Happy New Year!

At Last!

Well it's been a long time but I have finally updated this blog with over 100 new entries. If you are interested the new posts start all the way back here.

Surfs Up

James had to have a little go but he wouldn't go in the water. He doesn't like the waves. Anyway we all had a great time and the sea air gave us an appetite for the traditional xmas roast kindly cooked by Sandra.

While Mum Surfs

James Plays on the Sand

Xmas on the Beach!

A traditional kiwi xmas, we spent the afternoon eating smoked salmon and drinking wine on the beach. It was great weather and the water was really warm. Tracy and I went surfing and we all had a great time.

We Wish You a Merry Xmas!

James got a ukelele for xmas (amongst other things).

Climber

Before we left James had a last play in the park. He loved this climbing wall.

Time for Bed

Happy Holidays

Tomorrow we go home which is a shame but we have had a great time. For our last night Tracy's Dad treated us to a nice meal at the restaurant next to the beach.

Moa

After our ride we were all a bit sore so we relaxed in the pub. Just opposite was a woodcarvers studio and I saw these giant carved Moas outside.

Happy Day

It was great to see Tracy back in the saddle.

In the Surf

We went for a walk through the surf and saw a stingray swimming. We also saw a few hollows in the sand where the stingrays had been sunning themselves.

Racing

We had a good hoon around on the sand. That's me in the front. I managed a short canter which was scary but cool.

Horse Riding at Marahau

This afternoon I went riding across the beach at Marahau with Tracy and her Dad. Our instructor was Harmony Aquarian, an eccentric but brilliant horseman who we have ridden with before. The weather and the views were fantastic.

View From Kaiteriteri Lagoon

This is the life!

Mermaid

The colour of the water in the lagoon is a deep green.

The weather has mostly been great, I have swam every day and Tracy has most days too.

I Had To Do This

I remember my Dad doing this to me and Sarah. James loves it too.

Paradise

This lagoon flows around and behind Kaiteriteri beach and was just a short walk from where we were staying. It is great for swimming in.

Fishing

There is a nice walk around the springs and we had a picnic next to the lake.

Crystal Clear

The visibilty is over 60 metres which is close that of pure water.

Pupu Springs

Today we visited Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu springs) the source of the purest spring water in the world.

Keeping Warm

Whilst waiting to be picked up it got quite cold and James hid under a blanket with his Mum and Mamma. On the way back he slept like a baby though I don't know how as the sea was very rough and there was quite a gale blowing. By the time we got back to Kaiteri, the rain was very heavy. So it was hot showers for everyone and whisky for the adults.

Future Black Cap

James played cricket with his Grandad. I don't think he has quite got it yet but he certainly enjoyed it.

Oyster Catcher

There were several oyster catchers nesting on the beach.

View From the Lagoon

Like most beaches here Bark Bay has a large lagoon behind it.