Spring, snowcaves and stars!

Winter has been cast aside and spring is taking its hold, not that winter was unbearable. We had plenty of sunny days, and in greater frequency than those days with rain laden clouds. However, the temperature has risen a few degrees and spring wardrobes are receiving some much needed attention.

As for Iain and Jo. For those who weren't aware, Jo spent three weeks back in the UK whilst I spent the majority of my weekends driving south to Mount Rupaehu for some climbing whilst I gain some alpine mountaineering experience including digging and spending the night in a snowcave and my first ice climb lead; a short solo. Unfortunately, whilst we went to sleep in the cave with starry skies outside, the cloud level descended during the night and we awoke to the sight of a milky white vista. The sunset was good though. I also headed to the south island for a three day birdwatching trip.

Jo and I visited Tiri Tiri Matangi last weekend for the 'Stars of Tiri' night. Tiri is an island a few miles off Auckland which has been turned into an open sanctuary and cleared of introduced pests such as rats and mice whilst native plants, animals and birds have been re-introduced. This was an evening walk where we had the chance to see Tuatara (an ancient reptile closely related to dinosaurs), kiwis, penguins and of course, the night sky. However, the cloud had other ideas. So did the kiwi. So we were entertained by a Tuatara and a few penguins, including a very romantic pair that decided to have a cuddle instead of run for cover when our group approached.

This last weekend was the last game of Rugby Union Tri-Nations Cup. South Africa have already won the tournament, so it was the wooden spoon contest between New Zealand and Australia. The kiwis won (of course)!