Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World

With 2 weeks of jam packed activities planned, there was no time to waste. First outing, a trip in the Shark Bus to Kelly Tarlton's to see the penguins. This underwater world was created inside a series of old war time sewer tunnels under the ground, with the main aquarium up over your head whilst you walked through it. Having not seen any live penguins before we were all excited to see the little furry critters. You view them from inside a warm snow mobile that does a loop around the enclosure. It also includes a historical replica of Scott's Hut so you can read and experience how the scientists survived in Antarctica. The kids couldn't believe how primitive things were back then.

Off in the shark bus to Kelly Tarltons, lucky for us it collected and dropped us off in front of Skycity Casino where we were staying.

The red snow mobile doing laps around the enclosure.

BEFORE...... A moulting penguin (not really a pretty sight)

AND AFTER...... But once all the old feathers are shed, they are quite cute.

They don't really do much except lie on their bellies or stand around all day.

Now apart from the penguins, there were lots of other things to see and do with the kids interactive games keeping them busy for a few hours. The biggest test was to see which one of us could keep our hands in -5 degree water for 60 seconds. Mum was the winner only just, it took about 5 mins to get the feeling back in my hand.

Jodie's favourite display, 23 in one big tank. Security cameras prevented her from putting it in her bag to take home for dinner.

Dylan helping to feed the crayfish.

Emily's favourite was of course Nemo and friends.

Dylan's favourite because of all the groovy lego displays inside the tank.

Huge suckers aren't they, the sting ray that is, not the kids!!!

Another exhibit with the WOW factor.

Who said the day had to be all about the kids.

If you want to see the wonders of green screen photography, look up http://www.kellytarltons.co.nz/ click on daily photos and type in this number KLTN101150001010 and it will show you the 4 photos they super imposed of us into various backgrounds. If the play button isn't working try the save photos option and it will let you look at them.

Always a tad dramatic our Emily

Q's x 3 visit Auckland, New Zealand

With Lyndon away in Townsville for work for one month and still 3 weeks of school holidays left, I decided it was required for the metal health and safety of all concerned to have a little break before the madness of 2011 set in. Recreational leave is supposed to refresh the batteries and give one a chance to participate in activities not found at your posting location (in our case Tonga), so we made the most of it. The 6 P's google research (prior preparation prevents piss poor performance - a lovely naval term my husband uses often), made sure I had an exhaustive list of places to visit and people to see. Who knew Auckland was such a vibrant and cosmopolitan city (the Melbourne of NZ, so I've been told).

Our plane was delayed by one hour so that wasn't an ideal start but then, the entertainment arrived. Lovely to see the Royal Band come out and march around and perform a few numbers to keep the waiting crowd (or so I thought) entertained.

The Royal Band in formation, but alas it was not for our benefit afterall, The Princess Regent, HRH Princess Pilolevu (the King's sister) had just arrived on the incoming flight and they were actually there to greet her.

HRH in green, with her Offical Greeting Party

Emily and Dylan at the arrivals hall at Auckland Intl Airport, they are definately becoming seasoned travellers. Each had a cabin bag full of goodies which they didn't end up using because they had a movie and meal on the plane.

We stayed at Skycity Hotel Casino for 5 nights, stayed with a friend from Tonga, Nada and her kids in St Hilliers for 6 nights then off to Lyndon's Aunty Elwyn for the last 4 nights. Maybe a little too much activity was had in the 2 weeks we were away, because, it was actually great to get back home to have a little rest before the kids went back to school.

We arrived home a day late thanks to Cyclone Wilma, although no drama here in Tongatapu, there was damage up in the Ha'aapi Island Group. Thanks for Mark and Linda who waited an extra hour to collect us because our plane was delayed in Auckland. The kids were excited as they could hear Mark and Linda yelling out to them from the viewing platform and were happy to be home.

Home sweet home

Our 1st Year Tongan Anniversary - 5 Jan 2011

After a glorious year in paradise our anniversary day adventure summed it all up perfectly!!
We all had a sleep in, followed by a BBQ breakfast and Jodie kissing everyone for her anniversary present. After this we loaded up the truck and headed to the boat for a day out in the sun at Malinoa with friends. We left the Navy base and a massive storm front came across. No Malinoa, you couldn't even see 10m in front of the boat and the wind was screaming so we decided to make the most of it and hide at the Pangi bar -Plan B. As usual the kids had a ball and the weather soon cleared enough for a snorkel and play around Pangi. The dad's stayed inside and played a few games of pool while it bucketed down even though we were already wet from swimming ashore?

Initially we were the only fools on the Island but the kids had the swing tree all to them selves.

The view of the tail end of the storm and the crystal clear waters.

Dom and Lyndon had a few games of pool followed by some darts while the kids played in the rain.

Jodie and Hannah relaxed at the bar but it was too early for Bubbles so it was tea for two.

Now that the weather had cleared sufficiently enough and Lyndon had blown a blood vessel or two blowing up the ski tube by mouth it was time to have some different fun - Plan C. Not sure who had more fun though Lyndon driving or the kids getting thrown around but everyone was up for a go. Also the Pangi resort makes for a nice backdrop in the photos.

Hannah and Eve were first out or is that in?

Em showed Neesy the ropes.

Dom thought he was indestructible for about 30 seconds then those office hands just gave up!

Best effort of the day went to Jodie and without glasses either. No prompting or egging on was even required it was all her.

Next adventure, Plan D - Lyndon saw a window of blue sky and smooth seas so we headed out to Malinoa and anchored out off the island amongst the reef. A late lunch was had on board while everyone had a snorkel or swim. Then all of a sudden the storm clouds rolled back in, Plan E pack up quick smart and run for home! Lyndon barely had time to get everyone back in and the anchor up and we were stuck in the rain again!!

Em and Mella hitching a ride behind Lyndon.

Jodie spotted this coming and we were OK time to go soon.

Then all of a sudden this was apon us and Lyndon was moving in a very Naval manner.

Half way home, when it wasn't so ruff the kids and even Hannah had a little rest. They can sleep anywhere if they are tired enough.

Then to top off "Quirky's Uninteresting Tour" the engine blew the cooling pump belt, just inside Fafa Is, thankfully. The outboard was being very stubborn so Lyndon went with Plan F - show Dom and the kids how to fix the main engine. After being adrift for 30odd minutes all mechanical repairs were complete and our adventure continued - yep, Plan G straight back along side so Lyndon could have a rest and a well earned beer or two.

WHAT AN EXCITNG DAY! SO MAKE SURE YOU ALL STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT EXCITING 12 MONTHS WITH THE QUIRKE TRIBE ADVENTURES!!!!!

What a way to start 2011.

Dylan scored a couple of lures for Christmas presents and has been into me ever since. The weather had finally come good on the 3rd and we have been lucky enough to get the boat back for a couple more days until they decide of the disposal process so we grabbed the rods and headed out. Not 5min after the lines hit the water we had a double hook up so both Dyl and Jodie had a fight on their hands. Dyl isn't strong enough yet to fight the big ones 1 on 1 so he left the rod in the holder till the end. Jodie did OK too. After landing 6 tuna it was time to head to Malinoa for a quick swim before returning home to hand out our spoils to some friends. Dyl winding in his first Tuna on his new lure.

Two in the boat and smiles all round.

On our way up the reef we spotted a pod of small whales cruising south. The island in the back ground is Atata.

Em's big effort she thinks she caught this one but we think the Tuna spat it out but at least she's fishing still.

Lyndon and Dyl having some boy bonding.

Dyl was flogged after pulling in three of these boys but the smile lasted a lot longer. Although he was a little upset as the eyes on his lure got smashed off but it still worked!

A swim in the crystal clear waters surely revived us all.

The next morning at 0430 Dyl, Lyndon, Mark and Neil headed back out for some bottom bashing this time with favourable tides. We surely made the most of the boat and good weather. We picked up a dozen reef fish and also had a visit from a Marlin which got us all very excited but it didn't take the hook just the little tuna that was hooked. We then picked up this Mahi Mahi.

Dyl slept most of the way home as he was dead on his feet after the early start and previous days fishing.

I busted Dyl having some fun. Who said dogs are the only ones who like the wind in their faces??

New Years Eve 2010 - Lyndon's Birthday

NYE saw a dual celebration at our house/compound as both Lyndon and his boss Mark have their birthdays on the 1st. Jodie and Linda (and possibly us boys) got together and came up with an "International Theme" party. Nearly everyone was dressed in their favourite outfit and the spread of international food was magnifico!!!! One highlight was the 'Fine 5' puwaka but the head had to be returned for his dad, Mosesi Sr. We had most angles covered for entertainment of all ages. Jumping castle for the little ones, pool for everyone, outdoor theatre in the shed for the kids, pool table and darts for the adults and then for the pyromaniacs amongst us - cheap Chinese fireworks to bring in the new year. I'm sure the QA (quality assurance) is good on fireworks as some costing a whole 20 cents, Aust. Clean up was left until the mandatory 2Jan as a day of rest is always given to Lyndon as a birthday present. So he thinks!

Looking back into our place, too much food but what a spread.

Sal and his Traditional International meal. The pig was Tomasi's I believe 'Dinner' was his name, very appropriate.

No wonder Australia was struggling in the cricket Lyndon was here in Tonga. Jodie was reliving her Bollywood days from Capta.

Wayne runs our Local hardware store, very appropriate too.

Our new Chatham's friends Glenn and Kelly in something a tad older.

Hero, Lola and Naomi (missing in this photo) came as Hawaiians and Hannah had to change out of her outfit, slacker.

Sal's cousins Lina and Sita were visiting from Sydney so they dressed Tongan (what else). Rochelle also wore a Saree, her and Jodie could have been sisters.

The winners from our best dressed comp, Mark and Em tallied the results to ensure there was no rigging of votes.

The birthday boys cutting their cakes. Mark was a Somalian pirate and Dyl was his side kick.

Dom our Kiwi tourist loved the deserts table and beers!

The cinema for the kids, one feature was 'Aliens in the Attic'

Dom also changed from Kiwi tourist to Kiwi Terrorist. Launching the inner pyromaniac, fireworks out of his empty beer bottles. Was just one of his tricks.

The crowds gathered and as Dom finished up Sam and Dave came to his rescue with even bigger fireworks as they had been stock piling since Christmas day!

This box off fireworks said it all. "DANGER ZONE" what a great way to bring in the New Year with some good friends and a big Bang - Tongan style.