Flight, A Personal Journey

FLIGHT

To My Family & Friends

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Contents
Monday, November 24, 2008 Monday, December 01, 2008 Sunday, December 07, 2008 Friday, December 12, 2008 Saturday, December 13, 2008 Saturday, December 13, 2008 Xmas 2008 Waterford Estate Hamilton Xmas 2008 Hamilton Marco's Naming Monday, December 29, 2008 Monday, December 29, 2008 Prana 2008 Relaxing My 3 Girls Gottwald Mobile Harbour Cranes The Wharf Store Maraetai Sunday, January 11, 2009 Big Noter Trio Hail in Summer! Hail Storm and Halo Effect? Amazing! Bride & Bride's Maids Behind the Scenes 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 28 29 29 29 30 30 30 31 31 32 32 32 33 33 33

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Kathryn & Chris After the Speech The Bride Moving to the Beat! Lucy's Departure 25/1/09 What! How Much? Here We Go Again! Self Portrait Yeah Right! Departure! USA 25.1.09 Ready or Not!? India 26.1.09 New Dehi, India Killer Sheep! The Sleeper a Novel About Techno Terrorism Chandigarh, India India, Chandigarh London Snow! Dolly Parton & Lucy I told you one day I'd be bigger than you! Balloon over Waikato River Alleppy, Pooppallys, India Skydiving Mecca Stefan will Skydive! The Wedding of 2009! Indian Ride! Support for a Theory Dreamer!

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Number 3 1 USD buys 2 NZD! Ghostly Balloon Hanging off a Kite! The Transporter! Adventure Playground! Rambo NZ Style Big Boat Sailing On Taupo! Yeah Right! Hillcrest High School & Golf Driver! Don't Fly in Columbia! Fraser's Anniversary Friday, March 27, 2009 USA/Canada Here We Come!! Monday, March 30, 2009 It's a jungle out there!! Visitors to Onemana Aspirations? Wellington & Beyond Safe Mouse Hang Gliding Just had to.............. Raglan NZ Raglan Bar, Kites & Walkways Marco Stick Out!! Flygirls

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Dedication To Mom Local Talent-FD Card 2002 Recovered Photo & The Sykes! African Wild Dogs-Video Hamilton Zoo-(enlarge by clicking on photo) Cotton Tail Monkeys (Video) Jucy & Rhino @ Hamilton Zoo (more photos below) Died & Went to Heaven! Staying Alive! Completed Garden! Marco & Grandad Report Warns Air Traffic Control System Vulnerable to Cyber Terrorism 5674 NM Flight Akl to LAX First 4 Stages SUV and Piper Collide! Carl & Lucy's Hot Spot!! Santa Monica Pier Getty Center LAX Joshua Tree National Park Classic Cactus & Other Things Broken Shaft? Atlanta at Last! Room with a View FJ40 and Lenox (click on photos to enlarge) Mirror Image

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NYC Times Square Brooklyn Bridge & Statue Of Liberty Our Tribute to Ground Zero Monday, June 29, 2009 We Are Here Superlative Restoration Classic Yacht Holiday Homes Newport! Summer Residence! Kennedy's Course Iconic Image Kennedy Memorial Hayannis The Cape Years View from a Window (Boston) Micro Burst in Maine & Boston Environs Rockland Maine Camden, Maine Quebec,Period Costume, Big Guns & Xmas Goodbye Quebec Montreal Jazz Festival We Have Arrived All That Jazz Home Invasion Mythical Pembroke to Bruce Mines Ashland, Wisconsin

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Celebrate Bitch's Sugar Lake Resort Chip/Chalet/Par3/Slave Bismark ND North Dakota/Montana Bozeman to Whitefish Lake Montana Whitefish, Montana & Fun Photos Glacier National Park, Northern Montana Calgary Redeemed Banff Lake Louise Crazy Man Athabasca Glacier Jasper Goodbye Lake Louise & Infinity!!! Jasper National Park & Almost West Coast Wish List Big Sky Pemberton Whistler from 7000' Vancouver Vancouver Farewell & Sleepless in Seattle Washington State & Big Foot Country Tuesday, August 04, 2009 Mt Shasta West Coast Arrival Napa Valley SFO

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Oh My God! LAX Arrival Mar Vista Welcome Herald Photo Competition What 10,700 Kms looks like on a Continent Malibu & Malibu Country Club Out of World Experience Visited Laguna Beach but loved Newport That's It Good Evening! Plane on 101 Santa Barbara Spring 2009!! Chandigarh, India Another Safe Landing Barker Air Always on Time This is why I Fly Classic Photo Banff National Park Charcola Pilot Child Flight #1 Child Flight #1-Postscipt Outskirts of New Delhi-Haryana Susan, Golf, Snippets of India New Dehi, India-Day 2 By Rail to Chandigarh Local Chandigarh Boys Chief Cook & Bottle Washer 133% Placements Scooter Commuter!!

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Surprising India!! Karva Cautha Ritual Class of 09 Shimla,Himachal Pradesh, The Abode of Snow Hotel & Golf Shimla Style Summer Resort, Monkey Temple, Heights & Rollover Incredible India Diwali Celebrations Susan and the Govenor in his Office Our Driver Our Visit to the Raj Rock Garden, Chandigarh Panchkula, Chandigarh, India 1st Chandigarh Craft Mela Times India Drums Indian Style Chups, Beer & Haunting Eyes Sari On Return Trip From CIIS Seminars Motor Bikes & Punjabi Dancing McLeod Ganj Dalai Lama Sanctuary 50 Years of Exile Intro to Mcleod Ganj-Tipped Trailer A First, New Snow & Friends

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Tibetan Refugee-FREE TIBET YPS, Mohali Saint Soldier School Saint Soldier School-Guests of Honour Dr Kathryn with Neha Lunch with Punjab Governor 4th Bajwa Memorial Cup Runner Up 4th Bajwa Memorial Cup Goodbye Chandigarh "Till Next Time! Delhi A Day In Delhi-Collage Faces of Delhi At Your Peril Not Good at Sums, India Gate & Bullets Indira Gandhi's Place of Assassination-Delhi Time on my Hands!!! Delhi Airport-Negative Recouperating in Goa Contrasts in Goa Dona Paula Our Location Shall we Shan't we? Elephants, Snakes, Long-tailed Monkeys Grounded River Princess-Candolim Goa New Arrivals in Goa Honda Hero

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Zeebop-South Goa Sandy Puja Ceremony Candolim Goa Merry Xmas & All The Best For The New Year!!! Pristine Singapore Hundreds of Plastic Balloons Message on a Balloon Welcome Home! Motutaiko Island Taupo NZ Slipper Island Dad I Phoned 111!! 3.2 Nautical Miles off Onemana Impending Landing Accident Onemana from The Rock Hamilton NZ, Electrical Storm Onemana Ava Onemana Sunset Reflections Matarangi Contemplation What a difference a Day Makes!!! Lotsadogs 3 Months in India Published Balloon Festival Hamilton NZ Dolphin Mauled By Shark?

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House Plans a Dream? Small Wave Big Splash Bark Garden Broken Back Publications On Scribd Real Video of an Engine Out After T/O Dolphins Inspirational! Two Blonds and a Boy! $15 Million Language School in backblocks of Waihi NZ!! Fantail Fun! Ireland at Last! Kissing the Blarney Stone Conor Pass Guiness Trio Two Ancient Objects! Spinning on the Bull Vienna Lipizzan Horses Vienna Toilet & Thermal power plant by Hundertwasser Bratislava Vienna to Bratislava by Catamaran Budapest Some Thoughts......... Buda Castle Labyrinth Proud Jewish History Széchenyi Thermal Bath

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NZ 1 Italy 1!!!! Cologn, Koblenz, Rudesheim & Luxemburg Luxembourg to Paris and Beyond English BBQ!! Germany 4 England 1 Greenwich, London Street Art-Southbank, London Eins, Zwei, Drei your eyes!!! Ha Ha Murray's Mountain/Wimbledon 2010 Candles In Notre Dame A Tribute From The Travellers 16 Waimana Drive Hamilton India 40 (degrees) Hamilton -2 (degrees) Mercedes Perch How Cute!!! Flooding!! Penguin Revenge!! Coco May Alpe Me and Coco May If Only You Knew!!!! Second Stage Excavating Earthworks!!!! Foundation Base At Last!!! Isiah Hape & Family Marking Out Don't Stray!!! Montague Kazu Jordan Swanberg

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The Full Monty One Step Closer to Entertaining Grandchildren Greatness and Grandchildren Floor Bracing Carl & Monty Concrete Footings McDonald's Taupo New Zealand Marc & Ems 9 Lives Lost! Concrete Footings Advanced Puja Rotokauri Hamilton Swimming Pool Yes, Builders Exist!!! Storm & Frames Before the storm moved in!!! Love from Coco Sarah and Monty Jigsaw Puzzle Too Close in German Airshow Clever Photography Our New Fire Fighter Roof Beginnings Complex Barn!! Clean Lines Soffits & Scaffolding Roofing Arrives

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Simple Roof Lines The Cut Aerial Photo The Painter Lucy & Monty Tim is Entrepreneur of the Year!!! Lucy, Monty, Coco & Amy Wiring Marco Supervisers The Digging Marco and African Wild Dogs Smiley!! Special Package! First Window/Sliders Slowly Getting There Interior Shot Poser!! The 12th At Waitangi Golf Club Gibbing Finished Wetting the Place Diggered Out!!! Ava's Message Day's End The Devil Is In The Detail!! Exterior Nearly Finished Front, no wait, Back Door?? Wot U See Is Wot U Get!!

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The Pod Has Landed Hands Up! Water Bottle with Views!! We Have Ownership Today!! No Cork Screw! Best Wishes From El Rancho Relaxo Secret Weapon Black Faced Friends Black Sheep with Two Brothers Carolyn 1961-2011 To Bub Manuel Labour A Dedication to Bub and Gillian The Buddha Wears TaylorMade Balloons over Home Autumn Colour Rotokauri Danger Danger! Gilly-Bub Waterfall Storm Water!! Capping Day Ghostly Image Latest Creation Contrasting Images Thought Provoking!! Cloning Grandparents' Day St Cuthberts College

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Gilly-Bub Maxed Out!!! Lucy, Monty & Carl Eco House Build-Time Lapse No Room For Anyone Else! New Surveyor!! Mouse House He Never Knew!!!! One Small Step for Organics President JFK's Yacht in the hands of a NZ'er!!! Ava's Art 22 hours & counting Hong Kong Copenhagen Moving a Beer Barrel around Berlin....... Amsterdam Personified Frustration!!! Montserrat Dim Sum Grace before Meals In Memory of my Uncle (Pilot Officer Eric Tanner) The Tempest Mark V Behind Lyric There is water! Dromara Air Shots Dromara Flyover 6 September 2011 AB's Secret Weapon

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LAX goes Cheese Cutter!!! What Next?? Sister Proud COACH!!!! CoCo May Alpe Vegetarian Display Love this cartoon!!! Pyrotechnics Samoan Rugby Player Fined 100 Pigs Universal Threat Straight Down Amazing Peel!!! Xmas Greetings Marco!!!! Hollywood Bowl Merry Xmas Child Flight Child Flight Not Flying Enough!!!! Same Foot, Same Car What's This? Olive Monty at Tokyo baby Cafe Shackleton's Epic Voyage Chloe Jordan Talaic Interlopers Carolyn

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Google & Amanda Polar Flight Chloe Manitou A Long Way From Manitou Little League Stage 2 For a Good Cause Bloody Small Aircraft This Guy's Got B...S Smallest to Circumnavigate All TuTu Time Warp!!! Tarawera Stage 2 Waimana Drive Rotokauri Final Window Design Balloons over Hamilton Not a Cloud!!! Visit from Peggy, Emma and Nicki NZ Defence Spending A Bloody Shambles All Together Waimana 22 April 2012 THE SLEEPER Resurrection Barefoot Professor First Frost INDIA, INDIA,INDIA!!!!

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Monkeys!!! Stage 2!! First Pile Cousins Wabbit Floor Stage 2 Skyping Hamilton Zoo Yoga Lessons Fachhallenhaus Marae Kids Satisfying Covenants From This To This Latest Army Recruits Last Windows Scaffolding Gone Sunset Rotokauri Cedar Auckland to Los Angeles FlightAware Black Tulip Magnolia Break In Mt Tongariro Erupts Internal Double Glazed Door!!! Monty's Birthday Cards!! Pre & Post Gallery Door

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Gallery & Pull Down Ladder Latest Photos of Stage 22 Ugly Duckling Finished For Now!!!! Tight Work Station I Accept!!! Guardian Against Nesters!! Second Edition Published Inaugural Child Flight Late Guy Fawkes First Welding Ever!!! Well well a weld!!!!! Volunteer Work Welder Disappears Child Flight 2 Flights Today for Child Flight TRUST WAIKATO Polar Flight Polar Flight 2 Dry Season Burleigh Heads Gold Coast GoBus Hamilton Brothers in Arms Claire & Ant's Wedding In Memory of my Sister Patricia Avenue's Latest Newsletter

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Our 6TH Flight sponsored by GoBus Carl, Lucy & Monty First Flight For Child Cancer Foundation Tauranga Visit Marooned Balloon 13th Flight, 26 Passengers Tracks Taken Today Got Van Need Aircraft Our Kids ANZAC DAY Coco Rides Sumatran Tiger!! FLIGHT # 14 The Little Things in Life Child Cancer Foundation All We Need Is The Gin & Tonic Ducking the Visitors!! Kid Sized!! Te Uku Wind Farm Near Raglan Jack of all Trades Master of None!!! Global Warming.....Yeah Right!!! 17th Flight for Child Cancer Foundation Cirrus SR20 SR20 G3 Fast Flyover Rotokauri Child Flight First Flight for CFCT in Cirrus SR20-G3 First Flight for Kids in Wheelchairs

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Friday, July 26, 2013 Friday, July 26, 2013 Latest Audio/Visual for Child Flight Actual vs Budget This May Save Your Life!!! Logo?? 319 KPH Around The Corner 26th Flight for Child Flight Ignatius the 6th!!! Lewis Pass Container Cafe Special Letters America's Cup Too Close For Comfort!!! The Big Day Out First Hybrid Tea of the Season New Perspective 3D Perspective 5 Years On!!! Party Time !!!!! First Flight for Canteen Calm before the Storm Tribute to the Boys And the Fireworks Sunset Latest Addition to Child Flight Special Kid's Art

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Professor Kathryn Pavlovich Patricia Avenue School 2013 Year Book Monty Monday, January 06, 2014 Waikato Times Article 7 Jan 2014

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Monday, November 24, 2008
Inspiration can come in little packages!

Monday, December 01, 2008
This clip brings the camper trip to life (somewhat!)

Sunday, December 07, 2008
The photomerged "pavilions" shows one style of house we are looking at which has a steel frame-work. It also approximates where the house will be located.

Friday, December 12, 2008
We have a BFR coming up on Sunday. That's where I sit in the Arrow and find out that I have forgotten how to fly it. This will please the CFI who will insist on at least one more flight to prove I wont do an FA 18!

Saturday, December 13, 2008
Back In '74 we did our flying in a different way. We used high aspect rigs and a wire to suspend the guy in front over the side! Man I sure miss this thrill! This ancient photo was found under a bed when the Spring cleaning was being done. It shows "Paper Tiger" hunting into the wind near the Tamaki breakwater. We used to be able to find a tidal shift in this area which allowed us to leebow. What a way to go.....that experience will never be forgotten! The guy out on the trapez is my brother Phil.....'silent man'.

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Saturday, December 13, 2008
Another ancient photo taken in the late 80's showing the high-wind windsurfer with a 5.2 sail in a lull between 25kt gusts on Lake Tarawera, Rotorua Lake District. The photo was taken by Richard Buchanan from my fizz boat. In the 80's this was the biggest buzz around. The best memory was windsurfing with Richard in the Albert Passage in the Bay of Islands in amongst a pod of bottle nose dolphins. The dolphins took delight in trying to knock us off our boards by bunting us with their tails. At least that's what we thought they were doing?!

Xmas 2008 Waterford Estate Hamilton
Friday, December 26, 2008

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Xmas 2008 Hamilton
Friday, December 26, 2008
Kathryn and I had a wonderful time with the Jordan's, Alpe's, Swanberg's, Talaic's and Pavolovich's. The photos (below) show the group celebrating on the common at Waterford Estate and visiting Dromara. The garden is starting to produce!

Marco's Naming
Monday, December 29, 2008

Monday, December 29, 2008
The gathering at Hatepe for Marco's naming.

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Monday, December 29, 2008
Cap'n Buck

Prana 2008
Friday, January 02, 2009
Sometimes you have to do something out of your comfort zone! Actually once the matresses had been installed we had a surprisingly comfortable night. This is at Opoutere on the Coromandel. Prana is held every year at this spot. The beach is only 300 meters directly through the trees at the back of the tent.

Relaxing
Friday, January 02, 2009
Jane, Ian and CJ. Photo taken by the intrepid Kathryn on the ubiquitous I Phone!

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My 3 Girls
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Sarah, Lucy & Amy relaxing in Taupo. The girls all together again for the first time in over a year. Lucy has already begun to lose that Californian accent!

Gottwald Mobile Harbour Cranes
Friday, January 09, 2009
While visiting Tauranga this week I found the Gottwald mobile harbour cranes that I helped import from Germany in 1992. The cranes are now at Page Macrae Engineering. The firm is using them to lift weights up to 20 tonnes around a wide radius. The cranes were used in the Port of Tauranga for 7 years and then lay idle for a number of years. Page Macrae bought them for scrap value and have refurbished them to full operating condition.

The Wharf Store Maraetai
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Lucy, Carl, Kathryn and CJ at the Wharf Store the greatest Cafe this side of the 'black stump"! Tony Sykes (owner) made us feel at home. Hope Carolyn is feeling better?

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Sunday, January 11, 2009
Carl, Claudia, Tony, Lucy, Peggy and Kathryn having a good 'ole natter. Great company, great food...........

Big Noter
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The film star! Lucy departs the Wharf Store.

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Trio
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Kathryn, Carl & Lucy on the pier at Maraetai. Tony & Carolyn's Wharf Store in the background. Beautiful setting for lunch by the sea!

Hail in Summer!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Top of the Kaimai's coming back from Tauranga at 6:10pm during an amazing electrical storm which dumped tonnes of hail on the surrounding country side.

Hail Storm and Halo Effect?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I am very curious to know what the camera has caught in this picture taken during the storm tonight. If you look closely the halo appears to be behind the car coming towards us but is in front of the trees which have been partly blocked out by the ring. I have blown this photo up and the focal length on the halo seems to be quite different from the droplets of water on the RHS of my car's window. What do you think? Is this the aftermath of a lightening strike?

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Amazing!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Bride & Bride's Maids
Monday, January 19, 2009
Very hard to pick the prettiest of them all, and to think two of them are still catches!

Behind the Scenes
Monday, January 19, 2009
Caught in a moment of deep discussion. The planning was amazing, down to the minutest details.

Kathryn & Chris
Monday, January 19, 2009
Dad and Dr. Kathryn before the wedding speech. The speech was carefully balanced as was this photo!

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After the Speech
Monday, January 19, 2009
Bride and Groom with Dad and Kathryn. Clearly relieved the speeches were over!

The Bride Moving to the Beat!
Monday, January 19, 2009

Lucy's Departure 25/1/09
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Going through all the memorabilia of the last 10 years! Some things were discarded but most were fond memories.

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What! How Much?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Lucy discovers that the change of date has cost extra and AL and she head upstairs to pay without any security checks!

Here We Go Again!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Goodbye Mom! Mom's 5' 1" Lucy is 5' 5", this makes for some bending! No crying, this crew has become quite professional in goodbyes.

Self Portrait Yeah Right!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Not even photo shop can help with this image. Half Dad, two thirds Lucy and a whole Mom!

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Departure! USA 25.1.09
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Back, back to the USA! Luce, don't take so long next time to come back, back to good 'ole NZ! Love from all your friends and family.

Ready or Not!?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Where the hell is that immigration card? Lucy rummaging through her bag while Mom waits patiently? Is this a portent of things to come? Lucy was nervous because she suffers from claustrophobia on aircraft. Flight to Singapore then on to New Delhi. From there to Chandigarh, Patiala and Amritsa . Then two days in Jaipur, Rajasthan......back to New Delhi and then down to Cochin, Kerala! Kathryn is a guest of the Governor of the Punjab and Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

India 26.1.09
Monday, January 26, 2009
Kathryn off to India for 3 weeks, mostly for work but some time off with some interesting contacts. Now let's see.......ummm.....any TV program I like, Western videos, Meat for dinner! Naah missing you already! It takes alot of ooomph to do a trip like this. I'm glad Lucy inherited her Mom's courage!

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New Dehi, India
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The India trip has begun! Arrival New Delhi today. I have marked out the places Kathryn is visiting on the Google Map on the RHS. The lines show the flights she will be taking. The longest flight will be to Cochin in the South. This is where the intrepid explorers will be completely on their own.

Killer Sheep!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I promised Kathryn I would water the garden. On the way back I had this uneasy feeling I was being followed. I knew that there was not much feed around, the paddocks had little grass left. I just got out in time!!!!

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The Sleeper a Novel About Techno Terrorism
Sunday, February 01, 2009
I wanted to publish The Sleeper (approx 176 pages) on this blog but didn't know how until I subscribed to http://www.scribd.com/ Then it was a piece of cake! This novel has been wanting to be published for over 3 years. It was written during one rainy week, at a rate of over 22857 words per day. I guess it had to be written! It is posted on the RHS of this blog below the archive. I would welcome some input and editing from anyone interested.

Chandigarh, India
Monday, February 02, 2009
Dr. Kathryn has found her way to Chandigarh, about 100 kms from the border with Pakistan. She is the guest of the governor and is staying in the palace which is protected by armed guards. See photo above taken from a bedroom window!

India, Chandigarh
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Dr. Kathryn and Lucy in preparation for the formal dinner and dance; seems very colourful! I would love to know the origins of the headgear? Anyone know?

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London Snow!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Claire just sent me this picture of her neighbour's cars. I guess they wont be driving them tonight! A marked contrast to Mom's surroundings!

Dolly Parton & Lucy
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Quote from Lucy: "For the record she is incredible. A true showbiz living legend. Not like the new generation of starlets."

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I told you one day I'd be bigger than you!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Marco "le geant" looks down on his sister and considers what to do with her! If she makes any more noise..............

Balloon over Waikato River
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
This balloon hovered above the river about 3oo meters from Waterford for several minutes until a small gust took it over the Bridge St, bridge and up the river.

Alleppy, Pooppallys, India
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Kathryn and Lucy have arrived in Kerala and are staying in this resort. They have both been unwell for 24 hours, texts are not getting through and there is no email facility! Wow how do they exist?

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Skydiving Mecca
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Lucy is in Perris, California doing a commercial which stars some professional skydivers. She is refusing to do any mid-air closeups for me!

Stefan will Skydive!
Friday, February 13, 2009
OK, so Lucy refused but Stefan was up to it! Interesting facial and whose the dude on Stefan's back? For some reason he didn't want to be recognised..........

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The Wedding of 2009!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Do I need to say more!

Indian Ride!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Kathryn and Lucy riding Indian style in Jaipur. To hell with the petrol companies and their 6 cents/ltr hikes every week! Bio fuel goes a long way with this baby! One bale of hay goes for 40 kilometers. The driver gets 20 cents per hour and no tips. One draw back.......40 kilometers takes all day!

Support for a Theory
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I have been working on a theory which I have kept secret until now!

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Dreamer!
Monday, February 23, 2009
And here is another admission! I have been there and done that! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7902468.stm The bit I am talking about is the part in the article about putting SIM experience into reality which is explained half way through the article.

Number 3
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
You know one's life is almost complete when your third and last daughter marries the partner of her dreams. But there are still some things to be achieved and with the grace of God they will be and she will be proud! So onwards and upwards to the next plateau and may life bless everyone with optimism and hope! Let the little things count in our everyday lives and let the big things happen because we believe they will. Never, never, never give in.

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1 USD buys 2 NZD!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Here we go again. The NZD has dropped to its lowest level in 6 years. The Wholesale Rate NZD to USD was 49.36 cents at 3:30pm today! Not good for outgoing tourists but for those coming in from the USA everything will be at half price. We are looking for 30 American golfers who would like to travel in style on a luxury coach to all the top golf spots in New Zealand.

Ghostly Balloon
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Previously in this Blog I have photographed this balloon over the river in front of our terrace house. Today it was foggy, but undeterred these intrepid flyers lifted off and disappeared into the murk!

Hanging off a Kite!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Raglan Bar with the first of over 30 kite surfers either on the water or getting ready to join. The wind was gusting up to 25Kts from the South West. The guy taking air in the foreground was the best, he was getting up to 25 meters off the water with time to take his board off then back on before hitting the water.

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The Transporter!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Pick up this morning was at Melville Intermed. boarding a great bunch of kids who were looking forward to some outdoor pursuits at the school's adventure park situated just past Ohaupo township. We missed the turnoff and had one or two exciting moments turning around which really turned the kid's on! No apologies required!

Adventure Playground!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The unique waterslide at the Adventure Park. The kids were lathering up to make themselves as slippery as possible. All in all they were full on for about 4 hours but that hadn't tired them out and they sang at the top of their lungs all the way back to school!

Rambo NZ Style
Saturday, March 14, 2009
This guy was part of a "lost patrol" which trundled into the rower's park across the road from us. He never left his gun position, rotating it through 360 degrees for effect as curious locals looked on in total disbelief. They finally left going up the one-way road the wrong way!

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Big Boat Sailing On Taupo! Yeah Right!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
This is the first time Kathryn has ever been sailing. We chose the Concept 16 as a nice safe yacht to demonstrate the art of using boat/sail/wind & water. The question asked was "what do I do if you fall over-board", followed by the answer, "just let all the sheets go", which was followed by the inevitable question, "what are sheets" etc etc. Note delicate balance of jib whilst sailing down-wind, now that is a dead give away, someone's done this before!

Hillcrest High School & Golf Driver!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
These 11th graders from Hillcrest High School were driven to the mud flats in Raglan on a bio-diversity fact finding tour whilst the drivers tested their driving skills both on the road and the fairways!

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Don't Fly in Columbia!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
This modified DC3 was being loaded when a grenade went off in the cargo hold!

Fraser's Anniversary
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Yesterday was the anniversary of Kathryn's friend's son who was only 20 when he died from complications of diabetes. A small group of us, close to Jane, went to Raglan where Fraser's ashes had been spread 12 months ago. The mood was not somber, in fact it was a celebration of a young person's life who had been an inspiration to those who knew him well. Alec, Fraser's father, plays the bagpipes while the sun goes down over the bar.

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Friday, March 27, 2009
A waterspout forms offshore from an erupting Kilauea volcano vent in Kilauea, Hawaii.

USA/Canada Here We Come!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
We are planning a two month trip through the USA & Canada, a trip of about 8,000 miles (12,800 kms). This coincides with Kathryn's sabbatical. I will start from Lucy's place in Los Angeles and meet up with Kathryn in Tucson. My brother, Phil, has invited us to stay in Atlanta where he and I will undertake some serious studies of the local golf courses. From there to Boston, Montreal, Calgary, Whistler, Vancouver, Portland, San Francisco & return to Los Angeles. There will be heaps of side trips!

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Monday, March 30, 2009
The above photos were taken by Lucy from behind the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. The team accomplished quite a hike to get there. Tim was with them and took the glamorous photo of the LA Team on what looks like a glorious day! Hi Guys!

It's a jungle out there!!
Friday, April 03, 2009
This morning these VIP passengers were unloaded at the Hamilton Zoo. They sang "the wheels on the bus go round and round" all the way out and back! I noticed that the Rhino's in particular ran for cover when they heard the kids heading in their direction. Sooooo when on safari take 2 year olds and you will be safe!
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Visitors to Onemana
Sunday, April 05, 2009
The Team, Kathryn, Mark, Sanaya, Andrea & Takara Maybe I will have to use this! Crazy Indians swimming in their clothes! Secretly I was envious of their spontaneity! Surf Dancing It felt like winter! Mark persuaded his family to jump in fully clothed! Mark and Sanaya looked after Kathryn on her trip to India.

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Aspirations?
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Do I really aspire to drive this good looker? Well after trying to figure out an 8 speed hi/low manual gear box, stalling in traffic, trying to go up an impossible intersection, failing to find a gear, hitting the electric change switch on the seat, holding up Hamilton traffic............I think I will stick to driving the precious cargo captured in the photo above the "beast". They are a hell of alot of fun!

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Wellington & Beyond
Friday, April 17, 2009
I decided to put my artistic tendencies to the test! This photo shot was taken just off Cuba in the Left Bank, Wellington. This large pod of Dolphins was tackling schools of small fish in Lyall Bay, Wellington. I was amazed at the speed in which this pod moved across the Bay. Every now and then several dolphin would break off and herd the smaller fish back towards the main pod. Click on the photo and blow it up to see dolphin, molly hawks, inter-islander and air ambulance on final into Wellington airport. This photo shot shows only about half the pod but demonstrates the vigour of the dolphins in a feeding frenzy. I wouldn't have wanted to get in the way! Classic photo of the pod in the forground and two interisland ferries going in opposite directions.

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Safe Mouse
Friday, April 17, 2009

Hang Gliding
Monday, April 20, 2009
Clare, Kathryn's daughter hang gliding in Interlaken, Switzerland!

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Just had to..............
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I just could not resist this photo which I found again on the old PC which we are purging due to our forthcoming trip to the USA. Everything unnecessary is being sold in the garage sale in two weeks. But while files are being excised some memorabilia has been transferred to the NexStar external hard-drive given to us by Carl..........tks Carl!

Raglan NZ
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Took the Marist FC to Raglan in #290 previously photographed. Only had 7 hours to myself! So decided to take a few more "artistic" shots around the town. It was a fairly stormy day rather muting the light. This Heron was wading near the walkway between the town and the airfield (see photo above). I took several long range shots of the kite surfers near the Raglan Bar and some other whimsical photos which shows off (I hope) this lovely town by the sea only 30 minutes from Hamilton.

Raglan Bar, Kites & Walkways
Sunday, April 26, 2009

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Marco
Sunday, April 26, 2009

Stick Out!!
Sunday, April 26, 2009

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Flygirls
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I have one small room downstairs which I call "the office". I thought this would be a piece of cake to clean up before we depart for the USA! So far I have spent most of today sifting through all my old "stuff" and there is still no end in sight! But I did find this cute photo....Lucy calls this "the good old days" and I am thinking wait a minute this was only 2/3 years ago!!!!! Actually Kathryn has just told me it was 6 years ago...time flies!!!!

Dedication To Mom
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Another very fond memory found in the office cleanup.......jordie in her final years with me and Sars after lunch at the Waitangi cafe. I often ask Mom to help me putt, but I have to be honest my putting is the worst it has been for years! Come on girl I know you are there!!

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Local Talent-FD Card 2002
Thursday, April 30, 2009
What is art? Is it in the way the message is conveyed to the viewer; is it in the intricacy of the work, the hours spent on detail; is it in the transfer of joy, recogniton, delight, absorbtion of imagery, feeling, acceptance, lightness, mindfulness..................I am not sure, but it must have some or all of the elements expressed above........but when it is produced on Father's Day as a one-off hand made card (pictured above) from a daughter it transcends even the works of Picasso, Monet et al!!!!

Recovered Photo & The Sykes!
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Carolyn has put these photos up on Geni. I have stolen them for the Blog because I wanted the rest of the family to see them........man you have to keep up!!!

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African Wild Dogs-Video
Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Hamilton Zoo-(enlarge by clicking on photo)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Do you recognise anyone?

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Cotton Tail Monkeys (Video)
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Jucy & Rhino @ Hamilton Zoo (more photos below)
Thursday, May 14, 2009

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Died & Went to Heaven!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
This is the Marriott Hotel in Tucson where we are staying for 4 nights from the 18-22 June 2009. It is situated in the mountains and has a golf course at its front door. There is only one problem, we are staying there for only 4 nights!

Staying Alive!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
After 6 months of no flying it was a welcome relief to fly again in the Piper Arrow. The Google Map (above) shows the flight track looking from Raglan back to Hamilton. The video clip on blacksl500 (my youtube account) shows part of the flight back just after the Raglan harbour shown in the foreground.

Completed Garden!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
It's taken alot of effort but we have finally completed the garden at our Rotokauri property. Sars is standing on the balcony of the new house with the garden and toolshed in the background. It is now all worthwhile!

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Marco & Grandad
Thursday, June 04, 2009
We were not sure about the African Wild Dogs which were making a terrible racket.

Report Warns Air Traffic Control System Vulnerable to Cyber Terrorism
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Report Warns Air Traffic Control System Vulnerable to Cyber Terrorism This report supports "The Sleeper" which I wrote a couple of years ago about Cyber Terrorism. You can read this novel by accessing it through Scribd (see side panel)

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5674 NM Flight Akl to LAX
Thursday, June 11, 2009
NZ2 to LAX from Auckland, New Zealand. 5674 nautical miles over water. The start of my two months in the USA and Canada. Will keep everyone posted with photos and maps on this trip!!

First 4 Stages
Friday, June 12, 2009
Above picture gives broad brush look at our itinerary for the first 4 stages which will probably be done by air as the cost of rental cars is fairly prohibitive when you take them out of State. Drop off fees seems to average about USD500 added to the total rental cost. On top of that insurance is crippling.

SUV and Piper Collide!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
It seems the Piper (similar to the one I fly) had just taken off when the engine quit. The pilot selected the road which the SUV was travelling down. Nobody was inured in the SUV but the occupants of the aircraft were taken to hospital with serious injuries, but are recovering.

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Carl & Lucy's Hot Spot!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
We are here in LAX at last...........the trip has begun!

Santa Monica Pier
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Santa Monica Pier framed by Lucy and Carl. Getting used to new time zone got up late then went to "The Grove" for some shopping therapy. Ended up in Santa Monica and spent some time in Casa del Mar having a few drinks. Nice company!

Getty Center LAX
Thursday, June 18, 2009
In the Robert Irwin designed garden. Look closely at the above photo the whole structure of the tree arrangement is reinforcing steel! The flowers are bougainvillia growing inside the structure. I was so taken aback by this sculpture I forgot to find out the sculptor! Actually Carl has discovered that it is "The Angel of the Citadel" by Marino Marini.

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Joshua Tree National Park
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The group standing under Joshua trees after Carl had set up the camera on auto and then fallen off the rock that the camera was perched on. Doesn't he look calm! We named this little guy Charlie the Chipmonk. Difficult to see in this photo but Carl is stuck in the crack behind Lucy! The navigator!

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Classic Cactus & Other Things
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Almost!!!! This was where the tee shot ended up on the 8th Par 3 on the Rattler Course. 7 iron, distance approximately 150 yards, slightly uphill. Embedded Cactus, take a closer look!!! Closer view. These embedded balls were all around the course. Marriott Starr Pass looking out on the first and second holes of the Roadrunner Course. The pools are only just over a meter deep!!! Arizona from 35,000'

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Broken Shaft?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
This photo was taken on the Coyote nine. The hitting area was very narrow! This is Gary hitting a 2-iron to that narrow gap in the distance. Have a close look at this photo, it looks as if the shaft of his club has shattered,,,,,,in fact it is the shadow!

Atlanta at Last!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Phil leaves us at Cyclorama a memorial to the Civil War. We spent an hour updating our knowledge on the mayhem. Hopped a bus to downtown, looking for the World of Coca Cola. It had moved and so did we. Finally found it and Kathryn bought the retro glasses she likes. Underground in central Atlanta. One big market place and food hall. Outside temperature about 36 degrees C. Great place to escape. Neither bird is dead! The parrot lies in the girl's arms while its photo is taken (at Underground). The guy in the foreground taking photos also had a pet owl, a surprisingly big bird! None of the birds were tethered and made no attempt to fly away.

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Room with a View
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Room with a view. Looking out of the sitting room. Trees till Xmas. James looking thoughtful after Kathryn asks one of her searching questions.

FJ40 and Lenox (click on photos to enlarge)
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Phil in the garage some miles away from Peachtree Apartment with the Toyoya FJ40 he has taken on as a project with James although to be honest we didn't see James! Phil is hoping to have the vehicle ready for shipping to France by the winter. It is currently in a thousand pieces.............good luck! The gantry is holding an 800lbs engine! Phil managed to let it down gently onto the floor.

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Home of the fast food. This shot taken in the middle of the Lenox centre. Looks clean and pleasant.......we didn't have the time to stop!

Mirror Image
Friday, June 26, 2009
Father/Son mirror image. Phil conducts while others fiddle...........

NYC
Sunday, June 28, 2009
New Apple Owner!! Yoko Ono's Penthouse which she still lives in; overlooking Central Park and John Lenon's memorial which was donated to the city by Yoko. Stain Glass Tiffany Fondation piece displayed at the Metropolitan Museum Rockefeller Centre 68
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Pedal power in a tandem pedal cab. This guy was from Senegal and made a big deal of taking an illegal shortcut to our destination using the footpaths instaed of the road. Light & Shade. Photo taken at the beginning of a fierce thunder storm which raged for about an hour. John Lenon's memorial, a circular plaque in the ground only about 200 yards from the Dakota building where he was shot. Central Park Lakes

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Times Square
Monday, June 29, 2009
We sheltered for over an hour as heavy rain and lighting lashed the area. Umbrellas were on offer at $5 each.........and people were buying!

Above picture was taken 30 mins before a fairly severe thunder storm hit the city. We didn't see what happened to the happy campers sitting in the middle of the road! I guess they moved.

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Brooklyn Bridge & Statue Of Liberty
Monday, June 29, 2009
This view of the Statue of Liberty was taken from Battery Park

Photo of two New Yorkers taken the top of the Brooklyn Bridge

Top of Descent Altitude (TODA) before returning to the subway

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Our Tribute to Ground Zero
Monday, June 29, 2009
Part of the aftermath of one of the Towers. It was hard to imagine the stress and emotional strain on the people in this photo, but life goes on. Thank God we are beings with unlimited capacity for compassion. There were poignant memorials in little nooks all the way around the site.

This is the view taken from 3 World Financial Trade Centre across the road from Ground Zero. It is a very sobering sight. We were both quite emotional.

Monday, June 29, 2009
Museum of Modern Art, I rather liked this image We were caught up in the Gay parade on 5th

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We Are Here
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
30th June USA. We are in a little place called Saybrook about half way to Marthas Vinyard. We had a hell of an experience with Budget at 225 East 43 St branch when they told us the booking for the rental was for return to NYC! We had clearly stated to the central office over the phone from Phil's that the return was LAX via Canada! The Manhattan office washed their hands of this mistake and wasn't until we argued for over an hour that they finally relented and honoured the original agreement for 30 days........what will happen after that is anyone's guess. Lucy & Carl have lent us their GPS, which has been invaluable (for my confidence). We missed a turn on the way out from Manhattan and ended up going over a non toll bridge which saved us a few coins which I mentally put to the USD10 I spent on the phone when I didn't realise the W Hotel was charging USD2 each time I used an outside line! Phil was very hospitable and went out of his way to make us feel comfortable. We played a couple of games of golf and our combined scores would have seen us shooting par, not bad for a couple of over 60's! Kathryn has got me walking bloody miles window shopping..........there seems to be no escape, but actually I have seen alot more of NYC, Atlanta and Tuscon then I would have done on my own.

Superlative Restoration
Friday, July 03, 2009
This beautifully restored boat (30') was moored only meters away from where we were eating brunch. The varnished hull and copper nails gave the hull a sheen which I have never seen before.

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Classic Yacht
Friday, July 03, 2009
Shot taken in Newport harbour. I think this boat had wooden masts and I would guess the design comes out of the 1920's (any expert out there know...please comment?).

Holiday Homes Newport!
Friday, July 03, 2009
Where the other half of one half of one half live in the summer (usually New Yorkers). These mansions are on private beachers. The photo was taken from the road with the narrow inlet on the right. A perfect mooring.

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Summer Residence!
Friday, July 03, 2009
I guess this puts into perspective the size of the holiday homes on Newport! Actually this was open to the public and was decked out in period furniture. We walked through the property to the cliff side and view of the ocean. I guessed the grounds covered about 15 acres.

Kennedy's Course
Friday, July 03, 2009
Kennedy's golf course on Hyannis. Apparently he played in the mid to low 80's which would make him probably 12 to 15 handicapper.

Iconic Image
Friday, July 03, 2009
The Kennedy Kids. I was allowed to take this photo from what would have been a private collection. It was displayed in the Kennedy museum almost next door to our accomodation in Hyannis.

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Kennedy Memorial Hayannis
Friday, July 03, 2009
I looked for this Memorial for some time as I thought I had been here before in 1999, when I visited Hyannis from Montreal. It did not seem to be the same memorial and I wonder if there is another like this (maybe on Martha's Vinyard?) I am pleased with this photo, the droplets from the fountain caught in a moment of time.

The Cape Years
Friday, July 03, 2009
I was allowed to take photos from the Kennedy private collection on display in the museum dedicated to the Kennedy Family. JFK said that Hyannis was his place to be alone and allowed him to think through some of the more difficult decisions he had to make.

View from a Window (Boston)
Friday, July 03, 2009
Up to 3 hour delays at Logan Airport due to fog and thunderstorms. Kathryn is at a meeting at Harvard Business School, I have had my Starbucks and brief walk (lazy bastard). I have been threatened with a full day's walk-a-bout tomorrow so I am conserving my energy....besides look at that weather! We both feel good about driving rather then flying at the moment.....1 guess as to why? It's a shame that the weather for the 4th of July is going to be the same but we will make the most of it. From tomorrow onwards both of us will be full

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tourists, as Kathryn has no more commitments until Chicago in early August. On Saturday we head into Maine and then across the St Lawrence into Quebec. After that down the west side of Lake Superior back into the USA (Minnesota) then onto North Dakota, Montana & then back up into Canada (Calgary). From there over the Rockies............of course all this assumes that the Budget rental we have can be extended another 3 weeks..............

Micro Burst in Maine & Boston Environs
Sunday, July 05, 2009
We have left Boston after 3 wonderful nights in the Hotel Intercontinental, a new Hotel down on the waterfront. We travelled through some incredible micro bursts, very dangerous to small aircraft and at times our Pontiac Vibe which several times acqua planed. Kathryn took this shot as we headed into another. This is the view reflected in the side of the hotel from the 11th floor. Its a fun photo, designed to fool the viewer. This shot was taken from the other side of the river. It shows the glass towers of the Intercontinental juxtaposed between a new building and a classic older structure. 4th of July celebrations bring out the Red Coats, who turned out to be guides for walking tours. Typical downtown in the Boston financial district not far from the hotel. A street scene that caught my eye. This couple were watching live jazz..........makes you think doesn't it?

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Rockland Maine
Monday, July 06, 2009

Camden, Maine
Monday, July 06, 2009
This was a real find as we headed North out of Rockland, which appeared to be an "old people's home"! I was beginning to wonder if we were in geriatric ville, until, with some relief, we found Camden. The above cafe pictured through the "Mary Day" was built over a weir. The last picture in this montage shows the view from inside the cafe. One big disappointment was the coffee...........we purchased another from a place across the road! For the life of me I could not understand the amount of energy expended by the tender on the stern of the above gaff rigger to get its stern around to the wharf. Why the hell not just pull it in by a mooring line? This guy fought the current for what seemed like "forever"!!

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The beautiful gaff rigged "Mary Day" with Camden in the background. The weir taken from the cafe that produced cold unrecognisable coffee! The "Mary Day" is in the background.

Quebec,Period Costume, Big Guns & Xmas
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Kathryn stands on the immense board walk overlooking the St Lawrence River. This is part of "Old" Quebec and near the fortification where the French beat off all comers to win the right to govern Quebec. Wonderful history. Period costume seemed very "in" next to the cannons. The board walk stretches out into the distance in the background. This is called "The Walk of the Governors". Yet another "little" purchase which will all add up at the end of the trip into one humungous suitcase which will be added to the golf bag, 2 suitcases, 2 computer bags and various other parcels!

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Goodbye Quebec
Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Montreal Jazz Festival We Have Arrived
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
From our room window, one of the gates to the Jazz Festival..........how tinny is that!!!! This boy with his mother is totally blind. New Orleans Jazz with the Hyatt in the background And to top it all, under the ground behind the hotel shops and eateries

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All That Jazz
Friday, July 10, 2009
The arrow in the above map shows the location of the Hyatt Regency. We had absolutely no idea we were located in this area when we booked. The main stage is immediately adjacent to the hotel. This show was taken about 8:30 pm. The rain had stayed away. My worst nightmare! Jammed into a crowd at around midnight with no escape! The Reggae was good enough to distract me from the pain in my back from standing in one place for two hours.

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Home Invasion
Friday, July 10, 2009
Last night we spent a very pleasant and memorable evening with my old friends Louis and Madeleine Granger. I met Louis 10 years ago, almost to the day when I got Adacel involved with Investment Quebec (SOE). Louis and I share a common passion for flying.......their hospitality was amazing and it was fantastic to get a home cooked meal. We hopefully can return the favour soon! Louis' pride and joy. 1998 Jaguar XJS. This car is very pampered, and does not come out of the garage until all the winter salt disappears from the roads. It is absolutely like new!

Mythical
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I liked this image taken during the Jazz Festival. The festival has much larger stages than I previously remember from 10 years ago. The highlight was certainly Joe Cocker who put on amazing performance over 1 1/2 hours non stop. We paid a fairly hefty price to see this in an enclosed theatre but it was worth every penny. We have now left Montreal (today) and have arrived in Pembroke about half way to the Great Lakes entry back into 82
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the USA. We think we might be able to do this tomorrow.

Pembroke to Bruce Mines
Sunday, July 12, 2009
We left Pembroke this morning in a thunder storm. Looking at the weather map we thought we were going to get this all the way through to Saunt Ste. Marie; fortunately we drove out of it within an hour. Pembroke was quaint for the building art on many buildings in the town. An example of this can just be glimpsed in the photo above. The GPS is always on, and has been invaluable in finding places, accomodation and vitally food! We are camped in Bruce Mines tonight after I finally ran out of puff (approx 6 hours driving). Tomorrow we have to make a big decision, do we go north of Lake Superior through Thunder Bay or south of the great lake through Duluth. Since we are already along way south we probably will tackle Minnesota, North Dakota & Montana before turning north again for Calgary, Canada.

Ashland, Wisconsin
Monday, July 13, 2009
Today we crossed the border at Sault Ste. Marie between Lakes Superior and Michigan. This involved travelling from the Provence of Ontario on through the States of Michigan and Wisconsin. We were hoping to reach Duluth, Minnesota but I bombed out again. To be honest I have never seen so many trees and I am becoming (almost) anti-green, but I am travelling with a greeny who is keeping me ship-shape. Duluth represents the half-way stage of our crossing from East to West before we go back up into Canada. We are
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hoping to spend a more leisurely time in Wisconsin "The State of a Thousand Lakes".

Celebrate Bitch's
Monday, July 13, 2009
Spotted from the shore of Lake Superior. This rock had a colony of large seagulls and something else? We travelled all day down the East side of lake Superior finally arriving at Ashland.

Sugar Lake Resort
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Relaxing after seemingly driving forever. This is near Grand Rapids Minnesota. We called in on spec after asking if there was a resort nearby and were advised to try Sugar Lake. We managed to negotiate a 40% reduction in the overnight rate for a double bedroom chalet right on the 17th tee par 3 of an 18 hole champioship golf course!

Chip/Chalet/Par3/Slave
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Practising the chip, can you see where the ball is? We continue to be tin bums. This chalet (see RHS of photo) was right on the 17th par 3 tee. I managed to play the hole about a dozen times and also continued to play the 18th and from the 10th through to the 17th again, ending up challenging Eric our neighbour in the adjoining chalet to best score on the hole. No contest he had just come back from a soirée where he had successfully downed a number of martinis. The slave!!

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Bismark ND
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Lewis & Clark keelboat on the river in Bismark, North Dakota. You would have to be one very patient explorer to view these parts. We have driven into the Greater Plains area of the USA and the early explorers only needed to come here to see that the Earth is indeed round!! After 6 hours of travelling at 135KPH we are half way across North Dakota. Speed limit on Inter State 94 is 75MPH. We have seen vast acres of pasture and few if any animals, human or furry. We are sharing the driving, so far no real hitches except for a large utility nearly reversing into us in Bismark soon after we arrived. We are spending about USD25/day in fuel costs....not too bad. Also we are starting to gravitate to the Super 8 motels which are uniformly better quality. Today's Super 8 costs USD 60 including tax in Bismark.

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North Dakota/Montana
Thursday, July 16, 2009
This photo was shot from the car whilst it was moving at 140kph. The subject in the background is a sculpture of Canadian geese. That rock which the sculpture is attached to is approximately 1/2 a kilometer away! It is huge! This buffalo skull is reputed to be over 1000 years old. I am sure the old pistols beside it have an interesting history? Medora is near the Montana border but is still well esconced in North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt had two ranches in this area which was famous for its "rough riders". The area is also euphemistically called the "bad lands", pretty apt when you see the terrain. I spotted this bull sitting on a bank just off a dirt side road. We had already been lucky to have taken a video of an equally large bull about 15 minutes earlier in our round trip through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We didn't get out of the car...........

Bozeman to Whitefish Lake Montana
Friday, July 17, 2009
Butte is an original wild west town. Today its claim to fame is the massive copper mine behind it. They have just discovered another vein so I guess that is good for the locals.........If you blow this photo up you can see the enormous size of this mine which literally dominates the view as you come into Butte from the East as we did. We managed to locate a cafe that made a passable latte. This ancient newspaper cutting caught my eye. It was only recently when road repairs were made that they found several "speak 86
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easies" below the road level. During prohibition the locals dug under the buildings to hide nefarious activities. Law enforcement agencies closed them and filled in the dugouts. When they were rediscovered untouched liquor, tobacco, distilleries and jugs were exactly as they had been left over 100 years ago. We are near Whitefish Lake, Montana and have decided to stay in a golf resort for a couple of nights.

Whitefish, Montana & Fun Photos
Sunday, July 19, 2009
We finally found the best coffee outside New Zealand, but we had to come along way, over 6,500 kilometers. The little place above left in the photo above served the most wonderful latté since we left and we are almost ashamed to admit that we jhave often travelled considerable distances to find a Starbucks!! Whitefish is only 10 minutes from Meadow Lake, a beautiful resort with a 4 1/2 star golf course, one of only 3 with that rating in Montana. This bear surprised us when we stopped to have a picnic. It was a fully grown grizzly, which I chased off with a plastic knife. Montana scene in another time & season. Well dressed cowgirl Vintage

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Glacier National Park, Northern Montana
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Massive, massive surroundings. We are completely dwarfed by mountains of 8000/9000'. The road we have just traversed is below us in the above photo. Slowly we wound our way up a narrow cutting in the mountain side. The entire traverse through this glacial scenery is approximately 50 miles and is riverting; some of the best mountain views I have seen. I guess this completely freezes in the winter. An amazingly beautiful bridge on this narrow road. Info Photo Info Photo

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Calgary Redeemed
Monday, July 20, 2009
A feature of Canadian towns and cities are these wonderful murals on the sides of buildings. Calgary was no exception. Yesterday on the "road to the sun" I saw mountain scenery which will be etched in my memory cells for the rest of my life. I wasn't that keen to revisit Calgary after that, but hey, I was surprised...it's not that bad!! Skyline view of Calgary taken from the car as we ventured further west towards Banff.

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Banff
Monday, July 20, 2009
Well Kathryn was here. Apparently her parents thought this was one of the most beautiful places on earth. This picture is dedicated to Mary, Kathryn's mom who passed away 2 years ago. A dedication of another sort,,,,,,,,,,Coors Light, which we have both gravitated to given the hot weather! Banff Springs Golf Course. Inside the clubhouse with this extra-ordinary fire place. We eat one of the best maels on our journey here, organic trout..........

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Lake Louise
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Lake Louise looking from the Fairmont Chateau which is situated on the lake. We travelled approximately 45 minutes from Banff. We are staying one night for a jointbirthday present, that is, any excuse to make us feel better about the cost! After we arrived we took Shank's Pony down the lake on the RHS in this photo, about a 1 1/2 hour round trip. Just after this photo was taken a giant avalanche cascaded down the slope in the middle....awesome!

Crazy Man
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
On our walk down to the glaciers we came across rock climbers practicing, click on this photo and see the crazy man half way up this cliff face!

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Athabasca Glacier Jasper
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Driving the Ice Highway between Banff and Jasper surrounded by 3000 meter mountains we came across this huge Glacier which is part of the Columbia Ice Field that stretches 270 kilometers.

Goodbye Lake Louise & Infinity!!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Figure this image out! We finally found the true meaning of infinity in Lake Louise. I know, I know one of me is more than enough! Lake Louise at 9:45 pm. Reflection of a beautiful time, wonderful day, and no bears!

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Jasper National Park & Almost West Coast
Thursday, July 23, 2009
We left Jasper today thinking that we would stop on the way before getting to our target, Whistler. We kept driving for 10 hours and guess what? We are in Whistler, but not before a highly diverse trip through parched land (reservation) and then back into the most awe inspiring mountain scenery again as we took route 99, a back road to Whistler. The photo is a back look at Jasper as we left. My God, 7,500 kilometers since we left Manhattan we are able to photograph this road sign as we approached Whistler!

Wish List
Friday, July 24, 2009
Whistler Air has a turbine Otter here tied up to the jetty. CAD135/pp for 30 minutes was a bit steep. Nice aeroplane, nice surroundings, nice price! Turbine Otter minus the prop! Typical Whistler scene with houses built right up to the fairway of the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Closer view of the log styled house which backs onto the golf course. These houses are very typical for this area. I bought a pass today for 3 golf courses; got onto the first tee on the Whistler GC and a thunder storm rolled in. Managed to complete two holes before lightening chased us off.

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Big Sky Pemberton
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Local Fauna First tee waiting for the arrival of what eventually turned out to be a challenging match-up! Dennis hit this drive about 300yds. He consistently outdrove me by yards I do not wish to divulge how much, suffice to say I am now looking for a rocket-launcher......... Kimber runs the Coeur D'Alene Cellars. She is a winemaker as well as an accomplished golfer. I am hoping that Geoff might be interested in several ideas she has regarding NZ and the USA wine distribution. Alison if you are reading this get Geoff to contact Kimber by emailing [email protected]

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Whistler from 7000'
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Hey this is the middle of summer! View of Whistler from a vantage point at the top of the second chair lift, a 25 minute ride up the mountain. Snow Boarder caught in the act! Wait a minute this is the 25th of July! Would you say these guys are a little nostalgic for snow?

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Vancouver
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Had to take this photo. The ship's base is Hamilton! Picture taken in Vancouver next to the IMAX. These Bald Eagle Totems were verywhere on the streets. Great symbology.

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Vancouver Farewell & Sleepless in Seattle
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Of course the plane nut had to take this floatplane paradise photo! There were more FP's per square metre than anywhere else I had ever seen. These guys were working their Beavers!!! And on the same note these guys were working their ......... as well! Taken on the BC/USA border. One officer talking to the driver while the other is under the vehicle. Kathryn is in this photo, she is under the tree way way in the distance. The temperature had just reached 30 centigrade and it was humid. Washington State & BC were experiencing a 5 day record heat wave. Later on as we approached Seattle it soared to 37 centigrade. This was the most difficult border crossing. We had to wait 1 hour 40 mins to get through. Kathryn almost finished the book she was reading. We finally made it to Seattle hot, bothered and frustrated with trolly buses blocking the road, maze-like narrow roads, Wellington like slopes and traffic backed up everywhere. To top it there was no accomdodation. We ate one of our worst meals and vamoosed!!! Ann & Ray Frost have lived in Vancouver their whole lives. They are both retired teachers. Ann has been quite influential in the BC political scene. She is now heading up the Vancouver Chapter of Noetic Sciences, and as such met Kathryn at past IONS conferences. Their welcome was overwhelming and they made us feel right at home.............thankyou Ann & Ray.

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Washington State & Big Foot Country
Friday, July 31, 2009
We diverted off IS5 to go inland to see Mt St Helens. What an awe-inspiring sight. This monutain erupted with the force of 21 million atom bombs and blew about 2000' off its top. Amazingly only 60 people loss their lives. Thank God it has a vent! View from the first lookout. When we entered the park there were effigies to BIG FOOT everywhere

Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Sorry guys have been off the air because left power cable in motel in Portland. So no photos until get back to Cali. We are now at Mt Shasta under a 14000' mountain. Awe inspiring and very "spiritual" for Kathryn.........I don't know about me.......I have my attenae up so will see if I receive anything?? We have now done 6500 miles........hey I'm in the States have forgotten metric! This has been an amazing experience with moments of sheer enlightenment.......I cannot believe we are nearing the end of the trip.....why do things have to end?....Ah let me think.....yeah I know filthy luca!!! The car has performed 98
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well and is now covered in inspect splatter. In the trees you can't see us...the army could learn from this. Enough blabber.....will update in a week. Love you all

Mt Shasta
Saturday, August 08, 2009
When we drove 7500' up Mt Shasta we came across this amazing wet land which was being appreciated by another individual at a slightly more intense level than us! Click on the photo to see the prostate body more clearly. My offering to the Mountain Gods. This is what happens to golfers who cheat! Magnificent par 5 on the Mt Shasta golf course. I made the mistake of walking the course the first time and nearly expired as this is on the side of a mountain!

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West Coast Arrival
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Click on this photo for a laugh. Taken on the beach where we stayed the first night.

Napa Valley
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Well-known Napa Valley wine

SFO
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Different view of the Golden Gate as we approached from the North. My pick of the stain glass windows in Grace Cathedral. The Labrynth in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. Beautiful aid to the art of contemplation.

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Oh My God! LAX Arrival
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Carl tells me that the 405 is the world's most congested highway.........I believe him! We have travelled 10,700 kilometers at an average "moving" speed of 75 kph. I wont admit the top speed! We have seen some awesome sights and have memories we will cherish forever, but the 405 is not one of them!

Mar Vista Welcome
Saturday, August 08, 2009
I managed to prise Carl from his "steptoe & son" garage so that we could go and get a cup of coffee. As usual Carl was very accomodating....thanks mate!!! I have to say without the daily cupper there would be no upper! Now I am wired and can't sleep!!!

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Herald Photo Competition
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Of all the photos I took on this trip, this one had the most impact on both Kathryn and myself. It was placed in the Herald Travel Photo Competition and was chosen in the Day 6 round of the competition. It was poignant and a very poweful reminder of that terrible tragedy.

What 10,700 Kms looks like on a Continent
Sunday, August 09, 2009
The magenta line up to Manhattan is the area we covered in the air. From the dotted magenta on the East Coast and then the white line to Los Angeles was achieved in a compact Pontiac Vibe which we managed to get for USD26/day. We started on the 18th of June and completed the journey on the 8th August 2009. The frightening thought (fleeting!) is we barely scratched the surface. Highlights were Manhattan, Boston, Maine, Quebec, Montreal Jazz Festival, Lake Superior, North Dakota, Montana's Glacier Highway, Calgary Building Murals, Lake Louise, The Drive from Jasper to Whistler, Whistler's amazing Peak to Peak Gondola, No Grizzlies or Mountain Lions, Vancouver, Mt St Helens, Fog and 30 degree temperature drop on West Coast, Mt Shasta, Strange People, Weird Portland, Frenetic Seattle, High Cholesterol, Self Learning (I think), San Francisco, Monterey Penisular, Coastal Drive, Los Angeles Traffic Snarls (Not!!!) and Golf in Tucson, Atlanta (with Phil), Whistler (3 courses), Mt Shasta and looking forward to golf around LA using http://www.golfnow.com/

Malibu & Malibu Country Club
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Got up at 5:30am to head for Malibu where I had a tee time at the Malibu Country Club. When I arrived it was shrouded in fog which you can just see rolling away in the above picture taken on the practice green. This course had beautiful greens and is about 50 minutes away from Lucy & Carl's. Not a championship course due to the very hilly nature of the course, but the views were magnificent. When I arrived just after 7 am I was

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greeted by the howls from coyotes in the surrounding hills calling to each other. I thought the other half lived in Hyannis but I was wrong, they live in the foothills of Malibu!

Out of World Experience
Thursday, August 13, 2009
On the way to Malibu this morning with Kathryn, spotted another giant mural on the side of a building on Lincoln which suggested the "beam me up Scotty"principle, you know.........don't want to be in this vast concrete jungle, put me in the mountains amidst trees and streams, I'll take on the bears and cougars before the 405 traffic!!!!

Visited Laguna Beach but loved Newport
Friday, August 14, 2009
Taken at Newport on the cliff overlooking the man made boating channel which featured half a dozen sea lions cavorting amongst the boats. We have one more night in LAX before departing for NZ. This was a picture worth taking......at Newport from the same cliff overlooking the seaway. This guy looked to have it all, a book, some space, and no kids! We visted the world famous Pelican Hills Golf Course. Our car is the one on the right. Kathryn priced the hotel just up the road, USD695/night and for only USD100 extra you
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can have two rounds of golf or two spas or one of each. I'm intending to revisit with a golfer..........nah just joking! Newport with the inland waterway streching out ahead. A mecca for boaties. The Goodyear Blimp has just taken off over the 405 as we headed back to Mar Vista

That's It Good Evening!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Venice Pier only minutes away from Mar Vista and Lucy and Carl's house. Venice Beach looking towards Santa Monica, taken from the pier. I have been to Venice a few times now and this beach unit still remains my favourite with the water feature in the front. These guys had been playing tennis on a half court. They were taking a break, and the guy playing with the little dog had just let it out of the bag in the foreground! Honest to God I could not believe the patience of this little beast, if i was it I would have bitten his leg! One of my favourite T Shirt's The other favourite

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Plane on 101 Santa Barbara
Monday, August 24, 2009
It seems that the 101 takes more traffic these days. We were passing through here only a few weeks ago!!

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Spring 2009!!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Visited Dromara at Rotokauri yesterday and took these photos of the spring lambs. It's a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the 405!! Pleasantly surprised at how good the property looked and even the garden which has been untouched for months was passable!! Dromara has a corporate body which we pay into....Springhead. This body looks after all the outside fencing, ensures that the untenated land is mowed (sheep) and generally ensures that the place looks tidy. I'm all for that! Absentee farming is the life!!

Chandigarh, India
Monday, August 31, 2009
Well here we go again. We depart Auckland for Sydney on the 21 September 2009; from there to Singapore 2 days later and then on to New Delhi. Friends will pick us up and take us to Chandigarh (approx. 5 hours in a car). Chandigarh is very near the Himalayas and is about as north as you can get in India so hopefully it will be tolerably warm and not

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hot hot. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is a championship golf course here!! We are staying for 3 months, so this should give us a good insight into another culture, but one thing is absolutely certain..........I won't be driving!!

Another Safe Landing
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
American Pilots are some of the best in the world when it comes to putting their malfunctioning aircraft down on roads without involving cars and walking away injury free. This one happened on the 495 near Mansfield! Good on you!!

Barker Air Always on Time
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Mark & Sanaya with Murray before we departed this morning for Taupo Lake, Ruapehu, Raglan and then back to Hamilton. The Arrow got to 9500' over Ruapehu and achieved a max ground speed of 182 Kts on the return with 25 Kts of wind up our ..........The scenery was absolutely magnificent with snow covering the mountains. Total time for the trip was 2 hours.

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This is why I Fly
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Tongariro Track 3 Mountains Lined Up Crater Lake Mt. Ruapehu Pictures taken by Mark & Sanaya Rodrigues

Classic Photo Banff National Park
Thursday, September 10, 2009

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Charcola Pilot
Saturday, September 12, 2009

Child Flight #1
Monday, September 14, 2009
Amelia, who has leukemia and is 7, taken for a flight by "Charcola Pilot" over Raglan and then back over Hamilton City. She smiled the whole way! Amelia in the back seat before departure.

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Child Flight #1-Postscipt
Saturday, September 19, 2009
And this made it all worth while................

Outskirts of New Delhi-Haryana
Thursday, September 24, 2009
We have arrived in New Delhi after a 7 hour flight from Sydney to Singapore and then another 5 hours to ND after a fast stop-over of less than 45 minutes. Arrived in ND at 11:30PM local time b........ Anyway at arrival gate were 2 guys waiting for us. They crammed us into this tiny little car with the golf clubs jammed between the front and back seats (see photo above). The hotel is small, quaint, AC'd and a haven!!! Kathryn meets up with Mark's sister and I play golf today!!

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Susan, Golf, Snippets of India
Friday, September 25, 2009
Our wonderful hostess, Susan, Mark's sister, who has arranged for the seamless arrival into India. Susan arranged golf for me and shopping for Kathryn........a perfect day! I played with Col. Balbir who took me to a beautiful course 45 mins from the hotel. On the road to the golf course........this could only be India! Fairly tired, although both of us have been invigorated by the events of the day. Kathryn and Susan relax at Susan's house, which is only a few minutes drive from the hotel. Final hole and.............................. The total contrast of India. This little girl lived in the shanty next to our hotel.

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New Dehi, India-Day 2
Friday, September 25, 2009
Hanuman ( sa:हनुमान्, IAST:Hanumān ), known also as 'Anjaneya' (son of Anjana) or Maruti (or Maruti nandan), is one of the most popular concepts of devotees of God (bhakti) (devotion to God) in Hinduism and one of the most important personalities in the Indian epic, the Ramayana. Colourful devotees, barefoot on tiles that scorched the feet in the heat. K athryn was something of a phenomenon to the crowds who kept looking at her legs!!

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By Rail to Chandigarh
Monday, September 28, 2009
Kathryn & Susan discussing world domination. I thought we could use a porter, but these guys thought otherwise. To be honest they were extremely helpful and made our transition to the train absolutely seamless. They loaded the luggage on the train and stowed the golf clubs superbly. First Class carriage fully air conditioned. Very comfortable train, exactly on-time, and fast! Getting ready for golf at Forest Hills, a golf course that has not been used "officially" for two years because of legal issues over the use of the land. The course was very interesting. For example, the par 3 above requires a shot of 165 yards over the valley to the tiny green in the background. After losing 3 balls on this hole my humility returned with a vengeance. Standing on the first tee Gurdeepak considers his approach, aim up the left hand side with a slight fade..............yeah right!!!!

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Local Chandigarh Boys
Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Nerinda prepares all our meals and does the house cleaning and clothes washing. He learnt to cook by watching his mother. His family lives about 16 hours by train from Chandigarh. He tried to get a posting into the army about two years ago but failed due to colour blindness....so!

133% Placements
Friday, October 02, 2009
The advert on the back of the bus assures that Picasso can give you 133% placement!!!! I want to join for such certainty............

Scooter Commuter!!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Have a close look at this photo, can you see the little girl on her mother's lap? Good looking riders side saddle

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Surprising India!!
Monday, October 05, 2009
There are two motor bikes in this picture and seven riders, 3 on one and 4 on the one on the far side. I am continually amazed at how adept these riders are........they are always perfectly balanced. I have seen only one near accident and that was because the car turned in front of the bike without indicating or any warning at all!! This baby elephant was moving this log with ease......the mother in the background gave the occasional growl....typical mom. This photo and the one below were taken at the zoo, which we visited yesterday from the comfort of an air-conditioned cab. Cost for 4 hours was $20, money definitely goes further here. I have given up being surprised. You can get everything in this country, even the coffee is as good as NZ if you go to the right places. We are in the habit of eating pizzas (vege of course) and drinking latte coffee..........and I have not cooked a meal for myself since I arrived!

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Karva Cautha Ritual
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Kathryn's hands have been tattooed in a traditional way for the festival where wives wish for their husband's long life. They are supposed to fast as well but we haven't found too many doing this! Wonder what this means?

Class of 09
Friday, October 09, 2009
This is my class that I teach on Thursdays at CIIS. They are a great bunch of guys and girls. I am having a good time, I hope they get something out of this tete a tete!!

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Shimla,Himachal Pradesh, The Abode of Snow
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Perched on a massive ridge line Shimla sprawls in a seemingly chaotic manner, but in true Indian fashion everything flows in a state of 'live & let live". The photo above was taken from our hotel Leela Regency where we are slowly coming to terms with the height, 7300'!! Our car is in the background with the driver proudly showing us he is still feeling casual having squeezed us between buses, cars, cows, monkeys, trucks and the occasional suicidal motor cyclist. The climb to this point has taken over 3 1/2 hours and we have stopped for refreshments.

Hotel & Golf Shimla Style
Sunday, October 11, 2009
This shot of Hotel Auckland was taken from just below our hotel. Naldehra Golf Club. This is 22 kms from Shimla but it took us a tortuous hour to get there. You are reminded how mortal you are on these narrow roads. When I tried to get out of the car after arriving, I found I had severe cramp in my right leg from depressing the non-existent brake pedal. There were several wrecks on the side of the road completely mangled from rollovers, not even Amy could match these! To top if off the course was closed for a tournament held by the local Governor's son at this time each year, but to be honest I was glad not to play, see photos below!! But the trip was worthwhile, the road looked down on valleys thousands of feet below us and eventually I caught sight of the snow capped Himalayas. Many of the shots on this 9 hole course are blind ie., you can't see the green you are hitting to and in fact from this tee (above) the shot is over the road and 118
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trees!! The trees at the back of this green hide the green from the tee and are across the road! These guys were great, they allowed me to watch their tee-offs on two holes. The guy bending down to putt in the foreground was quite knowledgeable about NZ and plays off a 10. He managed to get his par 3 on this hole.

Summer Resort, Monkey Temple, Heights & Rollover
Monday, October 12, 2009
Kathryn's PhD student Mark kindly organised this wonderful, personal visit to his Father's (Punjab Governor) summer retreat. We spent a glorious afternoon sipping tea and enjoying the surroundings 8000' abobe sea level. Cheeky monkey at the Monkey Temple on the way back from the Governor's Retreat. Believe it or not this photo has not been taken from an aircraft, but in fact from a car travelling on a very narrow road 7500' above sea level. This is typical of the Shimla region and is absolutely breathtaking. ................and every now then one doesn't make it. This is a truck that has rolled over spilling its cargo all over the road.

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Incredible India
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
This photo was taken from the Mall in Shimla, about 500' above our hotel. The view behind Kathryn is Tibet. The contrast in this country is amazing, but when I think about it there are people I have seen in other countries that look just like this guy. I took the photo because I admired his lassez faire attitude...........he couldn't give a damn about the traffic, noise or dust that surrounded him!

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Diwali Celebrations
Sunday, October 18, 2009

Susan and the Govenor in his Office
Sunday, October 18, 2009

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Our Driver
Sunday, October 18, 2009

Our Visit to the Raj
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Govenor, his wife, Kathryn and Moi last night at the official Punjab residence of the Govenor celebrating Diwali. The following photos were taken inside the residence showing the lights that decorate the building and gardens.

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Rock Garden, Chandigarh
Monday, October 19, 2009
Statuettes made from broken bracelets The Rock Garden is a sculpture garden in Chandigarh, India, also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden, after its founder, Nek Chand, a government official who started the garden secretly in his spare time in 1957. Today it is spread over an area of fortyacre (160,000 m²), it is completely built of industrial & home waste and thrown-away items. Entrance made out of light sockets. Inside the Rock Garden Monkeys made from garbage.

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Panchkula, Chandigarh, India
Friday, October 23, 2009
The 3 women in the background were part of a 20 strong team of "greenkeepers" which moved to one side as we played the 11th at Panchkula Golf Course today. These 3 moved back after the dangerously inaccurate golfers moved by! They are weeding by hand. A new 5 star hotel being built next to the golf course.

1st Chandigarh Craft Mela
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Attractively costumed Punjabi dancers performing on stage at the Mela Craft Festival in Chandigarh today. Panoramic view of the Festival Colourful village musicians, I have updated http://www.youtube.com/user/blacksl500 with a clip of their music. 1st Chandigarh Craft Mela. A mega event showcasing the best handloom and handicrafts traditions of the country including the myriad forms of folk culture and traditional cuisines from different states. The craft fair is at Kalagram. There are 131 National and State winning craft persons from different states displaying their prize winning items. The 'Theme State' for the First Chandigarh Crafts Fair is Kashmir.

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Times India
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
On Saturday we found ourselves at the 16th anniversary of World Wide Immigration Consultancy Services (WWICS). Plenty of coke, juice & whisky.........sooooo, I drank whisky for the first time in 40 years......neat! The result, no inhibitions and dancing which was captured by the Times! I can report a burning throat the next day!! How Kathryn plucked up the courage to dance I have no idea as there were mostly guys up on the stage.........culture shock!!!

Drums Indian Style
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Mr Chopra was very patient. Firstly, I couldn't get over the drums due to total inflexibility, secondly, I had no rythm and thirdly, no talent! The girls were learning Punjabi dancing and I was supposed to accompany them on the drums..............it is not until you try it yourself that you realise how difficult it is to play these instruments!

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Chups, Beer & Haunting Eyes
Friday, October 30, 2009
After the game at Chandigarh Golf Club with partner Inda; jug & chups...........just like NZ! This haunting look from the shoe cleaner says it all; he restored the Eccos to near new condition for 30 rupees ($1). The photo is worth enlarging, just look into those eyes and tell me this guy hasn't got character.

Sari
Sunday, November 01, 2009
6.5 meters of pure Indian silk, hand printed for INR1800 ie., NZD60. Rickshaw to this place, INR20 (NZD0.60), lunch 2 coffees, pizza INR260 (NZD9)!!

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On Return Trip From CIIS
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Today we spent 4 hours at the University learning our dance routine for "Founders Day" at Continental Institute for International Studies. It takes 45 minutes to get to the University from our place in Sector 36C, Chandigarh. On the way back we stopped on the side of the road to observe the manufacture of a sugar cane delicacy (see pictures below), and the buffalo just happened along at that moment. The "Founders Day" celebrations take place this Friday and Kathryn and I have been asked to dance the Rock 'n Roll and Punjabi and at the end of the performance I have to do a Haka!! All in the cause of promoting NZ! Wish us luck, as this will be performed in front of 600 students, staff and invited dignitaries.........may Krishna be with us!!!

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Seminars
Friday, November 06, 2009
We gave a seminar today to over 250 students who will soon be deciding where they will be wanting to get their degrees. Of course Waikato University was heavily promoted. The auditorium slowly filling up. Yours truely promoting New Zealand to the students! Kathryn expouses the virtues of the University and the fact that it has the No.1 Business School in New Zealand. Of course this is her own Deapartment she is talking about!

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Motor Bikes & Punjabi Dancing
Saturday, November 07, 2009
This is the first motor bike I have ridden in 40 years! This brand new bike was entrusted to me and I managed to wind it up to 4th gear in the school grounds during "Founders Day" celebrations. This ride was about 2 hours before our dance routine and Haka. Kathryn decided that if I came back alive she would go for a ride too. This was a bit more sedate, we only managed to get up to 3rd gear. Some of the school's faculty in a group photo beside the stretched limmo. Music blaring, only guys dancing!!! This photo taken about an hour before we moved to the amphitheatre in the left backgound. Unfortunately the camera battery gave out and I was not able to get a copy of the Haka. We will try to get the school's official version.

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McLeod Ganj
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Kathryn camouflaged............. McLeod Ganj, McLeodGanj, or Mcleodganj, is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It has an average elevation of 2,082 metres (6,831 feet). Situated on the Dhauladhar Range, whose highest peak, 'Hanuman Ka Tibba', at about 5,639 metres (18,500 feet), lies just behind it, it is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa" (short form of Dharamshala, used mainly by Tibetans") due to its large population of Tibetan refugees.[1] The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj. McLeod Ganj was named after Sir David McLeod, a Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, while the suffix Ganj is common Hindi word for "neighbourhood"

Dalai Lama Sanctuary
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Both Kathryn and I were exhausted after a seven hour trip from Chandigarh to McLeod Ganj. The road was very difficult at times, fortunately we took a larger wheel based Toyota 7 seater. Our intro to the hotel was not too auspicious with a bathroom not exactly working, but that was last night and today we have been upgraded.

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50 Years of Exile
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Following a decisive battle at Chamdo in 1950, the Communist Party of China gained control of central and western Tibet (the area then controlled by the Dalai Lama, nowadays TAR). The next year the 14th Dalai Lama and his government signed the Seventeen Point Agreement and then in 1959, he together with a group of Tibetan leaders and followers fled to India and set up the Government of Tibet in Exile. Beijing and the Government-in-exile disagree over when Tibet became a part of China, and whether the incorporation into China of Tibet is legitimate according to international law (see Tibetan sovereignty debate)[6]. Since what constitutes Tibet is a matter of much debate (see map, right), neither its size nor population are simple matters of fact, due to various entities claiming differing areas as part of "Tibet View from the Stupa, towards 17000' mountains. ((A stupa (from Sanskrit: m., स्तूप, stūpa, Pāli: "thūpa", literally meaning "heap") is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, once thought to be places of Buddhist worship, typically the remains of a Buddha or saint))

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Intro to Mcleod Ganj-Tipped Trailer
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Our vehicle in the right background caught behind a tipped trailler in the middle of the town which temporarily prevented it from conveying us to the Dalai Lama's Temple. We walked ahead until the driver caught up. After he delivered us to the Temple we gave him the day off. Kathryn shopped, I just dropped.

A First, New Snow & Friends
Monday, November 09, 2009
Kathryn delighted that for the first time since we arrived in India her food has been served to her before me! The temperature plunged last night and this morning it was snowing above us. Unfortunate experience at the hotel with over 4500 rupees stolen from my wallet. We can only assume someone let themselves into our room while we were having breakfast........This amount is the equivalent of several month's wages for some! New found friends. These guys befriended us in the book shop near the Dalai Lama's temple.

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Tibetan Refugee-FREE TIBET
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Photo C. Jordan D is a refugee from Tibet, he is covered up for privacy reasons. His family is in Tibet; mother, father, brothers & sisters. His first attempt (10 years ago) to escape across the border failed when the Chinese captured him and threw him in jail. He was released after a short time and he successfully crossed the border in May the same year at the age of 19. He is now 29 and he has not seen his family since 1999. He is intending to return to Tibet because he has a strong wish to see his family again. His trip will be illegal (from Chinese point of view) and he risks being thrown into jail and tortured. This story is only one of many refugee tales of hardship and repression by the Chinese in Tibet causing many to escape to McLeod Ganj. D's travel through the mountains will take over a month.............our hearts go with him.

YPS, Mohali
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Preparations before our seminar this morning at YPS, Mohali; a large private school, run on a non-profit basis in Chandigarh. There are 1600 students at this top level school. Our session went very well. The students were excellent, displaying a great understanding of what we were talking about. Our question and answer period at the end was very active, with the students competing for the 5 prizes. Our overall impression of the school was that it was one of the best schools we have visited during our 2 month stay in
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India.

Saint Soldier School
Saturday, November 14, 2009
These tiny tots getting ready for their rehearsal at Saint Soldier, today. This photo was taken just before our seminar. Photo above taken just after my presentation and during Dr. Kathryn's. Closer examination shows more interest in the camera but nevertheless alot of these students took the 2010 prospectus which hopefully bodes well for the future induction of Indian students to Waikato University. These youngsters were totally immersed!!!

Saint Soldier School-Guests of Honour
Sunday, November 15, 2009
After our visit to the school yesterday we were invited back as the guests of honour for the Gala Day celebrations. This photo was taken from our vantage point in the middle of the seating with an excellent view of the stage and the student performers. These tiny tots were dancing as we arrived....... We were invited by the Principal Sudesh Chaudhry to light the opening ceremony candles. Here Kathryn acknowledges the applause. At the end of the festivities we were invited onto the stage to dance with the Punjabi dancers. As you can see from the above photo I could not get my feet to work, but Kathryn has! The principal and I managed to get our arms to work but my feet are still anchored to the floor! I was surprised as anyone!

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Dr Kathryn with Neha
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Dr. Kathryn and Neha discuss the merits of studying in New Zealand. We are now almost at the end of our visit to Chandigarh and have seen as many as 700 students. Next week we go back to Delhi for week and then on to Goa.

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Lunch with Punjab Governor
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Lunch at the Raj (Punjab Governor's residence) today. They are delightful people and we have received such fantastic hospitality. We are looking forward to catching up with General Rodrigues and Jean when we go to Goa next month.

4th Bajwa Memorial Cup
Monday, November 23, 2009
18th at Chandigarh Golf Club under lights at 5:30pm today "Deep" Bajwa (organiser of the tournament) 3rd from right with his uncle on his right. From LHS, Kathryn, Dimple, "The Colonel", Sims and Deep. One of the first groups off. Uncle is the first to tee off and starts the tournament. Vini collects our cards before we tee off. Yours truely with the President of the CGC, Gilly. Beautiful Punjabi girls. Gilly tees off.

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Runner Up 4th Bajwa Memorial Cup
Monday, November 23, 2009
My very good friend "Deep" Bajwa arranged for me to play in the 4th Bajwa Memorial Cup which is played every year at Chandigarh Golf Club in honour of his younger brother who was killed in a motor accident. I am not sure how the Gods arranged this, but I manged to be picked in the runner up team! Thank you Deep, I am indebted to you, Sims and all the many friends I made at the club for a most enjoyable stay in Chandigarh. Kathryn and I will be back next year for sure!

Goodbye Chandigarh "Till Next Time!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Chalk found on ground therefore mark left!!!!

Delhi
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Dr. Kathryn lecturing MBA students at the International Management Institute in Delhi today. She was a guest of Dr. Himadri Das (in foreground), Professor of Finance & Information Systems. I took the opportunity to talk to them about a pet subject of mine "Mind Fixation"! Kathryn and I have been invited back, she for academic work, me for practical training...........hmmmm!!! Human Factor the magazine personified by this boy selling his wares at the traffic lights. The car was surrounded by hawkers. Inside a shop 138
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that caught my eye. Same shop looking back inside.............

A Day In Delhi-Collage
Saturday, November 28, 2009

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Faces of Delhi
Sunday, November 29, 2009
These guys are "professional" ear cleaners. I took this photo after turning down their offer to work on me! I managed to take this photo without traffic blocking the prone figure in the foreground. He was completely out of this world!!

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At Your Peril
Monday, November 30, 2009
Last night in one of the crowded markets located about 500 meters from our hotel on Parliament Street. As we approached this human "ant nest" two people came up to us with the warning about pick pockets and advised us not to go in. After a nano second's deliberation we decided to walk on by!

Not Good at Sums, India Gate & Bullets
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
This restaurant was advertising the fact that their arithmetic was not so good, read the menu! Unfortunately their sums did add up! Carpets from Kashmir. The one the vendor is kneeling on was silk on silk with 1250 knots per square inch and conservatively priced at NZD10,000. I know I harp on this amazing sight but Guiness should be told about this one! 5 up! India Gate, memorial to fallen soldiers. Look carefully at the transparent magazine and count the live ammo! Photo taken at India Gate.

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Indira Gandhi's Place of Assassination-Delhi
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
This shot is taken looking side-on to the "indira Gandhi" walk at her house in Delhi where she was Prime Minister of India. The "walk" is made of glass to represent a stream. The actual place where she was assassinated has clear glass which can be seen to the right of the guy crouching. The clear glass can be also seen in this frame which looks down the length of the memorial walkway. It is just above the railing in the foreground. The glass I am looking at has words to commemorate her life and death. Very, very poignant, The sari, shoes and bag on that fateful day, 31 O c t o b e r 1 9 8 4 s e e http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indira_Gandhi The above visit is described in detail in the book "3 MONTHS IN INDIA" (see below)

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Time on my Hands!!!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
We were seriously delayed at the airport today when our aircraft developed a technical hitch. Kathryn got progressively sicker in the airport so we canned the idea of going to Varanasi and came back into Delhi to the Hans a 4 star hotel which, believe me, feels like a 7!!! I am killing a bit of time so decided to play with Befunky.com and cartoonise us on a motorbike. Love this website which I have used together with Photoshop to do the merged header for this Blog site............. Tks Mark Rodrigues for supplying the

photos used in the Blog Header.

Delhi Airport-Negative
Friday, December 04, 2009
Don't for one moment believe that the airlines in India are second rate. I am writing this from Goa after a brilliant albeit delayed flight on Go Air flying in a brand new A320 Airbus. Stories abound in this country of some shonky flying like the flight recently on Air India where the pilot and co-pilot had a fight with an air stewardess at 35,000'; and the check pilot who pulled a breaker switch (fuse) as the aircraft was in descent to see how the pilot would react, only problem was the aircraft was fully loaded with passengers! But the female co-pilot on our flight flew one of the smoothest flights I have ever been on (apart from Barker Air {in-house joke for those who know!}). PS. photo above is in negative for effect.................but it does show the state of the pollution......the photo chemical smog is as bad as the photo shows.....

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Recouperating in Goa
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Kathryn is not at her best having suffered bronchitis off and on for over 6 weeks. But we are now at Mark and Sanaya's house in Goa, being looked after by the most attentive staff (3) and guard dog!! Guard watching over Cuppan the house manager waiting for our taxi to arrive. We have started to explore the surrounding areas especially the beaches such as Calangute (the best one in northern Goa), Baga and Anjuna. Kalangut. This shot taken away from the maddening crowds of British tourists! There were several of these beautifully crafted boats parked on the beach. To get to them we had to bargain our way through dozens of hawkers selling anything from massages, boat trips, para sailing, jet skiis, trinkets, food etc etc etc!! Anjuna. A quieter corner!

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Contrasts in Goa
Monday, December 07, 2009
Calangute, 15 minutes from where we are staying. Reminds me of Mount Mauganui........the sand is beautiful. Further north, the coastline turns to volcanic scoria. ............and then the Brit contingent!!! There are direct flights from Britain into Goa. The way to get around is on automatic scooters at a cost of Nzd 7 per day!! Scooter commuters up and down the beaches all day.......and then parties into the night......

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Dona Paula
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I watched this group of windsurfers (about a dozen) pass by the jetty and head into Vainquinim Beach after racing. Not much breeze, estimated 10 kts. This beach is only 15 minutes from Mark and Sanaya's house which is situated in Porvorim, where we are staying. We have now been in Goa a week! Imagine the Portuguese here, and then put yourself in this mansion which was built in their time. Today, buildings must be 500 metres or more from the high water mark. Trees are protected and we saw some of the cleanest parks in our visit to India in Panaji.

Our Location
Friday, December 11, 2009
Porvorim is ringed on the above map. We are staying in the Defence Colony where retirees from the Indian Defence Forces have houses. Calangute is to the West of us and Dona Paula South West.

Shall we Shan't we?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
OK, it costs 150 IR one way to Calangute Beach......hmmm, I can hire this 150cc for 300 IR per day...........but.......I have to leave my passport with the hirer..........yeah, what happens in the case of an accident? We didn't get a satisfactory answer. Hiring this bike for a week is presently on hold until we figure how crazy we are?

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Elephants, Snakes, Long-tailed Monkeys
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Took a taxi all day today, 1600 IR ie., equivalent of NZD 50 through the south, including "Old Goa" then onto the Spice Garden where the above photo was taken of an elephant spraying its rider..... This photo taken from the Spice Garden looking west down the river. We saw several brown water snakes, kingfishers, crabs, herons and longtailed monkeys.........

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Grounded River Princess-Candolim Goa
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
This ship ran aground on one stormy night on the Goan shore during the rainy season, some 500 metres (1,640 feet) away from the Candolim beach in 2000. Apparently shards of steel have been falling off the ship over the years seriously polluting the immediate area. Shame really because this is our favourite beach. Apparently no-one has managed to solve the salvage problem over the last 9 years which frankly is a hell of an indictment on the local government! http://www.merinews.com/article/goagrounded-river-princess-raises-ecologicalconcerns/129970.shtml

New Arrivals in Goa
Friday, December 18, 2009
Claire and Antony have arrived in Goa from London. Hasn't taken them long to acclimate! It's all go....a!!!

Honda Hero
Friday, December 18, 2009
George, a good friend of Mark's lent me this bike for the day. I have slowly got into the Indian traffic mostly avoiding the main highway except when I got lost with Kathryn on the back and ended up on the highway! But we survived...........

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Zeebop-South Goa
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Good 'ole Mark hamming it up at Zeebop. The seafood was to "die for"! One of Mark's favourite watering holes in Goa. and the bonus was the beautiful beach a stone's throw from the table. These interlopers ripped up and down the waterfront! Antony and Claire enjoying the 26 degree water temperature on a local jet ski.

Sandy
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sandy (Deep's mate) and I caught up at Cafe Day in Candolim after I rode the Honda on the highway for the second time only, and this time in alot of traffic!! Sandy and I met on Panchkula Golf Course, I managed to par the holes he disappeared on!!

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Puja Ceremony
Monday, December 21, 2009
Preparing to bless Mark and Sanaya's house this morning. This ceremony is performed once per year. Mark believes this process brings luck and good fortune for the forthcoming year and at least one project we have been talking about will now come to fruition. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puja_(Hinduism) These beautiful images were hand-done by carefully pouring lime on the tiles by the front door.

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Candolim Goa
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Guess where? Yep this is India, actually Candolim Beach about 20 minutes from the Defence Colony. Our favourite beach and this young bull's too!!!

Merry Xmas & All The Best For The New Year!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009

Pristine Singapore
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Christmas and New Year lights near Raffles. We arrived at 3pm today and have acclimatised very quickly!! The City is preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations, and the harbour near the Fullerton Hotel in the centre of this photo has been filled with plastic buoys which will reflect a rainbow of colours on the night. This is only 5 minutes from the Fairmont where we are staying.

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Hundreds of Plastic Balloons
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Another view of the Bay area with hundreds of plastic balls floating on the water for New Year's Eve. The new casino is in the background under construction.

Message on a Balloon
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
One of hundreds floating in the Bay!!

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Welcome Home!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Motutaiko Island Taupo NZ
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Panoramic view looking towards Motutaiko Island, Lake Taupo, New Zealand Visited Hatepe and caught up with all my family. Tim gave me the keys to a brand new boat and Kathryn and I whizzed over to Motutaiko Island which is about 7 minutes from Hatepe. The picture above shows us on the North Western side of the island in about 16 meters of water. We had the fish finder on and there were plenty of signs of trout.....wished I had a rod and an HD line!!! The flowering trees are rata.....

Slipper Island
Saturday, January 09, 2010
The view from Ivan's batch at Onemana looking out over the bay towards Slipper Island at dusk. The Alderman Islands can be seen to the right of Slipper....

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Dad I Phoned 111!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Violet runs for cover as Dad asks the question! The Kings at Onemana 10 Jan 2010.

3.2 Nautical Miles off Onemana
Monday, January 25, 2010
This sea-bird lightly touches the water with its feet as we rolled around in the slop! Kathryn, first time fishing off the back of Bernard's boat. Two GPS' on board and we still could not park our boat exactly on Spot X!

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Impending Landing Accident
Monday, January 25, 2010
No explanation required here!!!

Onemana from The Rock
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
On the ridge-line overlooking Onemana is a large rock perched seemingly like a bowling ball ready to skittle the houses below. It took me 25 minutes of solid riding to get to it; the view was awesome!

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Hamilton NZ, Electrical Storm
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
This photo was taken about 9 pm tonight when a massive electrical storm moved through the city. It was impossible with the small camera to capture a split-second image such as the one above without first taking a video and then breaking down the film into its frame-by-frame exposure. It took some time to find the single frame which had the lightning and separate it from the video using Picasa 3!!

Onemana
Sunday, February 07, 2010
In Onemana, New Zealand for next two weeks............

Ava
Monday, February 08, 2010

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Onemana Sunset
Monday, February 08, 2010

Reflections Matarangi
Tuesday, February 09, 2010

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Contemplation
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Kathryn in contemplative pose........

What a difference a Day Makes!!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Onemana the day before and day after the storm!

Lotsadogs
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Sars with her favourite! Amazing what you can cope with, when you really luv 'em!

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3 Months in India Published
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
3 Months in India has just been published on http://www.scribd.com/ under the pseudonym jordo+

Balloon Festival Hamilton NZ
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Jack-in-the-Box hovering over Hamilton Lake. This balloon is 112' tall!!

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Dolphin Mauled By Shark?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
We found this old Bottle Nose dolphin at the Northern end of Onemana beach this morning. We think it had been attacked by a shark by the large bite marks in its back. Perhaps it was already dead when the shark found it because as far as we know Dolphins are normally too fast for predators? It was beached at the high-water mark, we felt it was right to return it to the sea. DOC has since investigated and they confirm it was an old male that probably was sick.

House Plans a Dream?
Friday, April 09, 2010
The floor plan shows the house pointing North towards lake Rotokauri. The top plan elevation shows MB on the RHS with flow through living to two decks separated by the lounge/kithchen. The house is approx 38 metres long and has only one entrance! We will probably call it "the bloody long barn"!!

Small Wave Big Splash
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Northern end of Onemana Beach, Coromandel, New Zealand.

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Bark Garden Broken Back
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The bark garden is now complete at Onemana!

Publications On Scribd
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
I have now published 5 documents on Scribd

Real Video of an Engine Out After T/O
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Here is a great opportunity, if you are a pilot, to review an actual engine failure just after take off. It is on the AOPA website. The do's and dont's make interesting reading and the actual video footage is amazing!

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Dolphins
Thursday, May 06, 2010
This morning I was looking out the window when I happened to spot a small pod down at the beach. I rushed down and managed to capture this image. They stayed near the shore for over an hour.

Inspirational!
Friday, May 07, 2010
This guy plays off a 3 without the use of his left leg lost in a traffic accident! Read the caption by clicking on the photo..........

Two Blonds and a Boy!
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Sarah's birthday with little helpers, Ava and Marco!

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$15 Million Language School in backblocks of Waihi NZ!!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Language School Approved. Council’s Hearings Committee had a difficult time recently deciding an application for resource consent for a language school in Landlyst Rd, Waihi. The Flying Phoenix Trust had applied to establish a school with accommodation to teach English to Taiwanese students and Chinese to New Zealanders. This school is on rural land about 10 minutes from Waihi, its juxtaposition with surrounding farmland is totally incongruous and one wonders what the 300 students accomodated out there are going to do in their spare time!!!

Fantail Fun!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
This little fellow joined me in the lounge at Onemana today! Just as well Kathryn wasn't here because while this bird was inside the other one would have been outside!!! I believe these little chappies bring you luck, here's hoping........

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Ireland at Last!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Made it to Dublin after 30 years of thinking about it! Booked flight out of NZ on Wednesday, arrived London on Friday and in Dublin on Saturday...............

Kissing the Blarney Stone
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Kathryn kisses the Blarney Stone. Perched about 30 meters above a vertical drop you have to bend over backwards in order to get to the bottom stone! The Blarney Stone (Irish: Cloch na Blarnan) is a block of bluestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, Blarney about 5 miles (8 km) from Cork, Ireland. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). The stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446

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Conor Pass
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Crossing over Conor Pass between Dingle and Camp on the way to Tralee. Gorgeous mountain pass with room enough for one car only in several places as the photo shows. This Pass was the best we have encountered in the West on the Dingle Peninsular.

The peninsula exists because of the band of sandstone rock that forms the Slieve Mish mountain range at the neck of the peninsula, in the east, and the unnamed central mountain range further to the west. Ireland's highest mountain outside Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Mount Brandon at 951 m, forms part of a beautiful high ridge with stunning views over the peninsula and North Kerry. The Conor Pass, which runs from Dingle on the southern end of the peninsula towards Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in the North, is the highest mountain pass in Ireland, a tight, precarious road, weaving its way around the sharp cliff faces and past the high corrie lakes. The Blasket Islands lie off the west coast. They are famous for the literary and linguistic heritage of the former inhabitants. However, these remote islands have been uninhabited since the 1950s following an evacuation.

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Guiness Trio
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
What else do you do in the Guiness Brewery? Chris, Kathryn and Antony enjoy a pint in Dublin........

Two Ancient Objects!
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Perched on the Cliffs of Moher.

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The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair, lit. cliffs of the ruin, also known as the Cliffs of Mohair) are located in the parish of Liscannor at the south-western edge of the Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Ireland.[1] The Cliffs are currently one of the 28 finalists for The New7Wonders of Nature. (The official list will be declared in 2011.) The cliffs rise 120 meters (394 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head (Irish: Ceann na Cailleach ), and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometres away.[2] The cliffs boast one of Ireland's most spectacular views.[3] On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay, as are the valleys and hills of Connemara. O'Brien's Tower is a round stone tower at the approximate midpoint of the cliffs. It was built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, in order to impress female visitors.[4] From atop that watchtower, one can view the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk Mountains and the Twelve Pins to the north in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south.

Spinning on the Bull
Saturday, June 12, 2010

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Milan’s most luxurious shopping arcade is often referred to as “Il Salotto di Milano” or Milan’s Living Room … Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1861 and completed in 1877, Galleria Vittorio EmanueleII is in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s number one shopping street. If you see people spinning on the bull mosaic on the ground floor, it’s not the high price tag of this place that’s got these people spinning. It is believed that if you place one foot on the bull’s genitals and spin around three times, this will bring good luck to you. Seeing the groove in that part of the floor, it seems many people have been spinning on the bull’s nether region.

Vienna
Saturday, June 12, 2010
First thing we did when we arrived this morning in Vienna was visit the museum near the Vienna Opera House. I was immediately drawn to the history of Gustav Mahler (7 July 1860 – 18 May 1911) an Austrian late-Romantic composer, and one of the leading conductors of his generation. As a composer he acted as a bridge between the 19th century Austro-German tradition and the modernism of the early 20th century. While in his lifetime his status as a conductor was established beyond question, his own music gained wide popularity only after periods of relative neglect which included a ban on its performance in much of Europe during the Nazi era. After 1945 the music was discovered and championed by a new generation of listeners; Mahler then became one of the most frequently performed and recorded of all composers, a position he has sustained into the 21st century.

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Lipizzan Horses Vienna
Sunday, June 13, 2010
I tried my best to get a perfect shot of the horses, but every time I took a photo I managed to capture the grey hair in front! Because we arrived late we managed to get tickets for half price. We saw two performances which was enough!! The Lipizzan or Lipizzaner[1] (Slovene: lipicanec), is a breed of horse closely associated with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria where the finest representatives demonstrate the haute ecole or "high school" movements of classical dressage, including the highly controlled, stylized jumps and other movements known as the "airs above the ground." The Lipizzan breed dates back to the 16th century, when it was developed with the support of the Habsburg nobility. The breed takes its name from one of the earliest stud farms established, located near the Kras village of Lipica (spelled "Lipizza" in Italian), in modern-day Slovenia.

Toilet & Thermal power plant by Hundertwasser
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Kawakawa Toilet, New Zealand Thermal Power Station, Vienna I always wanted to know where Hundertwasser came from. He, of course, designed the toilets in Kawakawa! In 1998 the Kawakawa Community Board was looking to upgrade 40-year-old toilet facilities in the central township, and Hundertwasser offered a solution from his design palate. Friedensreich Regentag Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser (December 15, 1928 – February 19, 2000) was an Austrian painter and architect. Born Friedrich Stowasser in Vienna, he became one of the best-known contemporary Austrian artists, although controversial, by the end of the 20th century.

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Bratislava
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
We hopped on a catamaran from Vienna to Bratislava which took 75 minutes. These two capitals are the closest to each other in the world. Bratislava (German: Pressburg (Preßburg), Hungarian: Pozsony) is the capital of the Slovak Republic and, with a population of about 429,000, also the country's largest city.[1] Bratislava is in southwestern Slovakia on both banks of the Danube River. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries,[2] Bratislava and Vienna are two of the closest European national capitals to each other, at less than 60 kilometres (37 mi) apart. Bratislava is the political, cultural, and economic centre of Slovakia. It is the seat of the Slovak president, the parliament, and the executive branch of the government. It is home to several universities, museums, theatres, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions.[3] Many of Slovakia's large businesses and financial institutions are also headquartered there.

Vienna to Bratislava by Catamaran
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The fast catamaran which took us from Vienna to Bratislava. At times this vessel was hitting 70 kph. We arrived in Bratislava in the early evening without having booked a hotel. We walked into several which wanted to charge Euro 150 to 180 for a room! This was far more expensive than Vienna. Eventually we managed to find a budget hotel for Euro 60!! Than we shopped for fruit and toothpaste and found that the prices were far less than Vienna. So here's hoping that our trip further into Eastern Europe proves to be less costly!!!

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Budapest
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We are now in Budapest after a 3 hour train trip from Bratislava. Got ripped off at the train station when I exchanged some pounds. Just have to be on the alert all the time against profiteering! Anyway.........

Budapest (pronounced /ˈbuːdəpɛst/, also /ˈbʊdəpɛst/, /ˈbjuːdəpɛst/ or /ˈbuːdəpɛʃt/; Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈbudɒpɛʃt] ( listen); names in other languages) is the capital of Hungary.[1] As the largest city of Hungary, it serves as the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre.[2] In 2009, Budapest had 1,712,210 inhabitants,[3] down from a mid-1980s peak of 2.1 million. The Budapest Commuter Area is home to 3,271,110 people.[4][5] The city covers an area of 525 square kilometres (202.7 sq mi)[6] within the city limits. Budapest became a single city occupying both banks of the river Danube with a unification on 17 November 1873 of right (west)-bank Buda and Óbuda with left (east)-bank Pest.[6][7]

Some Thoughts.........
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Since I left NZ, in a hurry, I have travelled to the UK, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Slovakia and now Hungary. It seems like this was the way I did things back in the 80's when I was travelling on business, but there is a distinct difference, I am stopping to "smell the roses"! So far things have gone well and we have not had any bad experiences except for the occasional "rip off merchant". I did warn Kathryn to be careful when we were climbing in Ireland, and then promptly fell on a rock cracking my elbow! The stand-out experiences; peninsulars on the west coast of Ireland, the beautiful Duomo in Milan, the
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magnificence of Vienna (one of the most beautiful cities in the world ), the old part of Bratislava dating back to AD1000. We have yet to explore Budapest, unfortunately it is raining!

Buda Castle Labyrinth
Thursday, June 17, 2010
We found the labyrinth under the Buda Castle. This took us on a dark tortuous route that lasted for 30 minutes. At times we were completely disorientated and found ourselves going around in circles. As you can see we needed a latern to find our way in the very dark passages! The internationally unique calcareous tufa caves of Castle Hill were created as an effect of the hot water springs almost half a million years ago. Later the small caves were connected to each other and also to the cellarage of the houses of the Castle District for economic and military purposes, and the complex thus developed into a veritable labyrinth under the Castle Hill. In the 1930s, as part of the wartime defense program, the complex of cellars was converted into a shelter large enough to accommodate as many as ten thousand people at a time.Disfigured with concrete, it served as a secret military object during the Cold War.

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Proud Jewish History
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Great Synagogue, also known as Dohány Street Synagogue (Hungarian: Dohány utcai zsinagóga/nagy zsinagóga, Hebrew: ‫ טשפדוב לש לודגה תסנכה תיב‬bet hakneset hagadol šel budapešt ) or Tabakgasse Synagogue, is located in Erzsébetváros, the 7th district of Budapest. It is the largest synagogue in Eurasia[1] and the second largest in the world, after the Temple Emanu-El in New York City.[2] It seats 3,000 people and is a centre of Neolog Judaism. Jewish Guide In the synogogue not far from our hotel. My first experience and I have to say very interesting. Our guide is a big noter in Budapest. She has famous relatives who did not survive the ghetto.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Chess at the Spa Yesterday spent several hours at the Széchenyi thermal bath. One of the features of this place were the guys playing chess. There were several indoor pools and 3 outdoor pools including a 50 metre swimming pool. The pools ranged from ambient temperature to 38 degrees celsius. We ranged between the hot and cold pools.........The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Budapest (Széchenyi-gyógyfürdő) is the largest medicinal bath in Europe

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NZ 1 Italy 1!!!!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sascha and Claudia gave us a wonderful time in Cologne topped off by us watching NZ draw with Italy in the Football World Club. Claudia brought a NZ flag and put us to shame by wrapping it around herself. We became more relaxed when we realised that NZ was not going to be annihilated!!!! Thank you Sascha and Claudia for making our trip to Cologne one of the most enjoyable experiences of this trip!!

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Cologn, Koblenz, Rudesheim & Luxemburg
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Kathryn riding the duck on the Rhine! Vines growing around Boppard on 40 degree slopes. The start of the Rhine odessey at Koblenz. We are now in Luxemburg having travelled down some of the most beautiful parts of the Rhine. There are castles every few kilometres some dating back to 1000AD. The local nobles certainly lived in style. Talking of style, several castles are now privately owned. For my money I preferred today's trip through the Mosel Valley to Luxembourg. Less tourists and the scenery from Koblenz to Cochem was absolutely magnificent. Wonderful places to ride bikes, camp and canoe. Tomorrow we head for Paris. Luxembourg is a parliamentary representative democracy with a constitutional monarch; it is ruled by a Grand Duke. It is the world's only remaining sovereign Grand Duchy. The country has a highly developed economy, with the highest Gross Domestic Product per capita in the world as per IMF and WB. Its historic and strategic importance dates back to its founding as a Roman era fortress site and Frankish count's castle site in the Early Middle Ages. It was an important bastion along the Spanish Road when Spain was the principal European power influencing the whole western hemisphere and beyond in the 16th–17th centuries.

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Luxembourg to Paris and Beyond
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I tried very hard to pretend I was playing a game on my iPhone but this lady (above) was onto to me! When we got on the train in Luxembourg we ignored our seating allocation because the train was empty. Little did we know that this was the last train for the day to Paris because of strikes in France over the superannuation age being raised from 60 to 62. Anyway 2 stops into our trip it seemed like the rest of France had got on. We were terrified we were going to be thrown out of our little compartment but there was so much confusion we needn't have worried. Behind the lady is a cabin reserved for those standing. They were crammed in like sardines for over an hour! I have always loved Monet. One of the must does on our all too brief stay of one and bit days was to go to the Musée de l'Orangerie which is dedicated to Monet's "The Water Lillies". The photos show these beautiful paintings which are awe-inspiring. Monet worked on these from 1914 until his death in 1926. We stayed for a long time just taking in the enormous breadth of these master pieces. The bonus was downstairs where billions of dollars of Renoirs, Cezanne, Henri Rousseau, Modigliani, Laurencin, Matisse, Picasso, Derain, Utrillo, Soutine and others were on display from the collection of Paul Guillaume who was a famous art dealer and collector from the 1920's. The Musée de l'Orangerie is an art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings located on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It contains works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, PierreAuguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Chaim Soutine, Alfred Sisley and Maurice Utrillo among others. The gallery is on the bank of the Seine in the old orangery of the Tuileries Palace on the Place de la Concorde near the Concorde metro station.

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English BBQ!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The BBQ above came out of a cardboard box. It comes complete with charcoal and a little grill. It is used only once and costs about $NZ10. Antony and Clare prepared a wonderful meal on this tiny fire!!

Germany 4 England 1
Monday, June 28, 2010
In a bar near St. Pauls. These crazy Germans were singing "we are the champions" under an umbrella!!! What the?????? English supporters near Greenwich after the second goal scored against them...........but what about the disallowed goal???? That would have made it two all.............and could have changed the game!!!

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Greenwich, London
Monday, June 28, 2010
The team rests at the top of the hill near the observatory.

Street Art-Southbank, London
Monday, June 28, 2010
This piece of pavement with some incompleted art. Putting this on a wall could be a challenge!!!

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Eins, Zwei, Drei your eyes!!! Ha Ha
Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Murray's Mountain/Wimbledon 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What used to be called Henman's Hill, now Murray's Mountain who is through to the Quarters of Wimbledon 2010. Our position slightly obscured by the refreshments tent, but hey, when you are late you take what you can get!

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Candles In Notre Dame A Tribute From The Travellers
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The lone candle in the front row of candles on the RHS of this picture was lit by us in memory of all those important people in our lives that are no longer with us. We sat in this area of the Notre Dame for about 15 minutes just reflecting on those loved ones. Notre Dame is my favourite cathedral, I have visited her more than a dozen times over the years. She has a very special place in my heart and I now have a small momento which I now wear around my neck reminding me of this very "spiritual" occasion when we dedicated this candle to past family, relatives and friends..............

16 Waimana Drive Hamilton
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Three hours into the driveway formation at Dromara. By the end of today, we are hoping to drive the Merc all the way to the building site, which is the stake in the far background to the right of the first tree.....

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India 40 (degrees) Hamilton -2 (degrees)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The final curve. Hamilton's mornings have been quite cold lately! I scraped several millimeters of ice off the windscreen this morning before I took Kathryn out to Dromara.

Mercedes Perch
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The driveway has been completed, sufficient for the Merc to get up to the future garage. We were amazed at how much the soil "bulked up" after being excavated. Merc and mound

View from the future master bedroom Yes even Mercs can get up here!

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How Cute!!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Dad and Ava I made it!! Ava togged up in St Cuthbert's College uniform heading off this morning to school for the first time today!! I have such a sense of deja vu!!!

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Flooding!!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Torrential rain in Hamilton has resulted in flooding which has scoured the new driveway. On top of this we have discovered a spring just under the tree on the right. The water is bubbling out at a prodigious rate! Wish it was oil!!!!!!!!!

Penguin Revenge!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010

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Coco May Alpe
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Coco May Alpe my 3rd grandchild was born on the 28 July at 10:38pm.

Me and Coco May
Saturday, July 31, 2010
One very proud grandfather!!

If Only You Knew!!!!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Not many will understand the effort that Carl and Lucy went to, to clean this yard up before they moved to their new home!!

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Second Stage Excavating
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Every time we dig we find another new spring! This is now a real problem and the drainage bill has just quadrupled!! The photo shows the first part of the parking area and entranceway into the house and garage which is behind the "long-house" structure. The view is looking North towards Lake Rotokauri.

Earthworks!!!!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Our original thoughts were to minimise the excavation! Our building platform is beginning to look like a bomb site!!

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Foundation Base At Last!!!
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Kathryn standing where the back of the master bedroom will be; it is hard to believe that approximately 30 meters from her are 40 truckloads of clay!!! As we walked onto the property today we were greeted by a monarch butterfly and this perfectly formed rainbow.........

Isiah Hape & Family
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Isiah by the Piper Arrow. (Click on photos to enlarge and then click again to double the size)............. CCF (Child Cancer Flight) with the Hape family today at the Hamilton Airport, wheeling Isiah to the Arrow.

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Marking Out
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The builders marked out the outside dimensions of the house yesterday. I got up on the ladder which can be seen on the RHS and got a sneak preview of what the view will be like. I was surprised with the view of Lake Rotokauri which is more extensive than I expected......... Looking down on the mark out from the hillside above us.

Don't Stray!!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The truck is stuck after the driver went too far left...........it should have been reversed where he is standing!!!

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Montague Kazu Jordan Swanberg
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Monty was born at 2:41am on the 13th August to Lucy and Carl in LAX. Love to all 3 of you!!!

The Full Monty
Saturday, August 14, 2010

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One Step Closer to Entertaining Grandchildren
Monday, August 16, 2010
Pilings for the foundation have started in earnest...

Greatness and Grandchildren
Thursday, August 19, 2010
All 4 grandchildren captured! And an Aunt that aspires to greatness!!

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Floor Bracing
Thursday, August 26, 2010
In two days the builders have completed about half the floor bracing. We are so excited with the views.............

Carl & Monty
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Precious moments in Dad's time...............

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Concrete Footings
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
The back of the house is anchored to a concrete wall. Peter (builder) is standing at the front entrance so the view as you enter the house will be through glass to the view across the deck. The angled line in the ground and building is the wall that continues through the middle of the house to the outside.

McDonald's Taupo New Zealand
Thursday, September 02, 2010
As Marco announced the DC3 was departing McDonald's in Taupo for a destination unknown, Ava ran for the door before it closed!!! Day out with the grandchildren in Taupo was filled with moments punctuated by terror!!

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Marc & Ems
Sunday, September 05, 2010
The wedding of the year in France. Congratulations to Marc and Emily!!

9 Lives Lost!
Sunday, September 05, 2010
ZK-EUF was a converted top dressing aircraft being used in the sky dive industry since February 2010. It veered on takeoff from the Franz Josef runway yesterday and crashed, exploding in a ball of fire.

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Concrete Footings Advanced
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
The blockies came today, we never saw t h e m ! T h e b l o c k s materialised......................at long last!!!!

Puja Rotokauri Hamilton
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Kathryn, Susan, Amani, Andrea, Mark, Takara watch as Sanaya lights the "offering". An invocation to the "gods", Indian style to bless the foundations of our new house....................

Swimming Pool
Monday, September 13, 2010
After torrential rain in Hamilton we now have a new swimming pool..............anybody for a dip?

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Yes, Builders Exist!!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The schedule has been approved for a finish date of 23 Dec 2010. This week the floor will be finished and hopefully by Friday all the wall frames will be up!

Storm & Frames
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Frames were delivered today for installation tomorrow, while a massive storm builds in the Tasman. Has the Puja worked???

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Before the storm moved in!!!
Friday, September 17, 2010
We were amazed when we went out to the site after lunch today to find that the builders had got on with it, even though the massive storm threatening NZ was beginning to make itself felt!!!!

Love from Coco
Monday, September 20, 2010

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Sarah and Monty
Monday, September 20, 2010

Jigsaw Puzzle
Monday, September 20, 2010
Apart from putting one frame on back to front these guys have done an amazing job in winds gusting up to 40kts!! The storm has done alot of harm around the country, but the Puja has protected us............

Too Close in German Airshow
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The pilot in the lower aircraft didn't survive this collision at a German airshow last week.

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Clever Photography
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Lucy photographs Monty subtly..............

Our New Fire Fighter
Thursday, September 23, 2010
We can now claim to have a fireman in our ranks! Congratulations Stefan, one hot achievement..................

Roof Beginnings
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Photos above show the first roof trusses, it is possible that we will have a roof by the end of next week.................by the way the dark sky is my thumb!!

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Complex Barn!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Large over-hanging eves and lots of timber!! Preparation for the long-run iron roof. Photo shows cut away roof line to let light onto the "morning" deck.

Clean Lines
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The 320CE Mercedes gives some idea of the size of stage 1. This structure is only 2/3rds of the final build. The garage, two bedrooms and another bathroom have yet to be added............This will be done after we have moved into stage 1

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Soffits & Scaffolding
Thursday, September 30, 2010
My job of painting is coming inexoriably closer!!!

Roofing Arrives
Thursday, October 07, 2010
The clour steel roofing was delivered this morning. Roof shout tomorrow!!!

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Simple Roof Lines
Thursday, October 07, 2010
The elegance of simplicity!!

The Cut
Friday, October 08, 2010
The cut in the roof is designed to capture the early morning sun in the winter. There is now a flyover on Youtube

Aerial Photo
Monday, October 11, 2010
We've now got this baby from all angles!!!

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The Painter
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
After 3 hours of painting Mark takes a breather. Thanks buddy we appreciated your efforts. Also a thankyou to Jane and Ian who volunteered yesterday!!! Mark has offered his services again................in 2020!

Lucy & Monty
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Our little American grandchild, Monty, with Mom relax together at the Alpe's. It is wonderful to have Lucy back in New Zealand with her bundle of joy.

Tim is Entrepreneur of the Year!!!
Friday, October 22, 2010
My son in law won the Entrepreneur of the Year award last night!! Congrats Tim, good luck for the Worlds in Monaco next year!!!

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Lucy, Monty, Coco & Amy
Friday, October 22, 2010
Grand children doubled!! Lucy is back in town with Monty, staying with sister, Amy and the Alpe's new addition, Coco.........Grandad had survived and was able to take this photo!

Wiring
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Looking towards ensuite, wiring for heatpumps etc now installed........we are hoping windows will be in tomorrow..........and builders still promising Xmas finish!

Marco Supervisers The Digging
Monday, November 01, 2010
Grandad watches as Marco orders the digger guy to "hurry up"!

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Marco and African Wild Dogs
Monday, November 01, 2010
The mandatory visit to the Hamilton Zoo.

Smiley!!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Lucy's Monty, this little guy is really laid back!!

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Special Package!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Lucy takes our little NZ/American back to California. Sad to see you leave, all our love!!!

First Window/Sliders
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
At last the wait is over!! If we get the chance to do this again we would choose another supplier than NZ Windows!!!

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Slowly Getting There
Thursday, November 04, 2010
The roller coaster ride of emotions, more bloody clay!!! But the windows looking OK.

Interior Shot
Friday, November 05, 2010
Main lounge living area looking back at front door and sliders to deck............

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Poser!!
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Ryan in front of his handywork!!

The 12th At Waitangi Golf Club
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A very special place!!!

Gibbing Finished
Monday, November 15, 2010
This shot taken from lounge 2 looking down front entrance through to main living area and "morning deck" which is a misnomer as it gets all day sun in the summer..................

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Wetting the Place
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Jane, Ian, Delwyn & Kathryn leaving the abode having celebrated the end of scaffolding!!

Diggered Out!!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
This digger has been sitting in front of the house for over two weeks! Hopefully it will be b....y busy soon!!!

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Ava's Message
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thank you Ava for your lovely message!!

Day's End
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Kathryn, Scaf and the boys after a hard day's work!

The Devil Is In The Detail!!
Thursday, December 02, 2010

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Exterior Nearly Finished
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Simple lines, two decks, a hanging pod chair and a book.....that's Kathryn, I'll still be painting forever!!!

Front, no wait, Back Door??
Thursday, December 09, 2010
We have now locked the entrance today for the first time!

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Wot U See Is Wot U Get!!
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Hit and Miss Battens complete the front exterior.

The Pod Has Landed
Friday, December 10, 2010
Kathryn's B.Day, Xmas, Anniversary present for the next gizzillion years!!!

Hands Up!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Lucy's Monty gives up!

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Water Bottle with Views!!
Sunday, December 19, 2010

We Have Ownership Today!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Final touches...............

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No Cork Screw!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Trying to open an expensive bottle of French red with a screw and plyers. I can vouch this technique does not work.............................

Best Wishes From El Rancho Relaxo
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Wishing everyone a full on NY.........stay away from painting!!!

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Secret Weapon
Friday, January 14, 2011
The army have laser sights, the airforce (well nothing actually) but I've got a Bobcat!!!!

Black Faced Friends
Thursday, January 20, 2011
20 little characters named masport 1,2,3........etc

Black Sheep with Two Brothers
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
After being told we may not get broadband for months or years we are strangely on broadband today!!!! First photo.......

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Carolyn 1961-2011
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
This posting is dedicated to my baby sister Carolyn who passed away on Sunday 27 February 2011 at 8:15pm. I will never forget your courage, you are the source of new inspiration that will live on in your name forever. My love continues, Chris.

To Bub
Friday, March 04, 2011

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Manuel Labour
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A moment's respite!!

A Dedication to Bub and Gillian
Monday, March 21, 2011
The little stream with river stones is called the Gilly-Bub. It is expected to flow consistently during the winters from run-off from properties above us. There is a little water-fall opposite the house............it will be a constant reminder of two very precious people who have passed on.

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The Buddha Wears TaylorMade
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Balloons over Home
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Balloon festival in Hamilton with over 40 balloons drifting over Rotokauri this morning.

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Autumn Colour Rotokauri
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Photo opportunity this morning

Danger Danger!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Every time I go up the ladder I get to that second to last rung which states "you are liable to fall beyond this point"! Painting has stopped until I take out more life insurance...............

Gilly-Bub Waterfall
Monday, April 25, 2011
Our sisters' waterfall......................ANZAC Day

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Storm Water!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Capping Day
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Dr Kathryn Pavlovich in her regalia before departing for the University of Waikato Capping Ceremony today!!!

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Ghostly Image
Thursday, May 05, 2011
The image left on the glass is from a spotted dove that was being chased by a swamp harrier (hawk). The dove ended up on its back on our deck with the harrier on top. When I opened the slider the harrier tried to fly away but kept banging into the glass balustrade. I had my slippers on (as you do) and tried to kick it away. I felt the sharp claws penetrating right through the slippers so the harrier and I called a truce. It quietly slipped away while I tried to save the dove. It died in my hands about 10 minutes later....very sad.

Latest Creation
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Kathryn's latest knitting creation..........for someone small and lucky!!!

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Contrasting Images
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Mowed my first lawn in 17 years!! The contrasting photos are two months apart.................

Thought Provoking!!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
This was a question in a physics degree exam at the University of Copenhagen: "Describe how to determine the height of a skyscraper with a barometer." One student replied: "You tie a long piece of string to the neck of the barometer, then lower the barometer from the roof of the skyscraper to the ground. The length of the string plus the length of the barometer will equal the height of the building." This highly original answer so incensed the examiner that the student was failed immediately. The student appealed on the grounds that his answer was indisputably correct, and the university appointed an independent arbiter to decide the case. The arbiter judged that the answer was indeed correct, but did not display any noticeable knowledge of physics. To resolve the problem it was decided to call the student in and allow him six minutes in which to provide a verbal answer that showed at least a minimal familiarity with the basic principles of physics.

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For five minutes the student sat in silence, forehead creased in thought. The arbiter reminded him that time was running out, to which the student replied that he had several extremely relevant answers, but couldn't make up his mind which to use. On being advised to hurry up the student replied as follows: "Firstly, you could take the barometer up to the roof of the skyscraper,drop it over the edge, and measure the time it takes to reach the ground. The height of the building can then be worked out from the formula H = 0.5g x t squared. But bad luck on the barometer." "Or if the sun is shining you could measure the height of the barometer, then set it on end and measure the length of its shadow. Then you measure the length of the skyscraper's shadow, and thereafter it is a simple matter of proportional arithmetic to work out the height of the skyscraper." "But if you wanted to be highly scientific about it, you could tie a short piece of string to the barometer and swing it like a pendulum, first at ground level and then on the roof of the skyscraper. The height is worked out by the difference in the gravitational restoring force T = 2 pi sqroot (l/g)." "Or if the skyscraper has an outside emergency staircase, it would be easier to walk up it and mark off the height of the skyscraper in barometer lengths, then add them up." "If you merely wanted to be boring and orthodox about it, of course, you could use the barometer to measure the air pressure on the roof of the skyscraper and on the ground, and convert the difference in millibars into feet to give the height of the building." "But since we are constantly being exhorted to exercise independence of mind and apply scientific methods, undoubtedly the best way would be to knock on the janitor's door and say to him, 'If you would like a nice new barometer, I will give you this one if you tell me the height of this skyscraper'.." (The student was Niels Bohr, the only Dane to win the Nobel prize for Physics)

Cloning
Sunday, May 15, 2011

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Grandparents' Day St Cuthberts College
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Ava's bald grandfather is still loved!

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Gilly-Bub Maxed Out!!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The deluge hitting Hamilton has caused near flooding this morning!

Lucy, Monty & Carl
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Hey guys welcome back to New Zealand!!

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Eco House Build-Time Lapse
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Cedar and ERF cladding with full length double glazed windows designed for maximum passive heating. The house is angled 3 degrees west facing north, which is a perfect aspect for the winter. The movie shows the stages of the build through to landscaping on 2 1/2 acres.

No Room For Anyone Else!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Mr Pavlovich decides to park as close as he can get to the front door!

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New Surveyor!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monty and Lucy at Dromara, just after arriving. Monty is very approving of the view!!!

Mouse House
Thursday, June 16, 2011
What happens when a mouse gets into the house and runs behind the fridge. With two females freaking out, mouse is now trapped behind a wall of books!!

He Never Knew!!!!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monty had no idea, he was fast asleep at this stage of his very informative trip to the Hamilton zoo this morning............pity because this parrot is the rare Antipodes Island Parakeet!!! He never knew!!!! By the way Kathryn's knitting is in evidence and fortunately the bird respected the territory..................

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One Small Step for Organics
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Kathryn's organic winter garden.....next year it will be market garden size. Farmer's market here she comes!!!

President JFK's Yacht in the hands of a NZ'er!!!
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
The MANITOU's origin was James R Lowe's desire to win the Chicago-Mackinac Race. He commissioned the legendary Olin Stephens (of Sparkman & Stephens) to design a performance cruising yacht that would win the longest freshwater sailing race in the world, the Chicago-Mac. Stephens designed a 62 ft. LOA cutter rigged yawl with a 50 ft. waterline which was then built by M.M. Davis & Sons in Solomons Island, Maryland in 1936/37. The yawl was christened 'Manitou' (Spirit of the Sea) and Lowe went on to win the 1938 Chicago to Mackinaw race outright with Manitou in the Cruising Division. Lowe was awarded the'Mackinac Cup'. Lowe and Manitou won the Bayview to Mac race in 1940. When John F. Kennedy was elected President, the Presidential yacht was a 92' Trumpe built power yacht named "HONEY FITZ" in honor of JFK's grandfather. JFK was a sailor at heart and sent naval aide, John Tazwell, in search of a suitable sailboat for Presidential use. With her good looks and pedigree, MANITOU was quickly selected. She was brought to Chesapeake Bay and fitted with all the proper radios and communication equipment so the President 226
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would never be out of touch with his office or even the Kremlin while on board. Jack Kennedy used her often in the Chesapeake and in New England.She was purchased and restored in 1999 by Laura Kilbourne, the granddaughter of James R. Lowe, and the MANITOU came back into the Lowe family. MANITOU was taken to Chesapeake Marine Railway in Deltaville, Virginia not far from where she was built and underwent a major refit that will prolong her sailing career for many years to come. She was recently sold again to (rumor at ZYC has it) to 3 gentlemen (Phil Jordan being one) who plan on shipping her to the Med where she'll take in part in classic yacht regattas in the Med and other EU locations.

Ava's Art
Thursday, July 07, 2011
It's 100 days at school tomorrow and I had to count out 100 things and choose how to display them. I had some help with idea but this is my work! Love Ava x

22 hours & counting Hong Kong
Friday, July 15, 2011
Finally I get to see the Airbus A380. Bus is a good term, that is, double decker bus! Finally got to Amsterdam in one piece after some fairly rough turbulence. Jon and Andrea's flat in downtown Amsterdam has been just refurbished and it is up to my high standards. Kathryn and I have just rented a car and we are about to drive to Scandinavia. I didn't know that until just after I arrived! My motto from this point "go with the flow".

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Copenhagen
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
We are staying in The Savoy which we have decided to rename "Not The Savoy". Under the weather so haven't taken any photos. If I survive will update when I get back to Amsterdam in a week or so.

Moving a Beer Barrel around Berlin.......
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Amsterdam Personified
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Canals, Cars, Bikes, Boats and Leaning Buildings!! Lovely laid back calm Amsterdam...............Chilled out for a few days, but off to Barcelona tomorrow, thankyou Jon and Andrea!!

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Frustration!!!
Sunday, August 07, 2011
I can't download any photos onto my Blog......................!!!!!! I was able to get the internal shot of Sagrada Familia onto my Facebook page. Rankings so far: 1. Amsterdam 2. Berlin 3. Barcelona 4. London 5. Copenhagen

Montserrat
Monday, August 08, 2011
On our second last day in Barcelona we took a train journey involving over 100 stops to Montserrat, approximately two hours from the city. I didn't get the miracle cure I was hoping for, but does anyone???????????? The Aeri de Montserrat is a spectacular cable car that takes you near the top of the mountain. Built in 1930, we did wonder about the common sense of trusting this "old" bit of engineering, but the ride was one of the best I have ever experienced.

Dim Sum
Monday, August 08, 2011
Out on the town in London last night, taken to Ping Pong. No game but great dim sum!!!

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Grace before Meals
Monday, August 08, 2011
I know Kathryn has already posted this, but of all the photos I have taken this one says it all...................Oh and this is the first picture I have been able to post on the Blog for weeks. I hope Ricardo has the same success on his boat somewhere on the Med!!

In Memory of my Uncle (Pilot Officer Eric Tanner)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
RAF Museum Hendon. In seventh heaven amongst all these historic aircraft today!! First time I have ever been able to get up close and personal with my uncle's WW11 aircraft, the Tempest Mark V. His record was 5 V1's destroyed and an ME109. He was shot down by flack but survived by crash landing into British held territory. I spent some time honouring him........

The Tempest Mark V
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The aircraft above was built just after the war ended. Because it was capable of speeds in excess of 400 mph, it was used to tow targets for gunnery practice. My uncle flew this type in 1944.........

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Behind Lyric
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Kathryn and I took a long walk behind Lucy and Carl's place yesterday. We were gone for quite awhile, but it was worth it when we were joined by these mountain goats!!!

There is water!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Santa Monica on the LAX flight path 3 hours before we left Los Angeles..........

Dromara Air Shots
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Image at top taken yesterday from the Piper Arrow. Compare with image taken in October 2010 below it.

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Dromara Flyover 6 September 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011

AB's Secret Weapon
Monday, September 19, 2011
My grandson Marco ready for his role as half back for the AB's against the French. They don't stand a chance, this guy is slippery!!!!!

LAX goes Cheese Cutter!!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Latest fashion trend hits LAX. Cheese Cutter back in vogue, here modelled by Monty who is very popular with ALL the fashion magazines.................

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What Next??
Thursday, September 22, 2011
OK Mom I have heard about girls, but what do I do now?????

Sister Proud
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
My sister Margaret painted the above scene of the road into Hokianga. This girl has talent!!!

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COACH!!!!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The All-Blacks have their coach we have ours!!!!!!

CoCo May Alpe
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Coco's first passport at the ripe old age of 15 months!!!

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Vegetarian Display
Thursday, October 27, 2011
At last I understand Vegetarianism!

Love this cartoon!!!
Monday, November 07, 2011
Very topical given Williams idiocy!!!!!

Pyrotechnics
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Great bonfire!!! Thought the howling south westerly would do us in, but it moderated enough for us to light it, and the conflagration was very satisfying, especially as we didn't set alight any of the neighbour's properties. Stefan's idea of lighting the fireworks in one go worked a treat..............the photo really doesn't really do justice to the effect he achieved. Great party, enjoyed the company!!!

Samoan Rugby Player Fined 100 Pigs
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Manu Samoa manager Tuala Mathew Vaea has been fined 100 pigs by his village over allegations of bad behaviour at the Rugby World Cup. This could be an interesting precedent for fines around the world. In France......bottles of wine In NZ............sheep In Ozzie........Kangaroos In UK.............Pints Any other suggestions????

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Universal Threat
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
New Zealand political cartoon that could be applied anywhere in the world!!!

Straight Down
Monday, December 05, 2011
What happens when a parachute drop pilot gets bored...............where would you rather be, in the aircraft or attached to the parachute?

Amazing Peel!!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011

Xmas Greetings Marco!!!!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Hi Marco! Visited the North pole the other day (as you do) and who should I find......Santa!!! I asked him if I could take a video of him, and he agreed!!!! Seems you are in his good books......

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Hollywood Bowl
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Lucy waits for the "golden hour" at the Hollywood Bowl while shooting an ad for a credit card company.

Merry Xmas
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Merry Xmas everyone!!

Child Flight
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Today we had another Child Flight. Jack's joy was enough for all who took part!!

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Child Flight
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The best reason to fly...........this kid had a GREAT time!!!

Not Flying Enough!!!!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Determined to fly at least once a month in 2012.........come hell or high water!!!!

Same Foot, Same Car
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Almost a year to the day between these two photos. Sheep and clay pile have gone, veg garden, Buddha and fruit trees are the replacement.

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What's This?
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
If you can guess what this is you are a freaking genius!! For those interested you will find the answer o n t h e f o l l o w i n g l i n k http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment16393296

Olive
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Visited a very expectant mother today!!! Lucky enough to be taken for a walk with Olive.....

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Monty at Tokyo baby Cafe
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2012年01月11日(水)

2012/1/11 ちいさなお客様②
テーマ：ちいさなお客様写真

Shackleton's Epic Voyage
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thanks to Jon and Andrea, I am thoroughly enjoying this read!! A story of human endurance almost unparalleled in the history of exploration. An aweinspiring tale of terror and escape from the grips of Antarctica told by the escape artist himself......

Chloe Jordan Talaic
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Chloe born tonight to Sarah..........both doing well.............

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Interlopers
Friday, January 20, 2012
Two grandchildren distracting the driver (Granddad). Marco and Ava.........

Carolyn
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thinking of my sister who died of cancer last year

Google & Amanda
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Amanda Jordan (niece) featured in the NZ Herald today..........

Polar Flight
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Working hard on this project

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Chloe
Friday, January 27, 2012
OK, is this buggy very big or is bub very small!!! Well actually she is brand spanking new......Chloe you are the spitting image of your mum!!!

Manitou
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
My brother Phil's latest creation Manitou on the Med. This yacht was previously sailed by President John F. Kennedy out of Chesapeake Bay. Phil shipped to the Med late last year and will sail it in classic yacht races when she is not under charter.

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A Long Way From Manitou
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Meanwhile back on the farm!!!!!!!!

Little League
Thursday, February 16, 2012
My little American grandchild, Monty.......

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Stage 2
Friday, February 17, 2012
Stage 2 about to be built which will contain a gallery, two-car garage, two double bedrooms and a large bathroom............hopefully starting mid March to be completed by mid June 2012!!! Very excited.

For a Good Cause
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Open publication - Free publishing - More flight

Bloody Small Aircraft
Friday, February 24, 2012
This small aircraft is being flown from Chile to New Zealand against the prevailing westerlies. They are using Spider Tracks which is fascinating as this gives real time tracking see http://www.worldgreenflight.com/index.php?id=5 The guy in the photo is not the pilot, he is in the bar having several drinks after running into a violent storm which forced him down to 300'

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This Guy's Got B...S
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Slovenian biologist Matevz Lenarcic left his homeland in his ultra light Pipistrel VirusSW914 on January 8.After reaching the Chilean base in Antarctica, Lenarcic flew up to Chile and across to Easter Island with just 352 litres of fuel. He then flew on to Tahiti and after refuelling in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, he is now travelling the 3013km to Auckland at 110 kts. The pilot a short time ago advised Airways Corporation by satellite phone that he wished to land at Auckland International Airport about 6.30 pm

Smallest to Circumnavigate
Saturday, March 03, 2012
This guy managed to land in NZ a few hours ahead of the worst weather bomb we have had in years. He is flying the smallest aircraft ever to circumnavigate the world. His next challenge is to get to Australia and pick a time to depart NZ to avoid massive frontal activity. Currently he plans to fly out from Invercargill and fly direct to Canberra. My thought is he should leave from a more northern airfield like Kaitaia and fly into Australia using Lord Howe Island as his entry point. That way he could pick up favourable easterly winds.

All TuTu
Monday, March 05, 2012
Chloe in her first tutu at 7 weeks!!!

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Time Warp!!! Tarawera
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Tarawera yesterday!! Some changes but not many Perfect wind surfing conitions The jetty Waitangi Bay Artistic shot of Tarawera? Not really

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Stage 2 Waimana Drive Rotokauri
Thursday, March 15, 2012
First concept 3D of the East Wing. We have gone back to DRH and asked them to redesign the small rectangular window on the RHS of the east wall. We think it should be same height as other windows. Apart from that and some issues with the Local Council, we are hoping for a start early April.

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Final Window Design
Friday, March 30, 2012
Pavlovich & Jordan Windows

Balloons over Hamilton
Thursday, April 05, 2012

Not a Cloud!!!
Friday, April 06, 2012
A beautiful Autumn day, not a cloud in the sky. Time to go and collect cow poo!!! The dung is dried and burned in a ritual called "Agnihotra", which seems a little pagan to me!! But who am I to judge???? Kathryn the Collector!!!

Visit from Peggy, Emma and Nicki
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Peggy follows Kathryn in the Labyrinth while Emma and Nicki go dog hunting. "We had two kids a moment ago?" Kathryn, CJ, Peggy and Nicki

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NZ Defence Spending A Bloody Shambles
Friday, April 13, 2012
I very rarely get drawn into a debate over this country's defence spending, but when our Auditor-General, Lyn Provost criticises the RNZAF for buying "first of type" helicopters she is onto something that has been vexing me for years. This country has spent millions maybe billions on "lemons". The ANZAC frigates are overweight and not up to specifications. We have a defunct air force that trains its pilots in ab initio CT4E's and then puts them into transport aircraft, out of date Orion surveillance aircraft and helicopters that can't fly in certain conditions. The 8 new NH-90 air force choppers are costing the rate payer $700 million, and because the engines have a propensity to suck up extraneous material, they are having to be fitted with screens that prevents them from flying in snow. For $700 million these things should be able to fly into hell and back!!! But not these lemons. We, the rate payer, are being asked (actually not, we are given no choice in this matter) to fork out a further $373 million on upgrades for the P3 Orion which are not compatible with our aircraft. Our defence spending is based on what we have spent before. The huge original cost of upgrading the Orions has meant we are caught in "no man's land" where no one has the balls to say "scrap them and start over" because this would mean admitting we have wasted large sums of cash needlessly in the past. By the way we put the Orions in the air at an hourly cost in excess of $45,000/hour!!! So what the hell is going on. Are we, the tax payer, being lumbered with inept thinking on the Military's part that is rubber stamped by the Government because it is too scared to admit that our entire military spending is flawed like the equipment we purchase. Go for it Lyn Provost, make the buggers squirm!!!
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All Together
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Monty, Lucy, Chloe, Grandpa, Marco, Coco, Ava, Amy, Grandma and Sars at AL's today!!! Great party, thanks for organising AL................

Waimana 22 April 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sarah, Coco, Ava, Chloe, CJ, Lucy, Monty, AL, Marco, Amy

THE SLEEPER
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Sleeper, a novel, written by moi, has been published on Amazon.

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Resurrection
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Easter may have gone but there has been another resurrection!!! Nearly 5 weeks without a car has forced me to go under the house and take out this two-wheeler which has been stored under wrap for 16 months! Yep the tires were flat.......................

Barefoot Professor
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Just like last year, capping again!!!

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First Frost
Thursday, May 03, 2012

INDIA, INDIA,INDIA!!!!
Saturday, May 05, 2012
This book has now been published on Amazon

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Monkeys!!!
Monday, May 07, 2012
Chloe sending her love!! Man that's cute.........

Stage 2!!
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Builders were at Waimana briefly doing the measuring up. They had one stake to put in by the house and managed to strike the storm water pipe which is only 90mm wide!!! Spent the next hour finding parts from Placemakers and Mitre 10. Everything back together, but how unlucky was that!!!

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First Pile
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
First pile driven in today. Engineer seemed happy..........

Cousins
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Coco and Chloe

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Wabbit
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
This little wabbit lives under our house.......we think his Mom threw him out 'cause he's on his own............................WE HOPE!!!!!

Floor Stage 2
Thursday, May 31, 2012

Skyping
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Skyping on the new smart TV. Ava and Marco talk to Monty in LAX

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Hamilton Zoo
Monday, June 04, 2012
Ava and Marco made it to the Zoo, even though it had been raining.... Click on the photo below to see more....

Yoga Lessons
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Ava, Marco and Yoga Master (Kathryn)....

Fachhallenhaus
Thursday, June 07, 2012
The ridge line is now all longhouse

Marae Kids
Monday, June 11, 2012
Marmalade and Violet on "ride to nowhere" bikes!!

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Satisfying Covenants
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Dutch Gable over garage in line with covenants for Dromara which insist on two valleys in the roof line!!!!

From This To This
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Photo shot of lambs taken in August 2009, compare with top photo taken today.....

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Latest Army Recruits
Monday, July 02, 2012
Latest volunteers for the New Zealand Army.....Ava and Marco getting ready for their induction!!!!

Last Windows
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Today the last windows were installed. Interestingly the Timbertek finish is a "oneoff" as this line is no longer manufactured in NZ. The look-alike "cedar" aluminium joinery is exactly the same as Stage 1.

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Scaffolding Gone
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Trade are particularly hard to get on site. We are at least a month behind the original schedule which has not been helped by the cedar lengths being too short!! But at least the ugly scaffolding has now been removed.....today!!

Sunset Rotokauri
Thursday, July 19, 2012
These trees silhouetted in the setting sun tonight called out to be photographed.

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Cedar
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
At last some cedar on the front.

Auckland to Los Angeles
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Kathryn away for 7 weeks............leaving me with the painting, such is life!!!!!! But there are some positives, let's see, I get to eat meat, drink when I want to and satiate myself with TV? But then again, I'd rather forgo the above to be with her.........................

FlightAware
Friday, August 03, 2012
Kathryn's flight details about an hour ago.........nice to be able to follow the flight progress.

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Black Tulip Magnolia
Friday, August 03, 2012
"Magnificent goblet-shaped blooms in a stunning black-red colour are hard to believe are real! These luscious flowers will stop everyone in their tracks", that's the blurb so come on baby do your stuff!!! Yeah Baby!!!

Break In
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Security camera captures two guys breaking into house through laundry.........nah, just joking.....builders coming into laundry through new garage........stage 2 now connected to stage 1 inside.

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Mt Tongariro Erupts
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Mt Tongariro erupted for the first time in over a century late last night, covering much of the central North Island with an ash cloud and spilling onto roads and homes.

Internal Double Glazed Door!!!
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
This door was supposed to give us another entry into stage 1 through the end of the house. We paid for it but never used it!!! It remained in storage at NZ Windows for 18 months. It seemed a good idea to go and retrieve it and put into Stage 2 between the laundry and garage. A bit of overkill but I like it....

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Monty's Birthday Cards!!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Without any collaboration, Monty gets two identical cards from his grandparents!!!

Pre & Post Gallery Door
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
That room on the right was my office!!! I am jammed into a tiny corner of it with just enough elbow room to type. I have to assume an advanced yoga position to recover documents from the printer!!!

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Gallery & Pull Down Ladder
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
I suppose I shouldn't do this Kathryn. Perhaps these should be save as a surprise, but what the heck!!

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Latest Photos of Stage 22
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wiring Sealing the Heated Wiring 2nd Bedroom Completed

Ugly Duckling
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Garage perched 30cm above the ground!! Plastering about 60% finished. But the painter has done his job!!

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Finished For Now!!!!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
That's it ........good evening

Tight Work Station
Sunday, September 16, 2012
This will be over soon.......won't it???

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I Accept!!!
Thursday, September 20, 2012

Guardian Against Nesters!!
Monday, October 15, 2012
This metal hen (prized art piece) stands guard 15 rungs up a ladder, guarding against welcome swallows that were insisting on building a mud nest in our fan extractors............the joys of living in the country.... The swallows did not come back, and the hen is back on the mantel.

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Second Edition Published
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping read, October 23, 2012 By Katie - See all my reviews This review is from: The Brothers (Kindle Edition) This is a gripping read from beginning to end. The book is well written, easy to engage with and takes you on an interesting journey. I won't spoil it by giving more away.

Inaugural Child Flight
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Today we took two "special" kids for a flight. The flight was supported by John Cook of Stainless Design. The flight began at Hamilton Airport and tracked over the wind farm and then onto Raglan and back over Rotokauri and the Pavlovich-Jordan house, see arrow in photo above. Zane talked the whole way, while Scott sat quietly with his eyes as big as saucers!!! Zane holds the wing after the flight. The other kids came out to barrack for the brave first passengers!!

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Late Guy Fawkes
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The tradition continues! Saturday 10th November 2012. We all had a great time!!

First Welding Ever!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
OK, it took a great deal of convincing myself that creating an arc that reaches 3,300 degrees was a good idea especially as my face was only centimeters away!! I actually wanted Kathryn to stand by the transformer just in case I turned blue so that it could be switched off quickly. In the end after to talking to a couple of guys who had experience I decided to give it a go inside the garage AFTER I moved the left-over fireworks to another room!!! The result was a very badly welded frame seen in the foreground of the picture above. Anyone who says welding is not an art has not picked up an electrode and tried to light it!!!!!! I stand in awe of welders world wide, you are supremo!!!!

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Well well a weld!!!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Bloody difficult in this prone position. Kathryn has visions of a production line!!! I think we have a ways to go yet!

Volunteer Work
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Took bus load of Pat Ave kids to the Hamilton zoo this morning. Only couple minutes from home so parked the Canter outside our place.....

Welder Disappears
Monday, December 03, 2012
One moment he was welding tomato stakes next minute he'd disappeared in a puff of moody blue fug!!!!!

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Child Flight
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Child Flight Charitable Trust has secured 3 more flights from Harcourts Hamilton (1) and Brian Perry Charitable Trust (2). We have planned to fly two flights on Monday 10th December and a further flight when school starts again in February 2013. The photo above is Amelia who suffers from Leukemia. She was our first trial passenger over 3 years ago..........thank you Amelia!! It has been a lot of hard work, but well worth the effort.

2 Flights Today for Child Flight
Monday, December 10, 2012
Child Flight managed two more flights today and we have now completed three in a month!! The first group to go up today, Robert on the extreme left with his Mom on the right.

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TRUST WAIKATO
Friday, December 14, 2012
Today Trust Waikato agreed to support two more flights under the aegis of Child Flight Charitable Trust

Polar Flight
Monday, January 14, 2013
We have finally decided on the aircraft type. Question now is can we get 30 hours in the air? Working with the largest Bonanza modifier in the States. Also endeavouring to get some high profile people on board. This approach has helped in past projects I have completed. The greatest challenge is not the flight it's financing the project.

Polar Flight 2
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Objectives being worked out, but basically the aircraft has to cover approximately 4800 nautical miles in 30 hours at an average GS of 160Kts. Key goal is to be able to donate the aircraft to Child Flight Charitable Trust after the mission has been accomplished. This will enable the Trust to expand its operations to wheelchair flights as the Bonanza has this capability.

Dry Season
Friday, January 25, 2013
Vege garden on left has large cracks, could lose a "g" child!! And from the rear view another attempt at a montage........

Burleigh Heads Gold Coast
Thursday, February 07, 2013
This photo was taken just after the massive storm had moved through. These guys could only get to the Heads by surfing out from the rocks! Had a great 5 days on the Gold Coast, much evidence of storm damage but we escaped by 12 hours............

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GoBus Hamilton
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
GoBus Hamilton have just agreed to support Child Flight by sponsoring 3 flights..........thanks guys!!

Brothers in Arms
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Latest flight for Child Flight Charitable Trust conducted today out of NZHN. Looking forward to next week have two flights arranged on Bub's 2nd anniversary.

Claire & Ant's Wedding
Monday, February 25, 2013
Furneaux Lodge scene of fabulous wedding between Antony and Claire. Weather improved just in time, congrats guys!!!

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In Memory of my Sister
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Two flights were completed today for Child Flight Charitable Trust. Child Flight came into existence as an honouring of the memory of my sister who died today, two years ago of breast cancer. Carolyn left behind a loving family which includes Emma and Nikki who both have Downs Syndrome.

Patricia Avenue's Latest Newsletter
Tuesday, March 05, 2013

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Our 6TH Flight sponsored by GoBus
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Child Flight Charitable Trust completed its 6th flight today. Some delays due to weather, but eventually we got away!

Carl, Lucy & Monty
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Monty viewing the ducks in the pond below from the lounge at Waimana. Lovely to have Carl, Lucy and Monty here from Los Angeles, while Kathryn's Lucy is winging her way back to the UK and is only 1 hour out from Los Angeles at the time this is being written.

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First Flight For Child Cancer Foundation
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Paige & Mom just before taking off for the Wind Farm and Raglan. Two representatives from the Waikato Chamber of Commerce and Child Cancer Foundation came out to see how we operate. Hopefully the first impressions were good ones!!

Tauranga Visit
Monday, April 01, 2013
The 84 year old railbridge with new $1 million walkway and the view towards the Olding's (grandparents) house which has basically been ruined by a developer who did not care about anything but profit. Nice one Marshall. The Olding house is now called "The Old White House". It had a private path that zig zagged down to its own private jetty, where tooty (their cat) would literally scoop fish (piper) out of the water at high tide. The house used to be surrounded by the most magnificent flower gardens, but now is behind an austere wall.

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Marooned Balloon
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
It's that time again, Balloons over Waikato!

13th Flight, 26 Passengers
Friday, April 05, 2013
12th & 13th flights for Child Flight completed today, one for special needs and one for Child Cancer

Tracks Taken Today
Friday, April 05, 2013

Got Van Need Aircraft
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Here's the van that will do the deal, lifting a wheelchair into a capable aircraft. We have identified the Beechcraft Bonanza with the double doors over the wing. Do we believe in miracles? SURE DO!!!!

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Our Kids
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Some of the kids we have flown with Child Flight

ANZAC DAY
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Honouring the brother of my Uncle (Eric), Sgt Nolan Tanner, killed at Monte Casino on the 29 July 1944, aged 24.

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Coco Rides Sumatran Tiger!!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
You've got to be very brave to do this!! Ride 'em girl!!!!

FLIGHT # 14
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Chad (L) and Jesiah (R) enjoyed their first flight today. We were assisted by Waikato Aerclub as the Arrow is currently in maintenance. Again we went "faster than a Ferrari" over Raglan!!

The Little Things in Life
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A packaged arrived this morning from one of our Child Flight passengers, thank you Maggie. I have eaten two already, my wife will have to hide the rest otherwise they will all be eaten today!!!

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Child Cancer Foundation
Friday, May 17, 2013
Noah & Dennis, great to have them on our 15th Flight. I'd like to see these guys back to show them how the Arrow totally outperforms the Cessna. Definitely two of our favourite people. Good luck guys, we'll invite you back soon.

All We Need Is The Gin & Tonic
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Perfect time for a drink!!

Ducking the Visitors!!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Sarah with Chloe, while Stefan feeds the ducks in the ponds below our place, yesterday. Cold and wet being typically Autumn weather, but short sleeves still the order of the day for the fireman!!!

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Kid Sized!!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Monty & Lucy in a LAX super market which has kid sized trolleys. Cute!!!

Te Uku Wind Farm Near Raglan
Thursday, June 06, 2013
This photo was taken by Dennis Turton on our 15th flight for Child Flight

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Jack of all Trades Master of None!!!
Friday, June 14, 2013

Global Warming.....Yeah Right!!!
Thursday, June 20, 2013

17th Flight for Child Cancer Foundation
Thursday, June 27, 2013
The track today took us to Kihikihi not far from Te Awamutu. Maddison's school is located in this little township. 42 minute flight which reached speeds up to 330kph over the water as we turned around the seaside township of Raglan at 500'. Fantastic to be up in the air again flying the PA28-200R. Maddison and Rebecca with the pilots Aaron & CJ, see below:

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Cirrus SR20
Friday, June 28, 2013
This 4 seater will make a great addition to the Child Flight project. It will come on line in July and will assist us in completing our programme.

SR20 G3 Fast Flyover Rotokauri
Saturday, June 29, 2013

Child Flight
Monday, July 08, 2013
The 18th & 19th flights were accomplished on 5th July 2013. We are 38% of our way to achieving our target of 50 flights for Child Flight Charitable Trust.

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First Flight for CFCT in Cirrus SR20-G3
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Pearce, Kelly, Chris and Colin just before the first flight from Te Kowhai airfield. This flight was supported by Jucy World

First Flight for Kids in Wheelchairs
Monday, July 22, 2013
Callum with his dad, David Callum, Fe & Dom

The flight was conducted by Pacific Aerospace Corporation in one of their new P-750 XSTOL aircraft which is manufactured at their plant in Hamilton.

Friday, July 26, 2013

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Friday, July 26, 2013

Latest Audio/Visual for Child Flight
Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Actual vs Budget
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Child Flight Charitable Trust has been operating since May 2012 and put its first flight in the air on November 9, 2012. We are endeavouring to get 50 flights in the air before March 2014 but will achieve more if we can stay ahead of the budget (above) of four flights per month. The graph (above) shows us as being slightly behind budget, having achieved 14 flights (actual) against a budget of 16. We lose the Arrow for a month, it will depart for the South Island for 4 weeks. We have 7 flights in the pipeline, paid for.

This May Save Your Life!!!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Heart attacks can strike at any time and can affect individuals who are not even aware they have a problem. I had a small "event" about 7 years ago. Ever since then I have carried around a small atomiser of nitrate (see your doctor for a prescription, cost $5!!) which dilates blood vessels within seconds. Nitrates open up (dilate) the arteries to the heart, increasing blood flow, relieving chest pain (angina), and reducing the heart's workload. Go to

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Nitrates for Heart Attack and Unstable Angina

Logo??
Tuesday, August 13, 2013

319 KPH Around The Corner
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
We managed 319 KPH past Raglan township in the PA28-200R at 500' over the estuary on the 19 August 2013. Not something I like to talk about on Child Flight, but bloody thrilling for the pilots!!! At that speed we sped past the Raglan airfield and out over the bar in seconds....Over Whale Bay and the surfers turning 180 degrees back over the bar, up the estuary and past the Raglan wharf. The girls in the back were squealing with delight!!! Whale Bay

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26th Flight for Child Flight
Thursday, September 05, 2013
Chris,Tilly, Brittany & Murray (26th Flight for Child Flight)

Ignatius the 6th!!!
Sunday, September 08, 2013
Our little American/Kiwi..........6th grandchild and mate to Monty, cousin to Ava, Marco, Coco, Chloe.

Lewis Pass
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Photo merge of Lewis Pass taken on the 31 August 2013. Not a cloud in the sky and a fresh dump of snow, beautiful!!!

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Container Cafe
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
The Hummingbird Cafe in Christchurch. 40' containers stacked on top of each other form the building. A tribute to the imagination and flair that is part of the rebuild program after the earthquakes. My hat comes off to the "spirit" behind these enterprises!!!

Special Letters
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Child Flight's reward. Letters received from some of the special kids we have taken up for flights.

America's Cup Too Close For Comfort!!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
That was bloody close!!! Only two races to go, still seems like a mountain!!!

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The Big Day Out
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
3 weeks ago Child Flight had a very special day for 8 special kids when we flew 4 flights back to back over two hours on what we called "The Big Day Out". The cards above were created by Brian, Dudlie, Reece and Sop with the help of their teacher aid, Nicole Carter. The day was so clear the central plateau mountains and Mt Taranaki could easily be seen some 100 kilometres away. A special thanks to Christina Bartlett for organising and managing the ground operations. Without you Christina, this would not have been possible.

First Hybrid Tea of the Season
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Paddy Stevens, one of the strongest scented roses and prolific producer.

New Perspective
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Photo of Waimana taken from an adjacent neighbour's property today. Still a lot of planting to be done...

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3D Perspective
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Child Flight conducted its 31st and 32nd flights today for Canteen from the Te Kowhai airfield. Te Kowhai is only minutes from our place seen above just forward of the aircraft wing. Our view is out to the two ponds below us and to Lake Rotokauri about 600 meters away.

5 Years On!!!
Monday, November 11, 2013

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Party Time !!!!!
Friday, November 15, 2013

First Flight for Canteen
Monday, November 18, 2013
The first flights for Canteen were flown on the 10th November 2012 out of Te Kowhai airfield.

Calm before the Storm
Monday, November 18, 2013
Marco and Tim load up the wheelbarrow with a few hundred dollars worth of bangers!!! The fireworks display lasted for about 20 minutes.......each your heart out Sydney!!

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Tribute to the Boys
Monday, November 18, 2013
Behind every successful fireworks display there is a team of very professional organisers.....Thank you Stefan & Tim!!!

And the Fireworks
Monday, November 18, 2013

Sunset
Monday, November 18, 2013
Forecast for tomorrow is for thunderstorms & hail......I don't believe it....

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Latest Addition to Child Flight
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Ross MacDonald's Cessna RG operating out of Whakatane Airport.

Special Kid's Art
Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Child Flight flew a number of special needs kids from Te Awamutu earlier this year. James Buckley, their teacher, took up our idea of getting the kids to paint about their experience. The water colour (above) was one of 8 presented to us yesterday.

Professor Kathryn Pavlovich
Friday, December 13, 2013
Dr. Kathryn Pavlovich is now a full professor in the Management School at Waikato University, congratulations!!!

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Patricia Avenue School 2013 Year Book
Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Monty
Friday, December 27, 2013
Future rock climber extraordinaire, dual citizenship unlimited future playground.....

Monday, January 06, 2014
Jesse Ryder and Corey Anderson with Calib

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Very privileged to have two of the top batsmen in the world at our flight today.

Waikato Times Article 7 Jan 2014
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Corey Anderson (World Record Holder), Liam & Jesse Ryder

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