And now for something completely different

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Just passing by

Transit of Venus, 6 June, 2012

Last night it was overcast and we were expecting snow. This morning, the skies cleared and it was a beautiful day. The low-lying late autumn sun was bright in the sky. In front of Southland Hospital coworkers and visitors were able to glimpse the reflected image of Venus paaing between the Earth and the sun. Five or six sunspots were also visible. The last time that a transit of Venus could be seen from this part of the world, Captain James Cook was in the neighborhood.

A colleague suggested a brief excursion to a local school where many students were using a variety of projectors and filters to view the event. It was great fun to add the above Newtonian reflector to the viewing options. Many students were intrigued by the other viewing possibilities (at night). I will have to visit the local observatory.

Many thanks to my loving bride for help in bringing various necessities to me and taking some photos as well.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Bluff Oyster Festival

I cannot say I used to give much thought to oysters. Since oysters came in season here in Southland, I have eaten a lot more oysters in a few months than in prior years. Lightly battered and fried is my favorite. Today, 26 May 2012, Bluff is celebrating their annual oyster festival. Lots of food and drink, people and music all about. Helicopter pilots offer brief tours and Sea Scouts run a raffle fund-raiser in uniform as people walk along the docks where dozens of picturesque fishing boats are stationed for a brief respite.

Invercargill's promoter-in-chief, Mayor
Tim Shadbolt greets eager festival goers in full regalia and cooperates with photo ops on
request.

Inside there are numerous food vendors and the main outdoor stage has a variety of local musicians to entertain.

On stage a man gives away dozens of uncooked oysters to people a la Monty Hall. "First person with a passport!...Tara ..., from the United States. Can you speak English?" Tara laughs and makes off with her prize.