{"id":2600,"date":"2010-10-31T03:14:09","date_gmt":"2010-10-31T07:14:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/galadriel.astro.utoronto.ca\/ballast\/?p=2600"},"modified":"2010-10-31T03:41:19","modified_gmt":"2010-10-31T07:41:19","slug":"akaroa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?p=2600","title":{"rendered":"Akaroa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Apologies for the many late updates, but since last time I have successfully deployed to the ice and haven&#8217;t had enough internet time for the backlog of posts.<\/p>\n<p>Anyway, three days ago turned out (surprinsingly) to be the last day we spent in Christchurch. A group of us (Annamarie, Stef, Elio, Juan, Nick, and I) took a bus trip out to Akaroa (M\u00c4\u0081ori for &#8216;Long Harbour&#8217;) which is, surprisingly, at the end of a very long harbour. While there we took a boat trip to see the harbour, some the world&#8217;s smallest dolphins, smallest penguins, and most normally-sized seals.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 33%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-2600 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2639'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0793-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Old Train\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2639\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0793-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0793-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0793-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2639'>\n\t\t\t\tThe first stop of our touristy bus trip, at an old train station. It had an old train\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2638'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0799-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Slide and Deer\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2638\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0799-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0799-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0799-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2638'>\n\t\t\t\tPlayground and deer near the station\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2637'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0805-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Long Harbour\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2637\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0805-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0805-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0805-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2637'>\n\t\t\t\tThe first view of the long harbour, through the van window\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2636'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0810-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Sheep\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2636\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0810-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0810-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0810-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2636'>\n\t\t\t\tSheep. Still interesting enough to photograph every trip. Plus, one&#8217;s a baby\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2635'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0814-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Annamarie Excited\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2635\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0814-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0814-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0814-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2635'>\n\t\t\t\tOne of the best things about Annamarie is how excited she always is. Like here, about whatever she&#8217;s photographing (I don&#8217;t remember what)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2634'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0818-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Second Stop\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2634\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0818-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0818-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0818-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2634'>\n\t\t\t\tSecond stop of the trip, with a really good view of the harbour and coutryside\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2633'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0820-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Group Photo\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2633\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0820-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0820-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0820-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2633'>\n\t\t\t\tGroup photo taken for me by our driver. Me, Elio, Annamarie, Stef, Nick, Juan\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2632'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0822-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Murphy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2632\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0822-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0822-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0822-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2632'>\n\t\t\t\tMurphy, the dolphin spotting dog. A feature of the boat ride we took\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2631'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0836-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Blue Bus\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2631\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0836-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0836-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0836-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2631'>\n\t\t\t\tBlue Bus\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2630'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0848-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Dolphin Sighting\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2630\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0848-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0848-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0848-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2630'>\n\t\t\t\tThe first dolphin sighting\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2629'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0856-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Stef and Murphy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2629\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0856-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0856-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0856-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2629'>\n\t\t\t\tStef and Murphy, amidst the dolphin-induced excitement\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2628'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0859-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Dolphin Photography\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2628\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0859-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0859-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0859-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2628'>\n\t\t\t\tAnnamarie and Stef during dolphin photography (I was busy with dolphin photography too, but most of my original set didn&#8217;t turn out)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2616'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0955-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Juan, Getting the Angle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2616\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0955-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0955-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0955-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2616'>\n\t\t\t\tJuan, getting just the right angle\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2627'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0869-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Fins\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2627\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0869-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0869-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0869-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2627'>\n\t\t\t\tAfter a brief portrait interlude, I return to dolphins. Here&#8217;s a pair of fins\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2626'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0884-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Air Time\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2626\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0884-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0884-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0884-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2626'>\n\t\t\t\tDolphins, getting some air time around the boat\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2625'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0885-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Frolicking\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2625\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0885-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0885-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0885-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2625'>\n\t\t\t\tFrolicking in the water, in various postures\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2623'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0897-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Elephant Rock\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2623\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0897-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0897-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0897-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2623'>\n\t\t\t\tElephant Rock. Can you see it?\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2621'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0919-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Tiny Penguins\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2621\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0919-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0919-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0919-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2621'>\n\t\t\t\tTiny Penguins (can you see them?)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2619'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0925-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Volcanic Activity\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2619\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0925-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0925-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0925-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2619'>\n\t\t\t\tVolcanic features. Akaroa was formed in a dormant volcano (as was downtown Christchurch)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2618'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0932-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Penguin Swimming\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2618\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0932-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0932-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0932-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2618'>\n\t\t\t\tPenguin swimming. This is the closest we got, and they&#8217;re really tiny\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2617'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0943-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Palm Trees\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2617\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0943-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0943-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0943-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2617'>\n\t\t\t\tPalm trees above a small waterfall\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2615'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0960-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Group Portrait\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2615\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0960-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0960-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0960-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2615'>\n\t\t\t\tA portrait of most of the group, featuring Elio\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2607'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1003-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Nick\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2607\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1003-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1003-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1003-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2607'>\n\t\t\t\tPortrait of Nick, the only one missing from the previous one (except me)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2609'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0998-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Dog in Wind\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2609\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0998-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0998-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0998-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2609'>\n\t\t\t\tMurphy in the wind at the front of the boat\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2614'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0972-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Seal in Weeds\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2614\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0972-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0972-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0972-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2614'>\n\t\t\t\tWe find a bunch of seals in the sun. This one is tangled in the weeds\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2613'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0976-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prominent Seal\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2613\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0976-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0976-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0976-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2613'>\n\t\t\t\tThis seal poses proudly\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2612'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0980-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Baby Seal\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2612\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0980-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0980-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0980-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2612'>\n\t\t\t\tRidiculously adorable baby seal watches another dive in\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2611'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0982-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Scared to Follow\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2611\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0982-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0982-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0982-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2611'>\n\t\t\t\tBut it&#8217;s too (adorably) scared to follow\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2610'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0996-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Line of Seals\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2610\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0996-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0996-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_0996-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2610'>\n\t\t\t\tLine of seals, up the sunny rocks\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2608'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1002-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Annamarie at Bow\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2608\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1002-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1002-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1002-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2608'>\n\t\t\t\tAnnamarie parked at the bow. She convinced me the very front is better than the sides\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2606'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1007-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Way Up\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2606\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1007-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1007-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1007-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2606'>\n\t\t\t\tA staircase and ladder up the cliff\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2605'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1017-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Back into Port\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2605\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1017-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1017-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1017-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2605'>\n\t\t\t\tBack into the port\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2604'><img width=\"150\" height=\"112\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1018-150x112.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Cute Touristy Sculpture\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2604\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1018-150x112.jpg 150w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1018-250x187.jpg 250w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1018-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2604'>\n\t\t\t\tAnnamarie poses in a cute touristy sculpture\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/?attachment_id=2602'><img width=\"112\" height=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1022-112x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Painting Himself\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-2602\" srcset=\"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1022-112x150.jpg 112w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1022-187x250.jpg 187w, http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/ballast\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/img_1022-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-2602'>\n\t\t\t\tI make the painter paint himself\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl>\n\t\t\t<br style='clear: both' \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Apologies for the many late updates, but since last time I have successfully deployed to the ice and haven&#8217;t had enough internet time for the backlog of posts.<\/p>\n<p>Anyway, three days ago turned out (surprinsingly) to be the last day we spent in Christchurch. A group of us (Annamarie, Stef, Elio, Juan, Nick, and I) [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9,12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2600"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2600"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2600\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2694,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2600\/revisions\/2694"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2600"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2600"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/droppingballast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2600"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}