We all returned home and then Irene and I headed out for one of our favourite locations; the Spit. We have been numerous times but this time the sea must have been further out than we have ever seen it. Not only was the Spit very wide but it seemed to cross over the whole Tamaki River. The Waiheke car ferry looked to be crossing the sand as it went through the narrow channel between the end of the Spit and Howick on the opposite shore.
Irene was not satisfied that she had had a paddle so we drove down to St Heliers. Even here the distance to the sea was great and mostly gravel and slippery sea weed. By walking to the east end of the bay we did manage to find a clear channel into the sea. Walking in the sea was like a dip in a warm bath.
We all set off in two cars to what the children call the 'Secret Garden'. It is a spectacular place on the side of Mount Eden. Whenever we see an 'up' labelled 'A Minimum Level of Fitness is Required' we have to do it. The views at the top were worth the climb.
The one disappointment was that the cafe was closed (It was a public holiday.) When we got to the bottom Sally and the girls had gone and Ian took us off to a super cafe. The place was called 'Circus Circus'. The theme was obvious. The children were well catered for and our food was good. Sally and I were both disappointed with the smoothy that we ordered. It came in a plastic bottle and did not have the thickness that we expected.
Ian took the girls home and Sally wanted to do some shopping at Sylvia Park. In Warehouse I found a dozen 'Tublers' for $8. I am not kidding it really did say 'Tublers' on the box. With the extra company the family seemed to getting through a lot of glassware.
Irene and I had a busy day on Tuesday. We started quite early with a visit to Parnell Rose Gardens. There is a wonderful range of roses overlooking the sea.
Next we dropped down the slope to a seat overlooking Judges Bay, the rail and road earthwork, then the sea and the mounds of Mount Victoria and North Head.
On the way back I decided to stop off at Orakei Marina. As we approached the gates into the landing we were met by a jolly, Samoan lady called Lou. She asked if we would like to walk along the yacht landings and swiped her card to open the gate. I asked her what her job was. That was when she told me she was security. Fortunately, I was unable to laugh inside or outside. Having showed us how to get back through the gate she left us to it. Occasionally we bumped into her, on her bike and had further conversations when we exchanged names and I took her photograph.
After lunch Irene and I walked up to our very favourite place, Glovers Park, to look over the view of Browns Island. The wind on top was still strong and we abandoned our attempt to sit and read.
When we got back the four ladies went off four a nail makeover. Then Ian and I drove over to meet the girls in Mission Bay for dinner. Despite the busyness of the resort Ian dropped into a space not far from 'Los Amigos Cantina'. For a second time this holiday I was to enjoy Mexican food. This time I has enchiladas. Irene had an ice cold Margerita with her food.
Ian drove off and we made our way to Kiwiyo. This was a frozen yoghurt shop. You take one of three sizes of tubs, put any collection of frozen yoghurts in and then put any trimming that you fancy on top. This is the unhealthy part of the deal. The tubs are then paid for by weight.
Today is generally a quiet day. I had my breakfast but at about 10.00 am everyone else was ready for their breakfast. Sally drove us out to Coffee Club. The children were very good at ordering food and sitting to enjoy it. Next it was time to be on the beach. Sally drove us all down to St Heliers. The girls had a good time. Emily spent an hour surf boarding and Zoe was building sand castles. Irene, dressed in her bathing suit and purple wrap, supervised and enjoyed a paddle in the sea.
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