Willowbank, Christchurch

This was one beautiful day in Christchurch. Sunny and warm, it was apparently a great contrast to the preceding weeks of overcast and rainy weather. As it turns out the weather changed as we arrived and taxied to a stop, splashing the puddles on the ramp with the landing gear tires. We brought the good … Read more

Kudos to Nikon, or a 70-200mm VRII 5-foot drop test

There are a lot of reviews out there on the web about cameras and lenses, Canon vs. Nikon, point-and-shoot vs. SLR etc. I probably should not contribute to the endless discussions but I thought I would share a personal experience, obtained today through, unfortunately, an accident. It was a beautiful frosty morning in Christchurch, and … Read more

Part four: Christchurch

We will stay in Christchurch for two days if all goes as planned. Both days will be work days and we have a lot of things to take care of, including a broken instrument. Oh well; all we can do is do our best today, then try to do better tomorrow, so that’s it. I … Read more

Flight to Christchurch

We are on the road again. Figuratively speaking of course, since there are no roads where we are going. We will be flying from Rarotonga nearly due West to avoid entering the forecast ash cloud contour, then turn South and, descending to 16,000 feet, we would proceed to Christchurch, flying below the ash cloud, which … Read more

Day off on Rarotonga

A day off is a nice thing. One can sleep in, then have a relaxed breakfast, read a newspaper and then stroll out onto the lawn grass and call his buddy to talk about fishing or a game of golf. One can do many things, all of them recreational and interesting, and most importantly, unhurried … Read more