Mystery explosions solved - does long dead volcano become alive again??

As you know - we had a rather large earthquake in Christchurch and that February  shake did do some decent damage to the area.  As you probably also know - Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the country's third-most populous urban area. It lies one third of the way down the South Island's east coast,   just north of Banks Peninsula (ok so that part is the important part here).  wohooo
Banks Peninsula forms the most prominent volcanic feature of the South Island. Geologically speaking, the peninsula comprises the eroded remnants of two large composite shield volcanoes (Lyttelton formed first, then Akaroa), and the smaller Mt Herbert Volcanic Group. These formed due to intraplate volcanism between approximately eleven and eight million years ago (Miocene) on a continental crust. The peninsula formed initially as offshore islands, with the volcanoes reaching to about 1,500 m above sea level. Two dominant craters formed Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. The portion of crater rim lying between Lyttelton Harbour and Christchurch city forms the Port Hills.  Actually Banks Peninsula comprises 15 volcanic vents/cones - not 3. These have not been active for 6 million years and the subduction zone and 'hot spot' that made their creation possible has long since moved away - much like the Hawaiian chain islands of extinct volcanoes.  So they say . . . . .

So naturally when we had the 6.2 earthquake one of the most often questions asked was: is the volcano coming alive again?!  Common consensus  until that point in time was - no chance - it is extinct  and has been so for some long time. 

Further our GNS scientists here in NZ have tested the hot springs around Banks Peninsula post-quakes.  The chemical composition of that water is not that which would indicate volcanic activity/source.  The massive amount of liquefaction and earthquakes that Christchurch has experienced has caused changes in our water table and natural spring levels but again nothing indicating volcanic activity or presence of magma. 

See this link and read the story there:  http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/5183064/Lyttelton-eruption-not-possible

However in the last few months there have been "mystery explosions" and deep rolling boom sounds recorded in the eastern part of town.  The hot springs tested - have also  been noted to be - well - hotter.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/67417742/Mystery-big-explosion-in-Christchurch

Further - I lost count how many aftershocks we have experienced since Feb 2011 but it is fair to say it is in excess of 3000.


So guess what was observed today - urm - yesterday??  One gigantic enormous steam-cloud being spewed forth from the crater rim, rising vertically  several hundred meters before it flattened  out.  Steam - which means water had to be heated by magma and find its way up and out.   It was a impressive sight for sure!
I tried to ring the local Geonet people who intially did take my call - but then laughed this off - and hung up.  Subsequent phone calls were ignored.  I think they may have put me on a barred list.  Sighs
Luckily for me - I had my camera with the long lens with me at the time, so was able to take urm - 'an evidence - photo'.  

Leaving work later in the afternoon and taking another look - by then the steam had dissipated - so I guess the volcano run out of - urm - steam?? Or was it puff??
Either way -  Banks Peninsula may be declared as dead volcanoes, now I am not so sure anymore . . . . .

Have fun


 

Shark-hunting bear goes home - or at least tries to

 The day dawned nice and red - and so were some eyes! Not from the crying but from the lack of sleep - seems the flight pattern changed and the planes came in to land - more or less over our heads - until the small hours!!

Not being in a hurry we stayed in bed for a bit - but eventually had to get up.  Saw the young lady from the 4wheel drive in the morning - she looked ok - if still very grumpy.  Hmmmm anyhow - we did what we had to do - breakfast and so forth - then actually packed our bags and cleaned up the Camper van.  We were ready by mid-morning - in no real rush but eventually decided it was better to drop of the van and head to the airport - so we closed doors and belted up and put keys in the ignition - and --- nothing.  WHAT?!?!?!?!
Pulls key out, re-inserts key and turns and - *cough* nothing.  Not a peep / sound engine noise - just - - nothing!

Mild panic rising!!


One call to the camping ground folks - who are only 10 km across the airport - who said to ring road-side assistance - who said - we send you a Mercedes mechanic - if he hasn't turned up in an hours time - please ring back.
I did contemplate jump-starting the van myself - but mid morning the camp-site was deserted - everyone must be out in town and even though the useless car manual pointed where things should be, the battery itself was in a completely different space (and found after a bit of detective work by the mechanic) !! 
The chap did turn up - right on an hour later.  He tested and jump started us - and long story short - the Battery is a dud!!  Just as well he came - and gave us a paper that made it all official.  Could not stop anywhere for top-up of Diesel so had to make our way to the rental place and explain the situation there.  They were good - waiving the fill up (around 20 Liters).

From there to Sydney Airport and unlike here in Christchurch we could check in our bags early - leaving us free to roam.  We then discovered there is a direct train link to the middle of town and we checked watches and decided we could make that - only to be thwarted by the train tickets - seems we run out of cash.
Ah well
Time to sit and relax at the airport and catch a plane home.
Time to wind up for Mondays work
Time to do last minute shopping at the airport.
Time to reflect on what we have seen / tasted /experienced.

First up - the wild life.
    We never saw a single shark on any watery course ( and those in a tank do not count) - so there went the hunt south
    We never saw a crocodile either - even though the Park/Zoo we visited had one on display - it must have been hiding!  Am told later that it is too cold for them south of Brisbane.
    We did not come across a snake or spider or any other harmful critter either.  We are sure they exist - it's just they made a biiiiig be-line around us!! Smart move on their part.
    We did see some interesting other wildlife (and humans).  The birds (the feathered ones) are so different and colorful and - yes - very noisy.  Mamabear in particular thrilled to have wild kangaroo skipping past our Camper-van on some occasions.
    ANTS - they are EVERYWHERE.  Literally. I kid you not. They have to out-number any other living creature in Australia by a factor of at least 10000.  In one camping ground we saw a regular highway of ants going up a tree to who knows what for.  They were going up in 4 lanes wide - AND coming down in two lanes! A 6 lane ant highway!!   No wonder the birds had a feast right next to our Camper-van!!  I contemplated taking a pic - but realized the small ants and focus and . . . . .
    Koalas - saw them only at the sanctuary.  Seems they have it best - sleeping most of the day!  Inspiring stuff.
    Possums - would you believe it - they are "protected" in Australia as a species.  Seriously?!  They are a major unwanted pest here in NZ - carrying TB and stripping the leaves of the trees and also raiding the nests of our native birds.
    Farming - inland before you get to the 'outback' is a lot of farmland - but we saw very little cow's or sheep, unlike in NZ where you see them everywhere.  The land is just soooo vast - I am sure they just spread further apart . . .
    Weather - we had fabulous sunny warm days - with Brisbane being almost too hot. Along with that come the extreme storms and we saw in Coff's Harbour how much the pacific can dump if it so pleases!
    Plant-life - you think Australia - dessert - right?!?! Gum trees and cactus!  It also has a rain forest!  It is naturally different to the one here in NZ - and I am sure different to any other part in the world, and yet it does exist! 
    Time -  we are so used to daylight savings and our sun setting at 9pm or later
during summer, and to sit outside at 6.30pm having our dinner in darkness - took some getting used to.
    People - very friendly and helpful in Brisbane - nothing was too much trouble and you felt very welcome.  This diminished the further south we got. 
    Food - some stuff just divine (especially some hunter valley wines).  And everything is larger/bigger/fuller then in New Zealand. Not sure if the warmer longer sunnier days have got something to do with that.  Also there is a huge variety of fruit due to its tropical climate.  If you love food - go there - it has an amazing range of color/taste/size available.
    Road-safety - we think we have it tough - wait till you met a traffic officer in NSW. . . . .
    Patriotism - I am sure NZ is just as passionate about their country as our Western Island cousins are about theirs.  They however seem to be able to show it more openly.  We saw more flags flying and represented in towels etc etc then  here.  Then again - we have the All Blacks, who needs a flag . . . . 
     Multicultural - Sydney in particularly was noticeable - so many people from so many different cultures.  One thing above that, that stood out - a casual observation Asians seem to be around 40% of the population.  Not sure if that bears out in their census data, as I said - it is just an observation, but as a ethnic group they stood out.

Anyhow - will we go back - probably?! When - who knows?!?!
First up we have a weekend in Tekapo (my Birthday treat) - then my sister is talking about coming out from Europe and we haven’t spent any time lately in our favorite spot - the Coromandel, and further, Mamabear really wants to spend a week or two in Cook Islands . . . .
Hmmmm we better win Lotto soon . . . . .

Anyhow - arrived home well after midnight and just fell into bed. 

Have fun



 

Shark-hunting bear forgets the hunt and goes all cultural

Well this is our last “normal” day in our 'Western Island'.  – Tomorrow we fly home – so we are going to what any self respecting Kiwi would do - go and raid the town.  Uh yeah

First-up we tried to buy tickets to the train, a multi-day pass Opal card, which you just pre-load with cash and then you swipe every-time you check in AND out! Great system. Would you believe it the train station sales lady attendant didn't won’t our money - instead sending us to the local news paper stand,   ^.0   who promptly tried to send us back to the station attendant.  Talk about a circle go merry around! Asian lady at the news-stand then tried to haggle with us trying to convince us to SAFE money by buying a single pass.  Sighs. 
Eventually we got a multi day pass.  How hard could that be!!

Made sure we got on to the correct train and eventually got off in town – first stop – Circular Quay, Opera House and Harbour Bridge – very humid and crowded!  There was a cruise liner in the harbour too - somewhat blocking the view - but hey.   There was also something happening at the opera house with a lot of very FINE dressed folks arriving and also - several police officers being present.  Had to hold Mamabears hand tightly - as she is not used to men carrying guns . . . . . 
 
The Opera House souvenir shop also sold - wait for it - LEGO.  It had three sized models (along with suitable prices) a miniature block set / a large set / and a $500 extra large set - with all of them having the 'custom made' outside roofs - brick by brick . . . . . . .   It was tempting to get this dust gatherer and take a set home and make it once home ^.^

Having had our dose of culture we then back tracked to train station and crossed over to Darling Harbour area where we explored Tumbalong Park.  It has many cafés and other attractions - of which one is a Chinese garden.  
We always liked the new-ish one down in Dunedin / NZ.  This one is older and also bigger.  The pond alone is almost twice the size and had several large Kai-carp.  It is an odd thing - such tranquility set in such a busy 

place.The other noticeable thing is/was the amount of building going on.  There will be a fabulous entertainment / conference/arts centre bordering the south side of the park!!

It always has a "mountain" walk that doubles with a waterfall.  The waterfall providing the 'churning' and oxygenation of the water and of course a very nice back drop! 








The Two dragon murals.  A nice gift and fantastic artwork.









 
This tiny wee thing was sunbathing - then blushed as he heard the click of the camera and vanished in the blink of an eye!   
I did not know that the Aussies could be so shy  *grins*







Lunch became a nice treat at the 'Guylian Chocolate' café.  We have the treats here but not as a shop/cafe! Sydney has three.  Shame - they so should send one over here.  The Hot Chocolate drink (with coconut) was divine and almost a meal in itself!  We sat on the terrace and enjoyed what there was to enjoy - including seeing all the office people coming out for lunch.  Suits galore!!  Eventually had to give up our seat so we trekked criss cross back towards 'The Mall' and up the Westfield tower.  Fabulous views from the top!  Alas no badge, seems there is only one design for the four million people town! We think we even saw our camping ground across the airport - well the beach anyhow.  
Here we are looking down on St. Mary's Cathedral!  
 



There is even a maritime museum along with a decommissioned Squid - wait - submarine.  A great place for kids to crawl around and pretend to be Nemo.  

Mamabear by now recovered from the shock of seeing armed 'Men in Blue' and we spotted what we assumed to be Queen Victoria Building, and having heard about that decided to go all royal.  So down the shaft and more foot traffic across town.  


It is an indoor sort of mall place - but with shops that I am sure ask for more $$ then we can ever earn - looked very upmarket and classy!  This bear felt out of his comfort Zone.  The clock tower though was very interesting. It has these movable rings - and Cook's Ship sailing around it and a few other features!! 











Dinner was had at an Italian restaurant on the darling harbour other side. 
The Thunder plus one heavy passing shower help us making up our mind where we wanted to dine (it started to rain just as we walked outside past the cafe - which had the sails-shades)  - so we sat outside under a large umbrella and had a very nice meal while it still was very humid at 24 degrees.  Mamabear not impressed with the rolling thunder (again).





Eventually we had to go back home again to the Caravan so walked back to the train station via the mall etc. 

Looks like the cruise liner had vanished while we were in Darling Harbour . . . . . . .  










Now we are sitting outside the van - in darkness while still feeling the heat and while I finish the other bottle of red we picked up from the Hunter valley (yumm yumm) we are having to listen to a young couple in a 4wheel drive having a small 'domestic'.  You could not miss it, as they were less then 3 meters across from us!  As I still can speak German (more or less perfectly), I more or less had to hear and understand how the 'conversation' went.  Luckily they settled down (or the 'discussion' settled) and everything went quiet.  I was about a heart-beat away from going across and act as UNO peace-keeper. For a while I feared for the young girl and her safety.  This did make me think - 30 years of marriage - how on earth have we survived for so long and then also survived in a camper-van for 12 days? Traveling for a large number of days and away from home and cooped up in such a small place - personal space becomes important and you really have to work at your relationship.  Or as one elderly Lady once in Downtown Abby so eloquently expressed it with:  "Sheer bloody dumb luck"   :)

 Amongst all of that, we are contemplating tomorrows travel home. 
How/ when best to drop the van back and what we had to do, in what order, etc!!

Sighs - Holiday is nearly over.

Ah well - time to finish the last glass and then make the bed - for the last time . . . 

Sharkhunting bear goes wine hunting

Usual routine first thing in the morning - even if the Fonz dragged his feet! 

Then we are off – first stop – to get some diesel - for that we turned back into town - then off to the local info centre to see which wine cellars they would or could recommend.  Not much luck there - but did see this lovely woodwork art - all in-laid!  Its size - 2.5 meters up and some 4m or so across - massive!  Info centre was 5km outside Cessnack and while there I saw you could fly with a jet ^.0   wohoooo

www.cessnock-jet-fighter-flights

Uhhhhhh yeah;  until I saw the price/time thing. They asked - $1500 for a 15 min flight and it goes up from there – OUTCHTIME!

We sat in the van and debated which vineyard we would visit - not knowing any of them at all.  In the end we decided to go to the first wine cellar on the left coming up after we leave the info centre! 

I N S P I R E D  choice - that's all that needs to be said!!

Lady there being very chatty and knowledgeable – swapped stories about Europe / Christchurch  / and wines from here to there - especially as I used to be able to enjoy a Chianti / Lambrusco / Beaujolais not to mention a number of Austrian wines such as Traminer etc while still living in Europe.

This particular vineyard is what you would call a boutique Winery - only making about 20 000 litres and only selling via the door.  They do run a membership club which helps with the harvest and so on and they do - surprise surprise - get some special benefits - such as a special harvest and bottles ONLY they can buy/consume.  Given that I was so  *cough*  knowledgeable - I was able to sample one of these special bottles!  urm - lets just say membership does have its benefits!! Shame we can't enroll from here in NZ. 

Eventually  bought three bottles to be consumed in 2 days – that should not be a problem (so we thought).  Had to stop and take a pic as some Roo's casually grazed amongst the wines. 

Since the Navigator got to taste all of hers AND mine (me being the 'sober' driver) and her head was doing circles  - so not being very RELIABLE as navigator we filled her up on cheese and bread and . . . .

 

 Just as well we needed to make it to Sydney camp-ground near the airport and it was mostly a 2 lanes highway  - so you point the car south and let it run for 150 km or so.  However we were not looking forward hustling through Sydney roads. 

Again - roads more like a European Autobahn – speed limit at 110km/hr -not half bad.  Road in places in bad nick with 3cm wide cracks in concrete running 4-6 meters zigzagging along!!! 
Lunch at a area so similar to the European rast-plaetze on the autobahns - complete with the truckies area for parking.  We ended up buying something from a 'alternative' kind of healthy eating place that seriously tried to sell us a packet of steamed beans (along with the health description WHY they are so good for us).  Hmmmmmm 
The drive into Sydney – co-driver still under the influence from wine testing – so we winged it – followed signs to airport (not on google map drive – but hey) and eventually found our camping ground after doing laps around the block cause the navigator missed the turn.  Camp-site bit of a run down place – new manager friendly enough and trying to improve the site though. 

Parked our mobile home – then walked 3k to super market for tonight’s home cooked meal – only 3^rd cooked meal in our van!!!! Must be a record!

Now relaxing with a glass of the Muscato wine we bought - very rich and sweet and at 18% very lethal. Not sure how the cooked meal will turn out – but the wine is SUPERB!!!! HICKS 

Might have to have the whole bottle to myself as the navigator is still suffering from this mornings tastings - - shame ae?!?!?!?! Besides surprisingly the Muscato turned out to be a red . . .

Within the nebulous thoughts we had, it dawned on us that we made a crucial mistake – should have flown into Sydney first and stopped at Hunters en route to Brisbane – then we could have picked up 10 bottles (one per day) and enjoyed them daily 'till we got to Brisbane!! Hmmmmm food for thought!!!!!

Anyhow - another hot night - so cooled down outside finishing the wine and settled in for the night - looking forward to a full day in Sydney tomorrow

The vineyard we sampled. Lovely place and such friendly people

 

The Fonz assured me that he was over the age (I think 30 was mentioned) so he was allowed a glass too! He tells me he very much enjoyed that one and has to talk with his 'owner' when he gets back from his travels (remember he kinda got kidnapped/volunteered for this journey)  to see if he could have the occasional glass more often . . . . .
Actually he may have been 'volunteered' to keep an eye on us ? ?    hmmmmmm 

 
 One day to go then we have to go back home again!!  Sighs



 

Shark-hunting bear goes wine hunting instead

 
 

 

 

Usual morning routine / wash / pack / leave etc. 

Well - it is meant to be.

<----  Hmm I have to say a certain bear - not naming names - decided to have a bit of a sleep in!  Come on Fonz - time to get cracking!!




First stop – the smoking mountain. Thought we can get there and back, just a short stroll – turns out it was a 2 hour uphill and downhill walk – so not good for Mamabear and her dodgy knee – thus very sadly and reluctantly flagged that experience.  

Then headed towards the Hunter Valley with  morning tea in 'Willow' - lovely spot! Visiting the info center and asked about the flags further up the road - turns out it is some kind of memorial for the first shipments of prisoners arriving in Sydney. The attending lady told us the story of one of the passengers, a 80 year old convicted person ( for perjury) who survived the journey and a year in Sydney before she ended her life - it must have been so hard for her.  We ended up having a very interesting chat about previous generations and so forth.  Australia certainly has some historical challenges ahead.

Lunch turned out to be on a road side rest area with nothing being there except a log drop and one table in the shade - so had lunch inside the van where the air-con kept us cool! 

Then a quick stop in Singlton which has a very large sundial. Seem to remember it is the largest in Australia!  It is true to its time and even has a board telling how many minutes you have to adjust by for, from various earth movements etc.  One thing it does NOT do (and so do all sun dials) is to ADJUST for day-light saving.  Would be super if there is one made that has a movable ring that can be moved forward or backwards by one hour . . . . . 



Anyhow - quick stroll through town then pressed on towards final resting place – Cessnack, set at the heart of wine country!
Well folks - the famous Hunter Valley is really more like a Hunter - urm plain/plateau.  It is true that on one side are the Blue Mountains - a cliff top type leftover remnant from a zillion year ago ocean bed of sorts - - turn 180 and look the other way and the  "Valley" extends as far as they eye can see - some 60 - 100km in a more or less flat area.  One part of the "Valley" has a horse breeding industry and looked lush and green.  Another large part was used extensively for open cast mining - and you saw lots of tailings.  All up it is a bit of a misnomer to call it "Valley". 
Hmm rant over

We found our camping ground and seeing it was so nice and warm sat outside for about 2 hours enjoying the warmth and 'Traminer' white wine!!! Lovely drink!!!








From reading this it would appear we spent most of the day on the road traveling and you would be almost right.  It was the longest leg to travel. We also had plenty of stops along the way to break up the driving.
Anyhow we made plans for next two days – booked a camping place – then wandered of in search for Asian food (with the local on-site Thai place closed on Monday's, drats!).  The stroll into town looked long-ish but we decided to stretch our legs and had the long stroll into town (3 km) and  ---  found most eating places there shut as well!  Sighs
  Eventually found a place called 'Bellygood” - main trading was takeaways but they also had 3 tables to sit down and eat – so we did just that. Then the long walk again back home.  In-between I snapped this evening mood! 

We had finished the wine and all stores were closed so - we just sat and enjoyed what warm air there was left - except for Fonz - who yet again wanted to be tucked up in bed!! hmmmmm
He must be traveled out - or is he disappointed with the shark-hunt and sulking?!?!

www.Burning_Mountain

It was peacful and no birds were screeching and one felt almost compelled to sing Taps!
Anyhow the next day should be a cracker.

Here the Fonz started breakfast - then had cold feet so moved back to bed - tut tut bear! 

I finished the brekkie and snapped this - just so we have a proof that once the bed is made - there was little room for much else.  It goes seamlessly from bedroom to kitchen! Puts a new meaning to 'having breakfast in Bed'!
Mamabear catching up with the temperatures - seems Brisbane will win the days high - with Christchurch being the coldest!

The Fonz decided to helpful after all (and this had nuthin' to do with his love for a glass or two of red - so he tells me) and looked to plan the next days journey - but as they say, that's another story.

The bed made up - back into a lounge! wohoooo

Shark-hunting bear goes all country *cough* urm music

Usual routine on waking - me makes breakfast - then we eat together  - after that I trundle of for shower / teeth etc and while that happens, Mamabear does dishes and un-makes the bed! Then she trundles off to her shower and I catch up with everything else. We are so in the routine, we were on the road by 8.30am! First stop was meant to be local info centre and they are, surprise surprise, closed 'till 9 am.  Filling in time is never a problem so went to Coles for supplies  stored them away and then the info centre. I got a badge for Armidale - wohoo!
Having picked up a map from the local young guide chappie - we walked round town for about an hour and were met by a local cycle race - 'round the block of which half was down hill and the other half - yup uphill.  This doubled as a fund raiser and a fun day out for the support crew!! Very picturesque town!! Spotted the local market garden so cruised that for things - Mamabear buying a new book - ok its an old book but one she has never read!


In-between we saw the local birds doing a funny weird thing - seems they enjoy swinging by the rope -  This you understand was serious business with a definite pecking order in place as to who got to go when. It was real funny seeing them  effortless swinging from side to side = and enjoying it!
Ok either that or they were trying to take down the Australian flag from the flag-pole!  
I go with the fun-swing-ride theme . . . .










We promised to be in Tamworth for the day - so it was high time we made tracks, so with mixed emotions headed to Tamworth. We could easily have stayed another night in Armidale - and yet looked forward to catch up with Jade.
Found camping ground ok and then were met by Jade and Scott who took us to the Marsurpial park for lunch!
Park is run entirely by volunteers and entry is free. 

With Scott being dropped back to work (Milking the cows) we went and saw various animals / birds at the park - including another set of Roo's but no Wombat and no Croc!!  I am beginning to wonder if the hunting skills of this bear have spread far and wide and the locals are - urm - ducking for cover???? 



By the time we seen what was to see in the park,  Jade picked us up and we went to the "big guitar".  Yes it is a big golden guitar.  Seems Tamworth is world famous in Australia for its once a year Country and Western singer song get-together-hoe-down festival thing!  It has of course a wax museum of all famous country singers (from Australia) and an extensive shop where we bought ONE CD and a badge and got some info for our trip down to the hunter valley.  From there it was back to Jades house for a very relaxing afternoon and chat including a entertaining play with two new kittens. “The League” local club provided a dinner for us - so no cooking or dishes.

Sadly we had to say farewell to Jade and Scott when we got dropped back afterwards at the holiday park, and we nearly left all our prezzies in the car behind. It was good to meet Jade in the flesh so to speak - we have known  each other since she was a teeny weeny grasshopper - thanks to Scoutlink!!

Provisional planning ahead for tomorrow and then bed – it is going to be a long drive tomorrow down to the Hunter valley - where there are grapes galore being made into lovely drinks!  yumm yumm - something to look forward to

Uh nearly forgot - we sat in the park enjoying the breeze and so forth when several black mean looking birds decided to urm - take a look -  I tell you it felt very much like in Hitchcock's film "The Birds". 

Tamworth has about 50 000 people and is well known in Australia.  I suffered from the misconception it is sort of what Nashville is like for USA - a place where there are lots of recording studios and the whole town lives and breathes Country and Western music!  Alas - seems it is only a once a year get together thing.