John Cornhill

This is the final entry for Torquay there and back because I'm back in Torquay staying with daughter Jo and her partner Wayne. It was a great trip and I would recommend it to anyone. Fellow squash club member Bruce is off to Australia and other places in January, hope you have a great time too Bruce.
My next trip commences 20 January to Dubye, 2 weeks staying with Jillian West who has kindly offered to let me use her spare room over there. This trip will be called 'Hello and Dubye'. Watch this space. Best wishes to everyone, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Tues 12 Dec writing this in Amersham Philip and Fayes home flights all went on time lots of meals sat next to fin girl travelling from Aukland to Helsinki had 5 hour wait in Heathrow for connection then another 3 hour flight her journey therefore 38 hours in all! Its great to be back.John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Monday 11 Dec 10.00pm in Singapore Airport. no hitches and flights going to time so far. Met Claire from Scotland and a man from Cornwall on plane. See you all soon,
JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

sun 10 Dec afternoon met up with Keith Hooper an old friend at campsite, we had an excellent lunch next door at the Happy Days Restaurant followed by tea and mint chocs on the lawns of the campsite. Keith was pensions advisor to British Denkavit and to Chesham Prep. He has bought a motor bike here in NZ and plans to spend 3 months riding it around the 2 islands. Great.
evening met up with Jane Balgobin at her digs and landlady Donna 10 mins down the road from campsite, drank lots coffee and chatted for hours. Jane was Head of Maths at Chesham Prep and has come to NZ for a year to learn to fly Helicopters.
My flight home leaves Aukland airport just up road from campsite 13.10 i think tomorrom Monday get into Heathrow Tues 5am ish being collected by Faye and maybe Philip.
Lookinh forward to seeing everyone again. All the Best,
John
John Cornhill

John Cornhill

fri 8 Armed Constabulary (ac) baths big sports centre used gym didnt overdo it excellent facility near to campsite. pm tidied van, read book.
sat 9 drove taupo to Iain and Tina Lillington brither of Roger South somerset racing club. they live in Te Arapamato, south of Kihikihi also met 2 of 3 children enjoyed long chat and lunch kindly given great house and location/position. took photos then on to Manukau hol park on souythern outskirts of Aukland near airport. All the Best,
JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Thursday 7 quiet day today, sunny and warm but not too hot. spent most of day asleep by pools. had a swim then relaxed in hot pool. later went and wathced some bungee jumping over the river. not for me. take care, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Tues 5th white water rafting today - it was great fun. 6 of us, 2 german girls, an american couple and me plus the guide all in an inflatable raft. we went forwards, backwards and sideways through raging rapids, over drops of about 1 metre, crashed into rocks and trees, glided through placid sections marvellous scenery all the way. we were on the Rangitaiki River which is fast flowing through the Kaingaroa Forest, 2 hours in the raft in all. John Cornhill

John Cornhill

mon4 weather atrocious but travelling all day so doesnt matter. drove Kaikoura to Picton well in time for ferry, stood on deck 10 in cold, wind and rain to see Queen Charlotte Sound again. Traffic very slow out of Wellington so stopped half way to Taupo at Taihape. nice site but still raining.
Tues5 nicer day, set off for Taupo, thru Tongariro National Park which is very high above sea level, part called the Desert due to no trees just grass and low shrub a bit like a moor but flat plains then ravines and twisty road strange place. then found myself driving along shoreline of lake Taupo which is huge so stopped in a picnic area right on side of lake with little beach for lunch. 2 black swans with 3 cygnets were there. male cob? marched up to me, not sure whether threatening or demanding to be fed probably both. I dont feed any birds or animals they just rely on humans and teach their young to do same then they forget how to feed in wild and anyway I want to eat it myself. Interesting episode when third adult appeared, presumably a male, and the first male screeched and attacked and they fought in the sea seemingly trying to drown each other going further and further out to sea went on for ages til couldnt see them the female and cygnets drifted out towards the fighting pair but stayed well back. eventually the mother (pen?) and cygnets came back to the shoreline but didnt see either of the males again she was obviously looking out for her partner I believe swans mate for life I fear that one or both of the males died in the fight. drove on to campsite, read book and walked into town. I like Taupo. All the Best, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

friday 1 dec heavy cloud quite chilly raining most of day, jogged around Kaikoura peninsula past wharf, seal colony, whalewatch quay and maori settlement along shoreline, up cliffes, got wet. back to camp, nice hot shower that gratuitously sent an extra spray over the curtain onto my clean dry set of clothes now got 2 set of wet clothes. late lunch and read/finished book rest of day. evening watched first video on tiny portable provided with camper very good.
sat 2nd sunny but cool with sea breeze. sat in sheltered pool area with new book very relaxing. evening watched 2 more films.
sun 3 dec went swimming with dolphins yes I did at last. 40 mins with a pod of 300. 1, 2, 3, 4 at a time swimming around you, straight at you, over and under you, often within half metre. they really were playing with us humans in the water with them. when they swim around you, if you swim round with them, they keep swimming round and round until you can't keep up..they definately respond to maintaining eye contact as we were told. an exhilerating fantastic experience. I was so pleased with myself I could eat my own socks and panting and puffed out I was knackered at the end of it. wore wet suits which made it difficult (for me anyway) to dive down they are so bouyant I was vertical with head down trying to pull myself down and flippers flapping up in the air couldn't get down enough to get flippers in the water can you picture it?must have looked a right twerp but who cares! After swimming, dolphins carried on playing around boat for photos also more albatrosses plus arctic terns and cape petrols looking tiny against albatrosses. Top Day. tomorrow drive tp Picton, ferry to Wellington ie from south island back to north island, drive to Taupo(well thats the plan, weel see!) hope you are all fit and well,John Cornhill

John Cornhill

wed29 train day return to Arthurs Pass 737m above sea level = saddle in middle of mountain range thru centre of south island. scenery from train going along plains then thru valleys, gorges, edges of mountainsides thru tunnels over viaducts 70+ metres over rivers more ughs but absolutely fantastic journey. commentary too from conductor including piece about sheep and merinho wool and how they have recently developed a yarn from a mix of merihno wool and possum fur that is soft and warm. meant but forgot to ask conductor surely possums really upset at having their fur shaved off. arrived Arthurs Pass village raining, horizontal wind and rain, cold a very rugged place rains 50% of the time. had good look in visitors building very good but still raining so went out anyway did part Avalanche Peak Track where torrent of water pouring down track which was more of a climb mostly 30 degrees up then did Waterfall Viewpoint Walk short and nice then other side of village to 2 more walks, well, did I get wet? had to jump accross straggly angry streams, cross dodgy swing bridges over raging torrents and withstand 100mph wind and rain just to get to start of walks. on way found myself behind group of about 30 schoolkids (10?). they had to keep stopping to count them to see if any had got swept away so I took a different route at the first opportunity and went up the Devils Punchbowl path to viewpoint at base of spectacular waterfall where water was turning to mist and rising back up and strong gusts of wind were blowing the whole waterfall off course - the viewing platform was permanently swept by mist so it was too wet to eat my current buns even. next did the Bridal Veil Track thru willow woods then alpine pine forest ever upwards wonderful views down and accross valleys. then to the Wobbly Kea for a pot of tea, dried out a bit, chatted with Allen from Hereford just arrived driven from Mt Cook. then train back seeing views from opposite dir'n back to Christchurch 6.30 walked into centre of city. Interestingly saw tram setting off that was a restaurant - 'dine as you tram' around city. I went to Warners in Cathedral Sq had excellent lamb steaks mash pot veg weather here warm and fine so this was a very pleasant evening; on 1 hour walk back to camper went thru botanical gardens saw the 'Albert Edward Oak' first tree in park planted 1863 to commemorate marraige of prince of wales to Alexandra daughter of king of Denmark. Albert became Edward VII and she Queen Alexandra = QEII great grandparents someone tell me if im wrong.

Thurs 30 Nov a lie in then shopping in the Warehouse again incl 3 more warm shirts at 3 pounds each then drove northwards back to Kaikoura raining and windy all day camper van blowing all over the road again,. sat in it and read book when arrived John Grisham, Jury, very good. there's a second hand bookshop here where I bought it and can sell back and get another while here. All the Best, John

John Cornhill

forgot to mention yesterday Hooker about 10k was snowing lightly for about half of walk but not cold it was sunny most of the time strange weather. Went back to campsite after hooker where bright sunshinee and all the cloud had lifted off mount cook so sat in chair next camper van and read book with cup of tea bliss.. Met John and Lesley from surrey in neighbouring camper hes just retired too.
Tues did Tasman valley walk up to Tasman glasier much harder higher walk 15 - 20 k I guess went all the wat to bells hut then 500m past til climb got too steep for me. glacier an awsome sight it was moving could hear it sometimes bangs mostly crackling as if someone with a big botton was slowly sitting on a giant bag of crisps. nearly at top came accross a beach! with sand, a small pond. bantham type grass incongruous. got back to camper 2.30 drove to christchurch. all the best JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

mon27nov Now IN mount cook village inputting this. buildings look small and fragile against immensity of mountains. parked up in the village which is mainly a tourist centre with hotels and chalets. bought myself a smsll rucksack in shop and set off on Hooker Valley Track whick had some pathway but also scrambling over rocks, traversing a narrow ledge on side of mountain and TWO horrendous swing bridges which were planks of wood laid across a suspension bridge just enuf width for one person at least 20m above raging torrent ugh. Interestingly lots of different colour rocks and stones light grey, dark grey almost blue, rust red, orange, green and pure some white. finally got to end of walk more a tramp at Hooker Lake which had icebergs floating in it and the highest mountains incl cook 3754m rising uo from its shores but guess what oh dear oh dear no cafe just the lake and mountains I had promised myself a bluebarry muffin and nics hot cup of tea so walked back to village. did 2 small bush walks. now going back to camp for that tea. see you soon JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello dont know why this is blue sunday eve now. left Christchurch this morning drove south west aiming for Mount Cook highest mountain in nz 3700m? Found myself in Burkes Pass strickingly splendiferous scenery, lupins all along roadside for miles and miles mauve, yellow, blue, pink seem wild but only along roadside.Then over a hil, round a corner and wow lake pukupi massive and bright pale blue I found out later caused by very fibne particles of rock scraped down by glaciers over the centuries. Astounding vistas with the lake surrounded by mountains and moorland with low scrub and natural grasses in between. Camping at Glentanner Park right next to the lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. sun is shinind in contrast to the rain and wind in the first half of the journey. Going to mount cook village tomorrow about 20k further along side of lake. Best wishes to all, John. John Cornhill

John Cornhill

fri 24 am pottering, afternoon on beach very hot and sunny lots sun protection needed a bit like bantham read and slept lots. evening did Waimakariri Walkway near camp 11k between Brooklands Lagoon and Spencer Beach. lots of pines and coastal flowers and bantham grass. a very pleasant walk.

sat25, am went shopping in 'the warehouse' bought 2 cheap wicking tops and a warm shirt. then went to antarctica, travelled on a hagglund all-terrain vehicle with caterpillar tracks and proved to be amphibian when we went thru a 5m deep pool of water. we also went up and down a series of steep hills including a 45 degree up and down a 2 storey high ridge. then back to the main building wherein the exhibition, right next to Christchurch airport, had a whole series of attractions including interactives, covering the history of antarctica's formation, Scott, the weather there, penguins incl. some live ones on show, seals, birds,, sea life. There's a freezing cold room you can go in with real snow and ice and they turn the temperature down to -5 degrees and blow a freezing blizzard at you taking the wind chill to -18 degrees c why did i go in? Lots of other stuff to see stayed longer than intended but still went on to the nearby Willowbank Wildlife Reserve which also turned out to have more than I expected, a veritable feast of wildlife presentaed in a woodland walk: stroked a huge eel, meandered thru the lost swamp, saw wallabys, parrots, kunekune pigs, tuatua (ancient lizard) among lots of others and all importantly, my first kiwis and possums. the lady running the campsite had an orfan one when she was young. she called it peter possum. what can I say. I especially enjoyed the day because I got into both attractions at a pensioners reduced price. happy days, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

wed22 no whaling due to weather so went on maori tour led by Maurice (or Morris?) a full blown Maori with cheifs as ancestors plus his neice very unusual and interesting went to fortified village site, shown various uses Maori make of plants and herbs, heard lots about Maori culture and history and revival now taking place in culture and language.. went on bush walk saw 500 & 800 year old trees. tea in Maurice house with wife, sister, 2 kids, neighbours and scones devonshire like (but not proper cream of course). enjoyed it, lots of laughs.

thurs 9am whale watch saw 3 sperm whales mostly looking like logs but quite close up then they dived and taile went up in air very impressive. then maybe 100 dusky dolphins in a pod incl lots baby ones all around boat. also albatroses they really are big birds up to 2m wingspan. eXCELLENT DVD films before and during trip on boat in between sightings, very good commentary fron rather nice looking lady. all very good nothing to eat though. thurs pm drove to just outside Christchurch - spencer hol park looks good a bit remote but I have the camper! Happy times, John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Mon 20 Picton excellent campsite near to harbour and town. Wa;ked a glorious section of the Queen Charlotte Track today from Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay having been boated from Picton to the start and collected by another boat from finish. Tramper up high ridge 407m above sea level along and up and down looking out over Queen Charlotte sound one side and Kenepuru sound and Portage Bay on the other. The whole area is acalled The Marleborough Sounds - they look like fjords but are sounds which are river valleys drowned by the sea (fjords are drowned glacier valleys). On the jetty at Mistletoe Bay were an american couple waiting for theirr packs to be brought; they had been walking 3 days and camping in between their packs being delivered by boat to each overnoight stop. Everything and anything organised for the tourist here. a fantastic place to be, have taken photos but doubt they will convey the splendour of it all. found a cafe doing roast meal, excellent.
Today (is it Tuesday?) drove to Kaikura 2 and half hours lots of grass plains and hills then suddenly sea (pacific ocean) right next to road then snowtopped mountains on the other side wow. stopped to see a seal colony on rocks right next to the roadside. Even nicer campsite in Kaikura laid in the sun by the poolside all afternoon going whale spotting tomorrow! Lin thanks for your comment somebody anon has gone in and added their comment using my id but obviously doesnt know you are my cousin! more comments welcome including from anon Take care everybody John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Just completed 3 days of travelling.....all stress free! gave myself plenty of time, enjoyed the views, no hassle. friday left Bay of Islands 7.45am, stopped for lunch sitting in chair right alongside long (1k?) lake (Waikato?) Moara Roa Reserve - quiet and peaceful. continued on to Taupo on edge of lake Taupo very nice camp site walked into town found myself looking over huge gorge makes avon gorge look small brilliant blue/green water spectacular. had a bungee jump platform over the water. ugh. also nearby thermal baths/swimming pools/gym complex. I might come back here on way back up thru to Auckland.
Saturday drove to just north of Wellington stayed at a slightly tatty site called Kurtons Motor Camp in Porirua horrendous weather rain wind cold did my washing, read for a while, early night.
Sunday 10.35 ferry to south island wow spectacular views leaving north island sail west accross Cook Straight to Tory Channel and into Queen Charlotte Sound this is a very long narrow fiiord with lots of waterways in all directions and steep hillsides going up 100's meters covered in trees that look like miniatures and bush cant use spectacular again more than that fantastic sight will see it again going back. Now on camp site in Picton on south island. Hope to do some walking here. All the Best,
John.... John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Monday attended Maori performance in the meeting house at Waitangi. after a very realistic welcoming ritual we were treated to song, dance and narrative with lights and sound effects taking us through the history of the Maori people in NZ. It was excellent, very powerful performances.

Tuesday had second dolphin watch another 4 hours cruizing around the islands saw many more new ones all spectacularly beautiful. Thoroughly enjoyed but guess what no dolphins. another free trip tomorrow.

Wednesday raining and windy dolphip trip cancelled too rough. Did woodland/coastal walk to Opua instead. pretty creeks and bays, very old woodland. Opua has car ferry to Russell, wharves, marina, boatyards and a restaurant on stilts with a glass covered hole in floor to watch the sea underneath. Fish and chips excellent.

Thursday 3rd and last attempt to see dolphins. another 4 hours another free hot chocolate but no dolphins. what a shame its just luck I hope they all get run over by the ferry. Going south tomorrow.John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello again Saturday = day2 in Bay of Islands what a great place this is. Took Kings fast ferry to Russell accross part of the bay. Russell was the major port in early 19th century full of history critical to the formation of NZ as a nation. Visited museum, then on to a house called Pompelier with lots of history including its original purpose as a tannery and bookbinding to make bibles for Maori in their language. All very interesting but most interesting of all was the Maori lady doing the presentation especially when she was sidetracked into Maori history; fascinating. Also visited oldest church in NZ, graveyard included Maori some of whom were instrumental in the historical process (before they died). Also saw Duke of Marlborough. Been there in Russell from the beginning but this is fourth building, the first destroyed by Maori, second and third by fire. Ferry back to Paihia (Pie-hee-a) where found brilliant restaurant pork or lamb plus 6 veg 18 dollars big portions no idea what 2 of the veg were I think I'll go back.

Sunday up early for dolphin watch and swim. Saw australasian gannets, one and a half metre wingspan, diving vertically at great speed into water, apparently they have excellent eyesight for fish and can go very deep to catch them. Cruized around island after island, absolutely beautiful all different shapes and sizes trees down to the sea. But saw no dolphins. Brilliant NZ BBQ lunch on Urupukepuke Island steamed fish, pork, sosage and loads salad some of which I didn't recognise. Ate it all. Transferred to bigger boat which took us to Cape Brett 'hole in the rock' drove boat through the hole. This is regarded as a major attraction! working hard to develop their tourist attractions bless them. Went on third vessel called 'naughtilus the submarine' which is basically a glass sided hull that you go down into and they close the curtains at each end and pretend to dive/submerge with lots of bubbles and submarine noises then they chuck fish food over the side and lots of fish come alongside the glass I most enjoyed watching the 2 year old dutch girl as the fish, some quite big, swam past her big round eyes. then the klaxons sounded, we were entering a minefield lots of emergency noises then metal banging against the hull then a single mine bobbing along outside the windows until it suddenly got hauled back onto the deck. very realistic........actually we were always in water about 2 metres deep but it was fun..Back to the big boat, more cruizing around islands with some historic commentary breathtaking scenery. A super day in the bay even without the dolphins whose absense gets me another free trip on Tuesday to look again so will have to stay in the Bay of Islands longer. Hooray.John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Picked up camper van toyota hiass cruiza deisel with fridge microwave toaster sink running water cutlery cooking ttools plates bowls mugs heater o/s chairs table bedding loads of storage all very good. Howevver very windy even for NZ ''like a smsll twister' someone said camper is high you can stand up inside blown sideways accross lane blustery drove 5 hours to NE of north Island. Now camped in Beachside Hol Park 5m from waters edge excellent view od bay from back of camper as Idrink my cup of tea. also a dvd player in the camper!
Visited Waitangi Treaty grounds where historic treaty signed by Mauri cheifs and British 1840 fascinating. a very proud nation.Also did coastal walk to Paihia must find out how to pronounce it. aNOTHER UPDATE SOON jOHNJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Had a very pleasent but short time with Wayne, Lorraine, Sam the dog and Megan(daughter and Sam(friend). Wayne drove Lorraine and me up to 'Sky High' Mount Dandenong where there are views for mile over Melbourne and its suburbs its a very spread out city. We had a nice brunch then back to watch the Melbourne Cup for which all of Australia stops its a holiday for everyone then a bbq in the evening with another family headed by Robin a very enjoyable time sorry to be leaving catching plane to NZ wED 12.45.

NOW IN NEW ZEALAND. met and had a meal with Cynthia and Bill really pleased to see them again hope to meet up again towards the end of my time in NZ NOW ABOUT TO COLLECT CAMPER VAN. All the Best,
John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Well here I am IN TORQUAY. visited the Surfworld surfing museum and walked along 4 of Torquays beaches on first day great beaches lots of surf and surfers excellent fish and chips. Staying in a cabin on camp site very comfortable. Second day Sunday did day trip along Great Ocean Road. Sue/Wendy please tell periletic Geoff how right he was to tell me this is a must. Amazing sights of cliffs, beaches, the ocean, forest travelling along this road that goes up, down, around, over bridges, under trees, twisting turning wonderful. Our driver/guide was Foggy she careered around corners shouting yahoo and generally made the trip most entertaining and enjoyable. Her favourite saying was 'its all good' and she was most definate that the kangaroos lying by the roadside were just sleeping. Visited Bells Beach famous for surfing championships. Stopped at Kennet River cafe where wild Koalas were everywhere in the trees, parrots flew down to join us for lunch. Foggy put some bird seed in a tray and 3 kookaburras came to visit one of which (of the kookaburras) let me stroke its chest and almost came on my hand, put one foot on. walk thru the rainforest was interesting to realise how different it was to forests further north. also walked along beaches golden sand between raging ocean and huge cliffs of bright orange/cream/red/white sand/limestone. fantastic. Foggy took us to Suicide Point where she anounced how fed up and unhappy she was, lept out of the bus and jumped straight over the wall on the edge of the cliff and disappeared down the other side. How quiet everyone went on the bus. She had seemed such a happy person then her head appeared over the wall and there was a small ledge the other side which she had hoped was still there when she jumped over. What a commediene. Had a good look at the 12 apostles of which only 8 left very striking sticking up out of the sea. Foggy also showed us, on two occasions, echidnas on the edge of the road, screeching to a halt for the first one for us to take photos it didn't move though I think she knew exactly where they would be, probably nailed them to the roadside on previous visits. Saw some more fantistic coastline with narrow inlets with sheer cliffs on either side, also 'London Bridge' which had been a large stack of rock in the sea joined to the mainland by a bridge but the bridge collapsed a few years ago trapping a tourist couple on the stack lots of media coverage including television from helicopters which was watched with great interest by his wife and her husband. A great trip enhanced by Foggy's guidance got back 9pm also on trip mostly young people from canada, india, sweden?, 3 girls from essex a great group. 3rd and last day in Torquay today Monday, catching bus to Melbourne this afternoon to meet Lorraine M&Ms daughter + husband Wayne they have 2 daughters Kristie and Megan. Really looking forward to seeing them. NZ Wed. Take Care, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello again forgot to mention saw echidna in the bush whilst walking with Mike and Maureen. I was very pleased about this as the only previous sighting was in the Koala Centre where only a backside in a log was visible. These animals look like large hedgehogs but are in a class of their own because they lay eggs but are not reptiles or mamals. Next and last day with M&M was a drive with Mike to Bermagui a fishing and holiday port, Cobargo, then all up through the Bega Valley. Visited Bega cheeze factory very interesting to read all their info on the dairy industry. Enjoyed an italian meal in the evening, caught bus for Torquay the next (friday) morning John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello all well here I am in Merimbula with Mike and Maureen and what a wonderful place they have chosen to retire its got miles of golden and white sands on loads of beaches all sizes from sweeping bays to small coves with forest or bush as backdrops, incredibly blue and green sea very clear no pollution, also lakes, rivers and lots of restaurants. The land mostly rises from the sea and lakes hence most homes have amazing views including M&Ms which looks over lake with forest behind. Walked along lakeside boardwalk with Mike into town passing loads people all say Hi/Hello/Gday (yes they do say Gday) and nobady tries to knock you off the boardwalk into the mud/mangrove very nice people here too. Mike has driven me all over, yesterday Tura beach, Merimbula and Panbula beaches, today Wednesday with Maureen to Eden, a former whaling port, now mainly fishing and tourism and whale spotting, walked out to Haycock Point and 'The Pinicles' where views beautiful and fantastic all on such a large scale there is nothing comparable in the UK, had lunch in a recently renovated old pub in Boydtown (was Richard ever here?) Stopped by Wowacki River took some more photos. M&M understandably very happy here play lots of golf Maureen drove me round their 27 hole course on buggy didnt fall out once not nervous at all kangaroos everywhere beautiful maybe Ill take up golf excellent clubhouse great community spirit. Travelling to Torquay Friday 3rd Sorry Im missing the carnivals in Somerset, Gday, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Had a very good evening with Bing, took me to a restaurant/coffee bar on top of a hill overlookinmg Brisbane very impressive. Hope to meet up with Bing again one day maybe in UK. Train journey to Sydney quite enjoyable sat close to buffet car saaw bush, creeks, forest gradually give way to fields with cows and sheep almost like england a real contrast to north with bush and sugar cane crops.. One poor guy presented his ticket to be told it was for yesterday he was a day out in his reconing also missed connecting flight he was distraught.
Synney a typical city except waterfront which is teriffic goes on for miles including Sydney Opers House and the bridge of course. Went on boat trip around the harbour lots of headlands, inlets, coces, beaches, bays and inner harbours. Had a good look around botanic gardens they make it very interesting with lots of info on boards asnd plaques. Booked tickets and went to a concert in SOH SAT EVE gABRIEL fAURE REQUIEM BRILLIUANT ALSO Peter Sculthorpe requiem local guy incorporated indigenous theme including major input from William Barton didjeridu very moving huge applause. conductor David Porcelijn dutch with Sydney Philharmonia symphonic Choir and Orchestra. A very memorable experience I really enjoyed it. Went to aquarium well unbelievable sights crocadile 5m?, huge fish, duck billed platypuses, living reefs with loads of fish, underwater viewing of sharks, very big turtles even bigger rays ansd in another tank (of couise) frolicing seals.. Also visited NSW parliament building, the Rocks a historical area, Manley beach famous for surfing there were loads out doing it (surfing) and vollyball everywhere. also went in The Garrison Church very old for Aus. Ive decided I like Sydney. Off to Merimbula next. 5 comments from 3 people so far, great. Best wishes to all, JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello all, enjoyed bus journey Hervey Bay to Brisbane, saw sunshine coast long streches of gorgeous beach. Been in Brisbane 24 hours now. Walked around 4 hours last evening, botanical gardens very impressive, including boardwalk thru mangrove on boardwalk that extended for a mile or so along riverside lovely then went into Brisbanes Chinatown had meal there. Slept well last night! Today missed boatride so took bus to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 130 koalas including kindergarden, 'retired' ones in their own sanctuary, nursing mums with joeys hanging out of their pouches, southern ones which are bigger and darker. Also Wombats (theyre ugly) a Cassowary (lots of concern about these dying out they get hit by cars) 2 dingos (also a worry because few pure bred left due to interbreeding with ferral domestic dogs) dozens of kangaroos in a field where you can walk among them and feed them they are very tame) eagles flying about with handlers including a huge sea eagle 1.8m wingspan, sheep dog 'trials', with 2 dogs herding about 15 sheep into a pen then sitting on the sheep which is what they do when sorting them for shearing, an echidna but only saw its backside in a log very prickly, crocodiles but only small 2m ones, emus, parrots, bats, monitors, lorikeets a very pleasant day. Bus driver on way back just returned from world travelling holiday including a stay over in Torquay Devon also visited Paignton chatted to him all the way back its like that out here. 6pm now, am meeting Bing later who I met on dive on Great Barrier Reef off Cairns. He lives in Brisbane we're going for a pint. Train to Sydney tomorrow. Been here 4 weeks now, only 2 left in Aus not enough Best wishes to everyone, John ps checkout www.koala.net/photo/2510006534.htmJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Whale watching wow For a long time we could only see a black 'log' on the surface some distance away then the boat moved closer to one and the huge Humpback jumped out of the water nearby like dolphins do then came right up to the boat and rose vertically out of the water I was looking into its eyes it was only 10 feet away then it went under the boat and swam close by for a while all with calf in close attendance brilliant amazing another real awsome. Met Brian and wife from Adelaide retired at 55 been travelling for 9 years. Told me birds on South Molle Island are Curlews and 'croc' I saw on Cape Trib beach was a Goanna a big lizard! oops. Back in Hervey Bay saw hundreds flying foxes at dusk in trees what a sight and noise.
Now still in Hervey Bay just back from 2 days on Frazer Island124km long, 5 to 27 km wide all sand except a few rock out crops near one end Lots of rain forest, some bush, internal lakes we swam in two Bus specially designed 'MAN' for driving on sand tracks very soft in places bumpy great ride driver Richo in Aus 33 years from Kings Langley knows Bovingdon well great guy. Met Pete a writer and Dave and Caroline on hol live in London, some german girls a dutch couple a french couple a great group. Stayed overnight in a camp site IN FOREST Richo did excellent bbq. lONG BEACHES AROUND ISLAND AND SAND 'DESERTS' and lakes inland. Saw Red Backed Eagle, White Bearded Eagle, Wagtails and nest Green parrot with red markings and a 15cm lizard with no legs poor thing very bright black and white colouring nearly trod on it got my camera out but selfishly it disappeared. Came accross exhausted Gannet type bird sitting on beach Richard stopped to check it out we got to within a few feet and it flew a few meteres into the sea so left it. Probably the dingos will have it for dinner. Didnt see a dingo but ither bus saw 2. Walked accross sand desert amazing experience trees of forest in the distance. Catfish in lake water warm to swim in maybe 26 degrees. The other lake had very low ph about 3. Also black stuff looks like rock but not it is compressed vegetation, a form of coal , just broke off in your hand. Also saw seams of iron/ferrous some of which were sticking vertically out of coal where the sea had eroded the coal before the iron. It looked man made but was entirely natural. Got stuck in sand once, Another time had to clear a tree fallen accross the track a real adventure! got to go, JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello again had a great trip on a catamaran around Whitsunday Islands with about 60 others. The islands are all shapes and sizes covered in trees with lots of beaches. Went snorekling twice a brilliant experience to see all the different coirals blue, all shades of brown, white, gold and the fish! you are swimming in amonst them sometimes shoals of them very close all colours, patterns and sizes. I followed one fish for about 5 minutes it went up and down a bit and round in circles but it didn't seem to moind my close presence sometimes less than a foot away.(300mm if you are under 40!) Also saw 1 turtle! Accomodation on South Molle Island in a chalet. Some of the chalets are right on the beach lots of facilities for visitors. bliss. long legged birds walking round didn't find out their name saw another big white parrot. at breakfast there were 100's lorakeets (squeakys)pinching bits of egg and bacon. 3 landed on my wrist and cup and started drinking my orange juice as I held it bin my hand. They are beautiful birds but a nuisence there. Met Karen who runs a backpacker hostel in Amsterdam called Piggies and her friend Siska who is a psychotherapist working for a unit that is an call for emergency situations a bit like the AA or fire brigade but for psychological crises she is also on call to travel anywhere in the world to collect and bring home dutch travellers who have breakdowns while abroad, usually under insurance situations. I think the dutch might be ahead of us in this area. The trip also Went to Whitehaven beach glorious 8km almost pure white sand very fine another paradise. Some visitors came by seaplane watched one take off. Back to chalet, walked along beach and nature trail to next beac and along causeway to next island tide coming in just met accross causeway as I walked (quickly) back. Went to water the horse under a tree on way back heard a noise listened more carefully heard it again think it was probably a snake hissing at me it was getting dimpsey couldnt see it but sounded quite close and still had to retrace steps along nature trail so didnt hang about. brown snakes had been seen in the area and they are very dangerous some snake bites kill in 5 minutes so every one very careful. Some of the others came accross a snake on the path through the chalets. Met Arastou who is Iranian working in Adelaide spoke english better than most english. Food on boat very good and plenty of it. A few people sick off back of boat when it got rough but otherwise everyone had a great time. Host was Jamie from Canada Skipper australian applying to join south seas coastguard which is highly rated job due to russian and korean factory ships illegally fishing; apparently its a war zone down there between aus and antarctica. Saturday morning now, just arrived in Hervey Bay going whale watching this afternoon then a 2 day trip on Frazer Island recommended by lots of people. I do like Hervey Bay it even has a township called Torquay within it and a very long beach which I am about to go and sit on. All the Best, John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Journey to CapeTribulation fascinating saw a field full of grazing kangaroos before going up through rainforest and Daintree National Park. Went on a river cruize and saw white egrets, 2 freshwater crocs, 2m and 1m and a beautiful but very small Azure Kingfisher. The rainforest is 175million years old but much logging for hardwoods such as red cedar and for arable farming mainly sugar cane has much reduced the forest on the plains. Also they grow tea here so had some of thelocal brew. Stayedd at PKs atCape Tribulation walked along beach waded accross estuary to get to path to Cape Tribulation Beach which was exceptionally beautifaul laid on the beach for a while, saw and photographed small croc 1m laid on beach for a while then retraced steps to first beach including crossing stream again only to be told back at PKs that a 2m croc had been laying out by the estuary all day. also went to bat 'hospital' got real close to flying foxes quite big they are and on forest walk where saw huge white cockateal and various other strange birds. Some of the others swam in rock pool. had kangaroo stir fry very tasty but mine was a bit tough, next day went on couple more forest walks and this time I did have a swim in a river pool very refreshing1. Met a israeli girl, americans but mostly british on this trip..On way back stopped to look at mouth of Dailntee River and saw Islands where Steve Irwin took his last dive. Saw magnificent Oeprey Eaglenesting in Areal Tower. Stayed overnight and had 1 day in Port Douglas a v nice small up market resort town with a perfect 4 mile sandy beach (but all beachs up here have stingers (box jellyfish) in the sea in summer their stiong can kill and certainly hospitalise). Beach 5 mins from Dougies where I stayed; walked up to headland with amazing views, walked around marina and town. very good market that day had meal in Court House Hotel whaic was only building left standing after hurricaine early 20 century then laid in beach. (Have to use lots of sun protection up here) Back in Cairnd today Mon, off the Whitsundays Wed travelling to Ailrlie tomorrow. All the best to everyone, JohnJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello again, Thursday evening now. Had a very relaxing day, planning the rest of October and reading Bill Bryson (very good) Decided to try the hammock and was very pleased with myself to ascend and insert myself with little difficulty. Descending turned out to be a different matter. For several minutes I couldn't work out which part of me should exit first. The eventual parting of company with the hammock was most undignified and unbursarlike. Hopefully nobody noticed. Two chicks were wandering around the yard here today looked like turkey chicks to me but were too small to eat.

Cairns has a natural sandy very nice beach streching for about a mile along the front from the harbour at the mouth of the estuary to a headland . It also has a man made lagoon just inland from the beach with some sand and lots of grass around it. On a sunny day, the lagoon is packed with adults and children. But never a soul on the beach. Can anyone tell me why?

Away for 3 days now, hope you all have a great weekend,
John John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Rainforest a wonderful experoience. visited 2 huge fig trees, with names Cathedral and Cutrain. these fig seeds land in the top of trees and send rioots down to the ground, eventually surrounding the host tree. the hardwood tree live 150 - 200 years but these figs were around 1000 years old so the host trees had died off having been strangled anyway and the fig holds itself up by its by now huge roots and just gets bigger and bigger. The cathedral was formed by the host tree falling against another tree and the fig putting continually more roots down. The fig has no trunk, just roots going down from the canpoy. Went swimming in a pool below a waterfall where the hair shampoo advert was made where the girl flinks her hair. went night canooing with a group of 10, I was in canoo with Evan and Kelly from Misoori it was black but we had a torch and saw tree kangaroos (2 in a tree and a group on a grassy bank) and an eastern water gragon on a branch just above the water its a lizard about 1/2 metre long the guide picked it off the branch poor thing and we all stroked it!!(the dragon not the guide) also went platy-puss spotting and just saw a couple in the water they are like otters with duck type bills not like a cat at all. Also saw bush turkeys and a huge colourful butterfly landed on my shirt. Stayed in Youngaburra for 1 night next day went to Lake Eacham (a crater lake), conooed agin in lake tinaroo(man made) this time with a german girl very nice. this time I steered and hit 3 other canoos, a tree and a buoy but no-one fell out. saw a heron and looked for cassowaries but didnt see one but I think there is one in Paignton zoo so didnt matter. walked up a creek to find ocre stones that aboriginees paint their faces with and painted each others faces. I am a real tourist now. went on a bike ride 18k with the group saw some big egret like birds. Had a huge burger lunch with lots of salad and home made scones excellent. Back in Cairns now, Cape Tribulation and Port Douglas over 3 days starting tomorrow Going to relax rest of today. Best wishes to everyone, John




John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Just had 2 very relaxing days in Cairns. Highlight was the discovery of A fish and chip shop where you can choose the fish from a display of all sorts of wetfish on show then have it breadded, grilled or battered. Unfortunately when I got back to accomodation with it I squirted tom sauce from australian squeezies pack just missing fellow guest's white shirt. He was american, I thought they had a good sense of humour. Not this one. Going into rainforest for 2 days tomorrow.
Best regards to everyone,John Cornhill

John Cornhill

What a great day Started at 7.30 collected from accom. to boat, then muffins and tea, then 90 mins to green island then snorekling then a 20 min dive wqw what an experience hundreds of all sorts of multi coulured fish, a turtle that one of the (girl) divers stroked, a multitude of different corals a justifiable use of the word awsome then fruit, a visit to Green Island which looks like paradise itself to me then back to the boat for cheeze abd buscuits and cake all very nice then back to port. met a guy from Brisbane going to meet up for a pint when I get there, a really nice couple from Londan and 2 lovely ladies mum and daughter from Byron further down east coast of Aus hoping to meet up for coffee if i can get there which they say I should. A greaty day. next 2 days relaxing in Cairns then a 2 day excursion into rainforest.
Hope everyones fit and well
All the Best.
John
John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Thursday now, and have spent one day in Cairns =north east coast of Aus. Walked along the esplanade, very long, then lazed by the lagoon which is a public area with a large play/relaxing pool with sand and grassy areas around to lay out in. Have booked a day trip to the reef to snorkel and do an accompanied dive with air. You get muffins and tea when you board the boat lunch and cake all day. Also booked a 2 day trip into the rainforest including volcanic crater lakes, spectacular water falls walks and a fig tree? picnic lunch and tea and swimming at dinner falls and plattypus spotting? plus a mountain bike ride and going in canoes. Should be quite good. Oh and lots of wildlife it says.
Perth with Anita, Tim and all was great, this looks good too.
All the Best to everyone, John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Hello all. Haven't been able to get into this blog til today, my last day in Perth. Had a wonderful week with Anita and Tim plus Rebecca, Emily, Nathan and Clarissa plus Jedda the dog. Visited Kalamaunda, Fremantle and Perth Centre, cycled for 2 hours on a trail thru the bush and done lots of relaxing and reading in the garden. The bungalow is in the hills behind Perth and it's like sitting in the middle of a zooological garden with all the different birds and their songs. Met a few neighbours and friends, all very hospitable and friendly. In Fremantle visited wrecks exhibition and the Maritime Museum and local market and had squid and chips on the quayside. Perth has a brilliant museum plus Kings Park which was full of different trees and shrus and parrotty type birds. The Swan river through Perth and Fremantle is spectacular. Got some photos and will try to find out how to put them on the blog later. Flying to Cairns tomorrow. Keep in touch, John Cornhill

John Cornhill

3rd day in North Pembrokeshire, a beautiful place to be at the beginning of a new term and year. Walked on the Presely Mountains, local countryside and Pembrokeshire coastal path. Wish you were here. John Cornhill

John Cornhill

Thanks to all who came on 25th and for making it such a good evening
Special thanks to Mary for the food; so many have said how good it was.
Torquay there and back:-
3 weeks to departure on 26 Sept. to Perth.
1 week in Perth staying with cousin Anita and family, then flight to Cairns for 4 weeks on east coast
then 1 week in Victoria incl visits to cousins Mike and Maureen and family and some time in Torquay (see Breakpoint)
then after 6 weeks in Aus., flight to Aukland
5 weeks in camper van
back in UK 12 DecJohn Cornhill

John Cornhill

John Cornhill now in my last week at CPS, nearly retired, hope to see lots of friends and colleagues at CBLTSC on 25th.

John Cornhill

John Cornhill

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