Monthly Archives: April 2012

Hanmer Springs, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Dave Clingman

The drive from Arthur’s Pass to Hanmer Springs was pretty much uneventful.  During long drives like that, we usually listen to one of our Audible stories.  This helps the time to pass, as well as being interesting.  We often stop … Continue reading →

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Arthur’s Pass, Southern Alps, New Zealand

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Dave Clingman

Today we left Christchurch behind and headed west into the Southern Alps.  Unfortunately, the rain began early this morning, and it rained on us for most of the day.  It is supposed to start clearing tomorrow, so maybe I can … Continue reading →

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Swimming With the Dolphins in Akaroa, New Zealand

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Dave Clingman

We swam with the Hector’s Dolphins, the rarest (and endangered) dolphins in the world.  There are only about 7,500 of this species remaining, and their numbers are decreasing at about 6% per year.  Their birth rate, with the females maturing … Continue reading →

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Punting on the Avon in Christchurch, New Zealand

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Dave Clingman

While in Christchurch, we walked to the Punting Shed and paid our $25 (about $20.50 US) each to ride in a punt.  Our punter was Tom, and he shared with us some interesting history and information during our half hour … Continue reading →

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Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour of Downtown Christchurch, New Zealand

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Dave Clingman

After some breakfast following the Anzac Day ceremony, we got onto the top of an open-top double decker bus for a tour of downtown Christchurch. The Hassle-Free Tours normally costs $30 (about $25 US), but we got a Grab One coupon for

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Anzac Day in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Dave Clingman

  We attended the dawn Anzac service in Christchurch, even though it meant we got only four hours sleep.  We are extremely glad we did, because it was a wonderful service. Anzac stands for “Austrailian and New Zealand Army Corps”, … Continue reading →

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South Island Holiday Begins

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Dave Clingman

  After showing our house sitters around, we headed to Auckland Airport and flew south to Christchurch, where they had a couple really bad earthquakes last year.  We’ll stay here for three days before heading into the Southern Alps for a … Continue reading →

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Canning Tomatoes as Spaghetti Sauce and Tomato Juice

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Dave Clingman

Our tomato plants were very late getting started this year.  I don’t know whether it was because it was too cold at first, or there wasn’t enough sunlight where we planted them, or something else.  But once they started going, … Continue reading →

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Resurrection Easter Day with Thames Baptist Church

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Dave Clingman

Yesterday, Easter Day, the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave after his crucifixion on the cross, began before dawn at the Kuranui Beach park with a short service, and lasted until nearly noon.  Though the … Continue reading →

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