Sunday 15 December 2019

Land of the long white cloud - Nov/Dec 2019

NZ Christmas tree ... a yarn bombed Pohutukawa
We stayed in Auckland with our lovely friend Carol for a couple of nights whilst we went about dealing to jetlag and purchasing a vehicle.  We were also able to collect our kayak that we had left under Carol's house.  We were well ready for a summer of sea fishing.


Our next stop was a short five day sit in Mt Eden caring for 15yr old (failed guide dog) labrador Coco.  Very easy going, and only being up to a couple of short walks a day, she was easy company.  It seemed appropriate that we were required to slow life down a little to suit Coco's needs after the hustle and bustle that comes along with decamping across the world.



Leaving Auckland behind for a month on Waiheke Island, house and petsitting for a dear friend came soon enough.


Dogog and Violet are both 16 years old and Clare has known them, cared for them and lived with them at various stages throughout there life.  This was a 'homecoming' of sorts!


Dog enjoyed his daily walks at Palm Beach


Patterns left in the sand by the outgoing tide
And our evening walks in the dog park


Violet enjoyed lots of snuggle time


And lots of lounging around in the abundant sun being cute!


Some mornings we were up at 5am to be out in the kayak before the wind gets up and home before Dog even knew we had been anywhere.


Many snapper and a few trevally were caught and enjoyed by all .....


Violet loves fresh fish!

Trevally ceviche & homemade coleslaw
We discovered the delights and simplicity of homemade mayonnaise


We thoroughly enjoyed re-acquainting ourselves with the unique birdlife of New Zealand

Tuneful Tui

A couple of cheeky kereru (native pigeons)
Apart from all that, we had plenty of time to relax and enjoy some quiet time.