Part One

The George

After a month semi-circumnavigating Antarctica sharing a compact room, this was a seriously nice upgrade of accommodations.

Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 13, 2006

2006-12-13#0192

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Scaup male

Aythya novaeseelandiae - the botanical garden was across the street from the hotel.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0011

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Scaup female & juvenile

Aythya novaeseelandiae

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0013

Larry L. Jackson

Sapphire Tower

Puya alpestris - a bromeliad native to the Chilean Andes.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0019

Larry L. Jackson

Silvereye

Zosterops lateralis - feeding at the flowers of the Puya alpestris.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0025

Larry L. Jackson

Iris

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0028

Larry L. Jackson

Iris

Closeup of a flower of the previous planting.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0031

Larry L. Jackson

Iris

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0029

Larry L. Jackson

Iris

Closeup of previous planting.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0030

Larry L. Jackson

Iris

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0032

Larry L. Jackson

Pond

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0033

Larry L. Jackson

Blackbird female

Turdus merula

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0037

Larry L. Jackson

Blackbird male

Turdus merula

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0038

Larry L. Jackson

Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0042

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Possibly a type of Sedum.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0044

Larry L. Jackson

Song Thrush

Turdus philomelos

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0047

Larry L. Jackson

Hydrangea

best guess id.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0049

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown Flower

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0051

Larry L. Jackson

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0054

Larry L. Jackson

Hasta

A couple of types.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0057

Larry L. Jackson

Rhododendron

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0059

Larry L. Jackson

Rhododendron

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0060

Larry L. Jackson

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0062

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown Flower

A creeping plant growing in a crack of the rockwork.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0063

Larry L. Jackson

Bluebell

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0064

Larry L. Jackson

Water Lily Pond

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0065

Larry L. Jackson

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0066

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown Flower

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0067

Larry L. Jackson

Giant Rhubarb

Gunnera manicata - leaves can be as much as 4 feet across.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0068

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0069

Larry L. Jackson

Creeping Tree Fern

Cyathea colensoi

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0071

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Christmas Tree

Metrosideros excelsa - native to the North Island.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0073

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Christmas Tree

Metrosideros excelsa

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0074

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0075

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0076

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0077

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0079

Larry L. Jackson

Paradise Shelduck female & ducklings

Tadorna variegata

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0080

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0081

Larry L. Jackson

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos - immature male.

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0082

Larry L. Jackson

Paradise Shelduck female

Tadorna variegata

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0085

Larry L. Jackson

Paradise Shelduck female & duckling

Tadorna variegata

Hagley Botanical Garden, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand, December 14, 2006

2006-12-14#0087

Larry L. Jackson

View

Tranz Alpine Train, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0002

Larry L. Jackson

View

Tranz Alpine Train, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0004

Larry L. Jackson

Russell Lupin

Lupinus polyphyllus

Tranz Alpine Train, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0005

Larry L. Jackson

Arthurs Pass Station

Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0010

Larry L. Jackson

David

The obligatory photo at the Pass.

Arthurs Pass Station, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0011

Larry L. Jackson

LJax

Arthurs Pass Station, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0012

Larry L. Jackson

Common Mallow

Malva sylvestris

Tranz Alpine Train, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0019

Larry L. Jackson

Waterfall

Tranz Alpine Train, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0021

Larry L. Jackson

Southern Alps

Tranz Alpine Train, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0023

Larry L. Jackson

Trestle

Tranz Alpine Train, Southern Alps, South Island, New Zealand, December 15, 2006

2006-12-15#0029

Larry L. Jackson

Akaroa Harbour

South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0001

Larry L. Jackson

Akaroa Shuttle

David and I signed up for a Dolphin Encounter this morning.

South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0004

Larry L. Jackson

Pigeon Bay

South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0006

Larry L. Jackson

Akaroa Harbour

South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0007

Larry L. Jackson

Coastline

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0013

Larry L. Jackson

Coastline

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0014

Larry L. Jackson

Coastline

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0015

Larry L. Jackson

Spotted Shags

Stictocarbo punctatus

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0004

Larry L. Jackson

Spotted Shag

Stictocarbo punctatus

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0012

Larry L. Jackson

Spotted Shags

Stictocarbo punctatus

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0016

Larry L. Jackson

Spotted Shags

Stictocarbo punctatus

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0037

Larry L. Jackson

Coastline & Spotted Shags

Stictocarbo punctatus - a large, shallow cave where there were a lot of nest sites.

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0019

Larry L. Jackson

Algae

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0045

Larry L. Jackson

White-flippered Penguin

Eudyptula minor albosignata - a subspecies of the Little Blue Penguin.

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0049

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori - the boat captain's dog could hear the dolphins and indicated where they would surface, making our photography a bit easier.

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0054

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0055

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0061

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphin

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0076

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphin

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0081

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphin

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0024

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphin

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0026

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0028

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0032

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0033

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0034

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphins

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0036

Larry L. Jackson

Hector's Dolphin

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0038

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Fur Seal male

Arctocephalus forsteri

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0083

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Fur Seal juvenile

Arctocephalus forsteri

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0088

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Fur Seal juvenile

Arctocephalus forsteri

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0094

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Fur Seals

Arctocephalus forsteri

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0095

Larry L. Jackson

Coastline

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0042

Larry L. Jackson

Akaroa Head Lighthouse

through the hole in the rocky coastline.

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0045

Larry L. Jackson

White-fronted Terns

Sterna striata

a

2006-12-16#0107

Larry L. Jackson

White-fronted Terns

Sterna striata

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0119

Larry L. Jackson

Coastal Trees

Akaroa Harbour Cruise, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0120

Larry L. Jackson

Red-billed Gull

Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus - back at the shore, these gulls are always looking for a free meal.

Akaroa Harbour, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0124

Larry L. Jackson

Red-billed Gull

Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus

Akaroa Harbour, South Island, New Zealand, December 16, 2006

2006-12-16#0128

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Some interesting thoughts and quotes on the winery bathroom walls.

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0193

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0194

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0195

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0196

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0197

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0198

Larry L. Jackson

Winery Thoughts

Mount Cass Vineyards, South Island, New Zealand, December 17, 2006

2006-12-17#0199

Larry L. Jackson

Lyttelton Harbour

South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0001

Larry L. Jackson

Christchurch

South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0003

Larry L. Jackson

Lyttelton Harbour

South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0005

Larry L. Jackson

RV Nathaniel B Palmer & FV Zlatno More

A research vessel and a Russian fishing boat.

Lyttelton Harbour, South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0006

Larry L. Jackson

Christchurch Beach

South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0008

Larry L. Jackson

Christchurch Beach

South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0010

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown Flower

Christchurch Beach, South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0011

Larry L. Jackson

Purple Groundsel

Senecio elegans

Christchurch Beach, South Island, New Zealand, December 18, 2006

2006-12-18#0012

Larry L. Jackson

St. Anne's Lagoon

South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0013

Larry L. Jackson

Australian Coot

Fulica atra

St. Anne's Lagoon, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0005

Larry L. Jackson

Cabbage Tree

Cordyline australis

St. Anne's Lagoon, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0014

Larry L. Jackson

Viper's Bugloss

Echium vulgare

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0016

Larry L. Jackson

Beach

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0018

Larry L. Jackson

Shore Bindweed

Calystegia soldanella

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0019

Larry L. Jackson

Tree Lupin

Lupinus arboreus

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0022

Larry L. Jackson

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0024

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0026

Larry L. Jackson

Kaikoura

South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0027

Larry L. Jackson

South Bay

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0028

Larry L. Jackson

Wave

Our whale watching cruise canceled due to windy conditions.

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0008

Larry L. Jackson

Layered Rocks

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0010

Larry L. Jackson

Red-billed Gulls

Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus - preening.

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0029

Larry L. Jackson

Red-billed Gull

Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0011

Larry L. Jackson

Variable Oystercatcher

Haematopus unicolor

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0018

Larry L. Jackson

South Island Pied Oystercatcher

Haematopus ostralegus

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0023

Larry L. Jackson

Neptune's Necklace

Hormosira banksii - Tidepool algae.

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0030

Larry L. Jackson

Tidepool Algae

I enjoy seeing what lives in these spots that hold seawater when the tide goes out.

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0031

Larry L. Jackson

Kaikoura Point

South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0032

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Bull Kelp

Durvillaea antarctica

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0034

Larry L. Jackson

False Limpets

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0035

Larry L. Jackson

Tidepool Algae

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0039

Larry L. Jackson

Tidepool Algae

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0040

Larry L. Jackson

White-faced Heron

Ardea novaehollandiae - looking for anything edible in the tidepools.

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0028

Larry L. Jackson

Marlborough Rock Daisy

Pachystegia insignis

Kaikoura Point, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0031

Larry L. Jackson

Grass Seed Head

nice color

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0043

Larry L. Jackson

Unknown Trefoil

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0044

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Flax

Phormium tenax

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0045

Larry L. Jackson

Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0046

Larry L. Jackson

Kowaowao

Microsorum pustulatum

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0049

Larry L. Jackson

Creek Fern

Blechnum fluviatile

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0053

Larry L. Jackson

Velvet Fern

Lastreopsis velutina

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0055

Larry L. Jackson

New Zealand Robin

Petroica australis

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0045

Larry L. Jackson

Scrambling Clubmoss

Lycopodium volubile

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0060

Larry L. Jackson

Hen & Chickens Fern

Asplenium bulbiferum

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0062

Larry L. Jackson

Common Maidenhair

Adiantum cunninghamii

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0063

Larry L. Jackson

Silver Tree Fern

Cyathea dealbata

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0064

Larry L. Jackson

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0066

Larry L. Jackson

Blackberry

Rubus fruiticosus

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0067

Larry L. Jackson

Common Vetch

Vicia sativa

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0068

Larry L. Jackson

King Devil

Hieracium praealtum

Hinau Track, Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0069

Larry L. Jackson

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0072

Larry L. Jackson

Bellbird male

Anthornis melanura on Phormium tenax

Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand, December 19, 2006

2006-12-19#0055

Larry L. Jackson