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• England, 1975 & 1978
• 1987 New Zealand Year 11 school holiday
• School camps
• 2014 Bushido exhibition

My travel has been very limited to date, with just three overseas holidays so far as of October 2025. My family visited England twice in the 1970s, meeting and staying with Dad’s relatives. I also flew to New Zealand for one week in 1987 for a Year 11 class school holiday. I have not otherwise even traveled outside of my home state of Victoria to other regions of Australia! I have been in the one place all my life; the prospect of leaving my familiar environment for even a short period would be difficult to adjust to, and I would probably find traveling and strange places and people very stressful. But if given the opportunity, I would like to visit the USA and UK.

England, 1975 & 1978

My Dad emmigrated from England in 1964 to Australia, and has relatives in the land of his birth. We were able to fly to England as a family twice.

1. Our first holiday was in March-April, 1975, meeting Dad’s mother, Gladys Kirk, and relatives: his sister, Aunty Hilda and family in Waltham, and his Aunt Florrie (Florence Enderby) and husband Fred Fell in Binbrook. We flew on Singapore Airlines to London, and Qantas back home to Melbourne. Being only four years old, I only vaguely recall this visit!
2. On our second holiday from 15 May to 17 July, we visited Dad’s relatives as before, and staying in the Corner Cottage in Spridlington, Lincolnshire, with Granny Kirk and Uncle Jack. We also holidayed in the seaside town of Penzance, Cornwall, for ten days. We flew there and back on British Airways. I was seven years old and have much clearer memories of England, though still remote and dreamlike when looking back from decades onwards.

During my second holiday to England with my family to visit relatives there, I sent my school classmates two postcards. The front of the first postcard shows a RAF Javelin fighter jet, and I wrote on the back: “Dear Mrs. Flowers and girls, this is a jet and it’s got these brown and gray colors because it matches in with the trees. I wrote a book aboute sic: THE CRAZY PLANE and I will show you when I return to school. Love, Suzanne.” I can only wonder what my classmates thought of that …. The “Crazy Plane” was some sort of cartoon character I made up then, and drew (during that holiday my interest in aircraft emerged). On the second I wrote: “Dear Mrs Flowers and girls, I went to the Beach and it was called PENZANCE. And we to a town called MOUSEHOLE, and the waves were really big! Love, Suzanne.”

1987 New Zealand Year 11 school holiday

• Itinerary
• Travel diary
  • 13/9
  • 14/9
  • 15/9
  • 16/9
  • 18/9
  • 20/9
• Gallery

In Year 11 (1987) at my school, forty-four students and four teachers toured New Zealand’s North Island by coach, staying at various motor camps, from 13 to 20 September. It was my first overseas trip since my family went to England in 1975 and 1978 – and my last to the present day (2015)!

The tour was marred for me by my having no close friends or a peer group to which I belonged. I was excluded, as usual, so I was often depressed. I did, however, enjoy the experience of traveling – not being crammed into a coach for a week, but, instead, the flights there and back again! Going to the airport, boarding the 747 and taking off were all tremendously exciting for me – highlights of the whole trip! I loved looking out at the skyscape; the clouds far below. Witnessing a sunset from altitude was a beautiful sight. This was only my third trip on a passenger jet (and aircraft of any type), so the whole experience was still quite novel, and I spent pages describing the flight in interminable detail. (I have not traveled since then.)

It did not really feel like an overseas trip, as New Zealand is similar to Australia. NZ’s scenery was spectacular, though, and – being a volcanically-active island – there were features such as geysers and boiling mudpools.

As I was with a school tour group and with classmates, the tour was quite sheltered – everything (transport, accommodation, etc.) was taken care of for us.

Itinerary

The tour itinerary that described the activities for the eight days of our NZ tour (arrived in NZ on Sunday 13 September and departed Sunday 20 September); I have transcribed it exactly.

Sun: 13 Sep

11:45 a.m.: Assemble at the school and our coach will transfer you to the Tullamarine Airport in time for check-in and immigration procedures.

2:20 p.m.: Depart Melbourne on Air New Zealand Flight TE124.

7:45 p.m.: Arrive Auckland.

On arrival, you will be met by our local representative from Ritchies Coachline and transferred to your accommodation.

Accommodation and meals at Avondale Motor Camp.

Mon: 14 Sep

Auckland/Rotorua

We travel south this morning over the Bombay Hills into the lush pasturelands of the Waikato Province – “the dairy basin of New Zealand.” (A farm visit may be arranged in this region.) Our journey continues over the heavily forested Mamaku Saddle to the shores of Lake Rotorua and the geothermal capital itself.

Tonight you are invited to a special Rotorua welcome – a traditional Maori Concert and cabarets a chance to experience the culture and heritage of this charming Polynesian Race.

Accommodation and meals at Holdens Bay Holiday Park.

Tue: 15 Sep

Rotorua

A tour of the thermal city highlights this morning includes the Agrodome – an informative presentation of the New Zealand sheep industry, followed by a visit to Rainbow Trout Springs7 the Wildlife Park and Kiwi House, concluding with a conducted tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the Model Maori Village and Institute of Maori Arts and Crafts. You will also visit Ohinemutuq Kuirau Park, the Polynesian hot pools, and beautiful Government Gardens as time permits.

The afternoon is free for your own arrangements and activities or for optional excursions – lake trips, thermal valley tours, flight­seeing, fishing, sailing, river rafting, water sports generally, thermal bathing, horse riding, bush or forest walk, shopping and local sight­seeing, etc.

Accommodation and meals at Holdens Bay Holiday Park.

Wed: 16 Sep

Rotorua/Taupo/Wellington

A short drive south through the State Kaingaroa Pine Forest passing Waitapu Valley and Rainbow Mountain and we reach Wairakei where we break our journey to visit the Wairakei Geothermal Power Stations Tourist Park and mighty Huka Falls.

Continuing south to Lake Tauao we skirt New Zealand’s largest lake, climbing up to the central volcanic Plateau and moving through Tongariro National Park, home of the North Island sentinels of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngarujoe. We descend the tablelands via the Mangaweka Gorge, crossing the fertile Manawatu Plains through to Wellington.

Accommodation and meals at Hutt Park Motor Camp.

Thu: 17 Sep

Wellington/Wanganui

An easy day today, allowing ample time for a tour of the capital city sights and government centres before we depart Wellington, following the west “Gold Coast” through the market gardens of Otaki and Levin, north to the river city of Wanganui, gateway to the Taranaki Province. A chance to explore this lovely old city and its attractive environs, take an optional river boat cruise or venture into the Taranaki farming district for factory or study visits.

Accommodation and meals at Alwyn Motor Court.

Fri: 18 Sep

Wanganui/National Park

An attractive and interesting native bush drive today as we move north through the very scenic, winding Parapara Valley, to the base of Mt. Ruapehu and western perimeters of the National Park. After settling into our alpine accommodation, the afternoon is free for optional adventure activities: white water/river rafting, canoeing or kayaking, snow sport (in season), mountaineering or orienteering, volcano hides, bush walking and horse riding etc. Visits to the “Chateau” National Park Headquarters, historic Te Porere Redoubt, Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields or local sights may be arranged.

Accommodation and meals at Turangi Holiday Park.

Sat: 19 Sep

National Park/Waitomo/Auckland

Leaving National Park we wind our way through the sub­alpine forest to Taumarunui and the lush “King Country” Region (our New Zealand outback) on to Te Kuiti and Waitomo, where a guided tour of the world-famous Limestone Caves and Glow Work Grotto is arranged.

Following this visit our journey continues directly north, through the farming communities of Otorohanga and Te Awam’utu to the agricultural centre of Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, then following the banks of the Waikato River via the Maori Queen’s Headquarters at Ngaruawahia on to Auckland.

A farewell evening is enjoyed at your accommodation tonight.

Accommodation and meals at Avondale Motor Camp.

Sun: 20 Sep

Auckland/Melbourne

After breakfast, your coach will transfer you to the airport in time for your return flight to Australia.

11:10 a.m.: Depart Auckland on Air New Zealand Flight TE123.

12:50 p.m.: Arrive Melbourne.

On arrival at Tullamarine Airport, our coach will meet you and you will be transferred to your school.

Travel diary

A diary I kept in a small notebook during the holiday. I was 16 when I wrote this (soon to be 17). You’ll have to make allowances for me sounding like a pompous know-it-all in places, and having a habit of stating the obvious, as I was a bit of a peculiar teenager! (I later destroyed the other journals I kept during my teenage years, so this is the only record I have of my “voice” back then.)

13 September

2:10 p.m. We are all waiting in the International Departures terminal for our flight to be called. This place is crowded! There’s a line of passengers just boarding a flight for Hong Kong near us.

Our flight (TE124) just got paged. We’ll be boarding soon! Write then.

2:16 p.m.: Still waiting. Melissa Cameron got paged about 10 minutes ago for some minor thing. How embarrassing! It was a bit funny; everyone laughed and teased her. That’s about all that’s happened so far; there’s been flights to London, New York and Hong Kong paged. (New York for me!)

I looked in the Duty-Free shop before, but 1) there wasn’t a great selection, and 2) it was all too expensive!

Everything’s been very hectic this morning.

We’re off! Boarding.

I’m on the plane. We’re just reversing now. I DIDN’T GET A WINDOW SEAT!

We’re backing out from the terminal. I’m in a seat on the starboard side, next to the aisle. I can sort of see.

Engines are revving up.

We’ve just had a safety demonstration. Wonder how many times the cabin crew has gone through that!

The jet is waiting for takeoff clearance. Engines are revving – the whole jet is sort of rocking. It’s 2:47 PM.

We’re moving forwards, taxiing onto the runway. Can feel the jet shudder as the pilots steer it and work the controls.

I’ve got a bad view. Can see the wing and some scenery. We’re still moving.

Here we go! Engines are revving and we’re accelerating. Turning, on the runway.

We’re off! POW! We’re really going! Racing along the runway, engines thundering – faster – faster – we’re in the air!

Up we go! The g-forces are pressing us back in our seats.

We’re turning.

Up and up! Clouds are appearing. We’re in them – a white mist. Higher and higher. It’s 2:55 p.m. The tops of the clouds are appearing. This is WONDERFUL! Blue sky! Bright sun – light on white clouds.

Clouds are below us. It looks beautiful – like another world.

The top of the cloud layer is getting far below us. It’s 3:00 p.m.

We’re still slightly tilted. We’re turning starboard. Levelling. Blue sky and misty white clouds.

Turning port. 3:04 p.m.

We’re in level flight now (3:10 p.m.). Blue sky above, white clouds and deep blue sea below. (Land, actually!)

Mistake there! We’re still climbing – must be a few thousand metres high. 3:15 p.m.. Heading east. Coastline is visible. Passing high over it.

3:25 p.m. Clouds are tiny – way below us now.

3:35 p.m. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. K’s kindness, I now have a window seat!

The view is so beautiful! The sky’s dark above, as we’re near the edge of space.

The sun is behind us. The clouds are detailed – look like little mounds of ice-cream. Looking through binoculars, I can see tiny little wavelets. The horizon is an electric-blue line, fading into a deeper blue. I can see the edge of the wing in front of me. We’re level now.

The clouds look really solid.

Now we are being served tea. Blurgh! I see why people dread these meals!

I’m working my way through it. There’s a touch of air turbulence.

4:13 p.m. Can see wispy bits of cirrus drifting past, just below us. The clouds way down below are cumulus-type.

4:20 p.m. The sun’s getting low in the sky (can’t see it – but clouds are turning golden). They are far, far below us. It looks so peaceful and sunny outside, but only three layers of Perspex glass separate us from a freezing void!

There’s lots of cirrus drifting past now. A beautiful scene to paint!

The engines have settled into a continuous rumble. I like the sound. I can feel the vibration through the walls.

As this jet is a 747, it’s packed, cramped and stuffy. Wish we were in First Class!

It’s sunset down at a lower altitude – the clouds are burnished gold with lilac and blue shadows. 4:37 p.m.

Wonder how high we are? We’re a bit above the cirrus.

From outside, the jet must look really beautiful, very sleek and graceful, highlighted by the setting sun, which is shining orange on the water behind us. Wish I could see it.

Now the clouds are really bright orange – just like in my Art painting of the F-14 Tomcats. The horizon is red, fading into a greenish-yellow, then light blue. The cloud shadows are grey-green, with orange highlights. The sea is blue-grey.

We’re passing through the Earth’s twilight shadow – at the edge of it. Oh, it looks really beautiful outside! Any cloud highlights are red.

We’ve set our watches to 6:55. The wing outside is blood-red – the sunset’s at a high altitude where we are now. The clouds below are dark.

We’re at the edge of the Earth’s shadow – the blue-purple twilight is ahead, and the red horizon behind us.

7:05 NZ time. We’re into the twilight now – the western horizon is deep red. In front of us, everything’s a deep blue.

I can really say I haven’t been bored during this flight!

The sky is very deep blue. Can’t see very well because of the blasted reflections on the windows. Stars should soon be visible – and they will be brilliant at this altitude. (If I can see them …!)

I have taken up six pages just describing this flight. And I’ve got the whole tour ahead of me, yet!

Colors are clearly defined on the western horizon – red, then green, electric blue, deep blue, midnight blue – the sky is almost black ahead of us.

7:15 p.m. The sky above is black, with a lighter blue horizon.

The worst bit ahead of us will be going through Customs and collecting our luggage when we’re all weary from the flight. Should be landing soon – write then.

7:26 p.m. It is absolutely black outside.

I think we’re descending. Can feel it! Can’t see a thing outside.

My finger knuckles look sort of funny – they’re black. Must be the altitude.

Captain’s saying we’re going down to Auckland now. Can feel the pressure in my ears.

St. Elmo’s Fire (static) is flashing on the wingtips.

Oh, damn! I got it wrong. It’s only the navigation lights.

7:35 p.m. Air turbulence. I think we’re at a low altitude below the clouds – but I can’t be certain.

Turning to port. Should see the city lights soon.

Navigation light’s flashing at one-second intervals. It does look like lightning striking the wing.

I think we’re going through cloud – flashes are indistinct.

Many of the cabin lights have gone off – electricity must be used for something else.

Can see the lights of the towns! Descending through another cloud layer.

Can see the lights! It looks so beautiful! Like millions of stars fallen from the sky. Descending sharply. Going through more clouds.

Past the cloud layer. The stars are shining above, and the colored lights below. Can see the brilliant coastline. And the wing moving as the jet maneuvers.

Flaps are down. Millions of lights are like strings of diamonds. On the flight path to land. Most people have dimmed their lights.

Can see cars moving and house lights.

Can see cars, etc., clearly. Ten to eight.

Approaching runway.

POW! We’ve landed. Engines reversing thrust. Slowed down. Taxiing off runway. Back to Earth again. Must go now. Prepare to disembark.

Taxiing to terminal. Turning starboard.

Here we are. “Welcome to New Zealand!” Write later, if possible.

10:42. We’re all in our cabins. The park facilities are pretty primitive! I’m in a caravan with Bronwyn Geary and Ingrid Hanschmann. Going through Auckland airport was fine; no hassles. It’s a lot more attractively laid-out than our airport – nice decor. Then we went by bus and arrived here at Avondale Motor Camp. I’m really tired – and I have to get up early tomorrow to get a shower – as will everyone else. Gawd! Then it’s breakfast at 7:30 a.m., then departure. Oh well, I’ll stop writing now.

14 September

It’s 5:30 p.m., and we’ve arrived at Holdens Bay Holiday Park, in Rotorua. We’ll be staying here for two nights (tour Rotorua tomorrow; leave the next day).

Facilities are a bit better than Avondale – but there are a lot more people here.

I’m depressed, unhappy, and I hate this tour already. I just want it to be over and done with. The best bits so far have been traveling on the plane, and at the airports; and I think they will stay the best bits. I’m just not cut out for traveling with a bunch of people (or traveling itself, for that matter). I won’t bore you with details, though.

The weather has been crazy: alternatively fine and wet. The sky is partly covered with huge cumulus clouds which pour down rain in patches. The whole country is wet and soggy. Which is why it’s so green and lush. But it’s the wetness I hate – it just gets into everything. I’m never going to come to New Zealand again.

The day started with a tour of Auckland City, then various stops along the way to Rotorua, most of the trip spent in the bus, which wasn’t too bad, as I just sat and relaxed. Kept nearly falling asleep.

I’m in a cabin of six people: Ingrid, Bronwyn, Winniz Yu, Cara Byrt and Susan Baker. It’s a bit cramped.

Tonight we are going to a Maori concert and cabaret at 8:00 p.m. Don’t know what to expect of that, so I won’t comment further.

Dinner should be ready soon (sausage sizzle). Wow.

If I write any further, I’ll just keep moaning and groaning about things, so I won’t. Might write after the concert, if I have time or can be bothered.

15 September

6:33 p.m. We are all waiting eagerly for dinner in our cabin.

16 September

7:50 p.m. Well! So much for that attempt. After a day’s bus traveling, we are now all at Hutt Park Motor Camp, just outside of Wellington (at the south tip of the North Island). So now I have two days to describe – if I can remember them.

Sept. 15 was spent touring the various sights of Rotorua, as described on the itinerary, so I won’t go through that. Rotorua is a volcanically-active place, and it stinks of sulphur. There is steam coming out of various places in the ground – in the Thermal Reserve there were spectacular geysers and boiling mud pools, and rock formations.

That park tour was just after lunch, followed by shopping and wandering in the town. Unfortunately, it was a bit miserable for me, as I went to change some traveller’s cheques, then I came out and everyone seemed to have disappeared. I wasted most of the hour just searching (and being very depressed). I finally caught up with Ingrid and Bronwyn.

The problem with this trip is that I don’t have any really close friends, so I tend to get ignored. Then I get angry and depressed, and people naturally avoid me because I’m such morose company. But enough of complaining, and I’ll just get on with describing!

The weather yesterday was very miserable - rain, rain, rain all night and most of the morning. Today there was a radical change – it was clear! (And it is, now.)

At Holdens Bay, there’s a small airport to the east, so we got planes flying real low, landing or taking off, and blasting us with the sound of their engines.

Today we passed two military bases on our journey: an Army training base in a town just outside of the spectacular National Park, and an Air Force base (Rangetitei AFB?) in the afternoon – somewhere on the “fertile Manawatu Plains.” There wasn’t much to see of the bases – just some buildings, lots of flat land and some vehicles.

I was first in the showers this morning at Holdens Bay as I got up early (about ten past six). Yesterday I got up about quarter to seven – and had to wait for ages. So I’m staying up late and getting up early. Groan!

Outside now, we’ve got a really beautiful view of the suburban lights on the surrounding mountains to the west (the area around Wellington is very mountainous and looks spectacular, but I personally feel trapped or hemmed-in by them). Anyway, the view, to use my favorite description, looks like a whole lot of stars which have fallen from the sky. Cities just look so beautiful at night, seen from a distance or in the air. But I won’t rave on.

We saw much spectacular scenery today, in the places described in the itinerary. But the most beautiful view was the snow-capped mountains in the National Park. They were in the distance, with sun shining on the peaks and low grey clouds drifting past. The snow and the darker rock made lovely swirly patterns. We drove on a flat, shrub-covered plain which made the high mountains more dramatic, as they rise steeply out of the plains, and are remote and misty.

What we’ve seen of the New Zealand landscape is hills, hills and more hills. They are green and rolling, and often are enormous. They look wonderfully smooth and curvy. The north-east part of Victoria is a bit like it.

The bus ride itself got a bit monotonous, and I found it hard to daydream (which keeps away my boredom). I’ll admit I got annoyed, frustrated and lonely at times. I won’t go into details. There was also a mix-up over the cabins this evening, made worse for me as no one seemed to want me (I got ignored). But Megan and Jenny, etc., were kind enough to include me, and I’m now in a two-room cabin with Megan Waters.

Gosh, I haven’t done any drawing or sketching since I’ve been here. Amazing! I seem to have left all that at home. I guess seeing and daydreaming have been enough for my artistic part of me, so far.

I’ve heard the familiar sound of two jets rumbling past in the west, their lights tiny and distant. It’s a reassuring sound, as I’ve heard it all my life at home. But also a lonely sound, as you wonder about all those anonymous people – where they’re going and what they’re thinking. Well, now I’ve been one of those unknown people in a jet, and wondered if anyone on the ground heard its rumble and thought those same thoughts.

Tea is at 8:30, and it’s ten to eight now. Most people are either in their cabins or having/waiting for a shower (Megan’s the latter).

There’s only three full days of the trip left. Tomorrow we head up the west coast to “the river city of Wanganui,” staying at Alwyn Motor Camp. The next day we head back to the National Park, staying at the alpine Turangi Holiday Park (bound to be freezing!). And on Saturday, it’s back through central NZ to Auckland, staying at that dreadful Avondale again (yuck! Mud and gravel). Then on Sunday, it’s all the excitement of the airport and the flight home.

Megan’s just come back from her shower, so I’ll depart for now.

18 September

We arrived at Alwyn Motor Court yesterday evening, after traveling from Wellington to Wanganui.

First, we toured around Wellington for a couple of hours, first going up to the peak of Mt. Victoria, where we had an all-round view of the vast harbor. It was magnificent! The mountain is very high, and the lands below look remote and distant. It was also very windy. The sea to the south had no land between it and Antarctica. It was partly cloudy, and the horizon was hazy. But imagine what the city would look like at night! I bought a postcard showing that night view.

Wellington also has a small international airport to the south-east, and I watched a couple of Air New Zealand 767 jets take off (through binoculars).

We were given free time in the city for an hour, and I went with Megan and Co. We also took a cable-car ride – it was just like a tram which goes straight uphill.

There’s also a lot of foreign embassies and stuff in the government centre. The Parliament house looks magnificent.

Then came the long drive to Wanganui, along the west coast. We passed that Air Force base again – it’s near a town called Rangetitei, I think. I saw a Mirage jet coming in for a landing – or maybe it wasn’t; I’m thinking unconsciously of the jets in our Air Force. Anyway, I think it had delta-shaped wings.

We had fish and chips for lunch, paid for by the bus driver, plus a cold drink. We arrived in Wanganui late in the afternoon.

(It’s 9:12 AM. I’m on the bus as I write. We’re just leaving now.)

We toured the town, which is on a wide river. There’s a hill there, and on top of that a very tall tower, called Duri Tower, I think. It’s a bit like a lighthouse in that it had winding steps. It took about five exhausting minutes to climb! And it was very windy on the top – nearly got blown away. Like getting blasted by a cold jet engine.

Wanganui is right near the sea, and the motor camp was a few hundred metres away from the beach. The camp looked very shabby from the outside, but inside – almost luxury! Lots of shelter! Large cabins! I was in a cabin of eight, with Tonia Langton, Lee-Anne Henry, Margaret Baker, Angela Coote, Cathy Garrett?, Amanda Bunnett and Ruth Fligelman. We had quite a good time. There were three bedrooms and a kitchen! The cabins were along a hallway, with toilets and showers at the end.

Late last night, there was a big fuss in the camp. I only heard rumors: apparently, two nasty guys turned up and asked a few girls where the party was. The guys made pests of themselves. I do know that we were all told to stay in our cabins and not go out alone. It certainly caused a bit of excitement.

Well, I don’t feel like writing any more – I will when we arrive at the camp this afternoon.

7:04 p.m. We arrived at Turangi Holiday Park around 5:00. I’m sitting in the tiny cabin now. All cabins are two-bed, prison cell-like boxes. Toilets & showers are outside. GROAN! And it’s cold and raining. I’m in with Ruth Fligelman.

We spent lunch and most of the afternoon in the National Park, near the Chateau something-or-other (named after one of the three main mountains; I think Tongariro). It’s a very luxurious place, populated by skiing types. There are spectacular views of the distant, snow-capped mountains and wide plains. These plains reminded me of the steppes of Russia.

Some people chose to go on an $8.50 ride up to the top of a mountain, and others (including me) stayed behind. We wandered round the shop area, then went for a track walk over the hills, which we didn’t complete due to lack of time, unfortunately. But the views of the reddish-tan shrub-covered plains and distant blue mountains were magnificent. It was also very cold, and we saw patches of icy snow on our walk.

After that, we drove onto Turangi.

On the way we passed a large lake Lake Taupol, over which low clouds were shedding rain. The sun, shining to the west, made a beautiful, bright rainbow to appear, which curved in a huge arc across the sky, ending in the lake. It was an unusual sight, but as we were in the bus, we couldn’t stop to take photos! Extremely annoying. I’ve missed out on photographing other lovely scenes for this reason.

As I didn’t bring my bathers, I couldn’t go thermal swimming this evening. I was a bit angry and depressed – can’t be bothered going into details. So I and another girl (Cara) went on a walk with the teachers around the thermal area, looking at the deep, hot pools and bubbling mud. It was very interesting and unusual. The walk took about 15 minutes. We were at the place for about an hour.

Tomorrow is our last full day, in which we make our way back to Auckland. I’ll go now, and write if anything else happens.

20 September

We leave today for Australia. Got up early this morning (about quarter to six) to avoid the early morning shower rush. I was in a caravan with Bronwyn Geary and Tania Gilbert, a blind girl. It’s 7:00 a.m., breakfast time. I’ll just give an outline of what happened yesterday, then go into detail on the plane.

I got up late yesterday, and it was rush, rush, rush into the shower, then to pack. I missed breakfast. On the journey, we visited the Waitomo Limestone Caves. Last night we had a formal farewell dinner at a posh restaurant called the Fisherman’s Wharf, which was excellent and had a beautiful view of the Auckland city.

That’s the main things that happened. Gotta go now – write later.

7:42 a.m. All packed up and ready to go. Some people are at breakfast; others are wandering around.

I didn’t have a very good night’s sleep because I was suffering from a bit of indigestion, and my bed was uncomfortable.

8:22 a.m. Most of us are seated on the bus; we are almost ready to go.

In general, I’ve enjoyed this camp. You get used to the primitive accommodation, packing and unpacking, traveling. But I found the bus rides a bit boring and exhausting.

Anyway, I’ll write when I can. We’re off! (8:40 a.m.) To the airport, now.

10:20 a.m. We are now all at the airport, waiting in Gate Lounge 2 for our flight. Went through all the usual procedures. I got beeped when I walked through the x-ray machine, but it was only the coins in my purse.

This is a really nicely-designed airport. From the outside, it sort of looks like a Maori building. Inside, the main colors are green-gold, cream and brown (wood).

Soon, we’ll be soaring up above the clouds. I haven’t got a window seat – I got one in Row F again. Oh, well, I can always swap (I hope!). People for this flight are just sitting around, waiting and talking. We’re supposed to depart at 11:10 a.m., but we’ll probably be behind schedule. It’s now 10:30 a.m..

11:08 a.m. We are now on the jet. We boarded about ten minutes ago. I am in the centre of the aisle – I hate not being able to see out of the window! I don’t know if I’ll be able to get anyone to swap. Probably not.

I don’t think I need go step-by-step through the procedures of getting in the air again.

Captain’s talking on the radio. We are ready to take off.

Engines revving. Crew going through safety demonstration again – same taped voice on radio. Know this off by heart, soon!

Reversing. 11:16 a.m. Turning port.

Engines revving higher and faster. Beginning to taxi forward.

Wrong there! Still waiting.

Here we go. Taxiing forward onto runway. Turning port from terminal area. Can’t wait for the takeoff! 11:24 a.m.

Flaps have gone up on wings from their down position.

11:27 a.m. Turning onto runway’s end, to starboard. Here we go! BOOM! Racing along the runway! Tilting – in the air!

Turning port. Can feel jet go up and down in air pockets.

Up in clouds, now! 11:30 a.m..

Flight info. on computer display, 11:40 a.m.:

• Air speed: 720 km/h.
• Outside temp.: −21°C
• Height: 18,500 ft.
• Time since departure: 0:10 m.
• Distance traveled: 101 km.

We’re getting all these readouts projected onto a computer screen. Maps of where we are are also being shown.

Now it’s kids’ cartoons. Groan!

12:00 p.m. In level – well, we’re still climbing slightly. Just filled out Customs forms.

12:12 p.m. Getting bored. Swapped with Kerryn Quirk – didn’t get a window seat, but I’m third from the window, next to Mr. & Mrs. K. None of my friends are near.

I’ll describe yesterday. First, the Waitomo Caves. We toured around the cave system, and the sights were very unusual and beautiful. It seems incredible that only water and time can erode rock into all those wonderful formations. The rocks are also very old – about two or three million years. There were lots of stalactites and stalagmites growing from the ceiling or extending from the floor. It takes thousands of years for one to grow about halfway down! The place was damp, dark and a bit claustrophobic.

The caves are famous for their glowworms, and we saw these in various dark places – like thousands of bright stars clustered on the cave roofs. They were a beautiful sight, and lit the caves with their pale glow, and reflected in the dark water.

• 35,000 ft. – 12:48 p.m.
• Estimated arrival time: AUST. 12:55 p.m.
• Weather: partly cloudy, 12°C
• 514 mph.

Just went to the toilet, which is quite a nifty little affair, despite being cramped. Beside it is one of the cabin doors, and I leant against it for a while, looking outside at the deep blue sea and white clouds. Beautiful! It’s just behind the wing, and I could see the vapor forming as the heated air blasted out behind. Gosh, what if I leant against the door and it was to open?!!

Flight info., 12:55 p.m.:

• Ground speed: 827 km/h
• Outside temp.: −56 C
• Height: 35,000 ft. (10,670m)
• Time since departure: 1:24
• Distance traveled: 1118 km.

1:00 p.m. Flight display shows that we are a little more than halfway there.

A computer display:

• Manly: 555 miles
• Palm Beach: 560 miles.

We have all had lunch.

I’ve nearly run out of room. I’d better describe the dinner.

The restaurant was situated right near the harbor, so we had a beautiful view of all the city lights.

(The people in the seats in front are very irritating. There’s two young boys and their mother. Need I say more?)

Anyway, the meal was expensive but delicious. I had the main meal and dessert. I was at a table of eight with Cathy, Angela, Amanda – all that group. We had a great time. There was a live band playing, which was very good. The decor was very expensive-looking – red velvet and dark wood; the nautical look. I’ve got no room to go into detail, but we all did have a great time. Got home about 12:00 at night.

2:55 p.m. Looking at the computer map, we are about three-quarters of the way over the Tasman Sea, and near the coastline.

2:26 p.m. We are nearly there. Preparing for descent.

2:30 p.m. Can see heaped-up cumulus. We have been told to fasten seatbelts. Descending – air turbulence is bouncing us around. Land below us.

Strange how the clouds are so white and sunny above, yet below it’s cold and grey.

12:33 Australian time now. This traveling back and forth in time is a bit confusing!

Definitely descending. Floor is tilted. My knuckles look black again! Pressure in ears.

Over land. New Zealand is far away, again.

Turning starboard. Getting lower. Cabin crew are rushing round, preparing for the landing.

Turning sharply port. 12:28 p.m. Land looks various shades of blue from high above. We’re getting near cloud level.

Our speed becomes apparent as we get nearer solid objects. Way up there, we seem to be drifting along.

About to descend into clouds. Here we go! 12:47 p.m.

Land in sight! Can see cloud shadows on land. Below clouds, now. 12:50 p.m.

Getting lower! Few hundred feet above ground level. Flaps are down. We’re turning in lots of different directions as the pilots maneuver for the landing.

We are very low. Can see ground objects clearly.

Down … down … BOOM! We’ve arrived! Engines reversing thrust. 12:55 p.m. Slowing down. And we’re back home again. Have to go through Customs, yet. Familiar sight of our airport. Our holiday is over. ’Bye!

Gallery

School camps

Each year my class would be taken on a week-long camp to locations around Melbourne. These were generally enjoyable and involved outdoors activities. I have listed each year’s camp from what was mentioned in the school magazine, the Kilvonian.

• 1981, Year 5: Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. This included a Costumed School Program where we were dressed as schoolchildren in period costume and experienced life as them in the 1850s. I also recall being given a tour of a mineshaft. I still have a short letter I wrote to my parents during my stay:

  Dear Mum & Dad,
  This is my first day at Sovereign Hill. At Red Hill National School the teacher is called Mrs. Rowland, but we have to call her “Mam” and we have to call Mrs. Clough and Mrs. Flowers “Mam” too. The thing I bought was a bag with a Gold Miners’ Licence, and information sheeets, an ink well & bottle & ink pen, a rubber and more. We went on the Underground Mine Tour and it was really interesting.
  I’m sleeping with Melinda Hansen in a double bed and Andrea Crabtree in a single. I am now in the Recreation Room and writing this letter.
  So I will be seeing you soon,
  Lots of love,
  Suzy McHale XOXOXO

• Year 6, 1982: Camp Cooinda, Gembrook. An outdoors camp with activities that included table tennis, pool/billiards, swimming, trampolining, horse riding.
• Year 7, 1983: No record or memory of this year’s camp, but from adjacent Kilvonian yearbooks, it might have been Camp Weekaway in Benloch.
• Year 8, 1984: Anglesea Sport and Recreation Camp.
• Year 9, 1985: An outdoor education camp at Yarra Junction (72 km from Melbourne according to the brief Kilvonian entry by Karen Perkal, but 55 km according to Wikipedia). It involved camping out in a bushland setting and survival skills such as orienteering, archery and campfire cooking. Great fun in retrospect!
• Year 10, 1986: Not sure where we stayed, but we did visit Mt. Buffalo.
• Year 11, 1987: New Zealand! As previously detailed.

2014 Bushido exhibition

On 15 September 2014 (Journal entry) I went to see an exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, “Bushido – Way of the Samurai.” It was small – in one room – but the exhibits of swords, armor and accessories were exquisitely-made. I took some photos but they were rather murky as I couldn’t use the flash. An irritation were the hordes of noisy schoolchildren wandering around – if I go to another exhibit in future I will have to go on weekends or during school holidays! This was the first time I had visited the Gallery (or any museum) since my teenage years.

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 at 1:16:19 pm