I have arrived home safe and sound from my trip to New Zealand and Australia. It was an awesome trip and I got to spend time with amazing people that I am lucky to know.
The photos are still being looked at, checked out and doctored because of the dust on the camera lens..... we might play a game.... see if you can spot the dust on the photos. I promise some of them are on the way.
In terms of sitting around and really reflecting on how it went......... well there isn't much time for that. Gordon Bell, Scotland's finest to have never played volleyball has arrived. He was already in the country but is chilling in the Hammer at the Hall home.
Gordo and I will be taking a trip with some buddies to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. We will be hitting up the Indians vs. Tigers game first on Friday night. Bring on the rides..........
MPH
P.S. I almost missed my flight from LAX to Toronto, falling asleep in the gate waiting area and getting up to see the gate cleared of people. Apparently they had been calling my name for some time. The plane was late because of ME. I love it. Good times.
P.P.S. If you happen to have any jobs or requests or social ideas or dates that I need to keep free for the rest of the summer, please let me know so I can do my best to sort it out. Anyone looking for portfolio photos? family shots? action shots? party shots? let me know.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Great Ocean Road is coming... and life goes on...
Friday afternoon was spent at the BMX World Championships. I had the opportunity to meet some really great people while I was there. Talking shop with some awesome photographers and watching some great rides.
The evening was spent watching movies and chilling out with the ladies.
Saturday morning was a photo shoot with Miss Amy Danko. We headed down to the beach in Glenelg and had some fun, messing around.
Here is one of Amy's favourites:
The afternoon was again spent at the BMX. The finals and unfortunately, Canada had qualified for only two final heats and did not make the podium in either one. Still there were a couple cool photos, despite the crappy indoor lighting.
The evening was meant to be a night on the town. It started with a trip to the Mitchem Football Club to see who would be crowned Miss Mitchem 2009. The boys from the A/B/C/D squads had one member dress up as a female. A fun time but, what a gong show. Just too much in many ways.
We left the club and headed for downtown Adelaide, making a number of stops due to sickness. I was the designated driver - yes, driving on the other side of the road....... good times.
After a number of starts, stops and pick-ups, we made it home for a nice sleep.
Sunday was an early rise and a climb up Mount Lofty with Liz. The walk was about 5km to the top, some parts steeper then others. Great company, great conversation, I'm out of shape.
No photos as it is just something that you should be getting done.
Food and a shower gave way to a trip to see the Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide Power in AFL. The game was at the Adelaide home ground. We had seats about 12 rows from the pitch and got caught in two short storms. Good times, not soaked.
Crows won big.
Sunday night was chilling.
Monday was checking out downtown and photo editing.
Tuesday was getting myself in order. Tuesday evening was a great dinner with Miss Danko. Best pizza ever in Glenelg. Love the time with Danks.
Gotta get sleep before the 4:30 drive to the airport.
MPH
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Great Ocean Road Trip trailer
I went on a Road Trip with Meaghan Bell. We travelled from Adelaide, South Australia to Melbourne, Victoria over four days.
We survived and had fun. The story of the trip will be coming in the following days.
Bell has the notes.
I'm in Adelaide right now and have just spent some time at the 2009 World BMX Championships.
More to come later on.
MPH
We survived and had fun. The story of the trip will be coming in the following days.
Bell has the notes.
I'm in Adelaide right now and have just spent some time at the 2009 World BMX Championships.
More to come later on.
MPH
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Some photos from above the clouds
Here are some photos that I took on my trip from Auckland to Queenstown with Air New Zealand. 
MPH
Friday, July 17, 2009
My three days in Brisbane...
Monday and Tuesday were spent relaxing, catching up on some sleep and picking up some last minute All Blacks gear. Not much happened, and no real fun was had but, it was quite relaxing and a little bit chilly.
On Tuesday afternoon, I headed to the airport and checked in for my flight to Brisbane, where I'm sure my brother would be waiting with open arms. Actually, he was scheduled to be at rugby practice and I would have to find my way to the formerly flooded Swan Terrace residence.
My plane was delayed due to the late arrival of the previous flight, the movies were okay on board and most importantly we were put in a holding pattern above Brisbane. My scheduled arrival of 5:40 p.m. was delayed until 8:00 p.m.
I jumped off the plane, grabbed my bags and headed for the Australian customs, had my passport stamped and my bags checked on the way into the country. I bought myself an Airtrain ticket to Windsor station, which I knew would bring me close but, not that close. The train station was empty, walked down a dark road and found a taxi to take me over to Andrew's place.
My late arrival had allowed my hero, my brother to be home when I got out of the taxi.
Tuesday night was chilling, with some dinner prepared by Andrew and dishes completed by me. I was able to meet some cool roommates and enjoy some more relaxation.
Wednesday involved heading to the Queen Street Mall to look around and check out the Brisbane city centre. We also took a trip in the 'Wheel of Excellence' ferris wheel for a view of the city, some lunch at Southbank and some nice weather.
In the evening, my old roommate and current next door neighbour of Mr. Hall, Julien Galipeau and the Swan Terrace crew went out for dinner and 'Jimmy's on the Mall.' We then hit up O'Malley's to watch game three of "State of Origin." The game was not worth anything but pride as the Queensland Maroons had already won the first two matches against the New South Wales Blues. The Blues won the game, and they clearly won the fight at the end of the game, knocking out a QLD player with a nice forearm to the face.
Thursday was spent with a trip to the large shopping centre and a viewing of Bruno. The movie was alright, in the words of Mr. Hall, 'unfinished.' Some very funny moments but, it didn't really go that far out.
Diana and I grabbed pizza for dinner and Andrew went to rugby practice. Nothing to exciting on the Thursday night.
Today, I did some laundry, cleaned up and packed my bags and waited for Andrew to return from the gym. While waiting, Julien and I had some time to waste. We did what we did best in Scotland, played some sort of sport. We went to the nearby park, heaven if you are a Netball player, hell if you play any other sport. The park is all netball courts, grass, blacktop, just netball everywhere. We had an Australian Rules ball... so we played Aussie Rules Netball 21. The 'Canadian' version of 21 - where you don't get to move from where you pick up the ball.
We quickly tired of that, as there was no backboard. It stunk.
We moved to Andrew's backyard. We found a soccer ball and started playing '1v1 clothes basket' soccer, until I kicked the ball over the fence. Game over. Andrew returned. Lunch time.
A quick lunch at Hungry Jacks (Burger King) and then a trip back to the Queen Street Mall. We grabbed some essentials like a towel for me and some other gear before heading back home.
Julien offered to drive me to the airport and I am very grateful to him and Ashlynne (her four wheels) and lucky to know such great people.
I was also able to put in motion some plans to travel Great Ocean Road with Meaghan Bell of Stoney Creek/Perth fame. Just have to get the car and take care of the rest of the organization.
Checked in, chilling until boarding time and a sweet time with Danks in Adelaide.
MPH
On Tuesday afternoon, I headed to the airport and checked in for my flight to Brisbane, where I'm sure my brother would be waiting with open arms. Actually, he was scheduled to be at rugby practice and I would have to find my way to the formerly flooded Swan Terrace residence.
My plane was delayed due to the late arrival of the previous flight, the movies were okay on board and most importantly we were put in a holding pattern above Brisbane. My scheduled arrival of 5:40 p.m. was delayed until 8:00 p.m.
I jumped off the plane, grabbed my bags and headed for the Australian customs, had my passport stamped and my bags checked on the way into the country. I bought myself an Airtrain ticket to Windsor station, which I knew would bring me close but, not that close. The train station was empty, walked down a dark road and found a taxi to take me over to Andrew's place.
My late arrival had allowed my hero, my brother to be home when I got out of the taxi.
Tuesday night was chilling, with some dinner prepared by Andrew and dishes completed by me. I was able to meet some cool roommates and enjoy some more relaxation.
Wednesday involved heading to the Queen Street Mall to look around and check out the Brisbane city centre. We also took a trip in the 'Wheel of Excellence' ferris wheel for a view of the city, some lunch at Southbank and some nice weather.
In the evening, my old roommate and current next door neighbour of Mr. Hall, Julien Galipeau and the Swan Terrace crew went out for dinner and 'Jimmy's on the Mall.' We then hit up O'Malley's to watch game three of "State of Origin." The game was not worth anything but pride as the Queensland Maroons had already won the first two matches against the New South Wales Blues. The Blues won the game, and they clearly won the fight at the end of the game, knocking out a QLD player with a nice forearm to the face.
Thursday was spent with a trip to the large shopping centre and a viewing of Bruno. The movie was alright, in the words of Mr. Hall, 'unfinished.' Some very funny moments but, it didn't really go that far out.
Diana and I grabbed pizza for dinner and Andrew went to rugby practice. Nothing to exciting on the Thursday night.
Today, I did some laundry, cleaned up and packed my bags and waited for Andrew to return from the gym. While waiting, Julien and I had some time to waste. We did what we did best in Scotland, played some sort of sport. We went to the nearby park, heaven if you are a Netball player, hell if you play any other sport. The park is all netball courts, grass, blacktop, just netball everywhere. We had an Australian Rules ball... so we played Aussie Rules Netball 21. The 'Canadian' version of 21 - where you don't get to move from where you pick up the ball.
We quickly tired of that, as there was no backboard. It stunk.
We moved to Andrew's backyard. We found a soccer ball and started playing '1v1 clothes basket' soccer, until I kicked the ball over the fence. Game over. Andrew returned. Lunch time.
A quick lunch at Hungry Jacks (Burger King) and then a trip back to the Queen Street Mall. We grabbed some essentials like a towel for me and some other gear before heading back home.
Julien offered to drive me to the airport and I am very grateful to him and Ashlynne (her four wheels) and lucky to know such great people.
I was also able to put in motion some plans to travel Great Ocean Road with Meaghan Bell of Stoney Creek/Perth fame. Just have to get the car and take care of the rest of the organization.
Checked in, chilling until boarding time and a sweet time with Danks in Adelaide.
MPH
Monday, July 13, 2009
USA wins first title since 1991...
The USA won the FIBA U-19 World Championships for the first time since 1991. The game saw the U.S. take a 16 point lead into half-time, hold off Greece in the third quarter and finally win the tournament.
Here are some photos from the celebration.
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MPH
Saturday, July 11, 2009
FIBA World Championships
Friday, I made the trip to the Bay of Islands and was given the opportunity to see the 'Hole in the Rock' but no dolphins. The trip was alright, nothing too exciting happened and there weren't many exciting things to do.
I'm sure that in the summer, there would be a great party going on in Paihia. Not now.
On Friday evening, I watched the Americans take the Canadians apart on the bar big screen. The U.S.A. was on fire from beyond the three point line.
Also, please remember that when you are in a hostel, to make sure they have an oven before buying frozen pizza for dinner.
Saturday was rain and poor weather. Our stops were cut short and we had a chance to visit some little places. Our quick trip back allowed me to make it to the Canada versus Puerto Rico basketball game. I spent the rest of the evening at the North Shore Event Centre.
Sunday saw Canada win the seventh place game over France.
I'm sure that in the summer, there would be a great party going on in Paihia. Not now.
On Friday evening, I watched the Americans take the Canadians apart on the bar big screen. The U.S.A. was on fire from beyond the three point line.
Also, please remember that when you are in a hostel, to make sure they have an oven before buying frozen pizza for dinner.
Saturday was rain and poor weather. Our stops were cut short and we had a chance to visit some little places. Our quick trip back allowed me to make it to the Canada versus Puerto Rico basketball game. I spent the rest of the evening at the North Shore Event Centre.
Sunday saw Canada win the seventh place game over France.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Milford Sound and back to Auckland
Wednesday morning arrived quite early and the whole day was spent travelling to, around and back from Milford Sound. It was a huge bus ride.
The views were very nice, the 'Underwater Discovery Centre' was a shame..... seriously, how much money do they spend to make the place and then to staff it, only accesible by boat...brutal. Oh well, it was nice to check out Milford Sound.
Wednesday evening was spent chilling with the Americans in the dorm and chatting about all the big football games, etc. at Kansas and Colorado Universities.
Thursday involved a nice trip back to Queenstown's airport, a solid flight with JetStar and organizing a trip to the 'Bay of Islands' for Friday and Saturday. Hopefully there will be some nice views and I can relax even more.
I hope that Team Canada beats the Americans on Friday and then might have a chance at a top three finish at the World Championships. Either way, I will be shooting photos at their game on Sunday - even if it is for 7th place.
Bay of Islands tomorrow.........
The views were very nice, the 'Underwater Discovery Centre' was a shame..... seriously, how much money do they spend to make the place and then to staff it, only accesible by boat...brutal. Oh well, it was nice to check out Milford Sound.
Wednesday evening was spent chilling with the Americans in the dorm and chatting about all the big football games, etc. at Kansas and Colorado Universities.
Thursday involved a nice trip back to Queenstown's airport, a solid flight with JetStar and organizing a trip to the 'Bay of Islands' for Friday and Saturday. Hopefully there will be some nice views and I can relax even more.
I hope that Team Canada beats the Americans on Friday and then might have a chance at a top three finish at the World Championships. Either way, I will be shooting photos at their game on Sunday - even if it is for 7th place.
Bay of Islands tomorrow.........
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Basketball, Planes and Hiking
Monday was spent covering Team Canada at the FIBA World Championships. The team fell behind early, came back and took a lead in the third quarter before falling to the Croatians.
The game was held at North Shore Entertainment Centre, which featured added lighting for the competition. The added light was really appreciated and the fan support for the Croatians was unreal.
Following the Canada v. Croatia game, I took in the Spain v. Argentina game. It was alright but, no Ricky Rubio.
Tuesday morning featured an early trip to the Airport and a plane ride with New Zealand Air to Queenstown. They showed us their new safety video that is causing some controversy right now. I got the pleasure of an emergency exit seat with additional leg room and a view of the mountains. Queenstown was a balmy -1 and I had to have information call six different hostels to get me a room.
I dropped my stuff and headed for the trail that led up to the Gondola. It took about an hour to get to the top but, the views were awesome.
Queenstown is definately a Whistler/Banff type of town. With the NZ school holidays starting yesterday, it is chaos here.
I took the Gondola back down, hit up the supermarket and now I'm chilling and watching Rush Hour 2 with the rest of the hostel.
Heading out to Milford Sound tomorrow - tried to go to Doubtful Sound but, apparently it is fully booked for Wednesday.
Lates...
MPH
The game was held at North Shore Entertainment Centre, which featured added lighting for the competition. The added light was really appreciated and the fan support for the Croatians was unreal.
Following the Canada v. Croatia game, I took in the Spain v. Argentina game. It was alright but, no Ricky Rubio.
Tuesday morning featured an early trip to the Airport and a plane ride with New Zealand Air to Queenstown. They showed us their new safety video that is causing some controversy right now. I got the pleasure of an emergency exit seat with additional leg room and a view of the mountains. Queenstown was a balmy -1 and I had to have information call six different hostels to get me a room.
I dropped my stuff and headed for the trail that led up to the Gondola. It took about an hour to get to the top but, the views were awesome.
Queenstown is definately a Whistler/Banff type of town. With the NZ school holidays starting yesterday, it is chaos here.
I took the Gondola back down, hit up the supermarket and now I'm chilling and watching Rush Hour 2 with the rest of the hostel.
Heading out to Milford Sound tomorrow - tried to go to Doubtful Sound but, apparently it is fully booked for Wednesday.
Lates...
MPH
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Buses, Rain and Death...
On Friday, I thought that I had missed an opportunity to take the Tangorino (sp?) Crossing hike for some unbelievable views. It turns out that only one of the companies went and according to those that made it out, it was not worth the trip. Either way, I spent my Friday wisely and booked the rest of my travels in New Zealand. Friday night was spent reading and watching some movies.
Saturday morning arrived earlier then anticipated, my clock was one hour ahead of the actual time. Once again it was raining in the morning and that continued on throughout the day. There were a few familiar faces on the bus to Mt. Maugenui which was nice. Unfortunately it really started raining before we arrived and no one was willing to hike up the mountain in the rain and fog. A large group of us went to the local 'hot pools' instead for some relaxation and banter. The evening finished with some movies in the common area.
Half-way through the night, some of the boys that had been out on the town returned, pretty drunk and gave us all a good laugh.
Today, I headed back to Auckland, with a stop to taste some "World Famous in New Zealand" soda called 'L & P.' It is Sprite with Lemon or Lime.
Arriving in Auckland, I checked into my hostel and was informed by my new roommate that a man had died in one of the other rooms last night. Perfect stuff. Alcohol poisoning?
I hope to have some photos posted for you in the next few days.
I will also be heading out to cover my first game of the FIBA World U-19 Basketball Championships on Monday.
Looking forward to hearing from you all soon....
MPH
Saturday morning arrived earlier then anticipated, my clock was one hour ahead of the actual time. Once again it was raining in the morning and that continued on throughout the day. There were a few familiar faces on the bus to Mt. Maugenui which was nice. Unfortunately it really started raining before we arrived and no one was willing to hike up the mountain in the rain and fog. A large group of us went to the local 'hot pools' instead for some relaxation and banter. The evening finished with some movies in the common area.
Half-way through the night, some of the boys that had been out on the town returned, pretty drunk and gave us all a good laugh.
Today, I headed back to Auckland, with a stop to taste some "World Famous in New Zealand" soda called 'L & P.' It is Sprite with Lemon or Lime.
Arriving in Auckland, I checked into my hostel and was informed by my new roommate that a man had died in one of the other rooms last night. Perfect stuff. Alcohol poisoning?
I hope to have some photos posted for you in the next few days.
I will also be heading out to cover my first game of the FIBA World U-19 Basketball Championships on Monday.
Looking forward to hearing from you all soon....
MPH
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Weather changes quickly...
I woke up this morning and was about to take a 19.4km trip up a mountain with crampons and everything but, the weather looked crap so I went back to sleep.
Sure enough it is a beautiful sunny day........
Needed the extra sleep...
Keep me in the know.
MPH
Sure enough it is a beautiful sunny day........
Needed the extra sleep...
Keep me in the know.
MPH
15,000 FEET IS NOTHING
Wednesday I left for Rotorua, NZ and had a good time. The bus arrived at 7:25 a.m. and was very far from full. I'm travelling with the 'Magic' tour company.
The highlights from yesterday were - the Glow Worms - aka that glowing magots in the caves... pretty cool stuff, I managed to get in trouble for taking photos - and I didn't use a flash.
We also stopped off to see the Rabbits have their fur cut off while waiting for another group to finish with their activity.
Then we rode the bus to Rotorua and spent some quality time in the evening getting food, chilling out and drinks for a birthday.
Today, we took a short trip to Taupo. On our journey we stopped at Wai-o-tapu to see the Lady Knox geyser and to see all of the sulfer pools in the worlds most active geo-thermal area.
The smell was not at all nice.
The money grab of the day was Skydiving. After consulting with others, I made the leap at 15,000 feet. It was quite a rush and lots of fun, I would even do it again.
Here is a picture from the jump.
The highlights from yesterday were - the Glow Worms - aka that glowing magots in the caves... pretty cool stuff, I managed to get in trouble for taking photos - and I didn't use a flash.
We also stopped off to see the Rabbits have their fur cut off while waiting for another group to finish with their activity.
Then we rode the bus to Rotorua and spent some quality time in the evening getting food, chilling out and drinks for a birthday.
Today, we took a short trip to Taupo. On our journey we stopped at Wai-o-tapu to see the Lady Knox geyser and to see all of the sulfer pools in the worlds most active geo-thermal area.
The smell was not at all nice.
The money grab of the day was Skydiving. After consulting with others, I made the leap at 15,000 feet. It was quite a rush and lots of fun, I would even do it again.
Here is a picture from the jump.
Until later...
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