Uganda

Hello all,

We have just got back to Nairobi from our 2 week tour to see the Gorillas in Uganda.
We trekked for 3 hours though the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, in search of gorilla signs. After the tracker said that it wasn't looking good, he stumbled upon some Gorilla poo on a forest elephant track and we were off on the chase.

When we got back to the camp the other group had tracked a group of 16, with 2 silverbacks and 2 babies! Apparently the babies where climbing all over the silver backs and when the female disciplined one baby the silverback disciplined her!

We found a group of 5 sleeping, including one silverback (big daddy). We sat there for an hour watching sleeping gorillas occasionally fart.

That was cool though, because we got to see an endangered species in the wild, and its really not likely that they will be around for our children to see (figuratively speaking).

Anyway we are back in Nairobi, getting ready to head off to the Masai Mara. Last night we went to the world famous Carnivores restaurant and ate fabulous meat until we were bursting. We had Crocodile, which I thought tasted like fishy chicken - not so much my cup of tea.

Ok, until the next internet cafe (that doesn't take 3 hours to open an email) thats us.

Love Jeremy and Sarah

Some time in Madagascar

Mbola Tsara!
Ina vao voa?

Hello!
Whats news?

I finally have a few minutes so thought Iwould sitdown and write a
proper email.  We fly out of Diego tomorrow and then leave Mad on
Monday, we then have two nights in Jo'berg and then we are in Nairobi.
 We have had a brilliant time, if not somewhat trying at times.  We
started off in the capital Antananarivo for three nights, this was
quite a shock, you drive from the airport past what are essentially
shanty towns.  The actual town itself is lovely as it is an old french
colony so the architecture is very european, but it is all slowly
decaying and falling town.  The city is overwhelming as instead of
stores people just set up stalls all over the place and it is very
busy.  Nothing hugely exciting happened here but it was good to see.
 After this we flew to Diego for 4 days, we really like Diego there
are lots of good restaurants, bars etc (we are here again now and are
starting to feel like a local, we have discovered the non tourist bars
and are eating lots of really good street food).  From here we were
deployed to the various projects, and as I have said we chose the
forest which involved a 3 hour taxi brusse (local taxi that crams as
many people as possible in) and then a 20km hike with our 20kg
bags.....this was a challenge but we made it.  The forest was great,
we had a couple of groups of lemurs that we saw most days, lots of
chameleons, snakes etc, we even found a boa.  There are plenty of
photos of all of this...
 The food was good, rice and beans for lunch and dinner everyday but
not nearly as bad as I was expecting.  Due to the hygiene concerns of
the village (the toilet is a piece of ground, where you walk over
everyone elses business to find a spot, this is then right beside the
water where they wash, how the village is not all sick is beyond me)
we did not live in the village but walked in everyday to teach.
Teaching was ok, not what we were expecting but we had a couple of
good students.  I much preferred our work in the forest.
 After 3 weeks though we left as an oppurtunity came up to visit one
of the national parks (Montagne D'Ambre) and to spend a couple of days
at the beach.  Montagne D'ambre was beautiful, proper rainforest, and
I had my first leech experience - worm-like creatures inching their way up your shoe until they find skin, then attach with suckers, bite and start sucking. they can't be pulled off but have to be flicked hard, then they stick to your hand etc etc
half the group got sick there, including both of us - it was a busy night for the toilet!

we then went to the marine project to spend some time on the beach and just chilling. went snorkling a few times.
now back in Diego, and will fligh out to South Africa tomorrow.

Juneau, climb to lodge

Juneau, climb to lodge
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott

While in Juneau, Sarah and I did a 3 mile, 1800ft ascend trek to a pub on Mount Roberts (mainly because we did not want to pay $25 bucks to take the cable car!)

It was a lot of fun, trying to keep the bears away and encountering the snow line while being completely unprepared for both.

It was definitely worth the beer at the end!

The past few weeks

It has been a while since the last blog and a lot has been going on. There is continuing progress on the cabin, although momentum has slowed down due to the nature of the jobs left. Red and I have been making hand peeled railings for the deck and loft, it is not the best job in the world, mostly just really frustrating. Two weeks or so ago we went to the World Eskimo Indian Olympics, which is held every year in Fairbanks. That was really interesting, and while we only saw a couple of events there was lots of music and dancing and craft stalls. We got to see a performance of the Haida and Tlingit people of south east Alaska, which I really enjoyed because I find there art and craft so beautiful, all those button blankets were stunning and made me really happy that I brought a version of one for myself in Juneau. There were a few other groups, one from Barrow I think and one a mixture of different native people from the lower 48. We got to see the Alaskan high kick, the blanket toss (which Jeremy helped toss) and a baby contest as well. The baby contest was really adorable as it was based on the native costumes the babies were wearing. There were three categories, fabric, skin and fur, and they were all so cute, if very very very hot and so a tad grumpy.
The day after that we set off on a four day rafting trip on the Gulkana which was amazing. The river was 45 miles, about 11 of which were class II rapids. The water level was quite low which parts of it hard work, but it was lovely just drifting along, listening to the water and the birds. We got to see quite a bit of wildlife, moose, eagles, owls, arctic loons, beavers and a muskrat. It is really well set up with lots of beautiful campsites along the way, all very basic, with only a firepit to confirm its a campsite, but set right be the river, mostly all in a spruce grove. There were 6 of us all together and we were in a kayak, a canoe and a rubber dinghy (which was dubbed the rubber duckie). Both the canoe and the rubber dingie got holes so the last day was interesting. We did 23 miles, with a head on wind (so bad that if we stopped paddling in the rubber duckie we would go back upstream..), two boats with holes and wet food (did I mention that the canoe capsized at one point, putting all our food in the river?). But we did it, and already the horror of that last day is fading, and all I can think of it was what a great experience it was.
Straight after that trip we drove to the Copper River, where Simon went dip netting to get his yearly allowance of Salmon. Only Alaskan residents are allowed to dip net so we were really lucky to go along and watch him in action. Managed to got 9 salmon, with only about 8 or 9 hours fishing. The copper river was a lot different to the Gulkana, much more wild and intimidating.
All in all we were a way for 6 days, and it was really good to get off the beaten Alaskan tourist track. To be outdoors, on the water, amongst the wilderness, I will never forget those 6 days and am incredibly thankful to Chris and Simon for taking us along.

Sarah

An interesting night

So, after a few wines the other night we all decided we were up for a night out, and an interesting night it turned out to be... We called up some people and in the end 7 of us piled into a taxi for a big night in Fairbanks, Alaska. Through a train of circumstances totally out of our control we ended up at the Arctic Bar, which is what Simon called a Native Bar. Turned out apart from the band we were the only white (and Malaysian) people in there. I guess we were a novelty too as the men (all six of them) had no shortage of dance partners. One woman in particular stood out, Connie, who made it her goal to dance with every man in the group. And she managed that all right. I had my own admirer George, who spun me around for a few dances. Finally at about 3am we all got kicked out and then the real stories began. Firstly Connie decided it was a good idea to throw her wedding ring away, I found it and she threw it away again...not impressed. Then George started asking for money "Can I have $20"?, "No", "How about $40"?, "No", "How about $60 then" , "Still no". Finally, our taxi arrived and we decided to drop one old man off, Mike, who decided that I was the one who must take his 16 dogs. I pointed out that actually I don't want 16 dogs but he was pretty adamant it must be me. That discussion lasted the entire journey going round and round in endless circles until we got to his stop. Things got mpostly back to normal after that, apart from the amazing taxi driver who after dropping us off, came back to say he had seen a moose and took us all out to see if we could see it (we could not) and then took us home again, only in Alaska! So that was our night, and our first real experience of the Athabascan people, an experience I won't forget...

Sarah

Fairbanks, Alaska Interior, USA

Hello there.

Freezing septic tanks? We have an out house with a long drop, so we don't have those freezing issues - have to burn the toilet paper though.

We have only seen one moose on the side of the road as we were driving past so that doesn't count. We are looking forward to bumping into one in the wild!

Sun shine hours? Well it may as well be 24 hours, we sleep through the "dark" hours, so it may as well be 24 hours of light. You'd think you'd go crazy but it seems to just be like summer in NZ. We haven't missed the dark yet. We loose 6 minutes of light per day until the summer solstice, when we are going to a mid night baseball game to celebrate. Its 20 - 30C here during the day.

There is no concept of time here. You sleep when you're tired, eat when you're hungry. There is no concept of night. You could go hiking at 3am and the light is just like early evening in summer in NZ - so bizarre, but so liberating.

There are heaps of crazy/eccentric people here - always a laugh. We are having a party on Friday, hopefully we will meet some interesting characters!

There are 300 dogs in the square mile we live in - they howl at 'night' time. There are two dogs here - one is on heat and the boy dogs are around a lot! Last night apparently she had escaped from her pen by 1am and was back in her pen, just like nothing had happened at 6am - what a sneaky dog.

Sarah got chased by a beaver yesterday - apparently she got between the baby and the mum - time to run!

The cabin is going well, got the first row of logs on now - its really taking shape - hopefully we will get 2 done while we are here.

The mosquitoes are something else. They just come in swarms. They are attracted to dark clothes and carbon-dioxide (ie. our breath). They are now respecting the repellent, in alaska they will bite through your clothes, i think its better got go with out a shirt and layer on the repellent! We take a very strong anti-histamine every night, that keeps the bites down - not to mention puts me to sleeps for a very good nights sleep.

Ok, body says it time to go.

Progress

We have now spent five days working on the cabin and it is looking good. The floor is down and we put the first line of logs down for the walls yesterday. It is really interesting watching it go up, although we have had the fun job of peeling the bark off the logs so until yesterday we were somewhat removed from the actual building process. But Chris and Simon have been really good at explaining what they are doing and why so we know what is happening at each step.

It is really hard work though and our bodies are taking a bit of a beating, strangely it is my hands that are aching. A couple of days ago I could not even clench my fist, so that seemed like a good day to take a break! But, our minds are feeling relaxed and we are happy - sleeping well each night after a hard days work.

It sounds like progress will be quite fast the next few weeks as the walls go up, and Chris is already talking about the second cabin! He has showed us the location and it is very remote, will be hard work getting all the materials there.

But I guess I should go get started for the day now...

Sarah

Hi there from the alaskan interior

Hi all,

we have arrived in Fairbanks and are staying with my old boss from nz, Chris Lee.

Its super hot here, and strange to thing that just 5 - 10 cm below the ground is the permafrost - permanently frozen ground. Yesterday it was 30C and the mosquitoes are out in full force.

We've started the log cabin project, got the first load of log off the trailer and will start stripping the bark of today - well I might not, I have been bitten by something and now my hand has swelled up.

Will update later.

Jeremy

The Real Alaska

Hello all, just a quick note while I organise my thoughts.

We have safely arrived in Anchorage, Alaska - after 7 days on the cruise to the most touristy places I can imagine - diamond shops at every stop (even though there are not diamond mines here!)

Otherwise it was very nice having dinner served and rooms made up 3 times a day! We were the youngest not accompanied by parents and the average age on board was 70!!

So we are in the real Alaska now, trying to check into the hostel but there is no one about.

Its warm enough and the mosquitoes are about - there are over 3 dozen different types, its commonly referred to as the state bird! Can't wait to see the 3 dozen different bite types!

Everything is big here. The mountains, the trees, the insects, the trucks, the burgers...

We make our way up to Fairbanks on Wednesday to start building the log cabins, so 3 days here in Anchorage. Hopefully there will be enough to keep us occupied - would love to see some wild life, so far we have seen a squirrel, a blue bird and various black or white specks in the distance (from the 12th deck of the ship!)

We have taken a lot of photos and videos but are yet to get any onto the internet or settle down enough to write some propper blog entries. We have been recording our journey with a GPS device so should also hopefully be able to get some photos up on a map!

Anyway I'm just rambling.

Leaving Canada to Alaska

Leaving Canada
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott

As much as we enjoyed Canada and its fine upstanding people, alas we had to join the cruise to Alaska.

This ship was massive to us, 11 decks, 600 staff and crew and 1200 (very old) passengers. Apparently this is one of the smaller ships!

Yes, the average age on board was 70, and that made us feel a little conspicuous. The staff however were onto it and for dinner seated us with the "other" young couple, Mike and Danya from Atlanta, Georgia.

Why a cruise? you might say. Well to be honest, it was a nice way to see the south-east of Alaska and when you account for food, accommodation and transport, the cruise worked out super cheap (not to mention luxurious!) - they made the bed and room up 3 times a day and even folded our dirty laundry!

Staying in Vancouver

Water taxi in Vancouver
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott.

Vancouver is a great city - so vibrant and colourful. While we were there the weather was sunny and warm and everyone was happy that summer was on the way.

We stayed at the Downtown Hostel International, a very large hostel close to the water front and Granville Island where water taxis cruised up and down the river.

Granville Island is very cool in the weekend. A huge market place where there is amazing fresh foods, flowers and crafts. While we were there, an student orchestra was playing setting an energetic mood to the place.

As with most places, the people of Canada had the distinct characteristic of being super friendly and relaxed.

Sarah and I both said that we would like to live here one day, so Vancouver has definitely been added to our list of favourite cities in the world.

Into Vancouver

Yesterday we left our alpine paradise and headed into the big smoke.

Initial impression is that Vancouver is a friendly relaxed layed back happening city (with the worst and confusing stressful frustrating one way system ever).

We are staying at the downtown HI Hostel which is located in a... how do I say it... liberally minded area full of colourful people.

The sun is shining and today we are off to enjoy it.

Canada - Around the Whistler hostel

Around the Whistler Hostel
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott

Here is the first video of the trip. Some shots from around the hostel we stayed at in Whistler, on Lake Alta.

We were very lucky to get a free canoe to go out onto the lake, and a camp fire when we got back.

More around Whistler, BC, Canada

More around Whistler, BC, Canada
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott

This is some more video from around Whistler, some waterfalls and a little adventure up the mountain in our little rental car.

Banter on the Lake Alta, Whister, BC, Canada

Banter on the Lake Alta, Whister, BC, Canada
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott

This is a video of some, not so accurate, history of Lake Alta where we stayed in Canada.

Day four

On way to Lost Lake
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott.

Not much to blog about as it has been raining the last two days! However I have been able to post some photos onto flicker. Here is the link:


http://www.flickr.com/photos/jscottnz/sets/72157618412701433/

First few days in Whistler, B.C.

Well we arrived safely in Vancouver and had a very uneventful night in a very cheap motel and the next day picked up a hire car and drove the two hours up to Whistler. Have been here for a couple of days now.
Yesterday was beautiful - we went hiking around a lake (19.61km apparently) and were in singlets and shorts it was so warm. The town itself is quite artificial, and very expensive but we are managing to stay within budget thanks to the kitchen in the hostel where we are cooking all our meals. Living out of a bag is ok still, although we have not been here long enough yet to run out of clothes...

Today it has been raining but we just got in the car and went driving. Was really nice to get outside of Whistler and get a sense for what Canada must be like for most people. Apparently, not everyone in Canada lives in mansions, we drove through a couple of Indian reservations and the very clear poverty there was quite shocking after the opulence of Whistler. Also I think the scenery was more stunning, not that Whistler is anything to sniff at! This whole region is breathtaking, crystal clear lakes, surrounded by dense forests and backed by snow capped mountains. The hostel sits right on the edge of a lake and the view from the dining room really is something else.

Jeremy is already beginning to talk like a Canadian, dropping phrases like "for sure" into conversations. I'm just waiting for him to start talking in the accent...

T-5 Days

5 days to go now before our lives change forever.

Boxes to New Zealand are being picked up sometime tomorrow so today is the final sprint to get everything together. We have about 14 30kg boxes to be shipped.

We have setup a phone number where voice mail can be left and or calls placed to us - it is a local Christchurch skype number so for us to receive the call our skype must be running, so most likely you can leave a voice mail. To make a call there is only the normal cost of calling a Christchurch number and no cost to us:

Jeremy and Sarah's new number +64 3 669 0607

Excited.

Stratford upon Avon and preparing to leave

Stratford upon Avon
Originally uploaded by Mr&MrsScott

Ok, so the time has come to start with the blogging again. Got a bit into the rut of life over here and I guess we didn't have anything interesting to blog about. But I think that I will be fair enough to say that the time for that is over.

Last weekend we spent some time with some of Sarah's family - Jane and Jeff - I think we'll call them an aunt and uncle, though the strict definition is a bit convoluted.

We were in Stratford Upon Avon, and as you will see in the video, we were lucky enough to be there for Shakespeare's birthday celebrations. There was alot of dressing up and singing in the old medieval styles.

It was great hanging out with Jane and Jeff and there were some tears as we left - that was our first (home hitting) good bye.

We have no water? I leek somewhere?

We have no water? I leek somewhere?
Originally uploaded by jscott1.

We woke up this morning with a trickle of cold water and no hot water! The water company informed us that there was a burst pipe and that workmen were at the scene.

On my way to work and after a pleasant sponge bath, I came across a river gushing down the road – “ah, there the problem – someone looking into that?”. The workman were all on phones looking complete out of their depth (ha!).

I don’t imagine that they will get that fixed any time soon, and while they are I bet they will have to cut the water off!