We sold Hank for $300 to a wonderful elderly gentleman named John Penny. John is an ex-pilot, from Christchurch, who lived in Hawaii for 25 years. He's a really nice guy who is gonna give the car to his grandson, for the 3 months he is coming to visit and travel. We estimate that 3 months is about how long Hank has to live. There's a pretty nasty, oily sludge that builds up daily in the overflow reservoir for the radiator, and the radiator itself. Hank overheats constantly now. And the transmission fluid is leaking. He's falling apart! In trying to sell him to a couple of folks our age, before we knew he was dying, he overheated during the test drive. Oops. Betsy and I, in the end, didn't feel comfortable knowningly handing over a broken car to travellers like us; even if it would have netted us $1700. It easily would have. By now we've had a dozen or so callers, and they keep coming daily (our flyers weren't removed upon Hank's sale). Back to John Penny. He's letting us keep the car until we leave Christchurch (Dec 9th), he's buying our phone for his grandson(!), and has offered us a place to shower and a ride to the airport. He's a cool guy, and we're happy that Hank's last few months will be happy, and that we both have a clean conscience.
We're basically out of money, so we're lying low in Christchurch for the final week of South Island time. On December 9th we'll fly to Tauranga to spend a week with our South African friends in Papamoa. We're both looking very forward to it.
Tick, tock...
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Otago Central Rail Trail; 90 Miles
Add it to the tally. 7 days of blessed simplicity. Our tent broke in a wind storm.
Clock ticking down quickly!
Clock ticking down quickly!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
St. James Walkway; 40 Miles*
Mark down another 40 miles for team Comiskey-Ehlers. Betsy and I enjoyed another lovely tramp, set amid quite different terrain. We encountered far more flat stretches than we were used to. The mountains weren't far away, mind you, but far enough that they were cozy rather than imposing. Because of the scenery, and the type of terrain, this may have been my favorite tramp yet. It was really nice. And the weather was great.
The next four weeks will be spent tramping. This fact is almost literally true. Next is the Central Otago Rail Trail. 90 miles; mostly flat. Here we go...
*The 40 miles may be subject to scrutiny, as this latest mileage was traversed with cutting edge rain gear technology, courtesy of Dick Ehlers. It is super light and waterproof, which may be considered an unfair tramping advantage over our former very heavy, very bulky gear.
The next four weeks will be spent tramping. This fact is almost literally true. Next is the Central Otago Rail Trail. 90 miles; mostly flat. Here we go...
*The 40 miles may be subject to scrutiny, as this latest mileage was traversed with cutting edge rain gear technology, courtesy of Dick Ehlers. It is super light and waterproof, which may be considered an unfair tramping advantage over our former very heavy, very bulky gear.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Perfect
After an awesome 2+ weeks, Mr. Ehlers heads back to America today. We were sad to see him go, but the time together was much enjoyed.
To start with, that guy is an absolute treasure of a man. Of a human being. If someone told me "You're a lot like Dick Ehlers", I would consider it the highest compliment. Being in his company for two weeks was a treat. I could go on and on about how much I like this guy, how much I admire him... but he would probably prefer that I don't. Let's just say, he's the man.
The visit was awesome. Betsy and I flew to Auckland, slept in the airport to save money (eat your heart out Lee), and then joined Dick right off the bat to start the festivities. We toured Auckland for a day, saw the boats (the Ehlers' never miss a chance to see some boats in the water), went to the Maritime Museum, had a couple of great meals, chatted with a model boat maker who was fun and talkative, and got an impromptu tour of a boating supplies store. Betsy and Dick like boats a lot! They ate it up. Ocean water runs in their veins.
That night we stayed in the nicest room I had seen in awhile (not saying much of course, but it was nice), then boarded a train heading South in the morning. After a nice train ride during which Betsy and Dick took lots of pictures, we arrived in Wellington. Wellington suited us more than Auckland. We spent two nights there, enjoying a quaint little Bed & Breakfast both nights. The breakfast was awesome! In Wellington we visited the Botanic Garden, and Te Papa National Museum, among other stops. As became a pattern on Dick's visit, we ate well(!), walked a bunch, and talked.
A ferry ride (much enjoyed by the Ehlers' duo), another beautifully scenic train journey, and we arrived in Christchurch. About as quicky as we could arrange it, we hopped on another train and headed to Greymouth over on the West coast, via the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail journey. That ride was really pretty.
The West Coast escapades included heading as far south as the Franz Josef glacier, and as far North as the pancake rocks in Punakaiki. The West coast was gorgeous, some of the best stuff we've seen here in NZ. The pancake rocks, and the accompanying fury of the ocean, was breathtaking. It was awesome, in the truest sense of the word. We stayed in wonderful accommodations, ate delicious food, watched beautiful sunsets over the ocean from our private balcony. Unreal. Memorable. Fantastic. Beyond words really.
The fun, the beauty, the memories continued as we headed back east through Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula. One night in Governor's Bay, then two in Akaroa. We were enjoying the water, usually only feet away, the whole time. Betsy and I took a cool ride in a kayak (I didn't get sick), and Dick went out solo in a small row boat (a dingy I believe they called it). It was all so much fun! One more night in Governor's bay on the way back was the icing on the cake.
The whole time was so darn fun, so totally enjoyable. Dick was a model guest. The guy is so pleasant to be around it's almost supernatural. Betsy and I had a great time. Dick and Betsy took lots of walks (many while I was wasting my life on the internet), and had good lots of father-daughter bonding. We all talked a lot. The talking, and the conversations, were very enjoyable. Turns out Dick Ehlers is one funny guy. He regularly had me rolling with his wit.
All and all, it was perfect.
To start with, that guy is an absolute treasure of a man. Of a human being. If someone told me "You're a lot like Dick Ehlers", I would consider it the highest compliment. Being in his company for two weeks was a treat. I could go on and on about how much I like this guy, how much I admire him... but he would probably prefer that I don't. Let's just say, he's the man.
The visit was awesome. Betsy and I flew to Auckland, slept in the airport to save money (eat your heart out Lee), and then joined Dick right off the bat to start the festivities. We toured Auckland for a day, saw the boats (the Ehlers' never miss a chance to see some boats in the water), went to the Maritime Museum, had a couple of great meals, chatted with a model boat maker who was fun and talkative, and got an impromptu tour of a boating supplies store. Betsy and Dick like boats a lot! They ate it up. Ocean water runs in their veins.
That night we stayed in the nicest room I had seen in awhile (not saying much of course, but it was nice), then boarded a train heading South in the morning. After a nice train ride during which Betsy and Dick took lots of pictures, we arrived in Wellington. Wellington suited us more than Auckland. We spent two nights there, enjoying a quaint little Bed & Breakfast both nights. The breakfast was awesome! In Wellington we visited the Botanic Garden, and Te Papa National Museum, among other stops. As became a pattern on Dick's visit, we ate well(!), walked a bunch, and talked.
A ferry ride (much enjoyed by the Ehlers' duo), another beautifully scenic train journey, and we arrived in Christchurch. About as quicky as we could arrange it, we hopped on another train and headed to Greymouth over on the West coast, via the TranzAlpine Scenic Rail journey. That ride was really pretty.
The West Coast escapades included heading as far south as the Franz Josef glacier, and as far North as the pancake rocks in Punakaiki. The West coast was gorgeous, some of the best stuff we've seen here in NZ. The pancake rocks, and the accompanying fury of the ocean, was breathtaking. It was awesome, in the truest sense of the word. We stayed in wonderful accommodations, ate delicious food, watched beautiful sunsets over the ocean from our private balcony. Unreal. Memorable. Fantastic. Beyond words really.
The fun, the beauty, the memories continued as we headed back east through Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula. One night in Governor's Bay, then two in Akaroa. We were enjoying the water, usually only feet away, the whole time. Betsy and I took a cool ride in a kayak (I didn't get sick), and Dick went out solo in a small row boat (a dingy I believe they called it). It was all so much fun! One more night in Governor's bay on the way back was the icing on the cake.
The whole time was so darn fun, so totally enjoyable. Dick was a model guest. The guy is so pleasant to be around it's almost supernatural. Betsy and I had a great time. Dick and Betsy took lots of walks (many while I was wasting my life on the internet), and had good lots of father-daughter bonding. We all talked a lot. The talking, and the conversations, were very enjoyable. Turns out Dick Ehlers is one funny guy. He regularly had me rolling with his wit.
All and all, it was perfect.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Some Pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37421672@N02/sets/72157622545459432/
A bit old, and a few duplicates, but enjoy.
A bit old, and a few duplicates, but enjoy.
This One's for Lee
I'm reporting from the Christchurch Central Library this time. A few items of note in my mind today.
Hank got new shoes. After the horrible grinding noise Hank made every time we stopped became too much to handle, Betsy and I decided to take him to see the doctor yet again. "It's the brake pads. Guarantee it." $100 later, Hank had some new kicks, and the horrible grinding noise has stopped grinding my brain.
The Christchurch Central Library has Sports Illustrated! Not only do they have the latest (or nearly) issue, but they have many back issues. This beats finding a Borders. Awesome. I've picked out about a dozen to take a look at.
The biggest news is of the chess variety. Some of you may recall a legendary chess match I played the last time I was in New Zealand, in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Well, I revisited the life size playing board again today. For those of you that haven't heard, the board is life size because each piece is the size of a toddler, and the board is as big as a living room. The last time I played on this massive, very public board Lee Granas was my corner man, so to speak. This time, Lee was there in spirit. Dry mouthed, wobbly kneed, I played a Maori yet again. Playing in such a public way, on such a novelty of a board, induced some nervousness I wouldn't ordinarily experience; but it's part of the experience. I played solidly, if conservatively, and didn't make any big mistakes. My opponent's efforts fell short, and I emerged from chess battle victorious. It was really gratifying to play on this very memorable board again, and I would like to dedicate my victory to Lee Granas.
Hank got new shoes. After the horrible grinding noise Hank made every time we stopped became too much to handle, Betsy and I decided to take him to see the doctor yet again. "It's the brake pads. Guarantee it." $100 later, Hank had some new kicks, and the horrible grinding noise has stopped grinding my brain.
The Christchurch Central Library has Sports Illustrated! Not only do they have the latest (or nearly) issue, but they have many back issues. This beats finding a Borders. Awesome. I've picked out about a dozen to take a look at.
The biggest news is of the chess variety. Some of you may recall a legendary chess match I played the last time I was in New Zealand, in Christchurch's Cathedral Square. Well, I revisited the life size playing board again today. For those of you that haven't heard, the board is life size because each piece is the size of a toddler, and the board is as big as a living room. The last time I played on this massive, very public board Lee Granas was my corner man, so to speak. This time, Lee was there in spirit. Dry mouthed, wobbly kneed, I played a Maori yet again. Playing in such a public way, on such a novelty of a board, induced some nervousness I wouldn't ordinarily experience; but it's part of the experience. I played solidly, if conservatively, and didn't make any big mistakes. My opponent's efforts fell short, and I emerged from chess battle victorious. It was really gratifying to play on this very memorable board again, and I would like to dedicate my victory to Lee Granas.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Moving Right Along
Chalk up another couple of hikes for Team Comiskey-Ehlers. We hiked 45 miles in 6 days, on the hardest portion of the Queen Charlotte track. At night, instead of staying in huts, we bonded on our own in our tent! Then, we headed over to Nelson Lakes National Park. We spent a couple of beautiful days there. Day 1 included a arduous but very rewarding hike to about 5000 ft. The views were spectacular, some of the best we've seen. We also saw our first snow up close! Day two involved mostly reading and playing with the cutest little baby ducks I've ever seen. At this stage, their "quacks" were more like barely audible little chirps. Adorable.
Now, we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mr. Dick Ehlers. We'll make our way to Christchurch, then fly up to Auckland to meet him, then work our way back down, with him, on a scenic train journey. Good times, lucky us.
Just read Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakaur (?). It was the most gripping book I've read in a while. Now I'm reading Three Cups of Tea, recommended to me by the very credible Lee Granas. Of course, I'm also reading a chess book; Winning Chess Openings, by Yasser Seirawan. I'm learning the Barcza Opening, King's Indian Defense, and the Pirc Defense. Good reads (and openings) all.
Now, we're eagerly awaiting the arrival of Mr. Dick Ehlers. We'll make our way to Christchurch, then fly up to Auckland to meet him, then work our way back down, with him, on a scenic train journey. Good times, lucky us.
Just read Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakaur (?). It was the most gripping book I've read in a while. Now I'm reading Three Cups of Tea, recommended to me by the very credible Lee Granas. Of course, I'm also reading a chess book; Winning Chess Openings, by Yasser Seirawan. I'm learning the Barcza Opening, King's Indian Defense, and the Pirc Defense. Good reads (and openings) all.
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