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BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure!
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: vectis Date: 15 Apr 09 - 04:41 PM You should be able to see two types of oystercatcher up there the variegated and the pied. Hope you get to see as well as hear a bellbird, (etherial) and Kiwi (noisy buggers). Enjoy what you can while you are down there. Roll on December when I go over again. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: ranger1 Date: 15 Apr 09 - 04:46 PM I hope you are taking lots of photos! Had I known you were headed down under, I would have pm'd my snail-mail addy and begged for a post card. Sigh. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: GUEST,LTS in NZ Date: 15 Apr 09 - 05:04 PM PM me your snail mail and I'll see what I can do, I just haven't bothered to log in here, but it's no trouble to do it... Planning day trips now, looks like we're off to the Sky Tower, a Haunted house (formerly a mental hospital), the Zoo, Auckland Museum and possibly Rangitoto island whilst we're here... and Kelly Tarleton's Undersea world which I remember from last time and loved! LTS and Limpit |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Little Robyn Date: 16 Apr 09 - 02:57 AM Are you planning to visit Devonport? The Folk club there meets on a Monday night and I reckon that's NZ's best! Look for Roger Giles - he lives in Cowper St., Devonport and runs the club (or at least, he did the last time we went there). Even if you're not going to the club, the Devonport ferry ride and walk up Mount Victoria is worth the effort - the view is lovely. Cheers, Robyn |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 16 Apr 09 - 04:38 AM Spent the day at "spookers" a retired mental institution that is now a horror theme attraction> Then we went to the beach where the sand is black! Limpit was suitably impressed and made a black sandcastle> we had a bit of a drive up the penninsula< to the lighthouse and lookout< for the view across the island to Auckland city> once I find the little HD I brought with me< I"ll download the pictures to flickr and sort a link< but at the moment< it"s in the bottom of a black bag which is full of black clothing> guess what colour it is>>> right< back to the bird books _ silver eye and the native falcon today< along with the white faced heron and others! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Rapparee Date: 16 Apr 09 - 08:27 AM How, exactly, was the former mental asylum different from THIS place? |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: katlaughing Date: 16 Apr 09 - 12:19 PM Judging from the sunrise songs of the Tui, that's quite a wake-up call! (Scroll down.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: My guru always said Date: 16 Apr 09 - 12:50 PM Great to see that you've survived the trip & enjoying yourselves, keep up the good work! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 16 Apr 09 - 03:33 PM It differs not a lot, except I reckon the gift shop is better. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Gurney Date: 16 Apr 09 - 06:00 PM We'd be happy to meet you. We live near Howick, phone 5358331 in the Auckland area. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: JennieG Date: 16 Apr 09 - 08:38 PM NZ is a beautiful place and the people are lovely, they will look after you well! Gurney, my g-g-grandparents were some of the original Fencible settlers in Howick, I have visited the Pioneer Village where their photo is hanging on the wall of the cafe. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Gurney Date: 17 Apr 09 - 02:28 AM Jennie, I have nothing but admiration for the way pioneers coped in every country. I'm not a born Kiwi, I've only been here for the second half of my life. So far! I was at the village only a couple weekends ago, a 'live' weekend. Interestingly, Howick was built on land that two Maori tribes held in dispute, and positively encouraged the 'Pakehas' to buy as a peacemaking move. Never actually needed the Fencibles. For the uninitiated, the Fencibles were retired British servicemen who were assisted to settle with their families in the outskirts of towns to provide a soldierly reaction force in the event of Maori attack. Frightening people, some of those old Maoris. Tattoos and testosterone. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 17 Apr 09 - 03:54 PM That beige bird that's been driving me nuts - it's an Australian spur winged plover and I've just watched a pair of them mob an Austalasian harrier (big bird of prey) which may have been attempting to rob their nest. They can nest as late as March and my sister says it's been a strange hot/cold/hot summer - they have autumn colours for the first time in her memory (she's been here for 24 years), so they may have young in their ground level nest. Got a barbie later today, any plans for this morning are waiting until the water pump is fixed. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: katlaughing Date: 17 Apr 09 - 04:17 PM Until we get to see your pix...were they like This One? (Love your descriptions!) Here's some good INFO on them. Couldn't find a harrier by "Australasian" but did find THIS ONE which it says if subject to being harried by plovers quite often. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: katlaughing Date: 17 Apr 09 - 04:22 PM There are some really NEAT songs being sung out there. Check out these samples, esp. the Kokako! click here! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 18 Apr 09 - 02:19 AM Kat - that's the one. I've not managed to get a picture of them yet, but there are a couple of other native birds on my Flickr site here. A trip up the Coromandel penninsula today added oyster catchers, stilt, black billed gull, black backed gull, little shag, pied shag (karuhiruhi), grey teal (probably) and arctic skua - a first for me on the skua front! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 19 Apr 09 - 05:17 PM Travelled over to North Shore, Auckland yesterday (Sunday) and had a look around Mt Victoria and North Head, 2 extinct (we hope) volcanoes with amazing views of the city and Rangitoto, the volcanic island in the harbour. Stood on the roof of the folk club but didn't fall in. More birds added to the list, including a red beaked gull that tried to eat the car. Today it's raining (well, it is Autumn here) and grey, but still warm out - to us anyway! Mother has improved somewhat since we saw her on Wednesday and Friday... she was sitting up for a while and we had a good chat. She's still frail but is on a high energy drink that will give her strength. I appear to have acquired her larger cross stitch pieces as she's no longer able hold the frame up, but she's still got plenty to do when she feels well enough. Don't tell Manitas - he thinks there's far too much in the house already. Don't let him know either that we're probably going to a shop devoted to quilt making... I could spend a week and a large fortune in one of those places!! Well, must away and get Limpit into the shower. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Wolfhound person Date: 20 Apr 09 - 04:42 AM The boat trips out into the harbour are splendid - take a ferry to an island, or just do the round trip. Try and get someone to show you a morpork, or at least hear one. We had one under our window when jetlagged. It's an owl, and yes, the word was used to go with Ankh. Kiwis are fun, too, but you'll probably need a nature park or something for them.Much smaller than I thought. If you get to drive, try and flatten a possum - the locals will thank you. I have my possum-fur Kiwi on my desk as I write. And try and meet up with Little Robyn and Mitch - she's a fund of knowledge, folkie, & NZ / Maori-wise. Flights the other way round(we did Heathrow - LA - Auckland) were one stop, 10 hours airtime the 1st half, 11 hours the second. If I ever did it again, I'd take a day or so in the middle. It was too much in one go. Paws |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 20 Apr 09 - 06:14 AM speaking of possums - if you need some lovely knitted stuff (or yarn) look for merino-possum products. Merino is wonderful fine wool, possum is an even more wonderful fibre cos it's hollow fibres insulate & keep folks toasty warm! My possum waistcoat has replaced my fleece waistcoats in winter. scarves, gloves, beanies, socks & more! and merino possum is up to 40% warmer than wool happy shopping sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: gnu Date: 20 Apr 09 - 03:33 PM Sounds like youse are having quite an adventure, Liz! Glad to hear you had good chat with your mum. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: katlaughing Date: 20 Apr 09 - 03:55 PM Well, if you run into This Fellow I can see Manitas might get very lonely! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 20 Apr 09 - 05:53 PM Ah, the talking tui... their original song is a lot more diverse and confusing. Didn't know if I was looking for a parakeet, a sparrow or a car alarm! Apparently there's a myna bird that imitates several telephone ringtones on the site.. not heard him yet though. Saw the pukeko in the paddock yesterday, they're daft. More pictures here. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: vectis Date: 20 Apr 09 - 08:04 PM I'm back in December and New Year - can't wait. It has started snowing at some of the skiing areas according to my youngest in Tauranga. Hey! You could go snokboarding or something.. Coat firmly in hand. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Gurney Date: 21 Apr 09 - 01:43 AM The smaller snapper are moving out of the harbour, but the bigger ones are still here at the moment. There are a couple of great Genesis Energy ads on YouTube which star Pukekos. I defy anyone not to smile whilst they're watching the 'switch off the standard lamp' one. They really do behave with that sort of deliberation, and they inhabit any bit of green that has some water to it, quite common throughout the suburbs. They survive because thay taste like and are as tough as a boot. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:07 AM Auckland museum and the Sky Tower today... fabulous! Piccies here. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 22 Apr 09 - 03:15 AM Here's a link to the Pukeko ad... watch those baby feet! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: GUEST,Mr Red Date: 22 Apr 09 - 10:19 AM Don't miss the chance to have a Hangi (pronounced hungi). it is Food cooked in the goround. and if you want talking birds - there is always the Morepork, so called because it doesn't toowitoowoo, it says "More Pork"! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 22 Apr 09 - 05:11 PM There's a morepork around here somewhere so I'm told, but haven't heard him yet... woken by the crickets this morning. I thought I had some sad news to relate... I found Pearl the praying Mantis on the path the day before yesterday, put her onto a plant out of harms way but she had already been injured and doesn't appear to have made it. Looked for Tony yesterday and found the real Pearl (she's got a short antennae on one side) as well. Seems Tony had another lady friend, the one now demised in the lavender bush. Tony and Pearl are today basking in the sun together again. Off to the zoo today to see a kiwi bird on English time. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Ebbie Date: 23 Apr 09 - 03:00 PM Freshen up. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 23 Apr 09 - 07:06 PM Splendid day at the zoo yesterday, lots of usual zoo stuff like tigers, lions and emu but no wombat. It seems that the one I saw in 1986 did what all animals do eventually and hasn't been replaced yet. The elephants were fun, flamingo did what flamingo do and the alligator just lay there like a dead thing, defying onlookers to see if it was alive or not. The frog house was disappointing - too far away for short sighted viewers to see if there was actually anything in the tanks - you'd think a bright blue or red frog would stick out in a green jungle setting, wouldn't you! The native fauna exhibition was fascinating, close up and personal with a tuatara and a very disgruntled kiwi - they're nocturnal so this one was a bit grumpy at being woken up during the day, even if she was fed corn (the keeper said it was like being woken up at 3.00am and fed chocolate). Had a walk through the park to get to the zoo, where we encountered ducks of many varieties, pukeko, geese, gulls, sparrows and chickens. Yes... chickens. NZ seems to have a feral chicken problem. People buy a rooster to promote egg laying, or give it as a present and then they're dumped and left to fend for themselves. Consequently, and with the release of a few hen birds, there is a thriving population of fancy chickens - I spotted at least 5 different breeds from those fluffy white pompom jobs, through the domestic red hen to a splendid fighting cock complete with massive green tail and spurs! Going to the park to feed the chickens, don't think it'll catch on. They're all over NZ though, and oddly enough, they all look pretty healthy - in fact, I've seen free range farm chickens in worse condition than these guys. The reason we came to NZ wasn't to explore the wildlife though, it was to see my mother. I'm very glad to report that she is much improved and from being a limp rag last week, is now sitting up and out of bed - in fact, when we called in yesterday on the way to the zoo, she was in the lounge playing bingo! Much as I'd like to take credit for the improvement, it has to be down to the care of the staff at the home where she lives, and the hi-energy drink they're feeding her. Hopefully there are a few more years in the old girl yet! Right, Limpit is jonesing for her Manga hit today, so I'll leave this for now... besides, we're off to the quilting shop later, don't tell Manitas! More at the weekend! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: My guru always said Date: 24 Apr 09 - 04:10 AM So glad your Mum is improving Liz, keep up the good vibes! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Catherine Jayne Date: 24 Apr 09 - 05:30 AM Just catching up on your travels. Glad you are having a great time and your mum is improving! |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: manitas_at_work Date: 24 Apr 09 - 06:23 AM You think I don't read these threads? Did Phoebe only take one top? |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 24 Apr 09 - 10:46 AM What's the matter, Dad? Worried she doesn't have enough clothes? Don't you know that kids this age end up with a favorite shirt that they'll have washed every night for WEEKS so they can wear it every day? :-) We went through a Pokemon and Zelda stage with some shirts when my kids were that age. (Anyway, it looks like she has at least two shirts!) Keep up the stories and photos, Liz! SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: manitas_at_work Date: 24 Apr 09 - 11:03 AM Yebbut Phoebe won't have had it washed. Believe me... |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 24 Apr 09 - 04:59 PM She has so had it washed!! Most of her tops are black so it's hard to tell which one is which from the back - it's down to the front to tell the difference. There are photos of her in other clothes, but you know how she is about having her photo taken... It was a bit breezy last night (anyone looking for a sky blue rubbish bin, it's on the other side of the camp) and today is raining, not good weather for ANZAC day. There was a dawn service at the Auckland Museum this morning and there will be things happening around the city. Shops are closed (except dairies and garages) until 1.00pm and the TV is showing a great variety of ANZAC related programmes - including a fascinating documentary earlier about Willie Apiata - the first NZ man to win the VC since WWII, for heroic action in Afghanistan. The interesting thing is, there are no TV commercials until 1.00pm either, just as there are none on any Sunday (a TV station has just been fined NZ$300,000 for showing ads on a Sunday). We're off to look for hobbits soon. Don't ask. Oh, and I did pat down Limpit before leaving the zoo... some of those meerkats were pocket sized and I don't trust her entirely around small furry creatures. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: MudGuard Date: 24 Apr 09 - 05:07 PM It must be quite boring down there - as you are hanging around the computer almost permanently ;-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 25 Apr 09 - 03:54 PM The television here is mostly soaps, variations on human interest ('How to spend less money, see what the police/fire dept/Australian SPCA are doing, decorate your neighbours' wife and never speak again' type programmes), news broadcasts and CSI re-runs that were on in the UK 2-3 weeks ago! We're not quite in the back of beyond but you can see it from here, so a stroll to the pub is out, and the games room has a pool table but no cues. There is a goat for the really adventurous but her owner (who's a sweetie and took us out for dinner last night) will not be pleased. The trip to see the hobbits (in a town called Matamata) was a bit of a failure on 2 counts.. Firstly it was peeing down and secondly, it's a vastly overpriced, short bus tour. It is the actual set of Hobbiton; the holes are there and apparently you can wander around them, but the set dressing has been removed so they're all identical white fronted holes in a hill. To my mind, that's not really worth paying nearly NZ$60 (about 25 pounds sterling) per adult to see... Especially when it cost only NZ$80 for 3 adults and a child to spend all day at the Auckland museum and see an exhibition and Maori cultural show! But, we had a jolly day out, despite the showers, found a large corrugated iron sheep, a giant corrugated iron pukeko and some corrugated iron poppies... don't ask! Oh, I discovered last night that I like Tui beer as well as tui birds! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: katlaughing Date: 25 Apr 09 - 04:16 PM Fermented tui? Phooey!:-) |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: vectis Date: 25 Apr 09 - 04:32 PM While you were discovering Tui (Speights is also drinkable) we were entertained by Martin Curtis, (one of New Zealands finest folk singers) at Seaford last night. He was wearing the funniest T-shirts I have seen in a long time: POSSUMS New Zealand's little speed bumps Sadly he wouldn't let me take it home with me... Anyone who hasn't been to NZ won't get the joke - so don't try to understand why it is funny - just accept that it is. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 25 Apr 09 - 08:23 PM We have oppossums here in the U.S., where they serve much the same purpose. Along with armadillos in the Southwestern U.S. This one is often seen with the caption of "Not My Job" (to move such things, that is). SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 26 Apr 09 - 12:56 AM Ah possums, the New Zealander's version of fox hunting... take one road at night and a Ute.... LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 26 Apr 09 - 04:35 PM Off to swim with the fishes today - or at least walk underneath them... Kelly Tarleton's Undersea World in Auckland. It has a perspex tunnel out under part of the harbour which has been turned into a shark pool, first one of it's kind I think... I remember seeing it 23 years ago and being blown away. It's a sunny day here, the cicadas are singing duets with the crickets, the swallows are sweeping the paddock at a height of 8", the pukeko have been grazing in the dew and the fantails are doing their paperbag thing in the trees opposite; a grand day! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Micca Date: 26 Apr 09 - 04:38 PM Liz, If you come across any of that New Zealand single Malt that they had in The Stag at Hastings once. I will happily exchange, on your return grasping a bottle firmly in your hot hand, pictures of The Queen for it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Liz the Squeak Date: 27 Apr 09 - 03:35 AM Dammit... Liquorland only sold the foreign stuff! I'll see what Duty Free may have.... :D LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Stilly River Sage Date: 28 Apr 09 - 12:43 AM New York Times article--maybe you should have traveled to a different island in the western Pacific, Liz, to see your Hobbits. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: manitas_at_work Date: 28 Apr 09 - 04:33 AM She's coming back. Soon to land at Sydney after the first leg. |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Roger the Skiffler Date: 28 Apr 09 - 08:25 AM I did warn you about Hobittown! RtS (Smug bugger) |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 28 Apr 09 - 08:55 AM Sydney? when?? or is it just to change planes? sandra |
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Subject: RE: BS: LTS and Limpit off on an adventure! From: manitas_at_work Date: 28 Apr 09 - 08:58 AM Just a touch down. She's now left for the 2nd leg to Dubai. |
