Sitting here at a campground computer (which only had some working keys- no backspace or enter!) after putting a $2 coin in for 8 minutes (it's slow loading - only 4 minutes 6 seconds to go...). Outside rain is pouring but we can hear the roar of the Pacific Ocean waves in the distance from the Hot Water Beach. At this beach the local hot water springs meet the ocean. At low tide you can go out and dig yourself a spa. Low tide is at 4 p.m. this afternoon and that's where we'll be shovels in hand, in the rain, digging for warm water. (Staying at Hot Water Beach Holiday Park tonight.)
Two nights ago in Russell we were blasted out of sleep by a World War II type siren. Fire! Was my first thought. The area has not had rain for twenty weeks! A drought unseen for a hundred years. Fire signs are up, "Extreme fire danger." Others explain where to go to evacuate. (They could use some rain we are having here!) For a fire we'd have headed to the bay - bery close by with sailboats everywhere. (More sailboats per person in New Zealand than any other country.) On the other hand the sirens could be for a tsunami - in which case we'd have to go up hill. The siren wound down finally like a wind up toy losing power.
Since I was up I the middle of the night went up the steep hill to the bathroom (where we'd go to avoid a tsunami). As I walked home I looked up at the night sky and NOTHING WAS FAMILIAR! Intellectually I know the stars are different - but seeing it - no big dipper, no little dipper was surprising. I did see the Southern Cross - amazing and so big - it covered a huge portion of the sky! It's jsut beautiful. Looking forward to a night of clear skys to show the children.
Jackie
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