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Monday, April 25, 2016

I went to Auckland

First stop, Mangere and a community garden peopled by African, Asian and Indian gardeners in a style that's very different to mine although the overall effect was somewhat rambunctious. There were vines I didn't recognise at all, melons of extraordinary size and weight, snake beans, huge yams and citrus I'd love to grow down here, but alas, we are too cold for these beauties (pictured). I thoroughly enjoyed the Tree Crops conference and had a lot of fun with my presentation. There were several magnificent beards amongst the audience, so I was able to make hay from them, so to speak. My flights home were pleasant and I saw a wonderous phenomenon as we were flying above the clouds; a double ring of rainbow, projected onto the clouds, keeping pace with us as we flew, and in its centre, the clear shadow of our plane. Once we landed I asked the hostess if such sights were common and she said she'd never seen such a thing. I felt guilty at not alerting her to the sight at the time. I don't have that photo :-)


2 comments:

Armchair Critic said...

The plane in a rainbow is reasonably common, though it's not a surprise your steward hadn't seen one. They are strapped into their seats and watching the passengers during the phase of the flight where said rainbow and shadow can appear; they don't get a view out the window.
Despite having enough knowledge to be ready, and several attempts, I don't have a good photo of the phenomenon.
I'm pleased your trip went well. They can grow some cool plants up in Auckland.

robertguyton said...

I figured that might be the case. The pilots might see it every other flight, but the cabin crew, not so much. I bought home some of Auckland's cool plants and will plant them when the season is ideal. Two more loquats will join the garden, though whether they will ever fruit is a question. My mountain coconut has still not sprouted, but I'm being patient. I can wait its truculence out. Miscanthus x gigantea is my latest interest. Mine is growing strongly and multiplying by dividing it has been a success.