Frenchies Downunder - May/Jun 2024

 

The always spectacular BOP

We had a few days to indulge some favourite hobbies before starting our next housesit in Matata.

Clare was an Aquarobics instructor in Whakatane for 20plus years with her fabulous friend, Sue.  They popped along to the pools together, for the first time in many years, to attend a class.

 James indulged his passion for fishing, supplying flounder from the local river.  He caught them by sight fishing and dropping a worm in front of their nose.  Far too subtle for mose kiwi fishermen, but very effective.  Delicious!

Of course, there is always sourdough bread to bake ....

Chocolate hazelnut babka

Turmeric and pumpkin seed

James got out and about cleaning up the town aka metal detecting his way through a few hours each day.

We arrived at our housesit in Matata to much excitement.  We had previously visited and had dinner with Lynne, Pete and their furries and knew exactly what we were in for.  And we were not the only ones who were VERY excited about the next couple of weeks.

Kaia and Magoo - so much personality in two
small(ish) packages

Freya, the matching (and longsuffering) kitty

We had so much fun with these two.  Each day we walked them separately around the hood.  Kaia, younger and in full health, got to go around the lagoon everyday, sometimes venturing over to the beach.  Magoo, who had a hip condition, got to go and check out his favourite sniffs around the local rugby field.  We established a routine from the first day, which settled everyone quickly.

This did not detract from the fun times to be had around the house.  Just love the way she goads him in this video.

We just loved these guys so much!  It was all in together at bedtime too ... five up, including Freya.  Lovely big comfy bed for just that reason.

We had a lovely view of the ocean.

James, of course, caught some fish.  Kaia and Magoo enjoyed the offcuts.  Freya turned her nose up, which is not that hard for her tee hee.

Kahawai fillets for smoking

And there were certainly plenty of cuddles to go round.

This was such a lovely housesit in so many ways.  Generous and charming hosts, engaging and fun pets and a location to die for.  Lucky us!!!

We then decamped to one of our regular sits in Thornton.  We spent a week with some of our favourite farm dogs.

Glitch and Joey

There's a housesitter under there somewhere!
Bella getting in on the fun.

Tux remembered us from last time and took no time to settle in with us.

We had a lovely time trotting out with the doggies in the misty winter atmosphere.