Trekking Greener Grasses

New Caledonia Day Sept.24th.

2008-09-27T23:46:00.003+11:00

Last Wednesday was a civic holiday, and we were in Noumea bright and early to watch eager locals setting up their booths for a Kanak holiday market. Despite it being a somewhat wet morning, there was a large turnout of vendors.

Carrots seemed to have disappeared from the stores this week, not sure whats with that. These ladies have what appears to be taro and yams to sell. I personally prefer our PEI potatoes.

"Real Black KANAK " shirts

Nathan and I received a weaving lesson before the crowd rolls in. Neat art!

In comes the crowd.

This guy is selling something completely different.

Goodbye Toronto

2008-09-16T16:29:00.004+11:00

It's commonly said that, anticipation is half the fun. Maybe for most of the people some of the time, but not these people this time.

We actually NEEDED to get to downtown Toronto at some point. Have you ever had that "bushed" feeling? Between being in the northern New Caledonian province and our time at the cottage, we were itching! It was time! We stayed about as close as you can get to the CN Tower and enjoyed the fun and festivities of our frendly provincial capital until we ran out of steam.

hanging around! (from a crane no net) double click to enlarge!

Seems I could barely turn my back on Davey and Nathan without them up to their necks in trouble. Well enjoy the shots!

The boys have some fun with their Parkour hero.

I love that I got the shadow mask.

I attempted to match profiles with her twin sister behind her.

Davey borrows the camera to be creative, gets the shot but also gets caught in the act. Luckily she didn't seem to mind.

Before leaving for the west, we got in a little more beach, some bowling, and long teary farewells.

Well Dave, it certainly looks good from here.

Now that hardly looks like sprained ankle therapy.

We are off to Noumea this weekend so the second half of our Canadian holiday will have to wait.

A taste of what's to come!

Edmonton Alberta

An Olympus moment. The E-420 Olympus outdraws a 357. (mind you he had a box of 50 to do it) Never the less I haven't seen another like it with muzzle fire.
Go ahead..enlarge this picture and.."Make My Day!"

The shirt well the Olympus rep at Henry's Camera in Toronto liked our style.

Be back soon!

Giustizia Family Reunion 2008

2008-09-11T19:26:00.043+11:00

Our family back home have yet to see the results of my endless shutterbugging. At this point they have most likely given up on the thought of seeing them anytime soon.
So for their benefit please humour me in presenting a not so brief post of our 2008 family reunion.

HOLIDAY 2008, It could not have been better!!

A quiet calm night in Noumea awaiting an early morning flight.

A clear view of the Canadian Rockies as we head east to Toronto.

Home again! Ready for a short catch up and a holiday of new exciting memories.

Fortunately most of the Giustizia posse was able to hold up with us on a large 150 acre Ponderosa property for a week.

Some seemed to be more night owls than crack of dawners.

Others woke and chose to take a moment and complete their previous night's read.

..or just gather their thoughts.

Although we each relied on our own internal clocks nobody ever missed breakfast.

..mind you some cut it close!

Its fun (and scary) watching our children slowly turn into us.

There were times it appeared as though the inmates were running the asylum, but for the most part our MoJo's were in sync and we made great use of all of our appreciated and needed time together.

With the Olympics being our firecracker we assembled into teams and hosted our own rendition of the 2008 Olympics.

It was only right that MY team perform the "not so" intimidating haka. While I empowered our team through motivational chant, we watched the opposing and less team-like captain suck every last ounce of energy from his troop and use it to elevate himself to a new personal low/height. (mind you Davey seems to be impressed))

Let the games begin!

A tie for the gold of coarse!

A one time sand box evolves into an exciting estuary

For those that had less interest in smelling a morning swamp, well, hanging around until the adults swallow up all their morning supplements seemed to be the thing to do.

..and for one, days were just a little more full than usual

Days were filled with:

Beaching

Hiking

Then the ultimate, hiking and beaching

To make a great week even more perfect we experienced four seasons in seven days.

Of coarse the unforgetable talent show.

Stories from the stockade.

Into the night our show stretched until the final embers were done.

The hit of the show may likely have been supper.

Plenty of great suppers that week.

Of course time was made for that special person or...dogs

Now I would have thought just about any pattern should blend in with that colourfully busy wall. " NOT!"

Some mornings, there was just way to much coffee..

.. and other times not near enough. Damn jetlag!

Weren't you guys too sore for dishes?

Not fair Chris! You have way too much talent.

Big bikes and country roads, need I say more?

There seemed to be a comfortable spot for everyone even Peaches.

Celebrating a year of birthdays.
I don't know Teen, I may have at least handed out some Tic Tac's before I put my face in the middle of that breeze.

Before even waking, Sammy shows Nifty the way.

Teaching himself a lesson!

Angelo takes a moment to do his impression of a deer caught in car headlights.

I of coarse set up shop for all to use.

Bullseye!

Look at the huge mess those slobs left here! Well lets just rest for a moment before going to report them.

It was fun to be minutes from quaint towns, great beaches, and incredible shoreline and country road adventuring. Once again its time to go. I hope you enjoyed the pictures be sure to double click to see them full screen.

Alana entertains with one last hoola before hitting the road.

Saying goodbye. What's that phrase? For everthing else there's Mastercard!

Now for the sales pitch, Breathe Easy, a wonderfully well kept secret, and a well kept cottage. Its rightfully named the "Breathe Easy Cottage." An unheard of privacy and a turn key family resort. Look them up two hours north of Toronto.

"Breathe Easy Cottage, a hop, skip, and a jump to paradise.

Franco Beach

2008-09-10T20:51:00.007+11:00

I have had plenty of reasons to be back between our holiday experiences and our new adventures since, but today’s was unquestionably the day I was waiting for. Imagine the pleasure watching and learning as Nathan and his lady friends show me the how to's in netting countless pails of tasty pan fry fish and gigantic crab beyond the mangroves.

What a thrill to see Nathan quietly do his part. For Nathan and friends this is a day at the beach,today for the first time they brought me along.

From the netting and identifying gender and species to the grilling on their own open fire they each carefully continually reposition their lunch with a fire stick until its hot and tasty while distant watchful eyes sit on the shore cleaning and scaling for the returning still hungry dirty faced cooks.

Life for a day became more simple than one could ever imagine but with fun and fulfillment. Great day thanks Nate!

32 Days and Counting

2008-06-17T20:27:00.007+11:00

Well it appears the boys and I will be missing the severe New Caledonian winter. Winter I expect should be one of the several weeks when we return home to Canada. We are quite anxious at this point. Each day the talk of home starts early and doesn't end until their day does. Its difficult not to make promises fulfilling all their expectations of the upcoming holiday. People to see, places to go, things to get, the list gets longer with each passing hour.

Its really all about family, but its fun to catch up with old friends to stay connected even if your only nine. (Nine, where did the years go?)

Speaking of catching up, Alana will eventually catch up with us, at which time my entire extended family will hold up for a week on a 150 acre country retreat.

The holiday for the most part is about living for free with our siblings. Its a little awkward taking advantage of them when you live in the same area, so this works out well, being so far from our things. I do hope it goes well as we have the potential to really make this work for us financially, providing we never move back, and extend our vacations a little each year.

When I anticipate my holiday I often reflect back to those unforgetable, moments from previous years. Moments like this. Enough said!
(Click on this image and read my mind)

Coeur de Voh

2008-06-16T19:54:00.023+11:00

Wikipedia-It has become famous for the aerial photography known as The Heart of Voh, a large formation of vegetation that resembles a heart seen from above. Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand contributed to its popularity by using a photograph of the 'heart' as the cover to his books The Earth from the Air and Earth from Above

Now should the Coeur de Voh exist north of the Tropic of Cancer it would be written off to idle teens with a hell of a copter pilot. For some reason this natural phenomenon is a popular brochure cover image, selling this unique island paradise.
I cannot say that it is considered a must see, as it can only be viewed in full from a flying machine or from mountain top.
Now some go all fuzzy with hearts, of any kind; chocolate, red velvet, white satin, silver, gold, toll painted, molded, spun, carved, sewn, even grown. Wood, plastic, metal, fabric, ornamental,heart shaped pools, honeymoon suites, gift wrap, sunglasses, dinner plates, g-strings, and eye patches. You probably get the idea.
Personally I’m not much for them, other than the ones keeping us circulating, and you can’t really include them as they are not heart shaped what so ever nor are they much to look at on their own.
Now don’t get me wrong I have a tremendous respect for these precious, little miracles, especially all those that I have touched, figuratively speaking of course.
Now Alana I believe has a soft spot inside for the symmetrically shaped little love icons. It is clearly apparent by her persistent attempts to excite us into yet another mountain hike. Actually its to fulfill her need to OO-oo and AW over this somewhat famous natural wonder.
This post is for you my dear closet heart lover as was the three hour climb in sweltering heat last Sunday.

Take notice of Alana’s focus and determination in the following pictures. She came well prepared, notice how she constantly references her trusty brochure as to match up the printed with the real thing.
So for Alana and all you heart shape lovers, "THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!"
(Don't forget that clicking the image will full screen the picture.)

OK I'm a reasonable man , lets see we are in search of a piece of land that is difficult to see, and is the shape of a heart.
Holy crap mom! That is one high mountain. This is going to cost you, "BIG!"

So how many suitcases are you allowed to take with you to Malaysia?
Kip decides to put some distance between himself and trouble which is no easy task with the angle of this trail. The road is actually drivable but I'll take tough over scary.
Kip, watches as Alana slows to locate satelites with the GPS and lock on to the heart of the heart.

This can't be right, we have only climbed 20 percent of the way.

Kip steals a moment to hide from the sun.

Nathan has now negotiated controlling rights to our self administered pension fund.

Kip, being a good sport poses with his best side for the camera.

Davey double times the next hill to catch up to dad.

So I count six other peaks from here, I sure hope this is the right mountain.

Nathan rubs in the fact that his payoff will not be public knowledge and I will just have to wait till Alana returns from KL to see what they agreed on.

I could be wrong mom, but that looks more like a spade from here.

Hey Mom! Could we just be too high to see it?

My new favorite place!

Great hike mom, do think next time dad can bring water instead of these weights?

Nathan On Our Range

2008-06-13T09:43:00.006+11:00

The boys seem to have taken on some of my interst in archery. Both Nathan and Davey now practice regularly in the back yard. The target was no easy find.

I have noticed quite an improvement in the Nathan's degree of consistancy in form as well as the increased strength necessary to hold steadily while focusing on the shot.

Pulling the arrows out uses a different set of muscles, and is a workout itself.

Parkour

2008-06-11T21:27:00.005+11:00

Quote;
Parkour the art of movement is an activity with the aim of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the abilities of the human body. It is meant to help one overcome obstacles, which can be anything in the surrounding environment—from branches and rocks to rails and concrete walls—and can be practiced in both rural and urban areas. Parkour practitioners are referred to as traceurs, or traceuses for females.

Founded by David Belle in France, parkour focuses on practicing efficient movements to develop one's body and mind to be able to overcome obstacles in an emergency.
Often miscategorized as a sport or an extreme sport, parkour has no set of rules, team work, formal hierarchy, or competitiveness. The physical aspect of parkour is getting over all the obstacles in your path enabling one to utilizte the quickest exit, a straight line.
An important characteristic of parkour is efficiency. Practitioners move not only as fast as they can, but also in the most direct and efficient way possible, this characteristic distinguishes it from the similar practice of free running, which places more emphasis on freedom of movements, such as acrobatics. Efficiency also involves avoiding injuries, short and long-term, part of why parkour's unofficial motto is être et durer (to be and to last).

This French sport has been of interst to David for at least the last year. It is surprising how popular this sport has become globally.
Davey demostrates this basic move off of our back rail a two meter drop.

I love the concept,although the learning curve frightens me. This is the move and the exact location that cost us two trips to Noumea and cost Nathan three stitches on his knee. Obviously not at all forgiving.

Time To Go

2008-06-04T23:34:00.004+11:00

Remarkable holiday! We can hardly wait to return. Well the flight home was a piece of cake, about as long as it takes for us to drive from Noumea to Kone.

We really lucked out with the boarding. I hate leaving Kip behind and don't often allow it to happen. The boarding kennel was a doggy Fantasy Island on 100 acres. Several huge fenced parks with themed buildings and colourful lawn ornaments scattered busily throughout for the dogs and even a descent river running through them.

Kip was allowed to play in the river in the afternoons, and interact with one other socialable dog at a time. I always know when I pick him up if he was stressed while awaiting our return. I get the feeling it was a walk in the park.

Sydney

2008-06-04T07:32:00.030+11:00

Its been a long time coming. Alana and I have always shared the dream to see Australia. Sydney was my first choice. Alana has been to Brisbane on work related trips on several occasions.

Europe may have emptied there prison's and sent them here but its my guess many of their great minds went along for the ride.

This thought always scared me. Left driving is not the issue. Looking the wrong way when crossing the street is. Luckily I'm not alone on that one.

Daveys dream car, job and co-pilot.

Nathan counters with his first choice.

First stop, Olympic Park for my 400M free Gold Metal want-to-be's

A complex that has it all. This skate park also has huge half pipes for the pro's.

I was told to check off weapons next time I attempt to bring my archery equipment through customs. Talk about being the black sheep. the standard range wear is all white, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Nathan leads the way as we take our bikes on the mogul course.

I attempted to relight the flame for you.

No stay in Sydney is complete without a meatpie with mushy peas from Harry's. Quite a reputation and history.

We couldn't have made it more convienent, as we are staying across the street in the famous Wooloomooloo area.

Breakfast brain food for Nathan and I.

A walk through the business section, to the Market

The market is a great place to pick up your Syndey souviners and forgotten warm clothes. We worked up an appetite searching for deals.

Well we certainly lucked out! Our first Sunday in Sydney was also the main street party celebration for the yearly Italian festival. I was surprised at the incredible turnout. I understand that the Italians are the third largest ethnic group in Australia. Great place to end the day complete with quality entertainment, and a homemade authentic meal which I can persnonally vouch for to be as good as it gets.

Another day, a very special adventure. Nathan has been waiting months to visit the famous Taronga Sydney Zoo.

I cannot even begin to convey the wonder of this magnificant zoo. I will perhaps dedicate a separate post to display some unique and fun pictures.

The Zoo is now only a ferry cruise and a cable car ride away. Nathan waits anxiously for the experience.

We are ready to spend the next eight hours wandering around the world. Nathan leads the way.

Last but not least the Kangaroo's

Time to take this tired little Roo home to bed.

UP AND AT IT!! Bondi Beach, Sydney's most famous strip. Backpacker accomodations on every corner.

These kids sure make it look easy. Davey points out that they are closer to my age than his.

This picture does not do this public pool justice. The waves actually crash over the break wall to make the outside lane an ocean swim.

The water was a little cool for these old bones but for some reason I just couldn't resist.

The end to yet another perfect day.

Darling Harbour is a one stop spend the day, without breaking your wallet experience, plenty to do and see.

I guess it only makes sense that a city this big should boast the worlds largest IMAX (eight stories high) I am a sucker for 3D.

..and a world class museum which we toured for the better part of a day.

DAD! It is morning and I am awake, right! This feels very much like an extension of last nights dinosaur dream.

Deep into the city on route to tour the most recognizable complex in all of Australia, the Sydney Opera House.

The harbour view alone is worth the 30 minute walk from our hotel. We actually moved out of the Waldorff apt. in Wooloomooloo Bay to be downtown for the remainder of our holiday. It was a tough choice to give up the apartment for a hotel room but it worked out for the best. A change of scenery, which worked well with our marathon day hikes. We actually have become comfortable to venture out without a map.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge built in 1932. It is the worlds largest single arch single span bridge. It was then referred to as Sydney's iron lung (during the depression) as it kept many working.

We returned that night after the best pizza in years to the Opera House for the premere showing of Edward Scissorhands. It truly was enchanting. My attention was torn between the show and Nathan enjoying the show.

Nathan and I hit the streets in search of the newly released Olympus e 420 SLR camera.

I have been awaiting the release of the new Olympus which is now the smallest and lightest SLR on the world market. We found it in this gorgeous downtown mall. Its been some time since I have used anything other than a point and shoot digicam.

Enlarging this picture (click on it) helps appreciate the new technology. So far so good!

Trading souviners

Alana chooses a reputable gem cutter and a trusting face to purchase an Australian opal before packing for home.

Out all Night

2008-06-03T20:19:00.007+11:00

THIS POST IS FROM MAY 18TH, BUT UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT GET POSTED.

Wish me luck! Its 7:30 pm, in 2 hours I head out in a 4 meter boat for the entire night. A little scary! I should be looking for 40 winks but don't know if I can. Getting to the other side of the reef is no easy task by day as the reef is usually just below the surface making it barely visible. It certainly helps to know where it breaks. By night it is necessary that there is a full moon to illuminate the reef's edge. My new friends speak as little English as I speak French, so it will be a quiet night. I have been waiting to view the night sky without mosquitoes eating me alive. We have mosquitoes from dusk on, so it makes it difficult to lie out. Alana translated a story told by my captain for tonight about catching a shark, reeling him in ,and having to cut the line. I guess the shark swam away and then returned pissed and started to ram the boat. Yikes! He snorkels down 15 meters for 50 to 100 lb fish that he spears. I have seen pictures of him standing beside the cut off head of a hammer head shark that is literally up to his chest, just the head, I wasn't able to get the story behind that one. My new friends live half their life out at sea, and went the extra mile for me. We got back at 9:30am over 12 hours in the water. It went something like this.

Nearly a full moon night, 24C, on rough yet manageable water, and very alone. The first hour I was spent with my last three meals cycling between my stomach and mouth. The second hour the water went calm, the fishing was excellent. No rods just a glove and a line in your hand. Just as I started to get comfortable catching, my friends wife pulled up a smaller blue fin and as she attempted to clear the boat with it a huge Barracuda chomped the entire body away leaving only a very sad looking head.

I can't do this! I need sleep! Ok, what’s the short version.

They ate the bait! Not the fish my friends ate the bait, which of course was very fresh fish, but not my night for sushi. I brought BP& J but it’s still sitting in the 6 ft cooler that is super full of fish. Not a minute of sleep but I stood, sat and lay on the bottom of the boat gazing at the night sky with a line in a gloved hand. Amazing shooting stars and night sky.
It was scary, the only time you can see the reef at night is in the moon light, as it shines a thin silvery line across the water. The reef is miles out, the waters are shark invested around the reef and dangerously shallow but no land. We later fished with rope and foot long bait in 300 ft deep waters. By 3am the temp. dropped to 15.

This morning at six was the best time. The flying fish where travelling above the water for ten seconds without submerging. Manta rays and large predator fish were clearly visible looking and waiting for me too fall from the boat.
The boat ride back took the better part of an hour even at full throttle. It was so choppy I thought that as I bounced up off the cooler lid the boat would disappear from under me. It felt as though each pounding wave was driving my neck further into my body, until my head sat neck less on my shoulders. Even with that, this was the experience I would not have been able to live without. I will remember last night forever.

Come Back Soon!

2008-06-02T21:20:00.001+11:00

Well we have been living again. Hope to show you where and how within a day or so.

Beaching Lifou

2008-05-05T11:42:00.006+11:00

Coming in from a swim.

Nathan posing for next years calendar

No comment!

Living the life of Riley

Lifou Island

2008-05-05T06:36:00.000+11:00

Welcome back oh faithful ones. I left as though I was being hunted, one minute here next minute gone, quick like a bunny, I high tailed it out of Dodge.
Speaking of tail, I'm back with mine between my legs. My exit was quite a Forrest Gumpish thing to do. I simply wasn’t feeling like I had anything left to say. I half heartedly attempted to run a few more yards in Febuary and post a few house pics. but it just never happened.
Well at this point I have no interest in filling in the blanks. It would definitely be no fun and that goes against the reason this silly blog exists.

So…sometime Tuesday April 29th, I decide that I should do something with the boys as Nathan was heading into ANOTHER 5 day weekend. Unfortunately Davey insisted on staying behind to complete a project. There will be a next time! By 5pm Tuesday I booked a non refundable flight for Nathan and I to a nearby remote island, the problem being I had to be in Noumea for 5am. It was a good deal at $330. for both of us on residency rates. Our flight was to leave at 6am out of Noumea and our check in was 5:15. By 1:30am Nathan and I had packed in the dark, and were off to the Loyalty Island of Lifou, a tropical island paradise.

We boarded at 6am with a hatchet strapped to one of our two huge 60 litre packs and pocket knives on our belts. They took my morning milk but said nothing of the weapons which I would have checked if necessary.

7am Wed. morning we arrived in Lifou, rented a car and were off exploring. Knowing me, it’s not necessary to explain how we ended up with the chief of the west district (as Nathan and I refer to it as), Noel Pia drinking Kava, but we did. Kava by the way is a life sentence where you become very relaxed and find pleasure in frequenting these Kava huts and allowing life to just pass you by. You can actually see a physical change in the users over time.

I now know it was luck in finding Noel and it could not have worked out better.

Nathan and I pitched our tent on his property and explored the remarkable jewel of an Island over the next four days. Very few non-residents, no shopping, no internet, no cell coverage. The village names are on the asphalt if it exists, but being tribal it was of little use. We made some cool friends that we happened to cross paths with. An Oceanographer,(and when you catch up this blog, send me a backpacking picture of you as I would like to insert it Thanks!) a French drill sergent Nordine and his wife Camille who Nathan seems to be be smittin with as well as another Kone resident who I will no doubt meet up with while doing my groceries at the Mobil gas station at home and his girl friend Emily. All french and somewhat bilingual who either were visiting or residing on New Cal.

The seven of us got together each night at our camp to chat about our life and travel experiences. Nathan was in heaven. He laughed at the funny stories and cultural differences, we all did! The only day time we share together was when we first met. We all shared a boat ride swimming with giant turtles, some the size of garbage can lids. We snorkeled down as far as each of us could go in an underwater canyon that Cousteau could have devoted an entire show to.

Someday when we return we will bring our underwater camera. The few places we used our camera in the past were challenging and required luck to end up with anything at all. That would not be the case here. I cannot begin to explain the clarity ,and diversity of the sea.

The lagoons were endless with sand that is actually true white and 100 percent void of a single stone. The bottom was as though it had been meticulously vacuumed, absolutely clean.

To see coral or Nathan beside or beneath me was as though there was no water what so ever. We have been swimming corral for 6 months. Up to now the coral we are familiar with has certain common sizes and shapes such as those that resemble a broccoli or a very large broach shape . The coral we swam in Lifou varied in countless shapes but a typical stem looking plant that we would recognize from home averaging about the size of a coffee table figurine here was found to be more the size of an enormous moose rack or mushroom shaped cluster the size of a VW.

Huge hills and valleys of corral that I would lose Nathan in as he chased down an exotic fish into an underwater grotto of fluorescent coral. In the past that thought would lend itself to a dark cold world feeling, but this was not. It was brilliant full of sun rays penetrating the clear glass like water and electrifying everything beneath the surface to where it felt like a more perfect day than it even was.

These waters are Gods finest works, as were the beaches the foliage and the people.

Buy it here, or go without!

Trucks with rags stuffedd in the gas tank, being pushed down the road, always more riders in the box than the cab and everyone carries a knife. (even if your in diapers)

Making camp

View through the trees,waiting for the turtles. They arrive each afternoon sticking their pipe like necks out of the water to say hello.

Searching the beach for unfriendly night crawlers.
Goodness me! I believe I've found one.

Starting from ash, my little man takes on the challenge and wins.

The chief's camp

Happiness is camping.

Closer to Tarzan with each passing day.

A quiet native comes to warm his bones by the morning fire

Starting a new day with a swim.

Catamiran and hut

This picture expanded gives you a idea of how cystal clear the water is.

Vacumned waters, not a stone to be found.

Another of the six beaches we found.

Divers back from exploring the under sea world.

A first for me! Vanilla beans, brought them home to grow.

Being a responsible father.

Best birthday gift ever! Nathan turns 9 in 3 days!

Another member of the Koniambo team and his girl friend Emily enjoy the sun, snorkling, turtle sea life, and entire Lifou experience.

To view these magnificant creatures from below the water only feet away is a life long dream and a perminent memory for us all.

The well travelled Camille! By day a super dedicated marketing proffessional with a savey for business. Beneath a female Indiana Jones with a French African accent and an attitude.

Chefferie Noel our accomodating tribal chief

Our new friends Camille and Nordine
Farewell Lifou, until we again come to play on your beaches and swim with the turtles.

Awaitng a hungry man meal.

To tired to travel so its a Best Western bed for the night.

Sunday morning regatta in Noumea

Catch of the day!

.
Time for a quick bite before heading back to Kone.

A perfect ending to a perfect week

Rondez vous with mom returning from Malaysia
Nathan switches vehicles to talk her ear off for the next 3 hours.

Old friends reunite at home.

"GONE FISHIN"

2008-02-20T00:25:00.000+11:00

Well, not really! I am attempting to get settled in Kone. Nathan starts full french immersion on Thursday morning, and we are presently living out of the Koniambo Hotel. I hope to be in the house Monday or at least thats when the furniture arrives. I watched the poles go up for my internet line today which will allow us to be here more often and to facilitate Davey's online schooling. Tomorrow I will have some pictures for you. (finally!)
In Novemer we recieved a small air freight shipment of bikes, sports equipment, clothes etc. The remainder of our freight arrived in December via sea freight and is being container stored in Noumea which will be delivered monday morning 8am to Kone. Actually the house is in Pouembout 10km south of Kone for those that utilize Google earth.
It is after midnight, so I am off to bed. Good to be back!

Prealert Lifted

2008-02-04T05:54:00.000+11:00

CYCLONE GENE passes to the east heading south of New Caledonia, and is no longer a threat.

Islands Get Hit Hard By Cyclone Gene

2008-02-02T11:09:00.000+11:00

APCEDI Alert SP/Fj 15P Gene #7-2008: Cyclone Gene Pounds Southern Vanuatu and Causes Serious Damage on Futuna, but Begins to Move Away
The RSMC-Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre, the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre continue to issue guidance on Tropical Cyclone Gene that is now moving away from Vanuatu after pounding the southernmost islands.

The centre of Cyclone Gene is located 75 km east-northeast of the southernmost Vanuatu island of Anatom at 5 PM this evening Vanuatu time with the centre of the storm likely to sideswipe the island to the southeast before moving away from Vanuatu. Gene is maintaining a slow forward speed to the south-southwest at 4 km/hr. Cyclone Gene continues to maintain strength and has again formed a clear eye feature.

The current forecast map shows Gene continuing to recurve towards the south and will begin to move away from Vanuatu this evening. Southern recurvature now looks strong enough to avoid a direct hit on New Caledonia.

Cyclone Gene is currently at a strong Category 2 strength on the Saffir Simpson Scale. This equates to a Category 3 on the Australia Scale and will remain at this strength as it begins to move away to the south and into the open South Pacific Ocean.

Cyclone Warnings remain in place for all of Tafea Province of Southern Vanuatu including the islands of Erromango, Tanna, Anatom, Aniwa and Futuna and all adjacent small islands. A Cyclone warning has now been discontinued for Shefa Province of Central Vanuatu.

Here is an island by island breakdown for Tafea Province.

Futuna, population 400; Futuna, Vanuatu's easternmost island, has received the worst impact from the storm having been battered for nearly 18 hours by the intense centre part of this slow moving cyclone. Severe and widespread damage is being reported throughout the island including the damage or complete loss of many homes, and the island's churches and schools and other buildings. However, the 400 residents have so far been reported safe riding out the storm in stronger shelters. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcano slopes continues to be a severe threat. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding. Futuna will likely need immediate and long-term relief assistance as soon as possible given the widespread destruction to buildings and crops.

Anatom (Anietyum), population 800; Anatom, Vanuatu's southernmost island, is also taking a strong pounding from the storm and will continue to experience very bad conditions for some 6-10 more hours as Cyclone Gene passes to the southeast. Little information has been heard from Anatom as communications are down, but similar type damage as that experienced on Futuna is likely. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcanic slopes could be severe. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding. The extent of the damage will depend on how close the storm moves past the island as it begins to recurve away. Anatom will also likely need immediate and long-term relief assistance as soon as possible given the likelihood of widespread destruction to buildings and crops.

Tanna, population 26,000; Tanna, the island with the Province's largest population, has escaped the brunt of the storm. However widespread minor to moderate damage is being reported from around the island particularly on south and east sides. Communication has been lost with many villages, but it is likely that lots of trees are down, crops damaged and some damage to structures. No one has been reported injured so far. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcano slopes could be severe. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding. This assessment also applies to the small island of Aniwa, population 400, which lies off the northeast coast of Tanna and which has lost all communication to Vila.

Erromango, population 1,500; The northernmost island escaped the full brunt of Cyclone Gene but did experience some destructive gale force winds, very rough seas and heavy rains. Damage has been widespread but mostly minor and limited to trees and powerlines down although many villages on the south and east coast have lost communication. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcano slopes could be severe. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding.

New Caledonia remains on Cyclone Alert but the threat to the territory has been reduced as the cyclone looks like it will recurve tot he south. Nonetheless heavy rains, and very high seas will occur in some area. The New Caledonian islands of Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa should be particularly watchful as the storm passes to the east of these islands.

All residents and interests in Southern Vanuatu and New Caledonia should monitor the progress of the storm and follow all cyclone advice that the Government issues. Cyclone Gene continues to be a strong and dangerous storm capable of considerable widespread and severe damage on any islands near to where the centre of the storm passes.

GENE Misses New Caledonia

2008-02-01T20:03:00.000+11:00

WE ARE SAFE!

New Caledonia is still on "prealert" (only)

Gene Slow Coming

2008-02-01T09:57:00.000+11:00

GENE is slow in coming yet his intensity remains the same 200km/hr inside, 150 km outside.

It appears he is now 50 km east of Mare heading toward I'lles Des Pins.

Not expected to reach N.Cal. before Saturday sometime. Noumea may be north of Gene's direct path, yet the eye of the storm is as large as New Caledonia from what I see on the weather reports. Time will tell!

Cyclone Changes Direction and Strengthens

2008-01-31T13:12:00.000+11:00

My island friends are quite concerned as the cyclone is intensifying, but slowing in speed. This means it will not hit until early Saturday. There does not seem to be much chance it will not hit as it is heading straight for Noumea,
We will keep you posted. Time to tape the windows!

Cyclone Warning Update

2008-01-31T00:32:00.000+11:00

Cyclone Season

2008-01-30T21:41:00.000+11:00

SUVA, Fiji, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Emergency officials in Fiji said Cyclone Gene had killed at least six people Tuesday with 90 mph winds that flattened buildings, Radio New Zealand reported.

Spokesman Pajiliai Dobui of the National Disaster Management Office told the broadcaster half of the country's population of more than 900,000 had been affected by a loss of water or electricity.

Fiji's Meteorological Service said the storm was likely to intensify as it moved west toward Vanuatu over the next 36 hours.

Yikes! This is the second this week. Cyclone Funa moved East to Fiji from Vanuatu on Monday. (which is away from N.C.) Fiji is almost due west of Vanuatu which we are just south of. Fortunately, Noumea is at least on the south end of the island.

Now I understand the steel shutters. I am glad we have not yet moved north. I knew something was up even before hearing. The boys and I noticed a dozen or so ships of all kinds in the harbours. We seem to have a few more critters than usual visiting with us. I am not sure if that has anything to do with it.

God willing we will all be together if it hits. I may need to coax Alana home from up north. I am afraid that may be like trying to hold back the storm.

Like the mail doesn't take long enough!

2008-01-29T23:06:00.000+11:00

Manta Ray

2008-01-21T15:32:00.000+11:00

This is a Manta Ray, not the one that freightened the air from my lungs this morning snorkelling in the bay, actually the one above is a picture from december. The similar Ray that sailed several feet below me was larger that a garbage can lid, very much the size of a snow sledding round saucer that kids ride on. Huge for a Ray!It's tail must have been 6 feet long. It is my guess the storm blew it in as there were also jellies and other nonresident fish in our bay. Just before I saw it I had noticed that my goggles seem to be fogging which they never do,so perhaps the waters were colder and mixed with beyond reef seas.

I didn't enjoy my swim as much with the changed waters, I got a pretty bad jelly sting on my lip before I made it back to shore, but the Manta Ray certainly was an experience.

It was a windy night with torrential rains but Hurricane Funa did not come. The hurricane passed over the northern islands of Vanuatu, and continued in an easterly direction towards the islands of Fiji. By late afternoon Sunday, the skies were clearing and we even had a pretty sunset! Today we woke to a PERFECT day.

Just returned from Kone

2008-01-16T12:39:00.000+11:00

Following yesterday's grass cutting

Older picture from the spring

Reminants of a tree house on the back of the shed

The shed

Well we started the renovations on Monday of our home in Kone.
MUCH TO DO!
The first job was to slash our way in. We have a good idea of what the priorities are, so once we receive a few quotes and empty the contents we will have the contractor ripping out infested ceilings and fumigate. The house is presently a zoo/Avery for just about everything that needed a home in the spring. The house was without soffits for a couple months and you can imagine how inviting that was. Here are a few pictures of the present situation.

hall

bedroom 1 of 3

bath

office

laundry

I will be in Kone most week days but with my laptop and camera so perhaps you can follow our new adventure. I returned to Noumea for the remainder of this week and will head north again early Monday morning.