KIWI FIRSTS

Do you know these New Zealand history makers?

Who was the first to conquer Mount Everest?
                

Sir Edmond Hillary:  Sir Edmund made international headlines in 1953 when he became the first man to scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.  Sir Edmund devoted much of his life to helping the Sherpas of Nepal’s Khumbu region. He was made an honorary Nepalese citizen in 2003.

Do you know how high Mt. Everest stands?  Where is it located?

Votes for Women

In 1893 New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to give women the right to vote. It was to be nearly 25 years later, just after World War I, before the UK and USA followed suit.

For car, kitchen and hairstyle enthusiasts…curious aren’t you!?

Ernest Godward: a prolific inventor and best known for the following:

The ‘economizer’: (an early form of carburetor that allowed vehicles to run on kerosene, gasoline oil, fuel oil).  By the 1930s he was recognized as the world’s leading authority on the internal combustion engine.

How many models did Ernest Godward invent?

He also invented the eggbeater, 

 a burglar-proof window, and the world’s first circular hair pin.

 Can you guess which of these brought him international success and allowed him to become a full-time inventor?

SPEED, SPEED, AND MORE SPEED...CHECK THESE OUT!!
      

Hamilton Jet-boat:

As a small boy, Sir William Hamilton had dreamed of a boat that would carry him up New Zealand’s shallow and swift flowing rivers. He invented the world’s first propellerless boat. Since then, the Hamilton Jet has been the means to explore and access waterways all over the world.

What year did he invent the jet boat?

Sir William Hamilton went on to invent the hay lift, an advanced air compressor, a machine to smooth ice on skating ponds, and the water sprinkler amongst other things.

Bungy Jumping:   Don't try this at home!!

Here we go...!


Here we go...













Long way down... 

 Yes, you do come back up out of the water!!

 Certainly the most hair-raising Kiwi invention! And, probably the most famous Kiwi invention of the modern world! 
Daredevil AJ Hackett pioneered the Bungy Jump, opening the world's first commercial site in 1988, (off of 129 foot Dawarau Bridge outside of Queenstown). The year before, he illegally leapt from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  

What inspired A.J. hackett to invent Bungy Jumping...do you know? 

Splitting the atom

 

Kiwi scientist Baron Ernest Rutherford was the first in the world to split the atom. He was awarded a Nobel Prize for his work with radioactivity.  What year did he accomplish this incredible feat?

 

 

Hard Spectacular Yards

WOW!!  2,000 km's (1,242 miles) done already! Two thirds of the way completed...

The 7 to 8 days in the Richmond Ranges, for me, was the hardest physically that I have ever done!
The trail is more of a goat trail with steep ascents and descents, which required my focusing on every foot placement.
Besides that...the scenery was fantastic!

Setting up camp in the forest

One of the many swing bridges on the trail. A must, especially in high waters.

Studying the map.



Looking down at a D.O.C. hut

Hiking across the tops...

It was pretty difficult walking on these rock screes.

Phil and Emily, from England, hiking the Te Araroa Trail.

Bathing in the mountains...so refreshing!!

A bunch of happy through hikers!

Mountain water at its purest...cool, clear, and ohhh so good!!

Rewarding ourselves after a physically tough week... with 2 litres of rich, creamy ice cream, (that's half a gallon!)

The Nelson Lakes region is simply "Spectacular"!

A view of Lake Rotoiti

Up in the mountains

The lifting morning mist

Looking back at Lake Constance



Along the valley floor

As I'm sending this blog, we are relaxing in the picturesque Village of Hanmer Springs. Well known for its natural mineral baths...Ahhhh....Guess where I'm heading right now?

PS:  I have lost weight on this walk. Can you guess how much?

Marlborough Sounds and the "Queen Charlotte Walkway"

As I am farewelled with a kiss from Melody and board the Ferry, we say goodbye to the North Island , and hello to the South Island.
Less populated than the North with a more varied landscape, (as you will see in future blogs).
 We are approx 1,700 km's (1,056 miles) into the journey.
From a distance stand point, it seems all down hill from here. But the elevation gains will be greater with more alpine country to cross.

"On the Ferry from Wellington to Picton"... a beautiful clear day for a beautiful 3 hour crossing!

Cousin Paul Lee about to take us to ship Cove and the start of "Queen Charlotte Walkway.

Captain James Cook the explorer visited this cove 5 times. Check out the Dates

We met up with "Big John" from New Hampshire and Will from England. Here, we are relaxing for lunch with a view of the sounds.

This sign was telling me "Too many places, Too little time".

Paul and Chrissy Lee "saving the day" by bringing me my old boots, as the newer ones were causing problems my feet. They also treated us with 2 deliciously cooked Crey fish. Yummm!
Crey fish are similar to Lobster. 

As we head deeper into the South Island, the opportunity for internet access diminishes.
I will do my best to keep the blogs going, however, there might be the occasional time lapse.

Do You Know?  What is the highest mountain in New Zealand?

FRIENDLY FACES 2

"Home Field Advantage"

The closer we got to Wellington the more interaction we had with family and friends.

As in the first "Friendly Faces" blog, this is a huge thank you to all those who have made this journey so memorable.

Dad and Ben, dropping us back to the trail after spending the night with us in Whanganui. They bought us a big feed the night before that kept us going for several hours!

Sarn with Aaron, after a good nights sleep, (out of the elements), in the police station located in National Park. 

With Simon, owner of Canoe Safaris in Ohakune. Simon was kind enough to donate the use of a canoe for the trip. 
Simon has been offering canoe trips down the Wanganui River for many years now, and we highly recommend Canoe Safaris if you want to jump in and experience this incredible river.

Thank you "Snowhaven Accommodations" for donating a beautiful 2 bedroom townhouse in Ohaukune for a 2 day catch up with our families. The break from the trail was much needed, very comfortable, and welcomed!










A special thanks to Lane and Sarah in Ohakune.  They arranged the donations of our canoe and accommodation...and most notably, hosted a fantastic family BBQ with their children for all of us! We enjoyed continued family fun with them throughout our stay in town.

On the banks of Rangatikei River, outside of the town of Bulls, enjoying the roast pork meal that Melody and Clare prepared for us. Pictured also, are Sarn's children.     Note: The Rangitikei River is one of New Zealand's longest rivers, 185 kilometers.                                                     

                                                         

 

 

Not often does this happen...a foot and lower leg message, compliments of Delwyn, Sarn's bosses wife. We visited with Mike and his family over lunch as we passed through Fielding. A rural farming community.

Peter and Jillian, Sarn's inlaws, in Palmerston North. We were well fed and taken care of for the night. Hot showers and much needed laundry. Another great visit with Melody, Clare and kids.

Just outside of Levin, a bunch of Sarn's work mates joined us on the trail for several km's... finishing with a cold beer and chocolate after a hard day's work? You bet... any combination of food and drink works for us. Cheers guys!











Another Special Thank You to brother Beni and his lovely wife Averil ,(pic to follow), for hosting us with an incredible evening of family fun and great tucker during our overnight in Otaki...pasta, roast, salads and deserts....food, food, and more... food...everything a hiker needs and wants to refuel!  Beni would know!! 

Peter and Vera Taylor and son Allan, in Otaihanga on the beautiful Kapiti Coast.

The only thing we can say about their wonderful 4 course meal is...
"That's all we dream about now...every day"
After staying the night, we left with a belly full of breakfast and huge sandwiches.





Wonderful hosts and great laughs....thank you Allan, (on right next to Melody), for your quick witt and keen sense of humor...you are a natural!

Melody joining me on the banks of the Waikanae River, as we leave Peter and Vera's place.

Leon and Valerie Anquetil, Johnsonville. My formative years of growing up in Johnsonville was spent with my first cousin Leon. Their hospitality is always second to none. The Bar-be-que was brilliant, but apparently Leon's golf game needs improving...

 

 

Relaxing at home in Levin with Mum and Dad before heading down to the South Island. Mum and Dad have always supported and encouraged me in all my past adventures. Always wonderful to spend time with them. Mum and Dad, if you are reading this, I miss you and love you heaps!

Enjoying a great meal with Beni's Sister in law, Simone, her husband David and their family. Roast Pork,Crackling and Wine disappeared much too quickly! Yumm,yumm,yumm... Just a neat bunch of people with a great sense of humor!