Some more of the Deer Park

Arriving Home

We came back to 'earth' on the 9th April. It was so lovely to feel those little arms around our necks. We missed all of them so much. The last couple of nights we were saying to each other 'only two sleeps, only one sleep' we were so glad to be coming home.

We have spent heaps of time with the kids since being home and took them up to Borumba Deer Park to visit with nonna and Father for an overnight stay. Isaac and Cassid thought it was just fantastic because they slept in bunk beds and could 'chat' as Cassidy says. She hasn't stopped talking about going back there one day. I am sure we will it was a lovely spot. Lyall took Isaac fishing in the morning and they caught a fish which was eaten for dinner that night! Very yummy.

It is so good to be back with them and doing all the 'normal' things in life! There is no place like home!

Holiday over - see you soon

Looked at real estate today.... how's this for the view out of the bedroom?? and even better from the rear deck you see out the window.. Anyone want a share of a great holiday home???? and investment????

One sleep .... Goodnight... xx

Beach fishing

The weather decided to blow up so the idea of going out and fishing was called off. So we decided to hire fishing gear and have a go from the beach - people here say that you can catch fish from the beach.

As you can see Shell is super excited in the this pasttime. We did not get anything for tea - just fish and chips from the shop.....

Here's another sunset for you Kate...
Don't listen to him - it was fun, just looking at the scenery and the lovely sunset - still trying to come up with some idea how Lyall can come fishing here each year............ Two sleeps to go.......

3 Sleeps to go!!

Today is Sunday and we decided to go up to Whitianga (pronounced fit-e-ang-a) to church. It was great - a goup of about 20 or so and so friendly, great worship and good message about was the flood real and why people in early genisis lived to like 900 and that quickly changed down to sub 100....
The pics and just typical new zealand because you can't do a blog without photos hey?? (They were taken today though)

Shell: yep, well Lyall has said it all.....we stopped in the town and had ice-cream, not as good as in Russell!! Church was good and we talked to lots of people about house swapping etc and also one lady and her husband have a 43' boat - I think they are Lyall's new best friend!! And, would you believe it , the Pastor has a brother called Lyall - even spelt the same way. Well it is nap time so catch you all later. Love and kisses xxxx Only 3 sleeps to go!!!

Whitianga, Coromandel Town and beyond ...

We had a bit of a quiet day today - Saturday. So we decided to go for a bit of a drive and see what the country looks like north of where we are staying. A 90 minute drive to Coromandel Town and we went on a train ride for an hour through the native bush. This train has been done by this private guy who set up the lot. He bought the 60acres in 1978 and started laying the tracks, building the train,


building this double decker rail bridge (there are several normal bridges that he had to build),

getting rid of imported trees and planting stacks of kauri trees. He also built these decks that the 'trains' go out onto to turn around.. They stick out over the drop...

He is trying to save all this native NZ flora and fauna on his property by pest proof fencing, removal of unwanted trees and planting of desired ones.

I found my beach.... almost deserted.... great fishing.... protected waters... etc etc etc..



Local inhabitants ....


Check out this sign... What manual does this come out of!!!!

On the way back home at dusk there was this huge pig silloetted against the skyline and I got the photo but we also saw an eagle on the side of the road picking at a dead possum - and when I pulled up it just sat there !! But I did not get that photo!!>:o(

Shell: well we got going late as Lyall said but the drive was nice - we searched for some yummy ice cream like we had in Russell but to no avail. We are going to go to Whitianga to church tomorrow so that will be another chance to buy ice cream.