On to OZ

February 10, 2009

Time to say goodbye to New Zealand.

But first, apologies for no pictures. The computer connection in Christchurch is not cooperating.

Tomorrow we fly out to OZ and we are getting excited about the next phase of our journey. Before we go we need to tell you that New Zealand is a most wonderful country to visit. The people are open, helpful and friendly, the landscape is truly spectacular and changes more quickly than we ever imagined from seacoast to rainforest to alpine peaks and glaciers. We have especially enjoyed the South Island and would return in a minute were it not so far.

We took time visiting Dunedin and checking out the Scottish heritage they speak of. It’s true that in some places you would almost think you are in Scotland with the stone crofters cottages along the road. Cousins of those old Ottawa area stonemasons also emigrated to southern NZ. In fact, a lot of our immigration heritage was paralleled here with British subjects colonizing the area. The difference we have found is that the Maori seemed to have gotten a better break than our North American natives, and have a stronger presence in society. Very interesting history, the Maori colonization of NZ.

Forgot to mention – some time in Dunedin was spent visiting a walk-in clinic where Dr. Katherine Somebody-or-other gave me some antibiotics and prednisone (singing bass now) to clear up the ear infection so that I can fly tomorrow. More on that later!

We visited the globular Moeraki rocks on the coast north of Dunedin. Fascinating! They were formed millions of years ago, pushed up with the volcanic activity and then when the land eroded next to the shore, they just popped down on the beach.

On to Mount Cook, figuring that since we had been SO lucky about the weather that perhaps we wouldn’t see it at all and would have only another potentially beautiful view. But lo, there it was! We took too many pictures of course. The Tasman Glacier next door is apparently the largest one outside the Antarctic. Beautiful ride in and out.

On to Christchurch where we are now. Today was spent touring the city central after having ridden Doug’s trusty steed and my Ugly Bikey P of S into the city. UBPS decided to have numerous flat tires on me today but heh heh, we get to sell her back to some other poor fool this evening. Christchurch is an interesting town with the Avon River running through it and little boats punting along it. We took some time to go to the city museum where Pat tried out the penny farthing bicycle. We then attended the Evensong at the Christchurch Cathedral, directed by Brian Law, former director of the Ottawa Choral Society. We met him, had a handshake and gave him hello from early OCS members. He produced a beautiful sound with his boys’and men’s choir.

Now, on to OZ!