Heron on the Little River Railtrail

Little River Railtrail

I had a grand 24 kilometer ride on the Little River Railtrail. I rode from Motukarara to Jones Road. It was a lovely trip. I rode among sheep, pukeko, sparrows, swans, ducks and lots of other birds. At the beginning of the ride, I ran into a group of cyclists from the Christchurch Antique Cycle Group. . I rode against a hefty headwind on the way back.

Kune Kune Pigs

I went to Kim's house in Darfield today to see her kune kune pigs with Sue, Scott, and Xander. We had a grand time! The kune kune pigs were adorable.

Kune Kune Pigs

Kim, Kune Kunes, and Chickens

Loki (Sweet, Friendly Boxer)

Sue, Xander, Scott, Kim, and Kune Kunes

Rosy (the Proud Mum)

Kune Kune Nap Time

Snow Days

Cold weather and snow has literally blown in to New Zealand from Antarctica, Canterbury was closed for a second day today. Over 20 centimeters of snow has fallen and more may fall over the next day before the weather system dissipates. Luckily, I have a trusty espresso machine, well-stocked kitchen, books, and lots of projects to make sure I do not go stir crazy. In a break from work, I brushed snow off of the trees, cleared a poplar branch, and searched for the elusive snow kiwi. Alas, I only found a snowman among the pukeko.

Trip to Otago July 31, 2011 - August 1, 2011

I just got back from a quick trip down to Otago. I went to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary and stayed in Moeraki. I will post pictures and details of the trip over the next week. Here is a preview:

 The Award Winning Visitor Center at Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Moeraki Boulders

Christchurch Snow Day July 25 2011

An amazing amount of snow fell in Christchurch from Sunday night to Monday afternoon. According to some news reports, it was the most amount of snow to fall in 10 years. The university closed for the day, so I spent time at home writing and taking pictures.

Sunday Night

Early Monday Morning

Front Entrance of House

Side Yard

Side Yard

The amount of snow on top of the table is evidence of the heeps of snow that fell.

Neighbourhood Snowman Replete with Carrot

Snow Fort with Fallen Limbs

Cabbage Tree and Snow

One Very Snowy Garden

Snow Kiwi

Pukeko in Snow 

John Key Visits POLS 103 Class

John Key, the New Zealand Prime Minister, spoke to the POLS 103 class July 14, 2011. The Right Honourable John Key opened by telling the students that it was a great time to be a young person in New Zealand and that their futures held great opportunities due to globalization and the strong position New Zealand holds in the world. Topics discussed by NZ PM included: the economic crises across the world, the US debt-ceiling crisis, the NZ budget, monetary policy, the problem of small parties in MMP electoral systems, the Christchurch earthquake recovery, and his duties as PM. Following his talk he opened the floor to questions from the students. Questions posed by the students ranged from the capital gains tax to gay marriage.   

PM Key discusses the importance of  domestic economic health in times of international economic crises.

jazz hand

PM Key discusses economic stimulation in Christchurch.

More Pictures from Akaroa

Below are pictures from the Harbor Tour I took with Anna, Rachel, and Sarah earlier this month.

Our tour was run by Akaroa Dolphins. L-R: Sarah, Rachel and Anna

Our skipper Murphy

It was a sunny, brisk day. I wonder if the fellow in the shorts rethought his wardrobe choice as we headed out of the harbor. L-R: shorts fellow, one of our guides, hooded person, and Sarah

 The New Zealand flag

We saw several Hector's dolphins. Hector's dolphins are only found in New Zealand. The are the second rarest dolphins in the world. The rarest dolphins, Maui dolphins, are found off the coasts of the North Island. 

Anna

During severe storms, the waves completely cover the hole in the bedrock. 

Back to the present day... I am back to work and blogging after our latest swarm of aftershocks on 13 June 2011. Unfortunately, the grading elves did not visit and grade my tests. My office was remarkably tidy for the size shakes we had. Below are two pictures. 

If you look closely, there is a picture of the intact Christchurch Cathedral on the right.