Waitangi Weekend

FRIDAY - dawned drizzly and wet but when it eased up we decided to walk along the river. In spite of the damp, it was very pleasant... Later in the day it cleared up and we went for a swim in the lake.

SATURDAY - We put the kayaks in at Hatepe and paddled. If anything can be called idyllic, this day was - blue skies from horizon to horizon, glassy calm lake warm to swim in, no wind, simple but delicious picnic on a deserted beach.

SUNDAY - a second day of Kayaking after an early morning walk around the Waikari Loop track. The lake was choppier today, thanks to a boisterous breeze. We put the kayaks in at the Yacht Club and headed toward the Motuoapa Headland. Fortunately the breeze was behind us on our return journey!

Wellington Anniversary Weekend

By Wellington Anniversary Weekend the good weather had largely disappeared, but it was still an enjoyable break. We re-oiled the deck and retouched some of the paintwork before visitors arrived:

Back to Japan

Saying goodbye to Nana:

Last photo with the whanau:

A final wave at PN International Airport:

Summer Days with Karen

After celebrating New Year, we were finally able to have a holiday, and thankfully, after a rainy day when we went for a very soggy walk, the sun came out and the wind died away for the rest of the week. Here's how we spent our time:

The 'soggy walk' day, then...

kayaking;

at the lake;

around the house;

walking the Tongariro Crossing ;

... and visiting Taupo.