Perilous Driving on Blueskin Bay

Finally, an up-to-the-minute update. My last post was set in the tropical paradise island of Koh Yao Noi, where you need to nap during the afternoon to escape the oppressive heat, so I thought I'd change the pace right now and post about my morning escapade on ice.

I had to drive in to town, as I was supposed to be meeting my American students (I take them on trips as a job) to take them ice luging in a town 2 hours drive away. Ironically, the bus driver called me, 20 minutes into my drive to town, to say he couldn't get his bus on the road as there were two inches of ice and conditions worsening. Day-trip = post-poned.

So, because I was already out sliding around on the ridiculous roads, I used my point+shoot work camera and took a bunch of photos. I also discovered the "magic: key hole" function (probably aimed at the 'tween' market) and promptly over-used it. Forgive me, but it's just so fun.

Below: Carey's Bay, overshadowed with snow clouds.

Below: Port Chalmers wharf, and snow dusting Otago peninsula.

Below: looking toward Waitati and Waikouaiti, my childhood homes.

Finally: the 'township' (about ten houses) I currently call home. Time to turn on the heater and drink a hot cocoa.

What I like: Walruses

I just watched the Arctic Tale, by the same makers as March of the Penguins, a film about animals living in the Arctic. For me this was awesome, since most of my top cutest animals live there - baby polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic owls, beluga whales. While polar bears were the top stars of the film, unsurprisingly since they are awesome, the other stars were the huge, brave and loving Walruses. Much like the Asian elephant, when a baby Walrus is born it is cared for not only by it's Mom, but also by it's 'Aunt' (often not related by blood in the elephants case).

The Aunt's are often more protective than the Mom, and will even go head to head with a polar bear to protect the baby. It's awesome.

Very little was known about Walruses prior to the filming of this movie (which took FIFTEEN YEARS to film) because they live in extremely inaccessible places, and they are quite scary looking. However, the cinematographers were young, enthusiastic dare devils with the patience of Mother Teresa, and waited FOUR YEARS to finally locate and film and Mother and Baby Walrus snuggling in the water.


As an extra treat, here is a beautiful Arctic fox: