On our way out of New Zealand we spent a very interesting half day at the Antarctic Center located adjacent to the Christchurch airport. Lots of displays, and we finally got to get up close to the little blue penguins – they are small! This complex is the primary supply center for operations in the Antarctic.
Wednesday the 3rd we visited Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. This was the site of a large prison complex built by the British starting in the 1830’s and in operation into the 1870’s. The British liked to export their criminals (even those with minor offenses) off to their colonies. When the prison was closed, lots were sold off with the provision that the new owner would demolish signs of the prison on their lot, and bush fires in the 1890’s did considerably more damage. But starting in the 1950’s renovation work started and lately much more work has happened. This is the major visitor attraction in Tasmania; lots of fascinating history here.
We learned on the drive back to our B&B that the Tasmanian Devil is suffering massively; a cancer developed in about year 2000 that is pretty much wiping out the population except for the Tasman peninsula in the Port Arthur area where the government is making a last stand to isolate the animals in this area. And they are working to develop a strain of cancer resistant Devils.
Next stop at a strawberry farm – a U Pick place. Delicious berries being grown by a crusty old chap who retired here after a long career as a seaman. He noted that the strawberry season runs from January into May and was very proud of his water bore – 1000 feet! The water was excellent.
Dear Cousins: The people one can meet when traveling are the very best aspect of the journey. The old farmer must have been an interesting chap to talk with, and his strawberries looked great. I've been enjoying following your progress through the NZ area.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the remainder of this great journey!