Meet Kentucky (Tucker to his friends). 7/8 year old 16hh gelding of unknown breeding. A bit green but has a fab temperement.
Spent the Winter working too much so this is my only news.
Best wishes
Michelle
Monday, April 28, 2008
So after a long search I found my new horse in Wiltshire. I first saw him in January and finally bought him up to London a month ago. Didn't want to say anything until he'd had a chance to settle in but I think it's safe to say "this one's a keeper!"
Meet Kentucky (Tucker to his friends). 7/8 year old 16hh gelding of unknown breeding. A bit green but has a fab temperement.
Spent the Winter working too much so this is my only news.
Best wishes
Michelle
Meet Kentucky (Tucker to his friends). 7/8 year old 16hh gelding of unknown breeding. A bit green but has a fab temperement.
Spent the Winter working too much so this is my only news.
Best wishes
Michelle
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
JUST WONDERED IF ANYONE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN FREE RENT IN EXCHANGE FOR HELP WITH HOUSEWORK AND DOG ETC.
ROOM AVAILABLE FROM THIS SUMMER IN HOUSESHARE IN SYDENHAM SE26 - RENT NORMALLY £470PCM BUT I WOULD BE WILLING TO WAIVE ALL OR PART OF THIS IN RETURN FOR HELP WITH DAILY CHORES WHICH ARE GETTING IN THE WAY OF MY BUSY BUSY LIFE !!!
Light and spacious room (approx 13ft x 11ft) with great view of large garden. Shared townhouse in quiet road, 5 mins walk to Sydenham BR and Crystal Palace park. All mod cons (washer/dryer/dishwasher etc). Sky+ and wireless broadband internet access (all included). 3 bathrooms (one with walk-in shower). Housemates sociable but NOT party animals. Female preferred but if you're a neat guy you can apply. References and deposit required. Current housemates all professionals aged 24-40. Only one thing to warn about, we have a dog he's big and furry but honestly no trouble (photos below). Available this from Summer 2008 when one of my current housemates move home to Greece.
I need loads of help with house, dog, garden, odd jobs.....the list is endless. If you're a neat freak with some spare time who's not afraid of a bit of hard work or a big hairy dog and who wants to save some cash, email me for more info.
Email pony_girlie@hotmail.com
ROOM AVAILABLE FROM THIS SUMMER IN HOUSESHARE IN SYDENHAM SE26 - RENT NORMALLY £470PCM BUT I WOULD BE WILLING TO WAIVE ALL OR PART OF THIS IN RETURN FOR HELP WITH DAILY CHORES WHICH ARE GETTING IN THE WAY OF MY BUSY BUSY LIFE !!!
Light and spacious room (approx 13ft x 11ft) with great view of large garden. Shared townhouse in quiet road, 5 mins walk to Sydenham BR and Crystal Palace park. All mod cons (washer/dryer/dishwasher etc). Sky+ and wireless broadband internet access (all included). 3 bathrooms (one with walk-in shower). Housemates sociable but NOT party animals. Female preferred but if you're a neat guy you can apply. References and deposit required. Current housemates all professionals aged 24-40. Only one thing to warn about, we have a dog he's big and furry but honestly no trouble (photos below). Available this from Summer 2008 when one of my current housemates move home to Greece.
I need loads of help with house, dog, garden, odd jobs.....the list is endless. If you're a neat freak with some spare time who's not afraid of a bit of hard work or a big hairy dog and who wants to save some cash, email me for more info.
Email pony_girlie@hotmail.com
Sunday, December 30, 2007
I'm thinking of taking the horse search in a different direction if I can't find the perfect Connemara X soon. Am seriously considering a quarter horse as an alternative, there seem to be plenty of quality large buckskins if I choose this breed, the only problem is the best ones are in the States and so far the ones I like the look of are at opposites end of the country ! I've always loved the cowboy horses though so it might just be worth the journey !
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Just posting some pictures of my previous horse and some examples of the type of horse I like and am looking for.
Mulder Aged 4 the day he arrived
Mulder aged 6
Mulder aged 7
Connemara stallion perfect shape and colour (this one's 14.2hh - so need this but 16hh !!)
Youngster 2 1/2 year old Conn x TB 16hh (ideally I'd like something a little darker and higher in front)
Mulder Aged 4 the day he arrived
Mulder aged 6
Mulder aged 7
Connemara stallion perfect shape and colour (this one's 14.2hh - so need this but 16hh !!)
Youngster 2 1/2 year old Conn x TB 16hh (ideally I'd like something a little darker and higher in front)
Saturday, November 03, 2007
LOOKING FOR A NEW HORSE
Connemara or ID X. 15.3hh - 16.1hh approx.
Must be Golden Dun. Can have some white markings though.
Gelding definitely preferred.
To be used as an allrounder but will be of showing quality i.e. very correct conformation and good paces. Forward going but not a 'nutter'.
Aged 4-8.
I've just sold my warmblood because I found him a bit 'stuffy' compared to the connemara cross I'd owned before. Also, he'd grown too big for me at 16.3hh. I'm only 5ft2 but I weigh over 12st so I can't have anything too fine.
Email any suggestions to pony_girlie@hotmail.com
Here's a picture of my first horse, Mulder, he was perfect and what I'm looking for again this time (perhaps an inch or two bigger).
Connemara or ID X. 15.3hh - 16.1hh approx.
Must be Golden Dun. Can have some white markings though.
Gelding definitely preferred.
To be used as an allrounder but will be of showing quality i.e. very correct conformation and good paces. Forward going but not a 'nutter'.
Aged 4-8.
I've just sold my warmblood because I found him a bit 'stuffy' compared to the connemara cross I'd owned before. Also, he'd grown too big for me at 16.3hh. I'm only 5ft2 but I weigh over 12st so I can't have anything too fine.
Email any suggestions to pony_girlie@hotmail.com
Here's a picture of my first horse, Mulder, he was perfect and what I'm looking for again this time (perhaps an inch or two bigger).
Saturday, September 22, 2007
To anyone who's found their way here from Horsemart I have uploaded some more pictures and video of my horse to photobucket. They can be viewed via the following link
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v46/burtondog1/bronski/
Email me pony_girlie@hotmail.com if you want more info about Bronski
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v46/burtondog1/bronski/
Email me pony_girlie@hotmail.com if you want more info about Bronski
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Just wanted to add my email adress for now but hope to start posting again soon
You can contact me on pony_girlie@hotmail.com
You can contact me on pony_girlie@hotmail.com
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
THE TRAVEL BLOG HAS ENDED !
I've tried keeping the blog up since my return but it simply isn't working. It was quite a good way of keeping track of stuff and a few friends even commented on my lack of recent postings.
The trouble is I'm just not a good writer. I hardly ever write more than the bare facts of an event, rarely my interpretation of it. When the facts aren't interesting in themselves I struggle to write anything at all. This morning I reviewed my own blog to remind myself how great the trip was - withdrawal symptoms are kicking in. Some excellent pictures notwithstanding the only entries I thought stood out were the Badly Drawn Boy Texas tour experience, the NZ racehorse training and possibly the Arizona dude ranch (although even this entry doesn't do justice to an experience which included what was probably the most enjoyable event of the tour, Team Penning). The rest of the entries, sadly, didn't reflect the amazing time I had.
So I'm giving the blog up ! Immediate future entries would have basically consisted of the following :- finding new job, working, the odd museum and day trip, walking the dog, playing tennis, the occasional horse ride, finding new flatmate(s), the odd movie, the weekly curry, commuting, bad weather....you get the picture. On any given day simply select 1 or more of the above and the chances are that's what I'll be doing. Oh, except for the first week in August when I'm off to Austria for 10 days in the mountains, but other than that....
I may, from time to time, post the odd picture but essentially "that's all folks !".
I've tried keeping the blog up since my return but it simply isn't working. It was quite a good way of keeping track of stuff and a few friends even commented on my lack of recent postings.
The trouble is I'm just not a good writer. I hardly ever write more than the bare facts of an event, rarely my interpretation of it. When the facts aren't interesting in themselves I struggle to write anything at all. This morning I reviewed my own blog to remind myself how great the trip was - withdrawal symptoms are kicking in. Some excellent pictures notwithstanding the only entries I thought stood out were the Badly Drawn Boy Texas tour experience, the NZ racehorse training and possibly the Arizona dude ranch (although even this entry doesn't do justice to an experience which included what was probably the most enjoyable event of the tour, Team Penning). The rest of the entries, sadly, didn't reflect the amazing time I had.
So I'm giving the blog up ! Immediate future entries would have basically consisted of the following :- finding new job, working, the odd museum and day trip, walking the dog, playing tennis, the occasional horse ride, finding new flatmate(s), the odd movie, the weekly curry, commuting, bad weather....you get the picture. On any given day simply select 1 or more of the above and the chances are that's what I'll be doing. Oh, except for the first week in August when I'm off to Austria for 10 days in the mountains, but other than that....
I may, from time to time, post the odd picture but essentially "that's all folks !".
Sunday, July 04, 2004
LONDON - The journey's end
Touched down safely at Heathrow at about 5pm on Friday, couldn't wait to get through arrivals. Was met by Nigel, Mum & Dad and even Burton (dog) had been allowed in. Was an amazing feeling to finally be home after 9 months on the road. Had a coffee at the airport with my parents then Nigel took me home.
One thing I have decided while travelling is that I need to make better use of my weekends. Before I quit my job I was always exhausted by Friday night and so spent too much time just 'vegging out' at the weekend. Am definately going to make more of an effort to do 'stuff' in future.
Jet lag caused me to wake up at 3am on Saturday I couldn't get back to sleep, which meant neither could Nigel so we decided to go out for a drive. Ended up in Whitstable where we took the dog for a stroll on the beach and had breakfast.
Drove up to my parents that night for a proper reunion. I'd been away since last September so I'd missed Christmas, my birthday and Easter, my mum decided to do all 3 in one go so we had a christmas dinner with Turkey and crackers, they had saved me an Easter egg and we even had a few pressies to open. Visited my sister and one of my brother's while I was up there and finally headed back to London after the football on Sunday night.
In summary : London 10 out of 10 (is good to be back)
Burton Dog
Touched down safely at Heathrow at about 5pm on Friday, couldn't wait to get through arrivals. Was met by Nigel, Mum & Dad and even Burton (dog) had been allowed in. Was an amazing feeling to finally be home after 9 months on the road. Had a coffee at the airport with my parents then Nigel took me home.
One thing I have decided while travelling is that I need to make better use of my weekends. Before I quit my job I was always exhausted by Friday night and so spent too much time just 'vegging out' at the weekend. Am definately going to make more of an effort to do 'stuff' in future.
Jet lag caused me to wake up at 3am on Saturday I couldn't get back to sleep, which meant neither could Nigel so we decided to go out for a drive. Ended up in Whitstable where we took the dog for a stroll on the beach and had breakfast.
Drove up to my parents that night for a proper reunion. I'd been away since last September so I'd missed Christmas, my birthday and Easter, my mum decided to do all 3 in one go so we had a christmas dinner with Turkey and crackers, they had saved me an Easter egg and we even had a few pressies to open. Visited my sister and one of my brother's while I was up there and finally headed back to London after the football on Sunday night.
In summary : London 10 out of 10 (is good to be back)
Thursday, June 10, 2004
KYOTO, JAPAN
Caught the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Was quite expensive, about GBP135 for a return trip, but very fast and comfortable.
My hotel was very nice but I was hardly there as I had only one day to do all my sightseeing. Only really managed to get as far as Maruyama Park with it's temples and shrines. Wandered back through the Gion District, lots of shops and bars.
Got talking to another English girl (well Swedish but living in England) while I was in the park. While we were chating a group of Japanese school boys came up and asked if they could take a picture with us. Then another group came up and asked us some general questions and wanted a photo. Then more groups same again. It turned out they were all on a assignment to practice their english on a tourist!
Faster than a speeding bullet
Not sure what it all means but looks pretty
Caught the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Was quite expensive, about GBP135 for a return trip, but very fast and comfortable.
My hotel was very nice but I was hardly there as I had only one day to do all my sightseeing. Only really managed to get as far as Maruyama Park with it's temples and shrines. Wandered back through the Gion District, lots of shops and bars.
Got talking to another English girl (well Swedish but living in England) while I was in the park. While we were chating a group of Japanese school boys came up and asked if they could take a picture with us. Then another group came up and asked us some general questions and wanted a photo. Then more groups same again. It turned out they were all on a assignment to practice their english on a tourist!
Monday, June 07, 2004
TOKYO, JAPAN
Flew overnight and arrived Monday morning. My hotel's in the Ginza District which means 24 hour shopping. Spent my first afternoon in the Sony showroom and some v.big departments stores because it was raining so much. Bought a couple of things I needed but didn't go mad.
Next morning my new friend, Naomi (I met her in NZ), met me at my hotel and we went sightseeing for the day. Started with a walk to and around the Imperial Gardens. We then got the train to Asakasa where we had lunch, checked out the market and a temple. We then met with Naomi's friend Hizuru and together we caught a couple of ferries down to Odaiba. Finally we caught the subway up to Shinjuku where we had dinner and went to the top of the government building to lookout over the Tokyo skyline at night. Big thanks to Naomi & Hizuru for being such good guides.
Naomi & Hizuru
Shinjuku at night
Flew overnight and arrived Monday morning. My hotel's in the Ginza District which means 24 hour shopping. Spent my first afternoon in the Sony showroom and some v.big departments stores because it was raining so much. Bought a couple of things I needed but didn't go mad.
Next morning my new friend, Naomi (I met her in NZ), met me at my hotel and we went sightseeing for the day. Started with a walk to and around the Imperial Gardens. We then got the train to Asakasa where we had lunch, checked out the market and a temple. We then met with Naomi's friend Hizuru and together we caught a couple of ferries down to Odaiba. Finally we caught the subway up to Shinjuku where we had dinner and went to the top of the government building to lookout over the Tokyo skyline at night. Big thanks to Naomi & Hizuru for being such good guides.
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Had booked into the YHA but it really wasn't up to standard so cancelled my booking and moved to a nicer hostel.
Weather is not great but my roommate and I managed to walk to the river front without getting too wet. Did a bit off sightseeing but rain started to come down hard so slipped into cinema and watched "The Punisher" not sure if I liked it or not.
Next day visited Freemantle which is a lovely little town but again loads of rain so that put a dampener on things literally.
Still haven't taken one photo ! Am just wait for the sun to stay out long enough to keep my camera dry.
Perth is very flat !
Had booked into the YHA but it really wasn't up to standard so cancelled my booking and moved to a nicer hostel.
Weather is not great but my roommate and I managed to walk to the river front without getting too wet. Did a bit off sightseeing but rain started to come down hard so slipped into cinema and watched "The Punisher" not sure if I liked it or not.
Next day visited Freemantle which is a lovely little town but again loads of rain so that put a dampener on things literally.
Still haven't taken one photo ! Am just wait for the sun to stay out long enough to keep my camera dry.
Perth is very flat !
Thursday, June 03, 2004
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND
Stayed at another YHA, not quite as good as the others but okay.
First evening met up with Nadine (German girl I met in Christchurch) and made sightseeing plans for next day.
Next morning Stuart arrived in Brisbane. Stuart, Nadine and Kathryn (girl I met previous night in hostel) set of for the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary. We got to hug Koalas and feed Kangaroos - was brilliant. That evening Stuart & I went for Pizza on the south bank.
Next day, Stuart and I headed off to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. It's very well done possibly one of the best landscaped zoo I've visited. I paid a little extra and got to play with the newly arrived tiger cubs - was worth every cent. More kangaroo feeding plus we got to feed the elephants - those trunks are pretty rough and muddy.
More sightseeing and then Stu and I went to see "Evelyn" at the cinema. was OK but seemed a bit laboured
Can I keep it ?
Stayed at another YHA, not quite as good as the others but okay.
First evening met up with Nadine (German girl I met in Christchurch) and made sightseeing plans for next day.
Next morning Stuart arrived in Brisbane. Stuart, Nadine and Kathryn (girl I met previous night in hostel) set of for the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary. We got to hug Koalas and feed Kangaroos - was brilliant. That evening Stuart & I went for Pizza on the south bank.
Next day, Stuart and I headed off to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. It's very well done possibly one of the best landscaped zoo I've visited. I paid a little extra and got to play with the newly arrived tiger cubs - was worth every cent. More kangaroo feeding plus we got to feed the elephants - those trunks are pretty rough and muddy.
More sightseeing and then Stu and I went to see "Evelyn" at the cinema. was OK but seemed a bit laboured
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
SOUTH PACIFIC - ITINERARY TO DATE
Sun Feb 15 Honolulu, Hawaii to Nadi, Fiji (flight 6hrs - across International Date Line)
Mon Feb 16 Fiji (Island Cruise)
Tue Feb 17 Fiji (Island Cruise)
Wed Feb 18 Fiji (Island Cruise)
Thu Feb 19 Fiji (Resort)
Fri Feb 20 Fiji (Resort)
Sat Feb 21 Nadi, Fiji to Auckland, New Zealand (Flight 4hrs) Transfer to Matamata (bus 2 hrs)
Sun Feb 22 Matamata
Mon Feb 23 Matamata
Tue Feb 24 Matamata
Wed Feb 25 Matamata
Thu Feb 26 Matamata
Fri Feb 27 Matamata
Sat Feb 28 Matamata
Sun Feb 29 Matamata / Cambridge
Mon Mar 01 Matamata / Rotarua / Tirau
Tue Mar 02 Matamata
Wed Mar 03 Matamata
Thu Mar 04 Matamata to Auckland (Coach 2hrs from Cambridge)
Fri Mar 05 Auckland
Sat Mar 06 Auckland to LOTR - Takapuna
Sun Mar 07 LOTR - Roturua
Mon Mar 08 LOTR - Ohakune
Tue Mar 09 LOTR - Wellington
Wed Mar 10 LOTR - Wellington
Thu Mar 11 LOTR - Christchurch
Fri Mar 12 LOTR - Twizel
Sat Mar 13 LOTR - Cromwell
Sun Mar 14 LOTR - Te Anau
Mon Mar 15 LOTR - Te Anau - Millford Sound
Tue Mar 16 LOTR - Queenstown
Wed Mar 17 LOTR - Queenstown - White Water Rafting
Thu Mar 18 LOTR Ends - Queenstown
Fri Mar 19 Queenstown
Sat Mar 20 Queenstown
Sun Mar 21 Quenstown to Dunedin (Bus 5hrs)
Mon Mar 22 Dunedin
Tue Mar 23 Dunedin
Wed Mar 24 Dunedin to Timaru (Bus 4hrs via Oamaru)
Thu Mar 25 Timaru
Fri Mar 26 Timaru to Christchurch
Sat Mar 27 Christchurch
Sun Mar 28 Christchurch
Mon Mar 29 Christchurch to Kaikoura (Bus 3hrs)
Tue Mar 30 Kaikoura
Wed Mar 31 Kaikoura
Thu Apr 01 Kaikoura to Nelson (Bus 4hrs)
Fri Apr 02 Nelson
Sat Apr 03 Nelson
Sun Apr 04 Nelson
Mon Apr 05 Nelson to Picton (Bus ? hrs)
Tue Apr 06 Picton
Wed Apr 07 Picton
Thu Apr 08 Picton
Fri Apr 09 Picton to Wellington (Ferry 3hrs)
Sat Apr 10 Wellington
Sun Apr 11 Wellington to Napier (Bus 5hrs)
Mon Apr 12 Napier
Tue Apr 13 Napier
Wed Apr 14 Napier
Thu Apr 15 Napier
Fri Apr 16 Napier to Mt Mauganui
Sat Apr 17 Mt Mauganui
Sun Apr 18 Mt Mauganui to Coromandel
Mon Apr 19 Coromandel
Tue Apr 20 Coromandel
Wed Apr 21 Coromandel
Thu Apr 22 Coromandel
Fri Apr 23 Coromandel
Sat Apr 24 Coromandel to Matamata
Sun Apr 25 Matamata (Racing yard)
Mon Apr 26 Matamata (Racing yard)
Tue Apr 27 Matamata (Racing yard)
Wed Apr 28 Matamata (Racing yard)
Thu Apr 29 Matamata (Racing yard)
Fri Apr 30 Matamata (Racing yard)
Sat May 01 Matamata (Racing yard)
Sun May 02 Matamata (Racing yard)
Mon May 03 Matamata (Racing yard)
Tue May 04 Matamata to Auckland (bus 4hrs)
Wed May 05 Auckland (to meet Saffron)
Thu May 06 Auckland
Fri May 07 Auckland to Paihia (bus 5hrs)
Sat May 08 Paihia
Sun May 09 Paihia
Mon May 10 Paihia to Auckland (bus 5hrs) then car onwards
Tue May 11 Auckland
Wed May 12 Auckland to Wellington (train 12hrs)
Thu May 13 Wellington
Fri May 14 Wellington
Sat May 15 Wellington to Picton to Kiakoura (Ferry / Bus )
Sun May 16 Kiakoura to Christchurch (via Hamner Springs)
Mon May 17 Christchurch / Aokora
Tue May 18 Christchurch
Wed May 19 Christchurch to Melbourne (Flight ? hrs)
Thu May 20 Melbourne
Fri May 21 Melbourne
Sat May 22 Melbourne to Alice Springs (Flight ?hrs)
Sun May 23 Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (4wd Xcountry)
Mon May 24 Ayers Rock
Tue May 25 Ayers Rock to Sydney (Flight
Wed May 26 Sydney
Thu May 27 Sydney
Fri May 28 Sydney to Cairns (Flight 3hrs)
Sat May 29 Cairns
Sun May 30 Cairns
Mon May 31 Cairns to Brisbane (Flight 3hrs)
Tue Jun 01 Brisbane
Wed Jun 02 Brisbane
Thu Jun 03 Brisbane to Perth (Flight 5hrs)
Fri Jun 04 Perth
Sat Jun 05 Perth
Sun Jun 06 Perth to Tokyo (o/n flight 10hrs)
Mon Jun 07 Perth to Tokyo (o/n)
Tue Jun 08 Tokyo
Wed Jun 09 Tokyo to Kyoto (Bullet train 3hrs)
Thu Jun 10 Kyoto to Tokyo (Bullet train 3hrs)
Fri Jun 11 Tokyo to London (Flight 12hrs)
(HOME - THE END)
Sun Feb 15 Honolulu, Hawaii to Nadi, Fiji (flight 6hrs - across International Date Line)
Mon Feb 16 Fiji (Island Cruise)
Tue Feb 17 Fiji (Island Cruise)
Wed Feb 18 Fiji (Island Cruise)
Thu Feb 19 Fiji (Resort)
Fri Feb 20 Fiji (Resort)
Sat Feb 21 Nadi, Fiji to Auckland, New Zealand (Flight 4hrs) Transfer to Matamata (bus 2 hrs)
Sun Feb 22 Matamata
Mon Feb 23 Matamata
Tue Feb 24 Matamata
Wed Feb 25 Matamata
Thu Feb 26 Matamata
Fri Feb 27 Matamata
Sat Feb 28 Matamata
Sun Feb 29 Matamata / Cambridge
Mon Mar 01 Matamata / Rotarua / Tirau
Tue Mar 02 Matamata
Wed Mar 03 Matamata
Thu Mar 04 Matamata to Auckland (Coach 2hrs from Cambridge)
Fri Mar 05 Auckland
Sat Mar 06 Auckland to LOTR - Takapuna
Sun Mar 07 LOTR - Roturua
Mon Mar 08 LOTR - Ohakune
Tue Mar 09 LOTR - Wellington
Wed Mar 10 LOTR - Wellington
Thu Mar 11 LOTR - Christchurch
Fri Mar 12 LOTR - Twizel
Sat Mar 13 LOTR - Cromwell
Sun Mar 14 LOTR - Te Anau
Mon Mar 15 LOTR - Te Anau - Millford Sound
Tue Mar 16 LOTR - Queenstown
Wed Mar 17 LOTR - Queenstown - White Water Rafting
Thu Mar 18 LOTR Ends - Queenstown
Fri Mar 19 Queenstown
Sat Mar 20 Queenstown
Sun Mar 21 Quenstown to Dunedin (Bus 5hrs)
Mon Mar 22 Dunedin
Tue Mar 23 Dunedin
Wed Mar 24 Dunedin to Timaru (Bus 4hrs via Oamaru)
Thu Mar 25 Timaru
Fri Mar 26 Timaru to Christchurch
Sat Mar 27 Christchurch
Sun Mar 28 Christchurch
Mon Mar 29 Christchurch to Kaikoura (Bus 3hrs)
Tue Mar 30 Kaikoura
Wed Mar 31 Kaikoura
Thu Apr 01 Kaikoura to Nelson (Bus 4hrs)
Fri Apr 02 Nelson
Sat Apr 03 Nelson
Sun Apr 04 Nelson
Mon Apr 05 Nelson to Picton (Bus ? hrs)
Tue Apr 06 Picton
Wed Apr 07 Picton
Thu Apr 08 Picton
Fri Apr 09 Picton to Wellington (Ferry 3hrs)
Sat Apr 10 Wellington
Sun Apr 11 Wellington to Napier (Bus 5hrs)
Mon Apr 12 Napier
Tue Apr 13 Napier
Wed Apr 14 Napier
Thu Apr 15 Napier
Fri Apr 16 Napier to Mt Mauganui
Sat Apr 17 Mt Mauganui
Sun Apr 18 Mt Mauganui to Coromandel
Mon Apr 19 Coromandel
Tue Apr 20 Coromandel
Wed Apr 21 Coromandel
Thu Apr 22 Coromandel
Fri Apr 23 Coromandel
Sat Apr 24 Coromandel to Matamata
Sun Apr 25 Matamata (Racing yard)
Mon Apr 26 Matamata (Racing yard)
Tue Apr 27 Matamata (Racing yard)
Wed Apr 28 Matamata (Racing yard)
Thu Apr 29 Matamata (Racing yard)
Fri Apr 30 Matamata (Racing yard)
Sat May 01 Matamata (Racing yard)
Sun May 02 Matamata (Racing yard)
Mon May 03 Matamata (Racing yard)
Tue May 04 Matamata to Auckland (bus 4hrs)
Wed May 05 Auckland (to meet Saffron)
Thu May 06 Auckland
Fri May 07 Auckland to Paihia (bus 5hrs)
Sat May 08 Paihia
Sun May 09 Paihia
Mon May 10 Paihia to Auckland (bus 5hrs) then car onwards
Tue May 11 Auckland
Wed May 12 Auckland to Wellington (train 12hrs)
Thu May 13 Wellington
Fri May 14 Wellington
Sat May 15 Wellington to Picton to Kiakoura (Ferry / Bus )
Sun May 16 Kiakoura to Christchurch (via Hamner Springs)
Mon May 17 Christchurch / Aokora
Tue May 18 Christchurch
Wed May 19 Christchurch to Melbourne (Flight ? hrs)
Thu May 20 Melbourne
Fri May 21 Melbourne
Sat May 22 Melbourne to Alice Springs (Flight ?hrs)
Sun May 23 Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (4wd Xcountry)
Mon May 24 Ayers Rock
Tue May 25 Ayers Rock to Sydney (Flight
Wed May 26 Sydney
Thu May 27 Sydney
Fri May 28 Sydney to Cairns (Flight 3hrs)
Sat May 29 Cairns
Sun May 30 Cairns
Mon May 31 Cairns to Brisbane (Flight 3hrs)
Tue Jun 01 Brisbane
Wed Jun 02 Brisbane
Thu Jun 03 Brisbane to Perth (Flight 5hrs)
Fri Jun 04 Perth
Sat Jun 05 Perth
Sun Jun 06 Perth to Tokyo (o/n flight 10hrs)
Mon Jun 07 Perth to Tokyo (o/n)
Tue Jun 08 Tokyo
Wed Jun 09 Tokyo to Kyoto (Bullet train 3hrs)
Thu Jun 10 Kyoto to Tokyo (Bullet train 3hrs)
Fri Jun 11 Tokyo to London (Flight 12hrs)
(HOME - THE END)
Monday, May 31, 2004
CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND
Stayed at the YHA Central which was very nice.
First day sailed out to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island on the Ocean Free. Snorkled on the reef which was lovely and had lunch on the tiny island. The crossing was rough especially on the homeward journey - most people were very ill but fortunately not me. Had dinner with Saffron and her friend Marcel at a lovely cafe called Driftin
Second day took a coach trip up to Cape Tribulation. A few stops on the way including Port Douglas, a boat ride on the Daintree River and a walk around through the Daintree rainforest also took canopy walk above it. Dinner with Saffron and Marcel again v.nice.
Cairns was a pretty lively place, loads to do and lots to see. They have a lot of pubs with live music, all cover bands my personal favourite was the White Strips tribute band !
Saw loads of pretty fish but not this one
Stayed at the YHA Central which was very nice.
First day sailed out to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island on the Ocean Free. Snorkled on the reef which was lovely and had lunch on the tiny island. The crossing was rough especially on the homeward journey - most people were very ill but fortunately not me. Had dinner with Saffron and her friend Marcel at a lovely cafe called Driftin
Second day took a coach trip up to Cape Tribulation. A few stops on the way including Port Douglas, a boat ride on the Daintree River and a walk around through the Daintree rainforest also took canopy walk above it. Dinner with Saffron and Marcel again v.nice.
Cairns was a pretty lively place, loads to do and lots to see. They have a lot of pubs with live music, all cover bands my personal favourite was the White Strips tribute band !
Friday, May 28, 2004
SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA (click here for photos)
Got in a day early thanks to a smart change of flights. Had arranged to stay at the house of a new friend, Hannah, I'd met in Hawaii. Wasn't expect by her family until the next day so splashed out on a night in the lovely 5 star hotel, Shangri-La, the 'anti-swag'. Very nice and just what I needed after a nights camping. Had a bath and a shower, I was that dirty, and still didn't manage to get out all the red desert dirt! Ordered room service, watched crap TV and slept for 12 hours. Next morning went to the pool for an hour and saw a kookaboura (lovely). Did a city sights open bus tour and then caught the ferry to Hannah's house where her parents picked me up from the Quay.
Next day caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and spent the day sightseeing. Visited the botanical gardens, parliment buildings, St Mary's cathedral, the mint, Hyde Park, Queen Victoria Building and a couple of other landmarks.
I spent a large part of the day after in Darling Harbour visiting the Maritime Museum.
Got in a day early thanks to a smart change of flights. Had arranged to stay at the house of a new friend, Hannah, I'd met in Hawaii. Wasn't expect by her family until the next day so splashed out on a night in the lovely 5 star hotel, Shangri-La, the 'anti-swag'. Very nice and just what I needed after a nights camping. Had a bath and a shower, I was that dirty, and still didn't manage to get out all the red desert dirt! Ordered room service, watched crap TV and slept for 12 hours. Next morning went to the pool for an hour and saw a kookaboura (lovely). Did a city sights open bus tour and then caught the ferry to Hannah's house where her parents picked me up from the Quay.
Next day caught the ferry back to Circular Quay and spent the day sightseeing. Visited the botanical gardens, parliment buildings, St Mary's cathedral, the mint, Hyde Park, Queen Victoria Building and a couple of other landmarks.
I spent a large part of the day after in Darling Harbour visiting the Maritime Museum.
Monday, May 24, 2004
THE RED CENTRE, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA (click here for photos)
Fly into Alice Springs then transferred to the YHA there for one night.
Alice is a little bigger than I imagined, quite nice with a few lovely cafes & shops.
Saw loads of proper aboriginals and a digerydoo shop - v.Oz.
Got an early night and set off at 5am the next morning with Adventure Tour for my 2 day dash around the Red Centre.
Lots of driving through the desert. Had been raining the last few days so was quite lush. Saw wild camels, kangaroos, horses, cows and emus.
First stop on tour, Kings Canyon, where we did the 3 1/2 hour rim walk. This was probably my favourite part of the trip. The canyon's not very deep but the formations are quite varied.
We headed on to Ayers Rock, caught a lovely red sunset before reaching our campsite. That night we toasted marshmallows over an open fire and slept under the stars in a 'Swag'. Was only a little scary plus it rained a bit. I liked it but didn;t really get much sleep.
Next morning up again at 5am in time to make sunrise at the Rock. Did the base walk which took just over an hour. I was really impressed with Ayers Rock, which I didn't think I would be, I'm really glad I took the time to see it.
We then drove to the cultural centre. I had originally planned to stay that night in Ayers Rock at the YHA but there really isn't much to do there other than the Rock so I rearranged my flight to leave that afternoon and headed off to the airport.
Unfortunately, this meant I missed the Olgas (although I saw them at a distance) but I was a 'rocked' out anyway and couldn't wait to get to Sydney.
In summary : Red Centre 8 out of 10 (2 points deducted for the giant spider in the shower!)
Fly into Alice Springs then transferred to the YHA there for one night.
Alice is a little bigger than I imagined, quite nice with a few lovely cafes & shops.
Saw loads of proper aboriginals and a digerydoo shop - v.Oz.
Got an early night and set off at 5am the next morning with Adventure Tour for my 2 day dash around the Red Centre.
Lots of driving through the desert. Had been raining the last few days so was quite lush. Saw wild camels, kangaroos, horses, cows and emus.
First stop on tour, Kings Canyon, where we did the 3 1/2 hour rim walk. This was probably my favourite part of the trip. The canyon's not very deep but the formations are quite varied.
We headed on to Ayers Rock, caught a lovely red sunset before reaching our campsite. That night we toasted marshmallows over an open fire and slept under the stars in a 'Swag'. Was only a little scary plus it rained a bit. I liked it but didn;t really get much sleep.
Next morning up again at 5am in time to make sunrise at the Rock. Did the base walk which took just over an hour. I was really impressed with Ayers Rock, which I didn't think I would be, I'm really glad I took the time to see it.
We then drove to the cultural centre. I had originally planned to stay that night in Ayers Rock at the YHA but there really isn't much to do there other than the Rock so I rearranged my flight to leave that afternoon and headed off to the airport.
Unfortunately, this meant I missed the Olgas (although I saw them at a distance) but I was a 'rocked' out anyway and couldn't wait to get to Sydney.
In summary : Red Centre 8 out of 10 (2 points deducted for the giant spider in the shower!)
Saturday, May 22, 2004
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA (click here for photos)
Finally reached Oz for the start of my reduced visit.
Melbourne was a good start. I liked the city. It's a 'proper' size after those 'towns' in NZ (only Auckland counts as a city in my books!).
Stayed at the YHA Queensbury St which was very smart.
First day spent wandering around taking a few pictures. Organised my Alice Springs/Ayers Rock trip which took an hour or so. Went to the Caravaggio exhibition at the Art Gallery. Met up with Saffron for dinner.
Next day more wandering about taking pictures plus took the free City Circle Tram around the city. Walked all the way to St Kilda's in the afternoon, took ages, almost didn't make it in time for the sunset but just caught it. Caught a tram back to meet Saffron for dinner again.
Next morning up v.early to catch flight to Alice Springs.
In summary : Melbourne 8 out of 10 (very smart place)
Almost missed it
Finally reached Oz for the start of my reduced visit.
Melbourne was a good start. I liked the city. It's a 'proper' size after those 'towns' in NZ (only Auckland counts as a city in my books!).
Stayed at the YHA Queensbury St which was very smart.
First day spent wandering around taking a few pictures. Organised my Alice Springs/Ayers Rock trip which took an hour or so. Went to the Caravaggio exhibition at the Art Gallery. Met up with Saffron for dinner.
Next day more wandering about taking pictures plus took the free City Circle Tram around the city. Walked all the way to St Kilda's in the afternoon, took ages, almost didn't make it in time for the sunset but just caught it. Caught a tram back to meet Saffron for dinner again.
Next morning up v.early to catch flight to Alice Springs.
In summary : Melbourne 8 out of 10 (very smart place)
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
CHRISTCHURCH (again) (click here for photos)
My last few days in New Zealand I can't believe how fast the time's gone.
Christchurch is lovely but I've already seen many of the sights on my previous visits.
Got in quite late on Sunday so grab a bite and a movie. Saw "Shattered Glass", as recommended by Fiona, at least I think it's the movie she recommended because she described it but couldn't remember the title. It was based on a true story of a journalist who fabricates a number of stories (who'd have thought it!) and was actually a pretty good film at that. Am relieved to see that Hayden Christianssen can actually act - Star Wars scripts make a ham of almost all actors !
Visited Akaroa for a day trip. Is a supposedly 'french' settlement about 2 hours from Christchurch. Only things French about it was that the streets are all called 'Rue' whatever and there are a couple of restuarants with french sounding names like 'Chez Eiffel' although the menus looked quite Kiwi ! Was quite a pretty village though and the drive over had some lovely views so all in all not a bad way to spend a day.
Went to dinner with Saffron, who had just got into Christchurch that night, and Dawn, a girl I met on the bus to Akaroa.
Last full day today so not sure what I'm going to do yet. Might visit the art gallery.
Up above the streets and houses.......
My last few days in New Zealand I can't believe how fast the time's gone.
Christchurch is lovely but I've already seen many of the sights on my previous visits.
Got in quite late on Sunday so grab a bite and a movie. Saw "Shattered Glass", as recommended by Fiona, at least I think it's the movie she recommended because she described it but couldn't remember the title. It was based on a true story of a journalist who fabricates a number of stories (who'd have thought it!) and was actually a pretty good film at that. Am relieved to see that Hayden Christianssen can actually act - Star Wars scripts make a ham of almost all actors !
Visited Akaroa for a day trip. Is a supposedly 'french' settlement about 2 hours from Christchurch. Only things French about it was that the streets are all called 'Rue' whatever and there are a couple of restuarants with french sounding names like 'Chez Eiffel' although the menus looked quite Kiwi ! Was quite a pretty village though and the drive over had some lovely views so all in all not a bad way to spend a day.
Went to dinner with Saffron, who had just got into Christchurch that night, and Dawn, a girl I met on the bus to Akaroa.
Last full day today so not sure what I'm going to do yet. Might visit the art gallery.
Monday, May 17, 2004
KAIKOURA (again!)(Click here for photos)
Just a brief stop to see the Sperm Whales because I didn't get a chance last time I was here.
Stayed at the Sleepy Whale Backpackers which was actually much better inside than it looked from the outside. I choose it for location and was lucky to get in because the next day the owners were off on holiday and the hostel was closing for 2 weeks.
Went out with Whale Watch Kaikoura. Excellent tour. Very professional and they really knew how to find the whales (less hit & miss than Hawaii). Again a bit of luck because the tours had been cancelled the previous 2 days due to rough conditions. The sea was still pretty bumpy. We saw loads of Dusky dolphins, a few albatross and 2 huge Sperm whales. Incredible, amazing, spectacular. Am very happy girl.
Added bonus of the day. Met Fiona, recently relocated from Edinburgh to Christchurch, who, after the whale watch, gave me a lift to Christchurch via Hamner Springs. This was particularly fortuatus because I had orginally planned to go to Hamner but the buses didn't go that way on a Sunday so was resigned to missing it altogether. Fiona & I both had our swim suits so we took a little time out in Hamner to visit the hot sulphur springs. We sat in the lovely hot pools on a cold day with a fantastic view of the mountains. Big thanks to Fiona for being such good company and good luck in your new land.
Another Moby
Just a brief stop to see the Sperm Whales because I didn't get a chance last time I was here.
Stayed at the Sleepy Whale Backpackers which was actually much better inside than it looked from the outside. I choose it for location and was lucky to get in because the next day the owners were off on holiday and the hostel was closing for 2 weeks.
Went out with Whale Watch Kaikoura. Excellent tour. Very professional and they really knew how to find the whales (less hit & miss than Hawaii). Again a bit of luck because the tours had been cancelled the previous 2 days due to rough conditions. The sea was still pretty bumpy. We saw loads of Dusky dolphins, a few albatross and 2 huge Sperm whales. Incredible, amazing, spectacular. Am very happy girl.
Added bonus of the day. Met Fiona, recently relocated from Edinburgh to Christchurch, who, after the whale watch, gave me a lift to Christchurch via Hamner Springs. This was particularly fortuatus because I had orginally planned to go to Hamner but the buses didn't go that way on a Sunday so was resigned to missing it altogether. Fiona & I both had our swim suits so we took a little time out in Hamner to visit the hot sulphur springs. We sat in the lovely hot pools on a cold day with a fantastic view of the mountains. Big thanks to Fiona for being such good company and good luck in your new land.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
WELLINGTON (again!) (Click here for photos)
Caught the Trans Scenic train from Auckland to Wellington. The journey took 12 hours through lots of green fields and over the occassional bridge.
Last time I was here I had the worst cold and spent 2 days in a hotel room sneezing and watching TV.
This time I was determined to make it to the Te Papa museum and today I did.
The museum is lovely and free - I might even go back tomorrow just in case I missed anything. The exhibits are a bit of a mixed bag but there's plenty to feast your eyes on.
Took the cable car up and walked down through the botanical gardens it was lovely despite the weather. I think Wellington Botanica Gardens are my favourite, they're not as formal as the others I visited and there's a greater variety of plants than I've seen before, plus, unlike other gardens this one's on a very steep hill.
Went to see a movie a which hunky men wear black leather mini skirts and still manage to look cool (Troy) was quite good. Worth a look. I've been thinking a little recently about what path my career should take when I eventually get back home and it occurred to me, while watching Troy, that somebody's job actually envolved rubbing oil on Brad's pecks ! Hollywood here I come !
Dead As......
Caught the Trans Scenic train from Auckland to Wellington. The journey took 12 hours through lots of green fields and over the occassional bridge.
Last time I was here I had the worst cold and spent 2 days in a hotel room sneezing and watching TV.
This time I was determined to make it to the Te Papa museum and today I did.
The museum is lovely and free - I might even go back tomorrow just in case I missed anything. The exhibits are a bit of a mixed bag but there's plenty to feast your eyes on.
Took the cable car up and walked down through the botanical gardens it was lovely despite the weather. I think Wellington Botanica Gardens are my favourite, they're not as formal as the others I visited and there's a greater variety of plants than I've seen before, plus, unlike other gardens this one's on a very steep hill.
Went to see a movie a which hunky men wear black leather mini skirts and still manage to look cool (Troy) was quite good. Worth a look. I've been thinking a little recently about what path my career should take when I eventually get back home and it occurred to me, while watching Troy, that somebody's job actually envolved rubbing oil on Brad's pecks ! Hollywood here I come !
AUCKLAND (again!)
Well the plan was that Saffron and I would hire a car and drive down the North island to Wellington together but instead we've decided to make our way South seperately. No big bust up - I hope ! It's just that Saffron has to squeeze in so much during her 2 weeks here and she can probably travel quicker alone - well that's the theory.
I was a bit disappointed but am taking the opportunity to have a couple more days in Auckland before heading South.
Auckland is currently hosting a comedy festival so I went to see another British comedian, Lee Mack. He was really funny and his support, Russell Howard wasn't half bad either.
Wondered around some more, spent 4-5 hours in Parnell and also saw the movie 'Van Helsing' which I thought was pretty good.
Auckland Train Station
Well the plan was that Saffron and I would hire a car and drive down the North island to Wellington together but instead we've decided to make our way South seperately. No big bust up - I hope ! It's just that Saffron has to squeeze in so much during her 2 weeks here and she can probably travel quicker alone - well that's the theory.
I was a bit disappointed but am taking the opportunity to have a couple more days in Auckland before heading South.
Auckland is currently hosting a comedy festival so I went to see another British comedian, Lee Mack. He was really funny and his support, Russell Howard wasn't half bad either.
Wondered around some more, spent 4-5 hours in Parnell and also saw the movie 'Van Helsing' which I thought was pretty good.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
PAIHIA (Click here for photos)
Checked into the Peppertree Backpackers for 2 nights but had to extend for an extra night to squeeze in all the activities.
First morning went Horsetrekking on a nearby farm. Scenery was lovely and we started early enough to catch the morning mist.
Highlight was that afternoon when we swam with the dolphins - it was AWESOME !!!!! Our pod was a fair number of bottlenosed dolphins and I can tell you they're much bigger than I thought they'd be. It was a little scary at first but then totally exilerating. Wonderful, amazing, spiritual creatures - I love them !!!
Next day we went on a day trip to Cape Reinga. The trip included a Kauri forest, body boarding on the sand dudes and a drive along the 90 Mile Beach. A long 12 hour day but worth it I think.
In summary : Paihia 8 out of 10 (I wish I could stay here longer but Saffron and I still have a few things to see)
aaaaaaah
aaaaaaaaah
Checked into the Peppertree Backpackers for 2 nights but had to extend for an extra night to squeeze in all the activities.
First morning went Horsetrekking on a nearby farm. Scenery was lovely and we started early enough to catch the morning mist.
Highlight was that afternoon when we swam with the dolphins - it was AWESOME !!!!! Our pod was a fair number of bottlenosed dolphins and I can tell you they're much bigger than I thought they'd be. It was a little scary at first but then totally exilerating. Wonderful, amazing, spiritual creatures - I love them !!!
Next day we went on a day trip to Cape Reinga. The trip included a Kauri forest, body boarding on the sand dudes and a drive along the 90 Mile Beach. A long 12 hour day but worth it I think.
In summary : Paihia 8 out of 10 (I wish I could stay here longer but Saffron and I still have a few things to see)
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
AUCKLAND (Click here for photos)
Met up with Saffron at the airport - was of course v.lovely to see her after all this time.
I'd booked us into the Hyatt for one night but we decided we'd stay an extra night.
The first night we had tickets to see the british comedian, Ross Noble at the Sky City Theatre. He was there as part of the Auckland Comedy Festival. I thought he was ok but wished I'd got tickets to see Lee Mack instead as he looked funnier on the TV.
The next day Saffron went off to a museum in the morning while I had a wonder around town. We met up at lunchtime and caught the ferry across to Waiheke Island. On the island we did a scenic tour which took in a number of great beaches and a lovely winery called Mudbrick. Later we had dinner at a restaurant called Vino Vinos which was recommended by the Lonely Planet guide - it was very nice. Got the 8.30pm ferry back to Auckland in time to catch a movie, "Taking Lives" with Angelina Jolie (quite good I thought).
Spent the next morning in the Hyatt spa before catching bus to Paihia in the Bay Of Islands/Northland.
In summary : Auckland 8 out of 10 (still like it even 2nd time around)
Bright City Lights
Met up with Saffron at the airport - was of course v.lovely to see her after all this time.
I'd booked us into the Hyatt for one night but we decided we'd stay an extra night.
The first night we had tickets to see the british comedian, Ross Noble at the Sky City Theatre. He was there as part of the Auckland Comedy Festival. I thought he was ok but wished I'd got tickets to see Lee Mack instead as he looked funnier on the TV.
The next day Saffron went off to a museum in the morning while I had a wonder around town. We met up at lunchtime and caught the ferry across to Waiheke Island. On the island we did a scenic tour which took in a number of great beaches and a lovely winery called Mudbrick. Later we had dinner at a restaurant called Vino Vinos which was recommended by the Lonely Planet guide - it was very nice. Got the 8.30pm ferry back to Auckland in time to catch a movie, "Taking Lives" with Angelina Jolie (quite good I thought).
Spent the next morning in the Hyatt spa before catching bus to Paihia in the Bay Of Islands/Northland.
In summary : Auckland 8 out of 10 (still like it even 2nd time around)
Monday, May 03, 2004
MATAMATA - RACEHORSE TRAINING YARD (click here for photos)
This week I am doing work experience for top NZ racehorse trainer, Katrina Alexander, in return for room & board and use of a "Ut" (utility vehicle).
Arrived on Sunday and was very pleased to find that I would be staying with Katrina's parents, Peter & Noeline. It was a lovely surprise because I was expecting some dodgy grooms quarters whereas their home and hospitality is delightful.
My typical day consists of a 4.30am Start - Urgh! Getting horses ready and down to the track for the jockeys, hosing the horses down after they've been exercised, bringing them back to yard, turning them out. There are almost 40 horses so this takes us up to about 8.30am. We then have a brief stop for breakfast (tea & toast). Next the horses get their breakfast in the fields - this is my favourite part of the day because I get to drive/ride on the quad bike and trailer plus the horses are very pleased to see their feed. A quick tidy up and sweep of the yard and our morning is finished at about 10.30-11am.
We can then go home for the next 3-4 hours. I wish I could sleep during this break because I must admit the 4.30am starts are a killer but unfortunately I just can't seem to sleep at all during the day. Back to the yard for 2.30pm to bring the horses in, give them a quick groom - although not so quick in my case it takes me a least twice as long to do this as the professionals and my horses never look as tidy. We feed them again before going home at 5pm. It's a long/hard day and everyone says it gets better after the first week - which is little comfort to me as this is my only week !
On Thursday in addition to the usual routine we took 2 horses to the "trials" (practice races) at Waipa. I took a horse called Sandy's Lad (stable name Popeye) he came 5th in his heat but showed a promising finish and will probably do better over a longer distance. One of the other stable girls, Kelly, took a horse called Calamante (stable name Carol) she won her heat.
If it rained too hard, which it did on a couple of the days I was working, it wasn't practical to exercise the horses on the track so instead they got 30mins on the walker in the morning and the same again in the afternoon. They also couldn't really be turned out so this meant we had to 'skip out' the stables in the afternoon - I didn't really mind this because the stables at Katrina's yard were much easier to do than the ones at my old yard back home.
I had Friday afternoon off which is just as well because I REALLY needed it ! Peter & Noeline took me to a lovely lakeside cafe and then onto a funny pub.
Another 4.30am start on Saturday but once the morning's tasks were completed I was allowed to go to the races at Te Rapa Racecourse in Hamilton. Only one of our horses was running, Pindiose (stable name Peewee) and Kelly was taking care of him so I had plenty of time to watch the races and take a few snaps. It rained all day and our horse finished 5th but I had a lovely time anyway. Back to work in the afternoon but by now I was starting to find things a little easier.
Got a lay in on Sunday but only until 6.30am ! There's less to do on a Sunday, most of the horses have a restday. Only the horses that are racing on Monday have to be exercised. Kelly and I took the 3 horses that needed work down to the swimming pool for a few laps each. Once they were finished we gave the rest of the horses a couple of sessions on the walker because they couldn't really be turned out due to the bad weather.
Last day, Monday. Arranged with Katrina just to work the first 4 hours because I needed time to get sorted before my journey to Auckland the next day. The rain had finally stopped so it was business as usual with all the horses going down to the track for a proper workout. Typically as it was my last day, actually during my last hour, I had a bit of an accident ! I was leading 2 horses to the stalls when another was unloaded from a nearby lorry, unfortunately, this spooked the mare I had in one hand, which in turn set off the gelding I had in the other ! Result - I fell over backwards and was briefly dragged along the ground by the pair of them. I hung on for a few seconds but one of the lead ropes was caught across my neck so I decided I should probably let go but sadly not before I managed to get a lovely rope burn under my chin (very attractive!!).
Monday night I cooked dinner for Mel & Kelly and we watched a compilation video of a number of Katrina's recent winners including the 2003 Sydney cup win for their horse, Honor Babe. So all in all a very horsey week !
I enjoyed this week and by the end I was actually coming to terms with the physicallity of it all, even the 4.30am starts weren't really a problem. Katrina and her husband Simon always seem to find the time to answer all my questions. I've learnt tonnes about horse management and quite a bit about horse racing in NZ.
In summary : working at Hilton Lodge racing yard 8 out of 10 (points deducted for early start!)
I feel the need, the need for speed !
This week I am doing work experience for top NZ racehorse trainer, Katrina Alexander, in return for room & board and use of a "Ut" (utility vehicle).
Arrived on Sunday and was very pleased to find that I would be staying with Katrina's parents, Peter & Noeline. It was a lovely surprise because I was expecting some dodgy grooms quarters whereas their home and hospitality is delightful.
My typical day consists of a 4.30am Start - Urgh! Getting horses ready and down to the track for the jockeys, hosing the horses down after they've been exercised, bringing them back to yard, turning them out. There are almost 40 horses so this takes us up to about 8.30am. We then have a brief stop for breakfast (tea & toast). Next the horses get their breakfast in the fields - this is my favourite part of the day because I get to drive/ride on the quad bike and trailer plus the horses are very pleased to see their feed. A quick tidy up and sweep of the yard and our morning is finished at about 10.30-11am.
We can then go home for the next 3-4 hours. I wish I could sleep during this break because I must admit the 4.30am starts are a killer but unfortunately I just can't seem to sleep at all during the day. Back to the yard for 2.30pm to bring the horses in, give them a quick groom - although not so quick in my case it takes me a least twice as long to do this as the professionals and my horses never look as tidy. We feed them again before going home at 5pm. It's a long/hard day and everyone says it gets better after the first week - which is little comfort to me as this is my only week !
On Thursday in addition to the usual routine we took 2 horses to the "trials" (practice races) at Waipa. I took a horse called Sandy's Lad (stable name Popeye) he came 5th in his heat but showed a promising finish and will probably do better over a longer distance. One of the other stable girls, Kelly, took a horse called Calamante (stable name Carol) she won her heat.
If it rained too hard, which it did on a couple of the days I was working, it wasn't practical to exercise the horses on the track so instead they got 30mins on the walker in the morning and the same again in the afternoon. They also couldn't really be turned out so this meant we had to 'skip out' the stables in the afternoon - I didn't really mind this because the stables at Katrina's yard were much easier to do than the ones at my old yard back home.
I had Friday afternoon off which is just as well because I REALLY needed it ! Peter & Noeline took me to a lovely lakeside cafe and then onto a funny pub.
Another 4.30am start on Saturday but once the morning's tasks were completed I was allowed to go to the races at Te Rapa Racecourse in Hamilton. Only one of our horses was running, Pindiose (stable name Peewee) and Kelly was taking care of him so I had plenty of time to watch the races and take a few snaps. It rained all day and our horse finished 5th but I had a lovely time anyway. Back to work in the afternoon but by now I was starting to find things a little easier.
Got a lay in on Sunday but only until 6.30am ! There's less to do on a Sunday, most of the horses have a restday. Only the horses that are racing on Monday have to be exercised. Kelly and I took the 3 horses that needed work down to the swimming pool for a few laps each. Once they were finished we gave the rest of the horses a couple of sessions on the walker because they couldn't really be turned out due to the bad weather.
Last day, Monday. Arranged with Katrina just to work the first 4 hours because I needed time to get sorted before my journey to Auckland the next day. The rain had finally stopped so it was business as usual with all the horses going down to the track for a proper workout. Typically as it was my last day, actually during my last hour, I had a bit of an accident ! I was leading 2 horses to the stalls when another was unloaded from a nearby lorry, unfortunately, this spooked the mare I had in one hand, which in turn set off the gelding I had in the other ! Result - I fell over backwards and was briefly dragged along the ground by the pair of them. I hung on for a few seconds but one of the lead ropes was caught across my neck so I decided I should probably let go but sadly not before I managed to get a lovely rope burn under my chin (very attractive!!).
Monday night I cooked dinner for Mel & Kelly and we watched a compilation video of a number of Katrina's recent winners including the 2003 Sydney cup win for their horse, Honor Babe. So all in all a very horsey week !
I enjoyed this week and by the end I was actually coming to terms with the physicallity of it all, even the 4.30am starts weren't really a problem. Katrina and her husband Simon always seem to find the time to answer all my questions. I've learnt tonnes about horse management and quite a bit about horse racing in NZ.
In summary : working at Hilton Lodge racing yard 8 out of 10 (points deducted for early start!)
Sunday, April 25, 2004
COROMANDEL (click here for photos)
Had booked into top hostel in Coromandel town for just 3 nights but have just extended until Saturday because it's so pretty.
On Tuesday I got a lift from Nicky (new backpacker friend from London) to Stony Bay near the top of the Coromandel peninsula. We then walked 3hrs+ (with a climb of 1500 ft+) to Fletcher Bay. We had just sat down to eat our packed lunches when 2 Killer Whales came right into the bay and proceeded to fish there for the next 1/2 hr. They came in really close, it was fantastic. We then had to do another 3hr+ walk back to the car in Stony Bay but at least it was a coastal walk and not so steep.
Thursday I wanted to go to the Driving Creek Railway but it was a little too far to walk so the hostel owners kindly gave me a lift. Rode the railway all the way up to the "Eye Full Tower" for some spectacular views. Got a lift back from John from Seattle and we even managed to stop off at the Whaimia Waterworks which was another thing on my list of things to do.
In summary : Coromandel 8 out of 10 (just beautiful)
View from a hill
Had booked into top hostel in Coromandel town for just 3 nights but have just extended until Saturday because it's so pretty.
On Tuesday I got a lift from Nicky (new backpacker friend from London) to Stony Bay near the top of the Coromandel peninsula. We then walked 3hrs+ (with a climb of 1500 ft+) to Fletcher Bay. We had just sat down to eat our packed lunches when 2 Killer Whales came right into the bay and proceeded to fish there for the next 1/2 hr. They came in really close, it was fantastic. We then had to do another 3hr+ walk back to the car in Stony Bay but at least it was a coastal walk and not so steep.
Thursday I wanted to go to the Driving Creek Railway but it was a little too far to walk so the hostel owners kindly gave me a lift. Rode the railway all the way up to the "Eye Full Tower" for some spectacular views. Got a lift back from John from Seattle and we even managed to stop off at the Whaimia Waterworks which was another thing on my list of things to do.
In summary : Coromandel 8 out of 10 (just beautiful)
Sunday, April 18, 2004
MT MAUNGANUI (click here for photos)
Just 2 nights here enroute to the Coromandel.
Visited the Mt before on day trip with Terry & Mary so knew what to expect, lovely beach, cool beachside cafes, nice walk around the Mt and some hot spa pools.
Weather was lovely, really sunny but with a cool breeze.
Stayed at the Mount Backpackers which was pretty grotty but cheap, central and served it's purpose.
In summary : Mt Mauganui 7 out of 10 (great but nice time I'll find a smarter place to stay)
More of a hill really
Just 2 nights here enroute to the Coromandel.
Visited the Mt before on day trip with Terry & Mary so knew what to expect, lovely beach, cool beachside cafes, nice walk around the Mt and some hot spa pools.
Weather was lovely, really sunny but with a cool breeze.
Stayed at the Mount Backpackers which was pretty grotty but cheap, central and served it's purpose.
In summary : Mt Mauganui 7 out of 10 (great but nice time I'll find a smarter place to stay)
Friday, April 16, 2004
NAPIER (click here for photos)
Still ill but the fog is clearing.
Arrived Napier last night, went off in search of drugs (just neurofen) but everywhere was closed so had to wait till monring to get medicated. Feeling soooo much better as a result.
Napier seems nice and unlike Wellington, I haven't been here before so this is my only chance to see the sights. Had planned to stay 3 nights but think it will take most time to get back on the road to healthy so will probably have to extend for a couple of nights. Stayed at Archie's Bunker Hostel which was great and very cheap (single room NZ$23 BBH).
Really liked Napier. Loads to do, cool cafes and arty cinemas etc. Art deco buildings interesting. V.Large peeble beach but sadly no cafes along it.
In summary : Napier 7 out of 10 (they need to make more of the seafront)
Example of Napier Art Deco Buildings
Still ill but the fog is clearing.
Arrived Napier last night, went off in search of drugs (just neurofen) but everywhere was closed so had to wait till monring to get medicated. Feeling soooo much better as a result.
Napier seems nice and unlike Wellington, I haven't been here before so this is my only chance to see the sights. Had planned to stay 3 nights but think it will take most time to get back on the road to healthy so will probably have to extend for a couple of nights. Stayed at Archie's Bunker Hostel which was great and very cheap (single room NZ$23 BBH).
Really liked Napier. Loads to do, cool cafes and arty cinemas etc. Art deco buildings interesting. V.Large peeble beach but sadly no cafes along it.
In summary : Napier 7 out of 10 (they need to make more of the seafront)
Saturday, April 10, 2004
WELLINGTON (click here for photos)
I have a dreadful cold and am sulking in my hotel room.
Not in the mood to blog cos my head is all fogged in !
Will do this properly later.
Will say that this is my second visit to Wellington and it's one of my favourite NZ towns/cities even with a stinking cold.
Bit of a wash out due to illness only managed to make it to the eeeevil Starbucks and a little walk to the civic centre.
Very disappointed because I really wanted to visit the Te Papa museum this time but I really wasn't up to it.
In summary : Wellington ? out of 10 (my head hurt !)
Civic Square
I have a dreadful cold and am sulking in my hotel room.
Not in the mood to blog cos my head is all fogged in !
Will do this properly later.
Will say that this is my second visit to Wellington and it's one of my favourite NZ towns/cities even with a stinking cold.
Bit of a wash out due to illness only managed to make it to the eeeevil Starbucks and a little walk to the civic centre.
Very disappointed because I really wanted to visit the Te Papa museum this time but I really wasn't up to it.
In summary : Wellington ? out of 10 (my head hurt !)
Thursday, April 08, 2004
PICTON (click here for photos)
The weather's turning pretty chilly but luckily I had one day of sunshine to explore Picton. The other few days sadly were a washout. All plans cancelled due to rain.
Stayed at The Villa which was quite a nice hostel but unfortuantely each night when everybody put on their electric heaters the power would cut out and it would take a couple of hours to get it back on.
Managed to squeeze in a tour of several Blenheim wineries between showers.
Picton is a tiny port town it was nice but would have been nicer in the sunshine.
In summary : Picton 6 out of 10 (I don't know why)
First we pick the grapes, then we crush them
The weather's turning pretty chilly but luckily I had one day of sunshine to explore Picton. The other few days sadly were a washout. All plans cancelled due to rain.
Stayed at The Villa which was quite a nice hostel but unfortuantely each night when everybody put on their electric heaters the power would cut out and it would take a couple of hours to get it back on.
Managed to squeeze in a tour of several Blenheim wineries between showers.
Picton is a tiny port town it was nice but would have been nicer in the sunshine.
In summary : Picton 6 out of 10 (I don't know why)
Saturday, April 03, 2004
NELSON (click here for photos)
Here for 4 nights which is probably a little long but is a nice enough place. Am staying at the Paradiso which is another v.nice hostel.
Yesterday went tramping and kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park, really interesting coastline but once again I failed to capture the true beauty with my camera.
Spent the next couple of days just hanging out in town.
In summary : Nelson 7 out of 10 (nice little town - geographical centre point of New Zealand)
Back Bay, Abel Tasman
Here for 4 nights which is probably a little long but is a nice enough place. Am staying at the Paradiso which is another v.nice hostel.
Yesterday went tramping and kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park, really interesting coastline but once again I failed to capture the true beauty with my camera.
Spent the next couple of days just hanging out in town.
In summary : Nelson 7 out of 10 (nice little town - geographical centre point of New Zealand)
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
KAIKOURA (click here for photos)
Stayed at the Topspot Hostel which was nice. Chose it mainly because they arrange daily seal swims but sadly these were cancelled both of my days there because the seas were too rough.
Did lots of walking included a cliff top walk to the seal colony (twice). Hung out, drank lots of coffee and watched a few videos.
Developed a bad habit of walking to places then being too lazy to walk back from them ! Thankfully there were plenty of lovely fellow travellers kind enough to give me a lift back into town. Thank you, Marc and Gary, from Sheffield area and also cool couple from London whose names I sadly forgot.
Have come to the conclusion that everyone in New Zealand is nice. I know it’s a sweeping generalisation but it is in fact basically true. You can just hang out here, strangers smile and greet you, conversations with recent acquaintances flow easily. It’s relax but things get done. I like it a lot.
In summary : Kaikoura 7 out of 10 (cool seaside town)
Too close ?
Stayed at the Topspot Hostel which was nice. Chose it mainly because they arrange daily seal swims but sadly these were cancelled both of my days there because the seas were too rough.
Did lots of walking included a cliff top walk to the seal colony (twice). Hung out, drank lots of coffee and watched a few videos.
Developed a bad habit of walking to places then being too lazy to walk back from them ! Thankfully there were plenty of lovely fellow travellers kind enough to give me a lift back into town. Thank you, Marc and Gary, from Sheffield area and also cool couple from London whose names I sadly forgot.
Have come to the conclusion that everyone in New Zealand is nice. I know it’s a sweeping generalisation but it is in fact basically true. You can just hang out here, strangers smile and greet you, conversations with recent acquaintances flow easily. It’s relax but things get done. I like it a lot.
In summary : Kaikoura 7 out of 10 (cool seaside town)
Monday, March 29, 2004
CHRISTCHURCH (click here for photos)
Second time in Christchurch. This time stayed at the Frauenreisenhaus Hostel, which as the name suggests is women only hostel . The hostel came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint, this is definitely the nicest place I’ve stayed.
Saturday night went to the rugby, Christchurch Crusaders vs. Otago Highlanders. Was supposed to go with Stu and Liz but they blew me out at the last minute with some lame excuse about breaking up ! Went on my own anyway and really enjoyed it. Don’t actually know much about rugby so I had been counting on Stu to explain the rules. Basically, big men with enormous thighs ran very fast hugging the funny shaped ball and in the end Christchurch triumphed - it was all very exciting ! Sat next to a nice bunch from Rochdale and went for quick drink with them after then back to the hostel to watch ‘chick flicks’.
Went for a walk around the botanical gardens and the nearby arts centre - great place to hang out - lots of live music and free exhibits.
In summary : Christchurch 7 out of 10 (another lovely university town)
Fountain in Botanical Gardens
Second time in Christchurch. This time stayed at the Frauenreisenhaus Hostel, which as the name suggests is women only hostel . The hostel came highly recommended and didn’t disappoint, this is definitely the nicest place I’ve stayed.
Saturday night went to the rugby, Christchurch Crusaders vs. Otago Highlanders. Was supposed to go with Stu and Liz but they blew me out at the last minute with some lame excuse about breaking up ! Went on my own anyway and really enjoyed it. Don’t actually know much about rugby so I had been counting on Stu to explain the rules. Basically, big men with enormous thighs ran very fast hugging the funny shaped ball and in the end Christchurch triumphed - it was all very exciting ! Sat next to a nice bunch from Rochdale and went for quick drink with them after then back to the hostel to watch ‘chick flicks’.
Went for a walk around the botanical gardens and the nearby arts centre - great place to hang out - lots of live music and free exhibits.
In summary : Christchurch 7 out of 10 (another lovely university town)
Friday, March 26, 2004
TIMARU (click here for photos)
Messed up stopping here but never mind. Just thought it would be a break enroute to Christchurch. Not much to do here, a couple of average walks and a few nice buildings.
Stayed in clean but bland accommodations at the Anchor Motel/hostel only thing interesting here was that my room was infact a shed ! Well more of a beach hut actually but it was called the ’cycle shed’ so you get the idea.
Wandered about a lot. Highlight, I watched Cold Mountain at the cinema which I thought was brilliant.
Interesting horsey fact : in birth place ‘ish’ of great racehorse Phar Lap.
In summary : Timaru 4 out of 10 (good for a coffee break but probably not to stay overnight)
Pretty Lighthouse
Messed up stopping here but never mind. Just thought it would be a break enroute to Christchurch. Not much to do here, a couple of average walks and a few nice buildings.
Stayed in clean but bland accommodations at the Anchor Motel/hostel only thing interesting here was that my room was infact a shed ! Well more of a beach hut actually but it was called the ’cycle shed’ so you get the idea.
Wandered about a lot. Highlight, I watched Cold Mountain at the cinema which I thought was brilliant.
Interesting horsey fact : in birth place ‘ish’ of great racehorse Phar Lap.
In summary : Timaru 4 out of 10 (good for a coffee break but probably not to stay overnight)
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
DUNEDIN (click here for photos)
Staying in another hostel, Adventure Backpackers, again is really nice - either the hostels in New Zealand are nicer than the ones in the US or my shortage of cash is making me more receptive to these places !
Had a wander around the town centre which is quite big by NZ standards, visited the Cadbury factory and then went to the cinema and watched "Hidalgo" which I thought was great.
Did an eco tour of the peninsula saw seals, sea lions and penguins but sadly no albatross .
Went for a 2hr scenic/beach horse trek. Was particularly good because there was only myself, the guide, Keren and her friend - usually you get a lot on non riders on these things which really slow you down but not this time. I was riding a Standardbreds (ex racing trotters) called Smoothy (definitely named by somebody with a sense of humour!). With some persuasion he actually went in the sea which was fun but the waves came in quicker and further than expected so I got a little wetter than planned. Had a nice little canter along the beach. Walked over the dunes and through some native bush. Sun was shining so all in all a good day. After the ride Keren invited me for a coffee and a chance to see their young stock. I fell in love with a gorgeous colour colt called Tuffy - could this be a replacement for Mulder ? If only it wasn’t so far from home !
In summary : Dunedin 7 out of 10 (had a good feel to the place)
Dunedin Railway Station
Staying in another hostel, Adventure Backpackers, again is really nice - either the hostels in New Zealand are nicer than the ones in the US or my shortage of cash is making me more receptive to these places !
Had a wander around the town centre which is quite big by NZ standards, visited the Cadbury factory and then went to the cinema and watched "Hidalgo" which I thought was great.
Did an eco tour of the peninsula saw seals, sea lions and penguins but sadly no albatross .
Went for a 2hr scenic/beach horse trek. Was particularly good because there was only myself, the guide, Keren and her friend - usually you get a lot on non riders on these things which really slow you down but not this time. I was riding a Standardbreds (ex racing trotters) called Smoothy (definitely named by somebody with a sense of humour!). With some persuasion he actually went in the sea which was fun but the waves came in quicker and further than expected so I got a little wetter than planned. Had a nice little canter along the beach. Walked over the dunes and through some native bush. Sun was shining so all in all a good day. After the ride Keren invited me for a coffee and a chance to see their young stock. I fell in love with a gorgeous colour colt called Tuffy - could this be a replacement for Mulder ? If only it wasn’t so far from home !
In summary : Dunedin 7 out of 10 (had a good feel to the place)
Sunday, March 21, 2004
QUEENSTOWN (click here for photos)
Believe it or not am actually staying in a hostel, Resort Lodge Backpacker, is really nice one in fact (details to follow).
Queenstown is great - adventure capital of the world, you know. Did white water rafting on first day which was fun but not as scarey as I thought it would be. Have decided that I definately will NOT be bungy jumping - if anyone out there feels like calling me 'chicken' please bare in mind that jumping off a bridge tied to an elastic band is not nearly as fightening as quiting the security of home, family and career to travel around the world on my own for a year !
The town itself is quite pretty and is set around a beautiful lake - only difference here is that throughout the day when you look up the sky is filled with Paragliders dropping into the car parks.
Have done a 'Duck Tour' on a WWII amphibious vehicle and made a number of Skyline luge runs. Have seens 2 movies, In The Cut (basically stylised porn disquised as a thriller - costs a lot to make a film look this cheap) and Mona Lisa Smile (Dead Poets Society for woman - great costume design and easy viewing). Had v.good mexican meal with new friend, Jenny from Townsville, Australia.
In summary : Queenstown 7 out of 10 (need to be crazy or just plain dangerous to get the most out of this place)
White Water Rafting
Believe it or not am actually staying in a hostel, Resort Lodge Backpacker, is really nice one in fact (details to follow).
Queenstown is great - adventure capital of the world, you know. Did white water rafting on first day which was fun but not as scarey as I thought it would be. Have decided that I definately will NOT be bungy jumping - if anyone out there feels like calling me 'chicken' please bare in mind that jumping off a bridge tied to an elastic band is not nearly as fightening as quiting the security of home, family and career to travel around the world on my own for a year !
The town itself is quite pretty and is set around a beautiful lake - only difference here is that throughout the day when you look up the sky is filled with Paragliders dropping into the car parks.
Have done a 'Duck Tour' on a WWII amphibious vehicle and made a number of Skyline luge runs. Have seens 2 movies, In The Cut (basically stylised porn disquised as a thriller - costs a lot to make a film look this cheap) and Mona Lisa Smile (Dead Poets Society for woman - great costume design and easy viewing). Had v.good mexican meal with new friend, Jenny from Townsville, Australia.
In summary : Queenstown 7 out of 10 (need to be crazy or just plain dangerous to get the most out of this place)
Friday, March 05, 2004
LORD OF THE RINGS TOUR, NORTH & SOUTH ISLANDS
DAY 1 March 6 : Picked up at the Hyatt by Vic (our North Island tour guide) and transferred to Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna just north of Auckland. This was just a day to get everyone together so had the afternoon to myself. Checked out the shops and the beach and then went to a lovely little arty cinema, watched 'Lost In Translation' which was very good even though nothing actually happens. That evening met with the other tour guests, 3 Americans and 1 Australian all of whom seem very nice. Keith, Kris and Chris are real LOTR fans (or 'Ringers' as they're commonly know), Darlene is Keith's wife, she and I both enjoyed the movies but we're just honourary Ringers for the duration of this trip!
DAY 2 March 7 (click here for photos): Early start to Rotorua via Hobbiton. Hobbiton is actually in Matamata, which, for those of you who've been following my blog will know, is where I've been staying with the Tanner for the past two weeks ! Almost all of the set has been removed but the shells of many of the hobbit houses remain - it doesn't take too much imagination to see it as it must have been during filming. Was surpised to see 'The Party Tree' was actually there had assumed they'd 'borrowed' it. Had my photo taken in the remains of Bag End (well had to be done). On to Rotorua where we checked into the .......tba..... The evening was spent at the Tamaki Maori village enjoying a traditional Maori concert and meal.
DAY 3 March 8 (click here for photos) : In the morning enroute from Rotorua to Ohakune we stopped at the geothermal park to check out the bubbling mud and the gyser. In the afternoon visited Mt. Ruapehu which was used for Mordor and Emyn Muil (is where Sam and Frodo were lost amid volcanic lava flows and where they first met Gollum). Later visited ............Falls (used for Gollum's fishing pool, where he was careful not to plunge over the waterfall). Spent the night at the Powderhorn lodge (is where a number of the cast etc stayed during filming).
DAY 4 March 9 (click here for photos) : Ohakune to Wellington via Mokai Canyon, a gorge on the Rangitikei River (part of the River Anduin in the movie) these days is the home of Gravity Canyon extreme sports. Keith, Darlene & Chris did the fox flyer (they harness you to a cable along the canyon, one kilometer long, 180 meters high and you reach speeds in excess of 160kph). Kris and I chose something a little gentler and were instead lowered 'slowly' into the gorge in a bucket seat. Onwards to Wellington where following a quick quided tour (including the 'Get off the road' site) we checked into the West Plaza hotel.
DAY 5 March 10 (click here for photos) : Spent the day on a highlights tour of Wellywood. This basically involved tresspassing in one of the Weta studio lots (yes tresspassing ! we wondered onto the lot and were fairly soon escorted off by security), a visit to the Chocolate Fish Cafe (yummy!), standing outside a quarry (Helms Deep) and visiting a public park, Harcourt (Isengard gardens). Later, a drive over over the Rimutaka Ranges took us to Fernside house in Featherston (the gardens of which were used as the 'Leaving Lothlorien' site - very pretty). That night I had a wonder round Wellington while the others went to see Return of the King at the Embassy cinema (where the premiere was held)
DAY 6 March 11 (click here for photos) : Another early start to catch a flight to Chistchurch. We met our South Island guide, Anwen (she was an extra in the Two Towers). Check into our hotel Copthorne, Durham St before having the rest of the day to ourselves to do some non LOTR sightseeing. I met up with Stu (travel chum) and Liz (his new girlfriend) for a coffee then wondered around the town centre for a while before meeting up with the others for dinner.
DAY 7 March 12 (click here for photos) : Onwards to Mt Potts Station (the site of Edoras). This is a remote area we had to cross three streams and then climb to the summit where we had are picnic lunch and dicovered the delights of not only the gorgeous scenery but of 'Action Figure Theatre' (more about this later). Later made scenic stops at Lakes Tekapo (clear day gave us a lovely view of Mt Cook) and Lake Pukaki enroute to Twizel where we stayed at the ...............................
DAY 8 March 13 (click here for photos) : Twizel to Alexandra and Cromwell. Yet another early start to catch the site of the 'Pelennor Fields' at their best - it was worth it, the early morning mist was just starting to burn off and the orange sky was stunning. I was really interested in the logistics of filming almost 300 horses and riders etc on the charge and luckily the landowner, Simon, was kind enough to take the time to answer all my boring horsey questions. For example, I learnt that even though there were probably only 250 horses in a charge at a time they actually had to have about 750 horses on the site so that they could keep changing them over take after take - obvious . .....to be edited.... Later we shall check out the scene of The Great Chase and then the Rohan village that was burned. Can you find the canyon where the leaf brooch was dropped? What about Aragorn's rock
DAY 9 March 14 (click here for photos) : Grabbed a picnic lunch and headed for The Mavora Lakes (four LOTR sites- The Orc funeral pile, Fangorn Forest, the log which concealed Merry and Pippen before Frodo left the Fellowship, and where Sam and Frodo paddled away on the next stage of their journey).
DAY 10 March 15 (click here for photos) : Day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound where we took a scenic boat ride. That evening nice meal in Redcliffs Cafe (where the LOTRs cast ate apparently).
DAY 11 March 16 (click here for photos) : Stopped at Kelvin Heights Deer Park (6 sites to view including where Aragorn fell over the cliff) enroute to Queenstown. Plus had lunch in picturesque Arrowtown (riverside sites of Ithilien and Amon Hen).
DAY 12 March 17: Morning to ourselves then in afternoon Extreme Green white water rafting trip along Kawarau River (past LOTRs site for The Pillars of Argonath). That night we had our farewell dinner at the Skyline Restaurant.
DAY 13 March 18: We reach our journey's end. Keith, Darlene & I have breakfast and sort our photos. I begin the next phase of my own long journey home........
Return of the King
DAY 1 March 6 : Picked up at the Hyatt by Vic (our North Island tour guide) and transferred to Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna just north of Auckland. This was just a day to get everyone together so had the afternoon to myself. Checked out the shops and the beach and then went to a lovely little arty cinema, watched 'Lost In Translation' which was very good even though nothing actually happens. That evening met with the other tour guests, 3 Americans and 1 Australian all of whom seem very nice. Keith, Kris and Chris are real LOTR fans (or 'Ringers' as they're commonly know), Darlene is Keith's wife, she and I both enjoyed the movies but we're just honourary Ringers for the duration of this trip!
DAY 2 March 7 (click here for photos): Early start to Rotorua via Hobbiton. Hobbiton is actually in Matamata, which, for those of you who've been following my blog will know, is where I've been staying with the Tanner for the past two weeks ! Almost all of the set has been removed but the shells of many of the hobbit houses remain - it doesn't take too much imagination to see it as it must have been during filming. Was surpised to see 'The Party Tree' was actually there had assumed they'd 'borrowed' it. Had my photo taken in the remains of Bag End (well had to be done). On to Rotorua where we checked into the .......tba..... The evening was spent at the Tamaki Maori village enjoying a traditional Maori concert and meal.
DAY 3 March 8 (click here for photos) : In the morning enroute from Rotorua to Ohakune we stopped at the geothermal park to check out the bubbling mud and the gyser. In the afternoon visited Mt. Ruapehu which was used for Mordor and Emyn Muil (is where Sam and Frodo were lost amid volcanic lava flows and where they first met Gollum). Later visited ............Falls (used for Gollum's fishing pool, where he was careful not to plunge over the waterfall). Spent the night at the Powderhorn lodge (is where a number of the cast etc stayed during filming).
DAY 4 March 9 (click here for photos) : Ohakune to Wellington via Mokai Canyon, a gorge on the Rangitikei River (part of the River Anduin in the movie) these days is the home of Gravity Canyon extreme sports. Keith, Darlene & Chris did the fox flyer (they harness you to a cable along the canyon, one kilometer long, 180 meters high and you reach speeds in excess of 160kph). Kris and I chose something a little gentler and were instead lowered 'slowly' into the gorge in a bucket seat. Onwards to Wellington where following a quick quided tour (including the 'Get off the road' site) we checked into the West Plaza hotel.
DAY 5 March 10 (click here for photos) : Spent the day on a highlights tour of Wellywood. This basically involved tresspassing in one of the Weta studio lots (yes tresspassing ! we wondered onto the lot and were fairly soon escorted off by security), a visit to the Chocolate Fish Cafe (yummy!), standing outside a quarry (Helms Deep) and visiting a public park, Harcourt (Isengard gardens). Later, a drive over over the Rimutaka Ranges took us to Fernside house in Featherston (the gardens of which were used as the 'Leaving Lothlorien' site - very pretty). That night I had a wonder round Wellington while the others went to see Return of the King at the Embassy cinema (where the premiere was held)
DAY 6 March 11 (click here for photos) : Another early start to catch a flight to Chistchurch. We met our South Island guide, Anwen (she was an extra in the Two Towers). Check into our hotel Copthorne, Durham St before having the rest of the day to ourselves to do some non LOTR sightseeing. I met up with Stu (travel chum) and Liz (his new girlfriend) for a coffee then wondered around the town centre for a while before meeting up with the others for dinner.
DAY 7 March 12 (click here for photos) : Onwards to Mt Potts Station (the site of Edoras). This is a remote area we had to cross three streams and then climb to the summit where we had are picnic lunch and dicovered the delights of not only the gorgeous scenery but of 'Action Figure Theatre' (more about this later). Later made scenic stops at Lakes Tekapo (clear day gave us a lovely view of Mt Cook) and Lake Pukaki enroute to Twizel where we stayed at the ...............................
DAY 8 March 13 (click here for photos) : Twizel to Alexandra and Cromwell. Yet another early start to catch the site of the 'Pelennor Fields' at their best - it was worth it, the early morning mist was just starting to burn off and the orange sky was stunning. I was really interested in the logistics of filming almost 300 horses and riders etc on the charge and luckily the landowner, Simon, was kind enough to take the time to answer all my boring horsey questions. For example, I learnt that even though there were probably only 250 horses in a charge at a time they actually had to have about 750 horses on the site so that they could keep changing them over take after take - obvious . .....to be edited.... Later we shall check out the scene of The Great Chase and then the Rohan village that was burned. Can you find the canyon where the leaf brooch was dropped? What about Aragorn's rock
DAY 9 March 14 (click here for photos) : Grabbed a picnic lunch and headed for The Mavora Lakes (four LOTR sites- The Orc funeral pile, Fangorn Forest, the log which concealed Merry and Pippen before Frodo left the Fellowship, and where Sam and Frodo paddled away on the next stage of their journey).
DAY 10 March 15 (click here for photos) : Day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound where we took a scenic boat ride. That evening nice meal in Redcliffs Cafe (where the LOTRs cast ate apparently).
DAY 11 March 16 (click here for photos) : Stopped at Kelvin Heights Deer Park (6 sites to view including where Aragorn fell over the cliff) enroute to Queenstown. Plus had lunch in picturesque Arrowtown (riverside sites of Ithilien and Amon Hen).
DAY 12 March 17: Morning to ourselves then in afternoon Extreme Green white water rafting trip along Kawarau River (past LOTRs site for The Pillars of Argonath). That night we had our farewell dinner at the Skyline Restaurant.
DAY 13 March 18: We reach our journey's end. Keith, Darlene & I have breakfast and sort our photos. I begin the next phase of my own long journey home........
Thursday, March 04, 2004
AUCKLAND (click here for photos)
Just a 2 day visit before I set off on LOTR Tour.
Booked into a hotel from my favourite chain and got a free upgrade to a residential suite so am happy as Larry.
Weather is great, checked out the city & harbour area. to be continued.......
River Taxi in Viaduct Harbour
Just a 2 day visit before I set off on LOTR Tour.
Booked into a hotel from my favourite chain and got a free upgrade to a residential suite so am happy as Larry.
Weather is great, checked out the city & harbour area. to be continued.......
Monday, February 23, 2004
MATAMATA and there abouts (click here for photos)
Flew into Auckland and then eventually made my way down to my friend Eric's home just outside the small town of Matamata (a.k.a. Hobbiton!)
Was so good to see Eric and to finally meet his lovely family. I will be staying for about 10 nights so am resting up for the first couple of days but will soon get out and about.
Have been here a week now. Weather is bad .... so much rain. Between showers I have so far visited Hamilton (riverside town), The Bay Of Plenty (great beaches) & Mt Manganui (more of a hill really).
Today visited Briggsy at the Trelawney Stud where she works and was treated to a full tour which was very great - especially impressed by the fact that last year the stud stood "Van Nistolroy" the racehorse not the footballer!
Another days went to Cambridge (pretty racing town), Roturoa (volcanic lake) and Tirau (little artistic town).
Have organised a week or two's work experience with a local racing trainer - will be starting mid April stopping off enroute from the South Island to meet my friend Saffron in Auckland at the beginning of May.
Have bought my bus pass now and my rest at Eric's will be over on Thursday when I head to Auckland for a couple of days before joining a Lord Of The Rings Tour.
Wednesday, last day here Terry & Mary (Eric's in-laws) took me on another road trip - this time to Katikati (where I found perfect birthday pressy for Nigel babes), Waihi Beach (windswept) and Owharoa Falls.
In summary : Matamata 7 out 10 (but 10 out of 10 for the Tanners who made me very much at home)
Maori Art in Hamilton
Flew into Auckland and then eventually made my way down to my friend Eric's home just outside the small town of Matamata (a.k.a. Hobbiton!)
Was so good to see Eric and to finally meet his lovely family. I will be staying for about 10 nights so am resting up for the first couple of days but will soon get out and about.
Have been here a week now. Weather is bad .... so much rain. Between showers I have so far visited Hamilton (riverside town), The Bay Of Plenty (great beaches) & Mt Manganui (more of a hill really).
Today visited Briggsy at the Trelawney Stud where she works and was treated to a full tour which was very great - especially impressed by the fact that last year the stud stood "Van Nistolroy" the racehorse not the footballer!
Another days went to Cambridge (pretty racing town), Roturoa (volcanic lake) and Tirau (little artistic town).
Have organised a week or two's work experience with a local racing trainer - will be starting mid April stopping off enroute from the South Island to meet my friend Saffron in Auckland at the beginning of May.
Have bought my bus pass now and my rest at Eric's will be over on Thursday when I head to Auckland for a couple of days before joining a Lord Of The Rings Tour.
Wednesday, last day here Terry & Mary (Eric's in-laws) took me on another road trip - this time to Katikati (where I found perfect birthday pressy for Nigel babes), Waihi Beach (windswept) and Owharoa Falls.
In summary : Matamata 7 out 10 (but 10 out of 10 for the Tanners who made me very much at home)
Saturday, February 21, 2004
FIJI (click here for photos)
Stu and I flew to Fiji together. Is raining big time when we get there - hardly surprising as February the highlight of their rainy season. Doesn't really bother me though because this week is just a pit stop on the road to New Zealand as far as I'm concerned. Stu however has decided to explore Fiji properly and has extended his stay.
One night in a tacky resort hotel across from the airport, hung out with Dean from Southend which passed the time quite nicely.
Next day joined the Blue Lagoon flagship Mystic Princess at Lautoka harbour for a 4 day cruise around the Yasawa Islands. During the cruise I visited Omba Beach, Nacula Island, Savuti Point, and another beach, the name of which I cannot remember.
When the cruise finished I had 2 nights before my flight to New Zealand which I spent rained in at a beach bura at the First Landing Resort which was ok but not really as nice as it looks of their website. Rarely left my room on account of the weather but did finish 2 trashy novels.
In summary : Fiji 5 out of 10 (snorkeling was great but I didn't really like the place - just too basic for me)
The Transport
The Destination
Stu and I flew to Fiji together. Is raining big time when we get there - hardly surprising as February the highlight of their rainy season. Doesn't really bother me though because this week is just a pit stop on the road to New Zealand as far as I'm concerned. Stu however has decided to explore Fiji properly and has extended his stay.
One night in a tacky resort hotel across from the airport, hung out with Dean from Southend which passed the time quite nicely.
Next day joined the Blue Lagoon flagship Mystic Princess at Lautoka harbour for a 4 day cruise around the Yasawa Islands. During the cruise I visited Omba Beach, Nacula Island, Savuti Point, and another beach, the name of which I cannot remember.
When the cruise finished I had 2 nights before my flight to New Zealand which I spent rained in at a beach bura at the First Landing Resort which was ok but not really as nice as it looks of their website. Rarely left my room on account of the weather but did finish 2 trashy novels.
In summary : Fiji 5 out of 10 (snorkeling was great but I didn't really like the place - just too basic for me)
Saturday, February 14, 2004
FINAL USA & CANADA ITINERARY
Sun Sep 14 London to New York (7hrs Flight)
Mon Sep 15 New York
Tue Sep 16 New York
Wed Sep 17 New York
Thu Sep 18 New York to Boston (5hrs Greyhound)
Fri Sep 19 Boston
Sat Sep 20 Boston / Salem
Sun Sep 21 Boston / Cape Cod (Overnight 8hrs Greyhound to Montreal)
Mon Sep 22 Montreal
Tue Sep 23 Montreal
Wed Sep 24 Montreal to Toronto (8hrs Greyhound)
Thu Sep 25 Toronto
Fri Sep 26 Toronto to Niagara (2hrs Greyhound)
Sat Sep 27 Niagara On The Lake / Niagara Falls
Sun Sep 28 Niagara to Cleveland (7hrs Greyhound via Buffalo, NY)
Mon Sep 29 Cleveland to Detroit (4hrs Greyhound)
Tue Sep 30 Detroit
Wed Oct 1 Detroit to Chicago (5hrs Amtrak via Ann Arbour & Battle Creek)
Thu Oct 2 Chicago
Fri Oct 3 Chicago
Sat Oct 4 Chicago
Sun Oct 5 Chicago to Memphis (Overnight 10hrs Greyhound)
Mon Oct 6 Memphis / Graceland
Tue Oct 7 Memphis
Wed Oct 8 Memphis to Winchester VA (Overnight 20hrs Greyhound via Nashville & Knoxville TN)
Thu Oct 9 Winchester
Fri Oct 10 Washington DC
Sat Oct 11 Winchester VA
Sun Oct 12 Charlottesville Virginia (Monticello)
Mon Oct 13 Washington DC
Tue Oct 14 Washington DC
Wed Oct 15 Winchester (Stuart off)
Thu Oct 16 Winchester VA
Fri Oct 17 Winchester VA
Sat Oct 18 Winchester VA
Sun Oct 19 Winchester to Savannah GA (overnight 18hrs Greyhound)
Mon Oct 20 Savannah
Tue Oct 21 Savannah
Wed Oct 22 Savannah to Charleston (3hrs Greyhound)
Thu Oct 23 Charleston
Fri Oct 24 Charleston to Kissimmee FL (overnight 15hrs Greyhound)
Sat Oct 25 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Sun Oct 26 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Mon Oct 27 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Tue Oct 28 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Wed Oct 29 Kissimmee to Miami (6hrs Greyhound)
Thu Oct 30 Miami Beach
Fri Oct 31 Miami to Key West (5hrs Greyhound)
Sat Nov 1 Key West
Sun Nov 2 Key West to Homestead/Everglades (5hrs Greyhound)
Mon Nov 3 Homestead/Everglades
Tue Nov 4 Homestead/Everglades
Wed Nov 5 Homestead/Everglades to Miami (Ghound 2hrs) to New Orleans (Flight 2hrs)
Thu Nov 6 New Orleans
Fri Nov 7 New Orleans
Sat Nov 8 New Orleans to San Antonio (overnight 12hrs Greyhound)
Sun Nov 9 San Antonio
Mon Nov 10 San Antonio
Tue Nov 11 San Antonio
Wed Nov 12 San Antonio
Thu Nov 13 San Antonio to San Angelo (Greyhound 5hrs)
Fri Nov 14 San Angelo (weekend with Andy & Jayne)
Sat Nov 15 San Angelo
Sun Nov 16 San Angelo to Austin (Greyhound 7hrs)
Mon Nov 17 Austin (BDB playing Austin TX) then Austin to Dallas (overnight tour bus)
Tue Nov 18 Dallas (Greyhound 3hrs) (BDB playing Dallas TX)
Wed Nov 19 Dallas
Thu Nov 20 Dallas
Fri Nov 21 Dallas to Tuscon AZ (Flight 2hrs) (Dude Ranch)
Sat Nov 22 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Sun Nov 23 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Mon Nov 24 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Tue Nov 25 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Wed Nov 26 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Thu Nov 27 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Fri Nov 28 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Sat Nov 29 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Sun Nov 30 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Mon Dec 1 Tuscon to Phoenix (Greyhound 2hrs)
Tue Dec 2 Phoenix
Wed Dec 3 Phoenix
Thu Dec 4 Phoenix to San Diego (Flight 2hrs)
Fri Dec 5 San Diego
Sat Dec 6 San Diego
Sun Dec 7 San Diego
Mon Dec 8 San Diego to Las Vegas (Flight 2hrs)
Tue Dec 9 Las Vegas
Wed Dec 10 Las Vegas
Thu Dec 11 Las Vegas
Fri Dec 12 Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Sat Dec 13 Los Angeles
Sun Dec 14 Los Angeles
Mon Dec 15 Los Angeles
Tue Dec 16 Los Angeles
Wed Dec 17 Los Angeles (out by route 1)
Thu Dec 18 Pacific Coast Highway/Big Sur (by car)
Fri Dec 19 Pacific Coast Highway/Woodside (by car)
Sat Dec 20 Woodside to San Francisco (by car)
Sun Dec 21 San Francisco
Mon Dec 22 San Francisco
Tue Dec 23 San Francisco
Wed Dec 24 San Francisco
Thu Dec 25 San Francisco
Fri Dec 26 San Francisco
Sat Dec 27 San Francisco
Sun Dec 28 San Francisco
Mon Dec 29 San Francisco
Tue Dec 30 San Francisco
Wed Dec 31 San Francisco
Thu Jan 1 San Francisco
Fri Jan 2 San Francisco
Sat Jan 3 San Francisco to Portland (Overnight Amtrak18hrs*)
Sun Jan 4 Portland
Mon Jan 5 Portland
Tue Jan 6 Portland to Seattle (4hrs Amtrak)
Wed Jan 7 Seattle
Thu Jan 8 Seattle
Fri Jan 9 Seattle to Victoria (Seaplane 30mins)
Sat Jan 10 Victoria to Vancouver (Seaplane 30mins)
Sun Jan 11 Vancouver (NHL)
Mon Jan 12 Vancouver to Whistler / Blackcombe (transfer 2hrs)
Tue Jan 13 Whistler / Blackcomb
Wed Jan 14 Whistler / Blackcomb
Thu Jan 15 Whistler / Blackcomb
Fri Jan 16 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sat Jan 17 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sun Jan 18 Whistler / Blackcomb
Mon Jan 19 Whistler / Blackcomb
Tue Jan 20 Whistler / Blackcomb
Wed Jan 21 Whistler / Blackcomb
Thu Jan 22 Whistler / Blackcomb
Fri Jan 23 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sat Jan 24 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sun Jan 25 Whistler / Blackcomb
Mon Jan 26 Whistler to Vancouver (transfer 2hrs)
Tue Jan 27 Vancouver (NHL)
Wed Jan 28 Vancouver
Thu Jan 29 Vancouver
Fri Jan 30 Vancouver to Honolulu, Hawaii (Flight 7hrs)
Sat Jan 31 Honolulu to Kahului, Maui (flight 35mins)
Sun Feb 01 Wailuku
Mon Feb 02 Wailuku
Tue Feb 03 Wailuku to Lahaina
Wed Feb 04 Lahaina
Thu Feb 05 Lahaina
Fri Feb 06 Lahaina to Kahului to Lihu'e, Kauai (bus then flight 45mins)
Sat Feb 07 Kapa'a
Sun Feb 08 Kapa'a
Mon Feb 09 Kapa'a to Lihu'e to Hilo, Big Island (bus then flight 50mins)
Tue Feb 10 Hilo
Wed Feb 11 Hilo
Thu Feb 12 Hilo, Big Island to Honolulu, Oahu (flight 40mins)
Fri Feb 13 Honolulu
Sat Feb 14 Honolulu to Fiji
Sun Sep 14 London to New York (7hrs Flight)
Mon Sep 15 New York
Tue Sep 16 New York
Wed Sep 17 New York
Thu Sep 18 New York to Boston (5hrs Greyhound)
Fri Sep 19 Boston
Sat Sep 20 Boston / Salem
Sun Sep 21 Boston / Cape Cod (Overnight 8hrs Greyhound to Montreal)
Mon Sep 22 Montreal
Tue Sep 23 Montreal
Wed Sep 24 Montreal to Toronto (8hrs Greyhound)
Thu Sep 25 Toronto
Fri Sep 26 Toronto to Niagara (2hrs Greyhound)
Sat Sep 27 Niagara On The Lake / Niagara Falls
Sun Sep 28 Niagara to Cleveland (7hrs Greyhound via Buffalo, NY)
Mon Sep 29 Cleveland to Detroit (4hrs Greyhound)
Tue Sep 30 Detroit
Wed Oct 1 Detroit to Chicago (5hrs Amtrak via Ann Arbour & Battle Creek)
Thu Oct 2 Chicago
Fri Oct 3 Chicago
Sat Oct 4 Chicago
Sun Oct 5 Chicago to Memphis (Overnight 10hrs Greyhound)
Mon Oct 6 Memphis / Graceland
Tue Oct 7 Memphis
Wed Oct 8 Memphis to Winchester VA (Overnight 20hrs Greyhound via Nashville & Knoxville TN)
Thu Oct 9 Winchester
Fri Oct 10 Washington DC
Sat Oct 11 Winchester VA
Sun Oct 12 Charlottesville Virginia (Monticello)
Mon Oct 13 Washington DC
Tue Oct 14 Washington DC
Wed Oct 15 Winchester (Stuart off)
Thu Oct 16 Winchester VA
Fri Oct 17 Winchester VA
Sat Oct 18 Winchester VA
Sun Oct 19 Winchester to Savannah GA (overnight 18hrs Greyhound)
Mon Oct 20 Savannah
Tue Oct 21 Savannah
Wed Oct 22 Savannah to Charleston (3hrs Greyhound)
Thu Oct 23 Charleston
Fri Oct 24 Charleston to Kissimmee FL (overnight 15hrs Greyhound)
Sat Oct 25 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Sun Oct 26 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Mon Oct 27 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Tue Oct 28 Kissimmee / Orlando FL
Wed Oct 29 Kissimmee to Miami (6hrs Greyhound)
Thu Oct 30 Miami Beach
Fri Oct 31 Miami to Key West (5hrs Greyhound)
Sat Nov 1 Key West
Sun Nov 2 Key West to Homestead/Everglades (5hrs Greyhound)
Mon Nov 3 Homestead/Everglades
Tue Nov 4 Homestead/Everglades
Wed Nov 5 Homestead/Everglades to Miami (Ghound 2hrs) to New Orleans (Flight 2hrs)
Thu Nov 6 New Orleans
Fri Nov 7 New Orleans
Sat Nov 8 New Orleans to San Antonio (overnight 12hrs Greyhound)
Sun Nov 9 San Antonio
Mon Nov 10 San Antonio
Tue Nov 11 San Antonio
Wed Nov 12 San Antonio
Thu Nov 13 San Antonio to San Angelo (Greyhound 5hrs)
Fri Nov 14 San Angelo (weekend with Andy & Jayne)
Sat Nov 15 San Angelo
Sun Nov 16 San Angelo to Austin (Greyhound 7hrs)
Mon Nov 17 Austin (BDB playing Austin TX) then Austin to Dallas (overnight tour bus)
Tue Nov 18 Dallas (Greyhound 3hrs) (BDB playing Dallas TX)
Wed Nov 19 Dallas
Thu Nov 20 Dallas
Fri Nov 21 Dallas to Tuscon AZ (Flight 2hrs) (Dude Ranch)
Sat Nov 22 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Sun Nov 23 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Mon Nov 24 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Tue Nov 25 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Wed Nov 26 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Thu Nov 27 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Fri Nov 28 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Sat Nov 29 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Sun Nov 30 Tuscon (Dude Ranch)
Mon Dec 1 Tuscon to Phoenix (Greyhound 2hrs)
Tue Dec 2 Phoenix
Wed Dec 3 Phoenix
Thu Dec 4 Phoenix to San Diego (Flight 2hrs)
Fri Dec 5 San Diego
Sat Dec 6 San Diego
Sun Dec 7 San Diego
Mon Dec 8 San Diego to Las Vegas (Flight 2hrs)
Tue Dec 9 Las Vegas
Wed Dec 10 Las Vegas
Thu Dec 11 Las Vegas
Fri Dec 12 Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Sat Dec 13 Los Angeles
Sun Dec 14 Los Angeles
Mon Dec 15 Los Angeles
Tue Dec 16 Los Angeles
Wed Dec 17 Los Angeles (out by route 1)
Thu Dec 18 Pacific Coast Highway/Big Sur (by car)
Fri Dec 19 Pacific Coast Highway/Woodside (by car)
Sat Dec 20 Woodside to San Francisco (by car)
Sun Dec 21 San Francisco
Mon Dec 22 San Francisco
Tue Dec 23 San Francisco
Wed Dec 24 San Francisco
Thu Dec 25 San Francisco
Fri Dec 26 San Francisco
Sat Dec 27 San Francisco
Sun Dec 28 San Francisco
Mon Dec 29 San Francisco
Tue Dec 30 San Francisco
Wed Dec 31 San Francisco
Thu Jan 1 San Francisco
Fri Jan 2 San Francisco
Sat Jan 3 San Francisco to Portland (Overnight Amtrak18hrs*)
Sun Jan 4 Portland
Mon Jan 5 Portland
Tue Jan 6 Portland to Seattle (4hrs Amtrak)
Wed Jan 7 Seattle
Thu Jan 8 Seattle
Fri Jan 9 Seattle to Victoria (Seaplane 30mins)
Sat Jan 10 Victoria to Vancouver (Seaplane 30mins)
Sun Jan 11 Vancouver (NHL)
Mon Jan 12 Vancouver to Whistler / Blackcombe (transfer 2hrs)
Tue Jan 13 Whistler / Blackcomb
Wed Jan 14 Whistler / Blackcomb
Thu Jan 15 Whistler / Blackcomb
Fri Jan 16 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sat Jan 17 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sun Jan 18 Whistler / Blackcomb
Mon Jan 19 Whistler / Blackcomb
Tue Jan 20 Whistler / Blackcomb
Wed Jan 21 Whistler / Blackcomb
Thu Jan 22 Whistler / Blackcomb
Fri Jan 23 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sat Jan 24 Whistler / Blackcomb
Sun Jan 25 Whistler / Blackcomb
Mon Jan 26 Whistler to Vancouver (transfer 2hrs)
Tue Jan 27 Vancouver (NHL)
Wed Jan 28 Vancouver
Thu Jan 29 Vancouver
Fri Jan 30 Vancouver to Honolulu, Hawaii (Flight 7hrs)
Sat Jan 31 Honolulu to Kahului, Maui (flight 35mins)
Sun Feb 01 Wailuku
Mon Feb 02 Wailuku
Tue Feb 03 Wailuku to Lahaina
Wed Feb 04 Lahaina
Thu Feb 05 Lahaina
Fri Feb 06 Lahaina to Kahului to Lihu'e, Kauai (bus then flight 45mins)
Sat Feb 07 Kapa'a
Sun Feb 08 Kapa'a
Mon Feb 09 Kapa'a to Lihu'e to Hilo, Big Island (bus then flight 50mins)
Tue Feb 10 Hilo
Wed Feb 11 Hilo
Thu Feb 12 Hilo, Big Island to Honolulu, Oahu (flight 40mins)
Fri Feb 13 Honolulu
Sat Feb 14 Honolulu to Fiji
Friday, February 13, 2004
OAHU, HAWAII (click here for photos)
4th time flying into Honolulu airport due to all my island hops going via here. Messed up this time, had planned to stay at Hostel International where Stuart was already staying but didn't prebook and when I turned up it was sold out completely. Tried a couple of cheap hotels near Wakiki beach but 'no room at the inn'. Got bored of wandering around with my backpack so checked myself into the Marriott !
Am a little depressed about my constant inability to stick to my 'budget' but at the same time am very happy with the my luxurious room with amazing view of Diamond Head Crater. Suspect I am worst 'backpacker' on planet - still at least I'm very comfortable.
This morning got up early to meet Stu and backpacker friend Liz at the beach in time for surfing lesson but there weren't many waves so instead we went straight to Pearl Harbour. You have to hang around a while, then you watch a short documentary about the attack, then you get the launch over to the USS Arizona. I thought it was very interesting but was a little freaked out by the thought of all the dead sailors entombed on ship beneath us. I would say it was very respectfully done though.
Hiked up Diamond Head Crater which had some lovely views but the battery on my camera had run down so no snaps this time.
Hung out again with Hannah (nice Aussie Girl) quite a bit, mostly on the seafront and by the pool. Just took it easy really and so didn't do much sightseeing.
In summary : Oahu 7 out of 10 (only really visited Wakiki though)
USS Arizona Memorial
4th time flying into Honolulu airport due to all my island hops going via here. Messed up this time, had planned to stay at Hostel International where Stuart was already staying but didn't prebook and when I turned up it was sold out completely. Tried a couple of cheap hotels near Wakiki beach but 'no room at the inn'. Got bored of wandering around with my backpack so checked myself into the Marriott !
Am a little depressed about my constant inability to stick to my 'budget' but at the same time am very happy with the my luxurious room with amazing view of Diamond Head Crater. Suspect I am worst 'backpacker' on planet - still at least I'm very comfortable.
This morning got up early to meet Stu and backpacker friend Liz at the beach in time for surfing lesson but there weren't many waves so instead we went straight to Pearl Harbour. You have to hang around a while, then you watch a short documentary about the attack, then you get the launch over to the USS Arizona. I thought it was very interesting but was a little freaked out by the thought of all the dead sailors entombed on ship beneath us. I would say it was very respectfully done though.
Hiked up Diamond Head Crater which had some lovely views but the battery on my camera had run down so no snaps this time.
Hung out again with Hannah (nice Aussie Girl) quite a bit, mostly on the seafront and by the pool. Just took it easy really and so didn't do much sightseeing.
In summary : Oahu 7 out of 10 (only really visited Wakiki though)
HAWAI'I (BIG ISLAND), HAWAII (click here for photos)
A very speedy visit. Flew in, crashed at Arnotts Hostel, did day trip to Volcano National Park, crashed another night, then flew out next day back to Honolulu, Oahu.
Hostel very nice once you get your head round not having a key to the door, in fact not having door at a
A very speedy visit. Flew in, crashed at Arnotts Hostel, did day trip to Volcano National Park, crashed another night, then flew out next day back to Honolulu, Oahu.
Hostel very nice once you get your head round not having a key to the door, in fact not having door at a