Blow Holes and Boulders

Set off early the very next day

down to a place that's called, Jack's Bay.

The aim of our goal was to see a blowhole,

fifty five metres deep the climb to see it was really quite steep!

Moving on we saw lot's of bird life,

"There's some spoonbills!" I said to the wife.

Our stop tonight is a place called Moeraki, 

very much a Tenby copy!

An evening meal in a shed on the pier

it could be crap was my only fear,

but no, it was really ace

in the shed that's called Fleur's Place.

In the morning that was a little colder

we went down to see a boulder,

such strange rocks I've never seen

makes you wonder what they could have been?

Then, Arthur's Pass was on our list

but no mountains could pierce the mist,

so with a change of plan

we turned around in our little van.

Coast to Coast

Our idea was to see the most

therefore we drove from coast to coast.

On the journey we came upon

a little town that was called Croydon,

there I found to my delight

a small museum devoted to flight.

Stunning examples and all of them flyable

one a gorgeous Percival Mew Gull. 

Then on we went to camp at Owaka,

a lovely site, an absolute cracker.

A walk along the golden sand

made the evening feel quite grand,

then to our great surprise

a wonderful sight met our eyes,

a sealion right there on the beach

and almost within our reach!

To see wild animals in their own habitat

is a real privilege and that's that!

Te Anau

Up early next day and off to Queenstown,

a ride on the Gondola, both up and down.

Shot off again to reach Te Anau,

a really good camp site that bought out a wow!!

Booked our trip to Milford Sound,

certainly was the best deal around.

On to the coach with Bilbo the driver,

at the end of the day I slipped him a fiver!

Amazing views and scenery 

with the turquoise water and greenery

mountains that rose out of the sea

waterfalls and wildlife, almost too much for me.

A wonderful trip

by both the coach and ship.

New Zealand

Arrived in New Zealand after a three hour flight

picked up the camper and found our first site.

Just a one night stop at Geraldine

then on to Lake Tekapo the most beautiful lake we've ever seen.

Onwards and upwards towards Mount Cook

had tea and cakes and a really good look.

Off again to Wanaka for a two night stay

a visit to the museums and puzzling world next day.

Into Wanaka town for our tea

a large amount of ribs for me.

Mount Cook from Lake Pukaki

 Mount Cook from the cafe!

Muffins all round

Dave looking suitably puzzled!

We don't seem to have photos of Wanaka, unbelievable I know, we have hundreds of everywhere else!

Ah... Found a couple, knew there must be some somewhere!!!

Melbourne part two

Next morning a lie in,  

before some more sight seein.

Over to the harbour side

onto the Melbourne Star for a ride

The same as the London Eye, a big wheel,

maybe too much for Susan, I feel.

A stroll around the galleries, lanes and a tram,

lots of people, shops and sights to cram.

Next day we met Mark and Dorothy

Mark a very old mate and his wife a true Aussie

We walked along the south bank of the River Yarra

The time just didn't seem to marra,

And into China Town for our tea

left the choice to Mark and Dorothy,

ahh this is a good place and not a bad price,

Oh and by the way they throw the rice!

What? I said, are you sure of this?

Yes, said Mark, now catch your dish!

For starters we had soup and seaweed,

traditional we all agreed,

Then chicken and prawns, and beef all a flame,

then the chef took aim.

He threw the rice bowls to all at the table,

you had to catch them if you were able.

Now he chops and fires an omelette 

at your mouth without a helmet.

A novel way to serve a meal

and you do end up a bit like a seal!

Back to the river to see the sight

of Melbourne all lit up at night.

A lovely evening we all agree

Mark, Dorothy, Susan and me.

Finally Sunday saw us at the MCG

the first one dayer of three

Fantastic ground and wonderful seats

to watch England perform some marvelous feats.

But alas it was not to be

Stuffed yet again, oh woe is me!

And so we leave Australia with sorrow

But hey, we're in New Zealand tomorrow.

Friends and penguins

On to Melbourne for a day or two

some friends to meet and things to do.

Stu was only 17 when last we met

probably changed some I will bet.

Nope, recognised him straight away

greeted with a cheery g'day

with Nicola too, we go for a drink

and some proper Aussie food I think, 

real beer down at the Wharf bar

and an introduction to Chicken Parma.

Thanks Nicola and Stuart too,

for a lovely evening from me and Sue.

An early start for a tour of Melbourne city

the parks, library, and Queen Vic's market all visited and very pretty.

Then off to see the penguin parade,

koalas in the wild was the first stop we made,

passed the race track for the motor GP

just a little bit too quick for me.

Then on to the beach to see the penguins go by

so funny and sweet and not a bit shy,

they waddled and slipped on the way up the path,

a sight to remember with a bit of a laugh.

No photos of penguins I'm afraid, strictly prohibited, it hurts their eyes!