Lyttelton

Lyttelton Coffee Company, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Lyttelton Coffee Company. Heather and I had a great brunch there. Great food and atmosphere.

HRH, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

A long way to come for Fish and Chips ;-).

The Steam Tug Lyttelton, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

The steam tug Lyttelton, was built in 1907 by Fergusson Brothers Ltd. of Glasgow, Scotland. Once commissioned the tug was sailed out to Lyttelton, New Zealand via the newly opened Suez Canal. By 1938 the tug was found to too small and her owners, the Harbour Board placed an order for a new tug with Lobnitz & Co. of Renfrew on the Clyde, the Lyttelton II. Later that year New Zealand prepared for war and the Royal New Zealand Navy used her to transport mines, drop depth charges and equipped her with a canon and machine gun. After the war the Lyttelton was returned to her owners and in 1970 was laid up without work. Volunteers spent 2,749 man-hours restoring the tug and in 1973 she became a passenger steamer on Lyttelton harbour. In 1991 the Lyttelton Preservation Society purchased the vessel from the owners for the price of $1.00. www.tuglyttelton.co.nz

The Lyttelton Timeball Station

The Lyttelton Timeball Station, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

The Lyttelton Timeball Station (1876) is one of a handful of timeball stations that have survived throughout the world, and the only original one still standing in New Zealand. www.historic.org.nz/en/sitecore/content/Destinations/Home...

The Akaroa Lighthouse

The Akaroa Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

The Akaroa lighthouse was originally situated on Banks Peninsula on the eastern head of the Akaroa harbour and commissioned in 1880. The light was preserved and moved to this location in 1980 after being replaced with a modern light.

View from the Akaroa Lighthouse

A Distant View, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

On the way to Akaroa, a distant view of the Southern Alps.

Action

Lisa at Carters Canine Capers wasn't available to board our two Chihuahuas, Mac and Cody this time, as she is off to the UK to see Crufts 2010, the best dog show in the world.  Heather and I were recommended by Lisa to Debra at Acacia Lodge Boarding Kennels.  

We went there today to inspect the facilities and say hello. Debra met the boys and they instantly liked her.  Debra has a beautiful set up with plenty of space and exercise areas, so we are now confident that our boys will be happy during their stay.

Chappie and Polly will be staying at home, thanks to Issy who will house sit them and do a couple of odd jobs for us.

We also booked  out Accommodation at the Azena Motel and Rental Car (Toyota Corona) today. Now all we need to is pack, sort out our work and things at home!  Not long to go now!

 

Samantha

Samantha, originally uploaded by Paul Anslow.

Samantha wearing a Spring Hat, a crazy hat made by Sam's Step Grandmum. Today is the last day of summer here in Australia.

All text and photographs are Copyright ©2010 Paul Anslow. All rights reserved. www.anslow.net 

Planning

Our leave and the flights are booked. Like the UK trip we are both travelling on different flights (just like royalty ☺ ). Now all we need to do is book accommodation, rent a car, work out what to pack and complete our Itinerary. Exploring the Banks Peninsular and Akaroa is one trip planned.

We are off to New Zealand

 

Heather and I are planning a brief visit to Christchurch, New Zealand. We were going out to Parkes, in Western New South Wales, but Heathers work had other ideas, so off to Christchurch NZ we go. By using Heathers frequent flyer points I get to carry Heathers bags. :-)

All text and photographs are Copyright ©2010 Paul Anslow. All rights reserved. www.anslow.net