Kia Ora

Kia Ora

Interesting facts.

NZ. or Aotearoa In Maori, means 'The Land of the long white cloud'. It is quite a young country, geologically active, with tectonic faults and volcanoes, glaciers and rivers constantly building and eroding land. It consists of many islands, the main ones being the North and South island. It used to be part of one land mass, Gondwana, and split off 80 million years ago, taking with it its unique plants and bird life. The first Eastern Polynesian settlers arrived 750 years ago, and the first Europeans to settle arrived in 1769 after discovery by James Cook.

As it is a long thin country, there are several climates and micro climates within, from sub tropical in the North and temperate (similar to UK) in the South. The total population is around 4.2 million ( UK has nearly 63 million) of which 1 million are based in Auckland. Auckalnd also known as the 'The city of sails' (due to a high proportion of boat ownership) is the biggest city, though not the capital, which is Wellinton. Auckland’s weather is warm/hot long summers with mild and wet winters. (average annual sunshine hours= 2050. Manchester=1200 hrs) and (annual average rain=1240mm. Manchester=810mm!) most rain falling as heavy tropical showers in the winter months of June-July

Friday 9 July 2010

GEEKS-R-US

well we have a new hobby\obsession\addcition. its called Geo caching, and is basically like a 21st century treasue hunt. with the aid of GPS coordinates and a few clues, you locate secret caches hidden by other geocachers. they are usually hidden in places of interest or beauty, so you get to have a great day out too!
we were well chuffed to find our first find yesterday, secreted in the reserve just across the road from our house. its amazing as they're hidden all aound you.

this is Jax (Marigolds on in case of touching something alive!!!) opening our first cache. after signing the log to say "you wuz ere" you can then swap small items/trinkets/collectables, before replacing the cache! Cool or wot??

...So truly bitten by the bug, we ventured out to Point View reserve today, home to around 5 caches, of which we looked for and found 3. a beautiful day in an amazing place with great views and wildlife (Tui's, Swifts, Fan Tails, NZ Pigeon?) en route.



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