crazyscot

I had hoped to have posted about our holiday over Christmas by now, but I have had a number of things clamouring for attention.

It was very much the holiday of lost opportunities. ( Read more... )

After the eclipse we were a bit short on things to fill our last day in Queensland, so we drove to the little town of Mareeba (pop. 6800). ( The last few pics within. )

Finally, getting back to Chch, came a bonus that we hadn't previously experienced. At passport control, the "locals" queue covers NZ and Australia passports, and NZ residents. We got to use the short line, and were welcomed home!

It's funny that I should spend a whole post discussing just 117 seconds of my life, when I've been writing a post per day up 'til this point on this trip, but I think it deserves it. ( This is the biggie. Photo-tastic, if you scroll past the discussion of strategies. )

Up not-quite-so-early today, for a pick-up just after 8am to ride on the Kuranda scenic railway, visit the village of Kuranda in the rainforest, and ride the Skyrail gondola back just above the canopy. ( Read more... )

Monday. We were up at what passed for a sensible time (6am local, 9am NZ) for our 0710 pick-up for the day's activity, the Reef Experience tour. This is a close-up Great Barrier Reef experience, with snorkelling and - for those who wish it (we didn't) - an introductory scuba dive. ( Photos within )

Let's face it, getting up at 3am for a 6:30 flight was never going to be pleasant. We parked in the Christchurch Airport long-stay; the path took us through the end of the terminal building where they don't mind people "resting" overnight. As it was well before dawn, it was a slightly surreal experience to witness this room of people apparently openly sleeping.

( Australia day 0. Light on the photos and probably not of much interest. )

I went to Hanmer Springs with my beloved and we ... ( Read more... )

Coming to the end of a week off, I find myself wanting to post something but not sure exactly what. ( So here are some random witterings, as a memory jog for myself. )

Nights spent away: 4
Sandfly bites: 8 (at last count)
Lakes circumnavigated: 1
Glaciers walked on: 1
Waterfalls collected: 1
Things bought: jade pendant
Things made: knife

An action packed five day holiday, and no mistake. Where to begin? ( At the beginning, of course. There be pictures. )

Monday just past was the Labour Day public holiday; like Easter in Blighty, the long weekend heralds the start of the summer season for many.

( We went to Kaikoura... )