alexandriacardinals

January 21

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

[We’ve crossed the Tasman Sea from Burnie, destination the SW corner of New Zealand’s South Island.]

[After cruising the fiords, our next stop will be Dunedin on the East Coast, passing through Foveaux Strait between South Island and Stewart Island.]

[But now, the natural highlight of the trip for me – Milford Sound.  We were advised before we got here that there would be a 95% chance of rain.  Wikipedia: Climate. With a mean annual rainfall of 6,412 mm (252 in) each year, a high level even for the West Coast, Milford Sound is known as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world. Rainfall can reach 250 mm (10 in) during a span of 24 hours.]

[Wikipedia:  Within Fiordland National Park, Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve and the Wahipounamu World Heritage site has been judged the world’s top travel destination in an international survey (the 2008 Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards by TripAdvisor) and is acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination.  Rudyard Kipling had previously called it the eighth wonder of the world.  It runs 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea at Dale Point (also named after a location close to Milford Haven in Wales) – the mouth of the fiord – and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more on either side. Among the peaks are The Elephant at 1,517 metres (4,977 ft), said to resemble an elephant’s head, and The Lion, 1,302 metres (4,272 ft), in the shape of a crouching lion.  Milford Sound sports two permanent waterfalls all year round, Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls.  After heavy rain however, many hundreds of temporary waterfalls can be seen running down the steep sided rock faces that line the fiord. They are fed by rain water drenched moss and will last a few days at most once the rain stops.  With a mean annual rainfall of 6,412 mm (252 in) each year, a high level even for the West Coast, Milford Sound is known as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world. Rainfall can reach 250 mm (10 in) during a span of 24 hours.  The rainfall creates dozens of temporary waterfalls (as well as a number of major, more permanent ones) cascading down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand metres in length. Smaller falls from such heights may never reach the bottom of the sound, drifting away in the wind.]

[At dawn’s early light we passed Dale Point and entered Milford Sound.  Hey, we’re in New Zealand!]

[Well, it’s not raining . . . but it’s not sunny either.  “They” say it’s often better to come here when it’s raining (we’re under protection on the deck), because rain creates lots of waterfalls.]

[From our location on the back porch.]

[And now looking ahead.]

[And behind us again . . . eerily cool!]

[The Biddies are up and about.  It may be summer, but there’s a chill in the air.  After 100-degree temperatures in Australia, I thought this was great!]

[Folks were lined up on every outdoor deck for the beautiful scenery.]

[Clouds were below the level of the side cliffs.]

[Our first waterfall sighting.  There are two permanent waterfalls in the Sound – this is the first, Sterling Falls.]

[And from the “other” side.]

[The Southern Alps pretty much run the length of South Island.  In the distance here is Mt. Cook (Aoraki), the highest peak at 12,200 feet.]

[More low hanging clouds.]

[Looking toward the east end of the Sound is Mt. Cook and at water level in the distance, Lady Bowen Falls, the other permanent waterfall.]

[Coming up to Harrison’s Cove, another waterfall likely created by recent rain.]

[There were some boats (ships?) anchored in Harrison’s Cove.]

[‘Twas a quite breezy day as well.]

[Close to the end – Mt. Cook with Tasman Glacier, the longest in New Zealand (about 18 miles and beginning over 9,000 feet above sea level; Lady Bowen Falls comes into better view; and Milford Terminal and Visitor Center.]

[Same shot, less telephoto-ey.]

[Closing in on Bowen Falls.  Somewhere around here we had some passengers disembark the ship and take a boat ashore to begin an inland trek.]

[Low cloud bank ahead!]

[We must have decided it was time for breakfast . . . or at least a hot cup of coffee.  Past the inside pool to the Lido where goodies are aplenty!]

[We still had a view of the other photographers while we dined.]

[There’s Milford Terminal – we’re at the end of the Sound.]

[And Bowen Falls.]

[Then the ship spun a 360 (or was it a 720?) so we could see all from every angle.]

[Not quite a day for the pool.]

[The Biddies and Shari with front row seats.]

[Mt. Cook and Tasman Glacier.  Apparently we were very lucky as this is a sight seldom seen.]

[The Super and Shari enjoy the views of Milford Terminal from the inside . . . ]

[And the Super with Bowen Falls.]

[Kayakers!  Unfortunately, they were the only wildlife we saw.]

[Beginning our departure from the Sound.]

[Let’s see if we can work the ship into a couple of shots.]

[Good-bye Milford Sound, it was nice to meet you.  A good site mapping out the Sound:  http://milfordsoundselect.com/milford-sound/the-cruise-on-milford-sound]

[Then we were out in open water again . . . ]

[I’m really rather delighted about the lighting in this shot.]

[We next boated into Doubtful Sound (or was it Breaksea Sound) and came out Dusky Sound.]

[Entering either Doubtful or Breaksea.  I think it was the former, but looks more likely from the latter as a route out of Dusky?]

[Yes, our Maasdam is 24 years old.  She only has one year of service left.  She served us well.]

[The color and pageantry that is the international tourist.]

[As you’ll recall from our trip through Milford Sound, I believe that is called a waterfall.]

[I believe we are heading for Dusky . . . and out.]

[‘Twas a lovely day in a most gorgeous part of the planet.  We then went around the southern tip of South Island passing by Stewart Island (the country’s 3rd largest island after South and North), but it was getting dark and it was a little to far away for any photos.  So next . . . ]

[We decided to go to dinner.  I guess I ordered the fruit appetizer.]

[“This is exactly why I want to live on a cruise ship,” says the Super!]

[Yum!]

[The Biddies got the shrimp cocktail appetizer . . . ]

[So did Kathy.]

[Beef Wellington night?  Or is that ‘just’ a filet mignon wearing a hat?]

[Looks like a fruit cobbler.  I got them often for dessert.]

[Surprisingly good single performers.  This was their last night on ship – both were leaving us in Dunedin – so they both performed.  Do you think I could remember their names?  Not a chance!]

[We didn’t go to a lot of the theater performances after dinner.  They’re usually pretty good.  But some times we just went to the piano bars.  Other times, just to bed!]

Well, he’s…he’s, ah…probably pining for the fjords.  ~  Monty Python

January 19

Two Days at Sea

[We’re now steaming from Australia to New Zealand, a two-day venture across the Tasman Sea at 17 knots.]

[This is why an ocean cruise excites me not.  This is all you see.  Of course, it makes for short blog posts as I only took four photos over the two days.]

[Well, there’s always meals.]

[And you can watch the water slosh around in the pool.]

[But mostly it is a good time to catch up on one’s book readings.  I finished these two by friends with Alexandria connections and found them both to be terrific tales that were captivating.  I remember Jami reading Jess’s book through every activity she did in the house because she couldn’t put it down.  Thanks, Jess and Mike!!  🙂  ]

A tourist is a fellow who drives thousands of miles so he can be photographed standing in front of his car.  ~  Emile Ganest

January 18

Tasmania

[Arriving in Burnie, a small port city on the north coast of Tasmania with a metro population of about 27,000.]

[When we disembarked, we were all met by a woman handing out “Burnie” pins.  Turns out she was the mayor, Anita Dow.  Totally shirking my cub reporting duties, I forgot to take her picture.  This one’s from the “www.”]

[Well, if the mayor is handing me a city pin, it’s going on my hat!]

[A short bus ride (it could have been a walk, but again, it’s a working port so it’s verboten) to the city, technically to Makers’ Workshop (and information center) from whence to begin daily operations.  I found this university sign and wondered if they’re the Tasmania Fighting Tasmanian Devils?]

[Reetz explores the facilities.]

[Followed by a bus ride to the city overlook . . . ]

[The Biddies each get their shots.]

[Lumber is a major export product of both Australia and New Zealand, going mainly to South and East Asia.]

[Ground plaques, always a major photo op.]

[Are we back in West Central Minnesota?]

[The first and main tour destination – it’s internationally-renowned, we’re told.]

[Our group models . . . modeling.]

[And here we go for a walk over the 11 hectare (2 1/2 acres per hectare) gardens.]

[Artsy shot of tall trees.]

[The Super finds some flowers . . . ]

[As does Bert.]

[There are literally thousands of varieties of rhododendron – over 22,000 in this garden alone.  They are a very close relative to the azalea.  We’re here in summer and the blooming season is spring – so we just missed it by a month or so.]

[Looking back up at the welcome center.]

[Argghhhh!  I forgot to check to see if this was a Continental Bridge.  Sure looks like one.]

[Like a Japanese garden.]

[The Flowering Biddies – hydrangeas, I believe.]

[Oh, that Aussie sense of humor!]

[With our garden guide, Pete Stratford (I know that because in an upcoming photo you can read his name tag), in a volunteer-made gazebo.]

[A lovely setting, if I do say so myself.]

[The Super in the covered bridge . . . ]

[The aforementioned covered bridge.]

[Plants]

[More plants, with the gazebo in the background.]

[The gazebo and the covered bridge all in one incredible shot!]

[It must be some sort of Tasmanian word?]

[On the road again . . . ]

[To this destination.]

[A really big tree – eucalyptus, I believe.]

[A tree parasite.]

[As we begin our trail walk, signs of a relatively recent flood in the river.]

[Keep an eye out for a platypus.  Nope, unfortunately never saw one.]

[Another parasitic tree.]

[Reetz and Kathy read about what they’re looking at.]

[Onward – ferns abound.]

[The gang enjoys another scenic overlook.]

[This selfie was designed to include the Super and the entire background.  Close-up setting instead of wide angle.  Well, it could always be used as an ad for using sunscreen, as I’m peeling like an old onion.]

[Kinda what I was looking for the first time – except the Super is holding a “stuffed” platypus.]

[Reetz plays a little solitaire waiting for our ride at the end of the hike.]

[And now back at the Makers’ Workshop for a little lunch – not unlike SAWA’s wine lovers platter.  Yummy!]

The Supervisor’s Section

[The Super and Reetz are into crafting and gardening.  Thus, it only seems fair they get a whole section for their photos beginning in Makers’ Workshop, where folks work on their arts and crafts, i.e., “make” things . . . ]

[And her port shots . . . ]

[And her spouse shot.]

[Flowers!]

[Sniff!]

[More flowers . . . ]

[Pete and the folks in the gazebo.]

[There’s that funny Tasmanian word again?]

[The aforementioned Mr. Stratford and his name tag.  And he wrote a book:  Why I Sit Like This … …: The Poetry of Pete Stratford.  The Super bought a copy and had him sign it for Jami and Danny.]

[Saying good-bye to Burnie.]

Stop ye travellers as you pass by; As you are now, so once was I; As I am now, soon you shall be – Prepare yourself to follow me.  Graffiti response:  To follow you; I am not content – – How do I know; Which way you went?  ~  Tombstone epitaph in Tasmania

February 23

[The Super captures the beginning of festivities at Ridder Arena on the U of M campus as our Cards would be taking on the Mound-Westonka Whitehawks, the No. 4 seed, in the consolation bracket.  We beat the Whitehawks 2-1 at their place in November for Molly Arola’s first win as a head coach.]

[Jersey No. 29 is on display by Rev’s mom.]

[Pure happenstance, I picked Alexis Heckert (20) out of the warm-up crowd.]

[Cards look ready to roll.]

[We don’t get a chance to see our road uniforms much – look sharp.]    ]

[Prescient?  Coach Arola telling McKenna Ellingson (24) to score the winning goal in overtime?]

[Go Cards!  Or something to that effect.]

[And away we go!  The Kristin Trosvig (15) line of McKenna and Calley Ricardson (19) up against . . .]

[Liz Schepers (13) line for the loyal opposition.  Schepers even got her own story in the Strib before the tournament started – I think she lead the state in scoring and is going to play for Ohio State (did you catch that, Crazy Dave?).  She had an unbelievable game against us.]

[Rev]

[And her defense mate, Mayson Toft (14).]

[Marki Oberg (10) chases into the offensive zone.]

[And cheer oh cheer for Alex, the Cards came out flying and flew all game.  Kristin started what turned out to be a totally unexpected scoring barrage.]

[The Cards were buzzing again . . . ]

[Looks like Megan Pesta (8) in with Marki and Mayson.]

[Eventually leading to Kristin’s 2nd goal, which came shortly after Schepers performed her first piece of magic to tie the score.]

[The Cards threaten again with the Trosvig line.]

[And then this could have been McKenna’s goal – but I don’t see any hugging?]

[These were more or less the scenes the entire game – Cards were always all over the Whitehawks’ goal.]

[Even the defense was getting in on the offensive action as . . . ]

[Allison O’Kane fires a shot.]

[Calley and McKenna again.]

[After the 1st period, we had a very comfortable feeling.]

[Period 2, the Cards try a triple defense on Schepers.]

[Our crowd – not as big as the first day because all the students had to go back to school.]

[The Super – in the middle – and I sorta opted for the clear sight lines of center ice.]

[She hadn’t been to many games this year, but she got back into her cheering mode.]

[The loneliness – often welcome – of the hockey goalie.  Sarah will be a Gopher next year – as a nursing student.]

[Calley’s back on the door step.]

[And she eventually scored to make the score 4 – 3.  3, I hear you ask?  Yup, Schepers scored the first two goals of the period, with great speed and stickhandling.]

[The Whitehawks tied it up again shortly thereafter on a goal assisted by Schepers.  Then about 30 seconds later, Schepers scored again -a 2nd period hat trick and her 4th goal of the game.  Now we were behind 5 – 4.  The Cards were not happy about this.  We had been totally dominating the game and this Schepers person was messing it all up.  Rev scored about 30 seconds later to tie the score again at the end of the period.]

[Josie Minnerath (6) scored early in the 3rd period to give us a deserved 6 – 5 lead.]

[McKenna attempted to widen our lead . . .]

[As did Rev . . . ]

[And McKenna again . . . ]

[But at the 10-minute mark, the Whitehawks tied it again – the assist to Schepers, who figured in all their scoring with 4 goals and 2 assists.]

[A very strange game for two defense minded teams.  The Whitehawk goalie has been considered one of the best in the state the last couple years.  So, we went into OT with a 49 – 19 shots on goal advantage – incredible.]

[Coach Arola addresses the team before the OT, likely reminded them they’ve controlled the whole game and to now go out and win it.]

[The Whitehawks had the early advantage in the extra period . . . ]

[But when the Cards broke out, with a rush by McKenna up the right side, she somehow got it past the goalie for the winning goal!]

[We win!]

[Let the celebration begin!]

[On to the consolation final against Hibbing/Chisholm on Saturday morning.]

[The Super’s parting shot.]

Consolation Championship Game

In the old days, we would have been there, spent the afternoon doing elite liberal stuff in the city, and then stopped in St. Cloud on the way home to catch the boy Cards in the section semifinals against Sartell. But we decided to just stay home, wear our shawls, and take a few naps.  ~  Cub Reporter

We weren’t there for the game.  The earlier threat of big snow in the cities threw us off our game plan.  But we listened to DMac and Bob on the radio, and it sounded like we continued our great tournament play.  This was more like our usual game.  It sounded like we had an advantage in play, but neither team could score.  The Hibbing/Chisholm Bluejackets had an almost Schepers like player in Mallorie Iozzo, but we kept her off the scoreboard. Next year she will be playing with Rev at UMD.  Kristin scored a shorthanded goal in the 3rd period – and it would hold up as the winner in a 1 – 0 game.  During the year, the Cards scored 6 shorthanded goals and gave up none – Kristin played a big part in that both ways.  Rev and Iozzo made the all-tournament team – I thought Kristin should have as well with 4 points in the Mound-Westonka game and the only goal in the Hibbing/Chisholm game.  She’ll be back to take another run at it next year.  It’s time for a final thanks to seniors Rev, Sarah, Megan, Ashton Oberg, and Maddie Guy.  They will be hard to replace, but we have a good core coming back next year.

January 25

I’ve just been ‘sitting on my ass’ for two days (OK, gym in the morning where I amble for an hour). But it’s my favorite time of year on the sports calendar – tournaments starting in hockey and basketball. So, Friday watched all four girls’ state hockey semifinal games on TV . . . and started blogging the Card games we actually saw live and in person. And yesterday . . . oy! Listened to our Cards win the state consolation championship in the morning – a 1-0 nail biter to the end. Then the Super’s lady Hoosiers were on TV. Then the Gopher men basketballers continued their great run with a win over Penn State. Then the girls’ hockey class A and class AA state championship games. We were watching the 2nd game in conjunction with listening to the Card boys’ hockey section semifinal in St. Cloud v. Sartell – rolled to an easy 3-2 win in OT! Jack Westlund scored the game winner about 6 minutes into OT. We play St. Cloud Cathedral for the section championship on Thursday (I think). And this coming week, basketball sections begin.

I should note a positive trend in girls’ high school hockey – more women head coaches.  I thought it would get more play in the media, particularly in the Cardinal-Blue Jacket game.  Both teams have first year women coaches – Molly for us and Emily Erickson for the Bluejackets.  And they were high school teammates in Grand Rapids, and college teammates (along with our Cardinals’ Abby Williams) at Bemidji State.  And the class AA state champions Edina had a first year woman coach who also played for the Hornets just a few years ago.

High sticking, tripping, slashing, spearing, charging, hooking, fighting, unsportsmanlike conduct, interference, roughing . . . everything else is just figure skating.  ~  Scotty Bowman