Today is Auckland's Anniversary Day and I went in to the city to the Viaduct where all the action was. It was really busy and there were lots of things for the kids to do and see. Fairground rides and face painting, helicopter rides, and not to mention piles of yummy food! Above and below is part of a huge cruise ship that was berthed at Queens wharf. "Viking Sun" was her name and she was stunning! There was no way I could get the entire ship in one photo, she was way to big for that!
Below is a huge funnel thing that was blowing out a fine spray of water - very much appreciated by everyone as it was so hot. I didn't get too close because I didn't want my camera to get wet. But even from a distance away I could feel the fine spray of water!
They announced over the loud speaker that a "staged" water rescue was going take place at the end of the wharf, and the Westpac Rescue helicopter would 'rescue' the person in the water. The guy waving in the photo below, in the blue shirt, is the guy who was going to be 'rescued' from the water. We were allowed to stand by the edge of the wharf, so I was able to get lots of photos.
And there he is (below) in the water with his arm it the air to alert the rescue helicopter so he could be 'rescued'.
Here's the guy being winched down to do the rescue. By the way, those helicopters are NOISY! I had never been so close to one before and the noise was much louder than I had expected.
The helicopter hovers while the guy is lowered down to 'rescue' the guy in the water.
Almost there...
And here is the rescue guy about to put the safety vest around the guy in the water. I bet they had a nice time cooling off in the water:-)
Here they are being winched back into the helicopter.
A successful 'rescue' as they both get back into the helicopter.
Coming in to land (above), and below, back on land again. When the helicopter landed, we were all ushered back behind a get for safety reasons. People were told to hang on their hats - literally - as the wind from the helicopter blades was so strong. Well it also blew up an amazing amount of dust, which promptly gave me a sneezing fit! I had dust stuck to my face as well as all over my arms and legs! But it was worth it:-)
And (below) here's the brave guy that jumped into the water to be 'rescued'. He looks pretty happy to be back on land and in one (wet, but cool!) piece!
These photos (below) are looking inside the Rescue Helicopter. There isn't much room in there.
This photo, below, is looking into the back of the helicopter where the injured person would go. They have a stretcher that fits in the back. All the medical equipment is neatly packed and strapped inside the helicopter.
A front on view (above), and below is part of the instrument panel. There's a lot of dials and switches!
They also had a Police helicopter that you could sit in and have a look inside it.
One of the young kids who sat in the pilots seat of the Police Helicopter.
Looking inside the Police helicopter. There isn't much room in there either!
Below is one of the two huge lights underneath the Police helicopter. One is a huge bright spotlight type of light and the other one was a night light that picks up body heat. Fascinating stuff!
Below is a shot looking back towards a boat which was spraying water everywhere.
One of the many boats on the water, the "William C. Daldy", which is very well known to Aucklanders.
Visit their website!...
This is the boat (I think it was one of the Navy ships) that was spraying water. I think you could board the boat for a free tour.
Above are some of the passengers coming back from a cruise on the "William C. Daldy". Below is a singer who had the voice of an angel! I have no idea who she was but she had a beautiful voice.
Some more of the water being sprayed over the crowd. From what I felt of the spray, it was really nice and cool! I enjoyed the little bit I got as it was a stinking hot and humid day. (I managed to get sunburnt!)
And a happy smile from a "clown", to end the day!
{HUGS} from me to YOU:-)
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Hi there! I love to hear from you so please feel free to leave me a comment, or ask a question or two! Thank you, hugs from Sunshine, Bella-Rosa and Romeo-Valentino - my two "supervisors"!