Great Barrier Reef 10th-13th August, 2010
Aug 13th
Day One. I’m setting out on my maiden voyage on Emperor Wings.. it’s a humid, muggy day and I’m perspiring.. this might have something to do with running back to the car to fetch my beer before the boat leaves, whoops!
Within the first hour of the trip, were all perched on the front of the boat as it glides through the sea, listening to Richie give us a talk on diving and snorkeling, of course none of us are taking any notice of him with the two baby hump back whales playing in the water behind.
LinkedIn Network, Quantity vs. Quality
Aug 13th
Thought I would write a quick article on the quantity vs. the quality of your network professional connections. There is a group on LinkedIn called “UK Introductions” you can join to help contribute and grow your network.
First things first, you should know of a great little tool on LinkedIn, if you go to Contacts > My Connections > Network Statistics, you will get full statistics of how LinkedIn you are. Of course, don’t go now, read the article first before I loose you… doh, too late lost some of you!
Sydney Bridge Climb, 18th July, 2010
Jul 22nd
The Bridge Climb was a 3 ½ hour guided journey to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Taking us along the outer arch of the Bridge on catwalks and ladders all the way to the summit, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour – scary stuff!
We all had to take a breathe test before we could do the climb, and not everyone made it through… tsk, tsk, these young whipper snappers nowadays huh?!
Sydney Taronga Zoo
Jul 16th
Today I decided to take the ferry to taronga zoo, which is Sydney’s city zoo opened in 1916. Divided into eight zoogeographic regions, Taronga Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals on 21 hectares, making it one of the largest of its kind.
I felt right at home – they nearly didn’t let me leave and attempted to rush me back into the monkey cage!
Snowboarding or is that snowballing?
Jun 30th
I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at the National Park that I met, such a great group of people, in no particular order, Anthony & Charlie (for being my crash test dummy partners on the slopes), Katie (for throwing snowballs), Gavin (for jumping out at me!!), Doug & Jen (for being such a great couple and making everyone feel welcome, plus the delights Doug could cook up), Sammy & Olly (for always keeping my belly full of beer), Nathan (for pointing someone special my way), Laura, Chantal, Liam and anyone else I might of missed – a grand time was had!
North Island Adventures
Jun 20th
Or should that read misadventures? I thought it was high time I did an update and give you some crack of what I’ve been getting up to, tis been a hard life for sure!
On my travels I’ve been slowly updating and tweaking my blog, unfortunately it only shows a small proportion of what I’ve actually been up to, due to a combination of Internet access, bringing my blog up to date and laziness – I mean being so busy of course!
Cape Reinga
Jun 14th
Cape Reinga (Te Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua in Maori) is the tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is located over 100 km north of the nearest small town of Kaitaia where I was staying.
Visiting Cape Reinga with Harrisons Cape Runner, the trip consisting of a visit to the Ancient Kauri Kingdom, Wagener Park, Rarawa beach, Cape Reinga, Tapotupotu Bay, Te Paki Sand Dunes (got to toboggan down the massive dunes) and drove down 90 Mile Beach (actually only 63 miles long) where I saw some wild horses hiding out in the dunes.
New Zealand Jade or Greenstone
Jun 13th
There are two kinds of Jade, their geological names are Jadeite and Nephrite. Nephrite is found in New Zealand, the common names for Nephrite are Greenstone or in Maori – Pounamu.
Jade carvings have many different meanings in Maori for the wearer, here is a list of the most common found.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Jun 3rd
Or should that read tongariro alpine uncrossing. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular tramping tracks, and is considered the most popular one-day tramp in New Zealand. The crossing passes over the volcanic terrain of the multi-cratered active volcano Mt Tongariro, passing the eastern base of Mt Ngauruhoe.
Winter and snow is fast approaching and the track has been washed out and closed for several days. However, I wake up to find it a glorious day, surely the gods are smiling on me?
100m Abseil into the Unkown, 1st June, 2010
Jun 1st
It was a 100m slow abseil into the Lost World, then embarking on a journey back to the surface though another spectacular dry cavern. With my slight fear of heights, you’d of thought I would of learnt my lesson to not look down? Don’t be silly, eek, that’s a long drop to the bottom as I’m dangling by my rope.
The abseil is at least twice the height of any other cave at Waitomo and the beauty of this iconic cavern is unsurpassed, descending slowly bouncing and turning as the mist filtered light gives unreal qualities to the strange plants and formations around us.
