Natural Tunnel in how it was formed, namely an underground river had had part of its roof collapse, only leaving one part to form a bridge. Walking under the bridge through the gorge was very scenic, again with glow worms present though not yet alight. We then set off on a short diversion through fields back to the carpark. These fields contained large limestone boulders with the fossilised oysters making up the bulk of them. These were huge, about the size, if not larger, than a hand!
We journeyed back to Ruakuri, but alas it was not dark enough for the glow worms, so we continued on back to the campsite in Waitomo.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Windy Wellington to Taupo
Well this was one of the rainy days! Wellington is renowned for its wind, and it didn't disappoint. Our first point of call was Otari-Wilton's bush. This is one of the few remnants of untouched native bush in the area, and it was very pretty. Part of it was a manicured botanic garden, with lots of native plants on show in neat flower beds - a bit too tame for us. We headed off on one of the walks around the wilder parts of the reserve. It was a lovely place, though you still didn't get the sense of wildness you got in the forests of the South Island. We finished exploring the area, and then made the decision that the leaking motorhome was getting so bad that we should take it into the depot north of the city. This ate into our time - we only had one day to see the city!
After dropping the motorhome off at the depot to get the leaks fixed - where we got a courtesy car - we headed off into the city where, struggling to find somewhere to park, and secretly thankful we didn't have the motorhome, we found our way to a foodcourt for a quick spot of lunch. The main reason for coming into the city was for a bit of 'tack' shopping (holiday naff trinkets and souvenirs) and a ride on the cable car for good views. We found the cable-car, which was more like a tram being pulled up a hill, so not that impressive. The views from the top would have been lovely, I'm sure, were it not for the rain and the wind! We had a quick wander around the botanic gardens, found the silly human sundial (you are the prong to cast the shadow) before going back down to the car. Our next attempt at doing something in the rain was a visit to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. This was supposed to be beautiful, as they are restocking the Victorian reservoir with native species you don't get to see - or hear - elsewhere. Alas, we were running out of time and, as you had to pay, it was felt that this did not justify a visit when you wouldn't be able to hear the birds because of the endless rain. After a quick shop we headed back to the campsite.
The next day marked the beginning of the reminiscing by Mum to her old haunts. She originally lived in Napier, so we headed off for there. Most of this town was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1930s, so all the buildings are in the Art deco style - very picturesque. We soon found Mum's old house and had a quick explore of the town, whilst searching for a bottle of saline for my lenses of all things!
We had hoped to do some wine tasting the next day, as the Hawke's Bay region where Napier is situated is well known for this. We did feel that 9am was a bit early for this, so alas we passed the winetasting by. After an entertaining lunch stop in a layby with a marauding hissing duck (de-quacked!), we soon arrived at Taupo.
As we were ahead of time, we decided to do more of the attractions of the area. Taupo, next to Lake Taupo (the eruption crater of the largest volcano in the world, and the largest lake in NZ) is in the heart of the geothermal region. The first thermal area we visited was Orakei Korako Thermal Wonderland, which you get to via a boat trip across a dammed section of the Waikato river. It was certainly like the world of Skaro from Dr Who, with steam everywhere (I think these places are most atmospheric in winter - more steam!) and very smelly indeed! We were particularly amused by the naming of one feature - Diamond Geyser!
Once we had toured all the features, we paid a visit to the aw-inspiring Huka Falls. Though the Waikato only falls by 8m, the sheer volume of water - where this mighty river is squeezed into a narrow fissure - is breathtaking. There is simply nothing like it in the UK! That night we camped at Golden Springs, on our way to some more thermal areas which we would explore tomorrow. The campsite even had its own hot spring, and steam could be seen issuing from the side of the road, and between trees. A magical area indeed!
After dropping the motorhome off at the depot to get the leaks fixed - where we got a courtesy car - we headed off into the city where, struggling to find somewhere to park, and secretly thankful we didn't have the motorhome, we found our way to a foodcourt for a quick spot of lunch. The main reason for coming into the city was for a bit of 'tack' shopping (holiday naff trinkets and souvenirs) and a ride on the cable car for good views. We found the cable-car, which was more like a tram being pulled up a hill, so not that impressive. The views from the top would have been lovely, I'm sure, were it not for the rain and the wind! We had a quick wander around the botanic gardens, found the silly human sundial (you are the prong to cast the shadow) before going back down to the car. Our next attempt at doing something in the rain was a visit to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. This was supposed to be beautiful, as they are restocking the Victorian reservoir with native species you don't get to see - or hear - elsewhere. Alas, we were running out of time and, as you had to pay, it was felt that this did not justify a visit when you wouldn't be able to hear the birds because of the endless rain. After a quick shop we headed back to the campsite.
The next day marked the beginning of the reminiscing by Mum to her old haunts. She originally lived in Napier, so we headed off for there. Most of this town was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1930s, so all the buildings are in the Art deco style - very picturesque. We soon found Mum's old house and had a quick explore of the town, whilst searching for a bottle of saline for my lenses of all things!
We had hoped to do some wine tasting the next day, as the Hawke's Bay region where Napier is situated is well known for this. We did feel that 9am was a bit early for this, so alas we passed the winetasting by. After an entertaining lunch stop in a layby with a marauding hissing duck (de-quacked!), we soon arrived at Taupo.
As we were ahead of time, we decided to do more of the attractions of the area. Taupo, next to Lake Taupo (the eruption crater of the largest volcano in the world, and the largest lake in NZ) is in the heart of the geothermal region. The first thermal area we visited was Orakei Korako Thermal Wonderland, which you get to via a boat trip across a dammed section of the Waikato river. It was certainly like the world of Skaro from Dr Who, with steam everywhere (I think these places are most atmospheric in winter - more steam!) and very smelly indeed! We were particularly amused by the naming of one feature - Diamond Geyser!
Once we had toured all the features, we paid a visit to the aw-inspiring Huka Falls. Though the Waikato only falls by 8m, the sheer volume of water - where this mighty river is squeezed into a narrow fissure - is breathtaking. There is simply nothing like it in the UK! That night we camped at Golden Springs, on our way to some more thermal areas which we would explore tomorrow. The campsite even had its own hot spring, and steam could be seen issuing from the side of the road, and between trees. A magical area indeed!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Part 3: Queenstown to Wellington
Driving on from Manapouri we soon arrived at Queenstown, where we caught a gondola (cable car) to the top of Mount Bruce. This afforded us with amazing views over the surrounding mountains, including the Remarkables where part of Lord of the Rings was filmed. Whilst watching the bungy-jumping, we headed off on a chair-lift to the top of the luge run. Now, this wasn't your tea-tray style luge, don't worry, just a plastic kart with steering and interesting brakes! We all went on the scenic run, which had a passing place so you could stop and take photos. This was windy and steep enough for us - heaven knows what the advanced run was like! It was absolutely brilliant though, and we all enjoyed Queenstown immensely.
We camped at Wanaka, which was reached over an extremely scenic mountain pass through the Cardrona valley and various other ski fields. Wanaka did have a ski-town-type feel to it, and seemed very full of pretentious young skiers with their silly hats!
The next day was one of our few rainy ones, with very poor visibility. This was quite annoying as it meant we didn't get to see Mount Cook or any of the other Alps that day. We were heading for the glaciers, and walked right up to the terminus of Fox Glacier - very impressive. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to walk to the terminus of Franz Josef Glacier, but we did climb to a lookout, which would have had amazing views if it wasn't for the rain. We carried on up to HariHari where we stayed the night.
The next day was our longest journey yet. We travelled through Arthur's Pass National Park, via the route of that name. It was glorious, with fresh snow, and as it was a Sunday, the place was teeming with kids playing, including skating on a frozen lake - amazing! The views were once again, breathtaking and seemed to go on forever. Arriving on the other side, near Christchurch, the original plan was to camp at nearby Rangiora. However, we had made such good time over the pass that we decided to press on to Kaikoura. As it was Alexander's birthday (for those of you who don't know, my brother) it meant he spent the entire day driving, but we made up for it by having one of the best meals of the holiday in a really posh restaurant. It consisted of seafood for us (steak for him) including the famous Kaikoura crayfish- mouthwatering.
One of the highlights of the holiday followed the next day, with a trip to watch the famous sperm whales. Before this, we headed off to the peninsula, which had beautiful misty views of the mountains through the rising sun, and we were able to watch a seal very close up (the bulk of the colony, some 20 seals, was clearly visible on rocks further out to sea). The rock formations were really interesting, and it was bustling with life - both people and wildlife! After a quick lunch we headed off onto the boat. I had been warned that it was a bit commercialised, but WhaleWatchKaikoura was very well done I thought, with comprehensive and mostly accurate presentations (never travel with scientists!). It wasn't soon before we had seen our first whale, and we watched it for quite some time, again extremely close to the boat. In the end we saw 3 different whales, one of them twice, as well as albatross and loads more seals. They then said did we want to see some dolphins? They weren't kidding - approximately 500 cavorting dusky dolphins were the spectacle that greeted us when we reached the top deck. They were all around the boat, coming really close, and being generally very silly and playful. We watched them for ages, and I could have watched them all day, but alas we ran out of time. We finished off the day with some shopping - the perfect day!
Reluctantly leaving the town behind, we headed off to Picton where we caught our ferry, which travelled through rain and the murk, affording us with dreary views of otherwise spectacular coastline. We landed in Wellington, where we were over halfway through our holiday already!
We camped at Wanaka, which was reached over an extremely scenic mountain pass through the Cardrona valley and various other ski fields. Wanaka did have a ski-town-type feel to it, and seemed very full of pretentious young skiers with their silly hats!
The next day was one of our few rainy ones, with very poor visibility. This was quite annoying as it meant we didn't get to see Mount Cook or any of the other Alps that day. We were heading for the glaciers, and walked right up to the terminus of Fox Glacier - very impressive. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to walk to the terminus of Franz Josef Glacier, but we did climb to a lookout, which would have had amazing views if it wasn't for the rain. We carried on up to HariHari where we stayed the night.
The next day was our longest journey yet. We travelled through Arthur's Pass National Park, via the route of that name. It was glorious, with fresh snow, and as it was a Sunday, the place was teeming with kids playing, including skating on a frozen lake - amazing! The views were once again, breathtaking and seemed to go on forever. Arriving on the other side, near Christchurch, the original plan was to camp at nearby Rangiora. However, we had made such good time over the pass that we decided to press on to Kaikoura. As it was Alexander's birthday (for those of you who don't know, my brother) it meant he spent the entire day driving, but we made up for it by having one of the best meals of the holiday in a really posh restaurant. It consisted of seafood for us (steak for him) including the famous Kaikoura crayfish- mouthwatering.
One of the highlights of the holiday followed the next day, with a trip to watch the famous sperm whales. Before this, we headed off to the peninsula, which had beautiful misty views of the mountains through the rising sun, and we were able to watch a seal very close up (the bulk of the colony, some 20 seals, was clearly visible on rocks further out to sea). The rock formations were really interesting, and it was bustling with life - both people and wildlife! After a quick lunch we headed off onto the boat. I had been warned that it was a bit commercialised, but WhaleWatchKaikoura was very well done I thought, with comprehensive and mostly accurate presentations (never travel with scientists!). It wasn't soon before we had seen our first whale, and we watched it for quite some time, again extremely close to the boat. In the end we saw 3 different whales, one of them twice, as well as albatross and loads more seals. They then said did we want to see some dolphins? They weren't kidding - approximately 500 cavorting dusky dolphins were the spectacle that greeted us when we reached the top deck. They were all around the boat, coming really close, and being generally very silly and playful. We watched them for ages, and I could have watched them all day, but alas we ran out of time. We finished off the day with some shopping - the perfect day!
Reluctantly leaving the town behind, we headed off to Picton where we caught our ferry, which travelled through rain and the murk, affording us with dreary views of otherwise spectacular coastline. We landed in Wellington, where we were over halfway through our holiday already!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Buy the next issue of BBC Wildlife...
...I'm in the ask the experts section! Obviously asking a question, not an expert, but still really cool, especially as they have used my photo too.
Also....
I'm in the current issue of Private Eye! They wrote an appalling article about badger culling which was so unscientific I just had to respond. I missed the issue 1162 where my orginal letter was printed I think (must order back issue), along with a load of others - it obviously got a big response. Now someone has come back and disputed all of the anti-cull responses. I think they were trying to be a bit tongue-in-cheek with putting MEnvSci after my name, probably saying that I thought I knew everything having a degree. I am a bit annoyed actually, but it is just like the Fox hunting debate all over again - you can't change either side's opinion. So I must be content to let it go. I know he is wrong, but what can you do? At least I know 95% of the country think the way I do, not that that's very scientific or anything!
Also....
I'm in the current issue of Private Eye! They wrote an appalling article about badger culling which was so unscientific I just had to respond. I missed the issue 1162 where my orginal letter was printed I think (must order back issue), along with a load of others - it obviously got a big response. Now someone has come back and disputed all of the anti-cull responses. I think they were trying to be a bit tongue-in-cheek with putting MEnvSci after my name, probably saying that I thought I knew everything having a degree. I am a bit annoyed actually, but it is just like the Fox hunting debate all over again - you can't change either side's opinion. So I must be content to let it go. I know he is wrong, but what can you do? At least I know 95% of the country think the way I do, not that that's very scientific or anything!
More photos
Matai falls, curio Bay, Hector's dolphin, Dunedin sunset, Underwater observatory, Mollymawks, icicles on the Routeburn track.
Photos so far
Mirror lakes, Lake Te Anau panorama, Akaroa harbour panorama, Mollymawk, swimming with dolphins!, Purakaunui falls, spotted shag sunset, yellow-eyed penguins!
The next installment: Rainforests, penguins and fjords
Next up was the Catlins, a region of remote coastline and rainforest, teeming with wildlife and dramatic scenery.
First up was Purakaunui falls, which was very beautiful and the first of many waterfalls to come! We had great fun playing around with the shutter speed on my camera, and captured the almost perfect shot. After a short walk to another falls (the Matai falls), where we were amazed at the biodiversity and structural diversity of these gorgeous rainforests, we stopped for lunch before moving onto Lake Wilkie, a small tranquil lake in the depths of the forest. We were introduced to the first of many native birds, which were extremely curious - fantails, silvereye, bellbirds and tui. A couple of scenic lookouts later we arrived at the Curio Bay campground, surrounded on all sides by wild coastline. We tagged along behind a tour party for a guided walk of the bay, with excellent views of the world's rarest penguins the yellow-eyed, and of a fossilised forest.
The next day we headed through Invercargill up to Te Anau, which would be the starting point for our trip down the Milford Road to Milford Sound. It was a gloomy day and we did think there might be snow on the road, which would have meant it would have been closed. But the next day dawned bright and clear for our exploration of the Fiordland National Park. The mountains were certainly dramatic with all that snow, whilst the road was clear and not so hard going as we had thought, seeing as though we had to carry snow chains (which were never used).
Our first stop was a gentle stroll around Lake Mistletoe, moving onto another small waterfall before the beautiful Mirror Lakes, with fantastic reflections of the mountains. The road followed the Eglington River valley until we turned off for the start of the walk from the Divide to Key Summit. The walk was hard going, very steep in places but exceptionally beautiful and part of the Routeburn track. We did not have enough time for the full summit walk, but contented ourselves with a walk above the snow line and snow-ball fights on the way back down!!
Next up was the Homer Tunnel - a roughly hewn tunnel, very narrow in places and with dramatic icicles lit up in our headlights periodically. Our last stop before our campsite was the Chasm, with dramatic rock formations where the river rushed through. At our campsite we were told that there would be no power, as the generator was on the blink. At the same time, a large bird was mysteriously spotted which turned out to be the world's only alpine parrot, the Kea! We were very pleased to see this, and thought it was very cute and many photos were taken. However, it turned out to be the only one we would see.
The morning dawned for our trip on the Milford Sound, and we were blessed with blue skies. We had fabulous views of the alpine scenery, with highlights being the Bowen Falls, Fairy Falls, and a seal on Seal Rock - aptly named in the singular not the plural! We stopped off at the Underwater Observatory, which was amazing. We were able to see delicate corals, mussels, anemones and a mindboggling array of fish, all living in the top few meters of the cold waters of the Sound.
Once we had finished our trip, we drove back along the Milford Road to reach Manapouri for our stop at the campground. Tomorrow we would move onto Queenstown and Wanaka.
First up was Purakaunui falls, which was very beautiful and the first of many waterfalls to come! We had great fun playing around with the shutter speed on my camera, and captured the almost perfect shot. After a short walk to another falls (the Matai falls), where we were amazed at the biodiversity and structural diversity of these gorgeous rainforests, we stopped for lunch before moving onto Lake Wilkie, a small tranquil lake in the depths of the forest. We were introduced to the first of many native birds, which were extremely curious - fantails, silvereye, bellbirds and tui. A couple of scenic lookouts later we arrived at the Curio Bay campground, surrounded on all sides by wild coastline. We tagged along behind a tour party for a guided walk of the bay, with excellent views of the world's rarest penguins the yellow-eyed, and of a fossilised forest.
The next day we headed through Invercargill up to Te Anau, which would be the starting point for our trip down the Milford Road to Milford Sound. It was a gloomy day and we did think there might be snow on the road, which would have meant it would have been closed. But the next day dawned bright and clear for our exploration of the Fiordland National Park. The mountains were certainly dramatic with all that snow, whilst the road was clear and not so hard going as we had thought, seeing as though we had to carry snow chains (which were never used).
Our first stop was a gentle stroll around Lake Mistletoe, moving onto another small waterfall before the beautiful Mirror Lakes, with fantastic reflections of the mountains. The road followed the Eglington River valley until we turned off for the start of the walk from the Divide to Key Summit. The walk was hard going, very steep in places but exceptionally beautiful and part of the Routeburn track. We did not have enough time for the full summit walk, but contented ourselves with a walk above the snow line and snow-ball fights on the way back down!!
Next up was the Homer Tunnel - a roughly hewn tunnel, very narrow in places and with dramatic icicles lit up in our headlights periodically. Our last stop before our campsite was the Chasm, with dramatic rock formations where the river rushed through. At our campsite we were told that there would be no power, as the generator was on the blink. At the same time, a large bird was mysteriously spotted which turned out to be the world's only alpine parrot, the Kea! We were very pleased to see this, and thought it was very cute and many photos were taken. However, it turned out to be the only one we would see.
The morning dawned for our trip on the Milford Sound, and we were blessed with blue skies. We had fabulous views of the alpine scenery, with highlights being the Bowen Falls, Fairy Falls, and a seal on Seal Rock - aptly named in the singular not the plural! We stopped off at the Underwater Observatory, which was amazing. We were able to see delicate corals, mussels, anemones and a mindboggling array of fish, all living in the top few meters of the cold waters of the Sound.
Once we had finished our trip, we drove back along the Milford Road to reach Manapouri for our stop at the campground. Tomorrow we would move onto Queenstown and Wanaka.
Friday, July 28, 2006
I am back!
Here is volume one of my travels in NZ!
We had an absolutely brilliant time, saw loads of wildlife and amazing scenery.
The flights there weren't too bad, but we were so knackered when we got off in Christchurch that we weren't much company when my half-sister came round for the evening. We had a cabin for the night, but were a bit taken aback by the cold. It was 30 degrees in Singapore but -2 in Christchurch!
We picked up the motorhome the next day, which was humungous but had ample storage for all the stuff we had brought. We spent the rest of the day stocking up in supplies and walking around Christchurch in the gloom with Eleanor. That evening we went round to Eleanors' boyfriend's parents for dinner, but again weren't much company, the jet lag still a factor!
The next day we went to the beautiful French colonial town of Akaroa, which was sited in a gorgeous location. It was here that we would hopefully swim with the Hector's dolphins, which are tiny and an endemic species. Us girls got kitted up and once on the boat we soon found interesting wildlife in the form of several Mollymawks, which are a species of albatross and were very curious indeed. We also saw a blue penguin and a seal, but so far no dolphins. With the waters a bit choppier outside the harbour, Mum started to feel cold and very ill, but was just about hanging on. Eventually, after about an hour and a half we found three dolphins who immediately swum up to the boat. Because we had to wait to see if the dolphins were sufficiently interested in us, we had to wait to swim. By this stage Mum had decided not to do it, and with the cold and only three dolphins, Steph decided not to go in. I, however, was determined to do it, and was quite surprised how warm it actually was (read: not freezing). I couldn't see anything under the water, but apparently they were swimming all around me. I could see glimpses of dorsal fins, so that was enough for me.
Moving on from Christchurch, we headed off to Oamaru to see little blue penguins in the evening! They are so cute, but you will have to take my word for it as photography was not allowed.
The next day we dropped Eleanor off in Dunedin 'International Airport' (very small indeed!) before heading off to see the fur seals, a spotted shag colony and even a Royal Albatross!
We then moved on down for a tour of the Catlins, which I will detail in my next update!
We had an absolutely brilliant time, saw loads of wildlife and amazing scenery.
The flights there weren't too bad, but we were so knackered when we got off in Christchurch that we weren't much company when my half-sister came round for the evening. We had a cabin for the night, but were a bit taken aback by the cold. It was 30 degrees in Singapore but -2 in Christchurch!
We picked up the motorhome the next day, which was humungous but had ample storage for all the stuff we had brought. We spent the rest of the day stocking up in supplies and walking around Christchurch in the gloom with Eleanor. That evening we went round to Eleanors' boyfriend's parents for dinner, but again weren't much company, the jet lag still a factor!
The next day we went to the beautiful French colonial town of Akaroa, which was sited in a gorgeous location. It was here that we would hopefully swim with the Hector's dolphins, which are tiny and an endemic species. Us girls got kitted up and once on the boat we soon found interesting wildlife in the form of several Mollymawks, which are a species of albatross and were very curious indeed. We also saw a blue penguin and a seal, but so far no dolphins. With the waters a bit choppier outside the harbour, Mum started to feel cold and very ill, but was just about hanging on. Eventually, after about an hour and a half we found three dolphins who immediately swum up to the boat. Because we had to wait to see if the dolphins were sufficiently interested in us, we had to wait to swim. By this stage Mum had decided not to do it, and with the cold and only three dolphins, Steph decided not to go in. I, however, was determined to do it, and was quite surprised how warm it actually was (read: not freezing). I couldn't see anything under the water, but apparently they were swimming all around me. I could see glimpses of dorsal fins, so that was enough for me.
Moving on from Christchurch, we headed off to Oamaru to see little blue penguins in the evening! They are so cute, but you will have to take my word for it as photography was not allowed.
The next day we dropped Eleanor off in Dunedin 'International Airport' (very small indeed!) before heading off to see the fur seals, a spotted shag colony and even a Royal Albatross!
We then moved on down for a tour of the Catlins, which I will detail in my next update!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
What a week
I cannot believe where the time has gone. Tomorrow we all fly out to NZ. The house is in a state of hyper-excitement, with bags being packed, people trying to remember things that are often forgotten (like taking library books back!) and me saying nothing much more than "we're going swimming with dolphins"!
So this week I have been quite busy. I went on my first solo site meeting on Thursday about some overhead line being laid underground through a part of the Forest. It was good to be out on my own, and to have something to say, but I feel my boss made a big deal about it, saying I must get out on my own at some stage. I don't know what all the fuss is about, it's nothing amazing!
Then that evening I met up with Caroline for the last time before she goes back on her ship. We had a nice long chat over good food, and have made plans for 8 months in advance when she gets back.
Then last night I went out with Hayley, James and Catherine to a few bars which was really nice. We chatted for ages as we hadn't seen each other for a while. The sad thing is I get back the day before Hayley goes to Finland, so we won't be able to see each other until mid-August.
So that's what's happened in the last week and you probably won't hear from me for ages (I don't think we'll have time for internet access) so bye for now!
So this week I have been quite busy. I went on my first solo site meeting on Thursday about some overhead line being laid underground through a part of the Forest. It was good to be out on my own, and to have something to say, but I feel my boss made a big deal about it, saying I must get out on my own at some stage. I don't know what all the fuss is about, it's nothing amazing!
Then that evening I met up with Caroline for the last time before she goes back on her ship. We had a nice long chat over good food, and have made plans for 8 months in advance when she gets back.
Then last night I went out with Hayley, James and Catherine to a few bars which was really nice. We chatted for ages as we hadn't seen each other for a while. The sad thing is I get back the day before Hayley goes to Finland, so we won't be able to see each other until mid-August.
So that's what's happened in the last week and you probably won't hear from me for ages (I don't think we'll have time for internet access) so bye for now!
Monday, June 12, 2006
2 WEEKS TO GO!
Yes, the time is drawing ever nearer, and my excitement can hardly be contained!
Anyway, work continues apace. The Springwatch event on the Common was great fun, with a really nice atmosphere. Apart from the odd question (how can I get a toad for our garden?) it just consisted of handing out leaflets.
This weekend has just flown by - Saturday was a scorcher, and I went to Portsmouth to meet Hannah and Bonnie from PGL, which was really nice, though by the time we got to the beach I had to head back to the station!
Yesterday Mum and I went to Avon Heath Country Park, where we sweatily-trudged our way around the park, seeing buzzards, dragonflies (including the gold-ringed dragonfly, spectacular!) and a slowworm getting eaten alive by ants - nice. After a slight wrong turn (adding an hour to our journey, and along a route contrary to my suggestions - parents, honestly!) we finally made it back to the carpark, completely knackered.
Anyway, work continues apace. The Springwatch event on the Common was great fun, with a really nice atmosphere. Apart from the odd question (how can I get a toad for our garden?) it just consisted of handing out leaflets.
This weekend has just flown by - Saturday was a scorcher, and I went to Portsmouth to meet Hannah and Bonnie from PGL, which was really nice, though by the time we got to the beach I had to head back to the station!
Yesterday Mum and I went to Avon Heath Country Park, where we sweatily-trudged our way around the park, seeing buzzards, dragonflies (including the gold-ringed dragonfly, spectacular!) and a slowworm getting eaten alive by ants - nice. After a slight wrong turn (adding an hour to our journey, and along a route contrary to my suggestions - parents, honestly!) we finally made it back to the carpark, completely knackered.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Another week gone by
We at English Nature were quite lucky in that we had an additional day off on Tuesday for the Queen's birthday, or something like that. So my week was very short, and consisted of very little time doing casework in the office. I had a meeting looking at a landslip that had closed a road (because half of the road had fallen down the slope) and another the following morning about a footbridge, so it was quite a varied week.
Last night after work we all went to Rachel's house for food and a good chat. It was really nice to meet loads of new people and get to know some of the ones in the office a bit more.
And tomorrow I am going to be on the EN stall at the Springwatch event on Southampton Common, so come along and get your free leaflets!
Last night after work we all went to Rachel's house for food and a good chat. It was really nice to meet loads of new people and get to know some of the ones in the office a bit more.
And tomorrow I am going to be on the EN stall at the Springwatch event on Southampton Common, so come along and get your free leaflets!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Eurovision
Another classical comic highlight of the year! Absolutely hilarious, as was old Terry's commentary. Highlights for me were:
1. The Terry's chocolate orange
2. Lithuania and Harry Hill going mad!
3. Lordi of course, with the Mummy keyboardist my personal favourite - completely and utterly mad, so glad it won. the video is even funnier - featuring zombie cheerleaders with pom-poms!
4. It was amazing!
5. Germans singing a Country song??????!!!!! Bizarre, so Eurovision!
Anyway, back to work tomorrow, after an expensive weekend. My brother and sister were home for the comic event, and he persuaded me to buy a digital SLR (NIkion D50) which I am so looking forward to playing around with later on! well, we need good pictures for New Zealand don't we?......
1. The Terry's chocolate orange
2. Lithuania and Harry Hill going mad!
3. Lordi of course, with the Mummy keyboardist my personal favourite - completely and utterly mad, so glad it won. the video is even funnier - featuring zombie cheerleaders with pom-poms!
4. It was amazing!
5. Germans singing a Country song??????!!!!! Bizarre, so Eurovision!
Anyway, back to work tomorrow, after an expensive weekend. My brother and sister were home for the comic event, and he persuaded me to buy a digital SLR (NIkion D50) which I am so looking forward to playing around with later on! well, we need good pictures for New Zealand don't we?......
Monday, May 15, 2006
Tick tock
I feel like my life is ticking away too quickly - where has the time gone? Already it has been almost 4 weeks since I started the job, and I'm really enjoying it. I've been out doing a condition assessment on a SSSI on hanger woodland (on a very steep slope), which was an adventure, seeing as though you felt the soil move every time you did. A single slip would have sent me sliding down an almost- vertical drop through nettles! But the bluebells and wild garlic were glorious.
Speaking of which, Iwent to Garston Woods a couple of weeks ago which was just solid blue and white from the above flowers, just magical.
Besides the job, the social life has taken a bit of a nose dive. Nothing can compare to the heady days of PGL! Though, my friend Caz is back from her cruise ship job, so hopefully a few meals in Prezzo before she goes back. The group of friends I usually go out with are having a few domestics, whilst one has managed to fall off his sister's horse and is now on crutches: all events postponed indefinitely! And of course there's eurovision this weekend to look forward to, nil points?
I think I have just about managed to stay in touch with uni, school and PGL mates, which is a major achievement. Long may it continue!
Speaking of which, Iwent to Garston Woods a couple of weeks ago which was just solid blue and white from the above flowers, just magical.
Besides the job, the social life has taken a bit of a nose dive. Nothing can compare to the heady days of PGL! Though, my friend Caz is back from her cruise ship job, so hopefully a few meals in Prezzo before she goes back. The group of friends I usually go out with are having a few domestics, whilst one has managed to fall off his sister's horse and is now on crutches: all events postponed indefinitely! And of course there's eurovision this weekend to look forward to, nil points?
I think I have just about managed to stay in touch with uni, school and PGL mates, which is a major achievement. Long may it continue!
Friday, April 28, 2006
The end of my first week
Well I made it through my first week, and I have to say that is just keeps getting better and better. Together, Leigh and I have managed to get through most of the casework, so that we can get to go out and do site visits more.
It's so nice to be working in a place where everyone has pretty much the same views on the environment, and you can have some really informed discussions about things. Today I was discussing fishing lakes and the impacts on SSSI rivers, which was really interesting, and there is the possibility that Leigh and I can go out and learn a bit more about fisheries with experts.
I'm also learning lots more in depth stuff about legislation and what landowners can and can't do, so it's all very useful!
It's so nice to be working in a place where everyone has pretty much the same views on the environment, and you can have some really informed discussions about things. Today I was discussing fishing lakes and the impacts on SSSI rivers, which was really interesting, and there is the possibility that Leigh and I can go out and learn a bit more about fisheries with experts.
I'm also learning lots more in depth stuff about legislation and what landowners can and can't do, so it's all very useful!
Monday, April 24, 2006
First day at work
Well today marked a new beginning of my life, with my first proper job (PGL doesn't really count!).
It went ok, the people are really nice and the work sounds interesting, though I do have concerns about the routine nature of it, but we'll see. I would like to be outdoors more, but I can't have it all, and the experience will be brilliant on my CV. It is most definitely going to be better than PGL though!
However, I was very bad and looked up stuff about my Dad's cancer, and of course that made it all worse, with talk about survival rates and symptoms, so I shall just try to forget about it all. It was going to be such a good year as well.
It went ok, the people are really nice and the work sounds interesting, though I do have concerns about the routine nature of it, but we'll see. I would like to be outdoors more, but I can't have it all, and the experience will be brilliant on my CV. It is most definitely going to be better than PGL though!
However, I was very bad and looked up stuff about my Dad's cancer, and of course that made it all worse, with talk about survival rates and symptoms, so I shall just try to forget about it all. It was going to be such a good year as well.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Last PGL photos
Nikki, Abi and Stacey; The star photo: Hannah comatose!; leaving PGL; Diana and Vicky; DaveDawnBonnieVicky; This doesn't really need an explanation!; DaveMattScottAndy.
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