Fireworks

My flatmates bought some fireworks, so naturally when it got dark tonight, we had to let them off! Great fun still, even though skyrockets are banned these days. The neighbourhood dogs started hollering. Our cats were safely locked indoors.

I am looking forward to Guy Fawkes. In the UK, they have gone all politically correct and refer to it as Bonfire Night. Last year in Ealing, London it seemed like a warzone. People were firing rockets at you, and walking to the gym through an estate seemed like walking through a war zone. NZ may be less politically correct about it all, but it feels safer at this time of year.

What a view!

One of the things I like about staying at Lake Ohau, is that it is so unspoiled. There are only about 20 bachs there and a ski field. You get all of this to yourself, and when you tell people you are off to Lake Ohau, they go where? Long may it last!

Climbing to the ridge at Ohau ski field

Sometimes the only way to get untracked powder is to go looking for it...

Avalanche warning

Skiiing in NZ has the prospect of avalanches. It makes everything more exciting!

Ohau Ski Field

Ohau Ski Field is one of my favourite places to ski. No queues, great snow, and fantastics views

"When I was in Africa"

I had a friend who used to tell travel stories when ever he could. He had certainly been a few places, but only by the safety of a tour. He came out to dinner with me and my new girlfriend, and proceeded to tell her about when he was in Africa, and what he did in Uganda. To which she replied that her father had been a diplomat in Uganda, and she spent most school holidays there, visiting her mum and dad...

My House

Well, It snowed late this year in September. The trees were blossoming and people kept talking about the big snow in September 1991. It wasn't quite the same this time. An awful ski season this year, a warm winter and a just a little snow to cover the ground.

All in all, It seems a strange thing to talk about on a very warm October afternoon, but I thought I would try and find an excuse to use this picture. My little house, here surrounded by snow. I am kind of fond of it, for all its many faults. I got the entire place replumbed as soon as I moved in. The showers were interesting prior to that. You would have to wait for 5 minutes to appear after turning on the taps, then it would trickle out. Oh, the electricity bills were enormous as well!

After that, I proceeded to repaint much of the interior and got a couple of nightstore heaters installed. New cedar blinds and a new wood burner came next. So it is a little more liveable now. I seem to slowly replanting the entire garden, and it is getting quite pleasant to sit out the back. This weekends job might be to assemble the BBQ and start cooking on it for the summer...

Bealey Spur

Bealey Spur track is an enjoyable easy climb into the Southern Alps in Arthurs Pass National Park. It is about a 3 hour walk on a well formed track to the hut, mainly through beech forest and about another 20-30 minutes to the ridge over tussocklands. The ridge extends quite a distance, and does look very tempting to continue along. I did this walk in September 2005. We managed to beat the rain on the way up and down. There was a tiny bit of snow was remaining at the top (about 1600 metres above sea level). The views are quite fantastic.

A Good Philosophy

The Road not taken

(Robert Frost)

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Mountain biking on the Port Hills

A day off with great weather, and what better to do than to go mountainbiking on the Port Hills again. I set off at quarter to ten in the morning to avoid the midday sun, with the usual ride up the Rapaki track. I was pretty happy with my progress, as I passed a couple of mountainbikers on the way up (the fitness is improving). I then cycled around to the start of the Bowenvale track, and took the single track along the tops to Victoria Park. Then on the road to the start of the Kennedys Bush Track. It has been some years since I last went down Kennedys Bush Track, but it is better than ever. A good long ride down to the road. At the road I discovered a new track - the crocodile mtb track, 1.8km of single track that desends into Halswell Quarry Park. It is fantastic! All single track, lots of switchbacks, technical in places. I really had to improve my riding to get down it. By the bottom I was hanging ride over the back of my seat and starting to enjoy it. Getting the balance right is the key to riding this sort of trail. I will difinately do it again. Then a gentle ride on the road into the wind, back home. My arms and shoulders were shattered after riding all that single track. The legs are fine with the uphill.

Labour weekend Part two

I took my mountain bike for a ride on the Port Hills yesterday. I rode up the Rapaki track, which was in good condition. I surprised myself, as I reached the top without stopping. My fitness must be improving. I then rode across to the Bownevale track by way of the Mt Vernon track which I had not rode on before. It was pretty good too. Then the descent on the Bowenvale. My downhill skills were certainly lacking. I have not ridden much downhill in the past few years and it showed. I ended up going A over T twice, but no injuries. The track was dry but deeply rutted and covered with long grass in places, which hid the ruts. I think I need some practice on some easier rides before approaching that track again. The weather was perfect for mountainbiking at about 17 or 18 degrees.

Labour weekend

It is Labour weekend, and the weather is nice. Not quite warm enough, but not bad. Otago lost the rugby last night, which made me sad. They were trailing 10-8 at half time, then it all went pear shaped and Auckland ran in a few trys. Otago has a problem that it has a great forward pack but mediocre outside backs. In the 1990s it had a great backline and loose fowards but a tiny tight five. You just can't win!

Anyway I plan to cycle on the Port Hills today - The plan is to ride up the Rapaki track and down the Bowenvale. I have finally got my mountainbike into tip top condition. I have the front wheel rebuilt, replaced the shifters, brakes, cables, jockey wheels and had the headset bearings replaced and regreased. So hopefully I will not get a flat tyre!

Now I just need to get a similar amount of work down to my car...

Dr Strangelove

What a movie! I don't think too many people know about it, but I love the movie. It is such a black comedy and Peter Sellers is great in the many roles in the movie.

I struggle to think of other movies that really compare. I think that it was Stanley Kubrick at the high point of his career. I am sure that other people will disagree with me.

The Grand Final

Well this weekend is it! Otago are in the final of the rugby and playing Auckland. Naturally there is a bit of friendly rivalry going on at work. Otago are paying $2.80 for the win and Auckland are paying $1.40. Probably something to do with Otago not having won at Eden Park for 29 years. I did remind people that Eden Park is near Mount Eden Prison. It got a few laughs.

It should be a good game, failing that hopefully Anton Oliver and the boys will do us proud.