We had breakfast with a couple visiting from Luxembourg who had been driving NZ for past two weeks. Our plan for the day is a trip to the Antarctic Center....several cities in NZ have such a tourist attraction, but the one in Christchurch is reportedly "the best".....perhaps because Christchurch has had a long relationship with Antarctica, primarily because of its location.
This is a Hagglund.....built in Sweden....to withstand the rough terrain, the flooding waters and the cold temperatures.
We are advised to hold on tight, press the emergency button if we feel sick (lemme outta here!)..
The Hagglund is amphibious....as seen here when we are in 4 feet of water.
We were supplied with rubber boots and a heavy parka....the winds were 30 mph at 17F made a wind chill of -4.....for about 5 minutes....COLD! And we paid for this?
These penguins are called "little blue", NZ natives, not Antarctica. We arrived at feeding time.
They like to go into their "nest" (cave) for a nap after eating.
These two are lovers...seriously. All these penguins have been rescued from the wild due to missing legs, blind, and various other handicaps. They remain here till death....which can be as long as 15 years. Hence, the staff knows them very well, by name, by habit, by personality....fascinating.
The United States is one of 3 nations (Italy and NZ) with research stations in Antarctica...and one of 35 nations who has signed the Antarctica Treaty, ensuring that Antarctica is available for research purposes only....
This is where and how many of the researchers live.
Wind and ice can form "ice caves".
The most well-known, recognized penguin, the Emperor, lives in Antarctica.
Antarctica's geographic proximity to ANYBODY!
The effects of the earthquakes reached beyond the central business district.....we are approximately 5 miles beyond those boundaries. This is a "store front" while they are rebuilding the store.
One of the many uses for "retired" shipping containers....we would not have noticed this were it not for Tom's attendance at the Cunard lecture entitled: "Boxes".
The WeightWatchers approved meals are the fish and/or chicken sandwiches minus the condiments...and, of course, the salads.
THIS!!!! is a McDonald's!!
THIS!!! is a McDonald's!!!!
This IS a McDonald's....they are waiting for the order to be DELIVERED to them!!!!
