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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-03-22, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2000. AValtonThe news from Compiled by Patty Banks Phone 887-6156 M. Lee, C. Thompson return from New Zealand tour They’re back! If you haven’t seen Matt Lee or Cheryl Thompson for a while it’s because they have been away since Oct. 7. They just got back from touring New Zealand and Australia. On March 15 Matt and Cheryl walked into the restaurant (Walton Inn) where Matt greeted his mom and dad and restaurant staff and ordered his favourite breakfast that Julie makes so well - ‘Matt’s Omelet’. Actually I renamed it in order to be able to print it. I saw Matt the next day when he came into the restaurant and ordered a clubhouse. He hadn’t had one since he left. Over there they cost $ 14. Coffee costs $4 and beer was cheaper than water he said. Fish and chips were*the same as here. I asked if he saw any wildlife. He saw several snakes, one being poisonous, baby crocodiles and a liuge poisonous white-tailed spider. I have never been there so I asked him to tell highlights of his trip. People there were so nice and generous to them he said. For the first two weeks they stayed at Cheryl’s relatives and helped on the farm, on the north side of the island. Then they had six weeks on South Island where they hitchhiked everywhere. He was amazed at how people would pick them up and offer them their house to stay at, meals, showers, a place to sleep. One guy picked them up and took them back to his place and cooked a big lamb dinner and provided the wine as well. There were wonderful people wherever they went. New Zealand was Matt’s favourite part of the trip. Upon arriving at tie South Island they went on a three-day hiking trip up the Fiordland Mountain range. There were trails and camps along the way. The first day they hiked eight kilometres and camped near a 300 foot waterfall. What was interesting that day was as they were setting up camp two Canadian geese flew in and landed in the lake nearby. I’m sure it made the young couple feel at home. Thoughts that maybe the geese had flown over from Canada were put to an end as they learned that the Canadian geese were introduced to New Zealand by the English years ago, however. The next day they continued on their way crossing over rivers on suspension bridges and winding their way up the mountain. There was evidence of mud slides and that was where the challenges were as they tried to get across the slide areas. In some places the trails were very narrow and one had to be careful as it was a long way down. They made a rule that if they wanted to look at anything they had to stop and then look. The views were incredible and to see the rain forest with everything covered in moss was quite a sight. They were awed by the sweet smell of the moss and the forest. The water was very fresh and they often drank right out of the rivers. That day they went up the mountain and across to another camp. They saw a series of falls, and passed through the treeline to plains that held glacier lakes, and crested to the saddle (where two mountains join) and ate lunch at a hut (camp). They peaked the mountain at 1,500 metres. The view was indescribable. There were mountains everywhere they looked, some with peaks covered in snow. They could see the Red Sea which was only 70 - 80 kms. away. That night they camped in a valley which held a glacier lake. Matt and a friend decided to go for a swim. Matt said at ankle deep his legs went numb but in they jumped and their yells of pure shock could be heard echoing from mountain to mountain! Their third day found them climbing out of the valley and heading back to civilization. At one point they had a 40-minute climb straight up in order to get out. They had started their climb at a place called Queenstown and then came out to Milford Sound. It was an incredible three days, says Matt. The scenery was so beautiful. He liked the fact that every 10 km. or so in Southern New Zealand the scenery changes. One other interesting fact is that 70 per cent of the South Island is reserved parkland. Apparently most of the animals are not native to the island. Some of the animals that the English introduced are rabbits (which are out of control), possum (on which there is a bounty) and deer. There are no known natural predators there. The animals are very shy and hard to find. They did see a little owl called Morepork, and they did watch a mountain sheep go running by. When I talked to Matt he was suffering a little from jet lag and I asked him if we could continue this conversation next week, when he was less tired and the flood of memories all come back to him. He agreed to this, so stay tuned as Matt tells more about their adventures down under. Surprise party held A surprise 25th anniversary party was held at the Walton Hall Sunday, March 19 for Murray and Sherry McCall. The couple walked into a hall which was filled with good friends and family. They enjoyed a delicious potluck meal and were entertained by the band called The Huron Strings featuring Orville and Lila Storey (fiddles), Marie Flynn (piano), Clara Dale (spoons), Elgin Nott (fiddle), Jack Storey (fiddle) and Phyllis Mitchell (fiddle). The fun continued with little family quiz games which had the crowd laughing. Congratulations Sherry and Murray. Here’s to another 25 years together. Hullett ball sign-up set Hullett Minor Ball registration will take place on Thursday, March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hullett school. For more info call Karen Dolmage at 523- 4726. Any young person wanting to play soccer can register in Blyth or call 523-4202 for more information. These registrations are a sure sign spring is just around the comer. A number of women and one co­ operative gentleman shared in the day of working fellowship at Londesboro United Church on March 13. The contents of many closets, cupboards and other nooks and crannies were sorted and reorganized. Appliances were cleaned and dishes washed. Stitches were sewn and knots tied. Grocery tapes were added, nursery toys refreshed and projects discussed. Throughout the day much news, a little knowledge, a great deal of laughter and delicious treats were shared as well. M. Bennett speaks Margaret Bennett was the greeter at Duff’s United Church March 19. The congregation welcomed Barb Hicks from Clinton as guest speaker. She called the young worshippers forward and introduced herself as Camp Menesetung’s camp director, also known as Spoonie. She had a spoon, fork and knife. She explained that people don’t want to be like a knife that cuts people. Nor do they want to be like a fork that picks away at people. But they are to be like spoons that lift people up to hear about God’s love. She told about a woman who quit going to church. This lady at one time was asked to bring four pies. Instead she brought six beautiful homemade pies. When she brought them into the kitchen one of the women there took them, then asked where the whipped cream was. A definite fork response. She left and never went back. Ms Hicks announced about the UCW meeting on April 5. The guest speaker is Michele Hansen, executive director for the Women’s Shelter and Counselling Services of Huron. It is also Toonies for Friendship contest. Bring a guest. Anyone with grocery tapes needs to bring them to church by April 6. She also announced the death of Norman Hubley and that the funeral would be later that day at 2 p.m. Her sermon was called, “Forgiveness begins when Blame ends.” Letter Continued from page 5 of development, will receive without questions or rejections the incoming cultural information. In short, the infant learns a religion in the same manner as a language, ethical principles, cultural values, prejudices and future behaviour. Finally, I would hope as we move into' the 21st century with all the seri­ ous and complex problems we face in our global village that our elected representatives have a firm grasp on reality. Doug Trollope. The news from ondesboro Compiled by Brenda Radford Phone 523-4296 WI members hear about reflexology The guest speaker at the Londesboro Women’s Institute meeting on March 13 was Irene Cantelon, a reflexologist from Clinton. She gave a history of reflexology. Using large photos of feet and hands, she explained how those areas connected to other areas of the body. She demonstrated using members’ hands, how different parts of the hands affected Students go swimming Thanks to the generous support of the Legion in Blyth, the Hullett Grade 5 students will be taking swimming lessons at the Vanastra Community Centre. Lessons will begin on March 23 and continue for Mitchells greet at United Greeting and ushering at Londesboro United Church this past Sunday were the members of the Mitchell family, Mark and Laurel, Amanda. Jackie and Tyler. The message was A Costly F CLASSIFIEDS •7 days aboard selected ships and selected dates in April 2000. Price is per person, category 4 in CDN. $. Port charges, taxes, gratuities not included. Price valid at time ol printing. Price may vary and is sub­ ject to change. May not be combined with any other offer, ship's registries: Liberia and Panama. Reg. #2392471 H Carnival yourKjndoffutt^ other parts of their body. Continuing the meeting theme, the members responded to roll call with ‘something they do to keep healthy’. A donation of $100 will be forwarded to FWIO headquarters in Guelph. The next meeting will be the group’s annual meeting held at the Blue Fountain Restaurant in Clinton at 5 p.m. on April 10. eight weeks. On March 28 the pupils from Grades 6, 7 and 8 will attend an educational concert of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony. Business and the relevant scripture passages were Genesis 17: 1-7, 15, 16 and Mark 8: 31-38. Being a true follower of Jesus Christ is not an easy path to walk. It becomes necessary to put God’s will above one’s own desires.