Fishing and a family wedding - Mar 2023

 

Twizel in all its beauty

It was time to head back to one of our favoured fishing spots, although it would be fair to say we do prefer sea fishing, but Twizel isn't a bad place to hang out.  The fish weren't really biting, at least not for us, so we just enjoyed the scenery and the company.  We did catch enough salmon to feed ourselves over the week but were hoping to catch enough to take to the family.  Alas, not.

At least there were autumn mushrooms to eat

This young lady had a broken wing and was more
than happy to have our company.  Especially when 
we took to feeding her oats.

It soon came time to head back down to Dunedin where Clare's nephew was getting married.  The family descended en masse!

Clare with her siblings and their Mum

Clare's Mum with all her grandsons 
(including a grandson-in-law)

The three youngest of their respective
generations - Clare, her nephew Jack 
and his nephew Thomas

Special times ... Clare's Mum meeting
her youngest great grandson, Thomas,
for the first time

The next day, some of the family, James included, went to watch Fiji get trounced by Otago at the rugby.  This is Ben watching with his Dad and Grandad.

Every one of the family was there, including a niece who had flown in from London for a few days, especially for the occasion.  It was a very special time together after the loss of Clare's Dad last year.  

James and Dora getting ready for
the onslaught of family arrivals

Ben being encouraged by James
to play with his food!

Younger brother Jack following suit

It soon came time for everyone to disperse and we headed off on a road trip to Karamea for a three month sit.  We had intended to stop in the Lewis on our way through the pass but it started snowing so we decided to just push on through and stayed at Lake Brunner for the night instead.

Lake Brunner

We also stayed the night at one of our other favourite fishing spots on the west coast, Charleston.

By day and by night