GLACIERS – SEE THEM WHILE THEY LAST!

Just when we think things can’t be more awe-inspiring here in NZ, we visit these extremely accessible glaciers, unique because of how close they are to the sea. We took a 7-hour walking/climbing tour of Franz Joseph Glacier and it was intellectually fascinating and visually magnificent.

The glaciers are literally like extremely slow flowing rivers, slowly bringing everything on top – including massive rocks – to the front like a giant conveyer belt. The guide said he can lean an ice pick up against the front of a glacier in the morning and it will move 4 meters by the next afternoon. Because of the microclimate in this West Coast region, the glacier’s advance or retreat is less dependent on global temperature and more so on how much snowfall the glacier receives up top. In fact this glacier had been advancing over the past 5 years and just last year started retreating again.

But how can you not tour a glacier and not view it through the lens of global warming? Many glaciers and ice shelves around the world are retreating rapidly, but the climate will violently swing back the other way again one day and begin a new ice age. I’m reminded of George Carlin’s line about people wanting to save the planet. Save the planet, he says, the planet doesn’t need humans to save it -- it’s going to shake us off like a bad case of fleas. We felt like mere flees floating on this massive river of ice.

THE KITE RUNNER

If you squint and look closely at the video, you’ll see Angie flying a kite at the northernmost tip of the South Island (which is actually North of Wellington).

We met a fantastic couple at dinner in Golden Bay who gave us a great tip of the beech to visit with these massive, stunning rock features just off shore. And then they went a step further and lent us a kite because of the constant wind there.

LEAVING WELLINGTON

We’ve left Wellington and are now traveling the South Island before coming home…to winter… on the shortest day of the year… what we’re we thinking????

It’s been very tough leaving this city. Wellington has to be one of the most livable cities on the planet: good transit; big enough city to find absolutely anything you’re looking for - from shops to music/theatre/art to restaurants; yet small enough to walk end to end with no trouble; incredible public spaces and waterfront; and stunning views. Many say it’s like a mini-San Francisco, yet we say San Fran is like an oversized Wellington!

Lastly and most importantly are all the friends we made. We will miss you all! What a great bunch of people. The kiwi reputation of being incredibly friendly and hospitable people exists for good reason. And of course, thank you to Rotary International for making this all possible.

ROTARY FAREWELL WEEKEND

We continue to learn things from the Rotary, including how to throw an incredible farewell event! Trish and Allan Brown organized an outstanding weekend, on the Pallisar Bay Coast (South Coast, East of Wellington). The four of us stayed in a fantastic holiday home, the Washpool, overlooking the sea and arrived on Friday in plenty of time for a perfect sunset. On Saturday, about 15 other Rotarians and family came for a farewell lunch party (a feast credited to Trish). After a great time at lunch, many of us took to tramping up the hill behind the house for a Kiwi pastime and an awe-inspiring view. Cameron, Christine and their kids stayed Saturday night as well and we filled the night with games and trivia. On our way home we met up with, another Rotarian, Simon at the Lake Ferry Hotel for Lunch. A perfect spring day to go with the best fish and chips we’ve ever had. All around, it was an incredible weekend. We feel so lucky to have made many good friends with the Rotary. Thanks Allan and Trish and everyone who joined in on that weekend. We’ll miss you all!

YOUR HONOR YOUR HONOR

Ed & Michele Siemek were in Wellington for a week in September and while staying with us, Michele took a call from the Governor of Minnesota to interview for a judicial appointment. We recently received news that she indeed got the job and is now the Honorable Michele Davis - Siemek of the 10th Judicial District. Way to go Michele! Besides interviewing, we also got out on the Wellington Harbour for an unexpected sailing adventure – during our sunset cruise, we were put to work by the Sailing NZ Academy. Our captain made great use of this motley crew and taught us to sail around the Harbour. With a good wind that day we were all a bit concerned about Michele’s comfort as she was over 4 months pregnant, but as the assistant captain, she supervised the crew like a pro.