Dawson's on Tour

Kutna Hora CZE

2011-08-16T04:18:00.000-07:00

Aveen and I had a mission out of Prague to Kutná Hora a UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit the famour bone church. We weren't too sure what to expect but it certainly was on the list of places to visit. The Bone Church was just one spot of interest- the whole town was well worth the visit.

History of the bone church
Henry, the abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Sedlec, was sent to the Palestine (Holy Land) by King Otakar II of Bohemia in 1278. When he returned, he brought with him a small amount of earth he had removed from Golgotha and sprinkled it over the abbey cemetery. The word of this pious act soon spread and the cemetery in Sedlec became a desirable burial site throughout Central Europe. During the Black Death in the mid 14th century, and after the Hussite Wars in the early 15th century, many thousands were buried there and the cemetery had to be greatly enlarged.

Around 1400 a Gothic church was built in the center of the cemetery with a vaulted upper level and a lower chapel to be used as an ossuary for the mass graves unearthed during construction, or simply slated for demolition to make room for new burials. After 1511 the task of exhuming skeletons and stacking their bones in the chapel was, according to legend, given to a half-blind monk of the order.

Between 1703 and 1710 a new entrance was constructed to support the front wall, which was leaning outward, and the upper chapel was rebuilt. This work, in the Czech Baroque style, was designed by Jan Santini Aichel.

In 1870, František Rint, a woodcarver, was employed by the Schwarzenberg family to put the bone heaps into order. The macabre result of his effort speaks for itself. Four enormous bell-shaped mounds occupy the corners of the chapel. An enormous chandelier of bones, which contains at least one of every bone in the human body, hangs from the center of the nave with garlands of skulls draping the vault. Other works include piers and monstrances flanking the altar, a large Schwarzenberg coat-of-arms, and the signature of Rint, also executed in bone, on the wall near the entrance.

While a bit disconcerting to surrounded by the remains of so many people it didn't feel too macarbe. Worth the walk and the run back to catch the last train 5kms in 35mins on the run

Prague Czech Republic

2011-08-13T23:53:00.000-07:00

Vavra, the face of slalom kayaking in Czech and our very good friend.

I took a day away from the slalom and explored the beautiful city of Prague. On a bridge looking across the river to the Prague Castle on the hill.

Up the hill looking down on the historic old town of Prague.

This fountain just took my interest. I think it should be against the law peeing in a public place.

The jazz band playing on the world famous Charles Bridge with the mass of tourist walking the walk over the bridge and back again.I only did it once.

The WINNER of the fourth KI Slalom Fourth World Cup is Vavrinec Hradilek (Vavra). A great result well done.

Bratislava to Pudapest and Return

2011-08-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Kay and I had a few dates to spare before slalom training started in earnest so we took our bikes and headed east along the Danube River from Bratislava Slovakia to Budapest Hungary, some 200+ kms. For the most park it was cycling on sealed cycleways of the roads, reasonably flat and along the banks of the Danube River. The first day was 75+ kms. We spent the night in the old Slavak town of Komarno. Next day we headed across the bridge to Hungary and the town of Komarnom before the 55km trek to Eszergom in the rain and predominantly biking on the road verge. Another beautiful historical town. I had my ironed chicken meal. The meal was delivered with the chicken half cookes and a hot old iron on top of the chicken to cook the other half. A very tasty meal. The last day was 70+kms and saw us cycle into the heart of Budapest. Stayed the night, did so sightseeing on the bikes then tried to organise our train trip back to Brat with our bikes.Leaving Bratislava for the 2 00+ kms to Budapest Hungary along the banks of the Danube.

The great bike adventure continues.

We made it to our accomodation in Komarno Slavakia. A pretty ritzy hotel, magnificant room at a very affordable price. The cold beer was much deserved. Komarno is a border town. Across the river is Komarnom in Hungary and a change of currency.

The bridge to Hungary.

Even the cycleway had its own barrier arm for the tthe train crossings.

Sightseeing in Eszergom Hungary.

Waiting for the car ferry with the other cyclist doing the trek. I was expecting a bridge.

Heading into Budapest. The pace of life has certainly picked up.

Sightseeing around Budapest.

The leisurely ride along the banks of the danube.

The beautiful gardens on Margit Island in the middle of the Danube Central Budapest.

Partway from Esztergom to Budapest we noticed that several of our fellow cyclists had left their bikes and trained or ferried to Budapest. When we tried to get on our train back to Brat we realised the reason. Bikes are not allowed on the trains in Hungary. We did hoever managed to get the bikes on board but only after some serious haggling and more than a few euros for someones back pocket although it did get us only to the Slavak border. There we had to change trains, officially pay for our bikes and head of again. One further change of train and a few hours later we were sipping a cold beer and wine in an outdoor restuarant in Brat on the banks on the Danube before a much deserved children salad at the Football Pub with Mike, Luuka and Lou. A great adventure highly recommended for anyone who can ride a bike.

London Pre Olympic Test Kayak Event

2011-08-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

On 22 July Mike and I with a few other keen slalom kayakers boarded a Ryan Air plane in Bratislava and headed to London for the Pre Olympic Invitational Test Event. We were in London for ten days staying about 45 minutes out of central London. The new Olympic Slalom Course was impressive and very challenging for all the international paddlers and a great experience leading into 2012 for the Olympics. Around racing we also managed to sample some of the British beers, wines and food and managed a few trips into central London to visit all those famous places we have only read about or seen on TV as kids.

Also managed to catch up with Claire, formerly of LB Dawson & Associates Limited and now married with a little guy and now living in London renovating an English Villa.Claire and I with Jacob at Liverpool Street Station meeting after about 5 plus years.

Vavra, Mike, our fellow paddler from Uganda and myself hooning around London by the Thames. We were lucky we did not tak out any of the thousands of tourists walking around in our way.

Me with little Jacob. Such a great little guy who managed no tears when I was holding him.

The new Slalom Kayak Course about 45 minutes out of London build for next years Olympics.

Our accomodation in Harlow, our base for the London Olympic Test Event. The character English Pub to the right was mint with great meals and beers. We stayed in the building to the left.

Mike and I overlooking the Thames across to Tower Bridge.

Tower of London

London Tower Bridge

Big Ben and Parliament Buildings

Buckingham Palace

On Monday after the event we headed back via Ryan Air to Brat and some R and R. Most impressed with Ryan Air as a low cost Eurpean Airline. No complaints at all.

Bratislava Vienna return

2011-08-11T12:01:00.000-07:00

Kay and I had a couple of days to sightsee so we purchased two cheap bikes from Tesco and jumped on a ferry to Vienna. Rode around Vienna for a couple of hours and then headed back to Bratislava on the sealed bike tracks along the banks of the Danube. Unfortunately we made one wrong turn an ended up on the wrong side of the river. As a result we had to backtrack almost to Vienna some 15 kms. When we found the right track it was late afternoon meaning we were late arriving at the mid way town we planned to stay the night at. Problem absolutely no accomodation. Solution: ring our amazing son in Brat to come and collect us. Two hours lately and after two close calls with the police for car papers etc we were back at our Brat
apartment sound asleep. All in all a great fun.

Arriving in Vienna three hours after leaving Bratislava.

The cycle trip begins with the scenic bike tour around the ring roads of central Vienna. Truely amazing. Fabulous old buildings, beautiful inner city parks and a safe cycle lane.

On the Twin City Ferry leaving Bratislavia for Vienna with the Bratislava Castle on the hill.

Kay hooning around Vienna

The start of the trek back to Bratislava.

Swimming on the Danube River.

Bratislava, Tatra Mountains, Leipzig

2011-08-10T07:26:00.000-07:00

We left Ljubljana and headed north to Bratislava Slavakia about four hours where we stayed for a week for training. Settled into our long term apartment in the centre of town about 25 minutes driving from the kayak course at Cunovo. Explored the town, found a lovely lake for swimming, went to the movies in English and found the supermarkets, restuarants and bars. The apartment is sweet, three bedrooms, lounge and kittchen on the 13th floor with three locked doors to get through and the lift. Still managed to have our cheap Tesco bikes stolen after only three days locked on the 13th floor.At the top of the Tatra Mountains. Went up on the chairlifts and walked down on these rocky paths. At great adventure.

The amazing lake close to the apartment in Brat. Great for swimming, fishing or just lazing beside with a cold beer, wine or two.

Exploring Bratislava on the new bikes. Note the floating hotels on the Danube. They move between Budapest and Amsterdam.

Left Brat for the seven hour drive to Leipzig Germany via Prague for the third World Cup. Again managed to get a 5 star hotel in the city for the price of a 3 star. It was very comfortable. The Markleberg site is fabulous set on the side of a lake with lovely views. The only downside was the wind which blew the slalom gates. Sand was put inside the gates so they were heavier and would not swing as much. It however meant thay were quite heavy and if they swung into a paddler they could cause a serious injury. Met up with Kay in Leipzig. She had flown into Lyon France and judged at the second world cup and was here to judge also. After racing the following Sunday we returned to Bratislava for another training camp and a bit of R and R.

BBQ evening in Bratislava.

The magnificant kayak course at Markleberg near Leipzig Germany.

Our up and coming new international kayak paddler in training at the Cunovo course where the next World Championships will be held in September.

The amazing Ice Caves in the Tatra Mountains

Information board advising detail of the Tatra Mountain walks.

Walking in the Tatra Mountains. We caught the chairlift up and walked down on these amazing rocky paths.

The kayak course at Liptovsky Mikulas in the Tatra Mountains.

The typical communist apartment blocks in Bratislava. We have a mint apartment on the 13th floor. The inside is a lot better than the outside.

Build up to first World Cup Tacen Ljubljana

2011-06-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mike and I arrived in the lovely city of Ljubljana last Monday for the build up to the first Slalom World Cup at Tacen about 10 minutes out of town. We found our hostel booked over the internet to be excellent value for money with all the mod cons and plenty of space, about 10 minutes from town and the slalom course. We went straight into a solid training program to lead up to the competition starting Friday. Managed to fit in some R and R between the training. Also did a bit more flat water kayaking myself in Mikes creek boat on the river above the course staying well clear of the deady drop. The boat obviously was not used to going so slow.

As in prior years checked out again the tried and true Mexican Restaurant as well as the Kaval next to the course and the world famous Slovenian restuarant, the Azur next to our accom. Otherwise it was the supermarket and breakfast lunch and dinner prepared back at the hostel.

Training for Mike was intense but we still took time out to explore this beautiful city and get in a hike up the Smarna Gori hill and do some fishing.

The World Cup 1 was extremely good for Mke with a credible first heat run putting him in second spot and the semis followed with an excellent semis run and through to his first ever slalom World Cup Finals. Overall he finished in 10th position.
Tomorrow we leave for Bratislava Slovakia about 4 hours drive away. We will be there for one week before heading to Leipzig in Germany for the third World Cup.

Vavra at the parallel slalom racing on the Ljubljana River in the middle of Ljubljana City raced under floodlights. Mike is on the green boat as the unofficial photographer.

The parallel slalom sudden depth. Each paddler has two runs, one on each side of the course and the paddler with the best time wins and goes through to the next run.

Breakfast time in our mint accomodation the Hostel Azur.

The upmarket subdivision just down the road from the Tacen Slalom Course. The houses are all equal to or larger than the average NZ house.

The conquest of the Smarna Gori Hill near the slalom site. A climb of 669 metres in 20-40 minutes for a much needed beer. Mike and Shaun Travers admiring the view.

Glenys Travers at the bottom of the slalom course. The hill in the background is Smarna Gori we climbed the previous day. The house on the other side of the river was where we had a BBQ the previous night and I spent an hour fishing with no success although a few fish were jumping.

Mike, Shaun and Glenys at the world famous Azur Restuarant next to our accommodation. The pizzas were just delicious.

Mike trying to grate and extract the parmesan cheese from the old wooden container and grater at the Azur.

Mike in the confines of our hostel room. I had 10% of the space and Mike the rest. Roll on Bratislava when the situation will change. We also had a full kitchen and bathroom that we shared with one other apartment. With free internet, breakfast and parking it was great value for money.

The paddlers in the slalom K1 finals as they exit the river after the race. Mike is the paddler half way up the stairs .

Ivrea, Bourge Solkan Ljubljana

2011-06-21T04:37:00.000-07:00

We left Ivrea after a fantastic few days and headed through the St Bernard Pass from Italy to France to stay with our very good friends Aveena and Pascal and have some R and R. Their house is situated way up on the slopes above Aime just out of Bourge St Maurice. Fabulous views across the valley to the snow capped mountains. Had an adventure on the Wednesday going up to the exclusive ski resorts of Tigne and Val Desere. Although summer, both had skiing on glaciers which we were keen to do. Unfortunately they did not open until the following Saturday when Mike had a C grade race in Bourge.

The Soca River at Solkan. Both Mike and I had a kayak training session here. Mike was a little faster than me.

The kayak race at Bourge was unfortunately rained out. There was too much water in the dam above the course so only one qual run was allowed. This unfortunately put several of the top paddlers out including Mike. Ciaron went on the finish sixth overall.

Aveena and Pascal on race day. Although wet on the quals day, the weather was mint for the semis and finals. Pascal and I had a mammoth road bike ride the previous Tuesday, approx 2.5 hours. The ride from home to Aime and along the river, as advised, was easy. The ride back up the hill was hard, like 15 kms straight up. Did plan another ride but luckily it was raining

Mike, Aveena and Pascal at meal time. The cheeses and french wine lived up to expectations. Aveenas meals ,as always were delicious.

Our other French friend Pascal we visited while up at Val Desere. We went for a walk up the pass above their house to experience this wonderful scenery. If we had continued walking up this pass we would have ended up in Italy. The peak behind was 3500metres high.

The ski Resort of Tigne. Unfortunately closed until the following Saturday. Apparently at the peak of the ski season, apartments are rented at 1ooo Euro a night.

The entrance to the Tigne Ski Resort. This entrance leades to the funnicular transport up the mountain which takes you through a tunnel to the massive inter connected ski fields.

Mike at the top of the Col De Iseran Pass at 2750metres high. The Val Desere glacier ski field is of to the left.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end and we headed off to Ljubljana Slovena on Sunday afternoon after a very good Italian restaurant meal in Bourge with our hosts. We had a night at Solkan where I finally jumped on the water myself for a very flat water experience. Great fun.

Arrived in Ljubljana about mid day on the Monday with Mike fresh for an extensive few days training for the build up to the first World Cup.

Managed to score mint accommodation on the outskirts of the city, only 10 minutes from the course at a reasonable price with breakfast and internet included. Back to the Mexican Restuarant for dinner. Life is not half bad.

Here until next Monday when we head to Blavislava for a kayak training camp before the third world cup in Germany.

2011 European Campaign Begins

2011-06-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Mike paddling the Val Chuisella in the Long Race

I have now been in Europe for 10 days. Arrived in Prague after the long 34 hours of flights from Auckland/Bangkok/Frankfurt/Prague. Had a few hassles in Auckland with overweight bags due to Mikes added items. All sorted with no extra costs due to skillful negotiating.

Picked Mike and Martina the next day and headed south to northern Italy arriving 4.00am after the 9 hour drive. Slept in the car, a first for me in 35+ years. Spent 4 days in Ivria with Mike competing at the Teva Extreme Outdoor Games. A great event with competitions in the long race, sprints and slalom for both individuals and teams. Mike and the NZ team taking out the overall first and second places respectively.

Mike first place in Teva Extreme Outdoor Games in Ivria Italy with Sam Sutton second and Michele Ramazza (ITA) third .

Start of the Extreme Slalom Teams Event. The Kiwis went on to take second place overall.

The Ivrea Slalom Course right in the middle of the beautiful historic Northern Italian town of Ivrea.

The floodlit Ivrea Slalom Course for the team's sprint event.

The shuttle service for the boats and paddlers at Val Chuisella back to the top of the long course.

Have now headed through the pass to the French Alps and Bourge St Maurice for a kayak world ranking race this coming weekend.

Sardinia travels

2010-09-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Out of the breakwater just a bit windy

After the Cinque Terra walk we headed south by train to Civitavecchia a city destroyed during WWII andf boarded the care ferry for our eight days in Sardinia.
Golfo Aranci coastline
Arrived in Golfo Aranci in the evening and the next day rented our Mistra Daedoo care from Formula One Rentals no recognition at all to any formulae one and headed NE to the Smeralda Coast. The small Mistra , no power steering, no aircon,brakes marginal, top speed 50 kms uphill was perfect as speed limit tops was 70kms. Drove past the rich and famous of Porto Rotundo ,Porto Cervo and Capriccioli heading towards Palau & St Teresa Pennisular.

St Teresa Pennisular
All the beaches were golden sand, crystal clear warm water and sunshine which beckond for lazing and swimming.

Headed across the north coast past Castelasardo and stayed at Platamona Lido and onto Alghero
Alghero the old city
a traditional old city and the beautiful beaches of the west coast. Alghero is a reasonable large city uilt on the rocky coast overlooking sandy beaches a tourist mecca. Ventured south for a day to the magnificient Bosa township
Bosa River
an absolute gem, the beach must be the best in Sardinia. Tiem was running out drove across th isalnd through the port town of Olbia
Heading towards Olbia

and stayed the one last night on the beautful Smeralda Coast in a luxury hotel on the beach just awesome. Headed to Golfo Aranci staying in a family run hotel before ccthing the ferry back to mainland Italy. Sardinia lives up to its reputation of beautiful beaches, sunshine and gorgeous scenery. Now in Ladispoli for three nights a coastal resort town about 45 mins by train from Roma
looking out over Castelarado- our mean machine

A Sardinian herd!!!

Italy

2010-09-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Vavra's Silver medal World Champs- with the IRL, NZL GBR and FRA supporters

World champs are over for another year and the LJ Kiwi residence is disbanded. Kay and I headed for Italy with Cairan and his parents we had a great night in Brescia eating at a traditional travottoria pizzeria which was yumm....

Montorosso

From there we headed on the train to La Spezia via Palma and out to the Cinque Terra only to find no accommodation availalle as the local tourist info informed us until November. Should we be homeless until then or proactive decided on the latter and heaed back to La Spezia where we found the last room for the night in a 3 star hotel thanks to a cancelleation- rain was on the way. Moved to another less expensive hotel for the next two nights also due to a cancellation Hotel Cassir which was great. First day we headed out on the train to Levanto and walked from Levanto to Montorosso and then onto Vernazza. Two great swims in beautifully warm water so salty required no effort to stay afloat. The walks were harder than expected we were really expecting a walk in the park but day one was certainly a challenge especially in the heat 34 degrees and exposed to the sun. Absolutely wonderful, glorious views and not too many people on Levanto to Montorosso I think they must have heard it was a little demanding typical NZL tramping. Vino, hot showers and food solves and takes away any sore muscles and we were rearing and ready for day two of the walk. Up again bright and early and off to the train station heading to Vernazza to finish off the walk Corniglia, Manarola and onto Riomaggiore. An easy days walking with crowds of tourists making their way along the paths. Did a bit of a detour into the back vineyards and up another hill face which just added a new dimension to the scenery and took us away from the scores of walkers. The scenery is spectacular, the villages still every authentic, food great, vino better, too many Americans and at times apart from the architecture we could be in NZL. very worthwhile ad now we know while Ian and Paula suggested to book as it is so popular even out of the traditional tourist season. Had all weathers and the local fisherman pulled up there boats so they knew a med storm was on the way and the crashing of the waves and the tempest sky added another mood from the first day.

Heading towards Vernazza

Leaving Vernazza

Cornigilia

Riomaggiore vino well deserved

Now in Civitavecchia about an hour out of Rome and heading tomorrow to Sardinia on the ferry- had another mission finding accommodation at a reasonable cost but finally managed it and had the best pizza and salad tonight for dinner. It is all about eating, friend and doing it !.

2010-09-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Czech Pre Nationals and Nationals held at Lipno about 4.5 hours from Ljubljana. Great course that only flows one weekend a year and we were there.

On top of the Lipno Dam looking back to the start of the slalom kayak course. Very much like NZ

Weekend at Lipno Czech

2010-08-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Out on the jetty on the lake about the Lipno Dam just up from the slalom course and only a short walk from where we are staying.

Up at the release of the dam water for the kayak slalom races

Last weekend Ciaran, Mike and I headed north to The Czech Republic to paddle in the Czech Nationals on a natural river downstream from the Lipno dam that releases water for only one weekend a year for this race. Training on the river was only for two hours on Friday afternoon with a race on Saturday and Sunday. Mikes mate Vavra and his neat family arranged for us mint accommodation including breakfast and dinner at the restuarant with the Czechs was really fantastic. Great food, drink and people. Also managed two runs down the river on a raft followed by a visit to the sweet shop. A great weekend. Thanks Vavra, your family and Czech friends. me just about to head down the might valtva River rafting

Me with the Euro boys. Cirian Left Vavra Right

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Scoutting the bottom of Lipno Dam...

Ljubljana bratislava Return

2010-08-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

Mike and Ciaran at the Football Club Eatery. Another great food and beer place at a cheap price

Mike at the Cusovo Bratislava course during the Pre Worlds

We found the local swimming hole . Not super cold but refreshing.

Father and son at the Slavakian Pub. The cheapest and best food and beer in town.

Mike under the sign to Michaels Gate in Bratislava old town.

Mike and I managed to climb in this window on the second floor when the front door of the hotel was locked and we didnt have a key. It was no problem with a little help from my mountaineering son. The next morning I realised just how high it was.

The trek up the hill by the kayak course at Tacen this time in the pouring rain. Lou, Ros, Kate and myself were drenched by the time we got to the top and warmed up with a coffee. Basically slid back down. As I had biked to the course to meet the girls I then had to bike the 8 ks back. Louise had to run!!

Father son time at the local Ljubljana markets. From here went to the local fish markets and bought fish for lunch. Delicious cooked in flour with a salid

The milk vending machine at the markets although they are all over town. Either take your litre glass bottle or buy one from the machine and full it with fresh cold milk. Would be great to have in NZ. Mike managed to jam the system meaning we overpaid so gave our surplus to the lovely Slovanian lady next in the queue.

Biking in hills behind the house

2010-08-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

This morning borrowed Thomas' mountain bike and went exploring the walking tracks in the hills behind the house. great tracks for mountaining biking under the canopy of trees with the views to Ljubljana through the trees. Some steep uphills but this means great downhills.

Back to training for the Guys

2010-08-12T03:08:00.001-07:00

The dreaded PINK bike that threw Louise off and caused her injury. Its still good for me to get to the course some 30 minutes away. I feel a little safer now that it has some brakes. Would be good if it had more gears. It has only high and higher and I am always keen on a granny gear. Thomas scored the use of the mountain bike from the French Team for three weeks. The blue bike has a seat that revolves that can be dangerous and the brakes are a little suss but it gets you there.

The birthday boy. Great times at the local Mexican restaurant followed by drinks at a bar on the rivers edge. Thanks Mike and the crew for a great time. Lou the cake was delicious and I will get plenty of use from the PINK pencil case and colouring in pencils.

Mike back in training on the Tacen drop with Peta doing the photography.

Birthday Boy!!!

2010-08-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Les from your NZL crew. Have a wonderful day and be spoilt rotten. 57 hugs and kisses from us XXXXXX

Life in SLO isn't half bad!!

Ljubljana

2010-08-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Cooling off after the mountain biking in Lake Bled

The boys about to start the killer downhill to Bovec. I voluntered to be the shuttle.

The beautiful Adriatic Coast line. Clear refreshing water just no sandy beaches.

Managing the swing bridges on the mountain bike. No mean feat with the 30 metre drop into the river below

Brent lazing in the Adriatic Sea out from Koper

The group sunbathing. We were prudes as all the locals were either topless or complete in their birthday outfits.

The boys at the bungalows in Bratislava. Comfortable and right on the course. Great cheap meals at the course.

Living it up in Bratislava. Great cheap restuarant with fab meals and local beers

The Steptoe & Son Team NZL. Rubbish day in Ljubljana and the kiwis found some cheap(ie free) furniture for the accom. Five beds, bases and the best lounge chairs for the patio with the cold beers.

The mountain trek by the Tacen course. 40 minutes up and 15 down with time for a beer/coke at the top. Great must do!!

The initial rubbish pile before the kiwis attacked it. Some good stuff to sell at the end of our stay.

Waiting for the train. A good old stream locomotive.

Picnicing at the Soca valley by Bovec after the boys did a river run in their slalom boats. The water is chrystal clear and fed from the glaciers.

Mike starting the river run in Soca valley.

Have now been in Slovena for about two weeks. The accom is great allowing us all to have our own space yet good large common areas to socialise. The boys have trained here in Tacen and also travelled to Soca Valley for two days and fours up to Bratislava. They have just had a four day break from training before the training intensifies leading up to the Slavak Open and the Worlds here in September.

The break gave me a chance to get out and see a bit of Slovena and we spent a day at the beach south of Koper on the Adriatic Coast about one hours drive away. Although no sand the water was soft and clear and lovely to swim in. Also went back to the Soca valley from the north through the Triglav National Park for some mountain biking with Johan and Thomas. Great fun but hot and a little difficult keeping up with guys half my age.

The scenery in Slovenia is alot like NZ only more rugged with the rocky cliff faces rocky glacier fed rivers and covered with pine trees. Would be totally different in winter with the snow. Its also hard to imagine that in both the 1st and 2nd world wars this idealic valley was a place of strategic importance and many a deadly battle was fought here.

Managed to escape after the biking to the idealic Lake Bled. A little touristy but a great place to plunge into and cool off.

Mike returns from Holland tonight and training starts in ernst tomorrow.

Kay/Les on the move

2010-07-23T01:26:00.001-07:00

Our mansion in Ljubljana. Great home away from home.

Ljubljana Castle

This guy is playing four instruments. He has two strings tied to his toes for the drum and the chimes

BBQ time with the Aussies and the Italians

The boys in training

Lazing out in the Kays hotel in Lyon before doing battle with the Easyjet staff to fly to Venice and in Venice get to the train station to head to Ljubljana

The mint Hotel Mercure next to Gare de Lyon train station. Certainly an oasis in Paris

The invisible swimming pool. At high tide it is completely covered with seawater. Great idea. Should have one in Tga

Our lovely hosts in Britainy. Brigette, Jon and lovely daughter. We had fabulous crepes at this tradition restuarant.

Jean, Bridgitte and their beautiful daughter

Jon's project to renovate this lovely family beach bach. We guess it will be a 10plus year project and will follow up on it when we are next in the area

The lovely Britainy coast line

After leaving our oasis at the B & B and our lovely french lady we headed for Brittany to catch up with our slalom judging friends and visit a part of the world we have not been to before. We were amazed at how similar the scenery is compared to NZ except for the houses. We had a lovely time seeing this part of the world with friends Jean and Brigitte and seeing how life is in Brittany. Plenty of time talking , walking, sightseeing ,and especially eating the french cuisine. The scallop kebabs, cheeses and french red wine were all delicious. Also the day at the beach and the french crepes which were totally out of this world. if only we could make them like the French

Their family beach bach originally built in the 1800s to be renovated will be a vocation of passion for you Jean. We will be back to check on progress. Thanks for an awesome time and spoiling us totally next time our turn in NZ

We were amazed at the invisible swimming pool on the coast. At high tide it is totally covered by the water except for the diving platform. At low tide it is a swimming pool full of salt water. Cleaned every 12 hours by the tide. No need for chloride or scrubbing.

Left Brittany, a beautiful part of the world and headed back to the rat race of Paris and the return of the rental car at Gare de Lyon train station. Thanks again to Aveen, Pascal and Ciaran for the use of the GPS. We would have been terribly lost many a time without it. Perhaps even divorced!!!

Decided to lash out and stay at the Mercure next to the station. Kay managed to negotiate a mean deal with them then we were upgraded to 'privileged' including free drinks from the fridge. We were living in style as we caught the 1st class TVG train to Lyon at a cost of only 30 Euro each. It was 80 euro for the trip to Paris on the slow train.

Kay and I parted in Lyon, with Kay returning to NZ and me Easyjetting to Venice and then the sleeper train to Ljubljana arriving 2.00am to be met by Mike. I had worried that if Mike was not there I would be sleeping in the train station or on the streets with the other homeless people. Thanks Mike.

I arrived early Monday morning and am now staying in this mint house in the outskirts of town with the slalom crew of Mike, Johan, Brent, Louise, Thomas. Plenty of space and just very very relaxing.

Having been videoing the slalom training and helping when required. Managed one day of sightseeing by bike. Thanks Lou for scoring me a bike. Biked into town about half an hour and walked around. Managed to bike up the hill to the Ljubljana castle and along the river passed all the cafes bars and restaurants. Very good but a little hot. Had a mean BBQ last night at the house with the Italians and Aussies. Plenty of food vino and good company.

More Photos

2010-07-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

Exploring Paris on the Velibs(bikes). Once the system was worked out a great way to get around this lovely city and very safe and user friendly. All for only $10 kiwi each per day

The romantic Seine River

Enjoying a lovely French dinner with Aveen, Pascal and Ciaran

Pommyneighbours

Les paid 36NZ$ for this beer

Bastille Day - 14 July

2010-07-14T07:21:00.000-07:00

The bike ride from Aime to Bourge and the cold drink at Bourge

After a fantastic time in the French Alps staying with Aveen, Pascal and Ciaran - thanks a million for a great week, fab food and wonderful homemade bread- we headed for Paris on the trains arriving at Paris Lyon station to the hustle and bustle that is Paris. Managed the Metro to get to our hotel right in the middle of the old Latin Quarters of Paris cluttered with restaurants and bars around the narrow street. Found we were only a short walk or bike ride from most of the attractions such as Notra Dame, Eiffel Tower Louve and the Arc Triumpe. The velibs system once mastered was a great way to get around. The cars tended to giveway and we never felt in danger. Spent a few nights doing the romantic walks along the river Seine, picnicked on the walk bridge overlooking the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. We walked for km's. Actually stayed in the hotel used by the three muskiteers in their day. It had real character and certainly has been there for several centuries.

After three days it was time to move on back to the peace and quiet of the countryside. Picked up our rental car from the Paris Lyon train station and headed for the northwest to the Normandy/Brittany area, being the home of beautiful estates and chateaus, lovely homestays and B and Bs. We are staying in a lovely pension just out of Alencol in the countryside. We are treated to all the finer things of life and it feels like stepping back 100 years or more. The breakfasts are out of this world.

Who ever said the French are not nice people. Only cannot speak more highly of them. Yesterday we were fulling the rental car with gas. The system was automated and required my credit card for payment but the machine would not accept it. The guy in the other bay saw our problem and offered to use his card and we reimbursed him in cash. Also yesterday I went walking in a native bush reserve and got lost. I asked this family having dinner in their home for directions in my best French but could not understand their directions so their young daughter and son showed me the way, some kms from where I was. As a non speaking French, the French are great.

Plan to head to Britainy tomorrow to stay with friends before heading to Lyon and me to Slovenia and Kay back to NZ

Europe Adventures update

2010-07-07T23:10:00.001-07:00

Mt Blanc
Treking on the slopes around Mt Blanc

Refuge Mt Blanc

Across the valley fron Aime Bourge

Fantastic hosts Aveena and Pascal and Granny Kay

Spaghetti Eis with Tommy and Fritzi

Enjoying mexican in Augsburg Germany

Seu Opening ceremony

Mint accom. No it is not Spanish ruins but upmarket luxury apartments

Seu markets Kay in her element

Well time is flying by. I have now been travelling for almost 5 weeks and have driven from Munchen to northern Italy to the French Alps to La Seu de Urgell in Spain back to Augsburg in Germany for the 3rd world cup and are now back in the French Alps until Saturday when we head for Paris for a couple of days followed by Brittany in the north west of France. Then back to Lyon and I am off to Slovenia via Venice and Kay heads back to NZ for about 6 weeks before returning to Slovenia for the Worlds.

The two world cups have not been good for Mike as he damaged his back extreme paddling in Italy. The human back is not made to drop over ten metre waterfalls. He did not paddle in Augsberg as we spent a few hours at Augsburg hospital getting x rays and mri scans. All looks good but he required two weeks of no paddling. It was tough for him but he spent the time doing a film clip of the Augsburg kayak event.Fantastic result for Luuka getting through to the Semis in both Seu and Augsburg. Especially Augsburg where she was the 14th fastest qualifier.

Yesterday did a trip to Mt Blanc. Went up the cable car and spent 4 hours tramping around and walked back to Chamonix. Fab scenery a bit like NZ only bigger.

We were in Augsburg Germany for the German Argentine soccer match which Germany won 4 zip. Went to the town square to watch on a big screen with a few beers. The German went off with the result throwing and spraying beer everywhere. They will have come back to earth with them losing to Spain last night.

Bourge St Maurice

2010-06-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

Spent the last two days staying with Ciarans parents who have looked after us so well. We were all so tired when we arrived and are now feeling so much better. Comfortable beds, fabulous meals and lovely company. Went with a drive with Ciaron yesterday to Val'd'sere about an hours drive away. A ritzy high class ski resort town. For a cool 2.5 million euros you to could own a 3 bedroom apartment only metres from the ski lifts. Drove further up the pass to the snow line to see the large cliffs of snow.

In afternoon went for a drive up the other side of the valley to the start of a 6 hour day tramp. Came across a herd of cows with the cowbells on. About 100 cows making a chorus of noise from the bells. Certainly would not want to be in a house next to the cow paddock. Today went to the slalom site to watch the guys train. They are looking pretty good in their boats and roll on Seu Spain .
Leave for Spain tomorrow. About a 7 hour drive.

More Photos of the time in Northern Italy

2010-06-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Europe tour starts

2010-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Camping grounds in the mountains above Ivrea Brent with a frypan fill of Italian pasta

Ivrea slalom course

Well I have now been in Europe and have travelled from Munich to Augsberg, back to Munich and on to Avrea in northern Italy with Mike Brent and Johann. The trip over was long and tiring but managed the train trip to Augsbergwithout mishap and was happy to get to the BLZ and meet up with Brent. I am happy to let the boys drive as driving in left hand drive cars gets a bit of getting used to especially with the narrow streets in Italy the fast drivers and crash barriers.

The car is a little small due to the gear we have to travel with. Avrea is the site for the Extreme Mountain Games and as far as the kayaking is concerned it is certainly extreme. Racing down 12 metre waterfalls deadly rapids with leaps of drops and rocks. Certainly not for the weak hearted. Stayed two nights up the mountain camping. Ate in little Italian restuarants and struggled a little to get the order across. At one time we ordered three pastas only to have three fry pans fill of pasta. Delicious but enough to feed about 12 people when we were only three. Did manage to get a doggy bag and did not have to buy food for the following couple of days.

Moved for the next couple of days into Avrea for the slalom sprint and boatercross. Avrea is a lovely historic city with an amazing river running through the middle of it with part being converted into an slalom rather narly slalom course. The mountain games included kayaking bouldering rock climbing biking and running and created a very festive weekend.

Left Avrea after prizegiving and headed north through the mountains into France to Bourge St Maurice and are staying with friends ( Cierons parents ). It was like an oasis arriving here after four nights camping and all the travelling. Cierons parents are lovely and fantastic hosts. Thanks very much for everything. This morning went for a two hour bike ride across the mountain roads with absolutely amazing scenery with views across the valley to the snow capped ski mountainswith all the small french villages spread across the valley. Looking forward to many more bike rides. I have been give many other rides and day walks for the next couple of days and when Kay gets here. Great to have R & R today and recharge the batteries so I can attempt to keep up with the younger generation. They have so much energy.

2010 Travels to Europe

2010-06-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

The last night before Les flies out to Europe for five months Roll on Sunday am

Check this out

2009-05-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this 23 years since Tauranga had hail like this

The MANS the MAN-Rainbowrage SI

2009-03-25T02:14:00.000-07:00

65 kms uphill in the sunshine and 40 kms downhill into gale force southerlies with heavy rain and COLD!!!!! 8.5 hours riding with 660 other riders from St Arnaud to Hamner Springs 106 km in all. Arriving in Hamner with uncontrolled shivering, sore aching muscles and dripping like a drowned cat. Fantastic fun, great sense of achievement, short memory of pain and cold, great memory of fellow competitors well done Pete and Rob we will be back for the views in the sun 2010.

Mike and Marjolijn NZ

2009-03-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

Special times with wonderful friends

Awesome times Xmas Dec 08

2009-01-26T00:52:00.001-08:00

We were so fortunate to have the whole family together at Xmas 25 years in a row so very special having all our adult kids home. three weeks of catching up, chilling out and sharing precious times.

Olympics continued

2008-08-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Last day of kayaking today after yesterdays semis and finals were postponed due to the torrential rain and thunderstorms. No free day today for shopping and sightseeing and fly to NZ tomorrow.
Had final official banquet at the blush Reward Hotel in Shunyi compliments of the Shunyi Olympic Park Committee. Lovely night after we got through security particularly hard as I was no one of the elite having an Accreditation Card. After much haggling to the right people finally got through to enjoy the night.

Official Dinner at Beijing Canoe Club

2008-08-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

A lovely night at the clubhouse located on the Western Lake in the middle of Beijing. Friendly hosts, great scenery, fabulous food and a great performance by local acrobats.

Olympic Course

2008-08-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Fantastic Venue

Kay Judging

2008-08-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Security arriving at the Official Reception. This happens everywhere we go anywhere. Going, arriving, leaving, arriving, staying and returning!!!

Les' Birthday!!

2008-08-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Best birthday present ever tickets and flowers!!!!

Ready for the Olympics the last official dinner until 15th

2008-08-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight the President of the Chinese Canoe Association invited the ITO's to welcoming banquet at the Jinzhaofy Restaurant where for the second time this week we had the opportunity to taste Peking Duck. What a treat. There are 22 ITO's from around the world from a group of 55 qualified judges for the Olympics. It is a privilege and honour to be selected to judge at the Olympics.

Les has tickets to the kayaking thanks to the CCA and Wan Hongjiun. the nZ rowers are at the judges hotel they did so well today. Congrats everyone.

Opening Ceremony

2008-08-09T00:07:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! is all I can say. What an atmosphere- lights, motion, choreography, sounds a feast for the senses, 90, 000 people ready for a great evening. Security checks, vehicle bomb checks everywhere two hours to get from the hotel to the birds nest but worth ever minute. A proud moment watching the Kiwis come in. Go the kiwis

Beijing and the Olympics

2008-08-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

banquet Chinese style

The GB team rowers set up at the hotel

On our last night in Yangshuo we managed to have dinner with a couple of locals Les had befriended playing chess and headed out to their restaurant for dinner. Food was delicious and they invited us early the next morning before our flight to have a cooking lesson with their chef. Who could turn down that offer. Bright and early we headed back to the restaurant with slightly sore heads after the rice wine toasting of the night before and were taken straight out back to the kitchen. We mastered another four dishes and shared our cooking with the staff and new friends before catching the taxi to Beijing. All well, once again my pass gave us the VIP treatment. We thought we had a direct flight but low and behold 1.5 hours into the flight we landed at an airport in the middle nowhere with overtones of drug running and machine guns. All legit and after 30 mins took off to Beijing where security was so tight. Caught the subway to our old hotel returned to the airport and a driver took us out to our hotel arriving at midnight to find I was allowed in after being checked but Les didn't have the any accreditation so he was out of luck. An hour later in 35 degree heat he was cleared and could walk to the hotel entrance and book in. A long night, went to sleep and now in Olympic mode.

Yangshuo

2008-08-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

What a civilized place to be in after the other areas we have travelled through. A relief to have western toilets, hot water oh the luxury and to be able to hand over our washing for $1.50 p kg and have it returned clean and folded. Loving the town, restaurants, bars and shopping it seems such a treat to be here. We have had to move hotels -no bother at all -all complete with Internet, air con and HOT WATER. Yesterday we hired bikes and headed out to explore the local area, in true Les style we just kept on going and going it wasn't until 9 hours of cycling had passed did we return via a bamboo raft to the town tired but full of such a fun day. We had pedalled between paddy fields on tiny 30 cm wide walkways through forest areas, around the Karsts formations originally underground amazing scenery found a great restaurant in the middle of nowhere, stopped for a beer and coffee at a flash hotel on the banks of the river and spent two hours on a raft with our bikes at the back being pushed down the river before pedalling like crazy to get back to town before dark really took over. We climbed up to moon hill a spectacular formation like a half moon where the view is through this hole in the rock and out to the karsts and over the valleys and villages. When we arrived it was extremely hot and two local women took us on as their challenge to get some yuan out of us and followed us up the 880 steps fanning us and carrying cold drinks for us to buy at the top- how could we resist we were easy targets and parted with our yuan the fanning on the way us was worth every yuan. After showers and a late dinner headed home about mid night from West Street the bar , market and madhouse area of this popular tourist destination.
Today we aere kicked out of our hotel as it was fully booked found a new room across the road just as good and moved in. Heard there were Chinese cooking lessons on so tagged along with a group and spent 5 hours water is used int he cooking. We made 5 different recipes and we can't wait to have gas at home so we can try our new found culinary skills out. Les is very enthusastic!! Spent the rest of the day walking ad doing a little shopping befor eating again at a new restaurant and new food. Les is playing Chinese chess with the locals while I do this. Loving Yangshuo here for a another couple of days before we head to Beijing.

Longji Rice Terraces

2008-08-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Before heading to Yangshuo we spent a night high in the paddy fields at Longji along with numerous Chinese nationals and a good few foreigners. The track up the hillside was relatively easy just the heat the killer. The locals carted up to 100 kgs on their backs including a number of lazy people in traditional seats who couldn't make it up the hill. We are travelling light with about 5 kgs each so no bother for us. Everything is carted by hand up to the villages beer, cement, bricks you name it it is lugged on backs, in the heat I felt my 5kg and I only went up once not like the locals up and down with tourists heavy bags and supplies for the village. Our beer seemed very cheap at $1.50 NZ and made us appreciate every sip. The views were spectacular over the terraced paddy fields stretching as far as the eye could see. We were in the heat of summer but come winter the snow falls and the vista would be quite different I don't' think I would like to be there in winter as the houses only have a concrete pad in them on the second floor for a wood fire for heating and insulation hasn't been heard of in this village. The women don't cut their hair and they grow it up to 2m long we paid for a long hair photo with them, it was so ,long, shiny and combed their pride and joy. We were told they wash it in a mixture of fermented rice and tea tree oil. Once again a few hours after we arrived a storm had gone through and the power was marginal and no hot water or air con again. In fact I think he air con is fallacy!! Food wasn't an issue as most cooked over wood fires except for the larger hotels but don't get fooled by our western ideas of hotels they were all very local. We had planned on two nights there but after doing the walks between villages the weather closed in and with no facilities, plenty of mosquitoes we decided to move on before I was a red mess of itchy bites even good ole NZ bushman wasn't up to the task at times.

In Ma'an

2008-08-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

After a couple of days in Beijing we caught a flight south to Quilian in southern China. At the airport we were put into the VIP lounge due to my accreditation -being a judge at the Olympics has its advantages. We were also taken VIP off the plane at Quilian which we didn't see as headed straight out to Ma'an where the wind and rain bridges span across the river originally built to protect the locals from the elements now a tourist attraction but no tourists there just us really. Spent two days wandering around the villages five in total and all within an easy walk of each other living standards ranging from extreme poverty to almost relative OK living conditions. We stayed in a small family guest house above the river serving the best chicken and peanut dish I have ever eaten with no air con or hot water working which wasn't as issue as it was over 35 degrees so cold showers were just perfect. The family was lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed our days relaxing and exploring the countryside. We were very taken with the fact their houses are all wooden but only built to last 5-7 years as the wood isn't treated and just rots. There is some cement now used for the foundations which will help. When new house is needed the whole village helps build it so it may take 18-24 months and during this time the family just live in the leaky, open to the weather houses. Cooking is over wood fires and every one works so hard starting early in te morning and not finishing until dusk merges into darkness at night. Then its happy water time. The little villages are very traditional with women in the home and working in the family fields, only men are allowed to smoke and some of them seem to have more time to pass the time of day where as the women seem busy all day working. A women working on the road can retire at 45 as it is deemed hard labour but no one in China gets a Government allowance until 80 so they must find some other form of valuable work to do in their communities.
Heading off to the hillside paddy field next. Driving crazy!

Beijing Les and kay

2008-07-30T04:34:00.000-07:00

Showing off my skills on the Beijing underground I headed off to the airport and without any hitches meet Kay after her flight from Europe. With true style I cruised the underground back to the hotel in the centre of Beijing without any mishaps and we caught up and then went out exploring and eating a great meal at the Chinese local eatery. Kay was a bit jet lagged after the 14 hours of flying and needed some TLC including an 80 min foot and back massage for both of us around the corner which effectively put both of us into seventh heaven!! Eight heaven came this morning for us when we headed to the Silk Markets for the endless bartering for the best price after 8 hours with new baggage and too many bags we headed out to the subway and home to the hotel. It was a bit of a mission carrying the numerous goodies including a telescope!!! on the crowded underground also requiring us to change trains midway. Heading out for dinner and a bing pi jue ( beer cold ) now to the lakes restaurant area Chow

Tomorrow head to the airport to fly south to Guillen for seven days of exploring and seeing the real China.

Now in Beijing

2008-07-25T02:18:00.000-07:00

The weather unfortunately was not to kind on us for the climb up the famous Mt Hua Shun although we still managed to get to the summit of the west ridge. The rain was continuous but there were a few clear patches to see the absolute awn of the scenery sear cliff faces dropping up to 1000 ft. The track was made several 100 years ago and is all stone. Had to climb chain ladders and narrow passes with major drop offs but we survived. Spent the night on the mountain in a homestay and returned to Xian in the afternoon then boarded the overnight train for Beijing at 8.30pm. Train trip was 14 hours and very comfortable.
Arrived Beijing about 9 the next morning , organised the hotel and then did a bike orientation trip around the city through thr Hutong village area passed the Forebidden City and the other sights.
Day before yesterday headed out to the Great wall to part not open to the public and treked the wall for 7 hours before getting to the homestay and a much needed beer. This morning had another 3-4 hour trek before being kicked off the wall as we were not allowed to be there and then returned to Beijing passed the Birdnest where the Olympic opening ceremony will be hold. Back in our hotel and have our final group dinner before everyone goes there seperate ways. One couple are heading to England to start new jobs, via St Peterberg. Another to Hongkong before heading back home to the UK after 4.5 months of touring the world.
I have 3 days before Kay arrives from Europe and then have planned an 8 day trip back to southern China so she can experience the real China.
The Olympics start on the 8th and the city security is increasing. Had our bags put through the x ray in the underground the other day and our passports checked and recorded. Large highays are closed and all the cars have odd number plates on the odd days and even on the even days. Very exciting.
Hope everyone well and enjoying life.

Spit Czech style feeds two hundred plus seconds

2008-07-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

9am two guys set up the spit under the trees tradionally cooked over a wood fire and 7pm sampling began with beautiful rye bread, hunks of basted beef and the obligatory three choices of mustard and soukrate. The smell and taste was divine.
Sergey (KAZ) and I show the size of the beast

Roudnice nad Labem

2008-07-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

It's the day before racing begins and everything is starting to hot up except for the weather again cold and wet but Friday is supposedly going to be great for racing warm and sunny!!! I am hanging out for it. I think James must have got the best of the European summer lucky bugger. Last night had a lovely evening socialising with the judges and sippping a vino or two on the banks of the river. The Czechs put on a great show and feed for everyone in typical CZ style. Tonight they have planned beef on the spit and live music to dance to so I will have to show off my moves maybe I will leave the camera back on the boathouse. NZL team is looking smart and ready to race. I have caught up with Mike a few times and shared a breakfast and dinner with him which has been so lovely. Loving my boat house as I was lulled to sleep by the gentle lapping of water on the banks and boat last night.
I could get used to this
Only 35 countries this year at the Junior Champs which is about 20 less than normal perhaps because of the Olympics?

2008 Kay's epic trip to Roudnice nad Labem CZ

2008-07-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

After the longest flight ever to Europe I arrived midnight to Roudnice about 40 mins out of Prague, crashing on the nearest bed in the local kayak club bunk room. Jet lag kicked in and now after strolling around the small town and enjoying some sunshine and sleep I feel like I am in Europe. I have now moved out of the bunkroom and onto a boathouse which was moved up the river for the judges. It's great right beside the course and in typical CZ style it has its own keg of the local beer on tap for consumption!!!

2008 Kay's travels- Cook Islands

2008-07-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Oh those lazy hazy days on the islands didn't quite eventuate as the winds howled, white caps appeared, rain fell and a cold arctic stream snapped across Rarotonga leaving the islanders reeling and in winter clothes and searching for more blankets. Saying that while snorkelling wasn't on the agenda it was still lovely and I enjoyed a leisurely cycle around the island 32 kms of total flat pedal pushing. I am sure I found the best fish shop in town so treated myself to fresh local fish which was melt in the mouth fresh Yum!.

Now in Xian

2008-07-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Spent our last day in lijiang bike riding around the outlying countryside and meeting with the local hill tribes. Met the famous Doctor Ho of Michael Palin fame. He is a chinese medical doctor and has the ability to cure all sorts of medical problems including cancer and has patients from all around the world. He examined my knee and gave me some medicine to cure it. The examination took all of 30 seconds. I may also have a problem bringing it back to NZ. This guy is referred to as the most admired man and you can google it.
Margo is an Ozzie from Sydney who has been guiding in the gorge for 11 years. She was excellent with everything. We had 3 days in the goge trekking by day and staying in Homestays at night. Great weather and absolutely amazing scenery. Some long uphills and I must admit in one case I did succumb to the use of a horse for half an hour. Best $8s I have ever spent. Said to myself I could have walked the 28 bends but wanted the experience of doing it on the back of a horse.
At the end of each day had a much deserved cold beer and delicous chinese meal. We were so lucky with the weather.
Yesterday headed back to Lijiang airport and flew to Xian. So hectic an busy after the laid back nature in the south. The people here are nowhere near as friendly and helpful. Took 3 goes at getting a taxi. The drivers just did not want the hassle of picking up foreigners. Anyway the taxi we go had an accident with a bus which became an argument so we left without paying and walked the rest of the way. Went to a visit at a charity for mentally retarded children. They did a show for us and we had tea and discussions. Really hit home how difficult it is for these people especially compared with us having fun travelling around China. Returned to the hotel via the Moslim quarters where we had dinner at a roadside restuarant of kebaks and arabic bread, Delicous.
This morning went to the famous Terracotta Warriers which lived up to expectations. Trueky amazing to see this in real life. To hear the story of Qin the ruler and his need to have an army to protect him in the after life taking 4 decades to build.
Have a free day tommorrow in Xian and will probably hire bikes and ride the city wall some 14 kms long. Monday we head to Hua Shun mountian to do our toughest trek climbing to the summit, staying over night to see the sunrise before heading down by cable car.
From there we head to Beijing to the great wall and other sights.
Hope all is well with everyone reading this.

Now in Lijiang

2008-07-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

Had a fantastic walk up in the mountains above Dali yesterday, some 5-6 hours. Took the cable car up and walked on a cobbled walkway across the mountain to a second cable car like the ski lifts that brought us down again. The scenery was magnificent with waterfalls and step cliffs and drop offs. To get there was a real experience negotiating the local buses to the cable cars. Had the best Chinese foot massage last night. For a guy that can't handle having my feet touched the massage was unreal. Planning another massage tonight. Arrived Lijiang today at lunchtime and spent the afternoon doing the shops. We are staying in the old town which would be like living in China 200 years ago. Cobbled walk ways but 1000s of tourists.
Tomorrow we have a planed bike trip around the town and outlying villages and paddy fields etc.
Leave here day after tomorrow for the tiger leaping gorge and the first of our major treks. We trek in for 5-7 hours, stay overnight at a home stay and trek out the next day for 4-5 hours.
The crew have turned up to organise the events for the evening and tomorrow. Will update further when I can.
Have a great time.

Crossing the border

2008-07-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we left Sapa, a great time had negotiating with the hill tribes and buying things you don't really need. When a girl walks on a trek for hours to hold an umbrella over your head to shade from the sun you must buy things.
Travelled to Lai Cai by bus. Then walked thru the Vietnam side into no mans land. I had lost my Exit Visa so was expecting a rather large fine. Some good strategy and managed it at no cost. On the China side lost my copy of the Lonely Planet which apparently is banned in China because it includes Taiwan as a separate country.
With these delays had to run to the bus keeping there with no time to spare. Then settled in for the 13 hour bus trip to Kunming. Due to the conflict between Vietnam and China and the drugs etc the crossing is very dicey.
After another 5-6 hour bus trip we are now in Dali, a beautiful town overlooking a lovely lake some 3111 feet above sea level. The weather has broken. From the 38 degree days in Sapa it is now cold and raining.
This is quite a resort town for the wesa large number of both western and eastern restaurants and hotels. Excellent for biking and trekking.
Still manging to keep up with the rest of the group and at times they struggle to keep up with me, not too often. The group works well with us all getting on. Lehong our group leader is Chinese and has been taking tours foe 18 months and is excellent. She is lively and intelligent and has planned things really well. Can handle the tough situations with ease like the border crossing, getting us through the border and to buses with seconds to spare. Also using the local buses in cities with 4.8 million people. I cannot speak highly enough of her.
Dealing with the local Chinese is fun and interesting reverting to sign languages often. Lehong has given us all Maderin lessons but we do get the blank looks all the time. I know the n\most important phrase being Bing Pi ie Cold Beer and they come in 641 mill. Was fun ordering at the roadside food shops and also in the local restaurants. You quite often don't know what you are going to get. Got ripped off on a peach for 3Yuan last night.
Have tomorrow here in Dali and then off to Leaping Tiger Gorge and more trekking
Keep well

The trip continues

2008-07-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

Sapa is like Queenstown only without the snow and the temp is signifantly higner with humidity. Am rooming with a great guy fram Adelaide training to be a pilot. After recoverring from the overnight train trip explored Sapa and met the lovely tribe people with the cute smiles and friendly manner. You just could not not buy things from them even though what you were buying you did not need or what. May lose them on the travel.
Yeaterday left for our first trek to an outlying village down the valley. The local tribes woman and girls followed us most of the way hoping to sell us things. The held umbrellas over our heads as we walked to shade us from the sun. Showed us the easiest ways and which bamboo to held when you went past a difficult spot. How could wou not buy what she is selling.
Arrived at the Homestay and made very welcome. Reasonible basis whish the swhat toilets and the bowl and scoup for the shower. Plenty of mossies but the Bushmans seems to keep them away.
Once unpacked went for the best swim in a local river and back for the best Vietnam dinner I have had. This was followed by the visit to the local Kaoroki Bar to show our talents. That is the others. The last thing I would have exoected in such a place. Great fun.
This morning spent 2 hours in a hot pool, had lunch and started the trek back up the mountain in the sauna hot weather. Also dead at the top but managed to keep up with the rest of the group, the oldest being 27.
Managed to attend a local wedding latter in the afternoon. Great experience. Met the bride and groom and all the relies dresses up in their formal gears. Had to bail as the rice wine was heating th head and have to cross the border into China tommorrow.My roommate is still there so should be worse for wears when he returns.
Leave early for the Chinese border tomorrow which is meant tobe a little hairy. Have to hide my Lonely Planet book. Travel back to La Cai by mini bus and then walk over to the border. This is followed by a 12 hour bus trip to Kunming.
Hope all is well back home.

The travel continues 7-9 July

2008-07-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Intrepid Travel continues

2008-07-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Last night we left Hanoi on the night train and headed for Li Cai close to the border into China. The carriage was 2nd class and realy very comfortable. Learned to play Chinese Chess, really exciting and strategic once you learn the pieces and what they do.
Arrived 5.30 this morning and travelled to the mountain town of Sapa high in the mountains. The teraced agriculture is amazing on the mountain ridges. The town is a little like Queenstown only 50-100 years ago. Slowly being spoilled with all the tourist. Apparently most head up here from Hanoi for the trekking and return to Hanoi. Our party is one of the few heading to China. We have another lovely two star hotel with ensuite. Sharing with a guy from Adelaide.
The city is infested with cute young and older girls and ladies from the local hill tribes trying to sell you things you dont need like embrioded bags, wall hanging and pillow covers. With my pack the size it is I have tried to resist. They are so cute they make you feel like such a heal.
Arrived about 700am , had breakfast ,took a much needed shower and attacked the sales ladies and girls before doing a trek to a scenic lookout over the whole area.Absolutely amazing. Returned having a late lunch in a locals restuarant. Port with rice and a beer for the total cost of $2(NZ)
Planning a motor bike out to a waterfall scenic spot this afternoon followed by another delicious Vietnam meal. This place is great.
Hope everyone is having as much fun as I am working back home.
Will keep you posted

Hanoi day 2

2008-07-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Had a fab day testerday touring the city and just experiencing the life. Motors bikes are everywhere. Even hard to cross the road. You have to just walk steadly across not looking at the traffic. The 1000,s of bikes just fan out around you. Its difficult to do seeing these vehicles racing toward you. Havent seen any accidents yet.
Picked up a guide in the morning and visited the army musuem. Then met Ho Ghi Ming. The poor guy died in 1969 and has been perserved in this massive tomb in the centre of the city. High security and very cold in the tomb. It was Saturday so there were 1000,s of nationals cueing. My guide allowed us to jump the cues.
Met the group last night. Great bunch of young kids. I am the oldest by 20+ years. Had the best Vietnem dinner last night. Almost broke the bank. It cost 75000 dong or $6.
You can get around the city by taking life in your hands and get on the back of a motor bike. Wasnt too keen so selected a responsible young girl to drive and it was sweet. 15 minutes travel fo .75c not bad.
Tonight we head of on the overnight express into the mountains. Leaves at 9.15pm arriving at 5.00am tnen a few hours in a local bus. The standard of accomadation I fear may deteriorate somewhat. Today the tour states proper with a trip in ricshaws around the city and the afternoon free to explore the old quarters of the town.
Having trouble putting the photos up. This computer tells me its too slow.
Managed to see the last 20 minutes of the All Blacks match. Its amazing the technology.
Will try to update at the next spot.

2008-07-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

Well I have made it to Hanoi after an initial 1.5 hour delay in Tauranga. After that everything flowed pretty well. Managed to get a reasonibly good sleep on the leg from Auckland to HongKong. Arrived here mid day 4th July with the big trek not starting until tomorrow night. Will be a good chance for some R & R and a bit of sight seeing.
Went for a walk this afto. Hanoi is really a pretty hectic city with motor bikes everywhere. Everyone is trying to get you to hire them and their motor bike to take us on a one hour bike tour of the city. Too be honest it looks a bit dangerous. Although I haven't seen any accidents yet. I don't want to be a first. Also it does not pay to hesitate when crossing the road. The drivers wave around you as long as they can predict where you are going and at what speed. Have tried to download some photos but the computer I think is a little too slow to manage it. Will try again on the other machine.
The prices of things here are real cheap. Large 1 litre of mineral water is 80cents and a cold beer in a pub $1.50. The only problem is the currency is dong with 12000 dong equal to $(nz)1. You thing you are paying a small fortune.
Thanks Landi for the language lesson. I get a good reaction when I say karm urg for thanks.

Last Night Out Before The Big trip

2008-07-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

The last night out with Kay, Abby, Hamish and Nana. Tomorrow I head off to Vietnam and China. Great night with the family.

2008-06-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

Abby's home

2008-06-19T01:51:00.000-07:00

Abby, the coolest daughter in the world

Hanoi to Beijing

2008-06-15T23:58:00.001-07:00

Three weeks of work to go and then I'm off to my adventures through Vietnam and southern China. What with the earthquakes and flash flooding it should be an exciting trip. Six days in Vietnam before heading into south China for the overland through to Beijing and re-uniting with Kay for the Olympics.

Les is preparing to head off

2008-06-15T23:38:00.000-07:00

The next big trip for the Dawson's is coming up Les is in his last throes of organisation before he heads off to Vietnam for almost six weeks of Intrepid Travelling.

2008 Routeburn

2008-04-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

2008 Queenstown Extreme Race

2008-04-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

TV Ones News Video

We do catch trout!!!

2008-04-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

2008 Tumoana Annual Re gatta

2008-01-05T13:09:00.001-08:00

2007-2008 Xmas New Year Hols with couzies

2008-01-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

Mike's 21st

2007-11-20T19:21:00.001-08:00

Libby and Sineads happy 21st for Mike

The great niece and nephew @the bach

2007-11-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Dundle Hill Walk 'The Nerds'

2007-10-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

The bookclub girls headed towards Waitomo for our almost annual tramp. Cath had done an amazing job sorting us out and organising everything. With a little intrepediation as my fitness was rather margin -five days of the memorial Park hill didn't quite equate to 28 kms of tramping i headed away for the weekend. weather was supposed to be heavy rains but the day was lovely just a right temperature for an uphill walk through lovely NZ bush and farmland. After steep final climb to the pinnacle of the hill and the hut the vista was spectacular as the bush, hills and sky stretched as far as the eye could see.

Uruguay

2007-09-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Headed over to Uruguay with the South African netball team who have adopted mike as their honary team member. Caught the fast ferry took the time to one hour for the crossing but couldn't get outside just ;like being on a plane all over again. Colonial the centre at the port was rustic and touristy but still had a lovely feel with only about 18K people living there. The beach was lovely but river sand and flat as a pancake. Explored and did some buying. Now have to fit everything into the suitcase for home. Mike went out to a tango evening with the netballers. Toady he is lying in and resting before we are out of the hotel at 12 noon. Home is looking good. See you soon.

Buenos Aires Heading Home Soon

2007-09-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

One day and so much. Mike and i had a lie in as both tired before heading out for some exploring. Mike was in charge and the first stop San Mayo plaza, very beautiful with a lovely cathedral quite different from Europeans cathedrals with its ornate tiling mosaics, a solid silver altar with intricate silversmith work very beautiful, confessionals open and on while we walked past. At the plaza their was a massive protest going on and riot police, armoured vehicles and police everywhere. we had planned on seeing the government building but they were closed due to the riots- bad luck also the natural museum and the wax museum not too sure if the protesters were also the reason as they were all supposed to be open. Argentina has protests and strikes on often mainly by my figuring out to do with pay issues, health and education. it was quite strange to see workers in suits and tourist amongst the protesters. One part of the plaza was barricaded off yet on the other side people were having their lunch in the park while the riot police started to disperse the crowds. Mike and I headed towards LaBoca area- colourful, trendy and touristy but great place to spend a few hours. A real market with vibrant atmosphere, school children in groups, shoppers and local cafes. Mike ans I both did a short tango with the performers, spent some money and headed back to the hotel for a time before heading out to dinner and Mike is thinking of going out with some South African netballers here for a world cup. A great day.
Tomorrow off to Uruguay

Catch up

2007-09-26T17:41:00.001-07:00

At the Zoo

2007-09-16T09:23:00.001-07:00

The zoo has free entry and is just a 100 metres down the road from the hotel

Images from Iguassu Argentina

2007-09-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Queuing for petrol as the car had Argentinian plates we got priority service e.g a shorter queue
Making a living juggling at the traffic lights

Iguassu Falls Argentina-WOW

2007-09-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Iguassu Falls in Argentina and Iguacu Falls in Brazil

Today I went to the Iguassu Falls in Argentina. The journey across the border to experience the jet boat ride up the river and under the waterfalls was amazing. Water mist sprayed out metres into the air and drifted back onto me. Drenched to the skin I still had the broadest smile.After all the photos I had seen it still left me in awe of the magnitude of it beauty and the force of mother nature. The Falls are one of the Wonders of the Natural World. To experience two wonders of the world in two days is just mind blowing.

The boat took me right up under the waterfall and into the mist ahead. The river was turbulent as the water tossed and turned from the pressure of the falls. the tourist trip was so Eco friendly and the Argentinians are so recycling conscious. The walkways and viewing platforms over the river, above and under the falls meant truly take only photos and leave only footprints. The WOW FACTOR

I now want to make sure I also visit the Brazilian side of the falls for it is another different and spectacular view from a new perspective. Approx 3600 people visit the falls daily.

Itaipu Dam Tour-the singing rock

2007-09-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Itaipu Dam is one of the modern wonders of the world visited by approx 1200 people daily. Apart from the engineering feat the Itaipu Dam brings in much needed work and money to the economy, provides health, sanitation, educational and working training programmes as well environmental and ecological support to the region. In 2005 it was recognized world wide for its social development and responsibility

My left foot is in Brazil and my right in Paraguay

Parque das Aves

2007-09-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

This afternoon a number of the team headed out to do the touristy thing at the local Parqu das Aves. This place was amazing and we all wished we had more time to explore the 5 hectacres and view the 800 birds. With an entry of approx NZD14 the price was cheap for the experience. Many birds were in their natural habitat without enclosures and cages. Everyone was camera happy so here a few snaps from the day. Brazil with its reputation for bright vibrant colours just has taken them from mother nature. There was also an enclosure with 100's of butterflies and hummingbirds. Definitely worth a visit a real must.

Taroba Hotel and views from windows

2007-09-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

Images of the town centre and locals

2007-09-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Pedicures Foz style- walk off the street, no booking and six work areas in this one tiny room. Also hairdresser, make up and eyebrows down in the front room. Social and public!! Pedicure just over 4NZD value for money. Looking down the main street Brazilian flag in the distance

Pedestrian carnage-No one stops for anyone even for the wheelchair access

James and Mike at the course Iguacu

2007-09-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

Images of Foz do Iguassu

2007-09-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Heading towards Brazil

2007-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Driving from the hotel Buenos Aires early morning to the Newberry airport. The view beyond the cars is of the sea- no horizon and no clarity the smog was low and thick. They also have fog but it seemed more smog.This would have been in the past a beautiful esplanade for people to enjoy.Locals were fishing and some walking along the path and parks jutted out into the water.The airport was crazy with a few counters operating but no apparent order to them. Aerolineas counters take any and every flight out so no flight numbers displayed suggesting where to book in. Crazy system.People queued out of the airport doors waiting to check -in. armed guards every few metres. After about 40 minutes of queueing and no movement forward panick started to hit in and with some help and plenty of gestures managed to get a counter opened to check -in and hoped my baggage would follow. Once past security the bedlam stopped and quiet prevailed in the gate areas. The gate number for my departure came up 10 minutes before the plane left so was starting to get a little concerned in case I was in the wrong area. After what seemed like forever the plane turned and headed towards a solitary airstrip in the middle of the bush . the Iguassu international airport. No customs, passport or luggage check. I was met by a volunteer and whisked across to Brazil. No hassles at all. We also picked up a couple of people from the Brazilian airport so I didn't reach the hotel until 4.30pm and found my booking had been misplaced. Finally got a room and aircon and quietly relaxed.

Buenos Aires-night on the town-well almost

2007-09-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

Bottled wine on tap

Socialising just doesn't start early in BA. Following the hotel's recommendation I headed out at 9.30pm to a local, small, intimate restaurant just a short stroll about a block and a half away on this lovely balmy evening . It was a cafe and speciality patisserie by day and a restaurant by night. It was warm and welcoming with a strong Italian influence in the food and decor and by 10.30pm it was just buzzing and turning people away. It only appeared as if it would seat about 20 people all up. All the service was done by men in typical waiter aprons and with a dash of class a young women was behind the counter making up boxes for the next day but that appeared to be her only responsibility.. I ordered my meal, bottled water and a glass of the local red- not half bad either and settled down to enjoy the comings and goings of the restaurant and the locals. The streets were just filled with people out and about socialising, passing the time of the day and relaxing. Unexpectedly, the waiter started bringing out complimentary food- a wonderful mango and white wine juice shot just mouth-watering followed by bruschette with a cheese and herb topping yummy, it didn't stop there next came a basket of pastries- cheese puffs, breads and plain pastry puffs I could have easily just had the water and wine and skipped the ordered meal so exercised considerable restraint and waited for my meal. The restaurant 'Cantello' was a wonderful find, great food , reasonably priced and excellent staff. I strolled back 11'30pm to my hotel replete and feeling quite at home and relaxed in Buenos Aires

Kay arrives Buenos Aires

2007-09-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

I had the most amazing flight to Auckland which just topped off the start of my trip . Before flying Les surprised me by making time to walk around the mount before we headed to the airport to catch plane number one, the beach, sky and harbour were crystal clear, sunshine glorious views and lovely home images to take away.After a slightly delayed flight from Auckland I arrived in Buenos Aires. The Aussies had to cross the ditch to catch the flight to BA so for once NZL was on the direct route- makes a change. After 12 hours flight I flew across the coast and farmland and it showed the smog getting thicker the closer I flew to Buenos Aires. If the sky had been cloudless and clear over the pole I would have been able to see the south pole but cloud meant no polar views. Argentina still sprays it aircraft on arrival against insects back to NZL quarantine days. The airport was a shambles with departing and arriving passengers intermingled and signage just enough to find my way around and collect my baggage. But for all that the process was reasonably quick with minor passport checks. I changed some money and was warned to make sure I only received authentic Peso (1 Peso=.47 NZD) back but how would I know. The currency exchange also checked every USD I gave them for authenticity..After Mike's warning over the BA taxis I thought I had it made and booked via the desk just through customs - looks were deceiving-only to find they weren't the officially registered taxi operation in Argentina. Thought I would take a risk as I had already paid. No problems though the driver knew where he was going and 25 kms and 1 hour 40 mins later after fighting through the traffic and watching in amazement at every intersection armed federal police occasionally stopping the traffic for pedestrians and forever writing on their pads?I pulled up at my hotel . Doormen, luggage and concierge greeted me and all was well. the The hotel is great, really old school 150 years old-I even have marble around the bath and shower and a marble vanity, with English speaking concierge, Internet, clean and comfy surrounds it OK being by myself-I am so pleased I cancelled the previous booking. It is central and i have gone for an explore, drunk the local coffee, got lost and found my way again, bought water and feel I have it under control for now. Tonight I am going out for dinner somewhere close the hotel will recommend somewhere.. It was strange seeing children finishing school at 5pm and heading home. Everyone has a siesta and then everything opens up much later at night. My rooms looks out over a lovely gardened courtyard and is quiet. The lift is old school-open the door, pull across the concertina door and push the brass numbers. Fits two people in just at a squeeze.

Smog at BA aeroporto

The taxi I should have takenTraffic on the drive inLots of people on bikes and scooters My hotel entrance
Dog walking just isn't for the NY'ers
That coffee cup is just over thimble size and strong

Cheeses, hams and breads just like Europe

2007 Father's Day

2007-09-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Fathers being spoilt again by the girls!!!!

2007 Rotoiti Uni Break

2007-09-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

Images of China

2007-08-26T23:03:00.000-07:00

At the hotel

2007-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

The hotel we have been put up in is modern and very luxurious with a grad extrance and guard who salutes every time we drive or walk past. The hotel has its own fishing ponds for carp and you can hire rods etc. I hav swum a couple of time but it is so expensive about NZ$18 a swim but ohhhh so good after being out and about in the heat. the pool is a lijke a commercial cmplex but no one hardly uses it so each time I have swum a life guard comes out and sits there waiting for me to drown and give him something to do. In the ladies they run around turing on showers, bringing towels, opening lockers and just making sure everything is as one could possibly want. rather disconcerting when you are used to doing everything yuirself. the hotel has so many staff. Today we are all exploring Tiananmen square , shopping and the Forbidden city. Time is quite limited as we also have meeting in the early afternoon so having an early start into town and hopefully it will be a little cooler.

At Beijing Course the only Kiwi

2007-08-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Great wall of China

2007-08-14T15:16:00.001-07:00

2007 China

2007-08-14T15:06:00.001-07:00

Today we organised a bus to the Great Wall of China. Organising anything out of the ordinary takes time in China but we managed it. It was about 37 degrees and most of the clim was down hill as we all cheated and caught the gondola up to the first point of access. The steps are all inconsistent with some just 5 cms and others 50 cms so at times it was a slog climbing up and down. Along the wall are areas similiar to garretts where the temperatures drop ut of the suna nd many peopple just stop, smoke and eat in the shade. Locals have carted water and drinls for the tourists and are hawking them along the wall.There are 3000 m able to be walked and orginally there were 6kms of wall. The wall was only ever breached once in its history and that was when one of the local important commander's wife was taken as a concubine by the emperor and in revenge the commander allowed the mongolians through the gate . I guess his life was cut short. The views are amazing looking across the hills and mountains. today we have had blue sky as the smog is a thick haze across the city and stretching towards the valleys, hills and rural areas.

2007 Queenstown Abs and Mum

2007-07-23T01:58:00.001-07:00

Central Otago hoar frost

The Shotover River frozen . Abby walking on water!!

2007 Abs time out from Uni at the bach

2007-07-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes its good to be out of sight!!

2007-03-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

Les and the family planned a surprise birthday for my 50th last year. I had a great time and the best part was having all my family and friends together. Thanks Les, James, Mike and Abby

More Mountain Biking

2007-03-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

Dunedin Working Bee

2007-03-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

James, Les and I headed back south to help with some serious gardening at his house in Dunedin before moving north to support him and Mike B on the challenging coast to coast event. Alice came along to support the crew and we had such as exciting time. The Coast to Coast is an amazing event, the early morning starts , the fog lifting and the clear days across the Southern Alps, 800 competitors racing from the West to East coast was just spectacular. Mike B and James were ecstatic with their results, each individually achieving their goals and overall as a team result.

Summer Fun

2007-03-28T16:03:00.000-07:00

Late morning ski up Hunter's Creek

Lazy summer days

2007-03-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Relaxing at the bach and time at the hot pools on Lake Rotoiti. An absolutely balmy summer ensured a great time just relaxing after the busy few days and even managed to get the boys working on the stereo system

The BOYS (Les and James) on Tour

2007-03-27T00:42:00.000-07:00

Les packed his mountain bike into his new expensive bike cover threw in his helmet, bike shoes camelback and a couple of changes of clothing and flew down south for some quality time with James, the excuse was to see his new house in Dunedin but I know better it was really just the boys away AGAIN. They headed out of Dunedin with James's car packed to the brim for traveling north and a map of all the mountain bike tracks to explore clearly marked on their route north. The next few days were jammed pack as they pushed their limits. A bit of carnage always adds to the stories.This is becoming their annual excursion. Check out the photos

Katherine heads to Adelaide

2007-03-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

Sydney here we come

2007-03-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

Aussie kept the weather just super warm and we headed to a catch up with Leigh and Peter ( Mike's adpoted Aussie parents) Peter said follow him and an hour later after winding around, through, over we ended up at Watson's Bay a very beautiful bay looking towards Sydney and the harbour bridge. out longest ever lunchtime 7.5 hours of yakking continually and a little walking and moving on to a dessert cafe. We ate at this great pub (Yeah fish and chips with salad!!)right on the water edge and we had this amazing view over the harbour. Magic moments