Boog's Blog

First to kura tawhiti and some climbing in limestone spiritual forms.

http://climbnz.org.nz/nz/si/canterbury/inland-canterbury/castle-hill-basin/castle-hill-kura-tawhiti

Naturally climbed another useless hill.

Dew pronounced Jew, several other sound substitutions. Chusday,chew instead of tube.

Jafa,just another freaking Aucklander. Also a candy sweet similar to an m&m. Unique to nz.

Good expression. A box of birds.

Then to Arthur's Pass

http://www.arthurspass.com/index.php?page=181

Eco Lodge. No TV no distraction and maybe an outside connection. If you receive this Tuesday Or Wednesday then the tine line…

Morning flight to the south island. No charge for bags, did not check for identity or boarding passes at security.

Significant damage still evident in Christchurch. Containers have become stores for retail. Significant rebuilding with a shortage of hotel rooms and restaurant seats, booking required for dinner.parking lots where buildings should be. Construction sounds everywhere.

Lunch manuka wood smoked salmon lightly smoked. Excellent.

New Zealand possum. We do not have these. A pest here used for its fur, hollow fibers good for warmth. Mixed with merino wool.

Interviewed for the Press, local newspaper, Saturday edition. Maybe with pictures.

Fruit has been a disappointment. We are so lucky to have the quality and variety of where we live.

First some more admin, there is always admin. If you are reading this on the blog,until the pictures show up again on the blog either click on the Google plus link or the flickr pictures.

Waiheke island. Wine, beaches and trails. Mostly outdoor activities. No mention of tea rooms in the brochures.

Coastal walk included feet in the bay,onoroa bay. Being hot and humid ordered ice coffee in the village. Got a drink with milk honey whipped cream and coffee. Shop had no ice but one again extremely nice people.

Next stop Davenport, another cute peninsula bay. Some low scale Victorians.

The lamb came to the table, it was that fresh. Had to try it with thoughts of Douglas Adams in my mind. Fine restaurant that he too visited.

Pictures from previous airport arrival photos, two of them, do not appear on blog post. No idea why. Just when starting to see how improved net access has become. Effortlessly used sim card to get online. Hotspot to ipad check.

NZ service is reputed to be courteous but slow. Yes. 20-30 minutes to get pancakes. Do you know where the excellent smoked salmon comes from? I will check.

Similarly the peaches. From the store, without irony.

Tea have oil of bergamot? I will check. It is tea leaves.

Nice supermarket for goodies. Some new fruits to try.

Two pictures as test.