An eventful day trip....

What a way to start the day...

pity I wasn't there but my daughter was...so we're able to appreciate this beautiful sunrise...
I've now got used to the early morning sounds of the front door softly opening and shutting and smile to myself :D

Another perfect photo opportunity in the bag! 

Here's a lone pelican and black swan enjoying the early sunrise...

 Just a quick pit stop to feed the roos....

How special is this...to be able to feed a roo with a joey peering out of her pouch! 

 
After another enjoyable al fresco breakfast...we decided that we'd pay a visit to nearby Raymond Island.

This island has a koala colony and is reached by a local ferry.

More about the ferry later....

So how did the koala colony begin? 

In Victoria in the 1920's the koala population was almost wiped out. 

Koalas were then relocated to islands as part of an early conservation programme.

An local islander wrote to the authorities asking for koalas...

and this was the reply:-

Raymond Island received 16 male and 26 females from nearby Phillip Island.

There's a trail of about 1.2km long to wander and the walk takes approximately 20 minutes.

That is if you stay on the mapped walk...we didn't!

It was fantastic to just gaze up into the trees overhead and be rewarded with such brilliant sights...

koalas just doing their thing.

Here's a few koala facts...

The koala's scientific name is Phasclarctos Cinereus and they aren't bears as many people are led to believe. They aren't even related to bears. The koala is related to the kangaroo and the wombat. 

They're a marsupial mammal which means that the females carry their babies (cubs) in their pouch. 

The male has a large scent gland on his chest and grunts like a pig.

They live from 10-15 years.

The female is smaller and can breed from the age of two. 

Young cubs are born after 34-36 days gestation... Blind and hairless they make their way to their mother's pouch, where they stay for 6 months feeding on her milk. Afterwards the cub climbs out of the pouch and rides on the mother's back. At one year old, it is ready to start life on its own.

Koalas have evolved into an animal that has a restricted diet of the leaves of a few species of eucalyptus trees. It is rare to see a koala on the ground...this can mean it is either sick or injured.

By 2003 the koala population of Raymond Island grew to over 600. 

This put their food supply under stress.To solve the problem, the government initiated a population management programme involving fertility control and relocation of some koalas. 

As a result, those remaining are healthier and the manna gums are recovering.

(I feel compelled to shout 'duck' whenever I look at this photo)

I can't imagine how this could possibly be comfy?

I have heard that koalas can run as fast as a rabbit but also sleep for up to 19 hours a day.

I can believe the second part of this last sentence but have to admit I've difficulty with the first!

Pelicans are frequently seen riding the thermal lift or gliding down in their classic 'V' formation before gracefully landing on the water.

Black swans (cygnus atratus) often nest along the foreshore and are a delight to see on the water with their little grey cygnets. So cute!

The adult black swan's body is mostly black, with the exception of the broad white wing tips which are visible in flight. The bill is a deep orange-red, paler at the tip, with a distinct narrow white band towards the end. Younger birds are much greyer in colour, and have black wing tips.

Black swans form isolated pairs or small colonies in shallow wetlands. Birds pair for life (ahh..), with both adults raising one brood per season. The eggs are laid in an untidy nest made of reeds and grasses. The nest is placed either on a small island or floated in deeper water. The chicks are covered in grey down, and are able to swim and feed themselves as soon as they hatch.

Many sea and wading birds are often observed on the sand or gravel foreshores and great egrets and white faced herons wade at chest height in the shallows feeding on small fish. 

Meanwhile in the water nearby, the local bottle-nose dolphins often in pods are regularly seen emerging from the water to display their aerobic skills. Unfortunately we scanned the water but we not lucky enough to see any.

The island's identity is, of course, highlighted by the ferry. It has grown from a row boat provided by the Shire in 1888, to a hand winched chain driven punt for horses and carts. The ferry was first for 3 cars, upgraded to the diesel  for 6...extended to 10...then to a 21 car iron monster. 

The latest ferry was commissioned in 1997. 

Horses and cattle used to swim the straits!!

Upon driving back to our accommodation, thinking that the day had given its all...we came upon a really incredible sight. How many times have you been driving along a road to have birds ahead...and as you drive nearer, they just fly away....well not so in this case.

As we approached the bird (at speed!!) we suddenly realised it was heading towards us.. flapping its wings in a desperate attempt to slow us down.

We all shouted 'STOP' to my hubby (who was driving) and suddenly the bird went missing under the bonnet! We all cringed ready for the bump but the bird suddenly appeared unfazed at the side of the car still flapping!

We then noticed that there were baby birds trying to cross the road! 

Never underestimate a mother's willingness to protect her babies. 

This lapwing was dedicated to her young and ready to put her life on the line....the white line literally.

Then virtually before we could draw breath we encountered a huge fallen branch which covered the whole road... Everybody out...it's time for a game of tug-o-war!

What a challenge that was...but thankfully with two other cars joining us, we managed to shift it to the side of the road.

And so once more off we go...heading home...

 What a full action packed day!

Lets take another trip...this time to South Korea....

I thought we could have another little trip together today, that is if you’re free?

After reorganising some files on my extremely crowded laptop, I came across old photos from a business trip to South Korea.  Landing in Seoul and travelling down to the south of the country to Busan (Pusan).

(Map of  South Korea with interesting facts ~ courtesy of U.S. Dept of State)

Although the trip was only for a few days and before my blog adventures began....I thought you might like to see some of the country with the few photos I have. 

Its difficult to capture the true spirit of this fascinating complex country. But here are a few images...

 First glimpse upon arrival into Seoul....

Although not actually staying in Seoul you immediately feel the energy. South Korea is a very forward-thinking country and has an insatiable appetite for technological advancement and a can-do attitude, which is very refreshing. No one knows where the country is headed, but it’s fast-forward all the way, which makes it so exciting. Its a country of endless possibilities.

Due to the trip being a business trip and not for pleasure, a speedy exit was needed in order to arrive in Busan which is located in the south of the country. The train journey time from Seoul to Busan used to take four hours but not anymore....Enter the KTX (Korean Train EXpress) situated on the Gyeongbu Line, which runs between the capital Seoul and the Southern port town of Busan. 

Can you imagine public transport spotlessly clean, no graffiti AND ON TIME...to the precise second? Well, this bullet delivers on all of those. There's even a little speedo in the seat head rest in front of you, so that you can keep an eye on how fast you are travelling. It's great! Comfortable, inexpensive and of course, quick!

Once you leave Seoul the countryside opens up to serene temples, picturesque mountains, lush rice paddies, and unspoiled fishing villages to name but a few things to see. Although once again time pressed on....(sigh)....maybe next time? 

Arriving in Busan in record time.... 

The natural environment of Busan is a perfect example of harmony between mountains, rivers and sea. Its geography includes a coastline with superb beaches and scenic cliffs, mountains which provide excellent hiking and extraordinary views, and hot springs scattered throughout the city.

Busan enjoys four distinct seasons and a temperate climate that never gets too hot or too cold, which would suit many ~ me included.
Busan is the second largest city in Korea. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest container handling port in the country and the fifth largest in the world. Hence the business trip!
The city's natural endowments and rich history have resulted in Busan's increasing reputation as a world class city of tourism and culture, and it is also becoming renowned as an international convention destination.
But finally a respite and a little sightseeing...whoohoo...

The Tongdosa Temple located in Busan.

The Tongdosa Temple is a very important Buddhist Temple.  This temple holds the remains that are believed to be the man who invented Buddhism. Is it me or is he scary looking?
The Tongdosa temple is from the Ming Dynasty and, although much of it has been re-created because some of the wooden structures have not withstood the elements, a greater part of it is intact.  Some of the buildings, the ones that are less elaborate are from the Shinto period when they did not use as much paint as part of the decorations.

The Tongdosa Temple is a working Monastery with over a hundred "monks" all of whom are men, although about 40% of the Buddhist Monks in Korea are women.  There are no "Nuns" in Buddhism .. they are referred to as Female Monks or just Monks and are completely equal to their male counterparts...imagine that!
The Temple grounds consist of many buildings, each of which is a Temple to a particular Buddha.
There are Temples to the Buddhas of medicine, philosophy, knowledge, the only female Buddha (with her 1000 arms to protect the world as a mother would) and many more.  The Buddhists can distinguish which Buddha is for which by the way the hands are held.  These are beautiful statues of painting and each Temple holds an altar.  In many of the Temples, a monk was presiding over prayers.

Maybe I should just leave you quietly to your contemplations whilst you visit....

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ladies and Gentlemen that concludes our trip for today...please ensure you fasten your seat belt, your table is stored away and your seat is in the upright position, we will be landing shortly.....
Well someone's got to get home to cook dinner! Guess that would be me then.
I hope you enjoyed your quick tour. I know I initially hadn't any wish to holiday in South Korea but there is so much to see and do.

Please join me again when you have a minute to spare... Enjoy your day :D

New Zealand Road Trip.....The Forgotten World Highway

Yesterday was a fun packed day.....

We had asked advice for what we should do if we hired a car, and were given numerous idea's. The one that took our fancy was driving from New Plymouth in a large circle through Egmont Village, Inglewood, Stratford, Whangamomona, Tahu, Ohura, Ahititi, and back to New Plymouth. That doesn't sound too far, but let me tell you, we were gone about seven hours....only just making it back as the sun set.

People said it would be like travelling back 300 years and in parts it was.

When we mentioned our intentions to anyone, from the taxi driver, hotel staff, car hire staff, everyone's reaction seemed to be the same...."that's quite a drive" with a twist of the mouth.

I became uneasy and suggested we'd better take supplies with us, and stopped off to obtain water, crisps (for salt), Fruit (sugar) and Chocolate - just because!

I can now understand what everyone was apprehensive about. It was a little hairy in parts but truly a spectacular route with fantastic scenery. Some unfortunately on hairpin bends, that we just couldn't stop to shoot....much to my annoyance, and no matter how much I pleaded and promised I'd be quick. So you just have to take my word for it....but if your a novice driver or not a confident one, then perhaps this route wouldn't be for you. A good part of the trip wasn't even on tarmac! Just gravel with lots of fallen rocks from the mountainside, which kept you alert.

But then the road was called 'The Forgotten Highway'.....

Fasten your safety belts....Off we go.....

I couldn't resist another pic of Mount Taranaki as we started our journey....

It reminded me a little of Table Mountain...ever changing with the clouds rolling in and out.

No two minutes giving the same view.

There she is in the distance....

I suddenly became aware of being watched whilst taking this photo and turned to the side....

'Hellooo'.....

She was so well disguised, I never noticed her initially. She also had her kid with her, but didn't hang around - off they went down the mountainside.

I was astounded to see so many cattle on the mountainside too. I never thought cattle were good climbers, only ever seeing them on flat pastures.

Here's the information notices which I'm hoping you may be able to read. I know I could type the facts, but then I am away on holiday and some of their black and white historical photographs are priceless - such hard times and incredible characters.

An here's how it looks today....it weaves through the valley and you cross the tracks numerous times.

Then look what we spotted....wild turkeys

Turkeys were introduced to New Zealand around the 1890s. In those days, until around the 1950s, most farms raised a few pigs and had a mob of turkeys along with “chooks” and ducks to give a greater self sufficiency than is apparent on most farms today.

The turkeys were half domesticated and half wild in that the mobs were allowed to roam free but were occasionally fed maize. The chore of rounding up the mob to feed them usually fell to the younger members of the family. In this way the turkeys were prevented from wandering too far and prevented a range war with neighbours who could not resist shooting turkeys that strayed over the boundary. “Shooting each other’s turkeys” has become enshrined in the local patois and now means simply fighting with one’s neighbours.
We also saw Falcon's, and Harrier's...

And here's another 'wild turkey'....

(This photo may not stay once he see's this post)

I don't condone this type of behaviour normally, but I have to admit I was rather jealous at this stage of the journey. We hadn't seen a building, car or in fact another person for hours.....needs must and all that!

Maybe a 'shewee' might be a good idea. Note to self for future reference.

Then on to Whangamomona....

The first settlers arrived in 1895 with the town proper established some 2 years later. Growth of the town was seriously affected by the loss of 51 men (including the smaller nearby settlements of Kohuratahi and Tahora) in the First World War and a major flood in 1924. The town recovered with arrival of the railway line in 1933 and electrification in 1959. However the town went into decline again and the school closed in 1979, the post office 9 years later.

Whangamomona is actually a Republic and you can obtain a passport for a few dollars, at the Passport Office....at the end of the Hotel bar!

A little more history....

Presidents
Ian Kjestrup (1989-1999)
After being put on the ballot without his knowledge, he became the first elected President. Served 10 years
Billy Gumboot the Goat (1999-2001)
First elected animal. He won election by eating the other challengers ballots. He died in office after serving for 18 months.
Tai the Poodle (2003-2004)
Tai retired after an assassination attempt left him a nervous wreck.
Murt "Murtle the Turtle" Kennard (2005-present)
The local garage owner fought off strong competition from former president Kjestrup and a cross-dresser called "Miriam" to become the 4th President. He was re-elected in 2009 by one vote. He was re-elected again in 2011 by a landslide.

On the day we arrived the Mustang's had rolled into town....

Off again after a little refreshment and light relief.....especially for me!

We came across a sight of how I envisaged New Zealand.

It was facinating to watch this farmer and his faithful workers (three dogs) rounding up the sheep.

It was amazing....the dogs took turns in barking and with each bark they slowly moved the sheep towards the pens. As soon as the last sheep entered the pen, the dogs were instantly quiet and immediately sat at their masters feet, waiting for their next instruction.....Oh Muffy, you've got a lot to learn.

I did have a little laugh to myself at the Jack Russell, who's obviously above all that.... just sitting watching until the end, then he strolled off to the farm house, no doubt for a little snack.

He's to the far left of this photo.

More information.....this time about the Moki Tunnel

This tunnel below isn't the Moki Tunnel....we were in that before we knew it and taking a photo was the last thing on my mind. We suddenly realised we didn't know where the lights where for that matter....eek.

Let me throw in a safety notice here....if you're hiring a car, make sure that you check, where all the bells and whistles are located ie lights in particular. You never know, when a dark tunnel may be lurking....we were oblivious to the tunnel until we actually entered it...then I commented we really needed lights...but my O.H. then shouted back...."I don't know where they are?" ARGHHhh... he was concentrating so much on just keeping the car absolutely straight. I just held my breath. O.H. just headed towards the light at the end of the tunnel.....Thankfully we never came across another vehicle coming in the opposite direction. Not sure what we'd have done then, or who would have had to reverse.

Have a look at this youtube link to give you some idea of what the tunnel is like to travel through....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf6wQZVu_7g&feature=related

Yep, we stopped as soon as we came out and checked for the lights.  

Apparently there were supposed to be five of these tunnels, but I think after the first one the plans may have been filed in the 'too hard basket' I certainly don't blame them.

Here's a smaller one that didn't need lights.

Well, I must get on with the day....catch you later.