No, this is not some wild man incanting a strange Maori chant. Rather this is John Walsby, PhD a widely acclaimed marine biologist explaining volcanic activity to our Elderhostel group.

John spent the day with us teaching a wide range of topics about New Zealand flora and fauna and geological/meteorological underpinnings. He was quite adroit and did an excellent job.

In addition to a visit to Te Wai Orea – the waters of the eel at the Western Springs Lake in Auckland, we motored to the west coast to view the pounding surf and sand dunes. Above the Muriwai Beach we watched gannets roosting at a rare mainland rookery.

I learned a great deal, had much fun, and loved the day.