R is for River Red Gums: trees of Australian watercourses

An old twisty River Red Gum

Our afternoon drive along the Lachlan River here in Cowra was a study of the majesty of the river red gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis.

These trees are huge, over 35 meters high and diameters as much as 3 meters. Their trunks are varicoloured and twisted, with hard durable reddish coloured wood. 

The trees tolerate both flooding and droughts!

The old limb hollows and broken branches make perfect nesting spots for galahs, sulphur-crested cockatoos, little corellas and various other parrots. 

As we drove up to Phillips Crossing, which is an historic spot near Cowra, we disturbed the corellas and cockatoos. The noise was fabulous as they squawked and complained and flew off.

Refuge from the heat, Inel in the Lachlan River

The river red gums along the Lachlan River

J is for Japanese Gardens: Cowra, New South Wales

A morning visit to the Japanese Gardens

The summer heat is fierce here in Cowra so a gentle morning walk around the peaceful and beautifully manicured  Japanese Gardens was a good way to start the day.
We were rewarded with some good birding too.

B is for Birthday: with Inel in Cowra, Australia

Inel's birthday, Cowra, Australia

A rare and special moment, we are all together to share a glass of champagne with Inel on her birthday, in Cowra, Australia.

A photo we all love from twenty five years ago!
This was taken in Inel's flat in Alexander Road, Pietermaritzburg in the late 80's.

S is for Sisters: secrets and surprises in Sydney

Doreen, Inel and Sharon, all in Sydney at the same time

Inel and Doreen kept their secret for 6 months, Doreen visiting Australia!

All the planning and co-ordinating, tickets, visas, airport runs, and I had no idea. So when Fred and I arrived yesterday in Sydney from Wellington, eventually working out to make our way to Express Pick-up outside of International Arrivals, Inel just rode in.

I could see Doreen in the front of the Ute but my brain was definitely not processing the information, my jaw dropped and we all squealed and hugged. So wonderful.

We have two weeks together, what a special treat.

F is for Farewell: leaving Wellington

On the move, next stop Australia

M is for Martinborough: olive oil, wine and good food

Gorgeous day among the vines.

Our last day here in New Zealand and what better way to celebrate than sipping wine with good food and a view across the vines. Martinborough, about an hours drive from Wellington across the Rimutaka Range was fabulous today, sheltered, hot and languid.

We were heartily fed and entertained by our hosts at Coney and the Ragtime Riesling crispy and delicious.
Thanks Shawni and Craig, the stay has been special.

Lunch at Coney Wine Estate.

K is for Kashmir: meeting the Burmese kitten

Kashmir, Shawni and Craig's cat

This morning we met Kashmir, she is a Chocolate Burmese kitten and at the end of March will move in with Shawni and Craig in Ngaio. Dear little thing.

T is for Tuatara: a 'living dinosaur' in New Zealand

Yesterday we saw our first Tuatara at Nga Manu Nature Reserve along the Kapiti Coast.

Called the "Living Dinosaur" here in New Zealand, the Tuatara is an ancient survivor from a group of reptiles that existed 255 million years ago. The only one left in the world and endemic to New Zealand. Not very big, up to about a kilo, but they live for over a hundred years.

We will have to try see them in the wild next visit.

Bushwalk through the swamp forest at Nga Manu

S is for Six Barrel Soda: a new flavour Sarsaparilla

A fresh burst of favour, foodie find in Wellington. A contemporary business.
Sarsaparilla soda, new for me, root beer, liquorice and vanilla.

S is for Shopping: finding a creative designer

Happy with my purchases!
Lou from Stichbury along the Wellington Waterfront makes colourful clothing. And an excellent recovery after giving Fred the wrong parcel...

D is for Days Bay: a ferry ride from Queens Wharf, Wellington

A sky and seascape that pleases!

Weathered and worn and very beautiful

Wellington from the sea is special, so we hopped onto the East to West ferry to take in the views and to have lunch in Days Bay across the bay from Queens Wharf.

The day was fine, some interesting cloud formations, a slight wind and the sea a little choppy as we crossed the bay.

With dolphins playing in our wake!

We trundled around Days Bay, found our lunch spot and had a gentle few hours away from the city.

Nice.

East to West Ferry, Queens Wharf to Days Bay

F is for Flag: New Zealand flying a possible new flag

In March New Zealand will have the final referendum on the choice of their country's flag.

Either to keep the original flag or this new one.

We have gotten very fond of the new option, strong colours, the silver fern dominant and it still harks back to the old flag, connecting history but looking forward.

S is for Solace of the Wind: Wellington Waterfront bronze

Solace of the Wind, Wellington Waterfront

The 2 metre high bronze of a man perched on the edge of the beautiful waterfront as he leans into the infamous wind is a Wellington icon. The sculptor, Max Patte, said the view and the feel of the wind soothed his soul and inspired him. It continues to inspire and delight.