Ban 1080

On New Zealand's South Island, the government's use of a pesticide known as 1080 is contentious. Like, really contentious. Seeking to contribute to a less controversial solution, Emmett's mom tried desperately to nail a possum or two with the car on the drive back to Nelson from Takaka last night. Alas, she was not successful.

Incidentally, Emmett discovered that prior to the implementation of 1080, the NZ Department of Conservation used a deterrent known as 'Farex'.

While ineffective against possums, it has an undeniable negative effect on Emmettilius stranmccannii.



Hoping the dust in the northern hemisphere settles in the next week or so, StranMcCann catches the interisland ferry from Picton to Wellington on Saturday morning.

White knuckle-pa-looza

After driving the road to Arthur's Pass, Milford Road, and the road across Cardrona Summit (and everything in between), Emmett's parents are in agreement: the folks in the New Zealand highway design department either have a great sense of humour, or they're completely insane. Either way, driving in New Zealand is a treat.

Fiddling with the radio or a cup of flat white doesn't help. Rabbits and possums who aren't afraid of cars are further obstacles to safe driving. What does help? Both hands firmly gripping the wheel at all times, a Toyota Corolla with a 6-speed manual transmission, and arrows reminding tourists like us that yes, you're still correct driving on the left side of the road.

Leaving Wanaka today for the west coast and Fox Glacier. Oh yeah, and Emmett's tiger-in-the-grass routine is good to go. Take a peek.

Emmett's Kiwi Adventure

Taking advantage of his dad's heap of vacation time, his mom's maternity leave, and free airfare for himself, Emmett has dragged his family to New Zealand. While his parents were thrilled by the service on their 14-hour Air New Zealand flight, they couldn't help but note the irony of the most comfortable seat on the plane going to the passenger who paid, like, nothing.

The weather in Christchurch has been spectacular, sufficient to assist Emmett in crossing a few things off his Kiwi Things-To-Do list.

Drive the Summit Road above Dyer's Pass. Check.

Fish and chips in Akaroa. Check.

Act like a tiger at the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Check.

Tastebuds in development

Emmett has been eating solids for two weeks now. He began with the basics, transitioning from breastmilk to rice cereal. Eager to develop his tastebuds, Emmett's mom cracked out her handy dandy hand blender and started to puree everything in sight. His simple diet is expanding, and he has now experienced carrots, chicken thighs, broccoli, sweet potato, applesauce, and avocado. Some tastes were a hit, others took some time to get used to. Next up, she'll attempt to puree a burger from Rocky's Burger Bus.

One other valuable lesson learned this week. It's fun to play with your food. But when you're tired, it's not such a good idea to rub your eyes during your meal.

Emmettremor

So far, 2010 has been a bad year for earthquakes. The most recent temblor occurred near Guantanamo, Cuba, on March 20. Although damage was slight and no casualties were reported, seismologists are baffled at the quake having been felt by residents 4,800 km away in western Canada.

Visitors from the East

Emmett's Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Blair arrived from the east for the weekend. His parents planned an action packed weekend, including lunch at Rocky's, watching speedskating, swimming lessons, skiing, and a night in the mountains. Emmett was delighted to have them in town, and especially likes hanging with Auntie Lindsay, who supported him while he tried standing...

...and read lots of books to him...

...while his dad and his uncle went to the hockey game.

First trip to the playground

First ride on the swing. Success.

First climb up the jungle gym. Not so much.