In the Antarctic (Exhibition)

I was caught out - only wore the shorts that day (just like Scott vs. Amundsen).

Christchurch to the West Coast and Back



Castle Hill - weathered limestone

Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass (with lupins)

Greymouth Beach

Lewis Pass

Punakaiki - Pancake rocks

Cape Foulwind (and it was!)

A sobering day in Christchurch

Double delight in the rose garden

Elephants legs?

Closed off section of the city centre

More closed off streets

The 'container' shops

Container coffee shop

After the two recent earthquakes the city centre is still struggling to get back on its feet. Over half the city centre is destroyed, but some places such as the botanic gardens are wonderfuly serene. The 'show must go on' attitude had led to an innovative 'container village' popping up as high rises are pulled down.

Meeting my family in Christchurch

After many months of correspondence by email I finally met up with my second cousin Maxine, her lovely family  and her mother Beryl  (Aunty Beryl) in Christchurch. We found out about each other whilst we were both researching into the Fortin family tree and trying to unpick the mystery of our (possibly french/indian) philandering great grand father, JJ Fortin, who seems to have fathered at least 8 children, had 3 wives and been a tailor, a coffee shop owner and brother of a RC priest who was championing the cause of the striking miners in Durham.  One thing we now know, is that life in Victorian Britain was as complicated as modern life and full of some quite colourful characters. 

We had a lovely day out on The Banks peninsular, coincidentally at Akaroa which is a french settlement in NZ. Even the petrol station sells l'essence! After that a bar-b-q with friends of Maxine and more family tree stuff.

Alice, Maxine and Beryl in Akaroa

JJ Fortin aka JJ Rouse

Father Philp Fortin (JJ's brother)

From Picton to Christchurch

We drove from Picton to Christchurch - mostly along the Pacific coast in the east. After the rain forest in the Marborough Sound area it was surprising to see arid hills as we drove south.

Picton Harbour - beautiful

As we drove south of Kaikura we spotted seals in the water and on the rocks. We found ourselves at the seal colony at Ohau Point. Very interesting but surprisingly smelly.

Queen Charlotte Track - Day 4

The final day of a good hike. 20km to Anakiwa - starting off with a steep ascent, but what the hey! Absolutly great weather - the views were marvellous. Good track and good company - many of the same people we had talked to for the last three days.

Strong views bring happiness

View to the West

Finished the trek at Anakawi. Alice had a ginger beer and I had a ginger beer ice lolly. Waited half an hour for the boat to take us back to Picton where we gain stayed with Glenys and Gary. No bagpipes this time, but good crack and good rooms! Avocado on toast for breakfast was something special too. 

Reward - Picton seafood platter (for two)!

Queen Charlotte Track - Day 3

This was the long day - 24km with climbs up to 500m. The good news is that it didn't rain - in fact the weather was beautiful. Great views, easy walking (although a little slippery at times) and time to talk to other hikers en route - everybody very friendly.

Fibonacci alive and well

31km to go - nice gaiters



Outcrop

Stayed at the Portage Resort Hotel in Portage, so called because of lots of porting of boats rather than rowing them all the way round. Lovely private spa, good food, good company, and early night.