Scooter Man #2

This blog about Scooter Man should have been posted over a month ago but the images were left behind when I headed off to Oman at the beginning of January.
But here we are - I'm back and trying to catch up with myself.
So.... back to Scooter Man - Grandson Shea of course.
A day or so before I left we ventured down to Washington Park, the new skate park that the City council had spent a few million dollars repairing and updating. Wow, what a fantastic asset for the city - even I am impressed. World class park from what I can glean.
Shea was there to impress - and that he did. He is pretty darned good for a wee nine year old.
Had such a park existed ~60 years ago I would have been in there boots and all. I well remember my little wooden scooter, likely a hand-me-down. I'd balance the quart milk bottles on the footrest and then wonder tearfully why Mum was cross when the full bottles crashed off and spread milk and glass shards over the concrete.
Anyway, young Shea held his own as he scootered in amongst the adults on their scooters and skateboards. He even held it together when he crashed heavily in front of the big kids - blood everywhere but not a tear in sight. Well done young man!!

Scooter Man in action

And again - bloodied elbow and all!

Sizing up the bigger drops

Shadow Man

One of the adults - chasing his own shadow

And then just a few days ago I was riding my mountain bike into the city to collect our vehicle after its service. Here I was cycling along at what I thought was a steady pace, when out the corner of my eye I notice a scooter swallowing me up on the footpath - a scooter identical to Shea's - even to the colour. And ridden by a young lad 8-9 years old - Shea's age. Blimey, is there no respect today!!!!
Impressive speed.

Scooter Man

Every second Christmas (and occasionally in between), Juliet and Shea fly home from Melbourne to spend 2-3 weeks with the local whanau.
It is a joy to have them here and my only regret is that it cannot happen more frequently. However, based on quality time rather than quantity, we make the most of the time available.
Having had 2 daughters and a career in what was historically a predominantly female profession, a grandson to hang out with is a different experience - but of course a good one. Shea is such a lovely lad, and there is never a dull moment!! So different to girls - it's never too late to learn!
We do get to Skype them weekly but having them here in the flesh can't be bettered.

Juliet and Shea - Castle hill Reserve

Shea shoe jumping - Christmas Day

Scooter Man

Music In My Ears

"Grandpa, when school is over for the year, will you take me for a tramp?" asked my beautiful granddaughter.
As the blog heading says - music in my ears! I hope this awesome relationship with Arna continues like this forever. I am a lucky grandfather.
I endeavour to take her somewhere new each tramp.
"I have an idea, but it is uphill most of the way for two hours - to Bealey Spur hut".
"Mmmm...... she replied"
"But it is only a gentle uphill hike. And just think - it will be downhill all the way back".
"Ok" she replied. And so we managed to set a date in both hers and my busy pre Christmas schedules.

Vista from the top of Bealey Spur

The hike up to the Bealey Spur hut, and then making the effort to go on up to the top of the hill beyond, provides one of the most beautiful views nature can gift us. This is one of my favourite places in the mountains - have been there so many times, and I never tire of it. Sharing the experience with Arna made it complete!

Arna looking out over the Upper Waimakariri Valley

At Bealey Spur hut - oldest hut in APNP (circa 1925)

The keen photographer with her own DSLR

Evening visitor - the cheeky Kea

The bearded forest on Bealey Spur

One braid of the Upper Waimakariri River

Thank you Arna for a great few days. I love sharing the mountains with you. Long may this last!!

A Recital

Within a few days of the final parade (last blog), we were invited to Arna's end of year concert.
She started learning the piano in early 2014. Her teacher used to work with Chris at her previous school pre earthquake. After discussions with Chris she chose to have her end of year concert for all her pupils at the rest home where Chris's Mum resides.

Arna (left) and others at end of recital

A great concert enjoyed by all the residents and families. A lot of talent there. Thank you Lynne and Arna and the rest of the pupils.

Final Parade - or 'Reach For The Sky'

Our beautiful granddaughter, Arna, commenced High School at the beginning of 2014 - I think it is called Year 9 these days. Because of the ramifications of the earthquakes and the associated uncertainty of where they would be living in the future (damaged house, land stability, etc). Urgent decisions needed to be made re her educational future. From memory, she (along with her parents of course) applied for entry in to 7 High Schools in Christchurch - all out of zone. She was successful in 6 of the 7 applications. She chose Burnside high School. An inspired choice!
Her first year of high school has been hugely successful - all due to her diligence and hard work. She could not have asked for anything better. Biased we are - we are immensely proud of her achievements to date and wish her all the best for the next four years of high school - and in the hope that her current attitude towards her life continues. We can see no reason why this would not happen.
Early in 2014 she chose to join ATC - Air Training Cadets.
At this early stage of her life, she is seriously considering pursuing becoming a pilot as a career. ATC will certainly help guide her in the right direction. And so she enjoyed a great year in the cadets. At the final parade in early December 2014, Grandma and Grandpa were invited along.

Then at the Awards moment, the first name to be called forward was A Woods for best first year cadet.
A complete surprise for everyone, including Arna. Well done Arna!

Arna receiving her award from the big boss

Holy Smoke!

A new Pope perhaps?

Tradition dictates that as well as the annual tramp (now 34 years and no sign of letting up), there will also be a shorter pre Christmas jaunt into the mountains  - for several of us an escape from the loathsome commercial build up to the big day. And so this year was no exception with three pensioners and a long suffering apprentice (23 years now and no end in sight!) jumping in my 4WD and heading off up to Lake Sumner to the Jolliebrook area and the outlet of the lake.

Swing bridge across Hurunui River

Holy Smoke?? Jolliebrook hut

Lake Sumner near the outlet

Gabriel hut (circa 1930s)

Pensive moment (Adrian and Peter)

Orchid (?botanical name)

Yet another successful jaunt into the back country - and like the Avoca trip in the previous blog, in good company, with good food, happy hours, and good weather.

PS - if anyone knows the botanical name of the orchid please let me know.

An Alpine Trek

My big brother Barry and his lovely wife Cathy recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary (note I'm not saying the G word). Instead of a party they chose to participate in a 12 day alpine horse safari from Lake Tekapo to near Lake Sumner in north Canterbury in late November. Not a bad challenge for a couple in their mid to late 70s!

Big brother Barry doing an excellent John Wayne impersonation

Cathy the horse whisperer

Near the middle of the trek a rest day for the horses was scheduled. This was at 'The Retreat', an old ex Forestry Service dwelling at the junction of the Harper and Avoca rivers above Lake Coleridge. By coincidence this was a place where Barry worked in ~1957 on a Forestry Service fencing contract, prior to him going down to Antarctica. He spent a number of weeks during this contract several hours up the Avoca River based at the Triangle Hut. My father took me up to visit Barry and we tramped up to stay in the hut with them for some days - one of the first tramps I remember at the age of nine.
During this rest day, Barry was keen to tramp up to see the hut and rekindle some memories.
A few years ago I had passed this hut during a solo tramp and was aware it still existed, albeit in a very sad state, thanks to the 1994 Arthur's Pass earthquake. My weekly walking group were keen to join me in meeting the horse trek - Martin and Jim to fish Lake Lilian and Graeme to accompany Barry and myself up to the old hut. Permission was obtained to obtain a gate key and drive my 4WD up to The Retreat and use the old Fitzwilliam hut a few hundred metres away.
The rivers were high and there was considerable doubt that they would arrive on time - but several hours after our arrival they did ride in with tales of a very interesting crossing of the Wilberforce River!

Lake Lilian

The derelict Triangle Hut

Graeme and Avoca River

Four likely lads at Fitzwilliam hut

Central City

I 'stole' this image off Facebook this morning. Mea culpa!! (Thanks to Becker Fraser Photography).
Whilst there are still many buildings to be deconstructed (PC word for demolition), the new city is starting to take shape. Very slowly, but progress is progress. Every few weeks I wander into the CBD to check it out. Maybe I will see the end result - I plan to grow old so just maybe!!

Christchurch Central Business District

Rowing

Our elder daughter, Rachael, used to be a rower - a very good rower.
In fact she was an Under 19 national champion and a few years later an Under 23 national champion.
Soon after life got in the way for her - career - overseas experience in the form of OE to London and work at Harley Street - travel, marriage, family..........
Sadly the oars have gathered dust and she has not been back in a boat for 22 years.
Until now.
A few weeks ago she was asked to help her work team who had entered a team into the Corporate Rowing Challenge. Today was the big day and we were there on the bank screaming our support as we did all those years ago.
She was back in the boat again and the team did well. It wasn't the prettiest rowing we've seen but they held it together as a team.
Now the Corporate Challenge is over, she is keen to continue - and plans to row Masters for the Union Club.
Well done Rach - you brought tears to my eyes today!

A City Awakening

Last weekend I participated in the Southern Regional Convention of the Photographic Society of NZ.
One aspect of the weekend was a field trip. There were four options - I chose the city tour with David Wethey who used to be the Chief Photographer for The Press, our local city newspaper. I figured he would be a good tutor - sound ideas, good tuition, and an eye for the city! I wasn't disappointed.
Sadly the morning passed all too quickly but it was fun for the 3.5 hours we wandered about. Much of it I'd photographed previously, but it was beneficial to see the city through the eyes of an excellent photo journalist.

It was also heartening to see the city slowly but surely coming to life again with new building projects abounding. I read in The Press a few days ago that the Central business District (which was >80% destroyed/demolished) was over 30% completed in the rebuild. I think that figure is way too optimistic!

So here are a few images of a small area of Christchurch as it was on Saturday 4th October 2014.

So many cranes!

Deconstruction 'Art'

Antarctic in The Square

Street Art

The Tram is operating again

New Regent Street - alive again

Ballerina Rebuild

Corner of Gloucester St and Cambridge Terrace

Deloittes new building

Deloittes - detail

Home Alone

I have several of these places.

And sometimes I just close my eyes...........

Aurora Activity

I recently downloaded a new app warning me of aurora activity. I set it to southern hemisphere, activity level 9, and waited. Unfortunately most of the alerts came during daylight hours - not much help for viewing or photographing. I had previously photographed the Aurora Borealis in the high arctic 12 years ago. An amazing phenomenon but difficult to capture in the low temperature. And back then, I did not have the advantage of digital and being able to view my results immediately. Film was the norm then and I had to wait nine months before I was able to see what I had captured.

Aurora Borealis

Last Friday night the skies were clear and alerts indicated a good chance of significant activity. Off I went into the darkness with tripod and camera bag - togged up in boots, down jacket and woolly hat. As I frequently do, I am drawn to my favourite location on the Port Hills - up near Coopers Knob, the highest point along the summit road.
Whilst the wind in the city was calm, up on the tops it was blowing a gale and bitterly cold - I shudder to think what the wind chill was. The car temperature gauge indicated 3 degrees.
The Aurora Australis was nowhere to be seen - what activity there had been, had dropped to levels of 5-6 if my app was to be believed.
Not to waste the moment completely, I'd be wanting to photograph the stars and milky way for some time - a recent image taken by Chris's old friend in the outback of Australia spurred me into action.
Keeping the tripod still in the gale force wind was a challenge, but I played for half an hour before the cold eventually won out, and I trudged back to the vehicle and drove home to thaw out.

Looking due south - spot the Southern Cross

Looking due north - city lights affecting the view

Perigee Moon

I missed last month's perigee moon. This month the moon is not much further away. So where to photograph the full moon on Tuesday 9th September? Moon rising at 1828, twenty minutes after sunset, so still sufficient available light to capture the surroundings. TPE told me the moon would rise just north of the peninsula so I figured Godley Head would be the place to go.
I was expecting to have company out there with other photographers in action, but there I was - alone and happy, but cold in the brisk easterly wind. A WW2 bunker was soon found for shelter.

Godley Head and northern Banks Peninsula

I soon discovered I wasn't totally alone. Sheep and lambs were keen to hunker down out of the wind for the night, and I was preventing two pairs of swifts returning to their nests inside the bunker.

Full moon rising on target

After a superb cloudless day in Christchurch, the sea mist started to roll in but eventually the moon rose above it.

And so rose a perigee moon, a mere 358,621 kilometres away.