Berties visit to Wellington.

Bertie flew in from Nelson and was pleased to be released from the confines of his box. It was a bit nippy so I found a spare merino wool wrap to keep him warm. We then decided to toast his good health with a Bombay Sapphire Gin and Tonic I don't think alcohol agreed with him as he had a wee vom, never mind, all cleaned up and then he was off to bed !

Bertie decided that he would like to help take Billie our Westhighland terrier for a walk, so we all climbed into the Landrover and drove out to a very scenic spot close to Wellington City called Ataturk's Memorial Park. Looking South out into Cook Strait.The white pillar in the distance is Ataturks Memorial which was erected to remember the New Zealand and Turkish soldiers who died in battle at Gallipoli during WW2.The large white boat out at sea is the Picton Ferry which carries people and vehicles between Picton in the South Island and Wellington in the North Island. The sea journey takes about 3 hours and is a glorious sailing on a fine still day.The rocks in the sea are part of Barretts Reef and if the sea is too rough with gale force winds then the ferry will not sail because the reef becomes difficult to avoid.

Looking North up into Wellington harbour with the 3 sisters (pinnacles) in the distance.

Ataturks Memorial. The inscription reads:

Those heroes who shed their blood and lost their lives, you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side in this country of ours. You, the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears, your sons are now lying in our bosoms and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they become our sons as well.

A grubby Billie after her walk with Bertie.

Bertie wanted to expand his wardrobe before his international flight to Holland so we went shopping and bought some feathers and leather. We made him a feather and merino wool cloak, woollen hat, underpants and a leather boot. We then bought a new box and some sweet treats for his new hosts and he was airmailed to Het in The Netherlands.

Bye Bye Bertie xxx