tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28602497188367419042024-02-18T18:57:01.083-08:00Diary of a WombatLaurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-20187594630099276362013-08-02T17:10:00.000-07:002013-08-02T17:10:26.909-07:00Laurel's 30th Birthday!Laurel's birthday. 30 years. Laurel set a high bar with the awesome celebrations she had planned for him last year, so he was a little nervous about living up to it. Fortunately, he had an ace up his sleeve, a co-worker, Deb, who dabbles in professional cake making. So, he commissioned her to make the ultimate chocolate cake. She delivered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_YtK6uyTo39a8CBuyK9whWcKUdeSonMa2IjZF2IAPiwkQoXpHMdxUXrXFSmT79rcp6d49O7d6fwofWMSHpU9Y8H9mbKyvj7828Gf66sBxBnKs_MZV4NyGePtFAapS-LYUrwytHzvLwVn/s1600/453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_YtK6uyTo39a8CBuyK9whWcKUdeSonMa2IjZF2IAPiwkQoXpHMdxUXrXFSmT79rcp6d49O7d6fwofWMSHpU9Y8H9mbKyvj7828Gf66sBxBnKs_MZV4NyGePtFAapS-LYUrwytHzvLwVn/s400/453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Deb actually apologized to Greg when he picked it up. She said it didn't come out like she intended. I don't know what she had pictured in her head, but this is amazing. The gold dust flowers were made with amaretto. Oh Deb, you do not have anything to apologize for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyPE1FKTIqO_FqOtpaIBKbnECsZM6gLtUR1iSJv_0Dz3DchAP99iDTiPWCcYDgvvFGK8IabzHw_ZG81ss4d-c8RTgZExrPnoxPCZRGkGM69QigcEFk5YX_9dY7eCdAJUA4qy1mky9AXPa/s1600/454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyPE1FKTIqO_FqOtpaIBKbnECsZM6gLtUR1iSJv_0Dz3DchAP99iDTiPWCcYDgvvFGK8IabzHw_ZG81ss4d-c8RTgZExrPnoxPCZRGkGM69QigcEFk5YX_9dY7eCdAJUA4qy1mky9AXPa/s400/454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She also hand-dipped 30 strawberries in white, milk, and dark chocolate. Going above and beyond the call of duty Deb, but I am so glad you did because it is delicious. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_CjnDkESA8umH6HUx016-fyrgzuChqI9gxBompmgzvLccr5oNahsUKFVSSBxJd7ZUww9daUTKNjwpYpBQ7GmhzHeYZ7VcF9tN55BMqjeFbFYv9fv0JfbtsCm-jAZwy9KZq-V8Klm9sab/s1600/455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_CjnDkESA8umH6HUx016-fyrgzuChqI9gxBompmgzvLccr5oNahsUKFVSSBxJd7ZUww9daUTKNjwpYpBQ7GmhzHeYZ7VcF9tN55BMqjeFbFYv9fv0JfbtsCm-jAZwy9KZq-V8Klm9sab/s400/455.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since this was Laurel's 30th birthday, it demanded three different events, one for each decade. The first was a spa day with Olivia (not pictured), but the second was a big night out at the Kennedy Room with all of our friends. Haven't had one of those in a loooooooong time. Fortunately, one of Olivia's co-workers was on hand to babysit Imogen. The theme was black and white, so everyone had to dress in those colors. So Laurel would really pop, she wore a simply stunning red dress. Most of the party attendees were confused. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrmnb7mc5VTJBErMW7rc47mV1mKrAALI957fJvGEBzdtaLv_gRD1XxI_xwOVomDYktKzWYy62xC29TaK8tl5vYj68NTcg2ZCENUqaJbbdDpogok8kPe3LjG2jUxntfIO4izFKOr_5IXw1/s1600/458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrmnb7mc5VTJBErMW7rc47mV1mKrAALI957fJvGEBzdtaLv_gRD1XxI_xwOVomDYktKzWYy62xC29TaK8tl5vYj68NTcg2ZCENUqaJbbdDpogok8kPe3LjG2jUxntfIO4izFKOr_5IXw1/s400/458.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGt4BxMgTNPLK_s9PR0z1fp-O-J3jxhE6igng8xZhBXJTzTUH-4oRiWg__LDvQ69M-RQRDS7N5BaItI3XNA9mYMZXfvjhEeB8pjpIp40i7PqOgccdVla0CyxZLS3PR12W9Y1WHQY_ghRs/s1600/488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGt4BxMgTNPLK_s9PR0z1fp-O-J3jxhE6igng8xZhBXJTzTUH-4oRiWg__LDvQ69M-RQRDS7N5BaItI3XNA9mYMZXfvjhEeB8pjpIp40i7PqOgccdVla0CyxZLS3PR12W9Y1WHQY_ghRs/s400/488.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
There were Finland reunions with Alex and Tim (and Robbie not pictured)...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgzOq2m6K2P9gYtj1SrZGD6m6O_aMEORNpvFCD6TTvWyCbZindsxWtjBmOT4BVIrecJiE2NI55nlBPZM8MQLW3Y2wlVuNGkJFUUTDYy4tOF75cezY5o5mxoQBXQfWu_0qrgBAYmzFbK8y/s1600/475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgzOq2m6K2P9gYtj1SrZGD6m6O_aMEORNpvFCD6TTvWyCbZindsxWtjBmOT4BVIrecJiE2NI55nlBPZM8MQLW3Y2wlVuNGkJFUUTDYy4tOF75cezY5o5mxoQBXQfWu_0qrgBAYmzFbK8y/s400/475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hot Mamas- Laurel, Anu (7 months pregnant), & Elissa (just had a daughter 2 months ago)...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiWJ5kTUIAkI9rd8BdkR_O5EdaGiCG-_QnJDzxxBxSEKZwMBgzz5EkYwlB6qzNVgRAzF2VwxZcoGD3xtZteAHXVEGri-IVCffp7-EyRtfE7rcZENleirGVG6t1ox7HrweNouPcKsJe0AF/s1600/476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiWJ5kTUIAkI9rd8BdkR_O5EdaGiCG-_QnJDzxxBxSEKZwMBgzz5EkYwlB6qzNVgRAzF2VwxZcoGD3xtZteAHXVEGri-IVCffp7-EyRtfE7rcZENleirGVG6t1ox7HrweNouPcKsJe0AF/s400/476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Serious talks..... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPXxs0SYB25_s-Ob2d4IJBNAuO85lzbPk4P95bMAlGzpOzvGE-U8O_kA-n9rt1HeSoVQsF0KBCHv-PdOx120_mc2LVmpbXKaIHLbonvOM08R31Ahj8LCiWIOunX81czYYS1U6Jr6CiIlq/s1600/477.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPXxs0SYB25_s-Ob2d4IJBNAuO85lzbPk4P95bMAlGzpOzvGE-U8O_kA-n9rt1HeSoVQsF0KBCHv-PdOx120_mc2LVmpbXKaIHLbonvOM08R31Ahj8LCiWIOunX81czYYS1U6Jr6CiIlq/s400/477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And dancing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxHWLxDfpIfCdoMD-XeDMpTlKZBF0zj6_yf690yOlapMnX4ZY3sj0H9k9A1LhKylsrBwqF0ASbIoHvy1lTHtV0cPsAdgzcHlUcwIMegpfzCZsCGBqxJKoBunaNalns1R87y6KLVOAA8G7/s1600/502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxHWLxDfpIfCdoMD-XeDMpTlKZBF0zj6_yf690yOlapMnX4ZY3sj0H9k9A1LhKylsrBwqF0ASbIoHvy1lTHtV0cPsAdgzcHlUcwIMegpfzCZsCGBqxJKoBunaNalns1R87y6KLVOAA8G7/s400/502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr5XCLXk2rQnAPAzWozN6JyChyIU2g3hn1hHPGKy0v0-Esr7fqeSY3xkMXZ8INIOuhyphenhyphenr1OHVaOTNuYBwVXbZQe14hSvc3a9ZITTHPdHEE_r2P72LqrYfHQjd5y6PkekOWtMg9X9uk9k9Q/s1600/483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr5XCLXk2rQnAPAzWozN6JyChyIU2g3hn1hHPGKy0v0-Esr7fqeSY3xkMXZ8INIOuhyphenhyphenr1OHVaOTNuYBwVXbZQe14hSvc3a9ZITTHPdHEE_r2P72LqrYfHQjd5y6PkekOWtMg9X9uk9k9Q/s400/483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Kissy face! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-oX-Xi-PC2hpiZu2YhuMllanBOsLuWuaO4aCzm1lKS1CNWq28WmWoEmIbDaZlSd43jlamEuX6rriQklgwjMK_coRAYDIFXhNSU4tXjwNIqzw58df5qzYOhMvmbXnGzOTEOdNowYGwOdi/s1600/507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-oX-Xi-PC2hpiZu2YhuMllanBOsLuWuaO4aCzm1lKS1CNWq28WmWoEmIbDaZlSd43jlamEuX6rriQklgwjMK_coRAYDIFXhNSU4tXjwNIqzw58df5qzYOhMvmbXnGzOTEOdNowYGwOdi/s400/507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you were wondering what Laurel looks like at 1 am when she desperately wants cake ... this is it. Mmmmmmmmm, cake!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLCwcxwQ31PP_ngBczhRjEqXZu3N-w5LZMkwZY6GwZsUhIWD9q1BuFfFthL06zr_BWHyCq9hUGcKPMF8EFMLzoOE9baXvUE9LX_KfaA3bXt-gCxLzxDVIbvo39huaIEwZrBAjXxEEyaSo/s1600/512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLCwcxwQ31PP_ngBczhRjEqXZu3N-w5LZMkwZY6GwZsUhIWD9q1BuFfFthL06zr_BWHyCq9hUGcKPMF8EFMLzoOE9baXvUE9LX_KfaA3bXt-gCxLzxDVIbvo39huaIEwZrBAjXxEEyaSo/s400/512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Birthday breakfast, Australian style! Fried egg on toast with rocket (arugula) and baked beans. We are going to miss Australia's love affair with brunch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvQGe_YMEXZF1nFutg4Q_RrU9z0D0gLLrhyphenhyphen_D-kaFcsAYeRngxL0sdO9i2Bfr6Z_CbnFOPO7tTv8fREJO87UE-RWLl4XstIyQiJ5Vos0D7VuR2v1-bn527BZjUmlebab4c9lSYDAf9A8p/s1600/513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvQGe_YMEXZF1nFutg4Q_RrU9z0D0gLLrhyphenhyphen_D-kaFcsAYeRngxL0sdO9i2Bfr6Z_CbnFOPO7tTv8fREJO87UE-RWLl4XstIyQiJ5Vos0D7VuR2v1-bn527BZjUmlebab4c9lSYDAf9A8p/s400/513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The third part of Birthday Birthday Birthday was fancy dinner at Aubergine, Canberra's best restaurant. So we all got dolled up in our finest and prepared for Canberra's finest dining experience. You know it's quality when you make the reservation, and they ask you if there are any dietary restrictions; you tell them one person is gluten free, and they are like yep, not a problem at all. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRKIZg80EhR35edsNjagi_o4Ev2aqU6P72R-pT6H6Ggm3GXQ0xTXFh-H9JefMQ6oBLIha1NRL_DIfotiqh0RHheL6INdmCQJphH081lCHzuHrvbEkgVCwlEOxSVvkcqdwnQmxtdmFgKxl/s1600/514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRKIZg80EhR35edsNjagi_o4Ev2aqU6P72R-pT6H6Ggm3GXQ0xTXFh-H9JefMQ6oBLIha1NRL_DIfotiqh0RHheL6INdmCQJphH081lCHzuHrvbEkgVCwlEOxSVvkcqdwnQmxtdmFgKxl/s400/514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was Laurel's appetizer- a veal tartare. Such a bold order! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09KGJ63g5pWtdo-2K-5uL7gsZX1ZNsVxdtCa3xJCFsNRTQoR7gLq3goUZXA9Rd9onLI0nFEiMbOgP-y-AEd3Jdph4Q5xPCvibBZ44Duzlf1CzkRh95T06etdqagBzl0-gnUSghoVxGenF/s1600/515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09KGJ63g5pWtdo-2K-5uL7gsZX1ZNsVxdtCa3xJCFsNRTQoR7gLq3goUZXA9Rd9onLI0nFEiMbOgP-y-AEd3Jdph4Q5xPCvibBZ44Duzlf1CzkRh95T06etdqagBzl0-gnUSghoVxGenF/s400/515.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg had the octopus and squid soup. Unusual things from the sea in soup form? Yes, please! It does not get better than that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywkMFkiLoNXirT5pf8XuBhdvlrHLYtbF72V-7LnEBygeaeGqsAWYt8rfNjRpR2cbvZ2mmiCjbuH0i0QfXp4NSkMtqcwGzy2R9tjrIEvqZ3M1u8PjJBk7DQBq_pNAv_fLTsAJe6Voo94ht/s1600/516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywkMFkiLoNXirT5pf8XuBhdvlrHLYtbF72V-7LnEBygeaeGqsAWYt8rfNjRpR2cbvZ2mmiCjbuH0i0QfXp4NSkMtqcwGzy2R9tjrIEvqZ3M1u8PjJBk7DQBq_pNAv_fLTsAJe6Voo94ht/s400/516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We should do this more often. Delicious dinner and a second bottle of wine- yes, let's make that happen. Happy 30th!! Such a great night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AwC8Ulpx0Lp0IepKrNRXhotHkXrAWXoGBU5UoL8uUQrT238_Dj1ouOjJJn_XmnZAgnjM7lcvcog1o2Hp9HtOcqBHgxvn5r-jphfSJj5R6j7Enh29GbeqUUzcF2Z1eAZ56WcWWU5Bl_Dc/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AwC8Ulpx0Lp0IepKrNRXhotHkXrAWXoGBU5UoL8uUQrT238_Dj1ouOjJJn_XmnZAgnjM7lcvcog1o2Hp9HtOcqBHgxvn5r-jphfSJj5R6j7Enh29GbeqUUzcF2Z1eAZ56WcWWU5Bl_Dc/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-12563705069258932212013-08-02T16:38:00.000-07:002013-08-02T16:38:41.489-07:00Gold CoastThe original reason for this whole trip was that Greg was going to run the Gold Coast Marathon. Unfortunately, a year of little injuries had added up, and really prevented him from training. As such, he was in no condition to run a marathon. 15 km, maybe, but then there would have been another 27 after that. This was doubly too bad, because the family we were staying with lived right along side the route. So Laurel, Imogen, and Olivia could have seen and cheered him on twice. Oh well, here's the lead group, the eventual winner was in this group of 9. Surprisingly, not the Kenyan.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYQZXbzCVy1mgv5wPaPD44kPc90FaPH0MSRIeRALRtuc5lQekuzAOvaL2rQtxJEz16uHt8lT9lY-IGnt8Q3KDOR5url29_MFbEyMu7DQZ0vnUa-fb1JISbVMAWOekbQBYJVKfGTDHlc3t/s1600/180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYQZXbzCVy1mgv5wPaPD44kPc90FaPH0MSRIeRALRtuc5lQekuzAOvaL2rQtxJEz16uHt8lT9lY-IGnt8Q3KDOR5url29_MFbEyMu7DQZ0vnUa-fb1JISbVMAWOekbQBYJVKfGTDHlc3t/s400/180.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg and Imogen headed up to the roof to get a better view. She brought her sunnies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FCuQjSEQuYGK9AfIWrZKc_5ad0qq3FoGmO8YBLe8U-_tjPUsBMa7NLMI-pxxuIGK8cEAFzNN39qBa5w6ZISpx858RXLYGE0CWtcTM0R9LIiXiSPD0wyJvl4D2MJ5NEYXdAQhNifa4Gl6/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FCuQjSEQuYGK9AfIWrZKc_5ad0qq3FoGmO8YBLe8U-_tjPUsBMa7NLMI-pxxuIGK8cEAFzNN39qBa5w6ZISpx858RXLYGE0CWtcTM0R9LIiXiSPD0wyJvl4D2MJ5NEYXdAQhNifa4Gl6/s400/195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the race finished up, we drove over to the Currumbin Wildlife Park to show Immy some critters. She was pretty excited.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwvX9sBAmjgo0a2VnTodmd9yUYDo32rGiWuBATq5hqeHfUrQGB6zo0xstlIaZyv2l06gsGRv-_pmnDlgrJmyJDGwVA6Dei03xSPRGpKz58XCsTIIUr2hvkDEZhUnAMSGhBSe3f8N16g-9/s1600/220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwvX9sBAmjgo0a2VnTodmd9yUYDo32rGiWuBATq5hqeHfUrQGB6zo0xstlIaZyv2l06gsGRv-_pmnDlgrJmyJDGwVA6Dei03xSPRGpKz58XCsTIIUr2hvkDEZhUnAMSGhBSe3f8N16g-9/s400/220.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
She particularly liked this Tasmanian Devil. She just laughed and laughed, especially when he stopped and took a dump right in front of her. That was hilarious!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Lg9tUWt2iYDBj7ZabWvWmK7DwVkjEUh8dRzmMcdtVesVC_rUTvQqaeVODaT6a_WpVPersOlxvGFuqzQYwAiZdEPqZEOx1HtxCndZjmNm7y05wEoUSKpOcA_dsq1qavasP7cnN49CjHzk/s1600/219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Lg9tUWt2iYDBj7ZabWvWmK7DwVkjEUh8dRzmMcdtVesVC_rUTvQqaeVODaT6a_WpVPersOlxvGFuqzQYwAiZdEPqZEOx1HtxCndZjmNm7y05wEoUSKpOcA_dsq1qavasP7cnN49CjHzk/s400/219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Hmm, I'm not sure about this one, Dad. This might be one of the things Mom is always calling a "crazy bird."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwvX9sBAmjgo0a2VnTodmd9yUYDo32rGiWuBATq5hqeHfUrQGB6zo0xstlIaZyv2l06gsGRv-_pmnDlgrJmyJDGwVA6Dei03xSPRGpKz58XCsTIIUr2hvkDEZhUnAMSGhBSe3f8N16g-9/s1600/220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3Gqf_l2KxzOuW45eenv5YAj3qmNoK8usZsnUWzWTkbs3O1nPtAYrCUPX2I8hEbXFATwzmC80jqnLfzi8qHhSRaQ3D6vjKhr0w6RrQNXLCUnThPVIMjy12lTx1Y8frAirClKSHsKO254i/s1600/227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3Gqf_l2KxzOuW45eenv5YAj3qmNoK8usZsnUWzWTkbs3O1nPtAYrCUPX2I8hEbXFATwzmC80jqnLfzi8qHhSRaQ3D6vjKhr0w6RrQNXLCUnThPVIMjy12lTx1Y8frAirClKSHsKO254i/s400/227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Look baby girl! It's the animal we name this blog after, the wombat! It only took us three years to see something other than his butt. He's even more adorable than we expected.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9u5uOtpigPtExE7cfLeilIaTkG1hkU2sZnDBFhB7hlXCXnibke5Up2VuksdSmMHqA6hpiuiTJqkXskcNzDEPrSBCv6NX6VKtU1jdKUhzJm2K4kmmYOKgHCoAYn0XDkRjfRNuujOhyVir/s1600/240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9u5uOtpigPtExE7cfLeilIaTkG1hkU2sZnDBFhB7hlXCXnibke5Up2VuksdSmMHqA6hpiuiTJqkXskcNzDEPrSBCv6NX6VKtU1jdKUhzJm2K4kmmYOKgHCoAYn0XDkRjfRNuujOhyVir/s400/240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We took about a zillion photos in this hollow log. This is the best we got. You win some, you lose some.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfqYMsMLRewGruVsSyhmWJqxoCOerZ30L2uGbDhSc6OFXLhvPaMtd2rg_TlhgonTQ1QR9mU9X7ILLkcrn_RVDlxqeBymPI7ZL9NbsYX6WT2JZCXOJ3ldyIYuTdwYpf0FcGIXcFE4QMqEa/s1600/250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfqYMsMLRewGruVsSyhmWJqxoCOerZ30L2uGbDhSc6OFXLhvPaMtd2rg_TlhgonTQ1QR9mU9X7ILLkcrn_RVDlxqeBymPI7ZL9NbsYX6WT2JZCXOJ3ldyIYuTdwYpf0FcGIXcFE4QMqEa/s400/250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The kangaroo area was open to the public and was petting zoo style. Imogen was pretty interested.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTIJpl83_PzNCvq5z6v3qiJGFpRCDApjnde1GxlVHaHSrftTJwpXnuaJOxXRuJVBXMO-tD4kLqnFBnCz3cylR5XU35t6HJmUxb_3y9Ocap60b-DdIjenixAMv2NyrbcBwDJrEqhbWb23f/s1600/273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTIJpl83_PzNCvq5z6v3qiJGFpRCDApjnde1GxlVHaHSrftTJwpXnuaJOxXRuJVBXMO-tD4kLqnFBnCz3cylR5XU35t6HJmUxb_3y9Ocap60b-DdIjenixAMv2NyrbcBwDJrEqhbWb23f/s400/273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pet him gently, baby girl, pet him gently. No grabbing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfehvfFbjmn3GIkii8qdicH7qyL2z2OSANJeMFUgrq768pqwKLc_LsKYN4u8JlPcR_xtonDLeP41jAJg8Fp6EoqP3OBZ7GUmegLvCC8Y_ZXVN58T1OXbs6xUqPEdd-CeKpRkd-MDj7VMgJ/s1600/286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfehvfFbjmn3GIkii8qdicH7qyL2z2OSANJeMFUgrq768pqwKLc_LsKYN4u8JlPcR_xtonDLeP41jAJg8Fp6EoqP3OBZ7GUmegLvCC8Y_ZXVN58T1OXbs6xUqPEdd-CeKpRkd-MDj7VMgJ/s400/286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This emu was just kind of strolling around. We got to pet him, too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL1NcH2dilwdP7wn0_pcgSWffzuUgBdCB9dgTN3SRAREj9onmEonpD352TuZfy2ho0NfhLI3PzqurQRMjHIxpse83ZvIhrEneHusYtPws__KOAYSo26rDozUJVsLL2kmBFvatgGYb6qqI/s1600/297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL1NcH2dilwdP7wn0_pcgSWffzuUgBdCB9dgTN3SRAREj9onmEonpD352TuZfy2ho0NfhLI3PzqurQRMjHIxpse83ZvIhrEneHusYtPws__KOAYSo26rDozUJVsLL2kmBFvatgGYb6qqI/s400/297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Baby person and baby kangaroo! Neither was super interested in the other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv5HAMPy3NsmbUyCHAwcj76rSLSrW30dPh2i3riAor9g9rHVwwHIw06OXvhwBChHyGcShwA-9OzWszK4y8V2dCOmcrSWK6RuUm2pKj4inhOTf9x8Tsmez0NpristXCCz4MJGJDoRGBEn5/s1600/302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv5HAMPy3NsmbUyCHAwcj76rSLSrW30dPh2i3riAor9g9rHVwwHIw06OXvhwBChHyGcShwA-9OzWszK4y8V2dCOmcrSWK6RuUm2pKj4inhOTf9x8Tsmez0NpristXCCz4MJGJDoRGBEn5/s400/302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Cuteness alert! Mama koala holding her baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdwM-D0psqcXbpSnFn9iCKbqf1RiPVkjR54n-xv7JkhDG21NKCW_Ivrh2kVx0mzJ_PxJQeEfdcnrDc4mFdHQe_cobHhUiGGMieGmcLBgtJFYGcFj8sJ5tWOkVtJEP7qzpriGTW_uzdxcQ/s1600/314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdwM-D0psqcXbpSnFn9iCKbqf1RiPVkjR54n-xv7JkhDG21NKCW_Ivrh2kVx0mzJ_PxJQeEfdcnrDc4mFdHQe_cobHhUiGGMieGmcLBgtJFYGcFj8sJ5tWOkVtJEP7qzpriGTW_uzdxcQ/s400/314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we drove to downtown Gold Coast, known as Surfer's Paradise, and took the elevator up the tallest building in Queensland- the Q1 Tower! Standing at 78 stories it offers panoramic views that are pretty incredible. You can also feel it sway a little bit in the high winds, which is a bit unsettling. Completed in 2005 it was the world's tallest residential tower, a title it held until 2011 when Dubai built something 20 meters taller. Jerks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxp2Ahd7f5_VzDMiPhIrRGhUsy0TwUtnEug23rx4FeLl-uh3HvGskE0oggGxLpjdYJPoMhdgApwOO3MifOKvPrg4crlNI08IbW-sBrtkzcT23QGoDUh-OP0s01jdp0WTZGHYQPn0SdKsi/s1600/322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxp2Ahd7f5_VzDMiPhIrRGhUsy0TwUtnEug23rx4FeLl-uh3HvGskE0oggGxLpjdYJPoMhdgApwOO3MifOKvPrg4crlNI08IbW-sBrtkzcT23QGoDUh-OP0s01jdp0WTZGHYQPn0SdKsi/s400/322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunset over the Gold Coast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHHlffGz2BfyTWzyTNJn273s-enDEsyPju1g6_TI3EPg4V4zAko7EDKHEHbuj6Nh4N55RGYOVVv8VsuUhTAv7EV7o2cUf5pR2A41-CTiYqYHz_JuvRQPU2Vza7nD8iXWnuJAd6Q5s1rWb/s1600/364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHHlffGz2BfyTWzyTNJn273s-enDEsyPju1g6_TI3EPg4V4zAko7EDKHEHbuj6Nh4N55RGYOVVv8VsuUhTAv7EV7o2cUf5pR2A41-CTiYqYHz_JuvRQPU2Vza7nD8iXWnuJAd6Q5s1rWb/s400/364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The following day we drove west to Mount Tamborine to do a little hiking and see the sights. On a short trek to see a waterfall we came across this wild turkey, who quickly got into a feud with Olivia. They squawked at each other several times, and then the turkey ran at her. Although she escaped unscathed, I would still say the turkey won. The wild turkeys in this area are known for being extremely territorial, destructive pests. This one was actually in the wild, but many decide to make their homes in people's yards, which means they pile huge mounds of leaves, sticks and debris over the yard or even driveway for their nest. Any effort to clear off their nest, simply results in them remaking it the next day. The only way to get them to stop is to capture and then release them at least 20km away, otherwise they will find their way back and start the cycle all over again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_i3-zuSh8o3YpW3RBnw1eQfmo7lpa_scyub0Nl2otDi8ezulOpuf8mrQ0JpFSJgE8dnkPZJJwpUC2hyBf1PcKwt6pP2ZgQ7fNGMaBCpr7JUOeW34e452dQC8zxxJzBUfvVdWdpw2sCWP/s1600/378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_i3-zuSh8o3YpW3RBnw1eQfmo7lpa_scyub0Nl2otDi8ezulOpuf8mrQ0JpFSJgE8dnkPZJJwpUC2hyBf1PcKwt6pP2ZgQ7fNGMaBCpr7JUOeW34e452dQC8zxxJzBUfvVdWdpw2sCWP/s320/378.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Well worth the hike. Greg would have stayed here all day and been perfectly happy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u9Tgsldkioz2eSZITe_6oeo-j1J7nxXLaxCHqeDu2xfQ-gG6sKG8iGspV49iZXhADH3hwGIcVG3VdTHRfUgfealEiEszPzUCI4dhCsqp-Y8qNYKtlPGyXv_1RuAX58vIT92e02CtrDgk/s1600/388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u9Tgsldkioz2eSZITe_6oeo-j1J7nxXLaxCHqeDu2xfQ-gG6sKG8iGspV49iZXhADH3hwGIcVG3VdTHRfUgfealEiEszPzUCI4dhCsqp-Y8qNYKtlPGyXv_1RuAX58vIT92e02CtrDgk/s320/388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The view of Gold Coast from the mountain top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-TlvjumDqVGHPpnFX4AyEsa77wVcvrsX7WDK1H-4tByJ8q50fcItoL3r9XJpL_cLLsiYruQT5XnF9cYZBI6Rgq_hw2TI7bn8LQH2TDcTIF6kfRWcQnPgiz5a2rv5_nxQVKr2jCqaxFvV/s1600/423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-TlvjumDqVGHPpnFX4AyEsa77wVcvrsX7WDK1H-4tByJ8q50fcItoL3r9XJpL_cLLsiYruQT5XnF9cYZBI6Rgq_hw2TI7bn8LQH2TDcTIF6kfRWcQnPgiz5a2rv5_nxQVKr2jCqaxFvV/s400/423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The day we flew to Queensland was the Fourth of July. We celebrated a couple days late on the beach, but for the first time since we've been in Australia, the climate felt right for the holiday. Happy Birthday America!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSeIfSj9FGVaNdTw_UZV_VFIfjHKkxnrqm8VBKyrI1EX2v7V-x22PkXi6MopLRjWvEUIaodR01VHLtwbmTgwjtZrJLog3O9Idi61o9B_wQtYoW-e7h7mh6PlZZPz0VCAtV-1hEWky6jLU/s1600/444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSeIfSj9FGVaNdTw_UZV_VFIfjHKkxnrqm8VBKyrI1EX2v7V-x22PkXi6MopLRjWvEUIaodR01VHLtwbmTgwjtZrJLog3O9Idi61o9B_wQtYoW-e7h7mh6PlZZPz0VCAtV-1hEWky6jLU/s400/444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-53886622792436895942013-08-01T04:37:00.000-07:002013-08-02T16:39:47.648-07:00MooloolabaWhile we didn't know this at the time, we took our last holiday in Australia the first week of July to Brisbane and it's surrounds. Our first stop was the Sunshine Coast, which is about an hour north of Brisbane. It is perhaps most famous for being Olivia's old stomping grounds in 2009 when she studied abroad at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Really pretty area. Sunshine Coast is kind of the name for the region, not any actual town, so we were staying in the difficult to spell but incredibly fun to say Mooloolaba. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSvVsedyqpZaV5G-YTNtIC60ZUe91CaK6De1ax-0XUFjE_481H88CnPiLWdAcn2gt6COICOkqmpV1booZHZcFWr5jekujX7UmIiq8f5Ujn-lQtcjpiODBQcQgouIj-XbY9DupvoG0myur/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSvVsedyqpZaV5G-YTNtIC60ZUe91CaK6De1ax-0XUFjE_481H88CnPiLWdAcn2gt6COICOkqmpV1booZHZcFWr5jekujX7UmIiq8f5Ujn-lQtcjpiODBQcQgouIj-XbY9DupvoG0myur/s400/072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We drove to an old French town to get some food, and take in the sights as it sits at the top of a mountain. Or we tried to. We came across a road closed sign. But it was Australia, and figuring that it might not actually mean anything, we ignored it and kept going. 15 minutes down the road, we hit the road construction that had closed traffic in both directions. Turns out, the road really was closed. Oh well, we get a pretty nice picture of Greg and Imogen in the forest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6S6PZxSDxdB7waLakHLkYz_bCTyu0FT1XDYBKnXKKpgJA6mhovj-j5QF7B1wvavb0ZB-G1NNAUGOBZXAsLKd1KBZ5APqZ9x4VOt9fLLfzOt0UhOrzyRhDg20u1mOIfYSNJESqOVgn6f8/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6S6PZxSDxdB7waLakHLkYz_bCTyu0FT1XDYBKnXKKpgJA6mhovj-j5QF7B1wvavb0ZB-G1NNAUGOBZXAsLKd1KBZ5APqZ9x4VOt9fLLfzOt0UhOrzyRhDg20u1mOIfYSNJESqOVgn6f8/s400/079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Next we hit up the Sunshine Coast's "greatest" tourist attraction- the Big Pineapple! Another of Australia's Big Things (see Merino, Big), it's a fairly kitschy, but endearing, tribute to the local industry. That is a big pineapple. Inside are all sorts of facts about the local pineapple industry. It was actually pretty interesting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjkPF3FxM3e20wEQnlWwX6py00NfkCkesK9eFvkE6PkbyWtKLPR1ZvrREEPAGy3AfoA6kdc2bsTQ97uURSU1RFq4zy9amYtHkIptvfzUwtVyiE37HvF-uSmza1K1V079lrV61HnZ28bFe/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihft1g3VEpvtlpYVfEvE494uTpG0CYnNY9eeWAyfEzqk8Immso7skjz3uQQwo5_-6YZfQniHyWu2bgBldcBwpgIvkqvt0LYGuOD5NQ6-TQnbgiUqSDB2Wj-VQJv520y4IoMy_PbJ6KNx7L/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihft1g3VEpvtlpYVfEvE494uTpG0CYnNY9eeWAyfEzqk8Immso7skjz3uQQwo5_-6YZfQniHyWu2bgBldcBwpgIvkqvt0LYGuOD5NQ6-TQnbgiUqSDB2Wj-VQJv520y4IoMy_PbJ6KNx7L/s400/090.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Greetings from the top of the pineapple!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjkPF3FxM3e20wEQnlWwX6py00NfkCkesK9eFvkE6PkbyWtKLPR1ZvrREEPAGy3AfoA6kdc2bsTQ97uURSU1RFq4zy9amYtHkIptvfzUwtVyiE37HvF-uSmza1K1V079lrV61HnZ28bFe/s1600/088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjkPF3FxM3e20wEQnlWwX6py00NfkCkesK9eFvkE6PkbyWtKLPR1ZvrREEPAGy3AfoA6kdc2bsTQ97uURSU1RFq4zy9amYtHkIptvfzUwtVyiE37HvF-uSmza1K1V079lrV61HnZ28bFe/s400/088.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Later on, we hit the beach. Imogen loved it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDU2VSMyxHE-wjkh4q-0GGIoAG65_jx5_co4mvLGHL75lseRLr3SdsnUgx7-7BHYfUwaRR1pIyMlNbo1f-8Qfbg9c14FxSvT2d8i0m7zkRtjZ3ET00rIBjxru8_3gINgYLPc28681dkoR/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDU2VSMyxHE-wjkh4q-0GGIoAG65_jx5_co4mvLGHL75lseRLr3SdsnUgx7-7BHYfUwaRR1pIyMlNbo1f-8Qfbg9c14FxSvT2d8i0m7zkRtjZ3ET00rIBjxru8_3gINgYLPc28681dkoR/s400/097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Run, baby girl, run! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8wWxd12fle-eAdZbAIk1-q3V7jzReCWGdIo_wB_kOWTjADzx5f4RgwtsRSky5eYZX74qOjZNthDR6r_th7lW92pAbwPjvMhSVVOlXVxp_rXoCQ3L3YUu2k8GLJZaN3CJLy_bvwVZMLDd/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8wWxd12fle-eAdZbAIk1-q3V7jzReCWGdIo_wB_kOWTjADzx5f4RgwtsRSky5eYZX74qOjZNthDR6r_th7lW92pAbwPjvMhSVVOlXVxp_rXoCQ3L3YUu2k8GLJZaN3CJLy_bvwVZMLDd/s400/107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This sand is pretty interesting, Aunt Wib.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21yWhwRm8-4vrKTZ55XStREx2mivESaV71iRL9woXo1COuO6oJ_w1l6NMCuui1ZE4NzSWp_NLkZFpTIPMMG0JsavjrTLtLhRqrtyBwLVxYG4b5aGS58opPD64PqDi0O-RpbODzTeGYZQW/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21yWhwRm8-4vrKTZ55XStREx2mivESaV71iRL9woXo1COuO6oJ_w1l6NMCuui1ZE4NzSWp_NLkZFpTIPMMG0JsavjrTLtLhRqrtyBwLVxYG4b5aGS58opPD64PqDi0O-RpbODzTeGYZQW/s400/129.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel and Immy, being "soooooooooooo big!" together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJZBnxjA3LKsxdBHDPMVuvTnxh1gvlK6gZlO1eFa05sOOXOpeKCX-Z_evL72LXrWTOTwfquFHFnY9wNy0yYKqQ3aPlds-JIe37casu_6gM-x_Om3uxQ_HZ5MUTcKgj0GVSZrg3rrrlIQt/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJZBnxjA3LKsxdBHDPMVuvTnxh1gvlK6gZlO1eFa05sOOXOpeKCX-Z_evL72LXrWTOTwfquFHFnY9wNy0yYKqQ3aPlds-JIe37casu_6gM-x_Om3uxQ_HZ5MUTcKgj0GVSZrg3rrrlIQt/s400/138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sunset on the beach. Not bad Mooloolaba, not bad. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyZJZCFkJTkzYPLlu7fbBVGAz_bXSpaHQHy98WMNBznCUpjadcS54aSKOCBPvDDu0dRRgWiYl8_6ceS7q0Oh7PfSvUrfLNqXIEbxxl-ScBogw9hwBoC4hEXn-D2H01VyqlHqtH_l5vUEy/s1600/155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyZJZCFkJTkzYPLlu7fbBVGAz_bXSpaHQHy98WMNBznCUpjadcS54aSKOCBPvDDu0dRRgWiYl8_6ceS7q0Oh7PfSvUrfLNqXIEbxxl-ScBogw9hwBoC4hEXn-D2H01VyqlHqtH_l5vUEy/s400/155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The following day we drove back to Brisbane for lunch with Laurel's old co-worker Katrina. They missed each other!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuzdy5E4Jjfeq-jaTGg92ju5ogYo6bpWShtGeb8JBrQZIQTySthVL48k3wJ37USHCEN7ALcRsCerHCLB_a7wrqFweK9d9pWbtleERlJoaTAowoDM2uR3VlgWEpIjuE1BSEmC88SQPAaa_/s1600/162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuzdy5E4Jjfeq-jaTGg92ju5ogYo6bpWShtGeb8JBrQZIQTySthVL48k3wJ37USHCEN7ALcRsCerHCLB_a7wrqFweK9d9pWbtleERlJoaTAowoDM2uR3VlgWEpIjuE1BSEmC88SQPAaa_/s400/162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After a delicious, delicious brunch, Katrina and Greg renewed their old rivalry on the Super Nintendo classic Dr. Mario. Baby girl had a front row seat for the action. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6fNVlXB5SM_Z3mC9cXOSyJzd4E2OWfnIYesWSLvhVbRaoF-vYCBjVhppPt72-vtdsaqcGHfKDry42N8JcyBGUBv1pFxFfczchSpLgZKtczMn8QZ6ag1YjPC7UO5EzBNKRRHN4BVxbmQn/s1600/164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6fNVlXB5SM_Z3mC9cXOSyJzd4E2OWfnIYesWSLvhVbRaoF-vYCBjVhppPt72-vtdsaqcGHfKDry42N8JcyBGUBv1pFxFfczchSpLgZKtczMn8QZ6ag1YjPC7UO5EzBNKRRHN4BVxbmQn/s400/164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Then she decided that wasn't close enough, and unbeknownst to the participants crawled over to the SNES to check out what that crazy contraption was. Just as Greg was about to win, she hit the reset button. Curses! Katrina says this proved that Imogen was on her side, since she bailed her out from a loss. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6kmzcYQLx48fw2fF1jT0L8UOadhk2bcqYjxiJPWcqNMriHr7rL5XkEQeDm-dpNxIYf2YlaO5O9_W_8udnJo6oMDTb6zLtjqSg22SupyJsheRl77W1qMoidcGfmVHjd4hQhpTleRSFkgx/s1600/174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6kmzcYQLx48fw2fF1jT0L8UOadhk2bcqYjxiJPWcqNMriHr7rL5XkEQeDm-dpNxIYf2YlaO5O9_W_8udnJo6oMDTb6zLtjqSg22SupyJsheRl77W1qMoidcGfmVHjd4hQhpTleRSFkgx/s400/174.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
It was great seeing Katrina one last time, and we're really sad we won't be seeing her again any time soon. Come visit us in DC, Katrina! Next stop, Gold Coast.Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-58445048882558497572013-08-01T04:26:00.000-07:002013-08-01T04:26:12.691-07:00Random bits around CanberraNow, since our time is growing short, we're going to zoom through what's been going on in Canberra over the last couple of months. Get ready... and here we go!<br />
<br />
Laurel's good friend Alex came to town, so we had brunch, the best meal of the day. Laurel and Alex studied abroad together in Finland while they were both in university. Amazingly, Alex studied at University of Canberra. Not so amazingly, she got a job in Sydney about six months after we moved here so we don't get to see her nearly as much as we'd like, but any time we can, it's great! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL-0E37RxsOnIIdxrEWdbvY4eq7qIZXbYkEI88uTsQuA9Jn9vT77m0Wzu63JYsrJgx4zRTQYr1XtECAmNG2A_YljwlnPj-oceyf5qLKM_IwGAeuDUrncu39ZP66kx5Osg2e7By5iqaJcf/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL-0E37RxsOnIIdxrEWdbvY4eq7qIZXbYkEI88uTsQuA9Jn9vT77m0Wzu63JYsrJgx4zRTQYr1XtECAmNG2A_YljwlnPj-oceyf5qLKM_IwGAeuDUrncu39ZP66kx5Osg2e7By5iqaJcf/s400/002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia had her 23rd brithday! We made her a delicious gluten free chocolate cake to celebrate! Also, we had a Mexican themed fajita night complete with margaritas. Mmmm... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sP-qjFStCOkvoSHOzGehGLCXKMX-vWkbto-NwY4zAlFk3HzdDtyMX7q3iFldjmPhBG_n4O3mxks4jSeoPmc-AdEZ2G7qVZZpRR5Ma4FXghFoK0rbk2DCrPKcW1cBV0sGifUYFYlVbkMH/s1600/035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sP-qjFStCOkvoSHOzGehGLCXKMX-vWkbto-NwY4zAlFk3HzdDtyMX7q3iFldjmPhBG_n4O3mxks4jSeoPmc-AdEZ2G7qVZZpRR5Ma4FXghFoK0rbk2DCrPKcW1cBV0sGifUYFYlVbkMH/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Her work (Keith!) threw her a birthday barbecue. It was cold but a lot of fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMqAHKCjb1jviwCm9jm1ofIUnYL3z3RN9uTyM1O2twVYxlnzdSIH4r8_ECikGigaWVdnFluB-qESCBWCJ-0c567LkykL04opfnorZu-032W4gcq9OQYtXohbrLUiHnUcDFozoNci2_Ljc/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMqAHKCjb1jviwCm9jm1ofIUnYL3z3RN9uTyM1O2twVYxlnzdSIH4r8_ECikGigaWVdnFluB-qESCBWCJ-0c567LkykL04opfnorZu-032W4gcq9OQYtXohbrLUiHnUcDFozoNci2_Ljc/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg's mom sent us some plastic goblets, which we took to Olivia's birthday barbeque. Immy was super excited to have new toys to play with. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3qRFhM_-Q32avlu_YwcvDsHam760DAK8WFVfZWpbPrLHIx0HlVdtrERrgq5VQqRuXv64ijgv6Pra0hnXmyAHxSMa4bNpxwK4DnAJn2ig9JIYywDz02MmJScVCek63Y3HT-hiZBZ_CALH/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3qRFhM_-Q32avlu_YwcvDsHam760DAK8WFVfZWpbPrLHIx0HlVdtrERrgq5VQqRuXv64ijgv6Pra0hnXmyAHxSMa4bNpxwK4DnAJn2ig9JIYywDz02MmJScVCek63Y3HT-hiZBZ_CALH/s400/029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the benefits of having Olivia live with us is that we had opportunities to go on date nights. Well, six months after she got here, we finally took advantage of it. We went to probably our favorite restaurant, and previous blog participant, Banana Leaf. It's Sri Lankan and so delicious. Here's Greg enjoying his rotti with fish curry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sP-qjFStCOkvoSHOzGehGLCXKMX-vWkbto-NwY4zAlFk3HzdDtyMX7q3iFldjmPhBG_n4O3mxks4jSeoPmc-AdEZ2G7qVZZpRR5Ma4FXghFoK0rbk2DCrPKcW1cBV0sGifUYFYlVbkMH/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia03WAb0sd5pygC3gzj0OMc6W4FabMufKVNIoPjImy2wugZPdytWXfnkNwKb_bYVaXL5cz1ZWj-1KVlT9T7LL74WkeyxBV5F96KgIFMPlbokKtCmrvshzknK8qNQHMVk2Iz0dHPp1lnfew/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia03WAb0sd5pygC3gzj0OMc6W4FabMufKVNIoPjImy2wugZPdytWXfnkNwKb_bYVaXL5cz1ZWj-1KVlT9T7LL74WkeyxBV5F96KgIFMPlbokKtCmrvshzknK8qNQHMVk2Iz0dHPp1lnfew/s400/040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel looking beautiful in her red dress enjoys a selection of curries. It's her favorite kind of meal, one with lots of different things on one plate. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7flWEBv254SKKEI1jjTOI8PTMcMdOd53vKXUnrKamMEfFX0zFTQ3cvcEERhrSrVgmf656541Vlvx9czQ5MOVNAlMxkkIcPe9XbgQ4LETnKd7II3Tym1PSv0j6m1vrR_FfWrktYd6pwwuu/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7flWEBv254SKKEI1jjTOI8PTMcMdOd53vKXUnrKamMEfFX0zFTQ3cvcEERhrSrVgmf656541Vlvx9czQ5MOVNAlMxkkIcPe9XbgQ4LETnKd7II3Tym1PSv0j6m1vrR_FfWrktYd6pwwuu/s400/044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We should do this more often. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseU-hzwIH35h7vCVXgdR2b-x6HjuDGYQhVkyTYH3f6H9wi5MLhzLWXA_Rj4anFJ7iT-GwlWaL-23tolkncIs3QsHVzBrLmWdkJkMl9Sw86z0xurSI6HlUfPn1XrFoo3YFhQkaAGO4BYnz/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseU-hzwIH35h7vCVXgdR2b-x6HjuDGYQhVkyTYH3f6H9wi5MLhzLWXA_Rj4anFJ7iT-GwlWaL-23tolkncIs3QsHVzBrLmWdkJkMl9Sw86z0xurSI6HlUfPn1XrFoo3YFhQkaAGO4BYnz/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Imogen is so big now. She just wants to run everywhere all the time. If we'd let her, she'd just hold on to our fingers and run from end of the house and back again all day. Go baby go! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hs6rybxEcILgHYRdmsXAstVHZx-cT75pEhTKqGiMEOgWSRSCNAVoXDovnZ0spuKNrKZEf-Hw1ZP9usbSDepxjDBjAIHXJQoMrvsCvnPu4fWlZsosUaUEavP6vc8PQGdJQthq8V9i6EWs/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hs6rybxEcILgHYRdmsXAstVHZx-cT75pEhTKqGiMEOgWSRSCNAVoXDovnZ0spuKNrKZEf-Hw1ZP9usbSDepxjDBjAIHXJQoMrvsCvnPu4fWlZsosUaUEavP6vc8PQGdJQthq8V9i6EWs/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg loves dinosaurs. This is known. When we discovered that Canberra was home to the National Dinosaur Museum, Greg earmarked it as a must-do father-daughter activity. Never mind she's probably still years away from truly embracing the dinosaur loving lifestyle (which she will, because they are awesome), we made sure to hit it up before we left. Best. Day. Ever. This, baby girl, is a stegosaurus. He eats plants, and needs the spiky tail and armor plates on his back to keep him safe from roving carnivores. He is also awesome. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4DOLVJnbJNUEWX3RJAWJCycykbef0jjw19M5KhrZQsCGEJcupWNtKx9YX_W5mI-ZclOqXhgZHttf7TH3EEPiPewpQVZbfgdIChlMPRmS6l8SsW0baorftE7MjcXCp6fB4MPoswzhHO2M/s1600/059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4DOLVJnbJNUEWX3RJAWJCycykbef0jjw19M5KhrZQsCGEJcupWNtKx9YX_W5mI-ZclOqXhgZHttf7TH3EEPiPewpQVZbfgdIChlMPRmS6l8SsW0baorftE7MjcXCp6fB4MPoswzhHO2M/s400/059.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Easily the greatest rubbish bin of all time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03-edAyKfNIUwnbMS69r_whC9JJbi_CIVk4uz_14aMyBZgJg1yD05vn6kPx03tcGqwjrJJ6iwcnTAZbC-TTVkqmFlDW93NtR_dsMgh27hP940Ase0Y4k-dfumn7DmMDQb0OpD0cIcw6-Q/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03-edAyKfNIUwnbMS69r_whC9JJbi_CIVk4uz_14aMyBZgJg1yD05vn6kPx03tcGqwjrJJ6iwcnTAZbC-TTVkqmFlDW93NtR_dsMgh27hP940Ase0Y4k-dfumn7DmMDQb0OpD0cIcw6-Q/s400/051.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh no baby girl! That dinosaur is going to eat you! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAEpYw4NeIvy93vt6JFRI_O0ymU6ScBtGHNFDLJzqQ52FXU9at57u_Qkp3WYjMCaxelitfUJHUSOgyz9VhyphenhyphenSafoebzi5AttGcMwGUacClCrUfrrVOIxlS425_K_b1Vm7NiWfYo_ed67-w/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAEpYw4NeIvy93vt6JFRI_O0ymU6ScBtGHNFDLJzqQ52FXU9at57u_Qkp3WYjMCaxelitfUJHUSOgyz9VhyphenhyphenSafoebzi5AttGcMwGUacClCrUfrrVOIxlS425_K_b1Vm7NiWfYo_ed67-w/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Diplodocus, this is Imogen. Imogen, meet Diplodocus. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFfM9GXtUffFMVdAhMfphAEaUfX-gObHMEoXIy0Q_oNEvGsmhMCJpWi2LzzLtxgOaqQZE5UXXSJdrG1JkclmJavusCbFa-nw-I5nh-7FDyL9buCOdpfcYBq4qqKYw65ZzmIoVo84TFRwP/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFfM9GXtUffFMVdAhMfphAEaUfX-gObHMEoXIy0Q_oNEvGsmhMCJpWi2LzzLtxgOaqQZE5UXXSJdrG1JkclmJavusCbFa-nw-I5nh-7FDyL9buCOdpfcYBq4qqKYw65ZzmIoVo84TFRwP/s400/056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
She had a pretty great time, almost as great of a time as her dad. Father-daughter days are the best. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4DOLVJnbJNUEWX3RJAWJCycykbef0jjw19M5KhrZQsCGEJcupWNtKx9YX_W5mI-ZclOqXhgZHttf7TH3EEPiPewpQVZbfgdIChlMPRmS6l8SsW0baorftE7MjcXCp6fB4MPoswzhHO2M/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD2uYbP0T6MC7hbLVrgcuTT15kES9miCCukrVuZF_YF2fHlasQaWP1gJ5J3rZ2_Y9ITn38vyWQHvELU76J_lFKxjGGHTp2OIiLniW_B1FFr8BO5y1AQ8RY1XQf4oEnhneBrkNe1tUrs13/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdD2uYbP0T6MC7hbLVrgcuTT15kES9miCCukrVuZF_YF2fHlasQaWP1gJ5J3rZ2_Y9ITn38vyWQHvELU76J_lFKxjGGHTp2OIiLniW_B1FFr8BO5y1AQ8RY1XQf4oEnhneBrkNe1tUrs13/s400/061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, that's a real quick run down of some of the things we've been up to. Next stop is our last vacation in Australia. Can't believe it's almost over!Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-7698289167012079012013-07-30T23:51:00.001-07:002013-07-30T23:51:21.333-07:00Iron Chef Australia IIISince our time in Australia is growing perilously short there were a few things we had to get on the ball and plan, but the most important thing was a final Iron Chef battle. Thus it was so, and Laurel made this awesome invitation.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTG8JRUflu_HtH2G0NI88umG7ang0YUNFtDyrxKP24XdjC2KmiIhHoS3KzfBPnnf05lFYaJAsiLGuQZb3OsRbVAvmp_w_m0Wko_EWgyluqLfYdQU2TzCrRXkvgv4_Dti1415dzxj2dsTC/s1600/Iron+Chef+Invite+final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTG8JRUflu_HtH2G0NI88umG7ang0YUNFtDyrxKP24XdjC2KmiIhHoS3KzfBPnnf05lFYaJAsiLGuQZb3OsRbVAvmp_w_m0Wko_EWgyluqLfYdQU2TzCrRXkvgv4_Dti1415dzxj2dsTC/s400/Iron+Chef+Invite+final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Amazing. Egg was the ingredient and since Olivia was here everything had to be gluten free. Extra challenge. Before the battle, Greg had a talk with Olivia and Laurel about the importance of one of us winning so we could take trophy back home to America and keep passing it around. Spoiler Alert: This did not happen. EVERYONE brought their A game. We say this every time, but this was easily the best Iron Chef party we've ever had. American friends, you are on notice.<br />
<br />
First up was Adrian and Cristy's Mexican bean burritos with a fried egg. Totally didn't see a Mexican dish coming. Most important thing to note was that Cristy designed and constructed a homemade tortilla press and made them from scratch at the party. I have no idea how we didn't get a picture of that. It's also a testament to just how good all of the food was that they didn't win automatically because of that. But they probably should have.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA91UZMB555r-jGeZU9era1gQhkCVmbfySIO-PgN5nrttQpGR1xl4XFcsIHasPqCNdgjX7zTDTMaMjMuX1fFjUHZq3W3cXXS-Jk8ssxxIOjd4j0XHp9YQxJ_a1AZKAfAIAGfycddKrS5Y0/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA91UZMB555r-jGeZU9era1gQhkCVmbfySIO-PgN5nrttQpGR1xl4XFcsIHasPqCNdgjX7zTDTMaMjMuX1fFjUHZq3W3cXXS-Jk8ssxxIOjd4j0XHp9YQxJ_a1AZKAfAIAGfycddKrS5Y0/s400/044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Helena and Chris brought two entries, the first was a single serve quiche with pumpkin, corn, onion, tomatoes, and tuna. On paper, doesn't sound great. In your mouth, it is freaking delicious. Greg ate the leftovers for the breakfast the next three days and was so happy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vh82Dk6LeAfz-0vx7hNQ6CmgRfGCh8pWXtHdwlZWlizxXoznS9msxM9GWEyPD1sZASTorswR3oPLJCFxDyzTbPG21-ffizR1xMbnRlPrzlLRrE0UFA1RZXFBoSNuIonU_w52c7iLkCjM/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vh82Dk6LeAfz-0vx7hNQ6CmgRfGCh8pWXtHdwlZWlizxXoznS9msxM9GWEyPD1sZASTorswR3oPLJCFxDyzTbPG21-ffizR1xMbnRlPrzlLRrE0UFA1RZXFBoSNuIonU_w52c7iLkCjM/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tim and Anu (our first Finnish contestant! We are storming the world with this party) made a spinach and feta quiche. This won for Best Use of Them Ingredient. Our concern for this ingredient was that it would be 100% quiche, which thankfully, it wasn't, but we're really glad they made this. We were three entries in and everything was delicious . . . and people were starting to get full. That was the one flaw with the Egg Battle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAHsFR9HxvAdx7Q_1GGpv1X-9ghVa7yIiAbPVIZtCPeChnH57OJIma07TcXI533LeDkpkI4PTxmyRdbNMAEC7tODquICPBll-qNpqb0ucjgHgWXWsORsAYWSmMR0Lcr2HYxy31ZnDvH1T/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAHsFR9HxvAdx7Q_1GGpv1X-9ghVa7yIiAbPVIZtCPeChnH57OJIma07TcXI533LeDkpkI4PTxmyRdbNMAEC7tODquICPBll-qNpqb0ucjgHgWXWsORsAYWSmMR0Lcr2HYxy31ZnDvH1T/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Power through everybody. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL93MwAqaUJVysvU6Vsuz2fj9kchzPovUVztR9C2JvMWEC-MhhYibttJLsh-95_lcHmXo8I-38JsiQ0l46NkJgHXDVSFeum4_smRwBa2EJvQBcEZq0FGfhyemHYmQK7spuljJonqy51An/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBL93MwAqaUJVysvU6Vsuz2fj9kchzPovUVztR9C2JvMWEC-MhhYibttJLsh-95_lcHmXo8I-38JsiQ0l46NkJgHXDVSFeum4_smRwBa2EJvQBcEZq0FGfhyemHYmQK7spuljJonqy51An/s400/048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An hour and a half into the party Olivia and Laurel's co-worker Victor, who had joined forces, decided to finally join. They were coming with an insane three entries. Olivia can be seen here prepping her cauliflower crust pizza. Also, Victor makes funny faces while cooking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWyL9TU_3jJ-5Bezjj75bhoVqI5upVWYw26MWgW-leFM0pwra5rrizSdLdtLCI_Gn3of90AmwXG0HgIaryxswZnuZt8a43ORPDJnLPhtbiF2ApcnnfVKiUQm1izzWFqSQE3jLQ6JzcjJW/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWyL9TU_3jJ-5Bezjj75bhoVqI5upVWYw26MWgW-leFM0pwra5rrizSdLdtLCI_Gn3of90AmwXG0HgIaryxswZnuZt8a43ORPDJnLPhtbiF2ApcnnfVKiUQm1izzWFqSQE3jLQ6JzcjJW/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Helena samples Greg and Laurel's entry- egg drop soup. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wGCKn4BPCBjPdXFKtaAzuDoxYicEtgpcg-Ew9SL7sdaP2-43geKNRm4AYiTlpx_aIMjx3ygZk7zyM-B7s-VhXzubngrq6fz5FP32tyLiO81XhGzIteN6YUmf_gwZXMeJTy1lOLyTGRJX/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wGCKn4BPCBjPdXFKtaAzuDoxYicEtgpcg-Ew9SL7sdaP2-43geKNRm4AYiTlpx_aIMjx3ygZk7zyM-B7s-VhXzubngrq6fz5FP32tyLiO81XhGzIteN6YUmf_gwZXMeJTy1lOLyTGRJX/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Because making homemade tortillas was not enough (repeat American friends- start planning now), Cristy was also attempting a self scrambled egg. You put an egg in pantyhose, and spin it around super fast so the egg scrambles. Then boil and serve. Unfortunately, it didn't work, but we were intrigued.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGzdOxfIMJVJQKBAWZztVcpVlQXnNjAuMTuvYfKHwZHzIDAhgsgKBFamzZ9RLST2nYKkXFQVED4yJPkOEfyRyi6VGA4UzQ-DpMUrCxbr1WwYZJjM2L7pemBNroAsdUYqA8EiyNHMd4Xki/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGzdOxfIMJVJQKBAWZztVcpVlQXnNjAuMTuvYfKHwZHzIDAhgsgKBFamzZ9RLST2nYKkXFQVED4yJPkOEfyRyi6VGA4UzQ-DpMUrCxbr1WwYZJjM2L7pemBNroAsdUYqA8EiyNHMd4Xki/s400/059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia and Victor's first entry- spicy polenta bake with eggs. SUPER delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfmFTHD8nLiMCTaexKwz3fLGYMPITByOVMI-H8bCVvAhur8v-6Kr1DUdlNEHKnzrwFeVs7phlkqb3mWIRC6q3fev45hyphenhyphen_q_9OHXHO_LPlWJ5cGeQmJPoeumQLJZiT7soFXTc222aTzR7S/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfmFTHD8nLiMCTaexKwz3fLGYMPITByOVMI-H8bCVvAhur8v-6Kr1DUdlNEHKnzrwFeVs7phlkqb3mWIRC6q3fev45hyphenhyphen_q_9OHXHO_LPlWJ5cGeQmJPoeumQLJZiT7soFXTc222aTzR7S/s400/060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now a little bit of controversy here. They also made baked pears with sugar crusted pecans. Admittedly, the presentation is great, and it won that award, but Greg feels it should have been disqualified as the only use of egg was to crust the walnuts. Don't think this counts as an egg dish, however he was overruled by everyone else being blinded by how pretty and delicious it was. Fair enough. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_YFklKUo8SCcPGTPtJ_otRy-4_BOvx_YyidXZPwI4aT61eCZNOlpbwSYyQ2ChTDk94ZoqrXleVOCfKr4tNYxDqeZxw8SG_n8RHmOesa3Ks4m5_SNHe5XUAMkb7UylN-nnoxkMIQlLoLP/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_YFklKUo8SCcPGTPtJ_otRy-4_BOvx_YyidXZPwI4aT61eCZNOlpbwSYyQ2ChTDk94ZoqrXleVOCfKr4tNYxDqeZxw8SG_n8RHmOesa3Ks4m5_SNHe5XUAMkb7UylN-nnoxkMIQlLoLP/s400/068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last but not least, I give you the Egg Battle Champion- Helena and Chris's Orange Creme Caramel. So good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLXb8ypStv-RclJVgC3zk7OkkkIYaCGVNX7nT_Wc2F8QoJ8iX87mc10_Vq-dhIOrneCZIzZp0rcH24GO4JCuPgwebB-fqdhW_t_S6LBtA6fh3wRxHqDzgE7x5jgEX-SmGmJou7kicy_81/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLXb8ypStv-RclJVgC3zk7OkkkIYaCGVNX7nT_Wc2F8QoJ8iX87mc10_Vq-dhIOrneCZIzZp0rcH24GO4JCuPgwebB-fqdhW_t_S6LBtA6fh3wRxHqDzgE7x5jgEX-SmGmJou7kicy_81/s400/071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Great party everybody! Thanks for sending it off with a bang. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09q1oOWnrD4C54itFIBF6U7-3uVsEEbhM2Kb0-gs0VCrP1i2ontBTlj54Z5r_7KwIAz9NKOLaw3jWco7g7joS6OMXvRdEmaIXFXHN9a4R_yQDxIRf_L0ChPLyL8dQ0g1If4vPcI-X032x/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09q1oOWnrD4C54itFIBF6U7-3uVsEEbhM2Kb0-gs0VCrP1i2ontBTlj54Z5r_7KwIAz9NKOLaw3jWco7g7joS6OMXvRdEmaIXFXHN9a4R_yQDxIRf_L0ChPLyL8dQ0g1If4vPcI-X032x/s400/075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-44896602208276130172013-07-30T23:44:00.000-07:002013-07-30T23:44:18.779-07:00Happy Birthday Canberra!In 1901 when Australia became a country they immediately had a problem. Where would the capital be? Both Melbourne and Sydney thought the answer was obvious, in their cities of course. After much debate, Australia decided to literally split the difference and build a new city between the two. They named that future city Canberra, or meeting place, in the local Aboriginal dialect. An international competition to design the city was held with Walter Burley-Griffen, from Chicago, selected. In 1913, ground was broken on the new capital. 2013 was always going to be a big year. <br />
<br />
There have been celebratory events scheduled all year, such as Canberra's first time ever hosting an International One Day cricket match, but the big day was scheduled for March- Canberra's Centenary. It was imaginatively titled "Canberra's Big Day." We went, and parked in true Aussie fashion, in a make shift spot in a field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduIpQWRwomvO5_hpJGV8BnJOFOXjJkaQJi7oouQbJ4PNDU8WOYtAh3fazQED-5eXWaXg0XSLDIX24ougucMGqOW3TTAXj5CPFgHMkBtkU8Z4ywAnIEef7yG5iyE-pmUQk5PyFrV2chWeH/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduIpQWRwomvO5_hpJGV8BnJOFOXjJkaQJi7oouQbJ4PNDU8WOYtAh3fazQED-5eXWaXg0XSLDIX24ougucMGqOW3TTAXj5CPFgHMkBtkU8Z4ywAnIEef7yG5iyE-pmUQk5PyFrV2chWeH/s400/056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The sun was out, and the weather was perfect, Canberra could not have asked for a prettier day to celebrate. Since it's us, we immediately went to the food area and loaded up on delicious eats and wine. Here's Imogen trying to stick her hand in Laurel's wine while we're all distracted posing for the camera. Sneaky baby!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKG-tZrgv4e7mnA5PUmpT0ifrJ_RRWfu966PuUbGWbWZjCMOCy-U7Zn8YhUG2yWg_6SkIlGrwKSwlpRQJT8jddwvtmpLIaxgVgmE0nTSOMgEm_hBxzxV9WaA1KFCrNETHjB0oOqBGv0kf/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKG-tZrgv4e7mnA5PUmpT0ifrJ_RRWfu966PuUbGWbWZjCMOCy-U7Zn8YhUG2yWg_6SkIlGrwKSwlpRQJT8jddwvtmpLIaxgVgmE0nTSOMgEm_hBxzxV9WaA1KFCrNETHjB0oOqBGv0kf/s400/061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just hanging out with Dad! Immy is holding her best friend, Geoffrey the Giraffe. Geoffrey is an incredibly common toy that it seems every baby has although we're apparently the only people who didn't give it the name that comes on the box, Sophie. Geoffrey has it pretty rough. Immy's favorite past-time is to bang Geoffrey around on to everything. It's kind of an abusive relationship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZS4zIgcfmiTbYFXeuss_xcU3UsSprc18bJo3EXegmxkAEFhluPP2ehv5poIYDiX1IapHZDp5mizigdxdvAcbaIrnmndwupsjSqsHNjgqWTQTHUAHTKNSQaUy1ZPU-T0q-7i5xp5od1fG/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZS4zIgcfmiTbYFXeuss_xcU3UsSprc18bJo3EXegmxkAEFhluPP2ehv5poIYDiX1IapHZDp5mizigdxdvAcbaIrnmndwupsjSqsHNjgqWTQTHUAHTKNSQaUy1ZPU-T0q-7i5xp5od1fG/s400/062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In true Canberra fashion, the food stands were completely unprepared for the number of people who showed up. The wine truck ran out of single serve wine glasses three hours into its planned eleven hours of operation. Here are Laurel and Olivia modeling their double tasting glasses being used until someone got back from the store with more glasses. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjLnCnXHr03Heu4gxuTFV4DBQ02xlOXIcUcXER75EY5fkH_Nc17oRs4vhZ5PhTvPT1AUjh4nyBe3ObH2-ViXakI2psVQ3y2gMkuwqn3PrO6iPNeQ5heN4RED_x4bNH0ZyvDv5WdviL0fy/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjLnCnXHr03Heu4gxuTFV4DBQ02xlOXIcUcXER75EY5fkH_Nc17oRs4vhZ5PhTvPT1AUjh4nyBe3ObH2-ViXakI2psVQ3y2gMkuwqn3PrO6iPNeQ5heN4RED_x4bNH0ZyvDv5WdviL0fy/s400/063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
100 Years! Whoooooooo! Happy birthday Canberra! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47IcvLGxy39t_AGxKgGugkW286FEehcSDnFUHTrFYd49XuGKMJ77IeW_yzMAh-HZA-EhZC0BkG7i5474CRpUxYRjdtj7qXajStFITh2xcz-ILxIK3P2SnAVDwtok55hDwlwr13csWiV0_/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47IcvLGxy39t_AGxKgGugkW286FEehcSDnFUHTrFYd49XuGKMJ77IeW_yzMAh-HZA-EhZC0BkG7i5474CRpUxYRjdtj7qXajStFITh2xcz-ILxIK3P2SnAVDwtok55hDwlwr13csWiV0_/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Down by Lake Burley-Griffen, named in honor of the city's designer, was a bar truck serving fancy cocktails. Olivia is a booze head and double fisted it. Just kidding! One of those is Laurel's. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yvWMfPz61wqLueyzlWXreY4Yiybs2tE_-tkvI1ijx3qHcQQBWYM6ofblnfr4E9H5FQCwDw0XNEqcB14G1i_qXA4C6x_3fKNO0fyoTtpUw65zEgF3rzzFZ1iYUlaMKdAkFEiPatPCpqya/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yvWMfPz61wqLueyzlWXreY4Yiybs2tE_-tkvI1ijx3qHcQQBWYM6ofblnfr4E9H5FQCwDw0XNEqcB14G1i_qXA4C6x_3fKNO0fyoTtpUw65zEgF3rzzFZ1iYUlaMKdAkFEiPatPCpqya/s400/076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gTmLiNBMR-iQoS4_9alXO_-LM56VsUrILh5M3Qjkaf6CaQi94gFCwlHcVp1iHUslk7l5sTead9Hzluo3R3FqCgjzOHSeo_pKzEwCC0ksxWHWulSFJ-vZdJ8PpCJAHnk6Edr2HsoSBbJV/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gTmLiNBMR-iQoS4_9alXO_-LM56VsUrILh5M3Qjkaf6CaQi94gFCwlHcVp1iHUslk7l5sTead9Hzluo3R3FqCgjzOHSeo_pKzEwCC0ksxWHWulSFJ-vZdJ8PpCJAHnk6Edr2HsoSBbJV/s400/079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Immy dressed up for the occasion and had the best time seeing the people, soaking up the sunshine, and most of all, hanging out with her favorite aunt. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw6ZycCPZSiOMbELopArDhcq4mxOGeBhzP2k4bDwAFDDRIjVUOaIbtVHLBigsjSfFo7l9VMsKtmtr4h3B3ghFqIyZLyyOV80ycuBG31QmhCRaL-M5AQkrEGOcV21JIuqMbtl5UaWt8xSL/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOw6ZycCPZSiOMbELopArDhcq4mxOGeBhzP2k4bDwAFDDRIjVUOaIbtVHLBigsjSfFo7l9VMsKtmtr4h3B3ghFqIyZLyyOV80ycuBG31QmhCRaL-M5AQkrEGOcV21JIuqMbtl5UaWt8xSL/s400/086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, Mom is pretty cool, too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji99TgxUG-oCNbIW_nfCUXkpYvjXhCnAMddvb2-UG4fhNwbXAhP4cX-kd9PMW6SC5-FdEx0MyWaNWG09zjf8PAftEeQB6W72AczudGdZYAnHREJul9jZXyswt7VPo7-k2zDqQLGUP20lF9/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji99TgxUG-oCNbIW_nfCUXkpYvjXhCnAMddvb2-UG4fhNwbXAhP4cX-kd9PMW6SC5-FdEx0MyWaNWG09zjf8PAftEeQB6W72AczudGdZYAnHREJul9jZXyswt7VPo7-k2zDqQLGUP20lF9/s400/088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While Laurel and Olivia did some walking around, Greg and Imogen got some serious cloud watching in. All in all, a great way to spend a day in the park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt54xu10dtn65wWFoKdJTsDUVDT2jimdamR937PzCI0dPfJGvcc9gT28MMDEl5iRFYOO3-DC4lHCQnYswuuiQRz_8k7BnehHyzjtTdLGSgZxk1G7YnFvakpLS6YwuE_AiGDC9G90I4TvO/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt54xu10dtn65wWFoKdJTsDUVDT2jimdamR937PzCI0dPfJGvcc9gT28MMDEl5iRFYOO3-DC4lHCQnYswuuiQRz_8k7BnehHyzjtTdLGSgZxk1G7YnFvakpLS6YwuE_AiGDC9G90I4TvO/s400/094.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Jumping ahead a few weeks, it was St. Patrick's Day. Not a huge day for the Otey household, but Olivia was pretty excited so she made gluten free cupcakes. Greg was pretty excited to eat them. The one on the left mysteriously disappeared about 30 seconds after this picture was taken. Immy got in the spirit of the holiday and did her best Riverdance impression. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xIGA7u6iVu2O-PAdnw8E3UKTZFIxT4paHIq_EP3A_2yz-bcAoBAP2QM-uGZasqnUEZvqrMwnmyvBB6KFXneuf2qmCl7yaT8DYlRluvbnEuMVti9lrAvZnT4pDZGx742tlbFcvc5sZzKQ/s1600/IMG_4003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xIGA7u6iVu2O-PAdnw8E3UKTZFIxT4paHIq_EP3A_2yz-bcAoBAP2QM-uGZasqnUEZvqrMwnmyvBB6KFXneuf2qmCl7yaT8DYlRluvbnEuMVti9lrAvZnT4pDZGx742tlbFcvc5sZzKQ/s400/IMG_4003.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy St. Patrick's Day! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL_Vdp8pziglMbRupr6gRn6GT5DmcyvM-gd1_0cRJy5n5qEYkHljnxlV-SdQ2a1G1aRxEBIkSJh7F9ndtbtM822PNyWhX0yyC8c2VqwZt7nax0Mcuep-RLFgL-eTJxkgneWfidyTXRrT9/s1600/IMG_4011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL_Vdp8pziglMbRupr6gRn6GT5DmcyvM-gd1_0cRJy5n5qEYkHljnxlV-SdQ2a1G1aRxEBIkSJh7F9ndtbtM822PNyWhX0yyC8c2VqwZt7nax0Mcuep-RLFgL-eTJxkgneWfidyTXRrT9/s400/IMG_4011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-54195319902932727802013-07-27T18:30:00.000-07:002013-07-27T18:30:38.993-07:00Milford SoundWhen we were preparing to move to Australia, Laurel googled one of those "100 places to see before you die" lists to get an idea of what places in Australia we had to go check out. What surprised us was not the Australian locations (Uluru, Great Barrier Reef), but just how many places in New Zealand made the list. While we don't remember everything now, the one that really stuck out for us was Milford Sound, so when we started planning this trip the first thing we booked was a day trip to Milford Sound. It's a bit of a trek, about a 4 hour drive, so we opted for the bus tour out of Queenstown. This was a great decision since we were all much more comfortable and it meant Imogen did not have to stay strapped into her car seat the entire time. This made for a much happier baby. Also, we had the benefit of a tour guide who knew all the best scenic stops along the way. We were not disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVC1XHRYwo2EDZuv0YpzRMfBzp-3fi0Ekm_cqNUq3XPNkqh9Sn4PH6ziGETgus_8TJxDifzFgqZvmi__XpN5ylshrsSjV9Qu0jdB2G5XVJUqeFIqcgbG9ofHdDYxiSZQwt1IHpf6Ze18C/s1600/824.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVC1XHRYwo2EDZuv0YpzRMfBzp-3fi0Ekm_cqNUq3XPNkqh9Sn4PH6ziGETgus_8TJxDifzFgqZvmi__XpN5ylshrsSjV9Qu0jdB2G5XVJUqeFIqcgbG9ofHdDYxiSZQwt1IHpf6Ze18C/s400/824.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Beautiful, right? And that's just on the drive to the Sound through Fjordland National Park. The park is giant and covers most of the southwestern tip of the South Island. The above picture is from the Mirror Lakes, for obvious reasons. This is a really clever sign.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPVV3TK2JIYiYLw1tynBMFNX3B0HdVgbAN7jQZwcMp4Vxzp0psvnViX1oJPSnGITNLRg9KMJ6LDfDT4Po36IbAuY3hthJcwVo71SyTzT6c4MO8-bqYSASx2ygIamwxB2SvSPVkg-86aeD/s1600/826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPVV3TK2JIYiYLw1tynBMFNX3B0HdVgbAN7jQZwcMp4Vxzp0psvnViX1oJPSnGITNLRg9KMJ6LDfDT4Po36IbAuY3hthJcwVo71SyTzT6c4MO8-bqYSASx2ygIamwxB2SvSPVkg-86aeD/s400/826.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Legend has it that if you drink the glacial water from this stream it will extend your life by 10 years. Greg is going to make it to at least 40, guys!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BpeB03EcJ5mvx129InBXV0T5u915kjcLh6T6BcG8PLEFPobJw3LhnUFCDjSG2N7HtrSp_wJ-bp3imn_UJjg3j9JRpu-K0zZKOS4ARtNuM68bEaoI5kx4gjOklyfjiGMGhuiagxXBax9v/s1600/839.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BpeB03EcJ5mvx129InBXV0T5u915kjcLh6T6BcG8PLEFPobJw3LhnUFCDjSG2N7HtrSp_wJ-bp3imn_UJjg3j9JRpu-K0zZKOS4ARtNuM68bEaoI5kx4gjOklyfjiGMGhuiagxXBax9v/s400/839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We made a rest stop in the town of Te Anau. Greg found this random sculpture of a Takahe bird. It's a flightless bird native to the South Island that stands about two feet high. It was thought to be extinct, but was rediscovered in 1948. We're a little unclear how a bright blue, 2 foot tall bird goes unnoticed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVESae0HX39Z6hBCn4j89szqPzdK0ahUxYLoyvmPXEStTFKT9hdd4WRJ0Wd7CJcXfKnvaYbyViblY4Afmk4tW0pJL9ZZy06xjhg7o-YjvEkPWE-xiNlNr9PqnbFHpq2d3s5ZnvUyxyuZT/s1600/708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJwUotQiLylNQOSMsyfUREqGUzpMIJMYmXX8jKV2m6CmzNmbWoKHASxQurw50W50VIw63Wh-JB81JowTD1BgvxoQRLZnGkfbX409EKqKB1RSf26QEwDgceMbYEuGlEAT79smP44P6QM0H/s1600/819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJwUotQiLylNQOSMsyfUREqGUzpMIJMYmXX8jKV2m6CmzNmbWoKHASxQurw50W50VIw63Wh-JB81JowTD1BgvxoQRLZnGkfbX409EKqKB1RSf26QEwDgceMbYEuGlEAT79smP44P6QM0H/s400/819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The terrain is really rugged, but just breathtakingly beautiful. This mountain pass, even a hundred years ago, would have been the end of the line. There is no getting through that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPVV3TK2JIYiYLw1tynBMFNX3B0HdVgbAN7jQZwcMp4Vxzp0psvnViX1oJPSnGITNLRg9KMJ6LDfDT4Po36IbAuY3hthJcwVo71SyTzT6c4MO8-bqYSASx2ygIamwxB2SvSPVkg-86aeD/s1600/826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BpeB03EcJ5mvx129InBXV0T5u915kjcLh6T6BcG8PLEFPobJw3LhnUFCDjSG2N7HtrSp_wJ-bp3imn_UJjg3j9JRpu-K0zZKOS4ARtNuM68bEaoI5kx4gjOklyfjiGMGhuiagxXBax9v/s1600/839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfygVIiTyLhvKbhoT3TLL2J83fXj9OMNOJAywVTkQXlLMTkqwKfcoD5iiHQYkf53U-RvSS1T0XtzKjbQlleJLeQMqe5ExvOm8LyXK22VlJJjguKeFjsiNSao4fTlg5diwTU6dmo9-_Gr-/s1600/843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfygVIiTyLhvKbhoT3TLL2J83fXj9OMNOJAywVTkQXlLMTkqwKfcoD5iiHQYkf53U-RvSS1T0XtzKjbQlleJLeQMqe5ExvOm8LyXK22VlJJjguKeFjsiNSao4fTlg5diwTU6dmo9-_Gr-/s400/843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fortunately, they built a tunnel. Constructed in 1954, the Homer Tunnel is one lane, 1.2 km long, and pitch black inside. It has a 10% gradient down to the other side. Pretty crazy. Another reason we're glad we opted for the bus tour.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95qYHgTXgFr4qbKe8OPOJEuqiukozTkomMtd2Nvmii7Hyrbms0vnGmdQ-xCjN2Ya8vV0tHAoeEfKKZSt0C2o1hVsMsGjGS1sb-d18h7uNdn0lLrjVUVu6c2PmMSSaNBY-357Jdm09QAZg/s1600/067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95qYHgTXgFr4qbKe8OPOJEuqiukozTkomMtd2Nvmii7Hyrbms0vnGmdQ-xCjN2Ya8vV0tHAoeEfKKZSt0C2o1hVsMsGjGS1sb-d18h7uNdn0lLrjVUVu6c2PmMSSaNBY-357Jdm09QAZg/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Though the best well known, Milford Sound is just one of several sounds in the area. The peaks surrounding them are so high, that each sound has it's own climate. It's not uncommon for it to pour rain on one side of the mountain and have the sun shining on the other side. For us, when we came out of the tunnel there was no rain, just a thick layer of fog about 100 meters off the ground. It was incredible. The whole area looked prehistoric. In fact, Jurassic Park was filmed here! We would not have been surprised at all if a T-Rex had come romping through the trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS0V62dvEXfqyoiPmT6O1JCjS_ZC8H_6Fyp927hj5-Bffd7iE8sJjiVp93-wIVB7cJIjm1TXTrco3ccCWnd2XADItQGgPTWJQ90_SrFzeSg9yEYK0zqrg7armnayxOduA7k8WTjCSI5Cu/s1600/847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS0V62dvEXfqyoiPmT6O1JCjS_ZC8H_6Fyp927hj5-Bffd7iE8sJjiVp93-wIVB7cJIjm1TXTrco3ccCWnd2XADItQGgPTWJQ90_SrFzeSg9yEYK0zqrg7armnayxOduA7k8WTjCSI5Cu/s400/847.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The end of our bus tour brought us to Milford Sound itself. We got on the yacht and set off into the water with a picnic lunch. So freaking amazing. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHXWu5INcbYZxMb3Y7YTxdhejdeNI8HTRsLW4UirjBtGLB0T7uY-W13YOu7hhJT2IuBltC8dtW1wRp3K3OaKyfQOZs4spLkTvVrMAucn1hRJ0oRIyYwg3ibt62-gdZha1DBPm9PPtWXh4/s1600/882.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHXWu5INcbYZxMb3Y7YTxdhejdeNI8HTRsLW4UirjBtGLB0T7uY-W13YOu7hhJT2IuBltC8dtW1wRp3K3OaKyfQOZs4spLkTvVrMAucn1hRJ0oRIyYwg3ibt62-gdZha1DBPm9PPtWXh4/s400/882.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
This is one of Greg's favorite pictures of him and Imogen that we've taken. And yes, he's aware he's said this at least a dozen times. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKsLqh5Af_jftnvQ4jnml5IiTUw-cA87gqYxscQBJKwqkeCaYHofXzu88qx0-sMoMGw4plNQuf0z_FQREBV6mLSn5Ts8-t7UqspHz60VV0zPMVGffBGar56EW6TkseGPuSLHQLK8fGf5q/s1600/855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKsLqh5Af_jftnvQ4jnml5IiTUw-cA87gqYxscQBJKwqkeCaYHofXzu88qx0-sMoMGw4plNQuf0z_FQREBV6mLSn5Ts8-t7UqspHz60VV0zPMVGffBGar56EW6TkseGPuSLHQLK8fGf5q/s400/855.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's some strong wind! Needless to say, we couldn't stay out in this for too long with Imogen. Fortunately there was a protected, viewing level below as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q-G4Mc8yNfPWwTi_tpRToyP0XtGkIY5PvnqPJEB47po_nd5nlga5TNoJ48skj3nZUVOHS6rudwqgaoO64Lh8-PTyrVJcai0PIUDqeuSNgMWaw2p2UMfbXLLw0a90AKB_TFiSRtxWTqQR/s1600/866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q-G4Mc8yNfPWwTi_tpRToyP0XtGkIY5PvnqPJEB47po_nd5nlga5TNoJ48skj3nZUVOHS6rudwqgaoO64Lh8-PTyrVJcai0PIUDqeuSNgMWaw2p2UMfbXLLw0a90AKB_TFiSRtxWTqQR/s400/866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, I'd hang out here if I was a seal too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrAMlt2rMBw_OfEZ2NUfsCAnjh4To_AE4ui7p8ye9ccPRWfiMxTgwj51uJ1rLBXrWGKCqg6XsWn_kuOr-ieoA3MMPPX884gOUy0-f5taTznrGq4hjoUmkHo-OyQWupyW-6y_u5Zf927oV/s1600/871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrAMlt2rMBw_OfEZ2NUfsCAnjh4To_AE4ui7p8ye9ccPRWfiMxTgwj51uJ1rLBXrWGKCqg6XsWn_kuOr-ieoA3MMPPX884gOUy0-f5taTznrGq4hjoUmkHo-OyQWupyW-6y_u5Zf927oV/s400/871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Honestly, we're running out of adjectives to describe this place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjppWjM2V7zPFA4dbB2VUK7d8_728lpM0tUWIgY_Cyep_9oJWQw5SVuDHDaoMVA0GaMGArzrJZa1q-feLxk9nbnDd_Udf5-E3JPlRZq4qrRbAZe_QiSClAvE1JEmyT532TsOlJya2jVo2/s1600/876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjppWjM2V7zPFA4dbB2VUK7d8_728lpM0tUWIgY_Cyep_9oJWQw5SVuDHDaoMVA0GaMGArzrJZa1q-feLxk9nbnDd_Udf5-E3JPlRZq4qrRbAZe_QiSClAvE1JEmyT532TsOlJya2jVo2/s400/876.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the options you could pick for the trip was to ride up in the bus and then fly back in a private plane, which we did not opt to do because it was ridiculously expensive. But it would have been awesome seeing the landscape from the air. Then we lucked out. They were unable to sell the plane out, and our bus driver was concerned Imogen was going to melt down on the 3 hour drive back (it was shorter without the scenic stops) to Queenstown, so he offered to sell us the plane ride at half price. Sold! The only condition was not to tell the other people on the plane. Here's Olivia with our new ride; majestic Mitre Peak in the background.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa2_RYxbaw4OoMDB3Q1YwD5_On0bsufYXvWegzvYynRp3hA4VpcgFjMlXpSTj3elG6mA8S31yFjWiRREbWRSmdbz93w1KVi4JzNc5KwBfm4Hl4I_iSzetberACOCYn0ocTuEe0hKCGdzO/s1600/689.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa2_RYxbaw4OoMDB3Q1YwD5_On0bsufYXvWegzvYynRp3hA4VpcgFjMlXpSTj3elG6mA8S31yFjWiRREbWRSmdbz93w1KVi4JzNc5KwBfm4Hl4I_iSzetberACOCYn0ocTuEe0hKCGdzO/s400/689.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
What's better about this picture? Imogen's face, or Olivia being a creeper in the background? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJFVnKUUk3srWyhKUzfHSd42s_6ymf5divShTv_8AM5qPAYC2WHxhsGNkqaLBn_impxgIapb5MI_xq-xwAWWwyebItKJ0XNVMQyIlHd-h-iU1hLw7yUFllzv_tnSCrslLewxAkSMHjwCy/s1600/690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJFVnKUUk3srWyhKUzfHSd42s_6ymf5divShTv_8AM5qPAYC2WHxhsGNkqaLBn_impxgIapb5MI_xq-xwAWWwyebItKJ0XNVMQyIlHd-h-iU1hLw7yUFllzv_tnSCrslLewxAkSMHjwCy/s400/690.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Yep. Totally the right decision. This is way better than a bus ride. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVESae0HX39Z6hBCn4j89szqPzdK0ahUxYLoyvmPXEStTFKT9hdd4WRJ0Wd7CJcXfKnvaYbyViblY4Afmk4tW0pJL9ZZy06xjhg7o-YjvEkPWE-xiNlNr9PqnbFHpq2d3s5ZnvUyxyuZT/s1600/708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVESae0HX39Z6hBCn4j89szqPzdK0ahUxYLoyvmPXEStTFKT9hdd4WRJ0Wd7CJcXfKnvaYbyViblY4Afmk4tW0pJL9ZZy06xjhg7o-YjvEkPWE-xiNlNr9PqnbFHpq2d3s5ZnvUyxyuZT/s400/708.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
All the peaks are so jagged because the whole area is still geologically active and these mountains are still being actively pushed up. The only thing keeping them from being several kilometers high is the high wind eroding them as they go up. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w7KdrWFLX6Rc17JgKdAGkhCFT1rtW6dgL9oTzvKKX3XIoJgYOP5mHe797kqHDYglzrftAcyz14PJ40giBTOOZSMlsqcSgu0X-B4oSt6Z5fA-itNupaNLfxPNuWB8oNZZYvBYe0H4ijBc/s1600/1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3w7KdrWFLX6Rc17JgKdAGkhCFT1rtW6dgL9oTzvKKX3XIoJgYOP5mHe797kqHDYglzrftAcyz14PJ40giBTOOZSMlsqcSgu0X-B4oSt6Z5fA-itNupaNLfxPNuWB8oNZZYvBYe0H4ijBc/s400/1044.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
No wonder Rudyard Kipling once proclaimed this the Eighth Wonder of the World. This was the last day of our holiday, and man did we end it on a high note.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypotrFXoRCT74r_0st0SY8T4-qLCqmTvuOekhBqwHjrHB3xiK47-V5Ri1vd1jHoEbaiS8uUaPwpPVO_qfYo5xiggfX8hhYiajSeXk8kmF0ZyAnV9tcm0DTxk5Y-uE11nGhJHWMJsG5nW5/s1600/698.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypotrFXoRCT74r_0st0SY8T4-qLCqmTvuOekhBqwHjrHB3xiK47-V5Ri1vd1jHoEbaiS8uUaPwpPVO_qfYo5xiggfX8hhYiajSeXk8kmF0ZyAnV9tcm0DTxk5Y-uE11nGhJHWMJsG5nW5/s400/698.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
<br />
Great vacation guys. But I'm really sleepy. Can we go home now?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKW-uYxnbfJyN9gYXFSNRiaixcixGreJ-1FEvhsL40_wen8Gwfu-Y6ct_I74jjUbnhyZyp3fUA_tWYTtmU72Ysa8B4DC2S7Okbf0MdWt6X4DhiFe8W-S9D1bDUQXu_IF5bQDDKGPJCVoY/s1600/1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKW-uYxnbfJyN9gYXFSNRiaixcixGreJ-1FEvhsL40_wen8Gwfu-Y6ct_I74jjUbnhyZyp3fUA_tWYTtmU72Ysa8B4DC2S7Okbf0MdWt6X4DhiFe8W-S9D1bDUQXu_IF5bQDDKGPJCVoY/s400/1047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, Imogen. You've been so great on this whole trip. Let's go home. Thanks for the memories New Zealand!Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-32130144264463605612013-07-27T18:10:00.000-07:002013-07-27T18:10:58.661-07:00QueenstownWhile the trip had been pretty amazing start to finish and easily the longest vacation we've ever taken, it was coming to a close. We thought 16 days was pretty excessive, but pretty much every other tourist we met couldn't believe how short that was. I guess when you compare it to the Israeli woman spending 3 months in New Zealand or the German couple who was only half way through their six month holiday around the world, it doesn't really stand-up. Regardless, it felt long to us and it was time for our last stop of the trip, Queenstown. First though we had to get there. We took yet another scenic drive heading south.<br />
<br />
Seriously, this entire country is a freaking post card.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKv6JREN2tRhZn6AJX_QvrlAxnORaszYtpL_iuXiwOAfyC5SqoIWyfy5QBAyHwAmYk3g6KYdyhmeQ7lYOXWPyZ8XzPuTgsmVc6Xo00gdowpoMtbNMOLuuI4o1XoUVbDIgXa0qQjycDhO5/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKv6JREN2tRhZn6AJX_QvrlAxnORaszYtpL_iuXiwOAfyC5SqoIWyfy5QBAyHwAmYk3g6KYdyhmeQ7lYOXWPyZ8XzPuTgsmVc6Xo00gdowpoMtbNMOLuuI4o1XoUVbDIgXa0qQjycDhO5/s400/060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We stopped at one of the dozens of random pull-off points. This one happened to be called Ship Creek. We found a sign on the beach explaining the name. Some time in the 1800's a ship wrecked on the rocks off the coast of Melbourne. Eventually, the tide pulled the wreck back out to sea and apparently it floated clear across the Tasman and landed here, on a random spot on the western coast of the South Island. The remains of the wreck are still on display in a museum in Haast Pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou75OeX-8aGD86xM87QvcQMkHsqCPZZFVovbVKHq_A7BY58pncJRDCZP5hrDSBd__hUubGT1Muq0tF1PD9BcYHI7rfDDghu9R06PVNokz87DoVVYJlZK5GyuCavtiC9c86AROOWhzIF0O/s1600/678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjou75OeX-8aGD86xM87QvcQMkHsqCPZZFVovbVKHq_A7BY58pncJRDCZP5hrDSBd__hUubGT1Muq0tF1PD9BcYHI7rfDDghu9R06PVNokz87DoVVYJlZK5GyuCavtiC9c86AROOWhzIF0O/s400/678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the lake that the town of Wanaka is built around. We stopped for lunch and a quick walk around. Seemed like a pretty cool place. If we could have changed one thing about the trip it would have been to leave Fox Glacier a night earlier and spent the night in Wanaka. Oh well, you never know until you get there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TYK6OniiZvkv1CeD2ZLhyphenhyphenpxdfEDhhwlBT7SLAZUtbx9QZXC4ih7YLQ2QiDbEUWMsgmzCC0DfklbkulqhbzXk_R2RNEewHPNLUqdGLqW6nvtKWYnAtO4aQXOhWcgtocfMT6QAdkBJyVKM/s1600/686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TYK6OniiZvkv1CeD2ZLhyphenhyphenpxdfEDhhwlBT7SLAZUtbx9QZXC4ih7YLQ2QiDbEUWMsgmzCC0DfklbkulqhbzXk_R2RNEewHPNLUqdGLqW6nvtKWYnAtO4aQXOhWcgtocfMT6QAdkBJyVKM/s400/686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were stoked for Queenstown ("a city fit for Queen Victoria"), because it is called the adventure capital of the world. We'd tend to agree. It has a population of about 30,000, and a third of that has to be tourists at any given time. Our first stop on Adventure Day was Jetboating. Olivia models this year's newest Jetboat fashion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojwBEEBNbu56wnPZ6i5-diUl0sZyPgZrUT3D9jV-leCb1hJyD-Q_w6YvqaVnSGCCGqzxXDjvl_0fkUMdtKWkZODLyRKh7-YfbcdOkBP06qUGh5kpbhueWdVOdTTq6-XYj4QZtf6YC_cId/s1600/753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojwBEEBNbu56wnPZ6i5-diUl0sZyPgZrUT3D9jV-leCb1hJyD-Q_w6YvqaVnSGCCGqzxXDjvl_0fkUMdtKWkZODLyRKh7-YfbcdOkBP06qUGh5kpbhueWdVOdTTq6-XYj4QZtf6YC_cId/s400/753.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, Jetboating isn't baby friendly so we had to do this in shifts. Let's do this! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYrf1JZOH_hC56lwn0uQIhklGQKiaReK2pTN3K-8low7UFYqUjB5iY6NDchspaeLhvCCrrm1XeH-Pb5kyFVzzZizSdIvIbK_-AlUPfP1klJLDkwYtuOPB7qwgaXR0hk8Rp8YsJsSeD2r0/s1600/764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYrf1JZOH_hC56lwn0uQIhklGQKiaReK2pTN3K-8low7UFYqUjB5iY6NDchspaeLhvCCrrm1XeH-Pb5kyFVzzZizSdIvIbK_-AlUPfP1klJLDkwYtuOPB7qwgaXR0hk8Rp8YsJsSeD2r0/s400/764.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
What is Jetboating? It's a super fast, boat that uses jet water propulsion to move around. As such, it can operate in water as shallow as 6-8 inches which is incredible. They go super-fast through Shotover Canyon and come disturbingly close to being bashed to death along the canyon walls. It. Is. AWESOME.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY0zE4D9PfkMhZXLY1BeHfUEKYyeq9M6UchiT0DCZ6RgTGH_qesmuw_r0Z4scNx0ZPr8tocQMHJ_rSm2WC5zTYVmOoxRvGzBNRWgnxMQNE3wsFrYHLnY4ckv4VJi6JAkeCA0Nf4ekEbqY/s1600/769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY0zE4D9PfkMhZXLY1BeHfUEKYyeq9M6UchiT0DCZ6RgTGH_qesmuw_r0Z4scNx0ZPr8tocQMHJ_rSm2WC5zTYVmOoxRvGzBNRWgnxMQNE3wsFrYHLnY4ckv4VJi6JAkeCA0Nf4ekEbqY/s400/769.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up was bungee jumping. You may not know this, we certainly didn't, but bungee jumping was invented by a Kiwi and the first commercial operation was opened at Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown. Olivia, apparently having a death wish, couldn't wait to go. She also dressed appropriately in her Tarzan romper. They'll actually let you jump naked if you want, and apparently "it's a surprisingly popular choice." Greg and Laurel told her that we would happily watch and take pictures. For some reason she decided not to take us up of the offer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmkyMhejm4BTNVG6XR-TwDISwqEWZTsDf-QFpeJC7OlvKhobk5AZwiSWDGC3-NLvipLfIE-_hG-_8qFmOk8tL65fZgTb5CEvY0zGwomtDjvCjp7f7aIHmzRzaO1BZ4WCTEevJBVfMxZld/s1600/773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmkyMhejm4BTNVG6XR-TwDISwqEWZTsDf-QFpeJC7OlvKhobk5AZwiSWDGC3-NLvipLfIE-_hG-_8qFmOk8tL65fZgTb5CEvY0zGwomtDjvCjp7f7aIHmzRzaO1BZ4WCTEevJBVfMxZld/s400/773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia stepping out on the ledge, preparing to make her bungee. As last views go, you could do a lot worse. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg0p0Ur_AM-7TtusUAnc3RwjdLfYcBqYdwrdIRk_ipJ2ivoWoZjbtRKFljpLKkBT1W9feYVbZbY3Vt3Hy_HyY7HTwjaXPWz-XF7AV1JBV1QTt8oDj4eZzkLesrwzbOy7rCBD3zfrnrHFR/s1600/779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg0p0Ur_AM-7TtusUAnc3RwjdLfYcBqYdwrdIRk_ipJ2ivoWoZjbtRKFljpLKkBT1W9feYVbZbY3Vt3Hy_HyY7HTwjaXPWz-XF7AV1JBV1QTt8oDj4eZzkLesrwzbOy7rCBD3zfrnrHFR/s400/779.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And there she goes. It's been nice knowing you Olivia. We'll miss you. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu43Vfwdzs2FnZksQnq_a41EEI4qqaw245djKuO6FBFislX8kB1Md2axiOPno5Hm4FvXD5JBBog3tUHabGTClynY2_ukNT5yZpOzHvoVZVU54K_n2C-X3uuFRLd-uQ6wIrnEyuxd6oJxG/s1600/815.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu43Vfwdzs2FnZksQnq_a41EEI4qqaw245djKuO6FBFislX8kB1Md2axiOPno5Hm4FvXD5JBBog3tUHabGTClynY2_ukNT5yZpOzHvoVZVU54K_n2C-X3uuFRLd-uQ6wIrnEyuxd6oJxG/s400/815.JPG" width="300" /></a> </div>
<br />
I'm so glad you didn't die, Aunt Wib! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvNmFMF5ckow9MF_m4PpxVk9ju2dDm3hmEpKiQqoVMQ8BYpvMkHEa3jy4RZ5hWCT2DwpE42lXgHwI3GCNK3etSQPaKIymHvTzo-DDISUGxUaWpyVboNgXaSAZY5pIbF72W1NulC1GAKLx/s1600/793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvNmFMF5ckow9MF_m4PpxVk9ju2dDm3hmEpKiQqoVMQ8BYpvMkHEa3jy4RZ5hWCT2DwpE42lXgHwI3GCNK3etSQPaKIymHvTzo-DDISUGxUaWpyVboNgXaSAZY5pIbF72W1NulC1GAKLx/s400/793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For those that need it, there is a bar on premises with a very apt name. Olivia, not being a punk, needed no such libation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnjI1b-Dt-G2hnhk334CNSfgEAR66KyV1s96Nlnkcyv2KCkm74lLPi0a8_lA3Mw3zO9AGhcn5tT8tOjZrEBOyEmp8_5sZxsNW92OGJPKQkdJf5ejtyBDO9tsWHLFjWDmSe5YP-UQzvUD7/s1600/794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnjI1b-Dt-G2hnhk334CNSfgEAR66KyV1s96Nlnkcyv2KCkm74lLPi0a8_lA3Mw3zO9AGhcn5tT8tOjZrEBOyEmp8_5sZxsNW92OGJPKQkdJf5ejtyBDO9tsWHLFjWDmSe5YP-UQzvUD7/s400/794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Easily the best bathroom signs ever. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUGYfXef3Y7RPHo54ZgJin6WhCdwQ_Tw_nxwV7PI1xpO-uJ-wJrFT_ZsGZQY9qe8W_LXF0_jThpePMxS76kQAOb_DQ21GJGWEzPnVfaGcYl3Cwftwzi1cormeqGvgYZn4TIjq-o538f7w/s1600/772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUGYfXef3Y7RPHo54ZgJin6WhCdwQ_Tw_nxwV7PI1xpO-uJ-wJrFT_ZsGZQY9qe8W_LXF0_jThpePMxS76kQAOb_DQ21GJGWEzPnVfaGcYl3Cwftwzi1cormeqGvgYZn4TIjq-o538f7w/s320/772.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div>
<br />
Anytime you want to stop being a postcard, you feel free Queenstown. Needless to say, this was our favorite city we went to in New Zealand. Saved the best for last. Now we're just trying to decide if Queenstown or Wellington is our favorite Kiwi city. Future travel may be required to fully answer this question. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98Z5uAfLrtqv4U02xULk2lSfrkUtjUZt0nIe3eG8kqZsC4Bb59ugCem5_T4uHRmXDVtC00YVjFj5ErdJuiSXOZaVXYbsU73ge3JsSISbxmYriS4_XjZ5Hj9v-m47n4-xVswMlZL7REj51/s1600/776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98Z5uAfLrtqv4U02xULk2lSfrkUtjUZt0nIe3eG8kqZsC4Bb59ugCem5_T4uHRmXDVtC00YVjFj5ErdJuiSXOZaVXYbsU73ge3JsSISbxmYriS4_XjZ5Hj9v-m47n4-xVswMlZL7REj51/s400/776.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
All that adventure made us hungry, so we stopped for a cookie and a photo op with the Cookie Time monster. Who looks kind of high. Pretty sure there was only chocolate chips in our cookies. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ0WTBVHtAL9hBqipPBnf7n5w9MWweztucjWN4qYsdmDBOv9tgEh0XfcsRCb0Ar9arreEwLu_m-yOKX9xkVqSBVbLzkGHPyvt5HS5Epk_iPkr8syB6YQBz1-KYY90UdQ3HNqi7mpnVc6M/s1600/802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ0WTBVHtAL9hBqipPBnf7n5w9MWweztucjWN4qYsdmDBOv9tgEh0XfcsRCb0Ar9arreEwLu_m-yOKX9xkVqSBVbLzkGHPyvt5HS5Epk_iPkr8syB6YQBz1-KYY90UdQ3HNqi7mpnVc6M/s400/802.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This is William Gilbert Rees, the founder of Queenstown, sculpted here with a sheep. Way to just embrace the stereotype, New Zealand. He settled there in 1861 with his wife. When gold was discovered nearby in 1862, he sold off his land for a fortune and moved away. Not making this up. The "founder of Queenstown" barely lived there for a year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1NNuhu7pN8E1M68lqEZoNwvfzbBB1qtuBP-Pe35Fke7ZP41ZaNPSrxwdARjfhsP6aoBmopXGbsaGRYW23pWNIotPtAAi60peeYr9X3D8g1xj2-g741XTFhJoqjui5ihkg8m34woDHerq/s1600/804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1NNuhu7pN8E1M68lqEZoNwvfzbBB1qtuBP-Pe35Fke7ZP41ZaNPSrxwdARjfhsP6aoBmopXGbsaGRYW23pWNIotPtAAi60peeYr9X3D8g1xj2-g741XTFhJoqjui5ihkg8m34woDHerq/s400/804.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Epic. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru_EV2QJVbWHdB6hbND9uBfBj0nVXNIB6CR-Hq5tE4XamprOrYVmzO3gGaPmUiPsZxtd7GQnupq4ZjOR6f8EdbL1A4jCPHYSXKhoEFffLlEGoAl3ATnBd37uY8SXe596ZRSB6_n_BkwnY/s1600/806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiru_EV2QJVbWHdB6hbND9uBfBj0nVXNIB6CR-Hq5tE4XamprOrYVmzO3gGaPmUiPsZxtd7GQnupq4ZjOR6f8EdbL1A4jCPHYSXKhoEFffLlEGoAl3ATnBd37uY8SXe596ZRSB6_n_BkwnY/s400/806.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This trip was fun guys, but I'm tired. Also, I love being a naked baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8NQ3PDO3kUO2Y9CqZb_UexecG27-f4JiwhKS2-qFPOEKmLM6XCHZn6UomoeoigrfI0Q_-kcbUcvkAlZXos0oeUveSNdgzPKLvJxWucVg6G21HbjkyTChQXg-7ejuWVb7DOYFA0g8Uerd/s1600/811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8NQ3PDO3kUO2Y9CqZb_UexecG27-f4JiwhKS2-qFPOEKmLM6XCHZn6UomoeoigrfI0Q_-kcbUcvkAlZXos0oeUveSNdgzPKLvJxWucVg6G21HbjkyTChQXg-7ejuWVb7DOYFA0g8Uerd/s400/811.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu43Vfwdzs2FnZksQnq_a41EEI4qqaw245djKuO6FBFislX8kB1Md2axiOPno5Hm4FvXD5JBBog3tUHabGTClynY2_ukNT5yZpOzHvoVZVU54K_n2C-X3uuFRLd-uQ6wIrnEyuxd6oJxG/s1600/815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-67032959435067868922013-07-27T17:56:00.001-07:002013-07-27T17:56:21.330-07:00Fox Glacier and Lake MathisonDay two! Tag out with the baby! It was Olivia and Laurel's turn to do a half-day hike of the Glacier. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->None of us had a clear definition of a glacier before making this trip. For those who are not quite sure, a glacier is defined as a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley. So glaciers are not at the top of the mountain, they are at the bottom and are constantly moving. How cool? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihodxgpnGf8Z0LAy_2ZMvpAhZq8HHhDCc-vdXGu_HNO1QFUKibfmyKnQBAlWMbdEAICWioU2XhwEjx3f7GJsbQR5NVdoTa1jFVxTm1s5pqYsQ_pI4rq77Suh7p6ccCZOjn_-7thPDZf3Wh/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihodxgpnGf8Z0LAy_2ZMvpAhZq8HHhDCc-vdXGu_HNO1QFUKibfmyKnQBAlWMbdEAICWioU2XhwEjx3f7GJsbQR5NVdoTa1jFVxTm1s5pqYsQ_pI4rq77Suh7p6ccCZOjn_-7thPDZf3Wh/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxo1ioE4vtbFF_P0hMBCqs6bSjXpJ_y0GQ2ZfIeUhWrBsiB-K9ozGFF0lNOP_JGOpt5dB6yOPHdMK3w8eYACp3A1dxGPIweuof7bjBuxllC52S-Wfqrqnoun1-OnOV00JCeCHFEQrhDl-/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxo1ioE4vtbFF_P0hMBCqs6bSjXpJ_y0GQ2ZfIeUhWrBsiB-K9ozGFF0lNOP_JGOpt5dB6yOPHdMK3w8eYACp3A1dxGPIweuof7bjBuxllC52S-Wfqrqnoun1-OnOV00JCeCHFEQrhDl-/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->On this tour, our guide, Finn, had an ice pick and was constantly chopping at the ice to make steps for us as we hiked on top of 80m (263ft) of ice. Good job Finn! We had to attach metal studded crampons to our boots for grip on the ice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF08yeZN2CmvFfCSND0W7E9RP28zdtanFgfHOw9rUXNIHvlzrEuVJijNh046wW6qEplEFxuyTGnbDBokMEkE0AxB8UYiK9ZCIPGmQ0J5ykT9Nof9-DI4SCqr5HPhlkLmIps97q0ajRlV_/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAF08yeZN2CmvFfCSND0W7E9RP28zdtanFgfHOw9rUXNIHvlzrEuVJijNh046wW6qEplEFxuyTGnbDBokMEkE0AxB8UYiK9ZCIPGmQ0J5ykT9Nof9-DI4SCqr5HPhlkLmIps97q0ajRlV_/s400/003.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
It was a cloudier day then when Greg hiked yesterday, which at first made us think that it was not going to be as good, but the clouds hanging on the cliffs made it even more beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8HyT9zXLLd4wr0AyB0xxBwTSIG5UbjkRCkR49ojRJafbBa0M4k6smmv3-miyBJFkgaCSpqro6sddIg-T3TmDuDAacvruiB0pNV0fl76uTZBtklJ8ri76oRW-CX8Zs5Bywa5LAVOEnt_Q/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8HyT9zXLLd4wr0AyB0xxBwTSIG5UbjkRCkR49ojRJafbBa0M4k6smmv3-miyBJFkgaCSpqro6sddIg-T3TmDuDAacvruiB0pNV0fl76uTZBtklJ8ri76oRW-CX8Zs5Bywa5LAVOEnt_Q/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg836_lugmFQzI5pUT1KvuKUCUwf_UrLgq3gAoXtNJ9szgT7z0-vfDGtsxToJg9_PfRrakLpf0QC7EWqOzufuXC4MDX3nDhMWPh0xwtTHRM2QjEU3sf5MYbbLlk5gTWQrBUvgKHSNdc5mpj/s1600/008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg836_lugmFQzI5pUT1KvuKUCUwf_UrLgq3gAoXtNJ9szgT7z0-vfDGtsxToJg9_PfRrakLpf0QC7EWqOzufuXC4MDX3nDhMWPh0xwtTHRM2QjEU3sf5MYbbLlk5gTWQrBUvgKHSNdc5mpj/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
This is what happens when we get to play with the ice pick..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbBE7fOp-zvErjAytnuI7PzR1vvxydCgdRHgz7RcJNNZJmqkLJg3P9_BdlOnsHbYIVhTjLrjm5vFWcZQnJvEjcy28vhK_la41PNeg4wpETHyEnF513egcRrAAYHrqGbiVLGikDwOGmLT_/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbBE7fOp-zvErjAytnuI7PzR1vvxydCgdRHgz7RcJNNZJmqkLJg3P9_BdlOnsHbYIVhTjLrjm5vFWcZQnJvEjcy28vhK_la41PNeg4wpETHyEnF513egcRrAAYHrqGbiVLGikDwOGmLT_/s400/005.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Do we look like professionals or what?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsZz26GaJrtWr0GFQKRpt-7tEtHycsZ3hlfBMEP-5YmZTa2lmMIZzIn8VeArOxEECg2s2BM4RazPAHBtNmMx85x6_GHbK8wUusRPZSYN_lmrABQl0XoZEEEEoEHao-gp_aW8W_gyGo9WX/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsZz26GaJrtWr0GFQKRpt-7tEtHycsZ3hlfBMEP-5YmZTa2lmMIZzIn8VeArOxEECg2s2BM4RazPAHBtNmMx85x6_GHbK8wUusRPZSYN_lmrABQl0XoZEEEEoEHao-gp_aW8W_gyGo9WX/s400/006.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
That's our group! We had a fun, quite multi-cultural collection of people which make our tour even better. Plus we had the best guide ever. What an incredible view, and what an incredible day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdYnKsmiXn_hCZcJKHPaLy_Zmjf5TJmX3301hJvK1cg_C7BYbBzLJgnb3HKwzg3wuA2hWI6AFa9TWsnNrtRHfv7tBko4gvGWnNTbsrDFnwey8bLLZTRYt1LZ7xC1Tm3-L3cV4Zf36Dc3C/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdYnKsmiXn_hCZcJKHPaLy_Zmjf5TJmX3301hJvK1cg_C7BYbBzLJgnb3HKwzg3wuA2hWI6AFa9TWsnNrtRHfv7tBko4gvGWnNTbsrDFnwey8bLLZTRYt1LZ7xC1Tm3-L3cV4Zf36Dc3C/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This last picture gives you a good idea of the scale. Seriously epic. How amazing do those ice "stairs" look too?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHP_8uRFqL174rjv1mMxNUsRPqnfl4Tyqjfgpfu_4Gb-2sGlH2Fuim6WHkJmzVQLxRVmez11m3r7rl535Z4D6afUBvkqlwVkMNjQ8WoEIS8-f9KFMKfLK6LyCQFAeB-gNabJrZVxwXEFTu/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHP_8uRFqL174rjv1mMxNUsRPqnfl4Tyqjfgpfu_4Gb-2sGlH2Fuim6WHkJmzVQLxRVmez11m3r7rl535Z4D6afUBvkqlwVkMNjQ8WoEIS8-f9KFMKfLK6LyCQFAeB-gNabJrZVxwXEFTu/s400/009.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Greg took Imogen for a walk around Lake Matheson. The weather wasn't great, but at least it wasn't raining. After she woke up from her nap, he strapped her into the Baby Bjorn and went for it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAGbhxOTA8Flihyphenhypheno81YWj_l8tYB2xGHVdz8C123KSVEvi0mRKqBkIfq5PCWi6u4V1uhWnL0EO-vK4aJyryKEFC8KfBZXEjB_PdNbpMUoVyZoKBpwrNqH5x77KRuDbRwahELOPlYrF22Zn/s1600/646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAGbhxOTA8Flihyphenhypheno81YWj_l8tYB2xGHVdz8C123KSVEvi0mRKqBkIfq5PCWi6u4V1uhWnL0EO-vK4aJyryKEFC8KfBZXEjB_PdNbpMUoVyZoKBpwrNqH5x77KRuDbRwahELOPlYrF22Zn/s400/646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A viewing platform was built out into the lake, which made for perhaps the most scenic place Imogen will ever have a bottle of milk.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRvMJF3sbF3jW6EO8g1f90hIg0S1GShlw8M3chURrAUxIahO08z8wy2KBkrMdjc65SLT3J820EJnsLgQ2ka_AJgU-OXO7qsmc1_qqZXnKTjfDUfgrrCou6bJVIg1ORRZgF2gsYyk2d6rx/s1600/647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRvMJF3sbF3jW6EO8g1f90hIg0S1GShlw8M3chURrAUxIahO08z8wy2KBkrMdjc65SLT3J820EJnsLgQ2ka_AJgU-OXO7qsmc1_qqZXnKTjfDUfgrrCou6bJVIg1ORRZgF2gsYyk2d6rx/s400/647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Cook. Also known by it's Maori name, Aoraki, Mt. Cook is New Zealand's highest point, topping out at 12,316 feet. Unfortunately, today was not a clear day, which was especially too bad, since the water of the lake reflects the mountain peak. The postcards make it look pretty incredible, but it's not so much when it's just reflecting a couple tree branches and an overcast day. Still a nice hike though. Greg is trying to get Immy excited about hiking and nature from a young age.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrDe50C7V5q8LZYWBMS8qoqk0zuayTy3PulVUBdCsdZX3mVtpVeRbq0eAADOVhuSajj3MYBDKW-l9nMB6nj4uG2tXJRYR59BrYTOv5pMbAcvjGb0DyHrSpSk6JKE7wxxfTFbROliVc8nG/s1600/645.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrDe50C7V5q8LZYWBMS8qoqk0zuayTy3PulVUBdCsdZX3mVtpVeRbq0eAADOVhuSajj3MYBDKW-l9nMB6nj4uG2tXJRYR59BrYTOv5pMbAcvjGb0DyHrSpSk6JKE7wxxfTFbROliVc8nG/s400/645.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Before we left the next morning we swung back by to get a picture of Mt. Cook since the clouds had cleared up. Not bad. Originally, we were going to visit the National Park there, but it turns out you can only get to it from the South and we were north of the mountain. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHaKCL8T0WWezDb20mCAQG5huA1yy-7NaSjtZSJ5s3-CIwkAHBKbVymoitqFAY1v18wvoLqarTzwJKehItCZcmLk3eiHZqkaFJOutTeLzBae9VPeye74iELPUSzQNAn4IuE_REv26Pba3/s1600/1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHaKCL8T0WWezDb20mCAQG5huA1yy-7NaSjtZSJ5s3-CIwkAHBKbVymoitqFAY1v18wvoLqarTzwJKehItCZcmLk3eiHZqkaFJOutTeLzBae9VPeye74iELPUSzQNAn4IuE_REv26Pba3/s400/1025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->L&O’s
half day ended sooner than expected so we were feeling pretty ready to move on
to Queenstown, via Wanaka. After many phone calls with the general manager of
the motel and wotif.com, we were informed that we had waited too late to make
the change. In addition to having completed the local activities, we were very
ready to leave a severely unpleasant member of the staff, Rose. Each member of
our party had separate opportunities to be offended by Rose. Laurel attempted
to request fresh towels, Olivia was ever-hopeful for hot food, and all Greg
wanted was a cold beer… Post request, none of us knew whether to swear or cry
in response. In conclusion, Rose has yet to blossom and is quite accurately a
stem filled with thorns. But other than her, our glacier experiences were absolutely incredible! Some of the best of our trip.Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-49604642937737004232013-07-27T17:39:00.000-07:002013-07-27T17:39:34.534-07:00Fox Glacier and Franz JosefThere are two alpine glaciers right next to each other, one called Franz Josef and the other named Fox. Both have small towns built next to them that are connected by a very twisty thirty minute drive. While we stayed in Franz Josef that glacier is only accessible by helicopter right now, which hikes the price up drastically. Needless to say, we were going to Fox which you can just walk right up to (with a tour guide). Now, glaciers are not baby friendly, so we were dividing this up across two days. Greg was up first, going on an all-day hike of the glacier.<br />
<br />
That ice "river" in the picture below? That's actually part of the, currently receding, glacier that Greg was about to hike. Pretty awesome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfuGoKfgoxEhS-Tde3D3eLQL9PruZH38LQAWUfJr-tRHlCNhRByOct21BGvbXKxdLvG4GFH9FdKFEjty28P4dAVs046HGcRQa6mD0ezBKp5QzRU18b76M4U_yEZKRVPQ-VUBJfEOAcEBk/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfuGoKfgoxEhS-Tde3D3eLQL9PruZH38LQAWUfJr-tRHlCNhRByOct21BGvbXKxdLvG4GFH9FdKFEjty28P4dAVs046HGcRQa6mD0ezBKp5QzRU18b76M4U_yEZKRVPQ-VUBJfEOAcEBk/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Peanut Rock. As the guide said, it carries on the fine tradition of things being given terrible names at Fox. Whenever a fresh rock falls off the mountains and becomes part of the landscape, the first person to discover it gets to name it. A helicopter found this one, and was like, "Yeah, I guess it looks like a peanut, that's the name." Our guide was quick to point out how it looks nothing like a peanut. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGtYyB5BD6ZgoODVncTB1tQhS57ihRsnGajh9ZYo1k6Cje-IcIMc-jFDHrEF6vxEYlCmU4JfDm4LfuF3WTCegH1maXX9uyP-uG_CV14ViJi5-OqmEpoJCexz6LWkib2DNlqDy3c4ByBpl/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGtYyB5BD6ZgoODVncTB1tQhS57ihRsnGajh9ZYo1k6Cje-IcIMc-jFDHrEF6vxEYlCmU4JfDm4LfuF3WTCegH1maXX9uyP-uG_CV14ViJi5-OqmEpoJCexz6LWkib2DNlqDy3c4ByBpl/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->Fox Glacier is one of three glaciers in the world where rainforest and glacier meet. The other two are in Patagonia and Alaska. Greg's hike took him up into the rainforest before coming back down to the glacier's face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFL-oDynh6GtWHJywu-HH5OeQK78Rj0Gt_48hyDKaqcA-jAarLpE8MqaIA6z_HmglaFc041UrqRIeUn-5e6edfwwsBZ1teBDldASfZ3bwXsXxTiWVLfZO8x41RLracj8oLvkZsQBr_rKh/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFL-oDynh6GtWHJywu-HH5OeQK78Rj0Gt_48hyDKaqcA-jAarLpE8MqaIA6z_HmglaFc041UrqRIeUn-5e6edfwwsBZ1teBDldASfZ3bwXsXxTiWVLfZO8x41RLracj8oLvkZsQBr_rKh/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, I am going to hike all over that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYEgQhq1LcoJaB4dWs3fSeJq0ySWun5j0zRyedeiYTFc2fPN5OiLeccuWo630mWs7hVy6b1aa6FQDC1c9fJ6Jm7XdjzrepygcdviNaejErUtayldPil1cKbFhu4HlmV0SPDJ59QWJJnDl/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYEgQhq1LcoJaB4dWs3fSeJq0ySWun5j0zRyedeiYTFc2fPN5OiLeccuWo630mWs7hVy6b1aa6FQDC1c9fJ6Jm7XdjzrepygcdviNaejErUtayldPil1cKbFhu4HlmV0SPDJ59QWJJnDl/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The glacier is an ever changing thing, that forms and reforms, moving up and down as it melts and freezes each day and night. The rocks on top of the ice move downhill about a meter a day. The larger ones will also topple over quite spectacularly, making it a pretty terrible idea to eat your lunch in the shadow of one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwxCxPuwT8Ur66FaKZAgg0wGAzqaccDP2F5g3-tgM8qgLK5YiBpJbrapW2WsGklTGZHz9P8CTlWoWBjK1JdHB-YCpDKH630qaMoXCdsf3Jm_4hcxcn8gxa3Lrr3ZKG-SLjWiRidBGcfT/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagwxCxPuwT8Ur66FaKZAgg0wGAzqaccDP2F5g3-tgM8qgLK5YiBpJbrapW2WsGklTGZHz9P8CTlWoWBjK1JdHB-YCpDKH630qaMoXCdsf3Jm_4hcxcn8gxa3Lrr3ZKG-SLjWiRidBGcfT/s400/005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg Otey, Glacier Explorer Extraordinaire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcqNix4uIyFltKWb51VsGq8oaCGBxUOwWwZqoV8m8W7hIVt20E6Ph7hugWCmW89FGQ_aIcTRLOClHunewaXbKiXgKZNfwfeOxTrdPFhfNQdRf0FS7QGmfX1ljTC_1OHO8ClE63cfQ2z0A/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcqNix4uIyFltKWb51VsGq8oaCGBxUOwWwZqoV8m8W7hIVt20E6Ph7hugWCmW89FGQ_aIcTRLOClHunewaXbKiXgKZNfwfeOxTrdPFhfNQdRf0FS7QGmfX1ljTC_1OHO8ClE63cfQ2z0A/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Naturally formed ice cave. Beautiful, and Greg got to hike into it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8UgPyagbL4gKjfR_XzdgUGZHoYeqIzeBM5QgjBoFKHnLdClA4zZ6UeVqpN-pp_-B3EhrnJ8Qm-P4FDfqkW-pUVyEfrtlUkTAbQAuvIeMMdjjRbg6IVoNQmAfceHN2T6HVhZ2-Lk-rVrd/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8UgPyagbL4gKjfR_XzdgUGZHoYeqIzeBM5QgjBoFKHnLdClA4zZ6UeVqpN-pp_-B3EhrnJ8Qm-P4FDfqkW-pUVyEfrtlUkTAbQAuvIeMMdjjRbg6IVoNQmAfceHN2T6HVhZ2-Lk-rVrd/s400/007.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, that rock is not going to be there for long. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1czY5KtJTV945pGsHj-PDAyYBgBb7kwFXk3NRNB07LKG3j5rkLgUCnkRHT-Ni-TO5lg9VHnrUQ9X1hi2qJ-g6sj0UoINkzwheHf6Jd1_FXbPicTql2MO73cNJ5vn286VWGkWTZhOvIjWn/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1czY5KtJTV945pGsHj-PDAyYBgBb7kwFXk3NRNB07LKG3j5rkLgUCnkRHT-Ni-TO5lg9VHnrUQ9X1hi2qJ-g6sj0UoINkzwheHf6Jd1_FXbPicTql2MO73cNJ5vn286VWGkWTZhOvIjWn/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since this glacier is right next to a temperate rainforest, all kinds of animal life lives right around it. The most notorious is a kind of mountain goat. To impress the ladies, two males will often butt heads and ram each other right on the edge of the rocks. Sometimes, one of the goats goes over the edge, and the guides will find their bones on the ice. Greg now has the leg bone of one such unfortunate goat on his desk at work as a memento. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1VNVXH6m8axJsGr_ClR-2WLtD0AQwg9o2bYTbY5F0Ehbv_bLSGciUHOmKciDSsuApngXfLjlV_0w7MjqPcsdVy3edMtcwAgPNY0ykG_k5A2uWuj4kTMUHu-F7HF0viojYo7lkqVjBAOh/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1VNVXH6m8axJsGr_ClR-2WLtD0AQwg9o2bYTbY5F0Ehbv_bLSGciUHOmKciDSsuApngXfLjlV_0w7MjqPcsdVy3edMtcwAgPNY0ykG_k5A2uWuj4kTMUHu-F7HF0viojYo7lkqVjBAOh/s400/009.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Fox Glacier has been moving up and down this valley for thousands of years, and as a result, has carved out quite a chasm. Just three years ago the glacier extended several hundred meters farther down stream. During the last ice age, it was as tall as the cliffs in the background. The guide was quick to point out while global warming has certainly had an impact on the glacier, constant growth or reduction in size is normal for any glacier. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59TPSumI3AkueJy1SN18kSYW5bB-g6DQcK2jUKfK6Ta3GB9fBhCduN0FVP8qbfOxvQjxUWz2gHVyvtvoWncgyY0nCxoMToDmSC198454UHVE4RBIPARjfa0gjrUFZHrcri59O-qHTinAG/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59TPSumI3AkueJy1SN18kSYW5bB-g6DQcK2jUKfK6Ta3GB9fBhCduN0FVP8qbfOxvQjxUWz2gHVyvtvoWncgyY0nCxoMToDmSC198454UHVE4RBIPARjfa0gjrUFZHrcri59O-qHTinAG/s400/010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What a day! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZq5i8GJs_0Dy0vP-jzKg4EdJBh4LXR-78z90Os5OfKW5UxCQQlsQwkX5AfClSsOBSYow6qYsGAR5FsHApIskIDggTM1K77M9jOzfx836eko8GsmkQv8XmKZ6v7N_zHVA8wr21IrBvUxj/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZq5i8GJs_0Dy0vP-jzKg4EdJBh4LXR-78z90Os5OfKW5UxCQQlsQwkX5AfClSsOBSYow6qYsGAR5FsHApIskIDggTM1K77M9jOzfx836eko8GsmkQv8XmKZ6v7N_zHVA8wr21IrBvUxj/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Laurel and Olivia were going to explore around Franz Josef. Hmmm, Imogen, what should we have for breakfast?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6pglpW5Bd2LpNlSWntKGjSO6NXU0a6oTl8lqIFAQ6k_CBeCbkhgb-HzZY43MsUxEabrNbTnDyQ5AORuKygEplh3N1tef65CONSlh0zN91sEnM6-AcLvYkZPwiC63VjQ2jSG5Bg-ckGRr/s1600/648.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6pglpW5Bd2LpNlSWntKGjSO6NXU0a6oTl8lqIFAQ6k_CBeCbkhgb-HzZY43MsUxEabrNbTnDyQ5AORuKygEplh3N1tef65CONSlh0zN91sEnM6-AcLvYkZPwiC63VjQ2jSG5Bg-ckGRr/s400/648.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They ended up at the Franz Josef Wildlife Center. Immy is not too sure about being posed next to this giant kiwi statue.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CuHUZDBUKxl1tc6PIc7FmR4mk5QH-8oJiWtyHTJi1V9pinOGwOO8ipM7Ygk31T0GAQt4vepSb4YJ2iaJ5jLXS9xzQItYyDDJEwdvYKFF0heptOTJkuIMnSFDbvGHEe6qiqiPHasnwTm1/s1600/727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CuHUZDBUKxl1tc6PIc7FmR4mk5QH-8oJiWtyHTJi1V9pinOGwOO8ipM7Ygk31T0GAQt4vepSb4YJ2iaJ5jLXS9xzQItYyDDJEwdvYKFF0heptOTJkuIMnSFDbvGHEe6qiqiPHasnwTm1/s400/727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is indeed a lot of rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpf8Xf8bCDXJliXzNJSKOfuZJmiw4NGfzCjRoU9h6BS_oC8_wDopwcxJomkGbyZZp8FiNGMqlEarEo61HAWU7Fi9QkmykF52kM2h-jPGaG2klEjaN1BmpvGJcgrf8SjphUZqILAXU9FcN/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpf8Xf8bCDXJliXzNJSKOfuZJmiw4NGfzCjRoU9h6BS_oC8_wDopwcxJomkGbyZZp8FiNGMqlEarEo61HAWU7Fi9QkmykF52kM2h-jPGaG2klEjaN1BmpvGJcgrf8SjphUZqILAXU9FcN/s400/054.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Since kiwis are nocturnal birds your chances of seeing them out in the wild are pretty low. We saw two, one at the Napier aquarium and this one in Franz Josef. Now, since it is kept dark for them you are not supposed to take pictures. Please, no one report that Olivia is a notorious rule breaker. Good thing too, or we would have no kiwi pictures!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6p_O346WO_MujmI-QAynr0UW4Wp4Ax-crUxqBC2VTxA5S2JP0c_AGHUr3xr0vofFO9UndBtbpIQQitA4IscbIZ2CmKyIldajV3_g2yqwnwvjDC2Nj_DPdQpfE0tMXH1DX5ppuvRYhgGu/s1600/732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6p_O346WO_MujmI-QAynr0UW4Wp4Ax-crUxqBC2VTxA5S2JP0c_AGHUr3xr0vofFO9UndBtbpIQQitA4IscbIZ2CmKyIldajV3_g2yqwnwvjDC2Nj_DPdQpfE0tMXH1DX5ppuvRYhgGu/s400/732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Following the Wildlife Center, it was time to head over to the Glacier Hot Pools and bathe in the crystal clear, pure waters. Immy and Olivia are clearly enjoying it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrM2uCG47RgmoS4xD04G9H5-j3AMdcaXXTvTt4jaMcDuPCThFi7A-6KhcRYw8CgUlB7wUK9sBPQilbbg9OTEyPzO5AQhTXfTGskzXMYRSk7AiwIXagFO10_WJ_XKDb352bZdS27O0zzQF/s1600/739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrM2uCG47RgmoS4xD04G9H5-j3AMdcaXXTvTt4jaMcDuPCThFi7A-6KhcRYw8CgUlB7wUK9sBPQilbbg9OTEyPzO5AQhTXfTGskzXMYRSk7AiwIXagFO10_WJ_XKDb352bZdS27O0zzQF/s400/739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Upon returning to the hotel Olivia noticed that we had possibly the worst designed shower ever. Good job, New Zealand. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkIqiGGySw4gz6eZm1v57cY1GwkPaEU7_GccurXcDMAF5NDDjsn0GaKMTtljsnYkgwWWmaJYsB8aEW_tysjcj-IsQoh7WFK9HmugPVxwLOWtLNOu8ZMR6doD0iJrAF4omMQYCVOtIEiGC/s1600/1026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkIqiGGySw4gz6eZm1v57cY1GwkPaEU7_GccurXcDMAF5NDDjsn0GaKMTtljsnYkgwWWmaJYsB8aEW_tysjcj-IsQoh7WFK9HmugPVxwLOWtLNOu8ZMR6doD0iJrAF4omMQYCVOtIEiGC/s400/1026.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-73211887326296212322013-07-27T04:01:00.000-07:002013-07-27T04:01:24.003-07:00Bank's Peninsula and Arthur's PassIf you look at Christchurch on a map, there's a little bump that pops out of the island just south of the city. That bump is Bank's Peninsula and we took a day trip up that way to check it out. There's a small, quaint tourist village with a population of about 400 up there, but we spent most of our time taking in the sites and having a nice picnic lunch. Not bad, right?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rL7ajW3TskycLOeWIW63OycVyzvIsgpKICqRT0ipL6cIwccf_OahOyeGv1MuVK0lNmqov5j94aAQkd0pD9u6r25pNc-KTlaT9nZo_GMmpNLnfyGBh-eUdDbAnuuVl3kouNr4_vOsayCg/s1600/582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rL7ajW3TskycLOeWIW63OycVyzvIsgpKICqRT0ipL6cIwccf_OahOyeGv1MuVK0lNmqov5j94aAQkd0pD9u6r25pNc-KTlaT9nZo_GMmpNLnfyGBh-eUdDbAnuuVl3kouNr4_vOsayCg/s400/582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Turns out that Bank's Peninsula is actually all that remains of a volcano. That little island to the right of us in the background? That's the caldera of when the volcano exploded several hundred years ago. It pretty much blew the whole area apart. We're pretty sure that New Zealand is 72% volcano. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQGbuZ5o17CMy6T7pPFuJJeLD8Mp-nYK3EJMsjZZJB_CHyAQqJE65mOg25w3fMr1jwsHcPUU5tu7HRE4tVw7EGVQVFabSCVedrcXgFbQG14ppdOknH3HsHnN973OjUbmelWwxILtKVSEU/s1600/981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQGbuZ5o17CMy6T7pPFuJJeLD8Mp-nYK3EJMsjZZJB_CHyAQqJE65mOg25w3fMr1jwsHcPUU5tu7HRE4tVw7EGVQVFabSCVedrcXgFbQG14ppdOknH3HsHnN973OjUbmelWwxILtKVSEU/s400/981.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
We drove down one side of the peninsula to get to a secluded beach to have lunch and relax in the sun. Immy loved it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBT4_-8_sQxVoBi1z3FO7XP3Yrg7Dfu8MEmZVbSaArKGxdGgytJKdxRtD4e1e9bcgFlB-hV2s8qTiAbf8X_shCywYyOyz_g1w9kr7HUyx2m5UwnFTn2UGtUPLzbB6cBGleu1tYb2MUuhl/s1600/720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBT4_-8_sQxVoBi1z3FO7XP3Yrg7Dfu8MEmZVbSaArKGxdGgytJKdxRtD4e1e9bcgFlB-hV2s8qTiAbf8X_shCywYyOyz_g1w9kr7HUyx2m5UwnFTn2UGtUPLzbB6cBGleu1tYb2MUuhl/s400/720.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
If you keep going that way long enough, Baby Girl, you get to America.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QV1dd-Cs35AZaIBz9TjExuMLI7gAI0HMu_RJkeOV1aLwBd29FrxwH1XL1PIiLIeK6nDphxMhZ6oZXF2zrFUAhwI2Bt3e-ZCAnnaqmb-5k7WtJC4dlcCqHtb31RTulstNnUGZQs7d8j73/s1600/911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QV1dd-Cs35AZaIBz9TjExuMLI7gAI0HMu_RJkeOV1aLwBd29FrxwH1XL1PIiLIeK6nDphxMhZ6oZXF2zrFUAhwI2Bt3e-ZCAnnaqmb-5k7WtJC4dlcCqHtb31RTulstNnUGZQs7d8j73/s400/911.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
That sandwich is mine, right?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAblduCI4_gJCqtz55P-8QbLjcA04uu8700NKm8sbKMIXj5w_yJiWySZoKnpzgAZjXd66G327GtjgbzN4P7QqNG_NGtZQ8SOJzZSsUYIf2aoX5qOhyTQ7ZEu7t4KpfdJ6G7YzfBJnIiHQ/s1600/970.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAblduCI4_gJCqtz55P-8QbLjcA04uu8700NKm8sbKMIXj5w_yJiWySZoKnpzgAZjXd66G327GtjgbzN4P7QqNG_NGtZQ8SOJzZSsUYIf2aoX5qOhyTQ7ZEu7t4KpfdJ6G7YzfBJnIiHQ/s400/970.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Family feet in the sand picture!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWREIh9ZV6VEexJ-AKlWwr9oz4K6ngpdUGFqa_Y5BVch-OAE3BIYnR9gcgr6SHTXhaiMMKgKySB9YU582qbFVgD7_dDTSiqaT0H_CB1kl0O5wYpXTsOOaRZDvWkaFj5UpicbJvan6armtx/s1600/907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWREIh9ZV6VEexJ-AKlWwr9oz4K6ngpdUGFqa_Y5BVch-OAE3BIYnR9gcgr6SHTXhaiMMKgKySB9YU582qbFVgD7_dDTSiqaT0H_CB1kl0O5wYpXTsOOaRZDvWkaFj5UpicbJvan6armtx/s400/907.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
As in most places in New Zealand there were a bunch of sheep just hanging out all over. This guy was sedately crossing the road. He hollered at Laurel when she tried to get his attention to take his picture. Pretty funny. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmx9zXK6Y9MGjCHbMo9k1T6JEJ7gu5fGSmW-tvuWWQsXs9AIxTUy3vfL0RQYmCkzlRcfLboMsc2XeyDLT46aCMfvkyr70x_YflRg8woebnHQfgANbg2gQBX1Z8gT_Xbrb7aLwH85H8DHg/s1600/983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmx9zXK6Y9MGjCHbMo9k1T6JEJ7gu5fGSmW-tvuWWQsXs9AIxTUy3vfL0RQYmCkzlRcfLboMsc2XeyDLT46aCMfvkyr70x_YflRg8woebnHQfgANbg2gQBX1Z8gT_Xbrb7aLwH85H8DHg/s400/983.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
The next day, we got up and started our big driving day- across the center of the island, through the mountains, to get to the West Coast, and glacier country. In the car and ready, let's go!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREUH9bMzwnOts24k3L1z3RVFrGZc_joWm2YcbMlBeSwR9aH_byDByjK8Xrnaj30IftdOVQVwHbKRBTMvk4eWQaBZpg2SEIFNhLfB0Wra47bPIO33-ws4vRLSjEWp64A1B5-YuB3WfDEBk/s1600/988.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREUH9bMzwnOts24k3L1z3RVFrGZc_joWm2YcbMlBeSwR9aH_byDByjK8Xrnaj30IftdOVQVwHbKRBTMvk4eWQaBZpg2SEIFNhLfB0Wra47bPIO33-ws4vRLSjEWp64A1B5-YuB3WfDEBk/s400/988.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There were several scenic spots along the drive where you could stop and do hikes and take pictures. One such place was Castle Hill.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfCjwjvzOUF_IyG_YJckz21o5t4Gicr2kdRk9kLKR0RrZTEkts8I2dTdf504XlwkF2S_FiKSIZ3x0hwjBbtxs71YQh_r_AljpMxcqJy9f4oQXTpZsdZ5PriWd0sWW-lWDW6W1vEHAOASC/s1600/995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfCjwjvzOUF_IyG_YJckz21o5t4Gicr2kdRk9kLKR0RrZTEkts8I2dTdf504XlwkF2S_FiKSIZ3x0hwjBbtxs71YQh_r_AljpMxcqJy9f4oQXTpZsdZ5PriWd0sWW-lWDW6W1vEHAOASC/s320/995.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel thinks it's never too young for the future designer to start learning her materials. This is limestone. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGxJeHOCWXTfD23cm2Avzy3x6AiEO2pwYLkgYBQSo0OeaaQVvbznw9ZLPckYvkMh8otI37HLsldelxfu6DkE3wTTU_7gOu0d2T5uuxreu7aTYXGvpkmOHtQjsQDju1Q2rkMFimVrd5Q-S/s1600/589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGxJeHOCWXTfD23cm2Avzy3x6AiEO2pwYLkgYBQSo0OeaaQVvbznw9ZLPckYvkMh8otI37HLsldelxfu6DkE3wTTU_7gOu0d2T5uuxreu7aTYXGvpkmOHtQjsQDju1Q2rkMFimVrd5Q-S/s400/589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We stopped for lunch in the alpine town of Arthur's Pass. It's a blink and you'll miss it strip of store fronts, but is pretty crucial as it sits along about the only passable route through the middle of the country. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMUBetKvnQzXZ1KNmfsoM78zglc05cjOuHD9d28QFs-hQ-OQzS7e3Jn8JUt1auo_EmHhTXk_1RdlsHCZ0s44WG9ifqPMrUvD_5opvz61x-tUkdqscsnxUh6yoMSxZY2lJc3KEwNd-vbdP/s1600/590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMUBetKvnQzXZ1KNmfsoM78zglc05cjOuHD9d28QFs-hQ-OQzS7e3Jn8JUt1auo_EmHhTXk_1RdlsHCZ0s44WG9ifqPMrUvD_5opvz61x-tUkdqscsnxUh6yoMSxZY2lJc3KEwNd-vbdP/s400/590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Great views. If we hadn't had Imogen along, Greg would have loved to have done some serious hiking. Needless to say, Olivia and Laurel were quite glad we had Imogen along.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWREIh9ZV6VEexJ-AKlWwr9oz4K6ngpdUGFqa_Y5BVch-OAE3BIYnR9gcgr6SHTXhaiMMKgKySB9YU582qbFVgD7_dDTSiqaT0H_CB1kl0O5wYpXTsOOaRZDvWkaFj5UpicbJvan6armtx/s1600/907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3GSPesXwwyITpIx0bEGvw8SqEJfzepP4VB09-MW7X-rvBLzFPe9B-IzIc_RxZzusMW-06jrX0ajGJGwPm-GuUcVDv59b4RObNwAPH8EDKuFWqV8SUC4utXjmM2y0WTDZDH0YYmdxhB8b/s1600/1002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3GSPesXwwyITpIx0bEGvw8SqEJfzepP4VB09-MW7X-rvBLzFPe9B-IzIc_RxZzusMW-06jrX0ajGJGwPm-GuUcVDv59b4RObNwAPH8EDKuFWqV8SUC4utXjmM2y0WTDZDH0YYmdxhB8b/s400/1002.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After a long day of driving we arrived in Franz Josef, a small town along the island's West Coast. The next couple of days were going to be big ones- hiking a glacier! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a long day in the car, and Imogen was alright with it for the most part. She's a trooper. She celebrated by kicking out of all her blankets and sleeping diagonally in her bed. She also baby hulked out of her apple swaddle. It's better that way, apparently.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjSL2aZW8mavQSTW9N3WHC34SnqCPB6apXaDOGgFwdyrdd9Q7SIXBT8M8TMLUwNt8hq7acbKojta8kFzQogiPUzW21qpXAr7snO2qgglw-xC_LtPcUHIybtzjHY69aG77or6T13syin9Y/s1600/1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjSL2aZW8mavQSTW9N3WHC34SnqCPB6apXaDOGgFwdyrdd9Q7SIXBT8M8TMLUwNt8hq7acbKojta8kFzQogiPUzW21qpXAr7snO2qgglw-xC_LtPcUHIybtzjHY69aG77or6T13syin9Y/s400/1001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3GSPesXwwyITpIx0bEGvw8SqEJfzepP4VB09-MW7X-rvBLzFPe9B-IzIc_RxZzusMW-06jrX0ajGJGwPm-GuUcVDv59b4RObNwAPH8EDKuFWqV8SUC4utXjmM2y0WTDZDH0YYmdxhB8b/s1600/1002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-54409503226185029242013-07-24T21:33:00.002-07:002013-07-24T21:36:28.951-07:00ChristchurchOur flight from Napier was about an hour and a half, and we landed in the middle of the South Island, in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. We were pretty excited to visit, but weren't quite sure what to expect. On September 4, 2010 a massive 7.1 earthquake shook Christchurch causing a lot of damage but no fatalities. Christchurch sits directly on top of a massive fault line, which seems to make it a terrible place to build a city until you remember pretty much all of New Zealand is on a fault line. Six months later, a strong, and shallow, 6.3 earthquake hit. While smaller, the intensity of the shaking made it one of the most violent earthquakes ever recorded. As a result 185 people died, and there was widespread damage throughout the city, including the complete destruction of the city's central cathedral. When we arrived a year and a half later, the city centre was still closed and there were a lot of buildings that looked like this: abandoned, destroyed, but not yet demolished. More on this later.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_qnxjgNr_MoqjSMalEBFi21ZlZZHKWMivfa7Usa6TvfjyoNF9rCk4nwfRA0SmJWQvbLVv1oB9kDPFi1XZGCnYnM84pj54yOCs3QIqGZe2zGXY8v8b0OVJIEJwC8OsWuGGbQ2RSExMpra/s1600/571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_qnxjgNr_MoqjSMalEBFi21ZlZZHKWMivfa7Usa6TvfjyoNF9rCk4nwfRA0SmJWQvbLVv1oB9kDPFi1XZGCnYnM84pj54yOCs3QIqGZe2zGXY8v8b0OVJIEJwC8OsWuGGbQ2RSExMpra/s400/571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Before hitting the city, we stopped at the Antarctic Center right outside of the airport, recommended to us by a couple friends. We didn't realize this, but Christchurch is the stop off point used for all air travel flying to and from Antarctica. And thanks to a clever placement of tubes of water from the north and south poles, Greg was technically able to stand on both poles at THE EXACT SAME TIME. Also while rockin the Baby Bjorn carrier. Nice.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M9eZkcqPWf5jLilDlaO5RPXhnZza6n6L165T4CeHmUqj-kS804A9e5pSz5HPMxIsOPISZVO4ON9HjGZvfks4bnilJZIe2jFSqWv9_T6gVpyLBECRZ-PJldU5u7T-abVrJ_dAV2F0mX1P/s1600/960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M9eZkcqPWf5jLilDlaO5RPXhnZza6n6L165T4CeHmUqj-kS804A9e5pSz5HPMxIsOPISZVO4ON9HjGZvfks4bnilJZIe2jFSqWv9_T6gVpyLBECRZ-PJldU5u7T-abVrJ_dAV2F0mX1P/s400/960.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the second of our poor parenting decisions made on this trip (the first being the lion, of course). One of the big draws at the Antarctic Centre is the environment control room where they simulate what it actually feels like to be at the South Pole. We figured between the big coats provided and Greg's body heat, Immy would be totally fine with it. Spoiler alert- she was not fine with it. But here is a picture capturing us so young and naive. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmJM1aSkzlxLlfvGIpPmJ21maigmZPhF22_q3Fqm0TqYn-pkLYO02lYhfm6KQwIqj-Ps14YyUX5N-skuCBNnPK3FqNMUnz4t1wFyN_h3LXyi1rL2lsbipgedVx5XA4cKP2QW9ueyoRodf/s1600/961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmJM1aSkzlxLlfvGIpPmJ21maigmZPhF22_q3Fqm0TqYn-pkLYO02lYhfm6KQwIqj-Ps14YyUX5N-skuCBNnPK3FqNMUnz4t1wFyN_h3LXyi1rL2lsbipgedVx5XA4cKP2QW9ueyoRodf/s400/961.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
That's pretty cold, and it got colder. Imogen did not care for it all, despite being snuggled into Greg's coat. We had to bail out early. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHle61OCauemK6lfrObq7jotZRDPqBV3gu956xMdMlImO39K5nti_M2mx4Z2cz2Bw3UWz12S9WtFLWBVW6tB4HiLp49uwFJWDeICKF6XXtK_NReoPdqd7zZwVrK_VrG9tXCNhMtrVw8-3h/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHle61OCauemK6lfrObq7jotZRDPqBV3gu956xMdMlImO39K5nti_M2mx4Z2cz2Bw3UWz12S9WtFLWBVW6tB4HiLp49uwFJWDeICKF6XXtK_NReoPdqd7zZwVrK_VrG9tXCNhMtrVw8-3h/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel and Olivia toughed it out for a few more pictures. Here is Laurel in an igloo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPESSO1b-goXeUiXKzrg4rLLv8MCAhXXe9nk2HE1za9cVFosQz5eJOsfcU_h8Vw08gRj3akHGXmU3bnnbANw8NkQQbTkCTcFp4UPolXSdPMxrWDN52F3NyD_6UQxgSAYg6Va4c2nVsHrs/s1600/963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPESSO1b-goXeUiXKzrg4rLLv8MCAhXXe9nk2HE1za9cVFosQz5eJOsfcU_h8Vw08gRj3akHGXmU3bnnbANw8NkQQbTkCTcFp4UPolXSdPMxrWDN52F3NyD_6UQxgSAYg6Va4c2nVsHrs/s400/963.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Olivia models the latest in ice-based transportation technology. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM17HvJjFvYbrWv9S0uy4eQ_uaVOiDIAWlAW2Dp2bXGdCGTlWfWkrXdv2BKsquHkiRHus0Wgs_XRSRtDMqCYpC9bSIwuu_YWUyHYbpbxE4Jpu-HqAeunPOJzje39fhjZbWK_XR7iN6C24/s1600/556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM17HvJjFvYbrWv9S0uy4eQ_uaVOiDIAWlAW2Dp2bXGdCGTlWfWkrXdv2BKsquHkiRHus0Wgs_XRSRtDMqCYpC9bSIwuu_YWUyHYbpbxE4Jpu-HqAeunPOJzje39fhjZbWK_XR7iN6C24/s400/556.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They also had a little penguin area, which were, of course, adorable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzpZ2I1MRC2Ezt1cgH-Rft2wDBnDQRwoy8koHPMhvxD2uOGlLAdD_CdaRL6X0NU3_sg4lz2TZSUiz8KyE7-Fv7Kkox5pO6_9b-i76aTTwJpPGLeFJbw4M9MMokIDsN0UTBSGdKqbSV4ih/s1600/957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzpZ2I1MRC2Ezt1cgH-Rft2wDBnDQRwoy8koHPMhvxD2uOGlLAdD_CdaRL6X0NU3_sg4lz2TZSUiz8KyE7-Fv7Kkox5pO6_9b-i76aTTwJpPGLeFJbw4M9MMokIDsN0UTBSGdKqbSV4ih/s400/957.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That is a lot of ice. About 85% of the world's ice is frozen in Antarctica. There's a mountain range there that's covered in ice. If all that ice were to melt , sea levels would rise by over 60 meters globally. To put that in perspective, the United States would be split into two continents separated by the Mississippi Sea stretching from the Caribbean to the Great Lakes. So... let's not do that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQEyZhfkIYxXXef-EPBAn4vBlRqHxXXfu1K3SRIVrBDvANIyHBPxdcD1C9zpnGfDFZi4nliCpsf7h8ow8lj60cH9eoKIsuijMaR6Prh5cd3cJlLLbx1HtFwxjhUGr68mpZlwCsqBUma1I/s1600/563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQEyZhfkIYxXXef-EPBAn4vBlRqHxXXfu1K3SRIVrBDvANIyHBPxdcD1C9zpnGfDFZi4nliCpsf7h8ow8lj60cH9eoKIsuijMaR6Prh5cd3cJlLLbx1HtFwxjhUGr68mpZlwCsqBUma1I/s400/563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Below is a sampling of the food supplied to someone traveling to the South Pole. So... let's not do that either. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9RQi9UQu3iRg2p5CVY5vkyCwD-JxEaXgW5Dt8-ohph53LhTkxVfbeyqqBmUpC5dgBoP3GdUo_aMQiyaenstFhUWgO50vjDeZ7Kj874-G16JFGbtTedZG8jn75mhdJLqPmzWXhkYUx2z0/s1600/569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9RQi9UQu3iRg2p5CVY5vkyCwD-JxEaXgW5Dt8-ohph53LhTkxVfbeyqqBmUpC5dgBoP3GdUo_aMQiyaenstFhUWgO50vjDeZ7Kj874-G16JFGbtTedZG8jn75mhdJLqPmzWXhkYUx2z0/s400/569.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After checking into our hotel, we headed down to the City Centre to see what it looked like. This is as far as we got. Significant portions are still blocked off and aren't safe for the public to be near. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_qnxjgNr_MoqjSMalEBFi21ZlZZHKWMivfa7Usa6TvfjyoNF9rCk4nwfRA0SmJWQvbLVv1oB9kDPFi1XZGCnYnM84pj54yOCs3QIqGZe2zGXY8v8b0OVJIEJwC8OsWuGGbQ2RSExMpra/s1600/571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPz6FeYEsVySTtEM2UNg2K09EMgZIqIUz7Hij1LRnb25LoUvELQHfI5Xrf0G92N0hGkpJwi4jxgrNVr6ekcnYjucVXZZh0a0HyiROJZnK4BKQo65Ov6fMHHfi84V0c7nz5erBm5uBDdsB/s1600/573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPz6FeYEsVySTtEM2UNg2K09EMgZIqIUz7Hij1LRnb25LoUvELQHfI5Xrf0G92N0hGkpJwi4jxgrNVr6ekcnYjucVXZZh0a0HyiROJZnK4BKQo65Ov6fMHHfi84V0c7nz5erBm5uBDdsB/s400/573.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One really cool thing, is that city planners have taken a unique, hipster inspired effort to reinvigorate the city. It's called RE:Start and is a cluster of shopping, cafes, and food trucks made entirely out of shipping containers. Very cool and very innovative. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuW7jjIZkbMTzrSFjJoOn0OdJ_ypt74NM8ijdyi7prAsi328qtPXU531RvNksnfwDchf98VSrTLdJmcikBPSWn6yXO8Mtf8E6Bwp2gwZpU-bYP7JRlGdZ8tZBbPsuNUBKLoh26CYuES03/s1600/577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuW7jjIZkbMTzrSFjJoOn0OdJ_ypt74NM8ijdyi7prAsi328qtPXU531RvNksnfwDchf98VSrTLdJmcikBPSWn6yXO8Mtf8E6Bwp2gwZpU-bYP7JRlGdZ8tZBbPsuNUBKLoh26CYuES03/s400/577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0hrmnqFQmxNb6eXj5FgJ7ICbqzw2hGTxiYg7ERPsxPagV76HTqMGP5rdhXz11OhCe03XyaInA0cDpHAf46EAWnRuy_fpf052bIH9dtkmAQOvsShX9Q31NKN3RhzmEOK6LDukHq19E-gB/s1600/966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0hrmnqFQmxNb6eXj5FgJ7ICbqzw2hGTxiYg7ERPsxPagV76HTqMGP5rdhXz11OhCe03XyaInA0cDpHAf46EAWnRuy_fpf052bIH9dtkmAQOvsShX9Q31NKN3RhzmEOK6LDukHq19E-gB/s400/966.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Saw this great ad for a maternity/lingerie store. This is just amazing. First off- the name. Second, has anyone ever gotten that dressed up to be just out and about with their baby? Great work, everybody. Great work. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ScJEPEqBiWyK_UVBapx1lgVWdlaeQrqZ6HTkSMCplOt-iYjF8uJS83yWH7DN5tp89ofS4IFplnee7fJJ6xiHxw9pFT1j2O-EwIx8AaWNn-27FeWxsM0TIqBqhN1WW5OOODLafs7QFqbq/s1600/579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ScJEPEqBiWyK_UVBapx1lgVWdlaeQrqZ6HTkSMCplOt-iYjF8uJS83yWH7DN5tp89ofS4IFplnee7fJJ6xiHxw9pFT1j2O-EwIx8AaWNn-27FeWxsM0TIqBqhN1WW5OOODLafs7QFqbq/s400/579.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the Bridge of Remembrance, Christchurch's monument for war veterans and victims alike. Originally constructed to honour those that fought and died in World War One it became a symbol for all wars. Finished in 1924, it was structurally damaged in the earthquake and is no longer safe to approach. The hope is to restore and strengthen it to withstand future earthquakes, while maintaining the heritage stonework. Here's hoping they succeed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21tkijcdMjll27AnKqPEOziX5FmnmnlTLXS30ThoDEX-Ufv3i9n0DF5hshZJNklGxbMCOLRJl7fWvdYIcGWiipnDoK9eZgmWM6tdai36sMm2lFUub0vOhWehs4ERroWVsIJmP3ubXQuhJ/s1600/580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21tkijcdMjll27AnKqPEOziX5FmnmnlTLXS30ThoDEX-Ufv3i9n0DF5hshZJNklGxbMCOLRJl7fWvdYIcGWiipnDoK9eZgmWM6tdai36sMm2lFUub0vOhWehs4ERroWVsIJmP3ubXQuhJ/s400/580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Possibly due to the circumstances, Christchurch was not our favorite city. Even before the earthquake we had a hard time seeing it as more than a series of suburbs that all ran into each other, rather than an actual formed city. But we're glad we went. It's incredible just how powerful nature is.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-43925041236943376182013-07-20T21:29:00.003-07:002013-07-20T21:29:52.192-07:00Napier<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->After a twisty-turny drive from Taupo, no one was feeling their finest upon arriving to Napier. Fortunately for Laurel and Olivia, this feeling subsided once on solid ground. However Greg’s illness was not due to motion sickness. His was extreme dehydration from the previous day, which turned into a fever and required lots of sleep. He is not a champion alpine hiker. He stuck it out long enough to check out the Art Deco city of the world during the annual Art Deco festival. Imogen put on her fancy dress and bow, and she was pretty excited. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQEglUzMKQBv3fGlwlwg2VNHjHRB9_tPn4aNl-6_51Ii30ikfDY9SFudqaws_hr7_QHau53MaNOr9dg0o_vWUHfqhPnXabaanmNrCuRpLb2QoeDBNAU64rEuBhftyVmT4jfCJgarSvHmr/s1600/476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQEglUzMKQBv3fGlwlwg2VNHjHRB9_tPn4aNl-6_51Ii30ikfDY9SFudqaws_hr7_QHau53MaNOr9dg0o_vWUHfqhPnXabaanmNrCuRpLb2QoeDBNAU64rEuBhftyVmT4jfCJgarSvHmr/s400/476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The story behind Napier is that in 1931 a devastating earthquake leveled the city and killed over 500 people. The town center was completely destroyed. Upon rebuilding, the city planners decided to use the tragedy as an opportunity, creating a unique city constructed in the 1930's art deco style. As such, Napier now calls itself the "Art Deco Capital of the World," and has a lot of awesome downtown buildings like this. Laurel, needless to say, was pretty excited. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JuHa_OJel1aJwJjS6Gd1WXN6Z3PaOgMeARfJmeWX1qnA_J_eMFY22F5nZGSqXM1VfDdNRcADwPrrMHrOuYgEcPNYaP00DvDIdhq0rrJAy942EvAiuFgUyhLKbN9z9IF3oFsfTfD0ZwoU/s1600/485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JuHa_OJel1aJwJjS6Gd1WXN6Z3PaOgMeARfJmeWX1qnA_J_eMFY22F5nZGSqXM1VfDdNRcADwPrrMHrOuYgEcPNYaP00DvDIdhq0rrJAy942EvAiuFgUyhLKbN9z9IF3oFsfTfD0ZwoU/s400/485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We completely lucked out with the timing of this trip. Turns out we managed to arrive on the last day of Napier's annual Art Deco Festival, which is the city's biggest weekend of the year. Everyone was dressed up in their 1930’s attire with tents, champagne, and candles (similar to high tea). It was very impressive – kind of like football tailgating with class. Displayed on the streets were fancy old-timey cars that had to be worth an inordinate amount of money, especially in New Zealand. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1K96X_TV5yZdE7MgSPDe99_zYIdfzJ8RZXOxryKzyUHYjD4C4HWe4_quCcpKk1paMaG6afpTIqOEADlfLzYcEG3CJjCfh2LZg9mRuc3BmOAkUvwDmY_FBLMjdF2LXR_CI5qVcHkEBRMP/s1600/481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1K96X_TV5yZdE7MgSPDe99_zYIdfzJ8RZXOxryKzyUHYjD4C4HWe4_quCcpKk1paMaG6afpTIqOEADlfLzYcEG3CJjCfh2LZg9mRuc3BmOAkUvwDmY_FBLMjdF2LXR_CI5qVcHkEBRMP/s400/481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone was dressed in their finest, including this adorable little girl. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rdfG_oZqIAruxhcc4vWH2ZdmQIpDnWnr9Uw9ch0JzLa80jO06NQSLu5vO9xbykFoeveIzukwP23mQygeLApGVROdWdjMTflAwuthHVPqCtiTl1xMAPBdGE7RWj3qAlQNlLfwU1xZLfVr/s1600/491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rdfG_oZqIAruxhcc4vWH2ZdmQIpDnWnr9Uw9ch0JzLa80jO06NQSLu5vO9xbykFoeveIzukwP23mQygeLApGVROdWdjMTflAwuthHVPqCtiTl1xMAPBdGE7RWj3qAlQNlLfwU1xZLfVr/s400/491.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is how you have a picnic on the beach next to your old car. With tablecloths. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q1eOVmbId640WhgpVkRIB00J_eICvrPWICQHVZvD9cM0Ycsiq7aMEwRDtdad2bMX1nFWanPNKTQNt_h51o4KXmgfdYM3NXShbf4EV6xh4gEJ2dBvQV7zuMh8RcQZJ6acNFEXN9TU7kzh/s1600/503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q1eOVmbId640WhgpVkRIB00J_eICvrPWICQHVZvD9cM0Ycsiq7aMEwRDtdad2bMX1nFWanPNKTQNt_h51o4KXmgfdYM3NXShbf4EV6xh4gEJ2dBvQV7zuMh8RcQZJ6acNFEXN9TU7kzh/s400/503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An old steam engine had been set up, which Imogen thought was just the coolest thing ever... until the engine's horn blew, and then it was a terrible, scary contraption. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa75wr0cjTo2uO_58paY-BA3aVYHy7n1e5y5Qja_VlvSqSdhwiDN4C1mysE3N5BJkrLAYqbBmOpvLPdO4-qUFnPqALBkaXNk7zDx_mBQJTyS8wcVbIC4On-DMmzmvir_PVw2XWen3W9Fo/s1600/510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpa75wr0cjTo2uO_58paY-BA3aVYHy7n1e5y5Qja_VlvSqSdhwiDN4C1mysE3N5BJkrLAYqbBmOpvLPdO4-qUFnPqALBkaXNk7zDx_mBQJTyS8wcVbIC4On-DMmzmvir_PVw2XWen3W9Fo/s400/510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel and Olivia enjoying the gardens and beautiful sunny day. Aren't they pretty? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3krb0Omsw3fJsTlGf7FVzDzr60xibxnSmHCTWYrFs5d_q4jxSWxKpI9VzYPcuYB5Iet8qWuJ9t_SniCrK2bQ6Pdvxpm42NFeoP5m3DdfLuQEAaUG_GB289keJeBn83NH0sxAxD3gKWwdC/s1600/919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3krb0Omsw3fJsTlGf7FVzDzr60xibxnSmHCTWYrFs5d_q4jxSWxKpI9VzYPcuYB5Iet8qWuJ9t_SniCrK2bQ6Pdvxpm42NFeoP5m3DdfLuQEAaUG_GB289keJeBn83NH0sxAxD3gKWwdC/s400/919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last but not least, there was a flyover of the Napier township and coastline by five bi-planes. Awesome. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hDRD2mYkmqJdjpFuov2AG0lIMjnG1McYsegFUhUESBJLOyKJ8ETIlm4Ak7SCGtymbUtAJdH67de1YR7v0ozoFLb-nSiRBsOwGjMkn0wxJpfc2WkNHwC9aAWQHxUowKO4HcdOaDULH939/s1600/924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hDRD2mYkmqJdjpFuov2AG0lIMjnG1McYsegFUhUESBJLOyKJ8ETIlm4Ak7SCGtymbUtAJdH67de1YR7v0ozoFLb-nSiRBsOwGjMkn0wxJpfc2WkNHwC9aAWQHxUowKO4HcdOaDULH939/s400/924.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After that, Greg felt like he was going to die, so he went back to the hotel to sleep. Laurel and Olivia took Imogen to the pool. She loved it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zgjGokgYGgjpyBCVT7ZhLxOcwb2CK9aVg3qZy3YShXl0v7tQMOt2mmoAfmsPsZiQpIu4anwgwyTjFLg1nuiSavkHO8BF1qfKzFUBmoEYIm-Xy9qyUjLbsIeZ99clJlD7SW5XvGlEBy3M/s1600/926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zgjGokgYGgjpyBCVT7ZhLxOcwb2CK9aVg3qZy3YShXl0v7tQMOt2mmoAfmsPsZiQpIu4anwgwyTjFLg1nuiSavkHO8BF1qfKzFUBmoEYIm-Xy9qyUjLbsIeZ99clJlD7SW5XvGlEBy3M/s400/926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since Napier was on the coast, Olivia had been looking forward to hitting the beach. She was less excited when she got there. Napier is not known for its beaches. We stuck to the pool instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS16FqiaCN7SLdpI_I0tbAJuB5-Vg92vUzKATGk_8I5jMRNI9OrBF9BWxB15lidQL41eXVlZk_ek_0xvFFUSlj4MWXHAqSlsPVB2CKB6Rmpm0KsDQTqWUPkDuUcTKw5TFb7KqfTXHKT8hi/s1600/950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS16FqiaCN7SLdpI_I0tbAJuB5-Vg92vUzKATGk_8I5jMRNI9OrBF9BWxB15lidQL41eXVlZk_ek_0xvFFUSlj4MWXHAqSlsPVB2CKB6Rmpm0KsDQTqWUPkDuUcTKw5TFb7KqfTXHKT8hi/s400/950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Napier is also the home of New Zealand's National Aquarium, and since Greg was feeling significantly better after a night's sleep and drinking approximately 124 glasses of water, we hit it up. Worth it just for the mandatory baby in the jaws of a shark picture. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtgTGlEE0rGqXmGxP3ZPpj9BpCva801Dh5vIX4buCQZ5HoMaVUaOp7dgdm6qwLDOX7s6xNgG6RX_ajritwWkKfPhUPwVbPVfuFRbcyCzEf_fbTb0fKdwPThNh2a4kGrDEj4StLicQ7cZ0/s1600/951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtgTGlEE0rGqXmGxP3ZPpj9BpCva801Dh5vIX4buCQZ5HoMaVUaOp7dgdm6qwLDOX7s6xNgG6RX_ajritwWkKfPhUPwVbPVfuFRbcyCzEf_fbTb0fKdwPThNh2a4kGrDEj4StLicQ7cZ0/s400/951.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Imogen was pretty impressed by everything. She was more into looking at the fish then we thought she would be. Don't worry Imogen, you'll be seeing this movie a lot in a few years. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5REfsceZNbxmkYFn9K3P31DEe96LWNhw_yVyjKC2GW2Wl-QkqPe0WfdCikWhoB-ydN72aqmp3TePq-VIKF6AM7-MUpTO4fOuPTDdeTNSYIO55ZD-q06HpgNc7-2NWPeTqMls7wyERlJZY/s1600/952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5REfsceZNbxmkYFn9K3P31DEe96LWNhw_yVyjKC2GW2Wl-QkqPe0WfdCikWhoB-ydN72aqmp3TePq-VIKF6AM7-MUpTO4fOuPTDdeTNSYIO55ZD-q06HpgNc7-2NWPeTqMls7wyERlJZY/s400/952.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The coolest thing was the giant sea turtle. If we hadn't carried her off, I think she would still be sitting there watching Mr. Turtle swim back and forth. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVApiIGz91E51FlDPIMa1K2YT0cXHxnImsqVyRxPZYtsXmeVczCLb6iApu32FXczEYIu8mcGoGOJO5H2bmtemzL1M7R11k4gbMZMSa3xIpO-hTyXlFlK3m25qubOajMsTzrbggs6mqzYCj/s1600/953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVApiIGz91E51FlDPIMa1K2YT0cXHxnImsqVyRxPZYtsXmeVczCLb6iApu32FXczEYIu8mcGoGOJO5H2bmtemzL1M7R11k4gbMZMSa3xIpO-hTyXlFlK3m25qubOajMsTzrbggs6mqzYCj/s400/953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Napier is apparently still milking Finding Nemo for all it's worth. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDZkOn51zJleQ7uR530w7NrJfdsd3iFjLgpVjsb4knao6XYpoPn9KaMUg6Zx8wtcUJjobNUC9KmLZ2ziHQt_IjrE0P-qb-IK8m9tY6aNI-xG2jyGoPGH7TgHSU35raAykhp4PjxLLUs9i/s1600/954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDZkOn51zJleQ7uR530w7NrJfdsd3iFjLgpVjsb4knao6XYpoPn9KaMUg6Zx8wtcUJjobNUC9KmLZ2ziHQt_IjrE0P-qb-IK8m9tY6aNI-xG2jyGoPGH7TgHSU35raAykhp4PjxLLUs9i/s400/954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At the end was the coolest part, a movable walkway that went through the shark tank. Imogen was a little nervous having that many fish around her, but pretty impressed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU_IpMLAksVddIeJUZnM5jjVotxyuaw6RKgor32Sgic22gp9lUoucbFUQ5g12mtzqBIWHOneyDsj_vQQO1gUiqdSx2D1DWoAN9vt7_kbWnjwX2niHPHjVRXO02D4fCl1WHP-PXnqY8Iwq/s1600/955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRU_IpMLAksVddIeJUZnM5jjVotxyuaw6RKgor32Sgic22gp9lUoucbFUQ5g12mtzqBIWHOneyDsj_vQQO1gUiqdSx2D1DWoAN9vt7_kbWnjwX2niHPHjVRXO02D4fCl1WHP-PXnqY8Iwq/s400/955.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In summary, Napier was a pretty cool little town, but we're very glad we got to see it during the Art Deco Festival. Got to see it at it's best, and we had a blast. This finished up our North Island tour, and the next day we would be flying to the South Island starting in Christchurch.Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-66762638854010305692013-07-20T21:20:00.000-07:002013-07-20T22:33:24.321-07:00Tongariro Alpine Crossing & TaupoThis was the day Greg and Olivia had really been looking forward to. About 30 minutes south of the lake city of Taupo is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It's a barren, volcanic place that was used as Mordor for the Lord of the Rings movies. Walking end to end is a 19.4 km (12 mile) trek, and it's considered to the best one-day trek in all of New Zealand. It is a serious hike. They aren't kidding about the "alpine" part of the name. You start at an elevation of 760 meters and finish at 1960 meters (2,490-6,430 feet). Let's do this!<br />
<br />
But first, a bit of history. The Tongariro National Park is one of the few places in the world to achieve dual World Heritage status. It was designated the title in 1887, for its outstanding natural features and the cultural importance that the peaks and rivers represent to local Maori. All 3 volcanoes in this area, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, have erupted in recent times. The last confirmed eruption of Tongariro was 1897 at the end of a sequence lasting at least 40 years. That is mind blowing.<br />
<br />
Now back to the hike. The first five kilometers were pretty easy- a nice, scenic hike through the valley. This wasn't seeming so bad, and we got a very pretty shot of a waterfall. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFNsaO0J2MS6b9MUYKDBs6FoFZumaBmfMeOsi74PUKVUOxLCXinyOHsFB5kCO_Zm4_MPXlrJ9ECm7xmOacCawcG5CsmMhYz1z8cXTHu1O6tV0IGvCKVbtMIXtHZR3PA3G7TUjgnCzxoBw/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFNsaO0J2MS6b9MUYKDBs6FoFZumaBmfMeOsi74PUKVUOxLCXinyOHsFB5kCO_Zm4_MPXlrJ9ECm7xmOacCawcG5CsmMhYz1z8cXTHu1O6tV0IGvCKVbtMIXtHZR3PA3G7TUjgnCzxoBw/s400/1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Huh, apparently they are pretty serious about this. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKplOliGcKUIy-19zmsmHLj5l5-abnJtLBsa6ZlwOqx2RsauOsuBVQepbKckR9sqUvkGE5NQWGIGivhc6RXCeW2qTofBUnb4t_HXsQ1YzeTSG0RyW8ag16caKI19HuvMPgNxiRIqjNEjc5/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKplOliGcKUIy-19zmsmHLj5l5-abnJtLBsa6ZlwOqx2RsauOsuBVQepbKckR9sqUvkGE5NQWGIGivhc6RXCeW2qTofBUnb4t_HXsQ1YzeTSG0RyW8ag16caKI19HuvMPgNxiRIqjNEjc5/s400/2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
About 8,000 steps and several hundred meters of elevation later we reached the top of the climb that brought us onto the central crater. We were more than a little tired, but pretty stoked. You may recognize the backdrop, as it recently headlined in a little movie trilogy playing the part of Mount Doom. It's real name is Mount Ngauruhoe. You can climb it, but it's recommended only the most experienced climbers do so. That's not us, so we contented ourselves with waving and posing for a lot of pictures. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco-Pd9erEHCHYIl7aBoYqNxEI04cyyN82BbAWzN4r3ur_ySQ1yo2_BpC7ca37nW533vhbaq5aA_u1r8ZUIE2BzfJDed6QGJQfKlCTvRMALaEZDwuti3Sc90waF-BxQWkA53BmBHP51_g2/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjco-Pd9erEHCHYIl7aBoYqNxEI04cyyN82BbAWzN4r3ur_ySQ1yo2_BpC7ca37nW533vhbaq5aA_u1r8ZUIE2BzfJDed6QGJQfKlCTvRMALaEZDwuti3Sc90waF-BxQWkA53BmBHP51_g2/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Pretty sure this is a joke. Not positive though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCc8sImwPArvYVPpa8fJFu6ENPIbM9kgzbSlfHVEeyREoY-CQ5HuGuBEjf3CtUex7GBqz86nS0ZsNmftrUuKUvMQM97tEB5g053pVqknb34xp9r9EB92QP0zjq7r5VTcIpjfTfNFn-E2K/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCc8sImwPArvYVPpa8fJFu6ENPIbM9kgzbSlfHVEeyREoY-CQ5HuGuBEjf3CtUex7GBqz86nS0ZsNmftrUuKUvMQM97tEB5g053pVqknb34xp9r9EB92QP0zjq7r5VTcIpjfTfNFn-E2K/s400/4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Man, they were not kidding about this being mountainous. Careful you don't lose your balance. If you do, you're going off a cliff. No protective measures here. This would never be allowed in the States. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg7qvrY3O1IZCAGkHxCPMSMauQpc41y7FMkA6CkGUylxlucn928pXgrdyngrcji8MZ1JPCk04squPPQHpzNGvdNnHAXK7F0EdORRcLDYiwOwRnEocC6QGq_WhtTzRHElF93WsLHf2-WS0/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg7qvrY3O1IZCAGkHxCPMSMauQpc41y7FMkA6CkGUylxlucn928pXgrdyngrcji8MZ1JPCk04squPPQHpzNGvdNnHAXK7F0EdORRcLDYiwOwRnEocC6QGq_WhtTzRHElF93WsLHf2-WS0/s400/5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Made it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq-SyMJUD19JhzLfywD2b9ehGeHkMX3zN3Bhyphenhyphen_7ozyyPv1ag0tnckkVZHUKVr4HfVRQ3_dQaS6MxzGDaizapER2eAdt6z3pX2nq8LANVorBRvplYp4sPldtmh6tYm9JxRoiD5nyEUbR8h/s1600/6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOq-SyMJUD19JhzLfywD2b9ehGeHkMX3zN3Bhyphenhyphen_7ozyyPv1ag0tnckkVZHUKVr4HfVRQ3_dQaS6MxzGDaizapER2eAdt6z3pX2nq8LANVorBRvplYp4sPldtmh6tYm9JxRoiD5nyEUbR8h/s400/6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The iron deposits were particularly prevalent here, creating some gorgeous, but stark, landscapes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEM4dS-pBGqrnIHoU_G6b1rlF8GfBAHWi6qM93wNWP5js81wqadu3Ft-FYQZzBLHkUchmbSwyCjdEphEST3wtlPZGCJ-qIeNxX-iH-dRIYWHGWnV97O7xmze_t8Xcj8Qk6HNx7QLDvSUi/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEM4dS-pBGqrnIHoU_G6b1rlF8GfBAHWi6qM93wNWP5js81wqadu3Ft-FYQZzBLHkUchmbSwyCjdEphEST3wtlPZGCJ-qIeNxX-iH-dRIYWHGWnV97O7xmze_t8Xcj8Qk6HNx7QLDvSUi/s400/7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
These are the Emerald Lakes, which are so bright due to the active chemical reactions and sulfur still being deposited in the water from volcanic activity. Getting in the water is not advised. Getting down to the lakes meant sliding down a very steep, very gravelly incline. You had to be very sure footed, and even then, we ended up on our butts a couple times. This is a great spot for lunch as the geothermic activity is so strong that a lot of heat rises up through the ground. This makes for a rather pleasant rest in the otherwise quite cold, alpine air. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_m9Dgffnt_DLG3lwu8pwtbD5MNoA1W-w2kX9nHZDLjEnLaYmyZDsBuaoi-pOigIM4fIVGux3-qdG6OqhlsJW5Tz6No3v8fhowG5ZVmYhPvpzZbL0eBIfwQq6ScIYlAbp4TY3COX5YLwO/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_m9Dgffnt_DLG3lwu8pwtbD5MNoA1W-w2kX9nHZDLjEnLaYmyZDsBuaoi-pOigIM4fIVGux3-qdG6OqhlsJW5Tz6No3v8fhowG5ZVmYhPvpzZbL0eBIfwQq6ScIYlAbp4TY3COX5YLwO/s400/10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, this was as far as we got. You see, about three months prior, the Te Maari crater (which is part of the Tongariro volcano) began smoking and, in one case, threw a few rocks and ash out, demolishing one of the shelter zones and nearly hitting some hikers passing by. When that happened, they closed down the back half of the hike. So, while it sucked we couldn't do the whole thing, having your hike terminated due to an active volcano is a pretty great reason. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVYXlK3E5i4xbA8g3M62eKJxiWKe2oyQR-ZieLrRZzL-cret7xm98Lc6apx0NIwZz1h5UXVRfOSG6IlV0KaBbOiGSUwUv8GPTXtR4qfcKtVr4JQJ5gVta8kQfiwd1FoFSCnK2WG2RgiSt/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVYXlK3E5i4xbA8g3M62eKJxiWKe2oyQR-ZieLrRZzL-cret7xm98Lc6apx0NIwZz1h5UXVRfOSG6IlV0KaBbOiGSUwUv8GPTXtR4qfcKtVr4JQJ5gVta8kQfiwd1FoFSCnK2WG2RgiSt/s400/11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On the way back, Greg opted to take a side trek to the peak of the red crater, a much less strenuous hike than Mount Doom. In this picture you can see the path we would have walked stretching from the Emerald Lakes to the Blue Lake in the distance. Some of the wispy clouds in the background is from the smoke coming off Te Maari. Yeah, that's pretty close. Let's not go over there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZKhSBHex_w8JtnlHFMrnUgx8z7CGwFxkfZsMj7KOAnUw25zGqBZSLGRQQ-9Xiad3s-KDqGuhQ7dzE-l9bJlyINKxPOUIZjZ-o7xn-xjZvIX5rdtEUNtghyphenhyphenzhDELQX4YPVw2WKtm5mdBP/s1600/12-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZKhSBHex_w8JtnlHFMrnUgx8z7CGwFxkfZsMj7KOAnUw25zGqBZSLGRQQ-9Xiad3s-KDqGuhQ7dzE-l9bJlyINKxPOUIZjZ-o7xn-xjZvIX5rdtEUNtghyphenhyphenzhDELQX4YPVw2WKtm5mdBP/s400/12-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Man, that is epic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElm0odnRiMgJghe1uK2N6l4zzVBn0BNBi7V1GEmCRDiuG5YIR6ur629igFVnnXDFFnUGVbryL7YOVJCgFAVX-d5fdXAEc42V0WglGaLx4Dk4NQPMeGlVU9UkF1m1vdFiF9TjAM_NmRhLP/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElm0odnRiMgJghe1uK2N6l4zzVBn0BNBi7V1GEmCRDiuG5YIR6ur629igFVnnXDFFnUGVbryL7YOVJCgFAVX-d5fdXAEc42V0WglGaLx4Dk4NQPMeGlVU9UkF1m1vdFiF9TjAM_NmRhLP/s400/12.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Summited a mountain! What did you do today? Also, notice Greg's crazy swollen hands from the elevation change. Definitely didn't notice that until we looked at this picture later in the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LhFgFsdXzoVhkmfBJLHe6UcdW1mI6Em_O60RD0yzxkah5SQy6vr-c9RBsnOKM1OJmPPJchvLTn7kVqTBad_Gv-b_u7eCJ1CHHfu-XmV4M3-xg1kKhLU-GdBb0SWENNRQ2Z0ljexpwSb9/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1LhFgFsdXzoVhkmfBJLHe6UcdW1mI6Em_O60RD0yzxkah5SQy6vr-c9RBsnOKM1OJmPPJchvLTn7kVqTBad_Gv-b_u7eCJ1CHHfu-XmV4M3-xg1kKhLU-GdBb0SWENNRQ2Z0ljexpwSb9/s400/13.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As we hiked back down, towards the beginning of the trip there was a short turn off to go see a waterfall. We got about halfway and decided we were too exhausted to keep going. Falling water, whatever, we had seen that before. One cool thing though, and this made for Olivia's favorite picture of the whole trip, was how the iron deposits in the mountain made for a beautiful, flowing red mud stream. After this we collapsed back in the tour bus waiting to give us a ride back to the hotel and took a well earned nap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EMCJbess-J9eh0W1vvxHpzb68rhrDtHZ-q3pmTlwVaFroyOthMOmXY5R5rZoSB5FL-aBWTUdA8e1ZoeVyXI_afxqzaB8OAOqvdKSQyc2hAaoAeUMaNL4rkNb2LXJc6ZnfAsZDyIfBWsm/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EMCJbess-J9eh0W1vvxHpzb68rhrDtHZ-q3pmTlwVaFroyOthMOmXY5R5rZoSB5FL-aBWTUdA8e1ZoeVyXI_afxqzaB8OAOqvdKSQyc2hAaoAeUMaNL4rkNb2LXJc6ZnfAsZDyIfBWsm/s400/14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, Laurel and Imogen explored Taupo. Fun fact- alpine crossings are not baby friendly. Laurel had a really solid plan. Every Saturday, Taupo had a craft fair like the Bus Depot Markets in Canberra, and lo and behold, it was Saturday. After fighting through a surprising amount of traffic to get a parking spot, and getting all of the baby stuff out, Laurel discovered that the craft fair had been cancelled... in favor of a Pat Benatar concert. How random! This also explained why we had such a hard time finding a hotel room. Curse you Benatar!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgz1FXCi8WhK4iUhwzgem4pMe9sccG2sLNy_SNI5RsfKFBD0EyWAwxGjZYeOXK6wlrzHZu__eHON26xCfcjCNfuffUGXhl-I8zKaZe1dIzWFgDk4b8Q0GhGpM23xbXRjuMgUcG_i1Hnot/s1600/16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgz1FXCi8WhK4iUhwzgem4pMe9sccG2sLNy_SNI5RsfKFBD0EyWAwxGjZYeOXK6wlrzHZu__eHON26xCfcjCNfuffUGXhl-I8zKaZe1dIzWFgDk4b8Q0GhGpM23xbXRjuMgUcG_i1Hnot/s400/16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel made do though, and went for a walk around the lake, coming across this pretty epic littering sign. Taupo does not mess around with litterbugs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL9Xx9YheYAl-LUrUEXvQ6hUjis3uoK9i6xUVNMyfy_xw6rrhU76cqfEznfkD3wsWdPMCHL9KJGYUxTxzusOMjK0nq9D-ExrHscu8UtInDSTwy04GMdVE8xa2jIF8NlW05mdXToBBnXLn/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL9Xx9YheYAl-LUrUEXvQ6hUjis3uoK9i6xUVNMyfy_xw6rrhU76cqfEznfkD3wsWdPMCHL9KJGYUxTxzusOMjK0nq9D-ExrHscu8UtInDSTwy04GMdVE8xa2jIF8NlW05mdXToBBnXLn/s400/17.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Taupo is kind of a big resort town built around a giant, inland lake. It is really pretty, but since it's a vacation spot, it was easily the most expensive place we went to in New Zealand. Stay for a couple days, take in the beauty, and then move on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hxNi2-XJtRrQTdfnW-XjbC0C6xSp4gy-shSNmIVn2IUn9uK13uAd8QsOi5N61u3zmeWBlCpRwqH93RuCj1gwdXNLX05mLQXZ3JFh8kq6esJO8gjLCNQSm2M3I-MFuXuffHiq36ZlaGXR/s1600/18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hxNi2-XJtRrQTdfnW-XjbC0C6xSp4gy-shSNmIVn2IUn9uK13uAd8QsOi5N61u3zmeWBlCpRwqH93RuCj1gwdXNLX05mLQXZ3JFh8kq6esJO8gjLCNQSm2M3I-MFuXuffHiq36ZlaGXR/s400/18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel moved on back to the hotel pool for a relaxing swim.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7m7n8HlLVRwCeCTmD1H7e1Zhiejwh-lxkP_hyphenhyphenXSmyEa-l4YmK_sU5JipZtKVmv4ti9a5wlRyYBXxIYEz7Ka176fstO_SaqUEkkdRot87oCrtxBwPBtiIcOMWW5WYTC46A5ET5EwYkARq/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7m7n8HlLVRwCeCTmD1H7e1Zhiejwh-lxkP_hyphenhyphenXSmyEa-l4YmK_sU5JipZtKVmv4ti9a5wlRyYBXxIYEz7Ka176fstO_SaqUEkkdRot87oCrtxBwPBtiIcOMWW5WYTC46A5ET5EwYkARq/s400/15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I like this water way better than that chilly Indian Ocean, Mom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcXp9pjOGhDoWMhvszYGo_qUJnvHAe05S7Mojvt0R3IYIpV4C7lYYICYYq70stUj1l8McMLX4WfBKl6hnw-JK8s3lOGwhHSj1lI-3VKY6MTxmevaEw2B1OWSEMy1mS44Cbm8VjASHle6f/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcXp9pjOGhDoWMhvszYGo_qUJnvHAe05S7Mojvt0R3IYIpV4C7lYYICYYq70stUj1l8McMLX4WfBKl6hnw-JK8s3lOGwhHSj1lI-3VKY6MTxmevaEw2B1OWSEMy1mS44Cbm8VjASHle6f/s400/19.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel and Immy had a great time at the pool! She had the best time splashing around and making friends with the other kids. And the other kids had fun playing with our underwater camera. It was way more fun than hiking a mountain. What crazy person wants to do that??<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8nyy8VPCfFNmAMEBg-BccYqm7DSLpq15HudqNJjJJOw3uiN7vNj0pg1sX37v5_k8GnOky6Ck7UQiC93k1XDUCK1UXwS6gVBFEI3cKduSI6rfHbdnHTX-pmHdy_lZm6aONwuzKhV-i-VZ/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8nyy8VPCfFNmAMEBg-BccYqm7DSLpq15HudqNJjJJOw3uiN7vNj0pg1sX37v5_k8GnOky6Ck7UQiC93k1XDUCK1UXwS6gVBFEI3cKduSI6rfHbdnHTX-pmHdy_lZm6aONwuzKhV-i-VZ/s400/20.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-6797177463514236282013-07-14T04:14:00.000-07:002013-07-14T04:14:35.762-07:00Zorbs, Lions, and Waterfalls- oh my!Our second, and last, day in Rotorua we spent driving around trying to do as many things as possible. The first was for Greg and Olivia to go zorbing. Rotorua is actually where it was invented. Haven't heard of it? Zorb is a giant, clear plastic ball, that you crawl inside of, and are either strapped in or they pour water inside so you slide all over the place on a little floaty seat. Then they push you down a hill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjURMHxH1G2KEDWmTRnDwYee6nxLUXu8S5JSGYtRXzwwXAsYUnCgz3UXYrp5SyvBBB6OVTYEoD2Gzy0HKWxEGEdWL1MrrMpFnmPleO9a5CAktG8siIUV0pdWclxhypT-ZfkO4YTvSyASRH/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjURMHxH1G2KEDWmTRnDwYee6nxLUXu8S5JSGYtRXzwwXAsYUnCgz3UXYrp5SyvBBB6OVTYEoD2Gzy0HKWxEGEdWL1MrrMpFnmPleO9a5CAktG8siIUV0pdWclxhypT-ZfkO4YTvSyASRH/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say, we were excited. We did the water version so we are wearing bathing suits. Just fyi, in case you were concerned Olivia was just wandering around with pants. That crazy girl!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTq2F06op-TFWgf7XWawo0I5AtysHqb9Hor3J8RpqnIZKaMqZH8iDgeKTapfM8e3wB0xMEnDWPdMiF-63gqh-a8NW5XdigGjLrTeXSrZ2AuGKZkhFgM5po_CizznOOuGCvzCIF-cq0mpt/s1600/215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTq2F06op-TFWgf7XWawo0I5AtysHqb9Hor3J8RpqnIZKaMqZH8iDgeKTapfM8e3wB0xMEnDWPdMiF-63gqh-a8NW5XdigGjLrTeXSrZ2AuGKZkhFgM5po_CizznOOuGCvzCIF-cq0mpt/s400/215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia went first. They had three courses you could choose: straight down the hill, a longer flatter hill, or an extra curvy, winding way down the hill. We both chose the latter- maximum bounce-age!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9alNlci5ObzAyr0g8nQWo_XteoToAwOrU4dIWFMWi8D0gisK03AOQjCjGgOv3aJFfUPb5S7W_apWhEFLjhBi1EXju2bSx07HtCeV75N9EoPMsxnTUnglammmrydrYz_XIPHus9nynHrJ8/s1600/219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9alNlci5ObzAyr0g8nQWo_XteoToAwOrU4dIWFMWi8D0gisK03AOQjCjGgOv3aJFfUPb5S7W_apWhEFLjhBi1EXju2bSx07HtCeV75N9EoPMsxnTUnglammmrydrYz_XIPHus9nynHrJ8/s400/219.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia coming in a for a landing. The water makes it a smooth ride and you slip and slide all over the zorb. It's a ton of fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKISLQQyh8qWJQyCLWbOOHIDFE028O7CF5szn3MwQLxt0YSaUzvTgGauW4pGfRHOomNsuSG6eWB5mrO_IFlMxKIh5ZJP9E7uLPxNzoXGP2_XJu7KzKjwhyc7FgE_tKskANkGykk71gWLm0/s1600/221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKISLQQyh8qWJQyCLWbOOHIDFE028O7CF5szn3MwQLxt0YSaUzvTgGauW4pGfRHOomNsuSG6eWB5mrO_IFlMxKIh5ZJP9E7uLPxNzoXGP2_XJu7KzKjwhyc7FgE_tKskANkGykk71gWLm0/s400/221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After finishing her run, Olivia is birthed out of her zorb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj5T1JMbBTfePHqN2ppcwBnElSePw23BNFH9odeKlFvOCKZUwdpoj6tfCKwkEHbEY0l9BuwA-qjJ7-mGLywT5RTar9F9NkkGTlyV6CEdFxAsByV-n0ETci_m2mkqMvKx0piX94Atfmjaz/s1600/226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj5T1JMbBTfePHqN2ppcwBnElSePw23BNFH9odeKlFvOCKZUwdpoj6tfCKwkEHbEY0l9BuwA-qjJ7-mGLywT5RTar9F9NkkGTlyV6CEdFxAsByV-n0ETci_m2mkqMvKx0piX94Atfmjaz/s400/226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now you may have heard about zorbing because it made international headlines when two men in Russia died while zorbing. Well, what happened was that Russia doesn't really have safety guidelines and their zorbing track was literally right next to a cliff. It bounced wrong, and that was that. The first thing we did was check for any nearby cliffs. Check. Nothing but fields full of sheep. Greg managed to get back on his feet towards the end of his zorb run. He's awesome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-3K7H5DhFp9K_uZvOhV42O6E4YLRz53dgTkyjwp4Ahg6K0bgrZeRWC7V2-GPw-I8PVw-FL4ic5NU05hlL_WDaalc1NpZ_uG6Fln3xFuQTX6uRnkfsdZun813yu8d2fuKq67Kn1KM-aGr/s1600/232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-3K7H5DhFp9K_uZvOhV42O6E4YLRz53dgTkyjwp4Ahg6K0bgrZeRWC7V2-GPw-I8PVw-FL4ic5NU05hlL_WDaalc1NpZ_uG6Fln3xFuQTX6uRnkfsdZun813yu8d2fuKq67Kn1KM-aGr/s400/232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On our way out, we saw this sign for the Agrodome a "world famous" sheep show. Tempting, but after much deliberation, we decided to pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8OhG6GqNNhwxPZg-p7MoXbeHicbJKz0_D5ZckvId6berMkGgFS_sPDm9qIjk_af9jQeeXyFBk8H2eGdXR7BqyuVhZuwGOGO2J9PL-Xr7JZksE4W2zyGDrELJHSHZ6KSYXidmKuX2_tUT/s1600/237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8OhG6GqNNhwxPZg-p7MoXbeHicbJKz0_D5ZckvId6berMkGgFS_sPDm9qIjk_af9jQeeXyFBk8H2eGdXR7BqyuVhZuwGOGO2J9PL-Xr7JZksE4W2zyGDrELJHSHZ6KSYXidmKuX2_tUT/s400/237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The North Island apparently decided awhile back that the best way to promote road safety was to make highway signs with funny little owls. Here's one of them. Cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfOJ5e6wFZfA6c1lfIkQkpeBMPZINfgndi9zjwhwzTcMJ2w37CLdCB4SOINUAZ7ta-65nqTs9lMw2-6PNw3O-xusxGiQ2M5_3v3x3wemOqglmbsoBGEqZjSG9-NopKDNDP0j_tV_peotg/s1600/238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfOJ5e6wFZfA6c1lfIkQkpeBMPZINfgndi9zjwhwzTcMJ2w37CLdCB4SOINUAZ7ta-65nqTs9lMw2-6PNw3O-xusxGiQ2M5_3v3x3wemOqglmbsoBGEqZjSG9-NopKDNDP0j_tV_peotg/s400/238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As we were driving we saw this sign for a "discount" on gas. Ha! That's $2.28 a liter, almost 75 cents more than in Canberra. You can keep your discount Rotorua.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV32eBIZQuQLw9FZddqHGVbt-tmoNOFU_YYW4PNsn-z_YHk93Lq-LhW5Wf5u9Tdg6uIMJ_9LAuqv1PCL2hz6Zrv29_7NNdKNMjjgYKhx_kCjoOt3bXZuT6iEGzmIcLq37vHanKV8-h0sP/s1600/239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV32eBIZQuQLw9FZddqHGVbt-tmoNOFU_YYW4PNsn-z_YHk93Lq-LhW5Wf5u9Tdg6uIMJ_9LAuqv1PCL2hz6Zrv29_7NNdKNMjjgYKhx_kCjoOt3bXZuT6iEGzmIcLq37vHanKV8-h0sP/s400/239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now this takes a little explanation. We were about to leave for Taupo when we saw a sign for a local wildlife park that featured a petting zoo with lion cubs. Laurel and Olivia freaked out and we detoured there immediately. The rule is that you can pet lion cubs until they are one year old, and then it becomes too dangerous and they move the cubs to the adult enclosure and replace them with new baby cubs. These were 50 weeks, 1 week away from the move to adult lion world. Upon entering we asked if it was all right to bring Immy over. The attendant said, "Yes, no problem they're quite docile." Forgetting Kiwi and Australian easy going natures we accepted this at face value. That was a mistake.<br />
<br />
Immediately, after the below picture was taken, the lion looked back, locked eyes on Immy, stood up and took a big swipe at the cage towards our direction. Fortunately Greg had already back pedaled halfway across the petting zoo. The attendant seeing this said, "Oh yeah, his natural instincts are kicking in. Now that he's noticed your baby you should probably stay away. Maybe take her over to the other lion who hasn't smelled her yet." Um, no. Greg and Immy immediately left the lion cub area while Olivia and Laurel stuck around for a few more pictures. Parenting fail.<br />
<br />
So there you go Immy, that's the story of how we almost fed you to a lion when you were four months old. Sorry about that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEsFwywEk1pkP1KNHcNBrTYg5mdfAwRixp2hJUqyzga3OmqpDWa4OKgFVgDILpasPZvE6_jJQlRbTKAamUo9pHi0JHsEcrBYYSJYo7Oa8tSjm9Nxr3WEBl4Ai87yogXnCtJ-moUsA4Clx/s1600/246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEsFwywEk1pkP1KNHcNBrTYg5mdfAwRixp2hJUqyzga3OmqpDWa4OKgFVgDILpasPZvE6_jJQlRbTKAamUo9pHi0JHsEcrBYYSJYo7Oa8tSjm9Nxr3WEBl4Ai87yogXnCtJ-moUsA4Clx/s400/246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel and the lion take a moment to size each other up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWY8WQ0txd5JNSWDa6iCrUjGIlA_o0j4vRoQv-J1aaJHXlyFuVCIsVK6hA4SqfvHtxRVsXEhxWA5X21GPClUzfExcA0MWCIzeOVia8mkIcPlyMfotWoRwqr5qxiaR7qmkRqGsUaHJ6qBt/s1600/251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWY8WQ0txd5JNSWDa6iCrUjGIlA_o0j4vRoQv-J1aaJHXlyFuVCIsVK6hA4SqfvHtxRVsXEhxWA5X21GPClUzfExcA0MWCIzeOVia8mkIcPlyMfotWoRwqr5qxiaR7qmkRqGsUaHJ6qBt/s400/251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yeah, that spot feels pretty good ladies. Scratch right there. Thanks, I'm going to drift off to sleep now, with a happy lion smile.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cfkj4IrRdJ4EQpt3En_GfHZyvjxw5gc_g1JxbkPTaaszPFbVTx80-J1oPGPwvZ7HjbIdCEGXbxISqz0QXkfoDebH9zpDlScAkvo45hCGEYOxU1UO-HN7WqRRWONGfUcqSQ21lk7t0K13/s1600/340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cfkj4IrRdJ4EQpt3En_GfHZyvjxw5gc_g1JxbkPTaaszPFbVTx80-J1oPGPwvZ7HjbIdCEGXbxISqz0QXkfoDebH9zpDlScAkvo45hCGEYOxU1UO-HN7WqRRWONGfUcqSQ21lk7t0K13/s400/340.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We figured after petting the lions we might as well check out the rest of the park. Olivia stopped for a quick nap in this animal bed in a cottage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksHolOJZRSOkD79O1bk-5Ka8zbkGxoXZMqSI3misfFI_lTDRLweEOdZVOK91JL_NLh1ZoJghdu1Nkm14jTlojmBhkH2M80jXu4q-DQY-4zxrFBaBadk7mFBSxataenDuEVSJgVFAVtkSK/s1600/257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksHolOJZRSOkD79O1bk-5Ka8zbkGxoXZMqSI3misfFI_lTDRLweEOdZVOK91JL_NLh1ZoJghdu1Nkm14jTlojmBhkH2M80jXu4q-DQY-4zxrFBaBadk7mFBSxataenDuEVSJgVFAVtkSK/s400/257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a kea. The world's only alpine parrot. They are incredibly smart, and everyone we met told them that the worst thing you can do is to offer food to one. This isn't because they get dependent on you, it's because if they are fed they don't have to expend all their energy on hunting. Instead, they have free time and can use it to get into trouble. They are incredibly mischievous birds, and like to make off with unguarded objects- sunnies, shoes, passports. They've even been known to pry off the rubber bits on cars. Very destructive birds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6RKzMY7HKvGs901Nc1xfyoD9Tcpv9eyacE81JPq2UnUhsLZvKwip0RiOXKiXEf9ezX65Rze1F5v6PanIPfvouCv6OmOuBZ8-XuvJyOAUnz3HZhDsfgKwT92dw6ZcwJka1r6rhuvSw_Y_/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6RKzMY7HKvGs901Nc1xfyoD9Tcpv9eyacE81JPq2UnUhsLZvKwip0RiOXKiXEf9ezX65Rze1F5v6PanIPfvouCv6OmOuBZ8-XuvJyOAUnz3HZhDsfgKwT92dw6ZcwJka1r6rhuvSw_Y_/s400/259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia feeding a deer. He was in the middle of molting his antlers, so he had these raggedy, withered things hanging off his head. Not cute deer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGoZxu2-kQEPHhu0LfasqxfrSu9y8pT5vBR4lg7N8aybNVjZafnT7SJt32P4oyLEI7mATMDXhpsaWsDeDsSecJi1V52eFIi4wTFe7IzEWtsFGas07sSQU-dhZx8dyIOJkWzQ7_qW67c76/s1600/271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGoZxu2-kQEPHhu0LfasqxfrSu9y8pT5vBR4lg7N8aybNVjZafnT7SJt32P4oyLEI7mATMDXhpsaWsDeDsSecJi1V52eFIi4wTFe7IzEWtsFGas07sSQU-dhZx8dyIOJkWzQ7_qW67c76/s400/271.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The wildlife park is built around a river and a trout breeding area. The fish are free to leave anytime, but a lot stick around because it's their home anyway. Imogen getting a front row seat for some underwater viewing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dsY7u0Yn_z7iqLWeoPZvTnE_KEN54_bMkZEhroEGybLODuv22d0o9ktd0QPqN9bM1-zAs2cPbClzYhRlJa8mcfCjmzUyzsbTGRsoFX9XnpAsrTVE-CJdE6oO1DTNmpz5lSPRL0VxnHfR/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dsY7u0Yn_z7iqLWeoPZvTnE_KEN54_bMkZEhroEGybLODuv22d0o9ktd0QPqN9bM1-zAs2cPbClzYhRlJa8mcfCjmzUyzsbTGRsoFX9XnpAsrTVE-CJdE6oO1DTNmpz5lSPRL0VxnHfR/s400/294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Imogen loved the wallabies, she thought they were just the funniest things ever. We had never heard her laugh like that. It was super adorable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYkcd8Inxm8dj6LoLr09B2L8v8tciBweh-VPBNd877aXUEJd3L1U78tVkPYjOgdozSn7s7dkTf9lfm1VeBgZJF9zcIaxxHv0ZzqbrUFwrxjw2erWBJvWV-wmk4OqJu5-jJ_YcKUKuFb6l/s1600/306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYkcd8Inxm8dj6LoLr09B2L8v8tciBweh-VPBNd877aXUEJd3L1U78tVkPYjOgdozSn7s7dkTf9lfm1VeBgZJF9zcIaxxHv0ZzqbrUFwrxjw2erWBJvWV-wmk4OqJu5-jJ_YcKUKuFb6l/s400/306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When it was Olivia's turn to feed the wallabies they were all full and hopped away. The duck stayed though. Poor Olivia.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77z_jmlh6kyG2ce37YWwm-5pGeblwVCZxHv0m8_Lwo6Nb7-B1jmiN_5TxjheEsOCTTGv_vDUYdFZlRoSMwjOh5UbOj52XrigxRhycs9sv_GaiL2lMFZlRbeqeElaEcSsAghyphenhyphenCT6-MeNqa/s1600/319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77z_jmlh6kyG2ce37YWwm-5pGeblwVCZxHv0m8_Lwo6Nb7-B1jmiN_5TxjheEsOCTTGv_vDUYdFZlRoSMwjOh5UbOj52XrigxRhycs9sv_GaiL2lMFZlRbeqeElaEcSsAghyphenhyphenCT6-MeNqa/s400/319.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
A separate part of the zoo holds the adult lions. The male had found a nice cave to catch a nap in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbFnD9kh4Bs2eMCWE6lB3_tQ9StLQa-bXBs2FFAO8DDlQamYpI8Tse2Ru-EN_TNx2-I-JwA8vT37KAbt3jjPUw6olGR2bkgNlFsgZgcXRUcxfRFmd1Mx8dmpWZfBRNeYrVdrnWAannVg-/s1600/334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbFnD9kh4Bs2eMCWE6lB3_tQ9StLQa-bXBs2FFAO8DDlQamYpI8Tse2Ru-EN_TNx2-I-JwA8vT37KAbt3jjPUw6olGR2bkgNlFsgZgcXRUcxfRFmd1Mx8dmpWZfBRNeYrVdrnWAannVg-/s400/334.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cfkj4IrRdJ4EQpt3En_GfHZyvjxw5gc_g1JxbkPTaaszPFbVTx80-J1oPGPwvZ7HjbIdCEGXbxISqz0QXkfoDebH9zpDlScAkvo45hCGEYOxU1UO-HN7WqRRWONGfUcqSQ21lk7t0K13/s1600/340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
After departing the wildlife park we drove to Taupo making a brief stop to check out Huka Falls for some photo opportunities.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Vyr8QDBsZuOFkcMSz1Js5lPPECQi5zWSC9T2R9_n4vUGQJ9pB6UnKxdhJW6JJmO9Pq7Gl_p7-577zCV4jASQS-nE4vGYLVCqfStcwp3aVt7ZMtDMrGfIdLx0ZBIhLjRcLrbZzOcAvpD/s1600/344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Vyr8QDBsZuOFkcMSz1Js5lPPECQi5zWSC9T2R9_n4vUGQJ9pB6UnKxdhJW6JJmO9Pq7Gl_p7-577zCV4jASQS-nE4vGYLVCqfStcwp3aVt7ZMtDMrGfIdLx0ZBIhLjRcLrbZzOcAvpD/s400/344.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuz_A984sZya2mvvn-U-wm0ZVW9Irtcvd6MUvo0TfOFiwWSsm44yIME7zaLtIRhbZpaAmMJaj1rK109v01Wbx3qjibzAlrE4W9KeQwYKKFzbvZa3vnz6WlW0cIiqrqagaEHj-oqydWaKr/s1600/345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuz_A984sZya2mvvn-U-wm0ZVW9Irtcvd6MUvo0TfOFiwWSsm44yIME7zaLtIRhbZpaAmMJaj1rK109v01Wbx3qjibzAlrE4W9KeQwYKKFzbvZa3vnz6WlW0cIiqrqagaEHj-oqydWaKr/s400/345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The drop isn't exceptionally high, but the squeeze between the rocks is pretty tight, forcing the water to move at a very high velocity. It was spectacular in a completely different way than other waterfalls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LKOH6NND6dIiUF4c1TG1oIb7eUp3zi0MZpH3o33gtMHKwkyoruw697P2KoiHdac3PAIgfGU_yU_Jy0ioP0oktgAlnDJRNWfsC3RTRxPLhKGLgHqu0wQPxVZZd7lW3dKFGb33wyR3Xaea/s1600/347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LKOH6NND6dIiUF4c1TG1oIb7eUp3zi0MZpH3o33gtMHKwkyoruw697P2KoiHdac3PAIgfGU_yU_Jy0ioP0oktgAlnDJRNWfsC3RTRxPLhKGLgHqu0wQPxVZZd7lW3dKFGb33wyR3Xaea/s400/347.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day was going to be a big one. Olivia and Greg were setting off on their all day hike through Tongariro Crossing, the home of Mount Doom. Stay tuned.Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-29886354495617039302013-07-14T03:22:00.000-07:002013-07-14T03:22:02.773-07:00Waimangu Volcanic ValleyOur next day was a pretty big one, and one of our favorite excursions of the whole trip. Rotorua lies in the middle of the north island, just off of Lake Rotorua. It sits on top of a pretty active sulfur deposit, which makes for amazing hot springs and landscapes but has the unfortunate side effect of making the whole area smell like rotting eggs. You get used to it after awhile, not as big of a deal as it sounds. To really get an idea of the amazingness we drove just outside of town to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and went on a two hour hike. Check out this steaming lake!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcJO5iUdtujvqJwJb7m5YpH7BGCR4Jj5cu9xf3b_FQruigbtLUjVR2lu3eae9dSfp7LelVqa6okn0XySvm1WQFAxuIHslDVN_l270MbgDlOdLUC7-hcoNjb7Dzt5r_PPPwufu_PJBuPoy/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcJO5iUdtujvqJwJb7m5YpH7BGCR4Jj5cu9xf3b_FQruigbtLUjVR2lu3eae9dSfp7LelVqa6okn0XySvm1WQFAxuIHslDVN_l270MbgDlOdLUC7-hcoNjb7Dzt5r_PPPwufu_PJBuPoy/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our drive there was really interesting as well. Fascinating landscapes. Thick forests of evergreen trees changed abruptly to dry, grassy hills and then again to lush rainforests. The grassy hills had a stepped look to them in that they reminded us of thin cake tiers stacked all the way up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0e8BTnVMG5FJ1VHR3KNPw46F4u1Lq-ktxVV-0wyBSS560PRD9oW103DuSNUqzAXbt0kU1Dnzcs_3N08O57Ty6jKd3lZs0hOb_ZzXKeYr8EvOb9J5WgASqOk1zFJxRKu2izuxlXcbua5f/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0e8BTnVMG5FJ1VHR3KNPw46F4u1Lq-ktxVV-0wyBSS560PRD9oW103DuSNUqzAXbt0kU1Dnzcs_3N08O57Ty6jKd3lZs0hOb_ZzXKeYr8EvOb9J5WgASqOk1zFJxRKu2izuxlXcbua5f/s400/081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia was pretty stoked to start the hike, and she got some flexing and stretching in with a tiki carving. Let's do this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mq24BLwcA3O3ZseqUk6NECRu9I8qaooniXkOG-6N5YeixODBFucPgZM1YkdEwxsnjjuuQXMWIGaoMg4fazPZoGJ-aNoaWwwO4ArGc9YQia3MLCrMrsj4wIjFfCQf83Ygwrnj0b5tAJ-M/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mq24BLwcA3O3ZseqUk6NECRu9I8qaooniXkOG-6N5YeixODBFucPgZM1YkdEwxsnjjuuQXMWIGaoMg4fazPZoGJ-aNoaWwwO4ArGc9YQia3MLCrMrsj4wIjFfCQf83Ygwrnj0b5tAJ-M/s400/086.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Volcanic Valley trip started with a 2 hour hike down through the valley. The Volcanic Valley was incredible! There were geysers everywhere, boiling hot springs with steam that rose up through the rocks, vibrant sapphire rivers and waterfalls, and stunning rock formations all along our hike through the rainforest. The next few pictures all speak for themselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qf2vlA8W0aGsU_tzfFjC8kgZcrmL-1CMGCx4TtZjKUPA58c6CJ7Gemj6gYjfHpmxaedre3-icWqwfcQl7eK1SpodEVWMyycx9E-nFjerBUUyJsK4DodE-_cc_fjlIpGpUgqDy_0d5siV/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Qf2vlA8W0aGsU_tzfFjC8kgZcrmL-1CMGCx4TtZjKUPA58c6CJ7Gemj6gYjfHpmxaedre3-icWqwfcQl7eK1SpodEVWMyycx9E-nFjerBUUyJsK4DodE-_cc_fjlIpGpUgqDy_0d5siV/s400/096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtQuQFaZ2vt6_Puz80rPLqWtDfB4RpS7vHCEAgccdhzrmbLqcnbhfgGhiorseZpP2aEhMdsCAZskolF2cU1_AU6ONhYae4sxA9ZINn6BZv3HV2PryVQ88fJBYfbyni9grVz4a4g7TPrkw/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtQuQFaZ2vt6_Puz80rPLqWtDfB4RpS7vHCEAgccdhzrmbLqcnbhfgGhiorseZpP2aEhMdsCAZskolF2cU1_AU6ONhYae4sxA9ZINn6BZv3HV2PryVQ88fJBYfbyni9grVz4a4g7TPrkw/s400/099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-20kTT6Zo83rCDVLdckAsRU-sBdMYcpbD_8aCQVwEDyPvFPCOvR36vRBCfbDesowYNHQ8C1TLRHE2d25g7UESrChJ6f8MKYzaQqW6118PujTPq04cAJBxRlpEVMl_U6Q6-0wFtzdOcsR/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-20kTT6Zo83rCDVLdckAsRU-sBdMYcpbD_8aCQVwEDyPvFPCOvR36vRBCfbDesowYNHQ8C1TLRHE2d25g7UESrChJ6f8MKYzaQqW6118PujTPq04cAJBxRlpEVMl_U6Q6-0wFtzdOcsR/s400/106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We got super lucky here. This is Emerald Lake, which is seperated from the rest of the valley. We had to take a small side hike up some stairs to see this. Apparently, the chemical balance of the water is really delicate, and because of all the thermal activity, it's only ever bright emerald likes this a couple months out of the year, and it's not consistant at all. Most people just see a dull lake instead of this incredible spot of color.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp3xUGuMdRYvuj9GCaHIv_R3KAh8_ITM9bxgZ0nmiuhXCL3o9XLFaAiwtb2oj0MFZ7m07ihjv_uws9dbxLbMQqBP6O-LfNyCEtvnx0ahLX2XJBASkZMuyxhceMyd8OVCbLAsPzuIxby2X/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXp3xUGuMdRYvuj9GCaHIv_R3KAh8_ITM9bxgZ0nmiuhXCL3o9XLFaAiwtb2oj0MFZ7m07ihjv_uws9dbxLbMQqBP6O-LfNyCEtvnx0ahLX2XJBASkZMuyxhceMyd8OVCbLAsPzuIxby2X/s400/109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Wai is Maori for water, and mangu is Maori for black, so the literal name for this area is Black Water. Even though this next photo looks photoshopped, the landscape actually was this vivid. Spectacular!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4teXZjMIaJoPWwuK6Hhy1JYK2_uDwxBS0b-T9icoUsQ9iDVESAT7Xl3FAW9xiORGpqyGmchdku192oXK046vpJGDWRrX2rjY9OKaXu5lftss5ICJaYesKs6jcWOxxiH93pbklqZuTMLW/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4teXZjMIaJoPWwuK6Hhy1JYK2_uDwxBS0b-T9icoUsQ9iDVESAT7Xl3FAW9xiORGpqyGmchdku192oXK046vpJGDWRrX2rjY9OKaXu5lftss5ICJaYesKs6jcWOxxiH93pbklqZuTMLW/s400/114.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Upon arrival, we asked if the hike was fine to bring a stroller on. The lady at the front desk said, "Yeah no problem, there is just one section with a couple of stairs." Oh, New Zealand. Couple of stairs means about three flights of stairs down. Fortunately, there were three of us to carry the thing down it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ef0ssgeH7MR3_6alRgeQNg0DuXvVJrILQdcLk06vb8ZLl16zed7xR_RgY1d-q4A89dIienjvv0sXZ57dnaLtZtDDu1bA4_tke9r8SX38_64MyPbc-BmwnBRheuu8LAeuL_P_ieVHR5NA/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ef0ssgeH7MR3_6alRgeQNg0DuXvVJrILQdcLk06vb8ZLl16zed7xR_RgY1d-q4A89dIienjvv0sXZ57dnaLtZtDDu1bA4_tke9r8SX38_64MyPbc-BmwnBRheuu8LAeuL_P_ieVHR5NA/s400/119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Immy woke up right around then, so we took her out to check everything out. Until 1886, Rotorua was famed for the Pink and White Terraces, which were advertised as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Unfortunately, they were completely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera, which also created the whole Waimangu Valley. The eruption was so strong that ash was seen as far south as Christchurch, and in Auckland, people thought the noise and the flashes in the sky was an attack by Russian Warships.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6WyCkD_zbwA_LS3pk3ZpDjbu2MU8DJ8TVenIqojdYd3Hgy-ANmp2isoFADbf8EZ0ugj7KsMjSomMmxQcojn6g8z5S6IVniSj-bBt9_hr_R3E2QAas_ieSfZQub_GyEVbXJSt2HHL6PNE/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6WyCkD_zbwA_LS3pk3ZpDjbu2MU8DJ8TVenIqojdYd3Hgy-ANmp2isoFADbf8EZ0ugj7KsMjSomMmxQcojn6g8z5S6IVniSj-bBt9_hr_R3E2QAas_ieSfZQub_GyEVbXJSt2HHL6PNE/s400/124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Immy going for a ride with Aunt Olivia. Being all adorable, as always.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37yNzVd8Eybnr17FHEyUVNPmC8vKHbgzI5B70IQz28ghugRm2reWsfVQP5lq13dlWmPJZxSf7Qw6N9WaEzNDqMIWNkXaj_HM35Uq2RNyMUfYhyphenhyphens_ovg7T1BtK_l1aYub6AICsoudCPQ5v/s1600/125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37yNzVd8Eybnr17FHEyUVNPmC8vKHbgzI5B70IQz28ghugRm2reWsfVQP5lq13dlWmPJZxSf7Qw6N9WaEzNDqMIWNkXaj_HM35Uq2RNyMUfYhyphenhyphens_ovg7T1BtK_l1aYub6AICsoudCPQ5v/s400/125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the swampy portion of the lake, which we passed during our hike. It was another interesting contrast to the geysers and vibrant landscapes from earlier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsv-ggQwPmHTLEq7uxpz5t8DOIGIv5D9v9-hXrjLGC2VcD_D-CLlifrRMhDm8LeQmZeP2gYxXSmqpE355tPQ7GZevbwC91kndDwL7v2syW5ZloDNFKsxJl7YwvsZ5lnTeRg8qNYJ5VfUR/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsv-ggQwPmHTLEq7uxpz5t8DOIGIv5D9v9-hXrjLGC2VcD_D-CLlifrRMhDm8LeQmZeP2gYxXSmqpE355tPQ7GZevbwC91kndDwL7v2syW5ZloDNFKsxJl7YwvsZ5lnTeRg8qNYJ5VfUR/s400/136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we took a 40 minute boat tour of the lake, and finally a 15 minute bus ride back to the Visitor’s Centre. The boat tour took us on the lake that was formed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. We couldn't get a decent picture of it, but it's a mountain with a giant hole in the side of it. That explosion must have been enormous. I mean, obviously it was, since it destroyed pretty much everything in the area, but it's still impressive 130 years later. We would highly recommend this hike to anyone travelling around this area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VaZ87808DX7l0WH57f20ajBeioj822DCE7sjBBeU1JwpjC9wPVG3KPXpknFO-WXpQ6ssOTL4xhw8R-SxfGy6x7bRYgzeeR6mq8WBHuspUZv4jORqI6UCDHNkxjKqMPf5i-PHWjukNYhQ/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VaZ87808DX7l0WH57f20ajBeioj822DCE7sjBBeU1JwpjC9wPVG3KPXpknFO-WXpQ6ssOTL4xhw8R-SxfGy6x7bRYgzeeR6mq8WBHuspUZv4jORqI6UCDHNkxjKqMPf5i-PHWjukNYhQ/s400/151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KKYcdtJT3otvI9nuamOhPJt3_cO4cvJubr9JZ0B_nsf3xMzmrs6hEOct-ka2yN9pUOR0ZS0SfPxK68ZZ_MWGEMVipaDVKraEQ6SHtqY0MtohomAAofwquhdqP2CiffbdhzBhNfJnQdj1/s1600/168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KKYcdtJT3otvI9nuamOhPJt3_cO4cvJubr9JZ0B_nsf3xMzmrs6hEOct-ka2yN9pUOR0ZS0SfPxK68ZZ_MWGEMVipaDVKraEQ6SHtqY0MtohomAAofwquhdqP2CiffbdhzBhNfJnQdj1/s400/168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Immy was super pumped. Plus she's super cute in her Valentine's Day pants!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEKk8d0luZxiajpuX2tehLECT7hXsjksGDHs0MMthT1ijZxu1PHy7viv85PRs8oD-SH17oR0Mlispa9bomEibFP3_AZlBxZXjKscZO6G7yzAORUqNLOOna2dXROg6WeNsx5XFcoEv0VqZ/s1600/179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEKk8d0luZxiajpuX2tehLECT7hXsjksGDHs0MMthT1ijZxu1PHy7viv85PRs8oD-SH17oR0Mlispa9bomEibFP3_AZlBxZXjKscZO6G7yzAORUqNLOOna2dXROg6WeNsx5XFcoEv0VqZ/s400/179.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That
afternoon, we checked out the Rotorua Museum, which tells the history of the city. This is not one of their selling points, but they may also have the world's largest elevator. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlg4URoF6HAyHvZk0lXOWlSdLj_EMtmCZxQXxQcM9y9ir6Nak-xlmxpEmSytBi8dY_nX2lF1lz-2nRMH7Z3PwjoJjn8VIr8IcRlucs3tBi-3LkOHsAIsSJX2qzn3Vaw1lII_Kpo4-AkPm/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlg4URoF6HAyHvZk0lXOWlSdLj_EMtmCZxQXxQcM9y9ir6Nak-xlmxpEmSytBi8dY_nX2lF1lz-2nRMH7Z3PwjoJjn8VIr8IcRlucs3tBi-3LkOHsAIsSJX2qzn3Vaw1lII_Kpo4-AkPm/s400/189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Seriously, you can get lost in there. That's Laurel's baby yoga pose, invented in the moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJQECH7rPI3LP0ZQT3mA3KZiymgd0NARMOq5PyI59l9MdU42jqeYiGOaiqYMxW0Wl2Vc8N9X1yHKwZGierzQYg_O6JAW2mPNAWfsoAZ4MDL2_-8nTRl3J3YmYe_Niemcq5Tb1U7H8H2TG/s1600/192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJQECH7rPI3LP0ZQT3mA3KZiymgd0NARMOq5PyI59l9MdU42jqeYiGOaiqYMxW0Wl2Vc8N9X1yHKwZGierzQYg_O6JAW2mPNAWfsoAZ4MDL2_-8nTRl3J3YmYe_Niemcq5Tb1U7H8H2TG/s400/192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While at the museum we learned that Rotorua sits inside an active volcano. Yes, inside. That seems not safe. Our enthuiasm for Rotorua waned a littled bit, and we were kind of glad that we were leaving the next day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98AZD9X9d0R_IrTf2qirecKZksMlQWCiQ9KePS5gb88XOOxCu0arbvKYB7r7XKySCQNo2r18PRhfOrUYJbV8wLLn5xmDQJ9s3VqHbAO9D54abMSiMeSO9NwHOsfJbeIFAOuPHXkwXhewx/s1600/196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98AZD9X9d0R_IrTf2qirecKZksMlQWCiQ9KePS5gb88XOOxCu0arbvKYB7r7XKySCQNo2r18PRhfOrUYJbV8wLLn5xmDQJ9s3VqHbAO9D54abMSiMeSO9NwHOsfJbeIFAOuPHXkwXhewx/s400/196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We took advantage of our live-in nanny, Olivia, and went out for a much needed Valentine’s Day date night. (Yes, we are insanely behind on posting updates.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVrlEzQc2rvQDAlvEjV4CxfkYhTOnjPG3f_avlS9m_twIIBen57bPNzOA4WkmL2hCMclAngLE_ApeUL_V5mNPTCm4Y6Waem6bEJX-pqDRRKVipLNylyPd-ezsnA71hqGVQyXwpBQAhMEy/s1600/206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVrlEzQc2rvQDAlvEjV4CxfkYhTOnjPG3f_avlS9m_twIIBen57bPNzOA4WkmL2hCMclAngLE_ApeUL_V5mNPTCm4Y6Waem6bEJX-pqDRRKVipLNylyPd-ezsnA71hqGVQyXwpBQAhMEy/s400/206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Grilled venison and wine! Cheers to another great year together!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8juAn1RvlMmUsfdu3FyuFSBawQbo_Jg-jfvdmYzF8irFAcbLisBfr9IrJhFqFiPZrLJNA1XHx3SeZQPL39xkZVl_RiAgFkULes6bGR7A8z9nKB4vXXkhuEiUPtoPYNDsY7x5G2Nt_jopW/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8juAn1RvlMmUsfdu3FyuFSBawQbo_Jg-jfvdmYzF8irFAcbLisBfr9IrJhFqFiPZrLJNA1XHx3SeZQPL39xkZVl_RiAgFkULes6bGR7A8z9nKB4vXXkhuEiUPtoPYNDsY7x5G2Nt_jopW/s400/210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On the walk back to our car we passed this dog sitting inside of a car. Pretty sure he stared into our souls. Whatever you are doing, car dog does not approve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmNteDgvKR1pyp3JLIQnw8S3BQd_t3-KIC-9Aa8EtD4q_oa0h24jK0zu0eRBDjFOMsUUXE_Jfpecb4On34L-Q0jIGYFDc8NHnV7SxpbPDR3mSKkzAD2t23Hn2WKmJiSwxgxnsw3RpOUFD/s1600/212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmNteDgvKR1pyp3JLIQnw8S3BQd_t3-KIC-9Aa8EtD4q_oa0h24jK0zu0eRBDjFOMsUUXE_Jfpecb4On34L-Q0jIGYFDc8NHnV7SxpbPDR3mSKkzAD2t23Hn2WKmJiSwxgxnsw3RpOUFD/s400/212.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-33413783200446559562013-07-11T04:47:00.000-07:002013-07-11T04:47:05.333-07:00WaitomoAfter years of talking about it, and a couple months of planning, the time had finally come for a family vacation to New Zealand. Originally, we had planned on taking separate trips to the North and South Islands, but the more we planned and took into account how much time we had left in the Southern Hemisphere it started making more and more sense to do one giant trip and do the whole country. 16 days, 8 cities, 2 islands. Let's do this.<br />
<br />
Trip started off well. On short flights (such as Canberra to Melbourne) Qantas now provides everyone with iPads for their personal entertainment. Greg registers his astonishment. US based airlines would never do this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ia2ULIfGmR0jdiuAGA6uT5AZKh7UhAOmmBMC6nh8eLTY3Hv5vEBqoDLlSC9sGQcDcGMva08aDcNvCVjrdIJun0ISlLSc-zd5HF0vPpBfh4GLUgvaFE30SrCJTZqmJCFq_MyLy6GsPxYx/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ia2ULIfGmR0jdiuAGA6uT5AZKh7UhAOmmBMC6nh8eLTY3Hv5vEBqoDLlSC9sGQcDcGMva08aDcNvCVjrdIJun0ISlLSc-zd5HF0vPpBfh4GLUgvaFE30SrCJTZqmJCFq_MyLy6GsPxYx/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After changing planes in Melbourne we landed in Auckland and had out first photo opportunity- the entrance was decorated with Maori carvings. Right after this, pretty much every inch of available space was covered with advertisements for "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Come on guys, it's just a movie, get over it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aO41S1OGGaRyeBZCl9k55khiS8Ekkn5lL3K1_N87ZG4TnmYWHd9YVc3-xzqr-mr2IcsUvpDCXQoNRpAgSS8t8mtklKxhJpobYrOJ68ofqpOWefklN_IYDoo_OuiImrd1aDUfn9I1pse1/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aO41S1OGGaRyeBZCl9k55khiS8Ekkn5lL3K1_N87ZG4TnmYWHd9YVc3-xzqr-mr2IcsUvpDCXQoNRpAgSS8t8mtklKxhJpobYrOJ68ofqpOWefklN_IYDoo_OuiImrd1aDUfn9I1pse1/s400/006.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We only stayed the night in Auckland to recharge out batteries after a day of flying (and cleaning up Immy's near constant vomit sprays). The next morning it was south to Waitomo, the home of world famous glowworm caves.
Our Waitomo walking tour guide’s Great-Great-grandfather was one of the first explorers to discover the caves. Her parents were married in the caves. She was clearly born to be a tour guide at the Waitomo Caves. The main open area within the caves is called the cathedral. It’s frequently used for concerts, ceremonies, and other local events.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqIorkiW-I1RRR0lKOf0cL-hWU8ixlBtBC5QKu44oN7X20vWdYAwbiwu_IcSHgZdzWQ-V81VTOFGsjKsES7cPjsOF9IQAVsYLD3Jai_5Q-UB9DKtBDduQzZy0yW-Cn4OHwHK8v-DW8h81/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqIorkiW-I1RRR0lKOf0cL-hWU8ixlBtBC5QKu44oN7X20vWdYAwbiwu_IcSHgZdzWQ-V81VTOFGsjKsES7cPjsOF9IQAVsYLD3Jai_5Q-UB9DKtBDduQzZy0yW-Cn4OHwHK8v-DW8h81/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Glowworms look like tiny, blue Christmas lights. They group together in large clusters throughout the cave ceilings and walls. In total darkness, they are beautiful and a bit mysterious. There is no breeding season, which means the amazing glowworm experience can be had all year round. The total darkness means it's pretty much impossible to take a picture, so as a substitute here's a picture of the four of us in the cave. Pretend you can see glowworms behind us, becuase they totally were.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCzkOSucCRGDfECCZwagGTOsO21dLBMF2Yiua0JhB_9TDveiQECNdTxBmcocVerIL0QuPJOk0kDjdNn-tWUT_6fmrlA5CgKic5UXelTWaveaohsLdlKmBM313f4TR8wJTK10vncFF0tep/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCzkOSucCRGDfECCZwagGTOsO21dLBMF2Yiua0JhB_9TDveiQECNdTxBmcocVerIL0QuPJOk0kDjdNn-tWUT_6fmrlA5CgKic5UXelTWaveaohsLdlKmBM313f4TR8wJTK10vncFF0tep/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now it’s time for some super fun glowworm facts! Enjoy while checking out these sweet pictures of the caves. Spoiler alert- glowworms are not actually worms. They are in fact flies, which means their larvae, aka the glowworm, are maggots. Gross. The glow is actually a chemical reaction caused during digestion that makes their not yet excreted poop glow. Interesting, but I think we preferred the mystery. As our Ruakuri tour guide pointed out, no one would come if they said, “Come see our glowing maggot poop!” Glowworms lay between 120-250 eggs divided up in small clusters throughout the caves. This is necessary because when the eggs begin to hatch about 20 days later, the first larva to hatch eats his surrounding unhatched siblings. Only 5% of the eggs laid will reach adulthood.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbNfu0X5ja3adpaxCaMUc_YVbfUn02jwExaSdu03OACPn_3V5cmqYQksAGJgQKW-_eDjYq855V9UZdN7Mh-nkbi0rcKx7MjO0_9Z7ZJZe_aS2qosCqi-P_rWmT4XUg0eLib8ej0B8qG7u/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbNfu0X5ja3adpaxCaMUc_YVbfUn02jwExaSdu03OACPn_3V5cmqYQksAGJgQKW-_eDjYq855V9UZdN7Mh-nkbi0rcKx7MjO0_9Z7ZJZe_aS2qosCqi-P_rWmT4XUg0eLib8ej0B8qG7u/s400/076.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After surviving being eaten by his siblings, the larva finds a nice spot on the cave to make his home. He then makes a single, long web strand that hangs down about 4 inches or so. The web is similar to a spider’s web. Insects are attracted to the larva’s glow, become entangled in the web, and are eaten. After about 90 days of happily glowing and eating, the glowworm makes a cocoon and 2 weeks later emerges as an adult. Life as an adult glowworm is much less enjoyable. They have no mouth or stomach, and all will die of starvation within 3-6 days of emerging from their cocoons. Their only purpose as adults is to breed as much as possible. The really unlucky ones become entangled in the webs of the surrounding larvae and are eaten. It’s a rough life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cTPBG84dBMzvCiCjw_WpruBCEWWcMMH3VOKMruwrSQhqBl0J8Y56__aUvkxubOWbFYbNXamOmP0zJJDc9AAQSJ9qtpnykeK2DqnAdUcow_-4EJyVWFM6iMHj-TfsAJWwZDiVghAmM0ra/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cTPBG84dBMzvCiCjw_WpruBCEWWcMMH3VOKMruwrSQhqBl0J8Y56__aUvkxubOWbFYbNXamOmP0zJJDc9AAQSJ9qtpnykeK2DqnAdUcow_-4EJyVWFM6iMHj-TfsAJWwZDiVghAmM0ra/s400/077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Waitomo is a Maori word that means water (wai) hole (tomo). Water was clearly very important to the Maori tribes, because heaps of town names start with wai. We took a boat tour on the river that runs through Waitomo Caves to check out the glowworms. Our boat guide told us the first explorers were not too eager to go trekking through the water since large eels used to live in it. Not as many eels live in the water today about which he seemed disappointed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgQAiNHpQuNSXjdF4-5DBILBcBIcVFFlY5HCkJEqUYmDvrwdDjgR8sR5Is8XqSu4jiUxw4nCdNxj8IT1OcqDyWBmCD8FAltUeYH6GImnJ2XIP5hTP326T_KqyW-Eq_N5_t6hwxVpvf20T/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgQAiNHpQuNSXjdF4-5DBILBcBIcVFFlY5HCkJEqUYmDvrwdDjgR8sR5Is8XqSu4jiUxw4nCdNxj8IT1OcqDyWBmCD8FAltUeYH6GImnJ2XIP5hTP326T_KqyW-Eq_N5_t6hwxVpvf20T/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Imogen slept through most of it (caves are nice and dark, ideal for sleeping), but thought it was pretty cool, nonetheless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWn31PF9zmWNB7DaJ_g3e2XXzrjY5eegLh5J4KyvZUIhjuZp-W1V6YGzTonq4pXCJowIxf7KYPtguHnDCk17AmV5bVclM8vFnpe47rpj7BLtrBW-HseN_IxfxciDqe45y0-RMXIKsU8C8d/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWn31PF9zmWNB7DaJ_g3e2XXzrjY5eegLh5J4KyvZUIhjuZp-W1V6YGzTonq4pXCJowIxf7KYPtguHnDCk17AmV5bVclM8vFnpe47rpj7BLtrBW-HseN_IxfxciDqe45y0-RMXIKsU8C8d/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The second cave we went to was called Ruakuri Cave, which is privately owned. Maori law dictates that when you own the land, you own everything from the core of the earth to the heavens above. As a result, most people in this area own caves. Ruakuri is also a Maori word, which means two (rua) dogs (kuri). It was named after two dogs that used to live in this area. A Maori tribe also lived around these caves. One day the dogs ate the chief’s food. Food was scarce at that time, so the chiefs were very angry. As a result, they ate the dogs. Seriously, that’s the story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk2VHQ3S3qFEMuMgV1gfKRdeXDnHCBkMSuwm_UFVrPzK4dmaKVR6b54p5pRMf-58A7cKfPND2-nkApYBrpF_txTEjaC_vuYe9IUA1vEUo7IaZDMvs32PklJwqR-rzaKjKfp5j9FeyE3ig/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk2VHQ3S3qFEMuMgV1gfKRdeXDnHCBkMSuwm_UFVrPzK4dmaKVR6b54p5pRMf-58A7cKfPND2-nkApYBrpF_txTEjaC_vuYe9IUA1vEUo7IaZDMvs32PklJwqR-rzaKjKfp5j9FeyE3ig/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The main selling point for this cave, judging by the brochures, is the man-made spiral ramp that takes you down to the cave entrance. This picture really doesn't do it justice, but it was pretty epic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxkyUnGh_Erl-z9PsGPMA5WXLsOxFyLE-AFRKfSv3PjMUKtN0Zo_KRY_Lrv7YazjsElW_slu5-11AJ6zWnVMRp5xk43pr3FePwPGFtQ4q9W-ORZneTORUbl4y75rCwSwrMxSUesR8hTDP/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxkyUnGh_Erl-z9PsGPMA5WXLsOxFyLE-AFRKfSv3PjMUKtN0Zo_KRY_Lrv7YazjsElW_slu5-11AJ6zWnVMRp5xk43pr3FePwPGFtQ4q9W-ORZneTORUbl4y75rCwSwrMxSUesR8hTDP/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our guide was particularly good on the Ruakuri tour. However, she was very strict about the rules. Touching the cave walls or taking photos in the portions marked as off-limits would result in an automatic $10,000 fine for the offender and end of the tour for the entire group. No second chances. We were all very careful to follow the rules. The only rock we were allowed to touch was at the bottom of the ramp. So we did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl19bykCrqRMtJazwUUm7DP90t4azd6B3TLGRiQhyphenhyphenN4q4qeczJkeVccmqlRJC9y3iE_wNJkjcB4mayNXk-zif9nPqaNZgTlTf6TFMXhSeWWYoR_Q5-SP4WM4cFBh8DllltP6ct-ov7Rqp1/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl19bykCrqRMtJazwUUm7DP90t4azd6B3TLGRiQhyphenhyphenN4q4qeczJkeVccmqlRJC9y3iE_wNJkjcB4mayNXk-zif9nPqaNZgTlTf6TFMXhSeWWYoR_Q5-SP4WM4cFBh8DllltP6ct-ov7Rqp1/s400/012.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fossilized shell! Which is especially nuts since we were in a cave underground, a solid hour drive from the nearest beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRK0bSm2QavE0juLxh6kZMaKy0w5SALYr7YeCDPsBJIQC7KtP3DbLBsoRySTvcKMuKwLskpewUjudqU7FwG2g1romqAqXMxwcA5S8HGUYcnvd6NZ2DkPdH2xraCluM_RvpL_hXxlqPdJl/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRK0bSm2QavE0juLxh6kZMaKy0w5SALYr7YeCDPsBJIQC7KtP3DbLBsoRySTvcKMuKwLskpewUjudqU7FwG2g1romqAqXMxwcA5S8HGUYcnvd6NZ2DkPdH2xraCluM_RvpL_hXxlqPdJl/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcJi5lcXFeFmCd6ZTqyjFcetkwVgdRYFT3GV_ytH2db1k71hixT1AN5Sr4gXQ8JoPvQ4V6WZn9qqKLKTns8rpzizYNhJy74HnLHG41AfZ4EREGLka2772imFrt6BCOc4BgYJPvtPQ65_m/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcJi5lcXFeFmCd6ZTqyjFcetkwVgdRYFT3GV_ytH2db1k71hixT1AN5Sr4gXQ8JoPvQ4V6WZn9qqKLKTns8rpzizYNhJy74HnLHG41AfZ4EREGLka2772imFrt6BCOc4BgYJPvtPQ65_m/s400/075.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbNfu0X5ja3adpaxCaMUc_YVbfUn02jwExaSdu03OACPn_3V5cmqYQksAGJgQKW-_eDjYq855V9UZdN7Mh-nkbi0rcKx7MjO0_9Z7ZJZe_aS2qosCqi-P_rWmT4XUg0eLib8ej0B8qG7u/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We drove to Rotorua after our cave tours, and spent the rest of the
evening relaxing in our private hot tub. It was a great end to the day. </div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-64503845950414428402013-07-11T04:36:00.000-07:002013-07-11T04:36:04.115-07:00Multicultural FestivalFor the second year in a row, we hit up Canberra's Multicultural Festival. It totally snuck up on us this year. A couple days before it started, Greg was on the bus home from work and was like, hey, why are they blocking off streets and setting up booths? Oh, sweet! Food from all over the world. Say no more, we are there.<br />
<br />
It was a big day for Immy, too. For the first time she got to face front in the bjorn. It's a big world out there, and Immy wants to look at all of it. We got probably seven feet into the festival before stopping at our first food booth. A Bhutanese dumpling place. This dish, specifically the hot relish they put on top of the dumplings, may have been the best thing we ate all day. Immy was also interested and immediately stuck her hand into the relish. Fortunately, we got her cleaned off before her fingers found their way into her mouth, which would have made for a very unhappy baby!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnE_uReOgxO8vA5KS2iGfhy2yLe9G_ixeNilVqKGCSGE1eHv17vT5L-Fb1aOB0-nvb4ERhV6bq6SDKpi01o43swt080xEPOC3iHUkK2kSaN8jMtfQbGPhSAneA2wdk7yi5NtzDiKHSqwp/s1600/001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnE_uReOgxO8vA5KS2iGfhy2yLe9G_ixeNilVqKGCSGE1eHv17vT5L-Fb1aOB0-nvb4ERhV6bq6SDKpi01o43swt080xEPOC3iHUkK2kSaN8jMtfQbGPhSAneA2wdk7yi5NtzDiKHSqwp/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The place was a bit of a madhouse, but we found a little bit of shade to stand in while we dug into our next course, a collection of Spanish tapas- marinated spiced mushrooms, potatos, and sausages in rice. Laurel in her future job as a plate model.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnZLB8wP3BLsOI5I6h8WYVJv2jyTSu8B2Ji1lfJJdix0vtwN3AZZg7N2_1vnH0LHuuSHwTLqT49fqCTTiscKb0iH_zlVSXeK6QQHlNluwlDsQHHLx5_4WdifE6aJYjwsKQ46FjeAkWOaK/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnZLB8wP3BLsOI5I6h8WYVJv2jyTSu8B2Ji1lfJJdix0vtwN3AZZg7N2_1vnH0LHuuSHwTLqT49fqCTTiscKb0iH_zlVSXeK6QQHlNluwlDsQHHLx5_4WdifE6aJYjwsKQ46FjeAkWOaK/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We've found a new thing Immy loves- pan flute music! She was just transfixed by these guys . . . until the music got too loud and she started to cry. But before that, it was amazing. We also thanked them for keeping us safe from a Guinea-saurus Rex attack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeYBYslOvWm-j_TrC9oDaYSDBx0LvXKw0DWE-qHz6JRMEujRreyli79sHus59Zir_bjtCItdva1KcvcDX3VWaFmEiMVwTrpq5g4xWSff3K7gkQonm0j0ihWcxxwU_vU18nQ9JZb-2xYFT/s1600/006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeYBYslOvWm-j_TrC9oDaYSDBx0LvXKw0DWE-qHz6JRMEujRreyli79sHus59Zir_bjtCItdva1KcvcDX3VWaFmEiMVwTrpq5g4xWSff3K7gkQonm0j0ihWcxxwU_vU18nQ9JZb-2xYFT/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It didn't take long for Immy to recover. We got some more dumpling treats, Nepalese, this time, and Immy was eyeing up both our plates to see what we had. She's starting to get interested in food- solids here we come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOef-TipL92_8ARxSJT3Wag7X1QbNMn11903e1nC8i9Wk2XJy8Y_IRnN-JPAS2TG1AaYKSN0wfbFG2NHcqeoFim2IQ1ReaU37xF4sLxik45pOWwdBUfHqMgWBgoKyqHHW4bRUl4XRzuVn/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOef-TipL92_8ARxSJT3Wag7X1QbNMn11903e1nC8i9Wk2XJy8Y_IRnN-JPAS2TG1AaYKSN0wfbFG2NHcqeoFim2IQ1ReaU37xF4sLxik45pOWwdBUfHqMgWBgoKyqHHW4bRUl4XRzuVn/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Street performers doing some folk dancing. Not positive, but I want to say Turkish?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnE_uReOgxO8vA5KS2iGfhy2yLe9G_ixeNilVqKGCSGE1eHv17vT5L-Fb1aOB0-nvb4ERhV6bq6SDKpi01o43swt080xEPOC3iHUkK2kSaN8jMtfQbGPhSAneA2wdk7yi5NtzDiKHSqwp/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefp_nhDkHSNA0GcL33JASOAZgONZBmYf6kB29_3ZSC8wM1EfYgxN4X8ebUPDgArLgm-OotlwKCdxFVzb7RvRppHkIyRyCjCjT9qAoobEvUuhBq0dn8xU8HGVBkZKfo_WXkTAODoyeodKx/s1600/008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefp_nhDkHSNA0GcL33JASOAZgONZBmYf6kB29_3ZSC8wM1EfYgxN4X8ebUPDgArLgm-OotlwKCdxFVzb7RvRppHkIyRyCjCjT9qAoobEvUuhBq0dn8xU8HGVBkZKfo_WXkTAODoyeodKx/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Immy was getting tired so we were starting to think about leaving. Laurel wanted a sweet treat for the road though, and we turned the corner and her prayers were answered- the Belgian pancake stand! After much consideration, Laurel opted for the chocolate sauce and ice cream on the side. Good job, Multicultural Festival, good job.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQXHMmV9WjIH16HPDhSRq5omziE1KzMFpRYUrrMRl5LYNcQB86rsSc1S3TODGKaliW_-hhsPqh5kWowWm2b7B_h3BgFX0NIE12HOvUUhtGRVV0ckCjSSKvTuUBBnfx50G7SpeKqGE8i8T/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQXHMmV9WjIH16HPDhSRq5omziE1KzMFpRYUrrMRl5LYNcQB86rsSc1S3TODGKaliW_-hhsPqh5kWowWm2b7B_h3BgFX0NIE12HOvUUhtGRVV0ckCjSSKvTuUBBnfx50G7SpeKqGE8i8T/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-14563300329247452792013-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-12T00:00:34.568-07:00Cape LeeuwinOur last day in Margaret River we split up. Olivia went for a scuba dive off the coast of a small town called Dunsborough, and the rest of us drove south to the town of Augusta, specifically to Cape Leeuwin. It's notable for a few reasons- it's the most southwestern point in Australia as well as being home to a pretty sweet lighthouse. It's also the starting point for a multi-day hike across the entire Margaret River area, but we wouldn't be doing that since we're not crazy people. It's incredibly rugged down there with high winds, jagged rocks, and incredibly choppy seas. The need for a lighthouse was pretty obvious from the start. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjIgWwXIuXH30HtIjb4nWkoZZoe9CBOz1ZKaISmDJU8_W-wziZmcfS6tdTZOdtEYQCgbIzcmaDNVpD8yjdVMLKca2ugywYII3v9Uv2GnmoRziaxKImLwYeeBXiahTyAYrztgOfaO_aPdK/s1600/252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjIgWwXIuXH30HtIjb4nWkoZZoe9CBOz1ZKaISmDJU8_W-wziZmcfS6tdTZOdtEYQCgbIzcmaDNVpD8yjdVMLKca2ugywYII3v9Uv2GnmoRziaxKImLwYeeBXiahTyAYrztgOfaO_aPdK/s400/252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel and Bob braved the incoming tide and super strong wind for a chance to get some quick pictures on the awesome rocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYna_2KeENNqzqCrpU3dPHtiOGXQYg1Ub34H0r1s7zuMruKWJRBrwMWtTzmCkxJmvD7qKEzpEMwnX9SGuOFfKCpDwvFw8hlLOhafDBddpoJfMH8jflWO6VIpz9S6WAncqo9vDdc2soDoSA/s1600/254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYna_2KeENNqzqCrpU3dPHtiOGXQYg1Ub34H0r1s7zuMruKWJRBrwMWtTzmCkxJmvD7qKEzpEMwnX9SGuOFfKCpDwvFw8hlLOhafDBddpoJfMH8jflWO6VIpz9S6WAncqo9vDdc2soDoSA/s400/254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was the waterwheel that was constructed to provide fresh drinking water to the lighthouse construction workers. It's impressive that it's still standing over a hundred years later, although sediment build-up has completely stopped it up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dyqNKpaOKLvZVq4X5FI-lq1301DjamLooAfZgKvbBHhQD38nWDY-dS1SVBEQd3T_zmGUZrsxAkGrHS0tpISXB3GyFpN7QlVFz5ebpbnPkjOmrfIMN4zWRPBw0lL9L3IaSp2NlnOa4wqf/s1600/255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dyqNKpaOKLvZVq4X5FI-lq1301DjamLooAfZgKvbBHhQD38nWDY-dS1SVBEQd3T_zmGUZrsxAkGrHS0tpISXB3GyFpN7QlVFz5ebpbnPkjOmrfIMN4zWRPBw0lL9L3IaSp2NlnOa4wqf/s400/255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Before going in we stopped at the coffee shop for some sweets and caffeine. Immy was pretty happy about this decision. It could be that she had just eaten and had a fresh diaper though. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VxZC676xfbuf5MMctlY2uhP1i0Li4pYyutbDOIo0iHPPte7jABh3kn8lyxUWYdlBO1-c5hscm-IA6Ytv_bMUramBTsVO2-w5D7lQ-MsZ2QM6VPqe_zeeenBk6kWDi2MCLKPrJE3ZH6mi/s1600/IMG_3776.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VxZC676xfbuf5MMctlY2uhP1i0Li4pYyutbDOIo0iHPPte7jABh3kn8lyxUWYdlBO1-c5hscm-IA6Ytv_bMUramBTsVO2-w5D7lQ-MsZ2QM6VPqe_zeeenBk6kWDi2MCLKPrJE3ZH6mi/s400/IMG_3776.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the "Moorine Maraduar." In 2010, 85 cow statues were positioned around the Margaret River region as part of the world's largest public art event "Cow Parade." The name came, presumably, from the small town of Cowmarump, where most of the statues seem to have ended up. Following "the parade" they were auctioned off with all proceeds going to charity. The pirate cow was apparently purchased by the owners of the lighthouse and given a position of prominence near the entrance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPBc746z36yTGAlyzwfSavxdb-ErKEWl5dKLMtKMdVtVsFxnRkqK567O_txdu-UCnQ9xi5tH4Kt1bINCKwJA9VhuK-Q9EZXtTNOeBxNvddeRFKAbIpHd6tRigQnm68flQctVIqFbnC2oh/s1600/IMG_3785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPBc746z36yTGAlyzwfSavxdb-ErKEWl5dKLMtKMdVtVsFxnRkqK567O_txdu-UCnQ9xi5tH4Kt1bINCKwJA9VhuK-Q9EZXtTNOeBxNvddeRFKAbIpHd6tRigQnm68flQctVIqFbnC2oh/s400/IMG_3785.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's the lighthouse! It was funded by what was then known as the Swan
River Colony, now known as Perth, and was built in 1895-1896 due to the
extreme hazard of navigation in the area. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw4rpVqIejS_ZE-uTRWRytK8vz8lFbVbm9oFk4LKbC5FsKPYeq9GPj5O21zMmyciTltn-VuwA0_Js19V0tsTpneJ9b0KeWa4Mn7WPfa-ON954Pd3KT_LDVyZQh4mV7REJnpDS5c3T2_GA/s1600/265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSw4rpVqIejS_ZE-uTRWRytK8vz8lFbVbm9oFk4LKbC5FsKPYeq9GPj5O21zMmyciTltn-VuwA0_Js19V0tsTpneJ9b0KeWa4Mn7WPfa-ON954Pd3KT_LDVyZQh4mV7REJnpDS5c3T2_GA/s400/265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This was a memorial to ten sailors who died in the wreck of the HMS Nizam in 1945. While sailing past Cape Leeuwin the ship was hit by a rogue wave which cast ten men overboard, and while the area was thoroughly searched they were never found. This monument was erected in 1993 in their honor. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c1yvSN1tgAD9xMWy4Zz-wvAZN6m4OEZpWPVxIaievXNey6xU0MNG5ZBbz_Azzp9WkLrVnoAk3PfcmRvXz9oogKem13QOawzvzR6u-1zC1R1LB-kBIxXK3rQxNgkeaC6EdQyzGvCEWjZY/s1600/273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c1yvSN1tgAD9xMWy4Zz-wvAZN6m4OEZpWPVxIaievXNey6xU0MNG5ZBbz_Azzp9WkLrVnoAk3PfcmRvXz9oogKem13QOawzvzR6u-1zC1R1LB-kBIxXK3rQxNgkeaC6EdQyzGvCEWjZY/s400/273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So, this is weird. You know how in school we learned the four oceans- Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic and Indian? Well now, apparently, there are five. The four we learned about growing up and the Southern Ocean. This new ocean seemed just mysterious enough that we had to look it up to see if it was only an Australian thing. Turns out, it's not- the Southern (or Antarctic) Ocean, is the "newest ocean" of a total of 5, the boundaries of which were added in 2000 by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). So now we know. Anyway, the Southern Ocean is the body of water between Australia and Antarctica and New Zealand and the Western tip of Australia. That tip is Cape Leeuwin, and it's the "point where two oceans meet." So here are Laurel and Greg in opposite oceans. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIaraqP4CNZ3lCVBNI5tBsbt5LmM2fNB877B4DxmmgAr3Eccci-dBsewzsClxCf_MSjfnRmFpheVbMADg2maAC-cscNjwTN_ucE4GlMv7i_oiOb_2PnRrlMiwb4WcHHs-3MLT30LU2kFW/s1600/278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIaraqP4CNZ3lCVBNI5tBsbt5LmM2fNB877B4DxmmgAr3Eccci-dBsewzsClxCf_MSjfnRmFpheVbMADg2maAC-cscNjwTN_ucE4GlMv7i_oiOb_2PnRrlMiwb4WcHHs-3MLT30LU2kFW/s400/278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Fortunately, Cape Leeuwin was there to bring them together. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgLBPy_7Fb7D3yQSDoeBzoYuUQNkgAFX-AIX_3HlOF0XjZKdLX9N7F1PJFRWvp8pYCXz2gO_YbwBhy6yh24BJDNObTlOvA6sPY6k-31T8XCMD7lp34ZRJB8LL0YrO7SU9MewFGGuHPMrb/s1600/283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgLBPy_7Fb7D3yQSDoeBzoYuUQNkgAFX-AIX_3HlOF0XjZKdLX9N7F1PJFRWvp8pYCXz2gO_YbwBhy6yh24BJDNObTlOvA6sPY6k-31T8XCMD7lp34ZRJB8LL0YrO7SU9MewFGGuHPMrb/s400/283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since two oceans are coming together, and two current patterns, it's a pretty violent place. Giant waves crash into each other, and about the first twenty feet of water is permanent white water. Definitely a dangerous place to be in the water. The lighthouse might as well just have a giant sign reading, "Don't come anywhere near here. Seriously. You'll crash." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMgJUij626ajnzFt7G82ke5bOdMGAPf82tN3Wb7G1J_dVu_zUW2h8x6DrjdsuOvAXSGGUeUuhfK6j6BAYhWldQekRacNa_RRvZcj_utcRFcHoEZ1xEbTmHrYSNHZfqR6ZxmtQkOLTGRY-/s1600/282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMgJUij626ajnzFt7G82ke5bOdMGAPf82tN3Wb7G1J_dVu_zUW2h8x6DrjdsuOvAXSGGUeUuhfK6j6BAYhWldQekRacNa_RRvZcj_utcRFcHoEZ1xEbTmHrYSNHZfqR6ZxmtQkOLTGRY-/s400/282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking good Bob and Tina!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0UIR-YVXJ2gcq19835vFKYz5PQEYI12Zf3wvj3mYw_qrDpCgrr_aOEMFsJeuIYPy7npS_E0AT6qjZnETahYHNKMIePAMNDJVodsILTktVwmiYySn-cW0DXo7HipRvZF4wP-b2kGBrm3A/s1600/284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0UIR-YVXJ2gcq19835vFKYz5PQEYI12Zf3wvj3mYw_qrDpCgrr_aOEMFsJeuIYPy7npS_E0AT6qjZnETahYHNKMIePAMNDJVodsILTktVwmiYySn-cW0DXo7HipRvZF4wP-b2kGBrm3A/s400/284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Following our trek to the southwestern most tip of Australia we returned to Margaret River where we met back up with Olivia at one of the many vineyards. Seriously, how epically beautiful is this place?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCVWnv8ovsLWsi7cPrkXGFheR5cVOWFezN0vsUfMUiRlHN-jwYXZ6lo4ji-liExA1x62ZS7QBldELm2Pl0C-TC9brvhOV1SWWvNLQij4aJS38dr1EI3Nt1-8HsFewylDjDkrOJ5bEsljX/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCVWnv8ovsLWsi7cPrkXGFheR5cVOWFezN0vsUfMUiRlHN-jwYXZ6lo4ji-liExA1x62ZS7QBldELm2Pl0C-TC9brvhOV1SWWvNLQij4aJS38dr1EI3Nt1-8HsFewylDjDkrOJ5bEsljX/s400/IMG_1005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Look how happy Immy is to be there! She did not get any wine though, she's on a strict, milk-only diet. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkjKkiy_7ojE8axgnGqACMSVDGm2r5CgdfOqLampaU6QJC0Zq2ZjwS6v6K4xrpAdQZKcc4bcYhVfwtw3w73IuITdiWrY0WDcHrrFo3DaWjS_E0o2xw11S_vuioerok63HCqjR2Em9Xs82/s1600/297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkjKkiy_7ojE8axgnGqACMSVDGm2r5CgdfOqLampaU6QJC0Zq2ZjwS6v6K4xrpAdQZKcc4bcYhVfwtw3w73IuITdiWrY0WDcHrrFo3DaWjS_E0o2xw11S_vuioerok63HCqjR2Em9Xs82/s400/297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just down the road was a brewpub named the Cheeky Monkey. With a name like that we couldn't pass it up, and they even had a couple gluten free ciders for Olivia. Bob and Greg got the beer tasting flight . . . and were sorely disappointed. All of the beers were just full of hops, and since neither of us are huge IPA fans, we didn't love them. Oh well, not every stop can be a win. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRTfP17DVG8SgegJE8lGM53FwLv4tm_INATaYhCHgVBHPTnAZmc6KsRit927dLMVIyeUxoMBoLg7bg7n8nbjOzKJRlDDb-7cWf3sjeql2r7xIUV7O6ascCHHg1-r4W2oBtz07F1nJiLJy/s1600/303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRTfP17DVG8SgegJE8lGM53FwLv4tm_INATaYhCHgVBHPTnAZmc6KsRit927dLMVIyeUxoMBoLg7bg7n8nbjOzKJRlDDb-7cWf3sjeql2r7xIUV7O6ascCHHg1-r4W2oBtz07F1nJiLJy/s400/303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lastly, we'll leave you with a picture of Immy in her car seat doing her best to gnaw off pieces of her toy giraffe, Jeffrey. This was momentous for us, since it was the first time she figured out how to pick up and play with one of her toys all by herself. You get him, Immy! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUjrZ3dLe8FBDJJ5ItJNJkC9A1yttsaL0N78jg74tNaIPh72UgUakgvLE5xh9EUpgAApAqHPg9LFTSlz-eRV7IbGJqP5AQGSx5ANb4Ev4ZNqD2mXBXg6SMyEIEUDjZATB7XB06OZoDcSs/s1600/307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUjrZ3dLe8FBDJJ5ItJNJkC9A1yttsaL0N78jg74tNaIPh72UgUakgvLE5xh9EUpgAApAqHPg9LFTSlz-eRV7IbGJqP5AQGSx5ANb4Ev4ZNqD2mXBXg6SMyEIEUDjZATB7XB06OZoDcSs/s400/307.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-84913962436249850312013-05-10T16:37:00.000-07:002013-05-10T16:37:16.114-07:00Margaret RiverThe second part of our Western Australia trip was about a 2.5 hour drive south of Perth in a small town called Margaret River. Greg could move there forever- Climate is similar to San Diego, it's in the middle of wine country, and there are just tons of things to do everywhere. Our first morning we drove south where there are a series of gigantic caves carved into the limestone rocks. This particular one was called Lake Cave. Here's the approach down into it, which starts as a large, open-air chasm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApa3Y0Bo7ziWS-NRTX0mZ-XIkm7zSHnLomMMaoBFkaRLyZIUhde-mCJCNLGk-njtXCSfyCDAQbqNEH3cGp5Hs0lMivnTgsfHo0hdaLZCpSvhlXcOeYyEg8xrV5FhJjopZ3FGo3lRjl0RB/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApa3Y0Bo7ziWS-NRTX0mZ-XIkm7zSHnLomMMaoBFkaRLyZIUhde-mCJCNLGk-njtXCSfyCDAQbqNEH3cGp5Hs0lMivnTgsfHo0hdaLZCpSvhlXcOeYyEg8xrV5FhJjopZ3FGo3lRjl0RB/s400/210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is why it's called Lake Cave. While not very large, the bottom of the cave is submerged by a giant groundwater river. Makes for some really cool reflective pictures. It was pretty spectacular. Unfortunately our camera just can't do it justice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcjpqMfC7T83YuPwgJbjFgxbfGjwRYVWATgLoc2mCS2xm5RZHp9VYbInniZc8bO6uflAYte8IzEhk50xO7RODRNL6BxU8KHLBAdQvlnSWeD1fJ7TnN3-cYmbSS0RVOoq4ZDplSeK3SCHU/s1600/214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcjpqMfC7T83YuPwgJbjFgxbfGjwRYVWATgLoc2mCS2xm5RZHp9VYbInniZc8bO6uflAYte8IzEhk50xO7RODRNL6BxU8KHLBAdQvlnSWeD1fJ7TnN3-cYmbSS0RVOoq4ZDplSeK3SCHU/s400/214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is the main selling point for the cave. It's a hanging column. Thousands upon thousands of years ago, a stalactite formed and eventually grew so large that it merged with the stalagmite on the ground, forming a column. Then the river came through and slowly eroded the rock away from the bottom of the column. Now the whole thing, several tons of rock, is suspended in the air, supported only from the top of the column. This is one of the very few places in the world that this phenomenon has been observed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmOHOC3o623Ouvv1GCkvXgAula3zPHizEYe1tdEaYmdHdTiAtowAc9-S3FBmyltC3BrJuY5jLBJLGQcWtqfuuT26S1cjbAJ5s5IQqxYdjqAe-rs8Vez86dmQqqugsQQC6n62bc58uot6H/s1600/216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmOHOC3o623Ouvv1GCkvXgAula3zPHizEYe1tdEaYmdHdTiAtowAc9-S3FBmyltC3BrJuY5jLBJLGQcWtqfuuT26S1cjbAJ5s5IQqxYdjqAe-rs8Vez86dmQqqugsQQC6n62bc58uot6H/s400/216.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This cave is still an active cave, meaing water is still running through the rocks, carving out new crevices and ever changing the inside. Here are a collection of relatively "new" stalactite straws. If we came back in a couple thousand years these will have turned into some pretty impressive stalactites. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-XkakTN2zMoNMDPnaTtCwNXQaJOIuKDb1Zum8oCQHpgfWl_pp2UTkRtpLGzQUypvLumltvQHTKK50PScV8gj8DcZQygzKfqlJC2e7B6YJjil_hu77hvcYpK7PgpVG1zQLdiwMaBMgmwa/s1600/221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-XkakTN2zMoNMDPnaTtCwNXQaJOIuKDb1Zum8oCQHpgfWl_pp2UTkRtpLGzQUypvLumltvQHTKK50PScV8gj8DcZQygzKfqlJC2e7B6YJjil_hu77hvcYpK7PgpVG1zQLdiwMaBMgmwa/s400/221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On the geologic scale, this cave is still pretty young, but since its made entirely of limestone, not the strongest of rocks, in a couple million years it will collapse in on itself and all this will be gone. Nothing, not even rocks, is permanent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhFxhxFEfdPGYDV-jigE06JGNwfq3quCML-KrkvgNoye-KtKPGYi6rLsc0t0Q38n7v5pS0scydFsP6rQrK8om2toZ82iOQC-w1SFXWurpLJ_ndOyDRAvYIST5gy26bNN0ndN7BORKFWY8/s1600/227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhFxhxFEfdPGYDV-jigE06JGNwfq3quCML-KrkvgNoye-KtKPGYi6rLsc0t0Q38n7v5pS0scydFsP6rQrK8om2toZ82iOQC-w1SFXWurpLJ_ndOyDRAvYIST5gy26bNN0ndN7BORKFWY8/s400/227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3Fp3GOfYPphs3xS_Xn-HKhS3D5ZBYO77W7YIYbdjnLmRJmwO_SaFrWQKfFlGbY1sk8n-gJWG_-SzzrSrKsKZNT7POe57hpE3KmR18tBGHIVgR2ZReCszODjJAXJX-oIoieQazZsVsIUQ/s1600/IMG_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3Fp3GOfYPphs3xS_Xn-HKhS3D5ZBYO77W7YIYbdjnLmRJmwO_SaFrWQKfFlGbY1sk8n-gJWG_-SzzrSrKsKZNT7POe57hpE3KmR18tBGHIVgR2ZReCszODjJAXJX-oIoieQazZsVsIUQ/s400/IMG_0991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All of us, with Immy passed out, back on the outside, kind of dreading the stairs we're going to have to climb to get back out. Laurel got a serious leg workout that day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD8yvLh1lf3eyqoz_pDqrZrUzP_3u0_AqtYdoKHnck3_OvHyZsjOgmH3d_iy-_AsDNKdby9mBM3Q3E_GlW31fnHvxnXFWzue21mpfQOPs9KvKMByMLagMEcQTl0S2Ds4SouwkT9XB39HY/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD8yvLh1lf3eyqoz_pDqrZrUzP_3u0_AqtYdoKHnck3_OvHyZsjOgmH3d_iy-_AsDNKdby9mBM3Q3E_GlW31fnHvxnXFWzue21mpfQOPs9KvKMByMLagMEcQTl0S2Ds4SouwkT9XB39HY/s400/IMG_0997.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Following the cave we drove to one of Margaret River's premier attractions A-Maze-N Margaret River! Aside from the cafe, where we had an excellent lunch, the main attraction are the gardens which features a giant hedge maze. It's something Greg has always wanted to do, but never had the chance. Upon entering the maze we all vowed to stay together, but that lasted until the first intersection. Greg and Laurel went left, while Bob and Olivia wanted to go right. So much for unity. Tina followed her own path, testing out the theory that the way to solve the maze is to "always follow the wall to your left." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6YFv0nJHhIfmoqDLHq4-ACfFN-K2sDpI7ox19q62GxQBB2Vh3nUVGNskcGiG_iF_bd__R5t4dN2iok-3d7lwSvwC2c738o4byDAFOV5QcI_oESjK62iNBB-HTQRJnFBOTdHKJqTZs4OL/s1600/236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6YFv0nJHhIfmoqDLHq4-ACfFN-K2sDpI7ox19q62GxQBB2Vh3nUVGNskcGiG_iF_bd__R5t4dN2iok-3d7lwSvwC2c738o4byDAFOV5QcI_oESjK62iNBB-HTQRJnFBOTdHKJqTZs4OL/s400/236.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Oops. Imogen hit a dead end. She's lost, gone forever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1QlFbdmPP1HpKXF5tvpvgfQOGfGSdO4nvuLKe1No3g5cVCmMlavm4Qg10NDRAr31cs2D8iqaO7tN-k34mj3hspowpelonrB-9kd4gCJ3_4JQ__m1jiZmUYy-zMIgOn1G6XaKFwiRG4rW/s1600/235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1QlFbdmPP1HpKXF5tvpvgfQOGfGSdO4nvuLKe1No3g5cVCmMlavm4Qg10NDRAr31cs2D8iqaO7tN-k34mj3hspowpelonrB-9kd4gCJ3_4JQ__m1jiZmUYy-zMIgOn1G6XaKFwiRG4rW/s400/235.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We made it to the center! Success . . . now we just have to get out again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUvp389o3YqcKpwN6757g1eA8FDzySatgjH1_1wpXkd6qqwir58OdYWvvT2cKR2Ok5-KB8bR0IfufqLt1K8DtNtRECrQqtmBwlYKVGUTD3caZS04mjeaq9Xu65iGNWWfwmzivmpUT2Oq9/s1600/230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUvp389o3YqcKpwN6757g1eA8FDzySatgjH1_1wpXkd6qqwir58OdYWvvT2cKR2Ok5-KB8bR0IfufqLt1K8DtNtRECrQqtmBwlYKVGUTD3caZS04mjeaq9Xu65iGNWWfwmzivmpUT2Oq9/s400/230.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6YFv0nJHhIfmoqDLHq4-ACfFN-K2sDpI7ox19q62GxQBB2Vh3nUVGNskcGiG_iF_bd__R5t4dN2iok-3d7lwSvwC2c738o4byDAFOV5QcI_oESjK62iNBB-HTQRJnFBOTdHKJqTZs4OL/s1600/236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<br />
It was a dangerous maze. Around every corner there was the possibility that a hedge gremlin would be hiding, poised to strike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMVyTr_EzqPg6A_rXo5VFU1xP2nQdE-9ZR9xPGW7pbps_X4nkhXeeEx9GFCnv884L-D3kiB9ZdLBG-VW9VCGS0gcsHhGHv48HodbNrzNZTacrQ7KKJd8agZQxXY_dRVH1bOUuv9aXleXk/s1600/237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMVyTr_EzqPg6A_rXo5VFU1xP2nQdE-9ZR9xPGW7pbps_X4nkhXeeEx9GFCnv884L-D3kiB9ZdLBG-VW9VCGS0gcsHhGHv48HodbNrzNZTacrQ7KKJd8agZQxXY_dRVH1bOUuv9aXleXk/s400/237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Jacksons escaped! We all found our way out (although we totally beat them), and had a great time. The weather was fantastic and it was a fun way to spend an hour. Greg wants more, bigger mazes now. And, by the way, Tina's theory totally works.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufalMa5P35cn63yuGcTcaHPOCNwAl4zCoVfeh-XPvQFT6JAzdOfTvKsdK8YTgLmuO3pf0P-vdgoLIYMjvMeXR9KnBEkTPlwdwk-Tx-FaKCpBjczswvGiBPVZAtppsEV-FaIsvtnCVdKXi/s1600/239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufalMa5P35cn63yuGcTcaHPOCNwAl4zCoVfeh-XPvQFT6JAzdOfTvKsdK8YTgLmuO3pf0P-vdgoLIYMjvMeXR9KnBEkTPlwdwk-Tx-FaKCpBjczswvGiBPVZAtppsEV-FaIsvtnCVdKXi/s400/239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In front of the building was a pretty sweet crocodile sculpture- Pictured here attacking Greg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFzHopnbSgr1cfzXtxMS8I5nLuVHWGWwPo07felLoGrjj9ONBinotrGkArvbMQG0KnHsUSPwE53-ysiZkHBFpGhP_nXoMx8-EbNpyKjRLLZKBto9MFI8YGt2U7sitW06isYxWSzn0Vuk4/s1600/242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFzHopnbSgr1cfzXtxMS8I5nLuVHWGWwPo07felLoGrjj9ONBinotrGkArvbMQG0KnHsUSPwE53-ysiZkHBFpGhP_nXoMx8-EbNpyKjRLLZKBto9MFI8YGt2U7sitW06isYxWSzn0Vuk4/s400/242.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhufalMa5P35cn63yuGcTcaHPOCNwAl4zCoVfeh-XPvQFT6JAzdOfTvKsdK8YTgLmuO3pf0P-vdgoLIYMjvMeXR9KnBEkTPlwdwk-Tx-FaKCpBjczswvGiBPVZAtppsEV-FaIsvtnCVdKXi/s1600/239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Following the maze we went for Margaret River's main attraction- the wineries! This particular one was a no brainer for the Jackson/Otey family. In addition to the the wine they also sold an assortment of home-made nougats. Free samples? Why yes, we would love some! How did you know?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDjaNXgSPYxBcBvPqfh_YkkBfDXZ-CWt9TpoUC1xD68a8vF7TJ5pFdWv-rz8FIfzpRRGql4xYM1Mcp2iWgPlCWtt8-fslFsQLH_u83irM7f-errB1rZRc58RPT153XLI1pqCrU8AhAjP7/s1600/243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDjaNXgSPYxBcBvPqfh_YkkBfDXZ-CWt9TpoUC1xD68a8vF7TJ5pFdWv-rz8FIfzpRRGql4xYM1Mcp2iWgPlCWtt8-fslFsQLH_u83irM7f-errB1rZRc58RPT153XLI1pqCrU8AhAjP7/s400/243.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Imogen was being pretty cheeky. She bellied up to the bar, and she did her best to look as cute as possible (which is ridiculously super cute), but we didn't let her try any of the wines. Silly girl, wine is not for babies!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmqk-z9GhfjLsKFYBJjJCB8FLIDMDCsH-L1QRoBzf3kFSc_4cpSgq3cwRnQbN3qQB-WUfEVlcb6eCPASekz_mKPnSprc3FcBhakNcI6FUJ9f4_lBjdCLnFRPfceZGarfgE1QU71FVf7Zz/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmqk-z9GhfjLsKFYBJjJCB8FLIDMDCsH-L1QRoBzf3kFSc_4cpSgq3cwRnQbN3qQB-WUfEVlcb6eCPASekz_mKPnSprc3FcBhakNcI6FUJ9f4_lBjdCLnFRPfceZGarfgE1QU71FVf7Zz/s400/IMG_1007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-55815987154731704412013-04-27T17:51:00.000-07:002013-04-27T17:51:15.252-07:00Penguin IslandFor our last day in the Perth/Fremantle area we once again drove south to Rockingham. This was a good plan on our part, since once we finished there we were continuing south to Margaret River, probably the second or third biggest wine region in Australia. Might as well do a little less driving wherever we can. We were going back to Rockingham to visit Penguin Island, which as the name suggests is home to a colony of Little Penguins, which are adorable. You may remember them from when we visited Kangaroo Island last year. Penguin Island is a five minute ferry ride from shore, and could actually be walked to since the water never gets more than a couple feet deep. This is the sign that greeted us when we stepped onshore. Awesome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxwyzJwhdd9O_DGXG0A88NpzxyEMYS6l8mhk7XuOZlb6vK2GYfHnVZhb0clpAAYZc2HTtW4fgtoKh4o2-g2q1v4wOZXiFmpOF7Y9PXMK0Yjci9oHqgdYnnSTJUx46RtFvTp-5Ydgu9oTs/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxwyzJwhdd9O_DGXG0A88NpzxyEMYS6l8mhk7XuOZlb6vK2GYfHnVZhb0clpAAYZc2HTtW4fgtoKh4o2-g2q1v4wOZXiFmpOF7Y9PXMK0Yjci9oHqgdYnnSTJUx46RtFvTp-5Ydgu9oTs/s400/136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The island itself is not very big, and you can walk the circumference of the island in about 30 minutes. We were there mostly for the penguin feeding show. We had a little bit of time, so we fanned out over the island looking for the best picture opportunities. They were not hard to find.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE6FNfMnuqDKBfdKoCncnbPP24nkyi5ULWIOifGJevq92zUbfec1FnK6W-tO3IfckbP4DRxxGJTTr9-F4hTwBeyNfGZNDpASAigDolfoaMeWWs5SKCqMbf9H8FsWz2Y5JUxHjInojyUl_/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE6FNfMnuqDKBfdKoCncnbPP24nkyi5ULWIOifGJevq92zUbfec1FnK6W-tO3IfckbP4DRxxGJTTr9-F4hTwBeyNfGZNDpASAigDolfoaMeWWs5SKCqMbf9H8FsWz2Y5JUxHjInojyUl_/s400/IMG_0868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A boardwalk had been built around much of the island which Greg was a big fan of since baby strollers and sand do not go together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rWxKYFbyvPLJTg0HTiwHyq80AekoC6CehZsYWKzNUgq6k9x0VmUnsitamR767nGttiV04FGBlLulArhaOmUUiiinfvMZcPLKVsbL9_y3W5UY6Tse_cM_6Cc20PjFLQdQT4kW1eyC0qXc/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rWxKYFbyvPLJTg0HTiwHyq80AekoC6CehZsYWKzNUgq6k9x0VmUnsitamR767nGttiV04FGBlLulArhaOmUUiiinfvMZcPLKVsbL9_y3W5UY6Tse_cM_6Cc20PjFLQdQT4kW1eyC0qXc/s400/IMG_0867.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Enough of that stupid scenery on to the penguins! Oh my god, they are so cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WgttQ6aTLOdyOYXUpaI-nYDO0_D3xyOIIYykqPBIdBkR02o7M_8uI3h7w5fHBqMg7Har-e-_6oabJ_8L4RPgQ5BA5Ga6DmEgAvlscFcVqepSuprf8l1YVATr6E_dMDKmpnHzWMgjdazA/s1600/159.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WgttQ6aTLOdyOYXUpaI-nYDO0_D3xyOIIYykqPBIdBkR02o7M_8uI3h7w5fHBqMg7Har-e-_6oabJ_8L4RPgQ5BA5Ga6DmEgAvlscFcVqepSuprf8l1YVATr6E_dMDKmpnHzWMgjdazA/s400/159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Greg pointing out the penguins to Immy. She wore a dress for Penguin day since it's a formal occasion. After all, they were wearing their tuxedos so it's important to be appropriately attired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7vhMRq25KD7W00itOkSNzJS2jsWop8QlxaVsAcNle_EAVGy6qAQ1Zo2lAeZ88T8VACV_4-3DqG9XXGJltntgjKyQZEfOiRuzXvrpHEu5tOAk7Dr6Bj-_IedyYYijWthXqWNUpKbZbGVW/s1600/166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7vhMRq25KD7W00itOkSNzJS2jsWop8QlxaVsAcNle_EAVGy6qAQ1Zo2lAeZ88T8VACV_4-3DqG9XXGJltntgjKyQZEfOiRuzXvrpHEu5tOAk7Dr6Bj-_IedyYYijWthXqWNUpKbZbGVW/s400/166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The park attendant had a great speech about the penguins, but I don't think anyone heard a word of since you know, adorable tiny penguins. We like to think in this picture the penguins are saying, "Hey, Lady! Less talking. More fish throwing."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUizrmW1UKtTe8j6LnVZ0gF5Cc81t7G205-ZfhR9tbr8XPOhiDQv8lnMT8GPTxEdoXNiaqjIP17FIqYswlxRcYJ3jvAKN7BL7iWv1pI7Ii1VNMNcnOi4StyzvMkmbzuuIfmdWUUCYUoQB/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUizrmW1UKtTe8j6LnVZ0gF5Cc81t7G205-ZfhR9tbr8XPOhiDQv8lnMT8GPTxEdoXNiaqjIP17FIqYswlxRcYJ3jvAKN7BL7iWv1pI7Ii1VNMNcnOi4StyzvMkmbzuuIfmdWUUCYUoQB/s400/189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is pretty funny. About midway through the show, a crow flew down to the feeding area. He's apparently figured out the daily feeding schedule and knows when to drop by to score some food. After landing, making a giant commotion, and stealing a few fish he flew back off. The birds in Australia are really smart. He has also been know to steal sunglasses, and apparently has a huge collection hidden somewhere on the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWUSpu3btf7FVQphby7t-wjj7zg8RoQrhhrLax8lnKGd8S9W7V_EUn72sckZwbv9O9GsJKXkNWnvt674qP5MgyN2pIfXU5noHL9WBST4q3A11q1DEcSw852jlsr1ikYctHmOLQmaL5Wha/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWUSpu3btf7FVQphby7t-wjj7zg8RoQrhhrLax8lnKGd8S9W7V_EUn72sckZwbv9O9GsJKXkNWnvt674qP5MgyN2pIfXU5noHL9WBST4q3A11q1DEcSw852jlsr1ikYctHmOLQmaL5Wha/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While it's cool seeing penguins at a feeding, this is what made the whole day worth it. We stumbled across this little guy in the wild, nestled under the boardwalk. How cute is that?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7vhMRq25KD7W00itOkSNzJS2jsWop8QlxaVsAcNle_EAVGy6qAQ1Zo2lAeZ88T8VACV_4-3DqG9XXGJltntgjKyQZEfOiRuzXvrpHEu5tOAk7Dr6Bj-_IedyYYijWthXqWNUpKbZbGVW/s1600/166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ183k-aAnH7aQlJBaPFCrD6EBVl6Yce9OWjh3NNk5U6HvaiKJhjEvUGxSaoBq46bjv37-DJKwXFMSkkNlu5n8byE2aMatNarWON3rVlQQghJKVW_kb11EfZt2DV5KTx4fVyFybMXyBPX/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ183k-aAnH7aQlJBaPFCrD6EBVl6Yce9OWjh3NNk5U6HvaiKJhjEvUGxSaoBq46bjv37-DJKwXFMSkkNlu5n8byE2aMatNarWON3rVlQQghJKVW_kb11EfZt2DV5KTx4fVyFybMXyBPX/s400/IMG_0915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the second part of our day on the island we had booked a glass bottom boat tour that would take us to a couple of the small surrounding islands where a colony of seals lived. Immy was excited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx37a78_zELgpTcOMkKJzGpGbP-GAGQU93PyHPTwjEkzazEwgTi6CxZ6O04kj5DymHNYNeF-VXj-Oi-c0LRP1w3yzmkv21AV60s9GEaXOuxrD7PQQFxju53MMgZT67awAh_8kDlq6eLWZ/s1600/191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx37a78_zELgpTcOMkKJzGpGbP-GAGQU93PyHPTwjEkzazEwgTi6CxZ6O04kj5DymHNYNeF-VXj-Oi-c0LRP1w3yzmkv21AV60s9GEaXOuxrD7PQQFxju53MMgZT67awAh_8kDlq6eLWZ/s400/191.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Also on the island is a colony of pelicans. Not as exciting as penguins, but still pretty cool. Laurel snagged this picture of one of them taking off. Those birds have giant wingspans!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ2Lv_djKu10PucpnZq_N3AUYfJ6VUMSzbaLDIjBC5yrbCok4Ym8MRuu27vl-N9eVCYF0uIsKvkawTeoZGAY0YHUivZaXQw82f-741sLeeJ6vpFlzZ24e-kgkGKIgb52pyGQkDfGcr5Qa/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ2Lv_djKu10PucpnZq_N3AUYfJ6VUMSzbaLDIjBC5yrbCok4Ym8MRuu27vl-N9eVCYF0uIsKvkawTeoZGAY0YHUivZaXQw82f-741sLeeJ6vpFlzZ24e-kgkGKIgb52pyGQkDfGcr5Qa/s400/195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The week before we left, Laurel and Olivia went to a trivia night where one of the questions was, "Which Australian state has the most islands?" They guessed Queensland (because of the Great Barrier Reef) and got it wrong. Had we gone on this trip first, we would have known the answer was Western Australia because off shore islands are just everywhere. On this particular one the seals had claimed a nice section of sandy beach for themselves. All the big guys were passed out in the sun, but this one little guy was having a good old time flopping about in the water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3ooufqpa5vwRO-rmDBYDP0b3gOetWWTD-8XBmYkYBsQ7ySNY7Xi7pLfGKDy2w3W9DLgEXMt_fnyNCmxB82Bc2wBziUh3shVgsKto0ULwdAZQOanP8kQbAuipfZahmd_wgJQBX2NCSNfN/s1600/203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3ooufqpa5vwRO-rmDBYDP0b3gOetWWTD-8XBmYkYBsQ7ySNY7Xi7pLfGKDy2w3W9DLgEXMt_fnyNCmxB82Bc2wBziUh3shVgsKto0ULwdAZQOanP8kQbAuipfZahmd_wgJQBX2NCSNfN/s400/203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Holy crap, look at that Pelican War going on in the background! Apparently, pelicans are vicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptgZnYb94JocYCDflV39gnp8BazzdmTUwtDu01Yxp3WyYixo31-UIYQLM5gqJ-Lm1GGxf1RLGWmvn4EKZfNk7DyWfne4AjiUbgVC2oDksYOV-mLZfH4cr7rJnle7RmxoWgWwTMBbbgIoB/s1600/204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptgZnYb94JocYCDflV39gnp8BazzdmTUwtDu01Yxp3WyYixo31-UIYQLM5gqJ-Lm1GGxf1RLGWmvn4EKZfNk7DyWfne4AjiUbgVC2oDksYOV-mLZfH4cr7rJnle7RmxoWgWwTMBbbgIoB/s400/204.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here was our guide. Eating a sandwich while driving the boat with his foot. That is kind of awesome. And perfectly Aussie. He goes for a swim every morning with the seals, and has been doing this for the last 15 years. He had some epic seal-related injury stories and huge scars that would have probably stopped us from swimming with the seals, but he didn't seem concerned. He was a fascinating individual.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6sLDS6oVgLHLL7TimicrD73aVaD_fDdVATI41NKWArxyS6TOzOZPKnAod50XhQvhTI-aKbUU5KgVBMGGEGGJNGLDTtvufXhR2m9qvD4PEHpAH7IPG2vD4dPje9A9XeY749sjXIM50i7P/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6sLDS6oVgLHLL7TimicrD73aVaD_fDdVATI41NKWArxyS6TOzOZPKnAod50XhQvhTI-aKbUU5KgVBMGGEGGJNGLDTtvufXhR2m9qvD4PEHpAH7IPG2vD4dPje9A9XeY749sjXIM50i7P/s400/IMG_0950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After we got back from our cruise we had a few last minutes to take some pictures and soak up the perfect weather before our ferry took us back to shore. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj781GAFDIIG1aBU8c9G002RSKC35bWkyWn3EQmJV3PsSli-34cNhaispFNR8eOEkqL-Aa_lI88M3uyDP0w5ajHtw-iHFwnf3TO_QoNsek6zhT7eiMBWbB14gPvfzNTJAXLTSXoUgt_KHdB/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj781GAFDIIG1aBU8c9G002RSKC35bWkyWn3EQmJV3PsSli-34cNhaispFNR8eOEkqL-Aa_lI88M3uyDP0w5ajHtw-iHFwnf3TO_QoNsek6zhT7eiMBWbB14gPvfzNTJAXLTSXoUgt_KHdB/s400/IMG_0863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The rest of the day was about a three hour drive south to our second base camp for the trip- Margaret River. That's not very exciting though so we'll leave you with an adorable picture of Laurel, Olivia, and Immy. See you next time!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFRLvrukxRo0CoNSDEu5TKiuSeZXM9_9IaUmAqKhNM2JtEUK41PINvEJiHLZMy8ekPytg1rZzQIfeebPmejoN9NbdHH4ufJp9PD4SlfOZ80hQks0I15HQYKk1abdT0HQeCJB-lDbmJt6p/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFRLvrukxRo0CoNSDEu5TKiuSeZXM9_9IaUmAqKhNM2JtEUK41PINvEJiHLZMy8ekPytg1rZzQIfeebPmejoN9NbdHH4ufJp9PD4SlfOZ80hQks0I15HQYKk1abdT0HQeCJB-lDbmJt6p/s400/IMG_0892.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ183k-aAnH7aQlJBaPFCrD6EBVl6Yce9OWjh3NNk5U6HvaiKJhjEvUGxSaoBq46bjv37-DJKwXFMSkkNlu5n8byE2aMatNarWON3rVlQQghJKVW_kb11EfZt2DV5KTx4fVyFybMXyBPX/s1600/IMG_0915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-76819213533999227692013-04-20T02:24:00.000-07:002013-04-20T02:24:21.527-07:00Fremantle PrisonWe celebrated the first day of the year by traveling to Perth's biggest historical attraction, Fremantle Prison. Constructed from 1851 to 1859, it was built from limestone rocks cut out of the hills on site. All this was done by the first prisoners of the facility. That's right, they made them build their own prison. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcMUI-s1j5Q1ntuO1y1olyHNLCmqWN7oIjzbPrL_KEvHIUkWY8P98xKw5R_jwhB2RcyqtNMvg3rVmlb-5G7j6Hyq6xu3qSQA72NwHA2vMsgY61GNFgknnK4HU90Et36C5l1LMONmr3hgv/s1600/102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcMUI-s1j5Q1ntuO1y1olyHNLCmqWN7oIjzbPrL_KEvHIUkWY8P98xKw5R_jwhB2RcyqtNMvg3rVmlb-5G7j6Hyq6xu3qSQA72NwHA2vMsgY61GNFgknnK4HU90Et36C5l1LMONmr3hgv/s400/102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Fremantle was the largest whaling port in the Indian Ocean during the 1800s. At first, Fremantle Prison was the site where the convicts were sent. These were men that were convicted of crimes in Great Briton that were sent to Australia as punishment to be used as forced labor, i.e. slaves, for the duration of their sentence. The site of the prison started as a large, limestone hill. The hill was carved out, and limestone harvested, shaped, and used to construct the prison by the convicts. After it was built, the prison was used to hold Australian criminals. It mostly held men, but also had a women’s building as well. By men it meant officially males 13+ years, however, records show that boys as young as 8 were held there next to murderers and sex offenders. It’s hard to imagine that such a place was still being used as recently as 1991.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsEP7uc0go9Q4IRc6qVuQZcfz_FIPH_GwBKKnCN_cXQxdRMYFAjeIhi7Qar2mLEfiSYyfwaI10VXel9Sc1dGaiEoW2vdV6HKh3odQAYABMdBESgmjSANEuimfwkaw17DkZXamFTYm7NWb/s1600/100.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsEP7uc0go9Q4IRc6qVuQZcfz_FIPH_GwBKKnCN_cXQxdRMYFAjeIhi7Qar2mLEfiSYyfwaI10VXel9Sc1dGaiEoW2vdV6HKh3odQAYABMdBESgmjSANEuimfwkaw17DkZXamFTYm7NWb/s400/100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is the kitchen. A cook was the best job you could get as a prisoner, because it meant you knew what was in your food. The prison continued a tradition of the British Navy, since aboard their ships was how most prisoners arrived in Australia. Every Friday was fish and chips day, a tradition that is still honored around the world, including at Greg's office. He had never really thought about before, but there you go.<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1364203790597_1892" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq55JxD0vpY47Yda6NUhdZKqPkM8NeQq49UhwFBlZXDT-javeJ6yllg4V0D-GUOISPxWADGSk6Na13cgmZANvkrYOExZR9qjZqkfHy9Tm0NwWiwHs3vGHaa2fxYZB3yNCXlkT7smo3ULx/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAq55JxD0vpY47Yda6NUhdZKqPkM8NeQq49UhwFBlZXDT-javeJ6yllg4V0D-GUOISPxWADGSk6Na13cgmZANvkrYOExZR9qjZqkfHy9Tm0NwWiwHs3vGHaa2fxYZB3yNCXlkT7smo3ULx/s400/105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a small church on the prison grounds so that the prisoners might repent their sins. The murals on the back wall had an interesting story. The warden wanted the ten commandments and other holy scripture painted on the back wall, but since it would take almost two years to get the paint by boat from England, one of the inmates had an idea. He consulted with some local Aboriginal artists, made paint using their ancient Aboriginal methods, and painted the walls. That was over a hundred years ago, and the paint is still as vivid now as it was then. It has needed no touching up or restoration in that time, even in the Australian sun. Amazing. Clearly the Aboriginals know things we still don't. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nKPEpudwsdQAQlCvN4ztV9e_QKkZEQeN0lk4q8kiCoiDixCBHcJWcBohvP27_2laZXDr2PnKjY4Uw7IV3VBPO9b-Eny1YLZeRPJCEdICv9NmIjwp4KPOCtDc2pQ9GG7KAlLsUXjsvCvT/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nKPEpudwsdQAQlCvN4ztV9e_QKkZEQeN0lk4q8kiCoiDixCBHcJWcBohvP27_2laZXDr2PnKjY4Uw7IV3VBPO9b-Eny1YLZeRPJCEdICv9NmIjwp4KPOCtDc2pQ9GG7KAlLsUXjsvCvT/s400/108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Measuring 1.2 meters by 2.1 meters, this was an inmate's cell in 1852. Rainwater was collected in tanks on the roof and brought to the prisoners in buckets. This is why the prisoners were happy to be out in the yards all day building the walls and roads around them. It beat being confined to this. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jQpESkPTlOJNLciJZ5DuPoY5MbSzA6WYeyUWWxtvl-yjoFGiHV53hG71GdwN2oF53tCDVlLOekuozQTOBugQBVKbO4aUtUXbr2iiiOFKIKkpg7F2uZpYD2AkUZXxG429dWo8tx5Ai_n2/s1600/109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jQpESkPTlOJNLciJZ5DuPoY5MbSzA6WYeyUWWxtvl-yjoFGiHV53hG71GdwN2oF53tCDVlLOekuozQTOBugQBVKbO4aUtUXbr2iiiOFKIKkpg7F2uZpYD2AkUZXxG429dWo8tx5Ai_n2/s400/109.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1899, the Royal Commission determined that the cells were inhumane, and knocked down adjoining walls, doubling the room size for each inmate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GyKYDv5pd8WproQ9fdxMd1iLL7yx3nhu9ADuorRQy6u7OAMzVNyf8Ke-vgxUJCUhqbpozwzUj_OBcqeW53_AOnlTcBqbFMWTZ5G6l5F6uIjLjTaPHyStR-1PwpnRAT3E4tg7gowYvQSb/s1600/110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GyKYDv5pd8WproQ9fdxMd1iLL7yx3nhu9ADuorRQy6u7OAMzVNyf8Ke-vgxUJCUhqbpozwzUj_OBcqeW53_AOnlTcBqbFMWTZ5G6l5F6uIjLjTaPHyStR-1PwpnRAT3E4tg7gowYvQSb/s400/110.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
However, that cut the number of prisoners the facility could hold in half. In 1960, they ran out of space, so bunk beds were installed in each room, essentially returning the living space per inmate to what it was originally.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU60_QoiQi2E75yRsS_tBzJTsFPGZ8ShyphenhyphenAlzBzcoVkz-Swrvm-PzB-CGVKp31GRK17Bf6_aWDDlHmpm0B8QETv1PIcco-gfKoGXMFj5ne_QvVYsTHq2TOBhJTSeqkm44eF6kgQ_ia6LDna/s1600/111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU60_QoiQi2E75yRsS_tBzJTsFPGZ8ShyphenhyphenAlzBzcoVkz-Swrvm-PzB-CGVKp31GRK17Bf6_aWDDlHmpm0B8QETv1PIcco-gfKoGXMFj5ne_QvVYsTHq2TOBhJTSeqkm44eF6kgQ_ia6LDna/s400/111.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Aside from the terrible living conditions, why was this place so terrible? Mostly because they never bothered to update the 1850's construction. Insulation, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing were not added to any part of Fremantle Prison until after it was shut down. Prisoners were given a bucket to use as a toilet, a situation that did not change when inmates began sharing a room. Perth and the surrounding areas were going through a sweltering heat wave during our visit. The daytime high was 40+ degrees C (100+ degrees F). Our tour guide told us that during a heat wave like we were experiencing, the temperatures inside the cells would range between 50-55 degrees C (122-131 degrees F). It took 2 years after the facility was closed to get the smell out. On top of that, the soft limestone walls that formed the cells were the perfect breeding grounds for insects. This meant that at all times of the year, the walls were literally crawling with millions (not exaggerating) of cockroaches and other insects. Fremantle Prison was shut down in 1991, 80 years after it was declared condemned and unfit for human habitation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLjAkbqcKTcq0qCbVpNhllLr4-sDCvpqH9DVkbDiG9yu0Knpt2WlnqV1QMnwIIy3j6pkbBm2ydgFcw7PKmYgiK7P7gnxvcTzjn9-7hpT2voRdXhyyVkNSTAtzJmTage5Z9R4WAW6pmmLC/s1600/107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLjAkbqcKTcq0qCbVpNhllLr4-sDCvpqH9DVkbDiG9yu0Knpt2WlnqV1QMnwIIy3j6pkbBm2ydgFcw7PKmYgiK7P7gnxvcTzjn9-7hpT2voRdXhyyVkNSTAtzJmTage5Z9R4WAW6pmmLC/s400/107.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Until 1991, it was prohibited to paint on the walls. The only exception made prior to this was for an inmate known as Peg-leg Pete for "therapeutic reasons." They didn't elaborate. He was an extraordinarily talented artist. However, our tour guide reminded us that, behind the mind of that artist lived a monster guilty of some of the most violent, abhorrent crimes against women. He then told us that Peg-leg Pete is 68 and still alive today. He lives in a small town not far from Fremantle, and his every movement is watched by the authorities. That is seriously disturbing that he is, 1. Still that young and 2. Technically a free man.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rWeVoMDe6nUFfIDlslm6a5vh048ZXTkN0-upOsC-9Xs68C8Hy9qJ6-M6hyYsnZVPxkkOIl8v9kPGAw6PvuA3Bq4VV2kWlWGl4ip8aRzZAyZTqE9WCwLS8yZmI8n56uLYtxN76sjuISxz/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rWeVoMDe6nUFfIDlslm6a5vh048ZXTkN0-upOsC-9Xs68C8Hy9qJ6-M6hyYsnZVPxkkOIl8v9kPGAw6PvuA3Bq4VV2kWlWGl4ip8aRzZAyZTqE9WCwLS8yZmI8n56uLYtxN76sjuISxz/s400/117.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the last 12 months of the Prison's operations some prisoners were granted permission to paint on the cell walls and on the walls of the exercise yards, as a farewell gesture. Here's one by an Aboriginal inmate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrKtteK_-CgVOe2mosN37VSBkwKTskPsl_K4xRnfEVyCU9JJP4nq5vmwuXVGJrkOnifBao2t0tsoQSqQ0iyY3i9_9aUpUkvmLu1s6OgLC-I7eKUDGTDpbSmfgTRme8hSmbvqOmbbjO0Ry/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrKtteK_-CgVOe2mosN37VSBkwKTskPsl_K4xRnfEVyCU9JJP4nq5vmwuXVGJrkOnifBao2t0tsoQSqQ0iyY3i9_9aUpUkvmLu1s6OgLC-I7eKUDGTDpbSmfgTRme8hSmbvqOmbbjO0Ry/s400/119.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The solitary confinement cells. This is where inmates went both for further punishment during their sentence and the night before their execution to help them contemplate their fate and find repentance. The only light came from the small window in the wall. Gruesome. Greg is sad in this picture because, 1. He is in solitary confinement and 2. They put the baby in a corner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7r7X2_vmUMl6Ex_kQxZfkv88h2Gh5HmI2amzzh21KnFpG_9xyWCA9qPXv3XnudL7EkXyodAinpoNyNgeR0p-Io_VGszxnjf96R_uY2U9LLKFC5chAAFwNLUmvkOX1sPD5ScdWNecApjD/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7r7X2_vmUMl6Ex_kQxZfkv88h2Gh5HmI2amzzh21KnFpG_9xyWCA9qPXv3XnudL7EkXyodAinpoNyNgeR0p-Io_VGszxnjf96R_uY2U9LLKFC5chAAFwNLUmvkOX1sPD5ScdWNecApjD/s400/120.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the stockade used to punish prisoners by whipping with a cat of nine tails. The boy here demonstrating the position was volunteered by his younger brothers. The prison had a punishment policy. If you were sentenced to a 100 lashings, you would get a hundred lashings. Now, a doctor would be on hand, since a cat of nine tails is such a brutal weapon. After about 10 strokes a prisoner would not have any skin left on their back. From anywhere from 15 to 25 lashes the whipping would have to be stopped or the prisoner would die of loss of blood. At that point, salt would be rubbed into the unconscious prisoner's wounds to prevent infection and he would be taken to the doctor to recover. About six weeks later, when he had sufficiently healed, the whippings would be resumed. This process would repeat until the full 100 lashings punishment had been reached. That is the most brutal, hardcore thing I have ever heard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAoqbmvir15ebHpDw_hIKwM4eIjNNR-BC_ZnI5Od2fBmEydc5dCIQvl06Kwo_7WAxuDwIhnNdQMNURQ5QZfCJTDeNeOUhPaVnH68xxkZDUX6CRrz1ZBiAdaZlwBh2ZZ-K768C5QQ51N1C/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAoqbmvir15ebHpDw_hIKwM4eIjNNR-BC_ZnI5Od2fBmEydc5dCIQvl06Kwo_7WAxuDwIhnNdQMNURQ5QZfCJTDeNeOUhPaVnH68xxkZDUX6CRrz1ZBiAdaZlwBh2ZZ-K768C5QQ51N1C/s400/123.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is where the prisoners went to die. Death row criminals were hung, and over 40 inmates died in this room. It may have just been the heat and the noise in the small room, but Immy started crying almost immediately upon entering. Greg took her outside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm5ucBDrhVCIATr3BVdOv-gbYQBFxtXDEHg2r3PPgUoStOlfY_OQ1PC-am2aDo2NvUpKfZuUdeDAH9rV7uLZoJh7HVq5QwfBgOQtQkyiX8YXlAIxQfZLqoKxL-tbwUCApKv1wrSiPhL2L/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtm5ucBDrhVCIATr3BVdOv-gbYQBFxtXDEHg2r3PPgUoStOlfY_OQ1PC-am2aDo2NvUpKfZuUdeDAH9rV7uLZoJh7HVq5QwfBgOQtQkyiX8YXlAIxQfZLqoKxL-tbwUCApKv1wrSiPhL2L/s400/124.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After the guided tour there is a small museum you can walk through which had some interesting facts. This is a bust of the Irish prisoner, John Boyle O'Reilly, who was one of the few men to successfully escape. He caught a boat to America where he enjoyed a successful career as a newspaper editor before dieing of an overdose of sleeping medicine. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ98gNvYX0_7YyFG5FpUMnb4shVLlXDbdj1VjUMEgsHwRjkha7l-Cn0VKXHhvzVdAjSftS1gHhvNdAmTWgGw_JCURDvB5Q-CArXhef4HmDEIUDcrfF5tyw6zTSy5J6Wva6bJ__ZDymaii/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ98gNvYX0_7YyFG5FpUMnb4shVLlXDbdj1VjUMEgsHwRjkha7l-Cn0VKXHhvzVdAjSftS1gHhvNdAmTWgGw_JCURDvB5Q-CArXhef4HmDEIUDcrfF5tyw6zTSy5J6Wva6bJ__ZDymaii/s400/126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In comparison to Port Arthur, which seemed to be populated by people who had committed nothing more than a misdemeanor, Fremantle was used for the worst of the worst. Even then, it still seems inhumane. While depressing due to the subject matter, this was an incredible experience. We all agreed afterwards that while none of us had expected it to be, this was one of the highlights of our trip. Our tour guide was amazing, and had so many fascinating stories. Many of the tour guides (not ours) are actually former prison guards, so they have many tales of first-hand experiences. We still can't believe this place was running in 1991. If you ever go to Perth, this really should be on your must-do list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCfn-1OhyDPLWylKt3BHjt3Vrn6Aed2Ma6kB_4dpR7yXmhwNipA1PRQJ3mbbyGTgqgWX8zzKAwgnpUZ4qRqwG_hCMy5HzBZhwdCRXO3Zkr0Tn_BJa2zPrpQzbKg8CMNmvK-5xnv8cGo1z/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCfn-1OhyDPLWylKt3BHjt3Vrn6Aed2Ma6kB_4dpR7yXmhwNipA1PRQJ3mbbyGTgqgWX8zzKAwgnpUZ4qRqwG_hCMy5HzBZhwdCRXO3Zkr0Tn_BJa2zPrpQzbKg8CMNmvK-5xnv8cGo1z/s400/133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After our trip to prison we went out for lunch in Fremantle to chill out and decompress. Immy was pretty excited about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXcEVCFWV9WgoI8mZCs1-S1FM6LhX0j7lxDrEuqoKCtISTg1MJOHlJd2MMhOMxLv1Pgwxu4fBxgqHSLp7Oo-4rBxnz2zIK1v0Fa8eYh_jLZYGK8i3LBah17gHsCylKTp3ywN7nsE3-YUT/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXcEVCFWV9WgoI8mZCs1-S1FM6LhX0j7lxDrEuqoKCtISTg1MJOHlJd2MMhOMxLv1Pgwxu4fBxgqHSLp7Oo-4rBxnz2zIK1v0Fa8eYh_jLZYGK8i3LBah17gHsCylKTp3ywN7nsE3-YUT/s400/134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-26511046024829070602013-04-13T02:16:00.000-07:002013-04-13T02:16:14.955-07:00Rockingham and NYEAfter a day spent inland going north, it was time to do the complete opposite. We drove south about 45 minutes to the small town of Rockingham. It's basically a little inlet that shoots into the bay, and has a ton of water activities. The one we had come for was the all-day Swimming with Dolphins tour. I mean, how can you resist that? The only downside is that the boat is not very baby friendly, so we had to leave Immy at home. Fortunately, Tina was more than happy to spend all day alone with her bouncing, smiling granddaughter. Here are the four of us, fresh on the boat and excited to go see some dolphins! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRGqCfGEnAmMkiZFT429XcExAeB976sw8KL4zWMearTuY-tghvzt2FmrE2E63DWKcGdq9A1FbzFFKWFBbIs_NQzh0r0rJt9HRiCghsTGMyh9xMm-owh6xrYF1mjFdegWWs5GaybW_411x/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRGqCfGEnAmMkiZFT429XcExAeB976sw8KL4zWMearTuY-tghvzt2FmrE2E63DWKcGdq9A1FbzFFKWFBbIs_NQzh0r0rJt9HRiCghsTGMyh9xMm-owh6xrYF1mjFdegWWs5GaybW_411x/s400/IMG_0636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Look, there's one! Super close, too. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv2Mz8ELgJI_WLo9YCKT1SNSzCxjroyemfzcBEb1x3nw4lf93p0hOoF4s8kMG1yxkxVhA_GzNPh6C-WL11ckp_rFlN_TZMMimdrC0XsTYoulwIiY5U_qqtcCTOGiazkmZMFIRANXSatIe/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv2Mz8ELgJI_WLo9YCKT1SNSzCxjroyemfzcBEb1x3nw4lf93p0hOoF4s8kMG1yxkxVhA_GzNPh6C-WL11ckp_rFlN_TZMMimdrC0XsTYoulwIiY5U_qqtcCTOGiazkmZMFIRANXSatIe/s400/IMG_0642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We weren't really sure what to expect by this tour. We figured maybe we see a dolphin or two in the distance, maybe we don't see any, but man we were blown away. We saw dolphins right and left, and just all over the place, within feet of us. Here's a whole family just hanging out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvblakgFthd4I8wTtDJLKbzp8cYEk02UZHxKz8jLlqeCv3ECtqd9_gHh3udt7iQWCCnzJ8Bm_h5anDwIKm_1AbtbMJGaB6EHoy6MPC-dAqpxAiXKufhr3y8x4n2F43lFnKZwShiOHrsLY4/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvblakgFthd4I8wTtDJLKbzp8cYEk02UZHxKz8jLlqeCv3ECtqd9_gHh3udt7iQWCCnzJ8Bm_h5anDwIKm_1AbtbMJGaB6EHoy6MPC-dAqpxAiXKufhr3y8x4n2F43lFnKZwShiOHrsLY4/s400/IMG_0742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Strangely for an Australian organized tour group, this tour was meticulously organized. They split the boat into about six different color groups, with three groups out in the water at a time. They had us get in a line and hold on to the person's belt in front of you with the lead guide doing the swimming. The rest of us were kind of just pulled along behind, so we could focus on looking for and taking pictures of the dolphins. It also ensured there weren't sixty people splashing in the water at once scaring off the dolphins. Smart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdypa2ZFzQSYxlmNzdIn64DQJnuDFkicYnb35XHQkSp7tYja6_Uxfavh2GY4TL-lNA3Epu80YaEyYDEL0-MOg1kpNihh4Tk0BM4rLiAN3z9-ymz4fzfdj_pIU4APoYAObebhhJNeO9fqir/s1600/IMG_0676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdypa2ZFzQSYxlmNzdIn64DQJnuDFkicYnb35XHQkSp7tYja6_Uxfavh2GY4TL-lNA3Epu80YaEyYDEL0-MOg1kpNihh4Tk0BM4rLiAN3z9-ymz4fzfdj_pIU4APoYAObebhhJNeO9fqir/s400/IMG_0676.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This guide had clearly scored the coolest job lottery. She had one of those personal water motors and she just swam down and played with the dolphins to keep them interested and around. Best job ever, right? We're also pretty sure that her great grandmother was probably a dolphin because she was an insanely good swimmer and could hold her breath forever. She was just using a snorkel and went down pretty deep and stayed down for several minutes at a time. Impressive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzR25SGRGCBMrA_uUFrDTGcDq77cGoruqSZijUMFuGfXLAYSPmPufSN-Pb-A_xEI5Ftd8sYGPPUFfRlKOL_gIuRjqQQolQTuRWwTck0YmPcb06XrRyIKVBK1ya5kdo7ywVxYyGgn_8WpQ/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzR25SGRGCBMrA_uUFrDTGcDq77cGoruqSZijUMFuGfXLAYSPmPufSN-Pb-A_xEI5Ftd8sYGPPUFfRlKOL_gIuRjqQQolQTuRWwTck0YmPcb06XrRyIKVBK1ya5kdo7ywVxYyGgn_8WpQ/s400/IMG_0739.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point the boat found a pack of roving male dolphins, so we decided to have some fun. They kicked the motor in gear and tore off, creating a big wake behind us. The dolphins swam up alongside and used the wave created by the wake to "surf." Apparently this only works when it's a group of males- they all get excited and try to out do each other. Boys!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcI1LHYO7p4Z1gW1uJd-rq0OyzhoOIE2dwzXHzZhK30UyLEDe2tGv8kD2GOq9C79lw3_QLShkogsSpQXq4ONOnqygAJpWU99nAYDGBc5vHqJbhEhGaB9ZNGyboJE22vmsvfbHWN3b9k-I/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcI1LHYO7p4Z1gW1uJd-rq0OyzhoOIE2dwzXHzZhK30UyLEDe2tGv8kD2GOq9C79lw3_QLShkogsSpQXq4ONOnqygAJpWU99nAYDGBc5vHqJbhEhGaB9ZNGyboJE22vmsvfbHWN3b9k-I/s400/IMG_0727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here we are modeling the latest in wetsuit fashion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvblakgFthd4I8wTtDJLKbzp8cYEk02UZHxKz8jLlqeCv3ECtqd9_gHh3udt7iQWCCnzJ8Bm_h5anDwIKm_1AbtbMJGaB6EHoy6MPC-dAqpxAiXKufhr3y8x4n2F43lFnKZwShiOHrsLY4/s1600/IMG_0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunSqPdThNpp2MuaAK19EEs7bdmq6R5BQkTq6DLpWTRYtpuk_gBBKx1Zm1wnqX5sW6qPDDLhPi5TrimyQGs24KGHqTpCtK-3Cx3RZUsAElPDseJB4RMfH0I1XYfbCGNx-5m3nSJaxYaPg5/s1600/IMG_0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunSqPdThNpp2MuaAK19EEs7bdmq6R5BQkTq6DLpWTRYtpuk_gBBKx1Zm1wnqX5sW6qPDDLhPi5TrimyQGs24KGHqTpCtK-3Cx3RZUsAElPDseJB4RMfH0I1XYfbCGNx-5m3nSJaxYaPg5/s400/IMG_0757.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a great day. If you are ever in Western Australia, definitely take a day and go down to Rockingham for the dolphin tours. It was amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNi_MUHm2LGcceeTIRmBdjfS8RBWYrQNzWkD4oiR8Cu8_ePjOp67RGJnckthmTl1K250tI4Jrnpo-82-Z2izEpk5eoCDZpooyG5paVV9EU1a3siTHeqWKTnhiLMwtpbvrJi5xD9vOmpr_/s1600/IMG_0770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNi_MUHm2LGcceeTIRmBdjfS8RBWYrQNzWkD4oiR8Cu8_ePjOp67RGJnckthmTl1K250tI4Jrnpo-82-Z2izEpk5eoCDZpooyG5paVV9EU1a3siTHeqWKTnhiLMwtpbvrJi5xD9vOmpr_/s400/IMG_0770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That day also happened to be December 31st- man this year has just flown by. Fortunately, Olivia and Tina had bought Immy an outfit for the night. She was ready to party in style!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbLq_AN3spuEjOdR66Ke6UAdkXj8Q6lqIkCyD8pXFKUpt9h0ECrgldPa1AiKPNDYXC0vMR3k3nlRNPbzjKoxcIckZAfiUHnf7vxcy2A-6ErXhW8WbubXCYYsn6ueWq25y1mfoYZgLH_sl/s1600/081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbLq_AN3spuEjOdR66Ke6UAdkXj8Q6lqIkCyD8pXFKUpt9h0ECrgldPa1AiKPNDYXC0vMR3k3nlRNPbzjKoxcIckZAfiUHnf7vxcy2A-6ErXhW8WbubXCYYsn6ueWq25y1mfoYZgLH_sl/s400/081.JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went out to one of the local pubs for a nice, laid-back dinner. They still had their Christmas tree up, so Immy got a chance to model her fancy dress with the grandparents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MtH6U4kApgNMM2KFK1RMpjb3kHkJYPoGAZwWJRVRjzsnjIw2JXcxrCALISE_FGfUE-X7qNjuof3ZJPLclNvKXc6_dva8zZXpYsShZo6EAgLWu7aOa0vMt7s3s95iAKG3a5ju8Jffv3ya/s1600/086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MtH6U4kApgNMM2KFK1RMpjb3kHkJYPoGAZwWJRVRjzsnjIw2JXcxrCALISE_FGfUE-X7qNjuof3ZJPLclNvKXc6_dva8zZXpYsShZo6EAgLWu7aOa0vMt7s3s95iAKG3a5ju8Jffv3ya/s400/086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After pictures it was sleepytime. No midnight celebration for Immy, too sleepy. See you in 2013, guys. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6S-D_n7POQkTmSxkjcf6riYlc1DdkwL3bP3CMwK3LofcUiSjyzOR9ocFrBd3Vpll9fikf1H4HF_cLktV9Im0G4o6Jr_jEHemo_l6kDBQ6XFwgUzRnOsczBIKA_GEUjvYYA-i6NXjYMbs/s1600/088.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx6S-D_n7POQkTmSxkjcf6riYlc1DdkwL3bP3CMwK3LofcUiSjyzOR9ocFrBd3Vpll9fikf1H4HF_cLktV9Im0G4o6Jr_jEHemo_l6kDBQ6XFwgUzRnOsczBIKA_GEUjvYYA-i6NXjYMbs/s400/088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After dinner, Greg, Laurel, and Olivia went out to the harbor area of Fremantle to check out the New Year's Eve nightlife. We ended up at the Little Creatures brewpup for a couple drinks, and during that a street drum crew showed up to entertain the guests. It was pretty awesome. Now, since we just had a baby, we definitely did not make it to midnight. In bed by eleven, we're so wild and crazy. Olivia stayed up to watch the fireworks on TV, but fell asleep on the couch at 11:52. Fail. We're going to blame our collective lameness on Perth's 3 hour later timezone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqPX5yrcGWekN4ZjgPkKrW6VNmE8lMA6V10f5y2q8urc1V28O9DwR-Zw_ch1dO6wLPqCIKiH2ZjHVgpx0XxUMwD6Fqipeu7Lr9QmmPR9FqvGS58Q8HMPJeMLZx24CefB1zFgTh5CO3Kos/s1600/094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqPX5yrcGWekN4ZjgPkKrW6VNmE8lMA6V10f5y2q8urc1V28O9DwR-Zw_ch1dO6wLPqCIKiH2ZjHVgpx0XxUMwD6Fqipeu7Lr9QmmPR9FqvGS58Q8HMPJeMLZx24CefB1zFgTh5CO3Kos/s400/094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-86820417280254125342013-03-24T20:57:00.000-07:002013-03-24T20:57:06.314-07:00Rottnest Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We spent the following day at Rottnest Island, which is a small island just off the coast of Perth. It's a big daytrip spot. It has beautiful beaches and has been largely untouched by human development. There's a hotel, a restuarant, some apartment accomodations, two lighthouses, and the dock. And that's it. Cars are even illegal. The only way to get around is by bicycle. Bob in particular was looking forward to that part. The island has a circumference of about 15 kilometers. Greg biked it late in the day. It was a really scenic ride. Here was our chariot over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqj0Qyk-Be1Ht5y0MIxnJzHgv9d1N_PhYSG5XBboIYt2MsJ-MRfe71wbeADIzIr-cGY3MBevl-IB0aR28QV1xHXk8WJtbdBhyRgbumVVxC4WwwS80RCJ8h28kCqVb5giHAu_8DIo4T21c/s1600/074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqj0Qyk-Be1Ht5y0MIxnJzHgv9d1N_PhYSG5XBboIYt2MsJ-MRfe71wbeADIzIr-cGY3MBevl-IB0aR28QV1xHXk8WJtbdBhyRgbumVVxC4WwwS80RCJ8h28kCqVb5giHAu_8DIo4T21c/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLPABuknsywqotg6ejeRmj1mTaLuYfflHb5sPyoowzGj7ib5emMRrt6AW2PfE4dnuaZdLXCNMUb_ITasgCs4o0OFYLQkT0NA1x_0A8hYYg2MC5uQXAaJ7TfWTA6FvaTs30bzWIGQoEjVi/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The main draw are the beaches. This is called "The Basin" for the way the rock suddenly drops off from knee to shoulder deep water. You can see it in this picture, it's the lighter blue section in the middle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JIW-fAabz2ncdzxGvz_RXzAcq67WEqkwGbYmRLEsM4iDW6KfKJy9AyFkGvd_5h794ZiNLH1jkSbs4NGYwSVK3z58_k2FfV-a0BNNNVHQjuAaH2aJRp6jf2Kuxcx14A2N3ndXGxUOzlGM/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JIW-fAabz2ncdzxGvz_RXzAcq67WEqkwGbYmRLEsM4iDW6KfKJy9AyFkGvd_5h794ZiNLH1jkSbs4NGYwSVK3z58_k2FfV-a0BNNNVHQjuAaH2aJRp6jf2Kuxcx14A2N3ndXGxUOzlGM/s400/063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While Bob, Olivia, and Greg went for a bike ride (Olivia cursing the other two for much of the time), Tina and Laurel took Immy for a walk over to the Basin. Immy woke up super excited. We think she might have recognized the sound of the ocean from her white noise machine at home. Or it might have been her super adorable flower bathing suit. Thanks Roberto and Rachel for the great hand-me-down!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHUl4RJTymiguLZyJhMwwv3yvx3z_o8uQVlTc-mpHkb1qjsQWpxAflIDyQ1x1kUHHP6wyYdGWWvy-UjaKJ_9vwMflbctPawr6TUpyY4lEt_lrDiGQxDTrHgOtttY9AB5x5cCrz-tpw2bO/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHUl4RJTymiguLZyJhMwwv3yvx3z_o8uQVlTc-mpHkb1qjsQWpxAflIDyQ1x1kUHHP6wyYdGWWvy-UjaKJ_9vwMflbctPawr6TUpyY4lEt_lrDiGQxDTrHgOtttY9AB5x5cCrz-tpw2bO/s400/072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This little guy is a quokka, the indigenous animal of Rottnest Island. Like everything in Australia, they are a marsupial. It's like a big rat, but way cuter. Also, they are completely used to having people around and without any cars, nothing really poses a threat to them, so they are pretty chill. This guy let Laurel get really close for the picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi258-8Th3Aczp6M3ddUPO2oodrim6XzXSAFVWdqM6KePKNLHztbwLOc91dL0wN3PNkz1yDx8rqxdTkFXZOtiWOlj7O9mqYratBrlnpZWMGxO4rAMO5vPluQ6kn_-dwsW3j2-BZpnh6S2-i/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi258-8Th3Aczp6M3ddUPO2oodrim6XzXSAFVWdqM6KePKNLHztbwLOc91dL0wN3PNkz1yDx8rqxdTkFXZOtiWOlj7O9mqYratBrlnpZWMGxO4rAMO5vPluQ6kn_-dwsW3j2-BZpnh6S2-i/s400/071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLPABuknsywqotg6ejeRmj1mTaLuYfflHb5sPyoowzGj7ib5emMRrt6AW2PfE4dnuaZdLXCNMUb_ITasgCs4o0OFYLQkT0NA1x_0A8hYYg2MC5uQXAaJ7TfWTA6FvaTs30bzWIGQoEjVi/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
This is Immy's first trip to the ocean, and this picture captures the exact moment she first made contact with the Indian Ocean. She did not care for it. The water was really cold, and it surprised her. She started screaming immediately, and didn't stop until we took her up to the towels and dried her off. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKrVv7bTkDu40dac-eaIFGvDAJvPuDswFR0EIubMXkyh9NerVWVfB9XS2JiLgPtN4L0qm2qyp0na53pPqF5f450L3EVGiCHqNgt00I-cb4gMkR8LaOx4t2M5ogC7YguLvbAjOLHtvhz4E/s1600/IMG_0525+first+ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKrVv7bTkDu40dac-eaIFGvDAJvPuDswFR0EIubMXkyh9NerVWVfB9XS2JiLgPtN4L0qm2qyp0na53pPqF5f450L3EVGiCHqNgt00I-cb4gMkR8LaOx4t2M5ogC7YguLvbAjOLHtvhz4E/s400/IMG_0525+first+ocean.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
She liked the sand better, but she was still a little nervous about being so close to that mean old ocean. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78lcIwsJVSPC0wTVbOIbhZJ6wx4r7W9gVNLCmX-ghZlZTzKS0OwBkZ6k2s8RJXUcn5_pDID6MURUR7GosRCXQ4zP9zfWGXNocxMaC5vRncGN1FgYch5AdWvmeik1v0ywqcYSvxSXQBsD/s1600/IMG_0604+first+beach.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78lcIwsJVSPC0wTVbOIbhZJ6wx4r7W9gVNLCmX-ghZlZTzKS0OwBkZ6k2s8RJXUcn5_pDID6MURUR7GosRCXQ4zP9zfWGXNocxMaC5vRncGN1FgYch5AdWvmeik1v0ywqcYSvxSXQBsD/s400/IMG_0604+first+beach.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Immy loves hanging out with her Grammy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpn1swNBSS834eBLkoSBYQLxXI4eYl0E_I-Z5S6X1lcMYOcTeC-D4NNq_OnAyQdpWJpNZt-0o2czom5Ss7S1y_kLKbofX6C4ZOiaWod4M-ZfXEPRsF33uW2EMQBD2l-AGhyfX83ulmGJ_/s1600/IMG_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpn1swNBSS834eBLkoSBYQLxXI4eYl0E_I-Z5S6X1lcMYOcTeC-D4NNq_OnAyQdpWJpNZt-0o2czom5Ss7S1y_kLKbofX6C4ZOiaWod4M-ZfXEPRsF33uW2EMQBD2l-AGhyfX83ulmGJ_/s400/IMG_0547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Towards the end of the day, Bob and Olivia rode off to another part of the island for a swim. Little did they know that while this picture was being taken, someone was stealing their bikes. Not cool, guys, not cool. So they had a much longer walk back to the ferry. Fortunately, our tour company was cool about it since they never gave us the bike locks they were supposed to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmaGB_dPVSElZeEB1FSxpxkk5dxrDFnKcsibxSF3KOVFGMl4pC9DtxxhwR0glsWdNzaUhckXqVzeKH6K3h4vvKHTtpnQZxhNy33ityShno7lQ0p1Oo12Dt4_-b7Ce02_bcX_ryDlNXGcD/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmaGB_dPVSElZeEB1FSxpxkk5dxrDFnKcsibxSF3KOVFGMl4pC9DtxxhwR0glsWdNzaUhckXqVzeKH6K3h4vvKHTtpnQZxhNy33ityShno7lQ0p1Oo12Dt4_-b7Ce02_bcX_ryDlNXGcD/s400/IMG_0629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a great time, it was a beautiful day in the sun. Not many better ways to spend the end of the year then on the beach. Good job Southern Hemisphere and your backwards seasons.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLPABuknsywqotg6ejeRmj1mTaLuYfflHb5sPyoowzGj7ib5emMRrt6AW2PfE4dnuaZdLXCNMUb_ITasgCs4o0OFYLQkT0NA1x_0A8hYYg2MC5uQXAaJ7TfWTA6FvaTs30bzWIGQoEjVi/s1600/IMG_0531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLPABuknsywqotg6ejeRmj1mTaLuYfflHb5sPyoowzGj7ib5emMRrt6AW2PfE4dnuaZdLXCNMUb_ITasgCs4o0OFYLQkT0NA1x_0A8hYYg2MC5uQXAaJ7TfWTA6FvaTs30bzWIGQoEjVi/s400/IMG_0531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju78lcIwsJVSPC0wTVbOIbhZJ6wx4r7W9gVNLCmX-ghZlZTzKS0OwBkZ6k2s8RJXUcn5_pDID6MURUR7GosRCXQ4zP9zfWGXNocxMaC5vRncGN1FgYch5AdWvmeik1v0ywqcYSvxSXQBsD/s1600/IMG_0604+first+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2860249718836741904.post-56130361208263116512013-03-19T03:56:00.000-07:002013-03-19T03:56:25.353-07:00Lancelin, Cervantes, and Pinnacles DesertOur second day of the trip was the one Greg was looking forward to the most- driving North to the Pinnacles Desert with a few stops along the way. First up- Lancelin. It's an incredibly small town about an hour's drive north of Perth. Why stop there? Because right outside of town stretches some enormous white sand dunes that are just spectacular. So much so in fact that they invented a new recreational pastime to take advantage of them- sandboarding! The sand is just impossibly white.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TSlm19oqVzlBybN5nD_RUqZ95HVL5zN4eX1suWps96O6N98TCOjfa4ZehXqEnkKRyqkpiYYKZfC0-yVzkBi7-pjT7ZEnU9odP2erIow7NRKUpgix4oMEIL0YpPVuDWBpWNWPCisRKaoo/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TSlm19oqVzlBybN5nD_RUqZ95HVL5zN4eX1suWps96O6N98TCOjfa4ZehXqEnkKRyqkpiYYKZfC0-yVzkBi7-pjT7ZEnU9odP2erIow7NRKUpgix4oMEIL0YpPVuDWBpWNWPCisRKaoo/s400/IMG_0351.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz2Nh_GJW980yyjsk-kPGfZqKl1ph32b599S0M4ScM7kv9lPCu2gMRe44A2NqmGqVNBkknbQrvRnHsVDwQ5SwM9WikIMsZZrClGnBXKy2pEqdJEpHQ8eAMJSYlBAnGpTkHmYEZcT4f3KC/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxz2Nh_GJW980yyjsk-kPGfZqKl1ph32b599S0M4ScM7kv9lPCu2gMRe44A2NqmGqVNBkknbQrvRnHsVDwQ5SwM9WikIMsZZrClGnBXKy2pEqdJEpHQ8eAMJSYlBAnGpTkHmYEZcT4f3KC/s400/IMG_0358.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What is sandboarding you ask? It's like surfing, just on sand and downhill. You pretty much just stop by any gas station in town, rent a couple of boards, and head out to the dunes. There really isn't any guidance so when we arrived there were about a dozen people kind of standing on top of the dunes trying to figure out how it works. It works like this- find the steepest hill possible, otherwise you kind of just sink down, and stay on for as long as you can. Here's Greg, shredding it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-USwTwh-uxQHgGpmTOnP6Hu5yH1Uv8t33GukKpoqiNk8KZr_xhloGXDVwTk6jW_wxbkv4jBz0_RH2HSnANBBAXF6CH8FauL9-MOTfX-CjfLUJBMbItDloJ3G47_1k_oqyFu862fdOhwo/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-USwTwh-uxQHgGpmTOnP6Hu5yH1Uv8t33GukKpoqiNk8KZr_xhloGXDVwTk6jW_wxbkv4jBz0_RH2HSnANBBAXF6CH8FauL9-MOTfX-CjfLUJBMbItDloJ3G47_1k_oqyFu862fdOhwo/s400/IMG_0366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dunes are everywhere in this part of Australia, and they just pop up in random places. Here's one on the side of the road, rising out of a sea of green shrubbery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kuibB_whHLXxay5bIpLWL7iTOZx5dHnOf6f2y2Ae3BsAZxTCAUxEkip44CbkTdLLA33h4FT_4RPpvBjypBTpxUv_k7FD7A5RdHyQl8DRdNxoiJ9_HxrIO4VMmLkekevFlGRl02a81AEg/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kuibB_whHLXxay5bIpLWL7iTOZx5dHnOf6f2y2Ae3BsAZxTCAUxEkip44CbkTdLLA33h4FT_4RPpvBjypBTpxUv_k7FD7A5RdHyQl8DRdNxoiJ9_HxrIO4VMmLkekevFlGRl02a81AEg/s400/IMG_0412.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
Our second stop was in the town of Cervantes, on the coast, specifically the Lobster Shack. It's a major lobster fishing company in Western Australia, fishing and shipping to the world the famed Western Australia Rock Lobster. We took a tour of the facility, and they explained how they process the lobsters. They have long tanks that they move them through and break them into categories A-H depending on size, with H being the largest. Different countries and cultures prefer different size lobsters. Japan likes the smaller A lobsters, while Dubai wants H lobsters- the bigger the better. They ship the lobsters alive in boxes filled with pine chips, apparently something about the wood chip helps keep the lobsters cool and damp. Before anyone gets too upset about the live shipping, just know that all their processing and shipping methods are certified as humane, which is a huge source of pride for the company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_1oFtohqWMMO4a5fHTXSRzRKs5e2DToUJzKL6BJXeaJ-kvPZ2K0FVCDxfvjBVXx-eAlIyep6V5eU-fOSjZHheN6moSeawafUcxR0uLG-DSOGfdKejWZIoxRAf97AyIF_fKn6LfLsY_8_/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_1oFtohqWMMO4a5fHTXSRzRKs5e2DToUJzKL6BJXeaJ-kvPZ2K0FVCDxfvjBVXx-eAlIyep6V5eU-fOSjZHheN6moSeawafUcxR0uLG-DSOGfdKejWZIoxRAf97AyIF_fKn6LfLsY_8_/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The main draw of the Lobster Shack though is their lunch truck. Lobster for lunch? Don't mind if we do! Greg went for the lobster sandwich. This is slightly more difficult with a baby strapped to you. Amazingly, nothing too messy was dropped on her head. This time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBomdYKm1qo7EvhVu3EBoPlsrU0kgWxWzyMpuwuzWg712lddbXaox2ZkAdZGXtomc-T9Qu0WjgCUuAtNXO2xUWnE3G3TVq_qdMtQvy8DO2Nw8kBZmrhy-HYlJvdTa3ceIIzfsX4JwIHChL/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBomdYKm1qo7EvhVu3EBoPlsrU0kgWxWzyMpuwuzWg712lddbXaox2ZkAdZGXtomc-T9Qu0WjgCUuAtNXO2xUWnE3G3TVq_qdMtQvy8DO2Nw8kBZmrhy-HYlJvdTa3ceIIzfsX4JwIHChL/s400/IMG_0429.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Laurel opted for the half grilled lobster. Solid play.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYXkyeAGxaIhZ23xox1p0cHeUCP4RuCJLtOb1zqzyKMKNFWFOXdqKdcoev1iiMj8LdRaQJKXXWBT_XGROESLU7YlhF10mDcaFIYfApwsSGEBa50FM1Su9aIiD57k-i8RAUeotCmZi6_Rm/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYXkyeAGxaIhZ23xox1p0cHeUCP4RuCJLtOb1zqzyKMKNFWFOXdqKdcoev1iiMj8LdRaQJKXXWBT_XGROESLU7YlhF10mDcaFIYfApwsSGEBa50FM1Su9aIiD57k-i8RAUeotCmZi6_Rm/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That is an insanely huge lobster, probably measuring about 1.7 Imogens. I would not want to run into that thing out in the ocean. It's like a giant water spider, and that is not cool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSgQaw2NGSrfbi-C2XG32Hhod2mFry0ic2_onVFmtPN4H-OeFVpu0Y9ET_asep1YYN0IOvOm1OboO2iS4FKCOdPInR3PzEy9XAT4nr-FgZLmI2vYC-a8wRtvu8LJPfrBicWErmn4oI1Tb/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSgQaw2NGSrfbi-C2XG32Hhod2mFry0ic2_onVFmtPN4H-OeFVpu0Y9ET_asep1YYN0IOvOm1OboO2iS4FKCOdPInR3PzEy9XAT4nr-FgZLmI2vYC-a8wRtvu8LJPfrBicWErmn4oI1Tb/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Awwwwww! Baby lobster!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIlnPuFvtZb8jZmyzi1SApvd8f7oViTptsP1a18rAWSrOoLXOXdpematKB_U0PfOMmt7OVgvWraB2dKUEFaHI9Cqp1vJ-s8HPuO8df7x4WaWGGM1bKcSLvnF7jXSmr-OFDpvXg7FEH9Fr/s1600/035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIlnPuFvtZb8jZmyzi1SApvd8f7oViTptsP1a18rAWSrOoLXOXdpematKB_U0PfOMmt7OVgvWraB2dKUEFaHI9Cqp1vJ-s8HPuO8df7x4WaWGGM1bKcSLvnF7jXSmr-OFDpvXg7FEH9Fr/s400/035.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Such a great lunch, and a great way to spend a couple hours. We totally recommend making a stop here if you are ever in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJOF6kgmsnuzWeUWJ53h20ySE8eCTcmh9ZAXEAKnp3iRqguK82AK2KZXqyR5ccYUUOYFSSoW9j0xLVw35HbNDwI6wG3Vcp8Znadf4FKRjIILoj3tOqkuU977PY8pYFiPDU9SJXrDxctwh/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJOF6kgmsnuzWeUWJ53h20ySE8eCTcmh9ZAXEAKnp3iRqguK82AK2KZXqyR5ccYUUOYFSSoW9j0xLVw35HbNDwI6wG3Vcp8Znadf4FKRjIILoj3tOqkuU977PY8pYFiPDU9SJXrDxctwh/s400/034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally it was time for the main event- the Pinnacles Desert! The Pinnacles is about a four square kilometer desert covered with limestone rocks poking out of the sand. They range in size but the biggest ones can be over four meters. It's a really odd, but incredible sight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_R6p6BiYlB7NoAAoeE4H4SjLn1HyAocPge3v_xWSPDdFJfS3QyBMao0a8wDwTtkoWQClD0FwRPivho0V6mUK0Fny7P_-FKglDi9nOryoCXvnpL7Jn5i1c32p54c8paTnaJZMEaF31Ci9/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_R6p6BiYlB7NoAAoeE4H4SjLn1HyAocPge3v_xWSPDdFJfS3QyBMao0a8wDwTtkoWQClD0FwRPivho0V6mUK0Fny7P_-FKglDi9nOryoCXvnpL7Jn5i1c32p54c8paTnaJZMEaF31Ci9/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe the weirdest thing is just how abrupt the whole landscape is. It's not as apparent in this picture, but looking out, just past the desert is another large, white sand dune, and just after that is the ocean. It doesn't seem like all of these things should be right next to each other.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfRFZOwfcp6vAPqtOoTWYkYm_JeAti_o9sVJjcbrpTSXOf_sq7Qh7iKeRAgT3vJ2_pntDslU3by0HQjmIpRsTWebbQsdvSwVAPDIRKTV1bPfSHaxgv9GXRrvSdOgxdtZLotPvDXq8ftA/s1600/053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfRFZOwfcp6vAPqtOoTWYkYm_JeAti_o9sVJjcbrpTSXOf_sq7Qh7iKeRAgT3vJ2_pntDslU3by0HQjmIpRsTWebbQsdvSwVAPDIRKTV1bPfSHaxgv9GXRrvSdOgxdtZLotPvDXq8ftA/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIlnPuFvtZb8jZmyzi1SApvd8f7oViTptsP1a18rAWSrOoLXOXdpematKB_U0PfOMmt7OVgvWraB2dKUEFaHI9Cqp1vJ-s8HPuO8df7x4WaWGGM1bKcSLvnF7jXSmr-OFDpvXg7FEH9Fr/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
Imogen LOVED the Pinnacles. She actually stopped eating to look out the window and check them out. In the Otey/Jackson household, this is the ultimate expression of interest. She couldn't get enough of them. We now call her Pinnacle Peanut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_u7O1pD9d4QsMIT_au2DHhvBGeWHeuZ-8pSAmRpAziPeJynLZn9nazb4kvNoU-fI-HcRJBjP4qbJJi8oKwKGnHIcp6sW-UeZsVRTFpAeVm0Zb825tP6udyM5C_dY5p84Ia-85JqFj-FE/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_u7O1pD9d4QsMIT_au2DHhvBGeWHeuZ-8pSAmRpAziPeJynLZn9nazb4kvNoU-fI-HcRJBjP4qbJJi8oKwKGnHIcp6sW-UeZsVRTFpAeVm0Zb825tP6udyM5C_dY5p84Ia-85JqFj-FE/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
They aren't entirely sure how these pinnacles formed the way they did, and there are several theories. Our favorite one is that thousands of years ago, a wildfire tore through the area, before being covered over by earth and sand. So what we are seeing are actually ancient, fossilized trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzGGN4dv5LDgzk7StIAkghz2A1CPY3RDrR4eVcHvEaUMSgKRHOcQXjWEdhIgtbiKxIqayco7I5ZemtQkXmh-aZWBD0kDPRNorCTJxVfstDy6v0ERqCBqFjgDHiRnAQKUrKsDi6A5UKPIb/s1600/051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzGGN4dv5LDgzk7StIAkghz2A1CPY3RDrR4eVcHvEaUMSgKRHOcQXjWEdhIgtbiKxIqayco7I5ZemtQkXmh-aZWBD0kDPRNorCTJxVfstDy6v0ERqCBqFjgDHiRnAQKUrKsDi6A5UKPIb/s400/051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a landscape unlike any other. Greg was not disappointed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOViKihprHhxEVfntHnaCMtcqfHuIRPg2KQ31w8BE3lQ20YlX6g50zpsFi8D8tmknsz5t_5jLYyDRvcUquBI5xgre9ygrMw8nGIFaUfvV6EMUYnUTSx3sOh1jgUnDcV6hZZzds0TUl2Zp3/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOViKihprHhxEVfntHnaCMtcqfHuIRPg2KQ31w8BE3lQ20YlX6g50zpsFi8D8tmknsz5t_5jLYyDRvcUquBI5xgre9ygrMw8nGIFaUfvV6EMUYnUTSx3sOh1jgUnDcV6hZZzds0TUl2Zp3/s400/044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfRFZOwfcp6vAPqtOoTWYkYm_JeAti_o9sVJjcbrpTSXOf_sq7Qh7iKeRAgT3vJ2_pntDslU3by0HQjmIpRsTWebbQsdvSwVAPDIRKTV1bPfSHaxgv9GXRrvSdOgxdtZLotPvDXq8ftA/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Laurel and Greghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223912736125090517noreply@blogger.com0