On a serious note... Reflections of Pike River

Over the past few weeks here, there has been a tragedy that is cause for national mourning.

In one of the coal mines on the west coast, there was an explosion. Coal mines are about the most dangerous type of mine to be around, they are more unstable, with more toxic gasses, and this particular mine has had several tragic events over 100's of years, that seem to occur once every 50 years. Almost a week after the first explosion, which trapped 29 men, there was a second explosion, which removed all hope of getting them out alive. There has since been a third explosion, and there will be more to come, but they still want to retrieve the bodies of the men for the families.

What caused it is still largely unknown, but there is excessive heat and gasses in the mine currently. We do live on the edge of a tectonic plate in this land, and there is regular movements of the earth resulting in changes on the surface.  Around 3 months ago there was an earthquake in Christchurch causing over $4billion in damages, and for a small nation, that's a huge cost.

Not as large a cost as 29 lives, in the one place, at the one time, from the one tragedy.

The things that hurt are the young man who begged to go in to the mine early and got trapped, the man who got out because he was closer to the surface while his brother was trapped further inside, and the man who has a wife with 2 small children who will never know their father. There are many more stories as well.

They knew the risks, yet chose to go, they knew their lives could end any day, yet chose to live with the danger, than hide from it. Tomorrow I could be in an accident, yet that can't stop me leaving my house, taking care for known dangers.

We've picked up our family and moved to a country where the people we knew could be counted on one hand. There was an element of risk in deciding to do this. We've left behind family, friends, jobs, family pets, sold a house and belongings to go somewhere we knew about technically, but didn't know what the experience would really be like. I'm glad we have.

Our life is different because we took a risk, it's richer, full of new perspectives, and the children have had the opportunity to experience so much more from being in a new country.

The things that are encouraging from this whole event is the love and support pouring out from around the world. On Twitter and Facebook there are thoughts, prayers and love being said. There is a fund in NZ that was started by ANZ and they put in $100,000 to get it going. This small community at Pike River has become the focus of many over the past few days, and the people there know the world is thinking of them... and it helps.

One standout encouraging thing for me has been my local community. At the local shops last night there is a donation box for the cause, it was already fairly stuffed and in it were mostly notes, and very few coins. I love that people here want to give and to help.

I have been debating on wether or not to write this post, but this is a part of the the things we are discovering here in New Zealand, in a volatile land of danger and risk, there is love and camaraderie.

R.I.P Pike River Miners, may your loved ones know you cared for them deeply, and thanks for reminding the rest of us that we still need to live, despite the risks it may bring.

Extreme Rotorua - The Agrodome in Video

Extreme Rotorua - the Agrodome

When we where very close to Rotorua it was still early afternoon, so we stopped on the way into town at the Agrodome. We were planning to stop in at the maze as well, but this took precedence.

'If' you enjoy adrenalin rushes... and 'if' you plan on stopping here... and 'if' you want to do more than 1-2 activities be advised, take plenty of money, but it's well worth it!

The Agrodome is situated near a hill with some sheep and a bull with very large horns.

 There are quite a few activities that you can partake in, and we chose two. One - the Schweeb, a sit down pedal powered ride in a see through capsule on a monorail track.

Originally it was going to be Sarah and Jono, but Jono decided not to go, so Sarah and Daniel did this one... it seems pretty cool, and the kids had big smiles when they finished.

For Rob, Daniel and I, we decided to go on the Freefall Extreme, where you suit up, crawl out and lay on some netting over a huuuuuge blowy fan, and get lifted into the air.

It's insane, a whole body experience where the cold wind makes your eyes water. You also have what they term as a 'facial reconstruction' going on, the wind forcing your skin... often in waves, across the bones of your face. You definitely feel alive after going on this.

 

But Jono I think had the best time.. chasing chickens

 

Not sure they appreciated it very much though :)

I'm also going to do some video for this one, as there is simply too much, it will be in the next post.

Trip to Rotorua: Traveling

I have to say, Rotorua is a fantastic playland for all ages, from natural wonders to extreme sports, you can definitely find something for everyone.

The next few posts are going to be about Rotorua and things we discovered while there, there is nothing in Australia that comes anywhere close to walking along the main street of town, smelling the 'bad eggs' of the sulphur, and watching steam puffing it's way constantly out from the ground.

But first, traveling to Rotorua. From Auckland it's only a few hours drive, you could go for a day trip if you wanted, but staying 1-2 nights makes for a more pleasant time.

Ah, the open road, just heading out for a drive

 

Another one of those scenery-at-100km's-per-hour shots, love the old shed here.

 

And more cows, this photo is actually taken with a pair of sunglasses over the camera lens.

 

We stopped in Matamata on the way through, and this veritable forest is basically in the middle of town

 

Of course, Matamata is precioussssss

 

Then back on the road again.

Takapuna Beach, Auckland

Yet another stunning beach on Auckland Harbour. I love the constant backdrop of Rangitoto Island, which can be seen from so many beaches around the Auckland Harbour.  I just have to share this photo of the island with you, taken by Bruce Jarvis, it's just such a stunning capture.

My photo just isn't quite as grand, that early morning light does a lot more for photos than the stark light of midday, as well as the angle, the camera, the cloudless sky... ah well, on a quick trip you can't choose those things :)

Takapuna Beach in early Spring doesn't have many crowds, and there is plenty of room to run around and spread out, it was very windy the day we visited, but wind doesn't deter children from water :)

 

You can see it's really not quite sand, not like the beautiful white sands of the Gold Coast. So far, the two biggest things I've missed from Australia beyond family and friends have been the glorious sunny weather... and the beaches.

And here's just a quick video of the kids in the waves :)

Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World - in Video

Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World

Full of Awesome!

Like seriously, an amazing place, I've never been so close to penguins (which was one of the many highlights), the stingray feeding show was very cool and the interactive displays were both interesting and fun.

I'm going to do up a video for this one, just way to many piccies... but here's a few.

The penguin area, which you ride a car on a track around the display, a few of them hooted while we where there, and loudly!

The Stingray Feeding Tank, the person feeding them had the rays pretty much swim over the top of her head in their eagerness to get to the food.

Walking through the fish in the tunnels, they were actually disused sewerage pipes, cleaned out, fixed up and sealed for their new use.

This is Fred... or at least I am calling him Fred, he is a beautiful specimen.
I don't know what Kelly Tarlton's calls him, but I don't think it's dinner.

These are Piranha's, gold, glittery, beautiful fish. Nothing like the way they are portrayed in movies and cartoons.

We enjoyed it so much we bought ourselves season passes. There is a lot to see and take in at Kelly Tarlton's, one visit really isn't quite enough for it.