Saturday's Missing Outing

Irene reminded me about the following visit. I did not remember or go through the image set properly, but we did get out to a beautiful part of the city. We had been earlier when the wind put us off but this time it was warm and sunny. Last time we went by ferry. This time I drove the car.

Devonport is on a peninsula sticking out into the Hauraki Gulf. It is at the lower end of that part of the city known as 'North Shore'. It is a long established place. Before the bridge there must have been a ferry since without the bridge the journey round must have been much more than the half hour it took us today. Even today it is a busy ferry terminal offering commuters a chance to avoid the rush hour traffic.

It has been almost eleven years since we first went to the place that I was heading, namely Mount Victoria. Sally drove us up it the first time we came in 2003. This time I had to try to understand the confusing road signs on the mount. I was very glad that there were no tour buses going up or down while I was making the journey.

On top are two car parks. The top and the view from it is magnificent. In the distance, to the north can be seen Great Barrier Island. Across the Hauraki Gulf is the city and the bays on which sit the various holiday towns. Westward are Waitekere Mountains. To the east, looking across Rangitito is the island of Waiheke. Beyond that are the mountains of the Coromandel.

The whole length of the harbour bridge
 can be seen.

Rangitoto 

Along the bays to the Tamaki inlet

Musik Point with the edge of Waiheke to
 the left and the Coromandel behind

Tall ships

Close to us were the sailing and speed boats. Among them were two tall ships racing yachts. On land cricket was being played on the village green. On top families and tourists were enjoying the space and the view. Chinese was the most heard language. The top was also the site of the 'disappearing gun'. This is a huge rotating piece of artillery which was put in place in case the Russians decided to invade. They never did. The gun was fired once, shattering many windows. Following protests it has been silent since.

We drove down and parked again so that we could walk along the sea front. After some photography we made our way back along the motorway over the harbour bridge. The motorway is quite wonderful. It so clean and spacious compared to any in the UK.

The First Week

Today (Monday) I have been out by car for the third time. The first was to go into Sylvia Park mall. While the girls did food shopping I went into The Warehouse (Irene keeps calling it Wilko). I bought a bright blue pair of basket ball shorts. I noticed that the sizes on offer were small, medium. large and about 9 sizes of extra large. Apparently Samoans are big bodied.

After this outing we then had our first walk around the block. The objective was the play park at the primary school. Despite the holidays the school grounds are completely open and the playground is quite special. The four girls had the run of the place. Even Irene was caught climbing. 

The walk down the hill gave us our first view of Rangitoto.

The barbecue was lit.

To finish the day the girls took to the pool.

The second was to go with Sally to her dietician. I was allowed to witness the complex measurements and the consultation.

Then I was confined to three days in bed. Once quarantine was lifted and I felt well enough, Irene and I had a number of walks around the block until the final one on Sunday, when we walked far enough down the hill to be within striking distance of the sea. So, we struck off down and prepared to face the steep walk back.

So, the first real outing was on Auckland Day (a bank holiday). Out on the sea was the regatta and we aimed to cross over to Devonport. Ian drove around and the rest of us took the ferry. Our departure was heralded by three tugs in a triangle spinning rapidly and water cannons from another boat.

Once out on the sea there was a good view of the city and an amazing cruise liner.

Waiting outside the ferry terminal at Devonport was a wagon and horses. I wondered if the horses were the same ones as those we saw on our first trip in 2003. (How long do horses live?) The driver called out "Who wants a ride?" Irene and the girls were soon aboard.

The girls went to the play area with Sally and Ian. Irene and I headed into the town away from the bitter wind.

We all met up for lunch before departing. We gave up on sitting watching the regatta. I sat at the front of the ferry and took pictures of a yacht in full sail and another of a liner.

Our drive home took us through Mission Bay. It was quite congested as this is a favourite resort of Aucklanders. Irene got out of the car at the town centre to meet up with Sally and Zoe in order to explore a large craft fair. Back home I had a rest and later in the afternoon Irene and I went for another walk along Maskell Street to Glover Park before having our meal.

The house is going quieter and I sit next to a large screen showing a show called 'Australia Has Got Talent'. One recognisable member of the panel is Dawn French.

Joke of the Day

From the public address system comes the announcement, "We will now have a moment of silence for the school librarian". After a pause the announcer goes on to say, "She's not dead, just wants a moment of silence."

Present Week

Today we should be on a plane home.

Following our arrival back to Auckland last Wednesday we have collected a hire car and commenced our child care service.


On Friday I had the pleasure of seeing Zoe collect awards for good work in class. It was a lovely ceremony under the trees in the playground just before lunch.

On Sunday it was Zoe's birthday party. With the family we went of to a swimming pool which had been hired as a party venue. The party started with Zoe and her friends enjoying the pool. There were two pools. The shallow pool for the little ones like Emily and another for the older children.

The pool time ended with the arrival of piles of pizzas. Some of the children were very pleased to end the pool activities at this time. After pizzas Sally bought in her wonderful cake creation. This went down well.


Our working week started by collecting Emily from kindy at lunch time, doing some school work, and going to play with her on the beach. At other times of the week we have taken her to other educational activities such a Gymbaroo and, on Thursday, we have taken both girls to dance classes.


Wednesday was a special day. It was Zoe's birthday. We made an early start with a few presents at breakfast before the girls went off to school.

After school I took Zoe down to St Heliers where she joined with the other Brownies to sell their biscuits. We were there for about an hour. 

 

Next to the Brownie stall, outside the library there was a man with 1/90th replica of Noah's ark and lots of literature. We had a chat and many people stopped to talk to him. 

When we got back to the house it was all very silent. Then there was a giggle. In the downstairs playroom a party was set out. Ian and Sally had gotten home early and we all enjoyed a surprise party. Although, Zoe was a little annoyed that she had been told about it earlier. Unwrapping the rest of the presents followed.

Piñata busting

This is Benny.
He has still not figured out the cat-flap concept.

On Thursday afternoon we took Emily to Gymbaroo and then on to Kelly Tarlton's. While Irene was in with Emily I went for a walk to a nearby bay. It was good to be out without my camera and hat; not looking so much like a tourist. In the evening I drove out, with Irene to Devonport. We got caught up in the home bound city traffic, then under the new tunnel and over the bridge. It was interesting to see the comings and goings at Devonport harbour. As the ferry got halfway across the water from Auckland cars and buses suddenly arrived, streams of people got off the ferry and the car park went empty once more. I can't help but think that this must be a less stressful way of getting home from work than making the journey that we had just done.

Arrivals at Devonport

We watched as darkness fell and the city lights came on. The sun set with the same golden rays over the harbour bridge that we witnessed just before we left in 2009.

Yesterday it was really hot. 


In the morning I continued with my quest to extend our travel insurance. My UK company will only extend beyond 20th April, most companies will not insure non-residents. Two NZ companies will sell me insurance, but will not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Another company will cover anybody, anywhere but only under 60's. This morning I spoke to an insurance agent who started by telling me that I did not need insurance in NZ due to reciprocal agreements, but cover was necessary and possible for the Singapore bit but recommended that Irene be insured by a different company to cover flight costs and luggage.


After this I started on a painting. I bought myself a canvas, some acrylic paints and brushes. I have decided to paint a picture of 'Mount Cook'.


Emily did her work in the afternoon and was happy playing at home. The pool was tempting. The water was warm, but I was not sure of the quality. I now know how to test it and next time it happens I will be able sort it out.


Before collecting Zoe from her after school club I went to the chemist to get a months supply of my tablets. It had cost £35 to have an examination at the local doctor so that he could write out a prescription. It was a bonus to know that I was medically fit. Most items cost £1.50. Compare this to UK prices. It only took 10 mins for the chemist to put the prescription together, unlike the one week notice needed at home.


In the evening Sally took Irene and me out for a drink and our pudding before a walk along the sea front.


Today, Saturday, we got up  and Irene received Mother's Day presents from Zoe and Emily. (It is not M.D. here.)

Ian and I took the girls out in the hope of getting pony rides, but we finished up with a Dunkin' Donut and a visit to covered playground. The girls spent two hours there before returning with MacDonalds. They then went out to visit a previous nanny and see her baby.

We all went out to a 'Mother's Day' dinner in the evening.

Tomorrow Sally and Ian are joining in with 80,000 other people to do 'Around the Bays'. They will be walking 8.4km (5.2 miles) from the Ferry Building to St Heliers and finish off with a barbecue on a local park.

Week Beginning 6th February

 Monday 6th

The day started by using the bubble blowers that had been bought for the girls at the lantern festival. They work really well and are fun except for the monotonous tune they play.

Nanny is not really teasing Emily.
The bubble machine had to be held up.

Nanny is not really drinking the
 bubble liquid.

Sally, Irene and Zoe set off in search of strawberries. Zoe wanted to do a PYO and thought that we had done it when we here last. She had remembered the time when we flew down to Napier and did picking there.

The plan was for Ian and me to take Emily to Kelly Tarlton’s (That is the sea aquarium on the way to the city. However, Emily did not want to go and she occupied the morning playing by herself, while Ian and I talked some ‘toot’.

After lunch I decided to walk down into St Helier’s to see if there were any Waitangi celebrations. The grass edge all along the beach was crowded with various camping/picnicking paraphernalia and the beaches were crowded. On a corner of the green a table had been set up by the organisers and groups of people were playing team games in various places.

One of the old trees that line the beach.
Rangitoto is in the background.

Collecting shells on Kohi beach

Kohi Treasures

A wader on the beach

Just as I got to Kohimarama Irene rang to say that they were back, but that the PYO was unsuccessful. I waited for her to come and join me at Kohi and we walked further on. 


Firstly, we found ice-creams in a shop in the town. We had a tub each of delicious chocolate, honey comb ice-cream. We walked a little further into Mission Bay before returning for tea.

Tuesday 7th

Today Emily was going to have a scan following an infection which had now cleared up. This meant that Ian took Sally to work, so that we could take Emily to the clinic.

After taking the girls to school and kindergarten we used the car to take ourselves down to the spit. The spit is one of our favourite places. It is not far away and is a beach that swings out across the Tamaki River. It is always quiet and peaceful. This time we went through the nature reserve which brought us out on to the spit. We walked along before stopping for lunch and drinking our $1 fizzy drink that we had bought from the Superette at the start of the walk. We needed to be back in time to take Emily,  so we had to leave the walk to be completed at another time.

The Spit curving out across the Tamaki River
John 3:16 Ferry Building is just visible

The clinic is in a place called Remuera. All along the street are various clinics. The one we went to specialises in scans of various kinds. It has a garden with its own small car park. The scan would cost something like $400. This would be claimed back on medical insurance. Emily was an angel and no problems were found.

My last driving task was to pick up Sally from her place of work.

Wednesday 8th

Again we have to be back quite early to look after Emily while Bree (the Nanny) takes Zoe to Brownies.

After doing a few thing around the house we set off down to the beach. The aim was to get to the Michael Savage Memorial Park. Michael Joseph Savage (23 March 1872 – 27 March 1940) was the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand. He is commonly known as the architect of the welfare state and is constantly regarded as one of New Zealand's greatest and most revered Prime Ministers. He was given the title New Zealander of the Century by the New Zealand Herald in 1999.

Our route there was to be through the three bay towns, and then turn left alongside the park and find a pathway through. It was a steep climb, but the views were worth it. We found a place well away from the Joseph Savage memorial. It was a collection of Maori statues in remembrance of a five year old girl who died in 1977 during the historic land occupation of Bastion Point.

Bastion Point Memorial

Here we had our lunch and sat to do our sketches of the view.

Rangitoto from our picnic area

White Clouds Over Browns Island.
Picture taken on our way back.

On the way back we stopped in Kohi. This time for a honey comb ice-cream and a raspberry sorbet (guess who had which.)

We had a bit of a dash back in time to look after Emily.

Sally and Ian went out to the school open evening for a talk from the principal and to meet the teachers. As I write we are sitting quietly and the girls are in their rooms hopefully asleep.

Thursday – Rangitoto Day

This is it; the one day Irene has been especially looking forward to. We are going to climb Rangitoto. 

For anyone not in the know Rangitoto is a volcanic shaped island which sits in the Hauraki Gulf and looms over the city and the bays. http://www.rangitoto.org/ Basically, Rangitoto emerged from the sea around 700 years ago. The event was observed by the fairly recently arrived Maoris. Up till the mid 1800s it appears to have been largely barren. One early explorer wrote of taking 3 hours to climb it with blocks of solidified lava tumbling down. Most of the island is now covered in vegetation although there are significant, bare volcanic patches; mostly near the base. It is a study of ecological development with lower order vegetation breaking down the rocks until even trees can be supported. Apart from its causeway connection to the neighbouring island it is relatively isolated and should only be populated by insects and birds. Unfortunately, Europeans introduced the possum to the neighbouring island. There is now some concern about the appearance of hunting rats; hence the many traps that are visible.

In the 1920 there was a period of bach building around the shore. During the wars an observation point was built at the top and the island was taken over by the military. However, it was necessary to give the bach owners limited access. (Would this have been allowed if it was occupied by the UK military?)

Our own journey was very blessed. The weather improved throughout the day. This was in marked contrast to our 2009 adventure when rain started out of a clear blue sky as soon as we were on the boat; stopped to let us get some way up the path and soaked us as we tried to get down for shelter. Even then, by the time the ferry arrived we were well sun dried.

Not only was the weather on our side, but we managed to catch the earlier bus which meant that we caught the first ferry of the day. I am not sure I like being identified as ‘seniors’, but it does have the advantage of keeping the cost of the fare down. The journey on a powerful catamaran took only 25 minutes. That is £1 a minute for two seniors. There was time for breakfast tea and coffee on board.

The ascent up the volcano took just over one hour. At the top is a significant area of board-walk and look outs over  very remarkable and beautiful scenery. For the whole of the adventure, ‘beautiful’ was Irene’s favourite word. With a little time to spare we thought that we would  detour to the volcanic caves. It was a tough walk of 15 minutes. We think that we found them, but looking into the mouth was as much climbing as we prepared to do. The guide said that a torch was necessary for the rest of the cave walk. We are adventurous, but not that much.

Nearby Islands

Mouth of the Tamaki.
The Spit across is visible.

Auckland City

Looking into the Crater

The Harbour Bridge from the crater rim

Going down from the top

Looking back at the summit with part
 of a lava field showing

Part way down the main path we stopped for our lunch at a lookout and then made our way down. Near the bottom a young Australian lad came over to talk to me about my camera. He had a brand new Canon and did not know much about what to do. I noticed that his camera was set to manual. To use this setting you need an exposure meter and need to set the aperture and shutter speed separately. I explained to him about the programmed setting which would automatically match aperture and shutter speed. I think that he was grateful for the advice. I recommended that he reads his manual thoroughly when he can.

I rejoined a bored wife and we sat with sketch pads and pencils as we waited for the boat. A lady approached us. It turned out that she worked in the Cumberland Pencil factory. Perhaps she was more interested in our pencils than our drawings.

There was a sudden dash for the pier, which we joined. This gave us a chance to be on the upper, open deck. The speed across to Devonport would have blown my hat off if I  had not been sitting on it. There was little wind as we did the final few minutes to Auckland.

Our final treat was tea and coffee at Britomart before catching the bus home.

Auckland Ferry Building - The now dwarfed sandy coloured building

Friday10th

We are having a day at home. Emily is also off and we have had a happy morning with her. Bree has now gone off with her and later in the afternoon Zoe and her mum will be off to the Brownie camp for a night or perhaps two.

The builders who have been working under the decking for most of the week are just leaving and have given the all clear for the pool to be used again.