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Eledhwen
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 11 2007, 10:24am
Post #1 of 10
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Autumn in the South Island
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Last weekend I headed south to a) swim and b) catch up with Roheryn, NZ Strider and the adorable Eldarion.
The swimming was fun - it was the NZ Masters Championships, which basically means that anyone from the age of 20 right up to as old as you can go can enter. The key is participation and not speed. Luckily, because I swam incredibly slowly in my first races for about five years! It was fun though, and watching an amazing old lady (aged 90) compete in event after event was inspirational. She got in there and finished even some of the longest events possible.
Sunday was wonderful. Ro and NZ kindly picked me up from my hotel in the morning, and we headed to the Botanic Gardens for a stroll. The autumn colours were beautiful and it was a nice day. NZ was a fantastic tour guide (as previously advertised by other TORNadoes!) The baby got to have a bit of a run around in the playground too, causing much hilarity as he attempted to climb stairs meant for much larger children and at one stage managed a daring escape through his daddy's legs, which had me and Ro in fits of laughter.
Then lunch, at a lovely restaurant, followed by a drive to see if we could see the Southern Alps while Eldarion slept. We almost could, but it was a bit hazy. And finally a stop at the cathedral, where we were lucky enough to hear the choir practising for Evensong. For my part it was a bit odd seeing the crest of my old college back in Oxford; 18 members from Christ Church had once made the long journey halfway across the world to help found Christchurch NZ, along with people from Canterbury after whom the region is now named. Odd, but nice too.
Then I was dropped at the airport for the flight home to Wellington. Eldarion was nearly kidnapped by a Chinese lady who was entranced by him (he was more interested in his musical laptop).
Huge thanks to Ro and NZ for such a lovely day. :)
Some pictures:
Christchurch Arts Centre. Once upon a time this was the university, until the university outgrew it.
The Botanic Gardens.
At the Sign of the Kiwi - a staging-post for footweary travellers on the trail between Akaroa and Christchurch to rest. These days, a place to park your car, look at the views and have a cup of tea.
Southern Alps in hazy distance.
On the beach.
The cathedral square.
And the cathedral.
And the requisite cute Eldarion shot, taken before I suggested to him that he throw some leaves at me. That prompted several minutes of being given handfuls of leaves, while I giggled hysterically.
A Kiwi fur seal at Cape Palliser
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NZ Strider
Rivendell
May 11 2007, 10:57am
Post #2 of 10
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and do come back any time. We'll see about making it up to Wellington at some point.
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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May 11 2007, 12:17pm
Post #3 of 10
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Especially that last one. 
Glad you had a great time - thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And when Sam heard that he laughed aloud for sheer delight, and he stood up and cried: 'O great glory and splendour! And all my wishes have come true!'"
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Patty
Immortal
May 11 2007, 3:59pm
Post #4 of 10
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lovely views. I'm constantly amazed at how beautiful New Zealand is.
Enjoyed "seeing" Eldarion too. He's growing up fast!
At home, amongst the Mallorn trees.
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namadriel
Lorien
May 12 2007, 2:42am
Post #5 of 10
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Those pictures are fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
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Elven
Valinor
May 12 2007, 11:33am
Post #6 of 10
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Great photos!! Sounds like you had a great time!!
New Zealand looks beautiful in Autumn!!
Elven x
SILVERCHAIRS Daniel Johns gets the crowd going at the 'Big Day Out Festival' at Minas Tirith.
"Never wash your name in hot water Elvenesque - it shrinks!" said the Gaffer.
Tolkien was a Capricorn!
..All we are saying ..Is Give Pete A Chance" ...
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deej
Tol Eressea
May 12 2007, 2:09pm
Post #7 of 10
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I thought the Botanical Gardens were beautiful in the summer, but seeing these photos - wow. I'm definitely going to have to plan my next trip to NZ for the fall.
Sincerely, deej - The Artist Formerly Known as djdeathskiss
Atlanta Woot! Moot 2007 - Join us Labor Day weekend; go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atlanta_woot_moot/
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grammaboodawg
Immortal
May 12 2007, 6:40pm
Post #8 of 10
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These pictures are staggering! omg... what a beautiful place. That you could share that with that lovely family is perfect. I'm so happy for you... and grateful that you've shared these with us. Thank you so much!
Wow!
 
Trust him... The Hobbit is coming!
"Barney Snow was here." ~Hug like a hobbit!~ "In my heaven..."
TORn's Observations Lists
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Eledhwen
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
May 13 2007, 3:09am
Post #9 of 10
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I so want to still be here ...
[In reply to]
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when you make it to NZ, Gramma. Because I think seeing everywhere through your eyes would be so lovely - when you do make it (and I'm sure you will) you're going to just love it!
Thanks everyone for the nice comments, glad to be able to share with my TORNsibs!
A Kiwi fur seal at Cape Palliser
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