tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44466455659963778762024-03-16T11:53:09.113-07:00Travel Wonders of the WorldSTORIES, PHOTOS, TOP TENS AND REVIEWS OF THE TRAVEL WONDERS OF THE WORLD | NATURAL WONDERS AND WILDLIFE | CULTURE | HISTORY | PHOTOGRAPHY | WONDERS OF THE WORLD | UNESCO WORLD HERITAGEMark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.comBlogger552125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-85255461399159697112012-05-03T18:28:00.008-07:002012-05-03T18:47:41.402-07:00Greenstone, Whitebait and Gorge (Hokitika, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bZzcWV8gyypeMmSFfAj4AdsWmAMH6eZQMa2-5aukQuziUNx_QyIQldXUD87NOBKfYbIi71sAirvXOivlUJItDbsAR9gb7Rj2wvr3OlRcDDymppvdvpcWJb621beD4TUPa1-iyoCyGds/s1600/Hokitika+Beach+Driftwood+Art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bZzcWV8gyypeMmSFfAj4AdsWmAMH6eZQMa2-5aukQuziUNx_QyIQldXUD87NOBKfYbIi71sAirvXOivlUJItDbsAR9gb7Rj2wvr3OlRcDDymppvdvpcWJb621beD4TUPa1-iyoCyGds/s400/Hokitika+Beach+Driftwood+Art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738484533357154690" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLKfCST81_ewekY-niV5hDa5dA_PCUu4YR5nO-RhrY-0WtRzy4Jc9RboGELegg29XLJCDjrRNheI5yg_oOE-mgWvwsW-ExSFtfxiqjp1OV4WEYoE-qAEw7hs2JfLfjQ9moHg2VAM7ikA/s1600/Hokitika+Main+Street+Clock+Tower.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLKfCST81_ewekY-niV5hDa5dA_PCUu4YR5nO-RhrY-0WtRzy4Jc9RboGELegg29XLJCDjrRNheI5yg_oOE-mgWvwsW-ExSFtfxiqjp1OV4WEYoE-qAEw7hs2JfLfjQ9moHg2VAM7ikA/s320/Hokitika+Main+Street+Clock+Tower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738484781637634354" /></a>Driving only a couple of blocks through along <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hokitika</span>’s main street leaves no-one in any doubt as to the main attraction of the area – <span style="font-weight:bold;">greenstone</span>. The local <span style="font-weight:bold;">Maori</span> population has always treasured the valued greenstone (or <span style="font-weight:bold;">jade</span>) found in nearby rivers and along the beach. The Hokitika Museum has many beautiful pieces of greenstone, from boulders straight from the river to wonderfully worked pieces.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNnV3Cq72h0lIVjUfUZP9S3k8ZJLz-W7_lCIzn6uDFw5QTUuuigaag6EiGITdUbBSQejr5dcLCYlVcmeu5Dy3YNq_OEU7QVluql3x1ka4piw6JOB8P17L6a_YQzhkuIlHFrNRPb7GJPk/s1600/Hokitika+Jade+Greenstone+Carving+Polishing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNnV3Cq72h0lIVjUfUZP9S3k8ZJLz-W7_lCIzn6uDFw5QTUuuigaag6EiGITdUbBSQejr5dcLCYlVcmeu5Dy3YNq_OEU7QVluql3x1ka4piw6JOB8P17L6a_YQzhkuIlHFrNRPb7GJPk/s320/Hokitika+Jade+Greenstone+Carving+Polishing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738484792192140642" /></a>Numerous shops and studios are town engage in carving, polishing and selling greenstone. Their showrooms are full of wonderful pieces of greenstone whether it be large unworked boulders or ornately detailed <span style="font-weight:bold;">jewellery</span>, figurines and artworks, some with a classic Maori flavour. Next to the showroom, visitors can witness the painstaking work carefully shaping the hardened rock into delicate works of art. <br /><br />And shops not working greenstone are typically involved in another art or craft, whether it is glass blowing, painting or jewellery. Stunning <span style="font-weight:bold;">ruby rock</span>, a precious gemstone is unique to Hokitika and is a glistening combination of ruby, sapphire and tourmaline crystals.<br /><br />The town has few reminders of its gold-mining past though the historic buildings have a striking grandeur about them, especially the perky <span style="font-weight:bold;">clock tower</span> which combines as a memorial to the Boer War and for King Edward VII’s coronation.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOSUkAoIYzFdfhwqpthpF0q4Jf5D6M9J2YwJF_QSEfy3MxU9as1VUlIY5RWBdf9qLeZk69NdbpoiGuESCkdB8HqIYPcs2vtVIWsH6crzESq20qLEzV6PAecrs0PKbCu1X4Jzmf3XQR6c/s1600/Hokitika+Kahikatea+Forest.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOSUkAoIYzFdfhwqpthpF0q4Jf5D6M9J2YwJF_QSEfy3MxU9as1VUlIY5RWBdf9qLeZk69NdbpoiGuESCkdB8HqIYPcs2vtVIWsH6crzESq20qLEzV6PAecrs0PKbCu1X4Jzmf3XQR6c/s320/Hokitika+Kahikatea+Forest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738484800039424130" /></a>However the highlight of Hotitika is a superb half day loop drive around <span style="font-weight:bold;">Lake Kaniere</span> to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hokitika Gorge</span> (get a map from the extremely helpful i-Site, Kiwi for information centre). A short meandering walk on the lake tracks through ancient virgin <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kahikatea forest</span>. These gun- barrel straight trees rear up to 60 metres from the forest floor. Though the oldest in this forest is 500 years, their species have been around since the dinosaurs. Loving the wet fertile swampy grounds characteristics of the rainy West Coast, the trunks of these trees support a staggering amount of lichens, mosses and plant life. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M2ustaEy2RRdy9D8Tq1bgTWgMZkqac2MBtWAPMlrHXsIMP1xgZ5wayQJX0ZbtWFmGkeufeqDouZjqhYWWld_FjlfAdjhXs97MAj6uWgwtqtkKgg6YAQjjylWLveyevAN0XkXXOPzJOY/s1600/Hokitika+Dorothy+Falls.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M2ustaEy2RRdy9D8Tq1bgTWgMZkqac2MBtWAPMlrHXsIMP1xgZ5wayQJX0ZbtWFmGkeufeqDouZjqhYWWld_FjlfAdjhXs97MAj6uWgwtqtkKgg6YAQjjylWLveyevAN0XkXXOPzJOY/s320/Hokitika+Dorothy+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738484785666889938" /></a>A little further on, elegant <span style="font-weight:bold;">Dorothy Falls</span> plunges 60 metres out of the forest on the roadside running into peaceful Lake Kaniere. Driving further around the lake through verdant dairy farmyards, the road diverts off to the glacier-inspired milky turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge. <br /><br />A return walk of around half an hour through pleasant forest over an obligatory <span style="font-weight:bold;">swing bridge</span> (keep walking the extra five minutes past the bridge for excellent views down the gorge) offers superb vantage points of the gorge before being able to perch on the boulders on the gorge edge dangling your feet (briefly) in the icy waters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjmnJE6F7KrFVYzVRRFKHfCqv4uhNzaxgNjfT3LsNq7L9Lq8Yo81PfBfRAbJ1JrKh2u5VYwwe2Ye5e3BvIPzdhh35EFytiGsbYDd9J07DNpgZH1R1HIdcMK2lV4gF-7-Bw0NVjyV3VG8/s1600/Hokitika+Gorge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjmnJE6F7KrFVYzVRRFKHfCqv4uhNzaxgNjfT3LsNq7L9Lq8Yo81PfBfRAbJ1JrKh2u5VYwwe2Ye5e3BvIPzdhh35EFytiGsbYDd9J07DNpgZH1R1HIdcMK2lV4gF-7-Bw0NVjyV3VG8/s320/Hokitika+Gorge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5738485193341593330" /></a>The final goal of the day is to obtain some treasured <span style="font-weight:bold;">whitebait</span>. These tiny translucent fish (inch or two long) swarm in rivers in spring and are captured using handheld nets. The delicacy is sold by volume (rather than weight) and is mixed with egg, milk and flour and fried to form scrumptious <span style="font-weight:bold;">whitebait fritters</span>. The bad news is that they are <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">seasonal</span></span> and we are six months from the correct time and so whitebait fritters are not on the menu. The good news is we opted for pizza. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fat Pippi Pizza</span> is a local institution designed in driftwood and wooden slabs with a lively buzz, offering superb pizzas (with a flair) and run by a larger-than-life west coast character. They even offer whitebait pizza in season!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Hokitika</span> makes for a wonderful day along New Zealand’s West Coast with superb surrounding scenery and a town heavy on arts and crafts.<br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l37004c0b4s2" alt="Hokitika Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/hokitika/l37004" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hokitika Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-63825290232766029032012-05-01T17:32:00.005-07:002012-05-01T18:09:36.660-07:00Games Around the World: Two Up (Australia)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9yaPLppkoySlQ28lh4E3vJGWrOu0LPui0Z75_hm-HRargyPq4xNkhW-KvD02lsjQxxQiNZjAKRZf71_ghZ9Ywi7t590lVjDFkOtEy3aVQMLWW5Sn48RJQ0dxwUzUcxNym5XeSdyTHVM/s1600/Two+Up+Pennies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9yaPLppkoySlQ28lh4E3vJGWrOu0LPui0Z75_hm-HRargyPq4xNkhW-KvD02lsjQxxQiNZjAKRZf71_ghZ9Ywi7t590lVjDFkOtEy3aVQMLWW5Sn48RJQ0dxwUzUcxNym5XeSdyTHVM/s400/Two+Up+Pennies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5737733556589384802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUovU8XSbiKN2c0J52bwSyMpNp7fuUlWeamZXirPd3A3Cw8CMsgZLwMVAjUJiqz43UWxClEc0Dpib6xPoACb5QySOXiAV9fiPA4fJhsancFUQiEqhuK-125wxgp8q_K4bGrHt_svv_kE/s1600/Two+Up+Western+NSW+Pub.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUovU8XSbiKN2c0J52bwSyMpNp7fuUlWeamZXirPd3A3Cw8CMsgZLwMVAjUJiqz43UWxClEc0Dpib6xPoACb5QySOXiAV9fiPA4fJhsancFUQiEqhuK-125wxgp8q_K4bGrHt_svv_kE/s320/Two+Up+Western+NSW+Pub.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5737733647611474290" /></a>As the Australian memorial day of <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/04/lest-we-forget.html">Anzac Day</a> recently passed (April 25), it seems an ideal time to introduce the popular Australian gambling game of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Two Up</span>. The game only requires <span style="font-weight:bold;">two pennies</span> and a flat throwing stick called a <span style="font-style:italic;">kip</span> and can be played nearly anywhere.<br /><br />The thrower or <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">spinner</span></span> simply tosses the two pennies from the kip into the air with people betting between each other (or against the house) on whether the result are two <span style="font-weight:bold;">heads</span> or two <span style="font-weight:bold;">tails</span>. A head and a tail (<span style="font-style:italic;">odds</span>) results in a re-throw. The spinner continues throwing until throwing tails when a new spinner is introduced with the shout of <span style="font-style:italic;">Come In Spinner</span>.<br /><br />In pubs and clubs around Australia, the raucous yells and spirited screams for the spinner to throw the chosen combination (fueled by a steady flow of alcohol) have become synonymous with Anzac Day.<br /><br />With its origins in early <span style="font-weight:bold;">convict days</span>, the game popularised during the gold rushes of the 1850s and in the World War I trenches in Europe. Maybe as a salute to history, Two Up continues to be played with pennies though Australia moved to <span style="font-weight:bold;">decimal currency in 1966</span>. Interestingly, Two Up was <span style="font-weight:bold;">illegal</span> for many years and remains illegal on any day (outside of casinos) except Anzac Day with the introduction of laws over the past fifteen years to permit this traditional game in memory of our service men and women.<br /><br />On Anzac Day after the solemnity and quiet reflection of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">dawn service</span style="font-weight:bold;"><span>, military marches and haunting lone bugler playing <span style="font-style:italic;">The Last Post</span>, people file to the pubs for lunch and a game of Two Up. It is a wonderful </span>Australian tradition and I strongly encourage visitors in Australia in late April to participate, win or lose a few dollars and ensure they have their turn as spinner. <br />--------<br />At the start of each month this year, Travel Wonders features a popular or characteristic game played during my travels. Previous articles feature the popular African game <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/03/mancala.html">mancala</a>, my own personal favourite that always travels with me, <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/02/pass-pigs.html">Pass the Pigs</a> and the Latin American game of <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/04/games-around-world-dominoes.html">dominoes</a>.<br /><br />Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilcrabbygal/2440020739/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">spinner</a>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-85845945109436413932012-04-29T16:03:00.007-07:002012-04-29T16:14:17.241-07:00Sights of Sydney Infographic<a href="http://imgur.com/vxfIV"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/vxfIV.jpg" alt="" title="Sydney Infographic" width="500px" height="4125px" /></a><br />Here is a fun and exclusive infographic on a few of the major sights to see when visiting Sydney along with some useful tips and eye-catching statistics about the sights. The infographic is courtesy of <a href="http://www.capeportfolios.com/" target="_blank">http://www.capeportfolios.com/</a>.Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-18543624201856010052012-04-27T14:54:00.000-07:002012-04-27T14:55:47.431-07:00Discover Norfolk - A Hidden Gem (England)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp7LJBOqAyKCy15gWB96jGLCXJpaEYdHY86kj8Ge57fMNq5SiKYZ5TxJKh4V3iUaAnXQyyL2W7g0Bt5jbWqLlVDEvWepXGqTNMJCgPEQTioTv4IJ3xi_xSYwYs128PMb2d1WfFzt9QUQ/s1600/Norfolk+Norwich+Cathedral.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735960252114589362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp7LJBOqAyKCy15gWB96jGLCXJpaEYdHY86kj8Ge57fMNq5SiKYZ5TxJKh4V3iUaAnXQyyL2W7g0Bt5jbWqLlVDEvWepXGqTNMJCgPEQTioTv4IJ3xi_xSYwYs128PMb2d1WfFzt9QUQ/s400/Norfolk+Norwich+Cathedral.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">guest post by Vicky Anscombe</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmYWuu__0rpQMS-wdinyFSit-msTY-10dmtNWF4uDI3Tt4ytz0gtFKRF_61Dr_F9Z6Z_mW0tI_OyLEgi2ogl0YmbWvzGkCWsuj_mK8OwKNV2_f_I8Wsku_1Th76cVfFj-Q_xRk5E6puA/s1600/Norfolk+Thetford+Forest.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735961620679152498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmYWuu__0rpQMS-wdinyFSit-msTY-10dmtNWF4uDI3Tt4ytz0gtFKRF_61Dr_F9Z6Z_mW0tI_OyLEgi2ogl0YmbWvzGkCWsuj_mK8OwKNV2_f_I8Wsku_1Th76cVfFj-Q_xRk5E6puA/s320/Norfolk+Thetford+Forest.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Don’t be fooled by urbanites that write disparaging, snooty articles on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nelson’s County</span> - if you’re looking to explore a part of the UK that’s worth its weight in gold, Norfolk’s your best bet. Tucked neatly away in the east corner of England, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Norfolk</span> is a destination that has remained unspoiled because it’s not a place you travel through - it’s a place you travel to. From sophisticated and fun-filled capital city <span style="font-weight: bold;">Norwich</span>, to the beauty of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cromer</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thetford Forest</span>, there’s something for everyone - you just have to know where to look. The only thing you’ll need in order to get to grips with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Norfolk</span> properly is your own transport, so if you don’t own a vehicle, make sure you <a href="http://www.economycarhire.com/car-hire-uk/">hire a car</a> as Norfolk’s trains and buses aren’t known for their frequency.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq33Ah4EeFNEma-oMlNV5WgJbdOfGQP5vPh_aZ3SvW6th5LKw_Bf4ZHjzzICGHXpe0ZaoBAaG33MxeqsJcEWtuiR9WIgWcyZ8GQlDxHif2_P-jrXXz6mS_R5iD8Yicq3zqe-V8Mpa8f0/s1600/Norfolk+Norwich+Castle.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735957717623676338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq33Ah4EeFNEma-oMlNV5WgJbdOfGQP5vPh_aZ3SvW6th5LKw_Bf4ZHjzzICGHXpe0ZaoBAaG33MxeqsJcEWtuiR9WIgWcyZ8GQlDxHif2_P-jrXXz6mS_R5iD8Yicq3zqe-V8Mpa8f0/s320/Norfolk+Norwich+Castle.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 213px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>If you decide to explore <span style="font-weight: bold;">Norwich</span>, don’t worry about time - it’s a small city that can easily be explored in a couple of days. Sights worth seeing include <span style="font-weight: bold;">Norwich Castle</span>, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (this is located near to the University of East Anglia) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Magdalen Street</span>, which is packed full of chintzy cafes, charity shops and flea markets, and is a must for anyone who enjoys spending an afternoon looking for oddities and curiosities. If you’re thinking about evening entertainment, you can’t go wrong with a film in Cinema City, then a few drinks in Frank’s Bar - the staff there are incredibly kind.<br />
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If you’re after a bite whilst you’re in the city, there are plenty of <span style="font-weight: bold;">cafes</span> that will ensure you’re probably fed and watered without having to resort to a chain establishment. The Window Coffee in Wensum Street, Mustard Coffee Bar on Bridewell Alley and Olive’s (just off Elm Hill) are independent venues that’ll impress without breaking the bank. If you fancy going (and potentially staying) somewhere a bit more upmarket, Caistor Hall, which is located in the pretty nearby town of Caistor St Edmund, serves excellent food and has some wonderful rooms if you’re after a second honeymoon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq9NfTqb79uYmYlq-ZAXw-htLB7ZhpoYCSEU5kOitTVpGfSIsvbcww_4kh0zdpuRxbmUcniyQq_YwIk5dHW2QWLlfJEvQHZdiHE0xIOkE11Lb6foVgFYIyNwXsii8VLd7h-52tX6BlG0/s1600/Norfolk+Cromer+Beach+Huts.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735957723380971330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq9NfTqb79uYmYlq-ZAXw-htLB7ZhpoYCSEU5kOitTVpGfSIsvbcww_4kh0zdpuRxbmUcniyQq_YwIk5dHW2QWLlfJEvQHZdiHE0xIOkE11Lb6foVgFYIyNwXsii8VLd7h-52tX6BlG0/s320/Norfolk+Cromer+Beach+Huts.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>However, there’s more to Norfolk than just the bright lights of Norwich. The seaside towns dotted along the Norfolk coast range from the never-sleeping <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Yarmouth</span> through to the picturesque towns <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cromer</span> (photo) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Holme</span>. If you’re after somewhere with plenty of life, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sheringham</span> is always worth a visit, as there are plenty of cafes and shops to peruse as you debate when to have your next ice cream. If you’re thinking about staying in Sheringham, try The Grove Guest house. It’s a beautifully secluded Georgian holiday home set within 3 acres of well-maintained gardens, with a heated indoor swimming pool if you’re after a place to practice your backstroke.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2bih3KrgIoM2aKX9AOSGlq-O8zG6nCUMA1bJ914kA54YKEH8bxmZw9HHpoIiwSffNDKWL4Sn445qk7LY_oDmbzJrTa9Yv4mLNAn0SK-TxykxoFpZHsRvxUbYpcfroXAVGS04NmfS5_k/s1600/Norfolk+Great+Pingo+Trail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735959281772658002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2bih3KrgIoM2aKX9AOSGlq-O8zG6nCUMA1bJ914kA54YKEH8bxmZw9HHpoIiwSffNDKWL4Sn445qk7LY_oDmbzJrTa9Yv4mLNAn0SK-TxykxoFpZHsRvxUbYpcfroXAVGS04NmfS5_k/s320/Norfolk+Great+Pingo+Trail.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Finally, make sure that you don’t miss the opportunity to get some fresh air into your lungs and take advantage of all the wonderful walks that Norfolk has to offer. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great Eastern Pingo Trail</span>, which starts just outside of the village of Thomson, clocks in at just under 6 miles. It’s a great way to work off a roast dinner (talking of which, nearby pub <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Chequers Inn</span> sells fantastic homemade fare) and you’ll probably see plenty of wildlife. This trail is great for nature enthusiasts as there are plenty of places to sit quietly and wait to see animals make an appearance, and there are many shelters dotted around the circuit for avid birdwatchers.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Economy Car Hire is the UK's leading independent <a href="http://www.economycarhire.com/">car hire</a> broker. Their rental prices offer Full Collision Damage and Theft Protection, a FREE additional driver, and unlimited mileage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Vicky Anscombe is a freelance writer, based in Norfolk.</span><br />
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Photo Credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdpettitt/4254322405/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cathedral</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanandsandy/3893576464/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">forest</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aburt/34347124/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">castle</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/13237497@N07/4360568184/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cromer beach huts</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickpix2008/4520986712/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pingo trail</a>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-29267895346269819842012-04-25T15:17:00.004-07:002012-04-25T15:39:28.740-07:00Lest We Forget!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7p3A5u1sxI9WT_pIJTQXLCRFcT0xMMLFpx3KpjDIqD4vCcjaaTb908PHv9z4MBEb3rx37ZN9n5JwF2lWsniGvOc6_WTvU3qILDNDBYsj_i6_B1pJyS0moyDeuQHnxAzp1Km-aq4zq78/s1600/Australian+War+Memorial+Menin+Gate+at+Midnight1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7p3A5u1sxI9WT_pIJTQXLCRFcT0xMMLFpx3KpjDIqD4vCcjaaTb908PHv9z4MBEb3rx37ZN9n5JwF2lWsniGvOc6_WTvU3qILDNDBYsj_i6_B1pJyS0moyDeuQHnxAzp1Km-aq4zq78/s320/Australian+War+Memorial+Menin+Gate+at+Midnight1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5735466909009082562" /></a>Today is <span style="font-weight:bold;">Anzac Day</span>, the national remembrance day of Australia and New Zealand when people pay their respects and honour the bravery, courage, resilience and sacrifice of the service men and women of our country. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Dawn services</span> are conducted all throughout the country, at Anzac Cove in Turkey, throughout battefields in South East Asia and throughout Western Front villages in France and Belgium. <br /><br />This wonderful and moving painting (click on it for a larger image) appears in the outstanding <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2010/04/australian-war-memorial-canberra-part.html">Australian War Memorial</a> in Canberra. It is my favourite single piece in the entire collection.<br /><br />The haunting <span style="font-style:italic;">Menin Gate at Midnight</span> appears by itself in a darkened room with background music of Schubert’s <span style="font-style:italic;">Unfinished Symphony</span>. Reportedly painted in one sitting by a deeply mournful <span style="font-weight:bold;">Will Longfellow</span>, the painting captures the famed gates in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ypres, Belgium</span> that tens of thousands of soldiers passed heading to the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Western Front</span>. Today, the walls of the gate list 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave, a small portion of the quarter of a million lives lost in this area of battle during <span style="font-weight:bold;">World War One</span>. The painting eerily and movingly portrays Longfellow's vision of thousands of spirits of the dead rising and marching towards the battlefields.<br /><br />At all Anzac Day services, the <span style="font-style:italic;">Ode of Remembrance</span> is always read.<br /><br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:<br /> Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.<br /> At the going down of the sun and in the morning,<br /> We will remember them.<br /><br />Lest We Forget!</span>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-6147227319928031482012-04-23T23:19:00.008-07:002012-04-23T23:44:13.775-07:00Pancake Rocks: A Layered Wonderland (Punakaiki, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMSGT35t6VvxY_tkwAeMqbxdfXbTumQFjjw6dhRlHg4fDhYfOkryKKILTAKMEBVXBq_HG_M39ztCoWlMXtEG2B9XsD1w3c4rSobMVpxTyVEuFIxvUUVAjhMfRv9OjGjOUbfah4K6urhM/s1600/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMSGT35t6VvxY_tkwAeMqbxdfXbTumQFjjw6dhRlHg4fDhYfOkryKKILTAKMEBVXBq_HG_M39ztCoWlMXtEG2B9XsD1w3c4rSobMVpxTyVEuFIxvUUVAjhMfRv9OjGjOUbfah4K6urhM/s400/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734850617146815250" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakuFo65ZFowxmyqvyzc9RFTyc9J6bx-70fJcIwEJ4cCa8y1t6sT5WndzNaAp_lJ5Be-oHZkS7jiLA6MgoltA8cD97-QzMLbyYyXsRt3qwsiSqRUs03k5kS_7E5yKd-CJZkKA8lGYouAQ/s1600/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+and+Ocean.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakuFo65ZFowxmyqvyzc9RFTyc9J6bx-70fJcIwEJ4cCa8y1t6sT5WndzNaAp_lJ5Be-oHZkS7jiLA6MgoltA8cD97-QzMLbyYyXsRt3qwsiSqRUs03k5kS_7E5yKd-CJZkKA8lGYouAQ/s320/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+and+Ocean.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734848651980935906" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Sandwiched between the uninspiring towns of Westport and Greymouth are the extraordinary <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pancake Rocks</span> - the ocean sprays, pounds and bursts through fissures in unusually carved and layered rocks near the tiny village of Punakaiki.</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3fvOZsWVmf6zwZVCQ0xZEK1oRzK2fWdZX4MXzachUGqV2D8ZZ6q57HT-6nU-lqPJXP7jBnKgg6yYpCtM-bf7LHNLtsNSgRjGhPatYO4b8tehhnACNcVL-HpZnSUs86_QAhXyUoYdz6U/s1600/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Vista.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3fvOZsWVmf6zwZVCQ0xZEK1oRzK2fWdZX4MXzachUGqV2D8ZZ6q57HT-6nU-lqPJXP7jBnKgg6yYpCtM-bf7LHNLtsNSgRjGhPatYO4b8tehhnACNcVL-HpZnSUs86_QAhXyUoYdz6U/s320/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Vista.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734853124885780786" /></a>Constructed of <span style="font-weight: bold;">stratified limestone</span> formed <span style="font-weight: bold;">thirty millions years</span> ago, this geological wonderland was formed on the seabed, kilometres underwater, with layer after layer of shellfish, plants and dead marine creatures mixed with mud and clay forming over time. The immense weight and water pressure gradually compressed and petrified into soft and hard layers. Earth tremors and seismic action uplifted the seabed where constant ocean surges and whipping winds carved bizarre and wonderful features and formations, while rainwater leeched into the rock eating narrow alleys. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmlSEaK_K6U3-aKSuzryzjSWh5oYtVoj3RNa5Ztd3onih4YqlUoNpbj-o4DP2G_WTJG21rOwGWaqUZtn7hIU_ChJB9M7C0CuhoUQxxzC6zeEg-Sr3k88JAtpVHODMQfmfXEhTI0RBNaY/s1600/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Detail.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmlSEaK_K6U3-aKSuzryzjSWh5oYtVoj3RNa5Ztd3onih4YqlUoNpbj-o4DP2G_WTJG21rOwGWaqUZtn7hIU_ChJB9M7C0CuhoUQxxzC6zeEg-Sr3k88JAtpVHODMQfmfXEhTI0RBNaY/s320/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Detail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734848640925362082" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGBe4wCWlXEOeVKOi4ueTdF6wrLGN5FjRLv2STXPqeiqRDWy8nmF47N-Lo2lE9gJTIOhoEKdAfjhleYsz2NkDqdRcFCa5L0BWIsF_ZjhKv05YauvgX1eQ8Vscj1fHVgi1neUb_J1hyoA/s1600/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Natural+Staircase.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGBe4wCWlXEOeVKOi4ueTdF6wrLGN5FjRLv2STXPqeiqRDWy8nmF47N-Lo2lE9gJTIOhoEKdAfjhleYsz2NkDqdRcFCa5L0BWIsF_ZjhKv05YauvgX1eQ8Vscj1fHVgi1neUb_J1hyoA/s320/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Natural+Staircase.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734848635246833922" border="0" /></a><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Naturally, the softer rock has eroded much faster causing the unusual <span style="font-weight: bold;">pancake stack</span> appearance. The ocean surges in and out of pools, <span style="font-weight: bold;">blowholes</span> and caverns making deep hollow booms while seawater channels through narrow tunnels spraying into the air in a spray of rainbows and thin mist. Like limestone caves, the erosion allows imagination to witness all kind of animals and figures from the rock – a lion head staring menacingly out to sea. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwjrR25ADC-WzDz2zsgjC4fh0BrdxQ1JXvHLWlUojRmwriCpiAAa8P9gq8_hyp_GJy-JnYYpS4bdAWabOBZAbQV5FeAxp6aljgO7s7M5bVGjcjqzcyn_tW8-YJw1OjsH9D_W1bVaaPkY/s1600/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Chimney+Pot+Spray.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwjrR25ADC-WzDz2zsgjC4fh0BrdxQ1JXvHLWlUojRmwriCpiAAa8P9gq8_hyp_GJy-JnYYpS4bdAWabOBZAbQV5FeAxp6aljgO7s7M5bVGjcjqzcyn_tW8-YJw1OjsH9D_W1bVaaPkY/s320/Punakaiki+Pancake+Rocks+Chimney+Pot+Spray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5734848647203131330" border="0" /></a>A scenic half hour path meanders through native rainforest to the coast, high above the bluffs, arches and sea caves offering numerous views of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pancake Rocks</span>. Natural staircases are carved from the historic seabed while vantage points look over surge pools and blowholes and offer panoramic vistas down the coastline.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">With good planning, <span style="font-weight: bold;">high tide</span> is prime time with the extra height of the water powering sea water through tiny passageways shooting spray high into the air.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pancake Rocks are a wonderful natural diversion driving down the New Zealand west coast offering stellar scenes of exotically shaped rock weathered and sculpted over millions of years.</p><br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l27853c0b4s2" alt="Punakaiki Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/punakaiki/l27853" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Punakaiki Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-59310979280953526932012-04-20T14:11:00.000-07:002012-04-21T14:21:50.266-07:00An Appropriate Name (Cape Foulwind, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYCDvXyUVGMnH_8fZ-L7E1B5eD7IvLyqeR8zihlxeWpIsQFdVKq4CSe5-9-XWuXGCK-crvrC72qU8XTQwKXxTytufTxcmZcTrDKcwAY62HozkbIfQemZiUI3ouw39leid72jnJCS5TBg/s1600/West+Coast+Murky+Coastline.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732956343978911730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYCDvXyUVGMnH_8fZ-L7E1B5eD7IvLyqeR8zihlxeWpIsQFdVKq4CSe5-9-XWuXGCK-crvrC72qU8XTQwKXxTytufTxcmZcTrDKcwAY62HozkbIfQemZiUI3ouw39leid72jnJCS5TBg/s400/West+Coast+Murky+Coastline.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJowgpF8RvGnpZ40lIHRutgGQE5jrRaDth2kVtfhL6P-y4rxOnkAHuHLsKwodT-sF4WQcTUb68lbjlrBPt4vhXWYFG6oLgHwIpNEf3mTnXZ9VC4FYBVJ159N9-vpjDTUApL85U0aKlRFU/s1600/Cape+Foulwind+Appropriate+Name.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732956144924287106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJowgpF8RvGnpZ40lIHRutgGQE5jrRaDth2kVtfhL6P-y4rxOnkAHuHLsKwodT-sF4WQcTUb68lbjlrBPt4vhXWYFG6oLgHwIpNEf3mTnXZ9VC4FYBVJ159N9-vpjDTUApL85U0aKlRFU/s320/Cape+Foulwind+Appropriate+Name.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>The day is foul – a wind howls across the point resisted by only the hardiest of scrubby bushes and toughened grasses. Surf pounds relentlessly into the west coast’s limestone cliffs and volcanic beaches. Brooding dark seas merge into the pewter grey clouds blurring any idea of a horizon, a lonely characterless lighthouse warning all things marine to steer a careful path around this treacherous area. The original <span style="font-weight: bold;">1876 lighthouse</span> was a fine timber building, its gleaming beacon guiding vessels for 50 years before being replaced by the current concrete automated lighthouse. Functional but rather unattractive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFZ7_idBy1T-6snzhrZUom0mx2JjWazdCkf4foqz3ckciO3pCYmqe6xBEgKXhLVtFp4d4aV_WVmC4NZpISm2956UtbsKeblpB4IzXHM1wd1SsDMy4v4HirUxO2KnK8psQiWLlwKK1j5c/s1600/Cape+Foulwind+Original+Wooden+Lighthouse+1876.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732955539008593746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFZ7_idBy1T-6snzhrZUom0mx2JjWazdCkf4foqz3ckciO3pCYmqe6xBEgKXhLVtFp4d4aV_WVmC4NZpISm2956UtbsKeblpB4IzXHM1wd1SsDMy4v4HirUxO2KnK8psQiWLlwKK1j5c/s320/Cape+Foulwind+Original+Wooden+Lighthouse+1876.jpg" style="float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 245px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnMBb1EUgbZevyh5R5nEussCiyCYqeJJbSZY13IWAyOX0_C91U6kUGfkw1A2dPm_okb44YO8EvopwlVc9tlhPeFFmbEF9Cla-m0GSCCbKAK_78CTMiyTucuA4djYBoUh2Fxntq1Eu7r8/s1600/Cape+Foulwind+Lighthouse.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732955543522018850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnMBb1EUgbZevyh5R5nEussCiyCYqeJJbSZY13IWAyOX0_C91U6kUGfkw1A2dPm_okb44YO8EvopwlVc9tlhPeFFmbEF9Cla-m0GSCCbKAK_78CTMiyTucuA4djYBoUh2Fxntq1Eu7r8/s320/Cape+Foulwind+Lighthouse.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 214px;" /></a><br />
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In March 1770 the weather was no different for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Captain Cook</span> as <span style="font-style: italic;">Endeavour</span>, at the mercy of the persistent gale-force winds, was blown off-course prompting him to appropriately name the point <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Foulwind</span> – today only a few kilometres south of the uninspiring town of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Westport</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xS3Pml8ilzJfluYBZxbkyon5ZdWBvB0mUv35gmLnHC9pgfOBMPaTWUwoKkUrasRcRStrTY-nZNoVA_UxLy_JwuT95wVA3uDqSUzD6IvramH4mH4OCGKd6YUQQg9WDRae9nvkgb3yNVU/s1600/Cape+Tauranga+New+Zealand+Fur+Seals.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732956152081421298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xS3Pml8ilzJfluYBZxbkyon5ZdWBvB0mUv35gmLnHC9pgfOBMPaTWUwoKkUrasRcRStrTY-nZNoVA_UxLy_JwuT95wVA3uDqSUzD6IvramH4mH4OCGKd6YUQQg9WDRae9nvkgb3yNVU/s320/Cape+Tauranga+New+Zealand+Fur+Seals.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>Almost indistinguishable from rocks and driftwood debris thrown by the savage waves, <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Zealand Fur Seals</span> luxuriate and relax at nearby <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Tauranga</span>. Sea spray showers the rocky shoreline, seals basking in the brutal weather conditions. The pockmarked coastline is only distinguishable as a faint greyish line in the murky atmosphere.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQBfgBQqrP5XwYnmAezhYxTsX5j_-feeubb2AHxtim6A8eAr8T1NtUqKd_1ziSMHZFIC_GsBZrwnHgcFtveXfPqvSqct_Kd-biBvvPuvzD3ACB0Sut-3E6QWHe8SZKrMhKTQM_74lwwY/s1600/Cape+Tauranga+Western+Weka.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732956156144285522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQBfgBQqrP5XwYnmAezhYxTsX5j_-feeubb2AHxtim6A8eAr8T1NtUqKd_1ziSMHZFIC_GsBZrwnHgcFtveXfPqvSqct_Kd-biBvvPuvzD3ACB0Sut-3E6QWHe8SZKrMhKTQM_74lwwY/s320/Cape+Tauranga+Western+Weka.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>In the scrubby foreshore vegetation, <span style="font-weight: bold;">western wekas</span> fuss about their bushy hideaways. These plucky birds confidently go about their day oblivious to hiking travellers. Dealt a bad hand, birds like the <span style="font-weight: bold;">kiwi</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">weka</span> evolved into ground dwellers and lost the ability to fly due to the complete absence of mammals and rodents as predators when the continental split happened many millions of years ago. Sadly in the last thousand years as mammals and rodents reached the shores of New Zealand, populations of these wonderful but defenceless feathered creatures were decimated. <br />
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On a map as a thin long ribbon of red, <span style="font-weight: bold;">SH6</span> weaves and meanders the full length of the west coast of New Zealand from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nelson</span> in the north to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Invercargill</span> in the south. It makes for one of the world’s more inspiring drives with numerous areas of natural beauty – glaciers, fjords, cliffs, panoramic vistas, caves and weird rock formations - only occasionally interrupted by townships. <br />
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The <span style="font-weight: bold;">west coast of New Zealand</span> gets a considerable share of rough weather and rainfall, conditions which have carved and crafted the evocative coastline. Whether in glistening sunshine or <span style="font-style: italic;">foulwind</span>, the drive down the west coast is an exhilarating natural experience encapsulated by the twin points of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Foulwind</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cape Tauranga</span>.<br />
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</div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-58923337694004152432012-04-18T21:36:00.004-07:002012-04-18T21:54:24.756-07:00Forgotten Route 66 (USA)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAefY6-JfuGekL7aUG5vhL49I0xxy77bbysNHo0ahJIK_-LMtD_WwgaficHnrkjtbiOKSNjncIBpmVLtxr6tD5wPNSx78-IllIzYZQ7woFUjopwmupd6c2KW3saDu9tsBjPES3SoMJTk/s1600/Route+66+Sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAefY6-JfuGekL7aUG5vhL49I0xxy77bbysNHo0ahJIK_-LMtD_WwgaficHnrkjtbiOKSNjncIBpmVLtxr6tD5wPNSx78-IllIzYZQ7woFUjopwmupd6c2KW3saDu9tsBjPES3SoMJTk/s400/Route+66+Sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732966827247925042" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">guest post by Lauren Williams</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpDZGkVqF9i9gPksvUXKbhX3P_dsjcfSfU7itcwvpvkiRGn2fNU-WhXwm6Tyr5t81wn2_SBfz34bewhjledMJ4iq-eCWQ9g6XcgYAF5jHkn9qv-psrgOcUSJ34UTNsfXskn_53nss45s/s1600/Route+66+Gas+Station.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpDZGkVqF9i9gPksvUXKbhX3P_dsjcfSfU7itcwvpvkiRGn2fNU-WhXwm6Tyr5t81wn2_SBfz34bewhjledMJ4iq-eCWQ9g6XcgYAF5jHkn9qv-psrgOcUSJ34UTNsfXskn_53nss45s/s320/Route+66+Gas+Station.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732970359227969890" /></a>The art of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Great American Road Trip</span> has been lost in translation over the years – driving from A to B used to be an affair to remember, a whimsical adventure that would see you saying farewell to your loved ones for weeks, maybe even months, on end. Now, the 21st century has seen the rise in wanting to get to any said destination right now. Why would you want to take the scenic route when motorways and high-speed interstates can whip you across the country in a matter of hours? <br /><br />Better still, hopping on a flight from JFK to LAX will take less than half a day, and cost less than driving from Florida Keys to Washington DC – after all, you don’t need <a href="http://www.greenflag.com/breakdown-cover/">breakdown cover</a> when you’re 30,000 feet above the roads.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYxe4kRJZY2D_fuunPG6wdCyCbXQf80WBApijFjVHu1aDFwmvfOR-Tnp0PrVobjzwW3wWEVjiHHL7t-oAqDI1GrpbCHXwajPGdMbYEcssa0zCpy5TegMPBPfNyteyVSpCeTRFTjFr_88/s1600/Route+66+Mr+Dz+Diner.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYxe4kRJZY2D_fuunPG6wdCyCbXQf80WBApijFjVHu1aDFwmvfOR-Tnp0PrVobjzwW3wWEVjiHHL7t-oAqDI1GrpbCHXwajPGdMbYEcssa0zCpy5TegMPBPfNyteyVSpCeTRFTjFr_88/s320/Route+66+Mr+Dz+Diner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732970355502335122" /></a>Historic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66">Route 66</a> now runs alongside Interstate 40 – the American’s preferred way to drive from east to west – but driving along the <span style="font-weight:bold;">USA’s most romanticised road </span>is an indulgence in the kitsch, the bizarre and the can’t-believe-that’s-real. You could speed along the Interstate, but you’d miss out on Gemini Giant and Road Kill Café if you did.<br /><br />Before buzzing neon signs and burnt-out trucks found their homes at the side of Main Street USA, it was a corridor for travellers and trade; during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression_in_the_United_States">Great Depression</a> it was the main artery of the country, with people living in the mid-west migrating to Golden California in hope of work and a golden future. After WWII, thousands more up-and-left the more industrial east to find a more prosperous west. <br /><br />Though it is no longer the beating heart of mainland USA, it still has a certain hold on the imaginations of will-be travellers and explorers. The hucksterism is still the same too – giant billboards which fuelled the first fires of American wanderlust-cum-consumerism still dominate the roadside, tempting drivers and their passengers to swim next to a giant blue whale or eat where the corn dog was born.<br /><br />However, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Route 66</span> wouldn’t be Route 66 without the shameless tackiness that lines the roads – we’d even go as far to say that every business owner along the 2,000 mile stretch proudly flies the flag of cheap and shabby – and why not? Travellers travel on a budget, they scrimp and save and cut back by all means necessary, they are not going to stop at a diner to eat over a sweaty packed lunch unless it’s really worth it.<br /><br />That is why we love Route 66. We love its outspoken past and its crude giant statues. We love its timelessness, its brash personality and its oddly understated presence in modern America. We advise you to take a few weeks off work, hire a convertible <a href="http://www.cadillac.com/flash.html">Cadillac</a> and head to Chicago to start the drive of your life.<br /><br />Top <span style="font-weight:bold;">Route 66 oddities</span> include:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEh4290x5KEEAltFa1Cwt0nfkwto-8fMfokHUWzJn3K8ejd0JqqQAPmFg-d2vijTe0lMT1l50BVOA6ATChnOh-ldS-yfDTJg67NkLdO93DdJ4I92Nin8qxgjMgr-25WC15-bkV_wpmBY/s1600/Route+66+Cadillac+Ranch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEh4290x5KEEAltFa1Cwt0nfkwto-8fMfokHUWzJn3K8ejd0JqqQAPmFg-d2vijTe0lMT1l50BVOA6ATChnOh-ldS-yfDTJg67NkLdO93DdJ4I92Nin8qxgjMgr-25WC15-bkV_wpmBY/s320/Route+66+Cadillac+Ranch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732962633287330114" /></a>● <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Cadillac Ranch</span></span>. On your way to Amarillo, hold tight to your hire car before it joins this Texan Cadillac graveyard. In a field just off the road, you’ll see ten Caddis buried nose-first in a straight line. An odd sight if you’re not ready for it, however, they are meant to be vandalised so pick up a spray can and get creative!<br /><br />● <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Gigantus Headicus</span></span>. Where Route 66 and Antares Road meet, near Kingman, you could be mistaken for thinking that one of the eerie heads on Easter Island had decided it had had enough of the isolation of the South Pacific, and moved to this less than busy corner in Arizona. Stand under its nose and get a good “I drove Route 66” picture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8v9aPZaTrTGcw5YA4oTwPvKDjcW3KlYQBpfDaQJsFWhClO2DGQPevVXa0I9OOxMYzhJVc4yhKN3fmvDX5pGRzfDbpycUQjwR6a6ATN1g2jToLJFGdB9vcNImjuEiV4if48cQlGnrR2c/s1600/Route+66+Prada+Marfa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8v9aPZaTrTGcw5YA4oTwPvKDjcW3KlYQBpfDaQJsFWhClO2DGQPevVXa0I9OOxMYzhJVc4yhKN3fmvDX5pGRzfDbpycUQjwR6a6ATN1g2jToLJFGdB9vcNImjuEiV4if48cQlGnrR2c/s320/Route+66+Prada+Marfa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732966938619208178" /></a>● <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Prada Marfa</span></span>. Driving across the bare Texan landscape, you’ll be shocked to see a building (surrounded by nothing) resembling a Prada store. If you do decide to stop and check it out, you won’t be able to get in and purchase anything, but you will be able to lust over the real Prada handbags and one half of a pair of Prada heels.<br /><br />● <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Oklahoma Ghost</span></span>. If you find yourself driving between Weatherford and El Reno on a damp evening, be cautious of a humpbacked hitchhiker wearing a trenchcoat and a fedora. If you do pick him up, he’ll more than likely attempt to jump out of your moving vehicle, vanish from sight and appear again thumbing for a lift 10 miles up the road.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6K1SMYqNAZL8Kf2YYUBzJhjo24T7ordiKThAwQBMvBGAfYdzq885bX1FqKnCbeC8JSk-24HdWv8oxelkrALC61plOS-nw2G2-vf4-X9Zm00nNbvAYhPvKGACzmr9W-pu_zTiMCc7wrQ/s1600/Route+66+Bottle+Tree+Ranch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6K1SMYqNAZL8Kf2YYUBzJhjo24T7ordiKThAwQBMvBGAfYdzq885bX1FqKnCbeC8JSk-24HdWv8oxelkrALC61plOS-nw2G2-vf4-X9Zm00nNbvAYhPvKGACzmr9W-pu_zTiMCc7wrQ/s320/Route+66+Bottle+Tree+Ranch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732968235604050002" /></a>● <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Bottle Tree Ranch</span></span>. Probably the most impressive attraction along Route 66, featuring hundreds of bottle trees tinkering in the wind. Make sure you knock on Elmer Long’s (the quirky guy behind the ranch) door for a chat and tour.<br /><br />Photo Credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb35/3615965154/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sign</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/matthigh/2907001984/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gas station</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevcole/4088100831/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr D</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yelpar/6937521792/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cadillac ranch</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stickmanmitch/4007452915/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">prada</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yelpar/6880829101/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bottle tree</a>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-37589051952096190222012-04-15T12:57:00.000-07:002012-04-15T12:57:00.103-07:00Pelorus Sound Scenic Reserve (New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9L51wRi5hMERH570fNn0NsPAkrm8szu8erPoX9TaXlsuTDlz_sNWa-AySyLjS1cec5ARvkrNNkYBLvP0OFHsollOhVkRFmT3ejK3J6q_w0AxXxlniJNmHFTn9X6vGG7X_e5fBEvFp70/s1600/Pelorus+Sound+Swingbridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9L51wRi5hMERH570fNn0NsPAkrm8szu8erPoX9TaXlsuTDlz_sNWa-AySyLjS1cec5ARvkrNNkYBLvP0OFHsollOhVkRFmT3ejK3J6q_w0AxXxlniJNmHFTn9X6vGG7X_e5fBEvFp70/s400/Pelorus+Sound+Swingbridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731379115961686946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b8JVAxO1nuBjYOYXd9ryoK57C4Uq-2H9lmqlTUgPQhVXqEQwwcdC3KwCq7CaC4Pw_MolmuWAt2A1Sz-CvHdYxSOVM8aZMa6SiDm5qi0AWTJ3BzHTs0atORYnijsyqvQlZZSmd8TLoLY/s1600/Pelorus+Sound+View+from+Bridge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6b8JVAxO1nuBjYOYXd9ryoK57C4Uq-2H9lmqlTUgPQhVXqEQwwcdC3KwCq7CaC4Pw_MolmuWAt2A1Sz-CvHdYxSOVM8aZMa6SiDm5qi0AWTJ3BzHTs0atORYnijsyqvQlZZSmd8TLoLY/s320/Pelorus+Sound+View+from+Bridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731379236502623506" /></a>The <span style="font-weight:bold;">Rai Swingbridge</span> crosses the deep aquamarine blue of Rai River as part of a beautiful gentle walking circuit through totara forest (one of several walks in the area). This sturdy structure has far less swing and sway than its cousin over <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/04/buller-gorge-swingbridge-new-zealand.html">Buller Gorge</a>.<br /><br />It is all part of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Pelorus Sound Scenic Reserve</span>, a wonderfully preserved pocket of historic forest encrusting the far sinewy reaches of Pelorus Sound. It is a perfect stopping point between <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/03/queen-charlotte-sound-new-zealand.html">Queen Charlotte Sound</a> and Nelson to stretch the legs and enjoy the uplifting New Zealand outdoors. Fat lumbering brown <span style="font-weight:bold;">trout</span> can be spotted sluggishly swimming upstream through the crystalline waters.<br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l27753c0b4s2" alt="Nelson Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/nelson/l27753" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nelson Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-49846706045929107892012-04-12T21:51:00.004-07:002012-04-12T22:04:30.076-07:00Buller Gorge Swingbridge (New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmNxPPt1bi16Q2huKxDMj8aP81IFxhsbpEWVHzTPT3Cc1SIqxhmLddOortjGJL5XjefEjbPc0FZlDLvJff4_Xey9IFjgOKNZhMwbJnfl-7oOmYB6_mE3ypXVkDmYx4zyAINlO2QwtNaU/s1600/Buller+Gorge+Swingbridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmNxPPt1bi16Q2huKxDMj8aP81IFxhsbpEWVHzTPT3Cc1SIqxhmLddOortjGJL5XjefEjbPc0FZlDLvJff4_Xey9IFjgOKNZhMwbJnfl-7oOmYB6_mE3ypXVkDmYx4zyAINlO2QwtNaU/s400/Buller+Gorge+Swingbridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730745560973250818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoFnIKhsU1czygCc42XG9wP9Qnj7FldJ_NM8IsK7TfqxRNneyNHT2Z0eaTX6txA3zQRtmLO_Ghm1fWQoQAc27uIV7aOZycqzI5kGCsj_6EOn4S8ML_bnJyCe4tLlYu7rSxKP3BIKgzno/s1600/Buller+Gorge+River.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoFnIKhsU1czygCc42XG9wP9Qnj7FldJ_NM8IsK7TfqxRNneyNHT2Z0eaTX6txA3zQRtmLO_Ghm1fWQoQAc27uIV7aOZycqzI5kGCsj_6EOn4S8ML_bnJyCe4tLlYu7rSxKP3BIKgzno/s320/Buller+Gorge+River.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730745754828953362" /></a>The road from <span style="font-weight:bold;">Nelson</span> to the west coast of New Zealand weaves through some spectacular mountain and gorge country. The road follows and falls with the river the scenery draped in a veil of verdant green foliage and murky mists.<br /><br />At over 100 metres in length near the uninteresting town of Murchison is <span style="font-weight:bold;">New Zealand’s longest swingbridge</span>. Spanning dramatic <span style="font-weight:bold;">Buller Gorge</span> carved by energetic aquamarine green waters, the bridge sways and bounces with its human cargo. Not for sufferers of vertigo photographers nervously snap a memory from the centre of the bridge balancing their camera in one hand while clinging grimly to the cable with the other. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPObQgAXJR0Da84bV128Av6vmTTIHKR5piAMUA6qPB_4u3iJZuPyelEXfAFjgIR2mug3wEKUx1JIiDXdAOaaxdVQj42BTa9YCM1wTzehnGY6ilygi5zWb2g0Nz-ZIX5MzJXsYlMfnOKs/s1600/Buller+Gorge+Mining+Shack.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPObQgAXJR0Da84bV128Av6vmTTIHKR5piAMUA6qPB_4u3iJZuPyelEXfAFjgIR2mug3wEKUx1JIiDXdAOaaxdVQj42BTa9YCM1wTzehnGY6ilygi5zWb2g0Nz-ZIX5MzJXsYlMfnOKs/s320/Buller+Gorge+Mining+Shack.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730745757676852482" /></a>The area has witnessed some exciting events. A brief <span style="font-weight:bold;">gold rush</span> in the mid 1800s oversaw a speedy population increase, hopeful miners panned and dug seeking their fortunes with a lucky strike. A short damp circuit walk from the swingbridge through primeval ferns and moss-encrusted trees holds memories of the harsh conditions in which these miners laboured. Primitive labour-intensive mining equipment and deep shafts line the path while meagre shacks with little more than a large fireplace and small bed offered refuge from the regular rains and harsh winters.<br /><br />The circuit passes a small cliff-face where in June, 1929 a <span style="font-weight:bold;">major earthquake</span> (7.8 on the Richter scale) lifted land upwards some 4.5 metres. Across the river a small waterfall cascades into the river on the fault line. In 1968 a second earthquake reminded Kiwis of the unsteady land of the area, the main road requiring reconstruction in parts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlyUn2uV-uU5LEzJpqeZRGu3lE-E4qGwVy4OejnvTl6LOMd1pMEZd9A0CVY-bbl_jA2Hh6V8CUUDK0Ks2COlN_ng-QlZIRinmNEeP88vatnjuJ3DcFXNHCl-gDsUQNeUjixvqaNomYXQ/s1600/Buller+Gorge+On+the+Swingbridge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlyUn2uV-uU5LEzJpqeZRGu3lE-E4qGwVy4OejnvTl6LOMd1pMEZd9A0CVY-bbl_jA2Hh6V8CUUDK0Ks2COlN_ng-QlZIRinmNEeP88vatnjuJ3DcFXNHCl-gDsUQNeUjixvqaNomYXQ/s320/Buller+Gorge+On+the+Swingbridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730745745810706386" /></a>The gorge is a major centre for <span style="font-weight:bold;">water sports </span>Kiwi-style, including white-water rafting, kayaking and jetboating. For those seeking more dry land adrenalin than the swingbridge, a <span style="font-weight:bold;">zipline</span> offers a return journey in either the seated position (flying fox style) or a flying position for those with superhero tendencies. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buller Gorge</span> provides a wonderful scenic stop crossing to New Zealand’s west coast with numerous opportunities for adrenalin-fuelled activities along with reminders of a harsh history of savage earthquakes and tough mining.<br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l37041c0b4s2" alt="Murchison Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/murchison/l37041" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Murchison Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-85974834010547845752012-04-09T23:21:00.010-07:002012-04-12T16:08:55.966-07:00Stoked with Craft Beer (Nelson, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlgFwpimdjLrbpCyHx598H2LdnQ97UznK0pjmdzCV7CKFN3GOwtMZkNAxh7_jlCltspypMEYfyOiOTN-KX2I1bgRvsX4_Q9GAI2cxHSFODUKB934ptERAMSpzd52J_kOZoKtMgtaYXyU/s1600/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Main+Room.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlgFwpimdjLrbpCyHx598H2LdnQ97UznK0pjmdzCV7CKFN3GOwtMZkNAxh7_jlCltspypMEYfyOiOTN-KX2I1bgRvsX4_Q9GAI2cxHSFODUKB934ptERAMSpzd52J_kOZoKtMgtaYXyU/s400/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Main+Room.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729655537224766322" /></a><br />With ideal growing conditions for hops, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Nelson region</span> boasts around 20 <span style="font-weight:bold;">craft breweries</span> many producing novel and unusual beers along with the more traditional brewed offerings. One highly recommended place is <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.mccashins.co.nz/">McCashin's Brewery</a></span> in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stoke</span> only a few kilometres from the centre of Nelson (and near the unique <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/03/wow-world-of-wearableart-nelson-new.html">World of WearableArt Museum</a>). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR07VYnmtyrv8jdEnMMc3oY6jJRFXRYnhDwlzy1L7yLYj77bp5vkyxW1c7bpE7z79VuvT9WXplkG29m_qDv863nUPQWJtbrsQ1Z-Jf_vdFutfZl7YnkZfpj1-YEVlLTdf0EjUfW2qNc0/s1600/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Brewery.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR07VYnmtyrv8jdEnMMc3oY6jJRFXRYnhDwlzy1L7yLYj77bp5vkyxW1c7bpE7z79VuvT9WXplkG29m_qDv863nUPQWJtbrsQ1Z-Jf_vdFutfZl7YnkZfpj1-YEVlLTdf0EjUfW2qNc0/s320/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Brewery.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729658284228409314" /></a>Working in an old cider factory, McCashin's produce beer, cider, fruit drinks and vodka (and bottled water), all based an aquifer holding <span style="font-weight:bold;">26000 year old water</span> (hence the name <span style="font-style:italic;">26000 Vodka</span>). Swearing by its incredible <span style="font-weight:bold;">purity</span> the water has been cutely trademarked as <span style="font-style:italic;">palaeo water</span> (as in <span style="font-style:italic;">palaeolithic</span>). <br /><br />The McCashin name is synonymous with Kiwi beer, the first family venture by father Terry resulting in the popular Macs beers, since bought by the brewing behemoth Lion Nathan. After serving a period out of the game as part of the contractual terms of the sale, the son Dean (with wife Emma) has taken the head role in this new venture out of the same factory. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ttXYuScLZQfAwn5DL2o5JQBTm01OKmafT7SE9Aj95HKfTvgnjlB0aIkKkN8MT639_7uPOkcVkU8O1W6yQIUEeeGr38G0iY3d1B1j_Ral8-YL3VmsIW04Jd2LTo0caxVD9KVgRVZyNvA/s1600/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Bottling.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ttXYuScLZQfAwn5DL2o5JQBTm01OKmafT7SE9Aj95HKfTvgnjlB0aIkKkN8MT639_7uPOkcVkU8O1W6yQIUEeeGr38G0iY3d1B1j_Ral8-YL3VmsIW04Jd2LTo0caxVD9KVgRVZyNvA/s320/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Bottling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729655673337607170" /></a>A visit to McCashin's includes an <span style="font-weight:bold;">informative tour</span> taking people through each element of the brewing process – all based on the traditional four brewing ingredients (McCashins beers are all based on the original <span style="font-weight:bold;">16th century Bavarian beer purity rules</span>) – water, hops, yeast and malt. The first of the two most noteworthy elements of the tour are the <span style="font-weight:bold;">beer nursery</span> where the commercial process has been miniaturised so a barrel or two of beer can be experimentally brewed and perfected tweaking the fermenting temperatures, styles and amounts of hops and malt for different beers. At times, unusual flavoured beers are produced – some for special occasions such as Christmas. The other striking element of the tour is the remarkable <span style="font-weight:bold;">bottling machine</span> where empty bottles are filled, sealed, cleaned, labelled and packaged in an eye-opening flurry of mechanical activity.<br /><br />The tastings at McCashin's are generous and entertaining. In a retro-styled room that combines a cafeteria (serving coffees and snacks during the day) and a bar, a staff member patiently shares tastes of the broad selection of beers, ciders and fruit juices combining characteristics of each drop with stories. Artworks, photos and brewing paraphernalia fill the walls, while the place with its comfy couches has an infectious positive feel of relaxed enthusiasm. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFjSz8CWiy7BilcCy3QIH4qwao1_rmJXQFSEI0edC70N4mzuEQBeCo9sRBso5cT3YXda3sSguP6AzW_De3gn87kC8D8LZGtgkL9gxHotZD9oXZjh6skubT5VSvTNcckKL03Ea-zEAj9o/s1600/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Frute+Range.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFjSz8CWiy7BilcCy3QIH4qwao1_rmJXQFSEI0edC70N4mzuEQBeCo9sRBso5cT3YXda3sSguP6AzW_De3gn87kC8D8LZGtgkL9gxHotZD9oXZjh6skubT5VSvTNcckKL03Ea-zEAj9o/s320/McCashins+Stoke+Beer+Frute+Range.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729655675578983202" /></a>While there are over a <span style="font-weight:bold;">dozen beers</span>, personal favourites include <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stoke Amber</span> (a reddish brew rich in malt flavours with a definite hint of toffee), <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stoke Dark</span> (a velvety smooth caramel-y black beer without the heaviness), <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stoke IPA</span> (a golden intensely hoppy and citrus-y beer ideal for warm weather), <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stoke Smoky Ale</span> (deep red-brown coloured beer with an unusual touch of smokiness) and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Stoke Ginger</span> (non-alcoholic balancing sweetness with the refreshing tang of ginger). <br /><br />Ciders include the traditional apple though I prefer the pear cider. A real highlight is the fruit cider drinks (called <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Frute</span></span>) with lumps of fruit in strongly flavoured offerings. The <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mango Lime</span> combines the succulent smoothness of mango with the tang of lime and apple while the visually striking <span style="font-weight:bold;">Berry</span> provides a plush sumptuous mix of raspberries, boysenberries and blackberries complemented by the tanginess of apples. Don’t be fooled however, Frute contains around the same alcohol as beer.<br /><br />To help sustain my further touring in New Zealand, I popped into the small bottle store to stock up with a few favourites from the tasting and also a couple of well-priced seconds and specials.<br /><br />Only a few years in existence, <span style="font-weight:bold;">McCashin's</span> captures the lively spirit of craft brewing with an excellent variety of products and a brisk information-rich tour (runs twice daily) highlighting the art of brewing beer. It makes for a wonderful afternoon diversion while visiting Nelson and is an ideal example of the Nelson region's fine tradition in craft beers. <br /><br />More details are available at their website: <a href="http://www.mccashins.co.nz/">www.mccachins.co.nz</a><br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" ><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l27753c0b4s2" alt="Nelson Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/nelson/l27753" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nelson Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-49406044165276090512012-04-07T13:20:00.001-07:002012-04-07T14:41:56.407-07:00Love is in the Air in Venice (Italy)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtPFJBW_y0t_uZRZFIkdQRoOBC6ZFk4nZ81EFV_JRogqE7dLcm0_4p-JZY1yAc96YxkOoBWPa6IU2dIpAQNHvUcMx-_jfCWwLOfEzO59O6HLOoVgQ4DVMbBpEIKkekK9c4pIEh8xJuFA/s1600/Venice+Canal+Night.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtPFJBW_y0t_uZRZFIkdQRoOBC6ZFk4nZ81EFV_JRogqE7dLcm0_4p-JZY1yAc96YxkOoBWPa6IU2dIpAQNHvUcMx-_jfCWwLOfEzO59O6HLOoVgQ4DVMbBpEIKkekK9c4pIEh8xJuFA/s400/Venice+Canal+Night.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727686755710136290" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">guest post by Francesca Edwards</span><br /><br />As one of the most <span style="font-weight:bold;">romantic cities</span> in the world, its no wonder <span style="font-weight:bold;">Venice</span> is such a popular choice for romantic breaks and honeymoons. For those who like to know exactly what they’re in for and like to plan to the last detail, here are a few tips to make your trip to Venice as romantic as possible. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">1. Gondola ride… at Sunset</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIIjNeY5-taF92YfG7UoTlPQnJoyQIKe7ApaZcncdHAM9OcuXmIChtofDzpZzDSs0aRfjicm3dZZeon5WqntKEYqqQCYF7JyYu79rrUEsWAkLOuq-FWlQEGsWBR0K4SE6Gc42Q9lXcBg/s1600/Venice+Gondolas.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIIjNeY5-taF92YfG7UoTlPQnJoyQIKe7ApaZcncdHAM9OcuXmIChtofDzpZzDSs0aRfjicm3dZZeon5WqntKEYqqQCYF7JyYu79rrUEsWAkLOuq-FWlQEGsWBR0K4SE6Gc42Q9lXcBg/s320/Venice+Gondolas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727683550285389938" /></a>This one can be slightly challenging to organise as it involves perfect timing. However, get it right and the results will be magical. Perhaps one of the romantic activities of all time, floating through the Venetian lagoon on an old-fashioned <span style="font-weight:bold;">gondola</span>, past all the charming Venetian architecture will be guaranteed to woo your partner. If you’re lucky you may even be able to convince your gondolier to sing you a nice little verse of Pavarotti’s <span style="font-style:italic;">Nessun Dorma</span>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">2. Spontaneous kiss</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe8ooPCuCNRv_Y-t4FuIHlYl3ENQ0Of5l0v94EUqSWcttiFxpGQ0huNAQnLGOrVDji5ajcEfsAInSsgiAuD6DCfQ04elTVDHr3_EB_sS9aljTwQ6UHQCxitRuaHmdVit_lZztBczG1ik/s1600/Venice+Canal.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe8ooPCuCNRv_Y-t4FuIHlYl3ENQ0Of5l0v94EUqSWcttiFxpGQ0huNAQnLGOrVDji5ajcEfsAInSsgiAuD6DCfQ04elTVDHr3_EB_sS9aljTwQ6UHQCxitRuaHmdVit_lZztBczG1ik/s320/Venice+Canal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727686668915514690" /></a>By this I don’t mean full on snogging in the middle of the street, ideally you want to sweep your partner off their feet in a nice romantic and civilised way. One of the best place to do this in Venice is on one of the bridges, the more tucked away, the more romantic (having other tourists taking pictures of you mid kiss or being bumped about will take the edge off it – trust me). The <span style="font-weight:bold;">Tre Arche Bridge</span> is a short walk from the heart of Venice presents a nice and private <span style="font-style:italic;">sweep your partner off their feet</span> opportunity. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">3. Re-enact the scene from </span>Lady and the Tramp</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JZTSGqXfv8GV0GH4xjXTEuWyK2xJ5Pk3PhJqXChOAI43KIWZvUTuYi0gi-XCywldcHQiD6a7fRoxkY3fOk4l9T0BEpVbsnbJe2B2bbopnTWshfHVbDfvrs935UOx-BzxyVfcl5fGtis/s1600/Venice+Lady+and+the+Tramp.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JZTSGqXfv8GV0GH4xjXTEuWyK2xJ5Pk3PhJqXChOAI43KIWZvUTuYi0gi-XCywldcHQiD6a7fRoxkY3fOk4l9T0BEpVbsnbJe2B2bbopnTWshfHVbDfvrs935UOx-BzxyVfcl5fGtis/s320/Venice+Lady+and+the+Tramp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727683547169258578" /></a>So this can technically be done anywhere in the world (as long as you have access to some spaghetti and meatballs), however it’ll be all that more special in Italy, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">land of pasta</span> and romance. All you need to do is find a little restaurant which has spaghetti and meatballs on the menu and ask for two portions to share. Ideally you’ll pick a candlelit restaurant, await your pasta, and just as you get down to the last string of spaghetti - take one end of it each place it in your mouth and suck until you lips touch and mwah! There you have it; the perfect Lady and the Tramp kiss… awww. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">4. Perfect Accommodation</span></span> <br /><br />Accommodation can make or break any romantic trip so when it comes to picking your love nest choose wisely. You’ll find it’s really difficult to get a secluded romantic atmosphere in hotels and hostels, simply because you’re surrounded by hundreds of other people doing the exact same thing as you – and let’s face it, there’s nothing romantic about being in crowd. This is why when my boyfriend and I decided to go on a romantic Venice break we rented a <a href="http://www.oh-venice.com/">Venice holiday apartment</a>. We certainly didn’t regret it – taking long baths together, cooking our very own dinners, filling our kitchen cabinets and fridge full of amazing Italian food from the supermarket, no having to worry about the maid disrupting you in the mornings… It was the perfect holiday accommodation for the perfect holiday.<br /><br />For the perfect romantic holiday in on eof the most romantic cities in the world, a little planning can ensure that a good holiday turns into a vacation of a lifetime. <br /><br />Photo Credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuckx/4701563036/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">night</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/urnes/2358436739/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gondola</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnuckx/5022966500/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bridge</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenjavier/3602738322/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lady and the Tramp</a>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-86121541782545830802012-04-05T13:34:00.007-07:002012-04-06T14:24:31.668-07:00Games Around the World: Dominoes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mts-ZLbVCft3DIyQftfQ-YllIAyglzRA41bKLw_Ca1PGVicE6mBJdnbLihx-OiARgcQHyeeLM5wi-JKTyhX429bGEyPlQNQ1uoh9MTapbnQZSMWJnBpoS9LRfjKNS1a6fPlP3szSE40/s1600/Dominoes+Stack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mts-ZLbVCft3DIyQftfQ-YllIAyglzRA41bKLw_Ca1PGVicE6mBJdnbLihx-OiARgcQHyeeLM5wi-JKTyhX429bGEyPlQNQ1uoh9MTapbnQZSMWJnBpoS9LRfjKNS1a6fPlP3szSE40/s400/Dominoes+Stack.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728074062533098130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVU3iBXdvqq5aQwnThAmONA9F9qHEfI3xAepmVHgcJkuzTxjGo-OkxtZNW4m2o1vwqTEK12VuheQFnNIqh7gTOsZ3-6XOyRS0PbKMgKmxV1jxPXNinhPsYUhd7zVKftpxfk9wpOlh1-M/s1600/Dominoes+Game.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVU3iBXdvqq5aQwnThAmONA9F9qHEfI3xAepmVHgcJkuzTxjGo-OkxtZNW4m2o1vwqTEK12VuheQFnNIqh7gTOsZ3-6XOyRS0PbKMgKmxV1jxPXNinhPsYUhd7zVKftpxfk9wpOlh1-M/s320/Dominoes+Game.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728073586393677026" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dominoes</span> is a game nearly everyone played as a child and seems to be a familiar game to people on every continent. A <span style="font-weight:bold;">tile</span> or <span style="font-weight:bold;">bone</span> (named from their original construction) contains two values, each from zero (blank) to six represented by a number of dots. Each set contains one of every combination of tile making a set of 28, making for a easy to carry game. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FsCo_BsaUf2F_y0Vd8Sdcnjk2R6Ka5ox89XPHrz4mukqEZOBIdnvzzvIsiKWCXWUM6BvAR8js3FaaHM3u2OE49WINxNFgVhc53cpxUsIp03VwbJzzqf2pkegFcJn7p_KDkJJMcmD-8M/s1600/Dominoes+Village+Ecuador.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FsCo_BsaUf2F_y0Vd8Sdcnjk2R6Ka5ox89XPHrz4mukqEZOBIdnvzzvIsiKWCXWUM6BvAR8js3FaaHM3u2OE49WINxNFgVhc53cpxUsIp03VwbJzzqf2pkegFcJn7p_KDkJJMcmD-8M/s320/Dominoes+Village+Ecuador.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728073572251486610" /></a>As a travel game it is ideal. Most people know how to play and it is extremely simple to teach even with limited language, though some strategy helps with winning. Dominoes appears to be most popular in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Central and South America</span> (I have played in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia) though I played it a lot in <span style="font-weight:bold;">East Africa</span> too, especially in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi (often with a set made from <span style="font-weight:bold;">soapstone</span>, some beautifully ornate). While as a child I always paraded the tiles on the table in front of me, in many games I played around the world, players cup the tiles in their hands more akin to playing cards taking sneaky glimpses at their tiles like they represent national secrets. <br /><br />Games are played with great animation. Fierce concentration and studious silence is broken by the celebratory sharp crack of a tile slapped down on a table when a winning move is played. Like <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/03/mancala.html">mancala</a> and other games, the game is a great icebreaker when travelling and provides a great chance to meet with local populations. As a side benefit, it can teach numbers in the local language!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NtPO-cDN2804XJJJyU0iI3LDq1MpK8Ur3r-amPXh8AjQc6Vebbazg3QfLZmY7EgyqeRcHPHRgbxNd-HxZv8JdjazMJHkgUQCu-M_MjmkwuPjmneaUJ1dWbfce-1p1NWTtXXbXB7o1e0/s1600/Dominoes+Intense+Game.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NtPO-cDN2804XJJJyU0iI3LDq1MpK8Ur3r-amPXh8AjQc6Vebbazg3QfLZmY7EgyqeRcHPHRgbxNd-HxZv8JdjazMJHkgUQCu-M_MjmkwuPjmneaUJ1dWbfce-1p1NWTtXXbXB7o1e0/s320/Dominoes+Intense+Game.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728073573620082978" /></a>While nearly everyone has seen and played dominoes, I will give a brief <span style="font-weight:bold;">summary of the rules</span>. While there are numerous variations, the basic game involves starting with a hand of seven tiles or bones (drawn from the evocatively named <span style="font-style:italic;">boneyard</span>) and kept hidden from your opponents. Each game involves building a <span style="font-weight:bold;">long line</span> of tiles constructed by alternately playing tiles where the <span style="font-weight:bold;">end value matches</span>. That is, if the two ends of the line are a blank and a five, then you can play any tile where one of the values in your hand is a blank or a five. If you cannot match a tile, then you draw a tile from the boneyard and extend your hand. The object of the game is to lose all your tiles. If a game is blocked and no-one can play and the boneyard is empty, then the player with the least total dots left in their hand is the winner.<br /><br />I overlooked a game called <span style="font-weight:bold;">42</span> in an American bar one night where the tiles were treated more like playing cards. Players make bids based on the value of their hands nominating trumps and playing out tricks where everyone plays a tile from their hand. Despite watching for a while I never worked out the game but it is a sign of the wide gamut of variations such a simple set of patterned tiles can bring.<br /><br />Seek out chances to play games during your travels, some having deep cultural ties to the country or region.<br />--------<br />For the duration of 2012 at the start of each month, Travel Wonders features a popular or characteristic game played during my travels. The previous two articles have looked at popular African game <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/03/mancala.html">mancala</a> and my own personal favourite that always travels with me, <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/02/pass-pigs.html">Pass the Pigs</a>.<br /> <br />Photo Credits: <a href="http://laststands.kennedywarne.com/">wooden table play</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/diver227/472098068/">black&white</a>,Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-20443680976934421502012-04-02T22:50:00.005-07:002012-04-02T23:36:28.642-07:00Luxury Escape in Nelson (New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeV1tvPEIGku3eL3xODnk2KHGkq9q0zvFIBqbyoZqnn019AASQ-GvKKU1Av2_4AuamSOItR35SD8HdkZzviHLDSXSN6DNFL69vUw9ouIJXp7sZufQYtymhrOgbJ9AMDzIL3DZRwwws4I/s1600/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Dawn+Panorama.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeV1tvPEIGku3eL3xODnk2KHGkq9q0zvFIBqbyoZqnn019AASQ-GvKKU1Av2_4AuamSOItR35SD8HdkZzviHLDSXSN6DNFL69vUw9ouIJXp7sZufQYtymhrOgbJ9AMDzIL3DZRwwws4I/s400/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Dawn+Panorama.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727051159789017266" /></a><br />With no map, we checked at a local restaurant for directions to the Wheelhouse Inn. The owner said “<span style="font-style:italic;">Oh, that’s Ralph and Sally’s place. It’s beautiful. You’ll love it</span>”. And he was so correct.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYkTPbxHXYWd-qi1dbH2V6knzb6_wThgyzk1vxveScXaRdglUHdF6by7iHoCgRwVx2YFnU2l_xRfsGVnmj3G-czhkbVVt6ws4Xqu9HXYYbri4uItaVjHSuYz-1njhWwq15PPZWHVT1cs/s1600/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Exterior.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYkTPbxHXYWd-qi1dbH2V6knzb6_wThgyzk1vxveScXaRdglUHdF6by7iHoCgRwVx2YFnU2l_xRfsGVnmj3G-czhkbVVt6ws4Xqu9HXYYbri4uItaVjHSuYz-1njhWwq15PPZWHVT1cs/s320/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Exterior.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727051381328310482" /></a>From when we first <span style="font-style:italic;">moored</span> our car in the <span style="font-style:italic;">anchorage</span> – everything at <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Wheelhouse Inn</span> has a nautical theme – the place has a wonderful relaxed feel. Opening the door of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Wheelhouse</span>, a modern self-contained timber-panelled house, panoramic vistas immediately strike. With huge picture windows, the place overlooks Nelson’s <span style="font-weight:bold;">Tasman Bay</span> and the narrow deep channel where pilot boats skilfully steer large cargo vessels in and out of port.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj7ciDGQEJ1a_iWnMTeWaB2Zp_P0nnoFWk0WeyQ8Kb0nMCe3We-UsQ7kxnGw4cI8kVYL81vWsaKpvVSXcS1QQPdNiSgLHSL7vw4URd2GHa91TxgGG6BNUnh94ozYPLtFeKtVUaJSzWtE/s1600/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Setting.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbj7ciDGQEJ1a_iWnMTeWaB2Zp_P0nnoFWk0WeyQ8Kb0nMCe3We-UsQ7kxnGw4cI8kVYL81vWsaKpvVSXcS1QQPdNiSgLHSL7vw4URd2GHa91TxgGG6BNUnh94ozYPLtFeKtVUaJSzWtE/s320/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Setting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727051384107325602" /></a>Nestling into a tranquil <span style="font-weight:bold;">expansive garden of native shrubs</span> and trees, the Wheelhouse is just one of five self-contained multi-level houses and units overlooking Nelson’s Tasman Bay. The Captain’s Quarters, Crows Nest, Chart House Main Deck and Chart House Upper Deck all offer spectacular views and distinctive accommodation. <br /><br />The Wheelhouse is spotlessly clean, spacious and <span style="font-weight:bold;">tastefully appointed</span> for a stay of several days including comfortable lounge area (including large TV, DVD, CD player and high-speed cable internet), outdoor gas BBQ, upstairs main bedroom and downstairs laundry (with dryer). The place is filled with absorbing nautical pictures and maritime knick-knacks including the steering wheel of a large ship that sunk many years ago.<br /><br />While numerous eating options are simply a matter of strolling down the hill, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">full-equipped modern kitchen</span> offers an opportunity to eat in and watch evening envelop the Nelson waterfront. There is even a set of binoculars to watch the maritime entertainment or view the playful tuis enjoy the bloom-laden garden.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkpVMko0UXCjpAHEY3iktQykQ1E5lKVwsMJJYHHyjVaMP2XTIme8df9O9f2LbJ1ljX5dbHzDOHRBh79Y-rdqXhyx-YVeJTNdZzKrYcV3L5EyRKGwWLhdf3OdGIAQAX_tL-fp5PrtRd4M/s1600/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Seagull+Art.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkpVMko0UXCjpAHEY3iktQykQ1E5lKVwsMJJYHHyjVaMP2XTIme8df9O9f2LbJ1ljX5dbHzDOHRBh79Y-rdqXhyx-YVeJTNdZzKrYcV3L5EyRKGwWLhdf3OdGIAQAX_tL-fp5PrtRd4M/s320/Nelson+Wheelhouse+Inn+Seagull+Art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727051376772100530" /></a>Befitting Nelson’s thriving art culture, the Wheelhouse offers handsome handmade pottery coffee cups (and plunger coffee). Ralph is a keen artist himself, his studio turning out <span style="font-weight:bold;">quirky kiln-fired glazed seagulls</span>, each with its own unique personality skilfully portrayed by subtle changes to its eyes, beak and stance, many securing a prized fish.<br /><br />I cannot imagine a better start to the day than watching vibrant orange and burnished gold light the dawn sky slowly illuminating Tasman Bay, all from the comfort of bed. The Wheelhouse is a peaceful place, ideal for a special occasion or for a few days exploring Nelson and neighbouring Abel Tasman National Park.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Bookings and details about The Wheelhouse Inn can be found <a href="http://www.wheelhouse.co.nz/">here</a></span>. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.wheelhouse.co.nz/">The Wheelhouse Inn</a> provided a complimentary overnight stay to the author. As always, the content and opinions are mine and are not influenced by the provision of discounted or free services. In this case, I highly recommend The Wheelhouse Inn. It provides highlight luxury accommodation in vibrant Nelson overlooking stunning Tasman Bay.</span>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-35486371359341710632012-03-31T08:50:00.001-07:002012-03-31T13:44:35.480-07:00Spring in the English Lake District (England)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFP47poYI9EBfbKkiHtf0hqbz3Wu3VBtqxdbKkeJW1FHvJ0Jk3iSAHzxtPXrv0qkAWSkU63RG6zIi9JxAl0nwF1q1IHGVGhiXIraANVQj-FcmzB1_XwQ7CERi8PkemRHOtLil1LGoKHw/s1600/Lake+District+William+Wordsworth+Rydal+Mount.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFP47poYI9EBfbKkiHtf0hqbz3Wu3VBtqxdbKkeJW1FHvJ0Jk3iSAHzxtPXrv0qkAWSkU63RG6zIi9JxAl0nwF1q1IHGVGhiXIraANVQj-FcmzB1_XwQ7CERi8PkemRHOtLil1LGoKHw/s400/Lake+District+William+Wordsworth+Rydal+Mount.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725168493377470226" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">guest post by Amanda Andrews</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRykVlkvyhAva2NF76kOvbL47neapjXXK5K6X1E4qKxnX2rjd39xPW2tmC4JkTApnHO_WJaEZQHWniP2FYY_YiveOwXWLzbMta-_Rzsf7t1cvc77wk0-8CSGFDsvNRgMyFmDC9BqK8mQ/s1600/Lake+District+Daffodils.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdRykVlkvyhAva2NF76kOvbL47neapjXXK5K6X1E4qKxnX2rjd39xPW2tmC4JkTApnHO_WJaEZQHWniP2FYY_YiveOwXWLzbMta-_Rzsf7t1cvc77wk0-8CSGFDsvNRgMyFmDC9BqK8mQ/s320/Lake+District+Daffodils.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725168838081768658" /></a>The <span style="font-weight:bold;">English Lake District</span> is an area that has inspired writers and artists for centuries, and there is no better time of year to understand why then in spring. One of William Wordsworth most famous poems, <span style="font-style:italic;">I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud</span>, was inspired by the large swathes of <span style="font-weight:bold;">daffodils</span> that spring up yearly along the crystal lakes and is a sight that everyone should be treated to in their lives. With sunshine on your face and fresh air in your lungs a spring holiday in the Lake District will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed like no beach holiday ever could. <br /><br />The Lake District really does offer activities for everyone. The area is probably most famous as a <span style="font-weight:bold;">walker’s paradise</span> with endless trails through the hills and fells. There are walks for all ability levels and ages, from the <span style="font-weight:bold;">39 Miles without Stiles</span> trails that are suitable for wheelchair users or families with pushchairs, to the epic <span style="font-weight:bold;">Coast to Coast</span> which reaches from the Irish Sea to the North Sea and takes from 12-14 days to complete! <br /><br />Many people who holiday in the Lake District regularly like to set themselves up in one of the many <a href="http://www.sykescottages.co.uk/lake-district-holiday-cottages.html">Lake District cottages</a> where they can set off on a walking trail right from the front door. Most of the walks through the Lake District are well trodden paths so you don’t need to worry if you aren’t generally a cross country walker and there are sure to be endless places to stop for a rest and take in the amazing scenery en route. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vEC4dhCoXWzlXMUU4zGNpS0vvcJ6MSh4w5gFYK-gJyf8olfKpwFcvlfYUPDvCK4IgYjM4zS7Luqyss0Ab77Y1Avm9i1Q-SnyVbjQXxrqmdkVfQlD8GFIsAos8hKEeZV36sN7zp2IJpQ/s1600/Lake+District+Brantwood+Ruskin.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vEC4dhCoXWzlXMUU4zGNpS0vvcJ6MSh4w5gFYK-gJyf8olfKpwFcvlfYUPDvCK4IgYjM4zS7Luqyss0Ab77Y1Avm9i1Q-SnyVbjQXxrqmdkVfQlD8GFIsAos8hKEeZV36sN7zp2IJpQ/s320/Lake+District+Brantwood+Ruskin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725170423520684818" /></a>For a slightly slower pace of holiday there are endless beautiful gardens to visit across <span style="font-weight:bold;">Cumbria</span> and the Lake District, some of which were designed by the areas most famous residents. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Brantwood</span>, home of John Ruskin, is an estate filled with the treasures and curiosities of an artistic genius. The 250 acre estate offers some of the best views in the Lakes and includes walks designed by Ruskin himself, such as <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Zig-Zaggy</span> which is said to have been inspired by Dante's <span style="font-style:italic;">Purgatorial Mount</span>. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">William Wordsworth</span> is said to have been a keen landscape gardener and the four acres of gardens at his home <span style="font-weight:bold;">Rydal Mount</span> (top photo) remain very much to his design. The garden consists of fell-side terraces and in season provides breathtaking displays of daffodils, bluebells, and rhododendrons. Take some time while you’re here to visit the Wordsworth house, where he wrote some of his most famous works, as well as the lovely on site tea room where you can treat yourself to a spot of tea and cake.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-vIS4a1bMNcdEvfnI4RJa8I6HtYeQmvR4jZ5cuQL1iJmy6ObgxM60Utf1rwea4PTBQdGhgSMsAySPOUrVX1Gp9Pz8-ljicUTUiT77wnLhXH6fwxZnvzbw4AZezRYFWGpj753mMF7fIw/s1600/Lake+District+Derwentwater.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-vIS4a1bMNcdEvfnI4RJa8I6HtYeQmvR4jZ5cuQL1iJmy6ObgxM60Utf1rwea4PTBQdGhgSMsAySPOUrVX1Gp9Pz8-ljicUTUiT77wnLhXH6fwxZnvzbw4AZezRYFWGpj753mMF7fIw/s320/Lake+District+Derwentwater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725168827181375890" /></a>Coming up shortly in the Lake District is <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Keswick Mountain Festival</span>, a must attend event for adventure seekers! Held over five days from 16th-20th May 2012, the festival will be filled with activities, including sporting competitions, adventure challenges, and great inspirational speakers like <span style="font-weight:bold;">Monty Halls</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sir Chris Bonington</span>. Local food and drinks will be available and all this will happen on the banks of beautiful <span style="font-weight:bold;">Derwentwater</span>, in the shadows of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Skiddaw</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Catbells</span>. There are lots of <a href="http://www.sykescottages.co.uk/last-minute-cottages.html">great last minute cottage deals by Sykes Cottages</a> still available, and tickets are still on sale so don’t worry if this is the first you’ve heard of the event.<br /> <br />The English Lake District is one of the UKs great landscapes and offers an unforgettable spring holiday location. With the sun overhead and soft green grass under your feet all of your worries will quickly melt away. Whether you’re looking for a slow pace, or non-stop adventure, the English Lake District has something for you and there is no better time to visit then right now, in the beauty of spring.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Amanda is a writer and traveller who is currently based in the UK. She has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, and Australia and takes every opportunity to discover new and exciting places. Amanda is currently writing about great UK destinations for www.sykescottages.co.uk, who offer great holiday cottages across the UK and Ireland.</span><br /><br />Photo credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ennor/157533742/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wordsworth house</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53375223@N00/2346044622/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">daffodils</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ennor/341451561/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brantwood</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oak-grove/1750098544/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Derwentwater</a>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-9571064255532810242012-03-29T18:36:00.014-07:002012-04-12T16:09:26.163-07:00WOW: A World of Cars and Couture (Nelson, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd5o83vpAcoMkkWCNROM90P5Pn2ane3xWacGzLeT80mFsHvv6utqKyuwippjKK-G_HQJV2lQbi_N4Ik_SYWvSKQ3gICZmk1W2LfM6lIfw9w-ALUPQiyw4kE5N0IqHTazi8yqG3A9RmC4/s1600/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Dragon+Fish+Susan+Holmes+II.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd5o83vpAcoMkkWCNROM90P5Pn2ane3xWacGzLeT80mFsHvv6utqKyuwippjKK-G_HQJV2lQbi_N4Ik_SYWvSKQ3gICZmk1W2LfM6lIfw9w-ALUPQiyw4kE5N0IqHTazi8yqG3A9RmC4/s400/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Dragon+Fish+Susan+Holmes+II.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725501843947135890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IFcHOCLmJPQ40lAqbrxOz4cZdzuzQuniqeqpDGAasafdiCcBorGTuiyl3yLqIN-6IBowFMOyqnM4bCphD9F3qk-LTj6ovho61MILeQ2eaw05zx_cIzDVTFX30WHgdy3Hco_M1Nd52RM/s1600/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Firebird%252C+Susan+Holmes.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IFcHOCLmJPQ40lAqbrxOz4cZdzuzQuniqeqpDGAasafdiCcBorGTuiyl3yLqIN-6IBowFMOyqnM4bCphD9F3qk-LTj6ovho61MILeQ2eaw05zx_cIzDVTFX30WHgdy3Hco_M1Nd52RM/s320/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Firebird%252C+Susan+Holmes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725500090458832114" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Athletes have the Olympics; actors have the Oscars; musicians have the Grammys; and designers and costume creators have WOW"</span></span><br />Bob Haven, professor in Costume Technology at Kentucky University.<br /><br />Like a cocktail of Cirque du Soleil and Carnivale, every September an extraordinary Wellington spectacular morphs choreographed music, theatre, colour, lighting and dance to showcase a magical evening of fantasy, fashion and art. Called the <span style="font-weight:bold;">World of WearableArt</span> (<span style="font-weight:bold;">WOW</span> for short) and the brainchild of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Suzie Moncrieff</span>, a challenge was issued in 1987 to designers and artists to create a piece of art that could be worn and modelled. Now in its 25th year, the show continues to grow in scale and imagination with prizes in a number of categories. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OOTn-2QHhyphenhyphen1SwQfL7XzO_kLUn4-ZK-lAX_6_MNO4En8PTya66J2z5fQo4TcGOCRwMui00PQ6DttzL8_amiPOVK59Dlw1Af3NILKDzk-cz9cEuFP8rD8-58SlN4RxrAaz5TWvUICF0JE/s1600/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Super+Minx+Simon+Hames.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OOTn-2QHhyphenhyphen1SwQfL7XzO_kLUn4-ZK-lAX_6_MNO4En8PTya66J2z5fQo4TcGOCRwMui00PQ6DttzL8_amiPOVK59Dlw1Af3NILKDzk-cz9cEuFP8rD8-58SlN4RxrAaz5TWvUICF0JE/s320/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Super+Minx+Simon+Hames.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725500085939887202" /></a>With its rich arts culture and as the birthplace of this now worldwide extravaganza, Nelson hosts the superb and unique <span style="font-weight:bold;">World of WearableArt and Collectible Cars Museum</span> (the WOW website is <a href="http://www.wowcars.co.nz/" target="_blank">here</a>). Proudly showcasing the award-winning costumes from recent shows visitors can experience the creative talents and wild imaginations of some of the world’s finest designers. <br /><br />The first gallery couples artistic music and lighting with a stage area and seating. The bizarre garments are beautifully showcased on a <span style="font-weight:bold;">moving carousel of catwalk mannequins</span> while other creations inspired by dragonflies, birdlife and sea creatures float overhead. A full range of avant-garde materials including shiny metal plates, bicycle inner tubes, sea shells, wire, bottle tops, light bulbs, papier-mâché, drinking straws, fruit, cutlery, fine silks, dried food and more are mixed to create truly spellbinding outfits. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqezoj5wigkrvsJCQPq14rr45mXZws0WmtjyxDZBmBIQKDcGsBoz9niduMkk0n9W-6IYqQ9XlQnjhS7RSs-92jKPI6-41N13EnG2EY2bm0sTjHTA93-Tioy_DZClAw4R5iaeqmqayMGOI/s1600/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Ornitho+Maia+Nadine+Jaggi.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqezoj5wigkrvsJCQPq14rr45mXZws0WmtjyxDZBmBIQKDcGsBoz9niduMkk0n9W-6IYqQ9XlQnjhS7RSs-92jKPI6-41N13EnG2EY2bm0sTjHTA93-Tioy_DZClAw4R5iaeqmqayMGOI/s320/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+Ornitho+Maia+Nadine+Jaggi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725504745609960498" /></a>Eye-popping <span style="font-weight:bold;">WearableArt bras</span> are especially notable for their creative approach covering a full spectrum of ideas from metallic space wear to bowls of fruit and nautical-inspired designs.<br /><br />A second gallery is darkened to showcase a <span style="font-weight:bold;">psychedelic array of fluorescent costumes</span>. Akin to wandering the inky ocean depths, a neon gallery of exotic headwear, dresses, bras and winged costumes phosphoresce vivid reds, blues, yellows, violets and greens. <br /><br />A theatrette (which I’d suggest viewing first though it is at the end of the galleries) shows clips from recent WOW events in Wellington highlighting some of the exceptional designs and living the founder’s dream of taking art off the wall to adorn the moving body.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgzFySUGsO-pUA0wFN08jhpfGXJ0vkoaI4uk5h0L4XtM7MQUMNCQXxSjeMeHAIjca8bIsjI3j7qLjxJ11IFwxiNXbUZZ_zZojfjaAgDBVFGG237_SHXx7ec0V-cGNTkfMV7e_amjQiIw/s1600/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+and+Collectible+Cars+1929+Packard.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgzFySUGsO-pUA0wFN08jhpfGXJ0vkoaI4uk5h0L4XtM7MQUMNCQXxSjeMeHAIjca8bIsjI3j7qLjxJ11IFwxiNXbUZZ_zZojfjaAgDBVFGG237_SHXx7ec0V-cGNTkfMV7e_amjQiIw/s320/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+and+Collectible+Cars+1929+Packard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725506340988075842" /></a>Within the same museum is a superb collection of around forty <span style="font-weight:bold;">classic cars</span>. Presented as a celebration of automotive design and workmanship, iconic cars from every decade of last century are represented. Historic Fords, Cadillacs, Ferraris, Studebakers, Bentleys and convertibles (along with a personal favourite – a <span style="font-weight:bold;">1929 Packard</span>) glisten with immaculate chrome and paintwork, all in sound mechanical condition. For the true car enthusiasts, a further 100 cars are accessible in a separate nearby warehouse, the collection rotated on a regular basis. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGqtXWTbM5IS1gTt0L8VZDOGl3fY_SmZxz3t7hlZeoSIdqMEC0SWgjgz5berTtSMvzjslRUet5HNUlwohxUReJJtpzvXr_MT550CntakOXf56NV8z8Hk7NdfpAUcXN1IAEcH5uCCHark/s1600/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+and+Collectible+Cars+1920s+Setting.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGqtXWTbM5IS1gTt0L8VZDOGl3fY_SmZxz3t7hlZeoSIdqMEC0SWgjgz5berTtSMvzjslRUet5HNUlwohxUReJJtpzvXr_MT550CntakOXf56NV8z8Hk7NdfpAUcXN1IAEcH5uCCHark/s320/Nelson+World+of+WearableArt+and+Collectible+Cars+1920s+Setting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725506345122801282" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">WOW</span></span> is the word. It is little surprise that as the creative arts capital of New Zealand, Nelson has a museum dedicated to fashion and design but the <span style="font-weight:bold;">World of WearableArt and Collectible Cars Museum</span> exceeds all expectations. Ensure you stop by this airy modern two-in-one museum with a difference and enjoy a beautifully displayed showcase of spellbinding creative outfits along with a lovingly assembled collection celebrating automotive excellence. The gift shop is worth a browse for a thoughtful range of locally-sourced arts and treasures well outside of the normal souvenirs.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The costume photos are copyright of World of WearableArt and Collectible Cars Museum and have been reproduced with permission. <br /> Image 1: Dragon Fish, designed by Susan Holmes<br /> Image 2: Firebird, designed by Susan Holmes<br /> Image 3: Superminx, designed by Simon Hames<br /> Image 4: Ornitho-Maia, designed by Nadine Jaggi <br /></span><span style="font-style:italic;">Please respect the copyright of these works of art.</span><br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" ><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l27753c0b4s2" alt="Nelson Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/nelson/l27753" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nelson Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-50705859766595755322012-03-26T13:24:00.009-07:002012-03-26T13:45:31.739-07:00Abel Tasman: Seals, Sand and Scenery (New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT54p6XvgdK9VBjumv0sJw9Z0ULLLWpwYFQUH5gp4XNFmreKb4zN1ANVPU95nHGUib8HDOp86yt3AogsFAz3FQ3PVXT2jbX-7Lz6aa6TLz0DG0ib2Sk5eGPba6QP1u2aCEGgZ2YJiITRE/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Granite+Cliffs+and+Caves.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT54p6XvgdK9VBjumv0sJw9Z0ULLLWpwYFQUH5gp4XNFmreKb4zN1ANVPU95nHGUib8HDOp86yt3AogsFAz3FQ3PVXT2jbX-7Lz6aa6TLz0DG0ib2Sk5eGPba6QP1u2aCEGgZ2YJiITRE/s400/Abel+Tasman+Granite+Cliffs+and+Caves.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724306585393511794" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjA4GELRdW_AL71yD0yZrZdwK6nUiS-yh5b0cyWWTtK8hWqmTkQDDOkfZs_lXxCUeZlvHqVgwmU2Vey1RhV4fe48wFgjzCZwSFqFaz0-ixxM_pIU5uhvUfAUT0TJEecBieZNwdnomiS1g/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Split+Apple+Rock.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjA4GELRdW_AL71yD0yZrZdwK6nUiS-yh5b0cyWWTtK8hWqmTkQDDOkfZs_lXxCUeZlvHqVgwmU2Vey1RhV4fe48wFgjzCZwSFqFaz0-ixxM_pIU5uhvUfAUT0TJEecBieZNwdnomiS1g/s320/Abel+Tasman+Split+Apple+Rock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724089244398949538" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">Abel Tasman National Park</span> is one of the most alluring and beautiful natural wonders in New Zealand. On the protected and more weather-friendly side of New Zealand’s <span style="font-weight:bold;">South Island</span>, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">54 kilometre</span> three to five-day coastal track combines lush forests with sculpted granite cliffs and pristine bays and coves fringed by golden sands. Tiny rocky islands sit enticingly offshore supporting a rich variety of native marine and bird life.<br /><br />While the national park is named for a mid-1600s Dutch sailor <span style="font-weight:bold;">Abel Tasman</span> who fled without landing after being spooked by the local Maori population, the French explorer <span style="font-weight:bold;">D’Urville</span> navigated and anchored in the area leaving his mark with exotic French names for some of the bays and landmarks. <br /><br />Outside of a walk and the general stunning coastal scenery, two notable highlights are <span style="font-weight:bold;">Split Apple Rock</span> and Tonga Island. As if cut cleanly in half by a giant’s axe, a large granite boulder perches in aquamarine water just off the coastline. While legends abound, there appears no certain explanation as to the rock’s perfect dissection except that it happened a very long time ago.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtK1TFpIbnDZ1I3F9CsD0qjzn6V1RnJDgWUxKFr5rUbUg2eNymiQdKH2wQhxOpb_W8nl04mQFZKAc7yHA13bfYeKsAxRHiIXYgxflTyqmCuqL_gcTgvBYiphNZBi2wmK8S-S9IaW1CFw/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Tonga+Island+Fur+Seals.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtK1TFpIbnDZ1I3F9CsD0qjzn6V1RnJDgWUxKFr5rUbUg2eNymiQdKH2wQhxOpb_W8nl04mQFZKAc7yHA13bfYeKsAxRHiIXYgxflTyqmCuqL_gcTgvBYiphNZBi2wmK8S-S9IaW1CFw/s320/Abel+Tasman+Tonga+Island+Fur+Seals.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724089250749528146" /></a>Despite the inclement weather, on <span style="font-weight:bold;">Tonga Island</span>, New Zealand <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fur Seals</span> luxuriate and relax on the rocks while fur seal pups exuberantly swim and play in the rock pools that fringe the islands. Acutely aware of the sharp <span style="font-weight:bold;">tidal differences of over five metres</span>, mother fur seals feed at low tide making for a shorter dive to harvest the rich pickings of the sea floor. Dolphins are seen travelling in the bow wave of the boat while I spot a couple of shy <span style="font-weight:bold;">blue penguins</span> as they bob their tiny heads above the water. The captain points out that he never announces penguin sightings as by the time he has said <span style="font-style:italic;">pen</span>, the bashful birds have dived away.<br /><br />In one slightly strange phenomenon, the sands on the various beaches vary distinctly from a reddish colour and gritty feel to near white and powdery soft on the feet, caused by the angle of the beaches, the size of the granite sand grains and the bleaching effects of the sun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4slVvJdatkpZ7TXQl-Ljf1fNqC_Ki5kCKKbAavagFEtojXBHBQ9gvjDOs5293Fub-qg4LQug9Od1bC8ypW6jJ_8UwP_ICDsvRw45Ybe-hZ-lG1G1maBp-le364mg31v1EHpJwQ0qAJDA/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Sea+Shuttle+Vessel+Kaiteriteri.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4slVvJdatkpZ7TXQl-Ljf1fNqC_Ki5kCKKbAavagFEtojXBHBQ9gvjDOs5293Fub-qg4LQug9Od1bC8ypW6jJ_8UwP_ICDsvRw45Ybe-hZ-lG1G1maBp-le364mg31v1EHpJwQ0qAJDA/s320/Abel+Tasman+Sea+Shuttle+Vessel+Kaiteriteri.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724305341453741058" /></a>The excellent services of <a href="http://www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/">Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle</a> allow visitors with only a few hours or a day to experience a portion of the park without embarking on the full multi-day walk (click on the map below to enlarge). Chatting with returning passengers, one couple had spent a week camping, relaxing and taking short strolls at the northerly point of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Totaranui</span> while a group of three spoke enthusiastically after returning for a second year to walk a different section of the track. Yet another couple had enjoyed lunch and a short walk at <span style="font-weight:bold;">Awaroa Lodge</span> while two youngsters spoke of kayaking the shoreline near <span style="font-weight:bold;">Coquille Bay</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qk9ZZ_5SjekZNVppX6dgLEg-hkCHRP4zVkDRVJwI34xjQow9IDw01EJC2WblTYYO6IP0W3Li4VxFsEA9qP6KWa_pd3_UjcQdI_WLh0P80M0GpA79-YxgDveT1ekc7BK8CvVSHeqwMRE/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Map.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qk9ZZ_5SjekZNVppX6dgLEg-hkCHRP4zVkDRVJwI34xjQow9IDw01EJC2WblTYYO6IP0W3Li4VxFsEA9qP6KWa_pd3_UjcQdI_WLh0P80M0GpA79-YxgDveT1ekc7BK8CvVSHeqwMRE/s320/Abel+Tasman+Map.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724305352906617026" /></a>By taking a later return shuttle, people can combine a scenic cruise with <span style="font-weight:bold;">walking</span> a leg of the coastal track, <span style="font-weight:bold;">kayaking</span> a section of the rocky coastline and/or lunching at the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Awaroa Lodge</span>. Others simply stay on board to enjoy the scenic cruise with a commentary describing the history of the park while visiting a number of forest-fringed golden beaches, the seal colony and unusual rock formations. For those without access to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kaiteriteri</span>, a bus runs from <span style="font-weight:bold;">Motueka</span> while the first service of the day travels from the thriving artsy city of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Nelson</span> (50 minutes away via boat), returning with the last service of the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZuiRpnr2xvhlLdNE76OnUMrokrnMEnRjmHUTk1EYJhyFxQziM-jG_GyXZP_mhOdgPs0IYgYZKr0IFpA-CMVAsFHPwoZQfJ_YNPjzTqyYAFJHnOrrCOiusJzOgC78arJlTaGiiag7nDg/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Sea+Shuttle+Extendable+Ramp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZuiRpnr2xvhlLdNE76OnUMrokrnMEnRjmHUTk1EYJhyFxQziM-jG_GyXZP_mhOdgPs0IYgYZKr0IFpA-CMVAsFHPwoZQfJ_YNPjzTqyYAFJHnOrrCOiusJzOgC78arJlTaGiiag7nDg/s320/Abel+Tasman+Sea+Shuttle+Extendable+Ramp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724305334632568450" /></a>Sitting shallow in the water, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle</span> water taxi vessels are purpose-built for the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Abel Tasman National Park</span> accounting for the high tidal variations, beach landings, space for bags and gear for campers and a small refreshing café where snacks, hot and cold drinks are available. Their cleverly designed ramps unfurl from the front of the vessel and allow easy access to and from the beach without a need to ever get wet feet, wet gear or to climb steps.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9lpS3lPLP1rFl24bHxuWgs7esOBbVfaxPVRkvDLx_k8vhjX6u-SLw_6aflQ4r1k9Xxlx4C5m1Po71sahazmYVGmuFu0WnUDvNJyvf6Uo8xkmE9qpzN_G2A7Ie1OtkeE8FhGrN9kpI_Y/s1600/Abel+Tasman+Awaroa+Lodge+Path.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9lpS3lPLP1rFl24bHxuWgs7esOBbVfaxPVRkvDLx_k8vhjX6u-SLw_6aflQ4r1k9Xxlx4C5m1Po71sahazmYVGmuFu0WnUDvNJyvf6Uo8xkmE9qpzN_G2A7Ie1OtkeE8FhGrN9kpI_Y/s320/Abel+Tasman+Awaroa+Lodge+Path.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724307412221628658" /></a>From the reddish-tinged sands of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kaiteriteri</span>, the Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles stops at six different beaches and bays dropping hikers, kayakers and day-trippers off and picking others up. With parts of the walk involving stream or estuary crossings only passable around low tide, the vessel’s crew offer plenty of advice to ensure that walkers time their ventures with the tides. <br /><br />Sometimes omitted from visitors' itineraries, the top of New Zealand's South Island is stunning highlighted by the magnificent coastline, beaches, wildlife and forests of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Abel Tasman National Park</span>. While it is easy to spend a week in this picture-postcard park, it is easy for those with limited time to get a taste of this scenic area, experiencing its secluded beauty by any combination of trekking the fine coastal path, paddling a kayak or soaking its panoramic vistas from the comfort of a water taxi.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/">Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle</a> provided a complimentary journey to the author. As always, the content and opinions are mine and are not influenced by the provision of discounted or free services. In this case, I highly recommend Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles. This award-winning family business has a deserved fine reputation for their comfortable and innovative catamarans, competitive pricing, enthusiastic helpful crew and for their tremendous knowledge and passion for the Abel Tasman area. <br /><br />Further details on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track are available <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/nelson-tasman/golden-bay/abel-tasman-coast-track/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />Map courtesy of Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle.</span><br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l30130c0b4s2" alt="Abel Tasman National Park Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/abel-tasman-national-park/l30130" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Abel Tasman National Park Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-48424928187524548822012-03-24T12:35:00.000-07:002012-03-24T14:29:36.253-07:00Swimming Hikes on Kauai (Hawaii, USA)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZhnDfZoZNRBXXHssR1ReO5WjOCCd3ZV9buqlfsoAtlsb0SE3t97En2sLDJ4258n89dOTRR1BIZeNMn04vJlzBr5ETl-T8QWeI36s_DHHpW8ozg912BMFnY9mBAsS2dHFmcZdkx3lJBM/s1600/Kauai+Mahaulepu+Trail+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZhnDfZoZNRBXXHssR1ReO5WjOCCd3ZV9buqlfsoAtlsb0SE3t97En2sLDJ4258n89dOTRR1BIZeNMn04vJlzBr5ETl-T8QWeI36s_DHHpW8ozg912BMFnY9mBAsS2dHFmcZdkx3lJBM/s400/Kauai+Mahaulepu+Trail+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719166503055729538" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">guest post by Great Vacation Retreats</span><br /><br />The island of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kauai</span>, of one of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, is noted for its jugged mountains, palm fringed beaches, and beautiful tropical scenery. For those that enjoy outdoor exploration, Kauai offers many <span style="font-weight:bold;">exceptional hikes</span>. An especially enjoyable and unique activity is combining hiking and swimming. There's nothing quite like cooling off with a swim in the ocean after the exertion of a strenuous hike. Below, we outline four hikes on Kauai that <span style="font-weight:bold;">begin and end at the ocean</span>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4oqWPqQK60QCLBGKM-Nz5K7DiF2JgYUIGC-Orh71Bs9WRBuK2oXhL_Rsk6LprxO36n74ur_dSlzQ20X8kbY3QhlBPGmVrUEGPrwBt_3B1DRtSlRUBo1-19c15juffmgV6hui0AsBIRU/s1600/Kauai+Moloaa+Bay.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4oqWPqQK60QCLBGKM-Nz5K7DiF2JgYUIGC-Orh71Bs9WRBuK2oXhL_Rsk6LprxO36n74ur_dSlzQ20X8kbY3QhlBPGmVrUEGPrwBt_3B1DRtSlRUBo1-19c15juffmgV6hui0AsBIRU/s320/Kauai+Moloaa+Bay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719164798964408882" /></a>The first hike is an easy 1.5 mile round trip that starts and ends at <span style="font-weight:bold;">Moloaa Bay</span> on Kauai's northeast coast. Moloaa Bay is a beautiful crescent shaped beach, made famous when it was used for the first episode of the TV series <span style="font-style:italic;">Gilligan's Island</span>. The trail begins at the north end of the beach and makes its way along the coast, eventually coming to a dead end at private property. The ocean views along the trail are soothing, and in the winter months you may even spot migrating <span style="font-weight:bold;">Humpback whales</span>. You can end your hike with swimming or snorkeling at the bay. For a convenient picnic lunch, the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Moloaa Sunrise fruit stand</span> nearby sells all sorts of healthy and tasty treats, from smoothies to sandwiches.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP__GtmxfaJrV6FG8O53QaVJ8OjJSMiTtlVC0mb4UB-cjLOJ6aBUmNyI9FEpati5Lw62dCW1jy8cTX1d7wr_mY5tYRU7cwSs60TfSMya-zUF980EBm9z7tVopGWSIkoYugB5h4YDk8YGM/s1600/Kauai+Kalalau+Trail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP__GtmxfaJrV6FG8O53QaVJ8OjJSMiTtlVC0mb4UB-cjLOJ6aBUmNyI9FEpati5Lw62dCW1jy8cTX1d7wr_mY5tYRU7cwSs60TfSMya-zUF980EBm9z7tVopGWSIkoYugB5h4YDk8YGM/s320/Kauai+Kalalau+Trail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719165879177411362" /></a>One of the most famous hikes in Hawaii is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kalalau Trail</span> along Kauai's rugged Napali coast. The Kalalau Trail is 11 miles long and suitable for experienced hikers who are prepared to spend a night camping in the Kalalau valley. For a challenging day hike one can hike the first two miles of the trail to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hanakapi'ai Beach</span>. Resist the urge to swim at this remote beach as it's one of the most dangerous on the island with strong currents at all times. At this point you can turn back, or hike inland for 2 miles to the 300 foot high <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hanakapi'ai Falls</span>. Including the falls this makes for an 8 mile hike that takes around seven hours. It's important to prepare for this hike with hiking gear and plenty of water and snacks. The trail changes elevation frequently and can be very slippery when it rains. The Kalalau Trail starts at the end of the highway on Kauai's north shore at Ke'e beach. This beach has excellent swimming and snorkeling, especially in the summer months when the ocean is calmer.<br /><br />In the town of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kapaa</span> on the eastern coast of Kauai is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kapaa Bike Path</span>, a four mile long ocean side paved path. This hike is ideal for those that don't like inclines, or need a smooth walking surface. The path passes by <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kealia Beach</span>, a life guarded beach with swimming, surfing, and boogie boarding. The beach actually makes for a good starting and ending point. Walking north from Kealia takes you through the most scenic section of the path and to another beach called <span style="font-weight:bold;">Donkey Beach</span>. This segment is approximately three miles round trip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMaAhVXdsuc9lAzmXHfXABBLVFpCC8Gk5Ag6j8RANwuw5UBUj-CN33FgJQxFH9xmEWuHIVkafEzqMIGAEQZsQ2Aw7TvjlPNg11kQ3lmWLR-t39Z2t9jokZG7mOQRVGWxTzhy21AgHmIM/s1600/Kauai+Mahaulepu+Trail+2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMaAhVXdsuc9lAzmXHfXABBLVFpCC8Gk5Ag6j8RANwuw5UBUj-CN33FgJQxFH9xmEWuHIVkafEzqMIGAEQZsQ2Aw7TvjlPNg11kQ3lmWLR-t39Z2t9jokZG7mOQRVGWxTzhy21AgHmIM/s320/Kauai+Mahaulepu+Trail+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719164795842805442" /></a>In <span style="font-weight:bold;">Poipu</span> on the southern coast of Kauai is the Mahaulepu Coastal Trail (also see top photo). The trail starts at <span style="font-weight:bold;">Shipwreck Beach</span> in front the Grand Hyatt hotel and continues along undeveloped coastline for about three miles, passing remote <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mahaulepu Beach</span> two miles into the hike. It's not uncommon to see an endangered <span style="font-weight:bold;">monk seal</span> napping on the sand. The solitude and beautiful ocean views make this one of the best hikes on the island. Although there are no inclines the hike is still fairly strenuous as parts of it are over sand and there are few trees to provide shade from the hot Hawaii sun.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">This article (and photography) was provided by Great Vacation Retreats, a <a href="http://www.alohagvr.com/">Kauai vacation rental</a> agency. Great Vacation Retreats manages a number of rental properties including rentals at <a href="http://www.puu-poa-condos.com/">Puu Poa</a>, a luxury condominium complex in Princeville.</span>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-73920947424957705692012-03-23T16:19:00.005-07:002012-03-23T16:35:35.015-07:00Photo of the Week: Queen Charlotte Sound (New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEmPe0zvsfM_c6M9nieOJlVPzX4vZF4YzO47G_CMrKsTt_MoDtcKcxa9OtH0Y2Y9KTtDUCsRoUK5nkywVsAaZKIbtRiDPkobVtzPwh4dhVvpiDTgkS9vfA89ggAQIqyOWupp36K6SyXc/s1600/Queen+Charlotte+Sound.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEmPe0zvsfM_c6M9nieOJlVPzX4vZF4YzO47G_CMrKsTt_MoDtcKcxa9OtH0Y2Y9KTtDUCsRoUK5nkywVsAaZKIbtRiDPkobVtzPwh4dhVvpiDTgkS9vfA89ggAQIqyOWupp36K6SyXc/s400/Queen+Charlotte+Sound.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723239536696698194" /></a><br />The peaceful early morning waters of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Queen Charlotte Sound</span> is one of the most enchanting vistas among the number of channels and waterways that make up the majestic <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2011/09/majestic-marlborough-sounds-new-zealand.html">Marlborough Sounds</a>. Long tentacles of water separated by heavily forested serrated hills pierce the ragged northern coastline of New Zealand's <span style="font-weight:bold;">South Island</span> meaning a number of tiny villages along the shoreline are only accessible by boat.Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-59224901740059777412012-03-21T16:11:00.003-07:002012-03-21T16:30:27.802-07:00Go with Oh Competition<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQEpQrLjfpI_Ta5Im_na-UE3G7czzPxn-AJV42pbjftE3KHutMbptuq_ErrwiVAyFiQ99Mo9ANS8ttdXtBgfsTVyDEYeG7sucRXE6VZZ1TjvwKH1mYj6bL_UeJdLmqHgcuhgUpzYXQBk/s1600/Rome+Colosseum+Night1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQEpQrLjfpI_Ta5Im_na-UE3G7czzPxn-AJV42pbjftE3KHutMbptuq_ErrwiVAyFiQ99Mo9ANS8ttdXtBgfsTVyDEYeG7sucRXE6VZZ1TjvwKH1mYj6bL_UeJdLmqHgcuhgUpzYXQBk/s400/Rome+Colosseum+Night1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722493271844653458" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/">Travel Wonders</a> promotes very few <span style="font-weight:bold;">competitions</span> but this one caught my eye. Currently my good friend, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sherry Ott</span> is spending four weeks in Europe across four different European cities (Rome, Venice, Vienna and Berlin) as part of the <a href="http://www.gowithoh.com/" target=_blank">Go with Oh</a> promotion by the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Open House Group</span>. Of course, Sherry will share her thoughts on these European gems on her blog, <a href="http://www.ottsworld.com/" target=_blank">Ottsworld</a>, with her fine writing that details stories beyond the typical sights combined with stellar photography. <br /><br />Travellers can win prizes by offering <span style="font-weight:bold;">Twitter</span> suggestions as to good things to do in Sherry’s selected cities (tweet to <span style="font-weight:bold;">@GowithOh</span>) or by entering their <span style="font-weight:bold;">Facebook</span> competition. The best entries will receive a selection of spot prizes including iPods, cameras, luggage, guide books and T-shirts.<br /><br />Travel bloggers can even win a similar trip next autumn in their favourite four European cities.<br /><br />More details can be found at <a href="http://www.gowithoh.com/" target=_blank">http://www.gowithoh.com/</a>.Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-71006073971029796782012-03-19T17:07:00.009-07:002012-03-19T19:37:08.741-07:00Life as a Fur Seal (Ohau Point, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphSojsJS5Mq74XmO5fzv56Fcepv6RbG1gTDOH6yXDOZqbEYb1Fqls8b7-IdxSG3hacaDzKkJdPJg7aINhoELjkq_IvxjDFqN5SUzbaPGdDM9jdbGTNZLSTVpbu00yWqveYgLlzdWvl-o/s1600/Kaikoura+Ohau+Point+Young+Seals+Rockpool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphSojsJS5Mq74XmO5fzv56Fcepv6RbG1gTDOH6yXDOZqbEYb1Fqls8b7-IdxSG3hacaDzKkJdPJg7aINhoELjkq_IvxjDFqN5SUzbaPGdDM9jdbGTNZLSTVpbu00yWqveYgLlzdWvl-o/s400/Kaikoura+Ohau+Point+Young+Seals+Rockpool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721764733304819858" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFgpWdBlVnRqSGCLIfMtjB4JRVFwcEocx6k4wlp8Xxfl4t2zS-JYso5xqCfGUIReOT3yrX7qBkVkFPF4CLlWHwgYK0ipGSmy0MKoaEjI0ZZyyH31KMawwXsTe2rMJXP4RE1o4v2hm4FQ/s1600/Kaikoura+Basking+NZ+Fur+Seal.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFgpWdBlVnRqSGCLIfMtjB4JRVFwcEocx6k4wlp8Xxfl4t2zS-JYso5xqCfGUIReOT3yrX7qBkVkFPF4CLlWHwgYK0ipGSmy0MKoaEjI0ZZyyH31KMawwXsTe2rMJXP4RE1o4v2hm4FQ/s320/Kaikoura+Basking+NZ+Fur+Seal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721765075822308626" /></a>While the undoubted highlight of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kaikoura</span> is seeing the mighty <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2012/03/sperm-whales-kaikoura-new-zealand.html">Sperm Whales</a> in the coastal waters, just through the energetic main town is <span style="font-weight:bold;">Point Kean</span>, a favourite haul-out area for adult <span style="font-weight:bold;">New Zealand Fur Seals</span> (or <span style="font-style:italic;">kekeno</span>). At any time, several large fur seals rest among the rocks relaxing after their exploits at sea but watchful of the visitors as they rock hop for the best vantage points for their photos. They are more closely related to <span style="font-weight:bold;">sea lions</span> with their tiny external ears (most seals have no external ears) and greater agility on land.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrvomggsq50HjG8f4TyHrGkrNdPvg0WCY9Ns2bu7vf0COpBw8qYkyX5A8MylIl5QfNfUmBp96UhMcCyV0ap6HGIGQPvdezK2e0NJojxeR5tsIsILwFe-jR2dv9iWXrjcSjFhg1Ukvr88/s1600/Kaikoura+Ohau+Point+Relaxed+NZ+Fur+Seal.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrvomggsq50HjG8f4TyHrGkrNdPvg0WCY9Ns2bu7vf0COpBw8qYkyX5A8MylIl5QfNfUmBp96UhMcCyV0ap6HGIGQPvdezK2e0NJojxeR5tsIsILwFe-jR2dv9iWXrjcSjFhg1Ukvr88/s320/Kaikoura+Ohau+Point+Relaxed+NZ+Fur+Seal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721765083750041794" /></a>More interesting is a roadside lookout <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ohau Point</span> around 25 kilometres north of Kaikoura. Impressive numbers of tiny <span style="font-weight:bold;">seal pups</span> frolic in the protected rock pools or athletically clamber over the rocky shoreline. Waves still pound the rocky shore and the odd pup gets rollicked around but they move on undaunted. Whether entangled in kelp, leaping over each other in the rock pools or exploring crevices in the rocky outcrops, the young fur seal pups lead a gregarious joyous and carefree childhood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRfLpVYRNNslZV11GWjSmnCHuqLU3VNGKJXokXoqZ8yIX8H1iVu3d57AUpUD4DX-jjZXioCVUh0bLjbyTHb_kRTx1ZqakuzkSH9SSRpXf6UtvtbEjLPNU6STRGDU7RZgRUp1RQm_JVjI/s1600/Kaikoura+Ohau+Point+Mother+and+Baby+NZ+Fur+Seal.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRfLpVYRNNslZV11GWjSmnCHuqLU3VNGKJXokXoqZ8yIX8H1iVu3d57AUpUD4DX-jjZXioCVUh0bLjbyTHb_kRTx1ZqakuzkSH9SSRpXf6UtvtbEjLPNU6STRGDU7RZgRUp1RQm_JVjI/s320/Kaikoura+Ohau+Point+Mother+and+Baby+NZ+Fur+Seal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721765078478343394" /></a>Born in November or December, these pups as photographed are around three months of age. Mother fur seals watch protectively over their youngsters or head to sea to satisfy the pups’ immense appetite for the rich fatty milk. The seals chatter to each other with their disturbing gutteral grunts and growls, heavy snorts and rhythmic shrieks - nothing melodic but mothers seem to be able to pick out their own pups.<br /><br />Mother seals are among the most impressive of parents in the animal kingdom. Their adult life is spent in <span style="font-weight:bold;">almost permanent pregnancy</span> with an 11 and a half month gestation period (including a clever mechanism of delaying the implantation of the embryo) with births every year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu3wGk5EleXC2y_wmqeXC3uOGtaJIA6Q1Hb84hB19TGM3DMvLiKpBS3x7SRHXvh3lxf72TShZ9SBEWJhqPgN-zOHD-g-cQn8F_FWdOxuekHO_TXP5bCiLsqeiTwCMKsfL48b60t_bbOc/s1600/Kaikoura+Ohau+Falls.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu3wGk5EleXC2y_wmqeXC3uOGtaJIA6Q1Hb84hB19TGM3DMvLiKpBS3x7SRHXvh3lxf72TShZ9SBEWJhqPgN-zOHD-g-cQn8F_FWdOxuekHO_TXP5bCiLsqeiTwCMKsfL48b60t_bbOc/s320/Kaikoura+Ohau+Falls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721765073099397458" /></a>As the pups mature, the female fur seals spend longer at sea, the pups boldly venture up a nearby stream to <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ohau Falls</span>, an elegant narrow waterfall in ferny rain forest (how do they know to go there?). From April for several months, the pups spend time in the stream near the falls returning every few days to Ohau Point for feeds from their mother until fully weaned.<br /><br />Separated from their mothers, this period of playful adventure around the stream is seen as essential to build key bonding and social skills as well as strengthening their bodies for the rigours of hunting for themselves, and must make for quite a sight in the tiny waterfall pool.<br /><br />Kaikoura’s coastal waters play host to a remarkable array of aquatic mammals and birdlife with a chance to view at close hand the power of giant <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sperm Whales</span>, the joyous playfulness of <span style="font-weight:bold;">New Zealand fur seals</span> and the aerial grace of <span style="font-weight:bold;">royal and wandering albatross</span>. <br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" ><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l29987c0b4s2" alt="Kaikoura Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/kaikoura/l29987" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kaikoura Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-20809967998521286382012-03-17T12:08:00.000-07:002012-03-17T14:40:45.471-07:00Five Spectacular Secret Beaches<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzixn7xiD9hJ0cTzxUi4gHO00IeOQTMT_ouqxFzFREP1HS9RIsz0PuU0_dWPfzqlmixapNO9GpBabDH9F5_c60MqJS1Xhjzc75oy1TVfKG8b2UFRRqbpembj1-ghZWcLWwNPCECQ47Lc/s1600/Secret+Beaches+Whitsunday+Islands.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzixn7xiD9hJ0cTzxUi4gHO00IeOQTMT_ouqxFzFREP1HS9RIsz0PuU0_dWPfzqlmixapNO9GpBabDH9F5_c60MqJS1Xhjzc75oy1TVfKG8b2UFRRqbpembj1-ghZWcLWwNPCECQ47Lc/s400/Secret+Beaches+Whitsunday+Islands.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719186695705428210" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">guest post by Craig Patterson</span><br /><br />Considering that for many people <a href="http://www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk/">luxury holidays</a> are epitomised by the classic <span style="font-style:italic;">white sand, blue ocean and swaying palm trees</span> archetype, there does seem to be a growing attitude that if you’ve seen one stretch of coastline you’ve seen them all. Perhaps with the proliferation of international travel over the last 30 years it was inevitable that attitudes towards <span style="font-weight:bold;">beach travel</span> would become defined by popular culture, where now juxtaposed against the palms and the parasols is the cocktail bar, the burger van and an army of distractingly colourful novelty inflatables. <br /> <br />Like any form of popular culture though, travel or otherwise, there will always be reactionaries, groups and individuals who want to break from the norm or who simply aren’t satisfied by the commonplace - they seek the unusual, the adventurous and exciting. There is something inimitably rewarding and fundamentally appealing about walking the unbeaten (or at least less popular) track; a sense of discovery, awe and privilege that comes only from the knowledge that by simply being there and seeing what you now see, you are experiencing something that very few other people have and will ever experience in their lives.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Coastlines</span> are magical places, marking the periphery between two worlds. Without further ado then here is a list of some of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">most remote and beautiful beaches</span> on earth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8imGqLk1eOsTU0XOsF464MnW3vRa7gWEHSIt_u8dqw1zlS7W9DocxgS23MRL6zAQFaQikxhXWJFXNjTpAHI7-e4k8aFnDDC0p6tp286vgK3vGpug2E_SwBlj-N-pN2ZbPwdjWYblmdII/s1600/Secret+Beaches+Skeleton+Coast.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8imGqLk1eOsTU0XOsF464MnW3vRa7gWEHSIt_u8dqw1zlS7W9DocxgS23MRL6zAQFaQikxhXWJFXNjTpAHI7-e4k8aFnDDC0p6tp286vgK3vGpug2E_SwBlj-N-pN2ZbPwdjWYblmdII/s320/Secret+Beaches+Skeleton+Coast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719186274687618034" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">1) <span style="font-style:italic;">Skeleton Coast, Namibia</span></span> - So here already, is a slight compromise, not so much a secret the vast <span style="font-weight:bold;">Skeleton Coast National Park</span> is larger than the metropolitan areas of New York and Tokyo combined. Despite its desolation it is a beautiful and stirring landscape which earns its rather morbid nickname from the number of shipwrecks and whale skeletons which litter the extensive sands. Rolling mists and convergent tides make the waters just off the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Namibian coast</span> notoriously difficult to navigate although watching from onshore the force and drama of the waters is a humbling site. A helicopter ride over the divergent sands is a particularly rewarding experience revealing the sheer scale of the region. Despite all this the Skeleton Coast still remains a largely unexplored area of Namibia which as a country is undergoing through somewhat of a tourist renaissance.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYeJjZA8gAERhApypAAupKqjn9dxgslpRjInqZrb-_6gmZIHHhAglJ9TURNuk2cuSRwTvEQCtFWR46GuIpeYDigyrCCO05f4ZCAm54bgpm6ghfgWSLCA5w9QbEnQ0ocOeIQ5aEAuJi7Y/s1600/Secret+Beaches+Sandwood+Bay.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYeJjZA8gAERhApypAAupKqjn9dxgslpRjInqZrb-_6gmZIHHhAglJ9TURNuk2cuSRwTvEQCtFWR46GuIpeYDigyrCCO05f4ZCAm54bgpm6ghfgWSLCA5w9QbEnQ0ocOeIQ5aEAuJi7Y/s320/Secret+Beaches+Sandwood+Bay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719186275014016322" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">2) <span style="font-style:italic;">Sandwood Bay, Scotland</span></span> - Perhaps overlooked by many, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Scotland</span> is a beautiful and rugged part of the world that withholds a superfluity of isolated escapes that have over the years inspired some of the great works of art and literature. Sandwood Bay, though perhaps lacking the tropical climate of other features in this list, certainly makes up for it with unprecedented spectacle and natural grandeur. A four mile trek from the nearest road, which is itself nothing more than a fine thread of tarmac it’s likely that you will not see another soul while you are here. The mile and a half wide bank of pinkish sand is flanked by high cliffs and just out near the rocks stands the sentinel-like <span style="font-weight:bold;">Am Buachaille</span> stack.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhXU1fRZc2SRc6JAWAd6ZEUrl8iXbYFuFMqDcP_a_XvYZTwnp6RD18FJCv0sn9ws90kdnx1eeLVHrNK8we3KrcMcI4QHVhtL_Hifi3plllHiGTU-RfIpVTa37-BzAPFEizWZ-BiOrI3w/s1600/Secret+Beaches+Pansy+Island.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhXU1fRZc2SRc6JAWAd6ZEUrl8iXbYFuFMqDcP_a_XvYZTwnp6RD18FJCv0sn9ws90kdnx1eeLVHrNK8we3KrcMcI4QHVhtL_Hifi3plllHiGTU-RfIpVTa37-BzAPFEizWZ-BiOrI3w/s320/Secret+Beaches+Pansy+Island.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719186282092375378" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">3)<span style="font-style:italic;">Pansy Island, Mozambique</span></span> - A short dhow ride from the port of Inhambane and 30 minutes from the remote <span style="font-weight:bold;">Bazaruto Archipelago</span>, Pansy Island is technically a sand bank, usually only visible at low tides. An ideal getaway from the nearby luxury resorts that have sprung up around the islands of Bazaruto the sand is stunningly white and perennially warm waters ensure this diminutive island is perfect for relaxing, picnicking and embracing the beauty of the Indian Ocean. The beach is also littered with Pansy shells, the creature from which the island takes it’s name; a curious and very rare relative of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">sea urchin</span> (though quite harmless) which features a striking five-leafed pansy design on the back of its shell.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNwissZQZOgqEs_3LhFeH15OvEeqDw1FbQJg719iCwidzG28ktP8nEAdF5z1NbPORlbEeTPm56l3e6ml5AH4jEDcJuectaxhuXBr671OH05Z-Jc_xRl4jcnQy1hAmVIOLsebyC8CY09Q/s1600/Secret+Beaches+Green+Sand+Beach+Hawaii+.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNwissZQZOgqEs_3LhFeH15OvEeqDw1FbQJg719iCwidzG28ktP8nEAdF5z1NbPORlbEeTPm56l3e6ml5AH4jEDcJuectaxhuXBr671OH05Z-Jc_xRl4jcnQy1hAmVIOLsebyC8CY09Q/s320/Secret+Beaches+Green+Sand+Beach+Hawaii+.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719186279934948754" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;">4)<span style="font-style:italic;">Papak’lea (Green Sand) Beach, Big Island, Hawaii</span></span> - The islands of Hawaii are home to some of the most striking coastline in the world, the black sand beach of Big Island, the iron rich earth of red beach in Maui and perhaps most unusual of all the otherworldly <span style="font-weight:bold;">green sand</span> of Papak’lea Beach, also on Big Island. The surreal volcanic landscape of Big Island asserts it as one of the most spectacular places on earth forged from the mineral rich molten rock that continues to spew forth from the three active volcanoes on the island. At the most southern tip of Big Island (also the most southerly of the United States) and a good trek or off-road ride from the nearest road you can find the famous Green sand beach which because of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">olivine crystals</span> deposited there exhibits its now famous green glow. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5) <span style="font-style:italic;">Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia</span></span> - Perhaps a little contentious as its popularity increases to grow, there is however no denying the beauty and brilliance of this sheltered bay nestled off the coast of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Northern Queensland</span>. Accessible by boat, anchorage is usually found at the opposite side of the island which then requires a short trek through the leafy forests to access the beach. Perhaps most rewarding is first trekking to the nearby viewing platform that looks out from the trees over the bay and promises one of the most stunning views in the world. Beautiful, unspoiled and peaceful; the sands here are brilliantly white and rich in silica which, as the local guides will attest, when rubbed on the skin helps to encourage the perfect sun tan. The waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling and <span style="font-weight:bold;">sea turtles</span> are known to frequent the bay(along with jellyfish at certain times in the year but stinger suits are usually provided).<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Craig is an experienced travel writer and guest blogger and works closely with Turquoise Holidays, experts in luxury holidays and <a href="http://www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk/honeymoon">honeymoons</a>.</span><br /><br />Photo Credits: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/birger-kuehnel/204795005/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Whitehaven Beach</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34118865@N07/6347433064/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Skeleton Coast</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/casper_chole/4629801399/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sandwood Bay</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardmoross/5753947177/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pansy Island</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42507736@N02/5616927990/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Green Sand Beach</a>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-4245133297869736442012-03-15T17:04:00.006-07:002012-03-15T17:20:59.676-07:00Sperm Whales (Kaikoura, New Zealand)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn45JPExVeU80UbqsGAxTn-3lGkk-F-H7Aqle5w71oZJK8Yhf369TDh8aUcBHVCt98mQBPxuqPY6uKgfNtvt_xB1qTPscvUuDRcqc2_v4rG2G7bH-jQMmw1_uYTPKBtSG6SJFeurK7I8/s1600/Kaikoura+Sperm+Whale+Dive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn45JPExVeU80UbqsGAxTn-3lGkk-F-H7Aqle5w71oZJK8Yhf369TDh8aUcBHVCt98mQBPxuqPY6uKgfNtvt_xB1qTPscvUuDRcqc2_v4rG2G7bH-jQMmw1_uYTPKBtSG6SJFeurK7I8/s400/Kaikoura+Sperm+Whale+Dive.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720279819054954978" /></a><br />Last October, I was in the whale-watching capital of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Kaikoura</span> as part of The Great Crusade (article <a href="http://www.travel-wonders.com/2011/10/marine-wildlife-wonderland-of-kaikoura.htmlhttp://www.travel-wonders.com/2011/10/marine-wildlife-wonderland-of-kaikoura.html">here</a>). Bad weather limited any sea ventures to only a few hundred metres from the coastline, ruling out sightings of the sperm whale but offering the chance to see various dolphins and seabirds. Having a chance to return to Kaikoura a few months later, sunshine and a sparkling peaceful ocean means the whale watch tours are running this time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwupJISttIbGKD3G1fqqeA9Z-Epf63EGzQbDIyauDIsKjUvE4rF8OPuf6ZZ_0IhTkMadO2lhl9BBE6AtP4KcJVZLnsdOB4L-Wk_B0Mb_ltGW_3cJg4I88Dc8mljt02VABYQfKYunnxRmc/s1600/Kaikoura+Albatross+TakeOff.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwupJISttIbGKD3G1fqqeA9Z-Epf63EGzQbDIyauDIsKjUvE4rF8OPuf6ZZ_0IhTkMadO2lhl9BBE6AtP4KcJVZLnsdOB4L-Wk_B0Mb_ltGW_3cJg4I88Dc8mljt02VABYQfKYunnxRmc/s320/Kaikoura+Albatross+TakeOff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720280087307348802" /></a>Beautifully perched on a bay with the sharply rising <span style="font-weight:bold;">Southern Alps</span> as a backdrop, Kaikoura sits only a few kilometres from the <span style="font-weight:bold;">continental shelf</span> which plunges to ocean depths of over two kilometres (called the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hikurangi Trench</span>). This creates a feeding paradise for <span style="font-weight:bold;">Sperm Whales</span>, ocean leviathans measuring around <span style="font-weight:bold;">18 metres</span>, the same size as our vessel, but at <span style="font-weight:bold;">60 to 70 tonnes</span>, several times the boat’s mass. At the apex of the food chain, the sperm whale boasts a position as the world’s largest toothed whale and the animal with the largest brain mass.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Albatross</span>, circle the waters soaring majestically and effortlessly with their giant wingspan. With a special technique to lock their outstretched wings, albatross glide without expending energy allowing them to spend years at sea and to skilfully fly the ocean updrafts tirelessly. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAUZeeUodCjQ0fc1am3IyJjbk5l56GHEBGl1iudULU2GiS92y2KCKXQKhr-lC6W7FJYTqyCewfCIv38zN788oZ_C-5PrA4lWbfL4dHq8MFTd-zWrit1ZvVvSeHyvMZnWcv1OrGhfIA3c/s1600/Kaikoura+Whale+Watch+Vessel.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAUZeeUodCjQ0fc1am3IyJjbk5l56GHEBGl1iudULU2GiS92y2KCKXQKhr-lC6W7FJYTqyCewfCIv38zN788oZ_C-5PrA4lWbfL4dHq8MFTd-zWrit1ZvVvSeHyvMZnWcv1OrGhfIA3c/s320/Kaikoura+Whale+Watch+Vessel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720280069151503730" /></a>With <span style="font-weight:bold;">spotter planes</span> and clever gadgetry, the boats keep an accurate monitor for the sperm whale’s feeding grounds. Boarding <span style="font-style:italic;">Aoraki</span> or <span style="font-style:italic;">Cloud Piercer</span> (the Maori name for New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook), the boat buzzes towards the sperm whales, past flocks of albatross, gannets and petrels towards the edge of the continental shelf. As these whales dive to depths of over half a kilometre to feed on their favoured <span style="font-weight:bold;">giant squid</span>, beyond the point that light penetrates, once they dive they can be away for an hour or more. The boats keep track of the dive times of the whales being aware of when they are likely to surface. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNxGNeCeGMyx2oxktG-1-vZ5SzL88r5mK_e-LG5nyLqz2D_s4JWMcy2TWpUGztgxi3RU1qACv-AqlRj8wzmqQ4G6LFrwqp2Er7qkmymZQ2bzdmfg8uZ8Ev296_TTBfUsk2o5ZDgBiuXE/s1600/Kaikoura+Sperm+Whale+Exhaling.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNxGNeCeGMyx2oxktG-1-vZ5SzL88r5mK_e-LG5nyLqz2D_s4JWMcy2TWpUGztgxi3RU1qACv-AqlRj8wzmqQ4G6LFrwqp2Er7qkmymZQ2bzdmfg8uZ8Ev296_TTBfUsk2o5ZDgBiuXE/s320/Kaikoura+Sperm+Whale+Exhaling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720280082267683730" /></a>Bobbing about on the glistening cobalt blue ocean surface for several minutes like a fallen log (with its huge block-shaped head, the front third to half of the whale stays visible), the sperm whale feverishly inhales and exhales shooting plumes of water droplets into the air through its unusual <span style="font-weight:bold;">S-shaped blowhole</span>. One graceful move and a flick of the tail and the sperm whale disappears on its next feeding dive for another hour or so.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQX6EaK0SzbATFQsfUpngKfEtkdQuFknH3cLzT4lQMBbie1hyphenhyphenPVps78c8fEnBl8ur3cAXR6Ef1jnqUwUzJS9Ry31kVJID6cJJ3_lJL-XHYbiLH7-b21rnufFyFO0I265A1zCmNRB97Dg/s1600/Kaikoura+Sperm+Whale+Tail+Flex.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQX6EaK0SzbATFQsfUpngKfEtkdQuFknH3cLzT4lQMBbie1hyphenhyphenPVps78c8fEnBl8ur3cAXR6Ef1jnqUwUzJS9Ry31kVJID6cJJ3_lJL-XHYbiLH7-b21rnufFyFO0I265A1zCmNRB97Dg/s320/Kaikoura+Sperm+Whale+Tail+Flex.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720280072983777234" /></a>Each tail fluke is like a <span style="font-weight:bold;">human fingerprint</span>, uniquely identifying the whale. As residents of the area (unlike other species of whales, these sperm whales do not migrate to Kaikoura seasonally but live here the entire year), each sperm whale has been named. Our first sighting is <span style="font-style:italic;">Tutu</span> possibly due to its elegant sleek dive. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGp3t2C6XF-eXc1dbY05B6OGP-Uq_VpMumvr_RmnN3eA3qEGVG512UXlTxt8TYk5ypFLQjKWSm6MyXW_fzpvgqzRTyCYUDl56w2JlNMyCAUknFVjIIn6I0Vzw-jyEnaac5t6j6bizRGk/s1600/Kaikoura+Hector+Dolphin.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGp3t2C6XF-eXc1dbY05B6OGP-Uq_VpMumvr_RmnN3eA3qEGVG512UXlTxt8TYk5ypFLQjKWSm6MyXW_fzpvgqzRTyCYUDl56w2JlNMyCAUknFVjIIn6I0Vzw-jyEnaac5t6j6bizRGk/s320/Kaikoura+Hector+Dolphin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720280086995815682" /></a>Heading towards the coastline, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Hector’s Dolphins</span>, the world’s smallest and rarest of this favourite marine mammal, prance in the aquamarine shallows racing alongside and under the boat. Small groups dive playfully and athletically, their mesmerising antics and agility difficult to photograph but a treat to watch.<br /><br />Other wildlife experiences are on offer including a chance to <span style="font-weight:bold;">swim with dolphins</span> or New Zealand <span style="font-weight:bold;">fur seals</span>, view albatross and kayak the picturesque waters.<br /><br />The Kaikoura weather is problematic and trips on occasions don’t leave for several days, but the Whale Watch folks are confident of seeing whales offering an 80 percent refund if unsuccessful. A chance to spend some precious times with the giant Sperm Whales along with the antics of the dolphins and the dazzling flight skills of seabirds, makes Kaikoura a wonderful wildlife experience.<br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" ><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l29987c0b4s2" alt="Kaikoura Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/kaikoura/l29987" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kaikoura Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-13338354137331268322012-03-13T16:41:00.007-07:002012-03-14T18:52:23.021-07:00Last Year on Earth Bucket List<a href="http://blog.firstchoice.co.uk/img/uploads//2012/02/2012-Bucket-List-Infographic-By-FirstChoice.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://blog.firstchoice.co.uk/img/uploads//2012/02/2012-Bucket-List-Infographic-By-FirstChoice.png" alt="If the world were to end in 2012, what would you do? From First Choice – The Home of All Inclusive" width="575" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What if the Mayans are correct (which I think is unlikely) and the world finishes on <span style="font-weight:bold;">21 December</span> this year. How would you spend your last year?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.firstchoice.co.uk" target="_blank">First Choice</a> recently asked a group of travel bloggers, including Travel Wonders for their <span style="font-style:italic;">bucket list</span> of destinations if they only had one year to live, resulting in this fine <span style="font-weight:bold;">infographic</span> (click on it for a larger view). It resulted in the selection of countries that represent some of the finest in natural travel wonders and cultural diversity. Where would you choose to go?<br /><br />A wider survey showed that over half would spend it with family and a little under a quarter would spend the year travelling.Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4446645565996377876.post-38368802259869343652012-03-11T22:16:00.005-07:002012-03-11T22:32:23.179-07:00Lake Matheson: A Taste of the South Island of New Zealand<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu_w56uybGIsW3nMBixH-sLvd-8QVUltV6bgcsQVN7V9Kz2Njrd2PPNQrT50hWB9BPWE9XG98XhlqMPpJqwovYptOcSoEz4mCn1GkE5mCrE8cSgYovzZXw6oePsr9o7YgyBnBI0rbAlk/s1600/Fox+Glacier+Lake+Matheson+Reflection.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu_w56uybGIsW3nMBixH-sLvd-8QVUltV6bgcsQVN7V9Kz2Njrd2PPNQrT50hWB9BPWE9XG98XhlqMPpJqwovYptOcSoEz4mCn1GkE5mCrE8cSgYovzZXw6oePsr9o7YgyBnBI0rbAlk/s400/Fox+Glacier+Lake+Matheson+Reflection.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718878269964336866" /></a><br />The picture-perfect reflections of the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Southern Alps</span> in the slightly tannin-tainted Lake Matheson offers a preview of the wondrous, visually inspiring <span style="font-weight:bold;">South Island of New Zealand</span>. The next few weeks sees a journey, I've alliteratively titled <span style="font-style:italic;">Kiwi Kapers</span> that circles New Zealand's larger but less populated island exploring the natural travel wonders of snow-capped mountains, sweeping glaciers, sparkling fjords, rock formations, verdant pastures and marvellous marine life.<br /><br />On a clear day, New Zealand's highest two mountains, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mt Cook</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mt Tasman</span> (sadly, Mt Cook is masked by cloud) mirror into this small lake near the foot of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Fox Glacier</span>.<br /><br /><div style='font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:9px;text-align:center;width:125px;line-height:9px;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.raveable.com/badges/l37012c0b4s2" alt="Fox Glacier Things To Do on raveable" style="border:none;width:119px;height:26px;margin:0px;" /></a><div style='margin:0;padding:0px;color:#065EAA;text-decoration:none;'><a href="http://www.raveable.com/new-zealand/fox-glacier/l37012" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fox Glacier Vacations</a></div></div>Mark Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14051626932158897414noreply@blogger.com8