Takapu Road Again

With what’s been going on in Christchurch it seems trite to document a gentle stroll over the hills. We discussed it on the walk this morning and it seems unreal that we are going about our usual daily routine and the people just four hundred kilometres away are coping with a totally different set of circumstances. It seems to be bringing out the best in a lot of people but there is also much heartbreak and tough times ahead. I’m sure you’ve all heard the news and seen pictures of the destruction. There has been a rapid and comprehensive response including several overseas search and rescue teams. We are humbled and grateful for all the help, concern and support shown by individuals and governments. Thank you.

For a view from slightly closer to the epicentre see Jeneane’s blog.

So a few pictures from the walk that we last did just over a year ago. These are the intrepid walkers (plus Andy who took the shot).
It’s mainly open farmland with a number of impressive valleys.

Once you get up on the top there are good views west over Porirua Harbour (Kapiti is the island in the centre)

and south east back over Wellington Harbour.

We took the route up to the second world war airstrip now used for topdressing.

Noreen has a reputation as a speedy walker. Someone must have known and put up these convenient slow down signs! (In reality the track is used by maintenance crews on the gas and power lines that cross the area.)

Sunny Weekend

Boring title – but I can’t think of anything better.
Yesterday we went for a walk along the Skyline Walkwaypast a calf who seemed glad to see us

and down to Otari Bush with this helpful sign.

Which we were.

Jenny passed her first practical driving test on Friday. She now has a restricted licence which means she can drive by herself between 5 am and 10 pm and at any other time with a fully licensed passenger. Up until now she has always driven with someone else in car so this first solo trip was an historic event!

(She was just going up to the shops to get some bread for lunch.)

The local football year is getting underway. In Wellington there is a pre-season tournament called the Hilton Cup. It’s now in its 56th year so quite an institution. Petone won their first match 4-0 and Sam didn’t have a lot to do – but he made up for this by being vocally active! Here a couple of shots of stuff he was involved in.

In other football news, the Phoenix came second.

Phoenix make the playoffs

I didn’t take my camera to the game but there are photos and a report in the media.

Phoenix took an early 2-0 lead then went to sleep a bit. North Queensland got one back half way through the second half and I was afraid they might get another. There was high drama in the final minute as a solo run by substitute Pavlovic ended with a foul in the penalty area. The defender was sent off and Phoenix’s goalie came up to take the kick. He scored, apparently the first time a goalkeeper has done so in the A League.

The first semi- final is in Adelaide on Friday night. We scored an upset win there a couple of weeks ago but to repeat the feat would be a tall order. Never mind, we shall hope and wish them all the best.

Sam's Birthday

We wouldn't want him to feel left out so here he is, cutting the chocolate cake pudding that Noreen and Jenny made for him. And it was jolly delicious.

Birthday Breakfast

Yesterday was Noreen’s birthday. I can’t tell you how old she is but the clue is Heinz.
The children organised a breakfast for her. Starting with the mandatory champagne (this was good stuff – Moet).
Sam serenaded us as is his wont.
First course was poached eggs, with mushrooms and tomatoes on ciabatta.We sat out on the deck – note the new hanging baskets suspended from the pergola.
This one seems to be growing out of Noreen’s head!
The meal finished with a healthy helping of fruit – melon, strawberries and blueberries. Note Jenny’s new retro sunglasses she got in Melbourne.
To complete a happy day we had lots of people round for a barbecue in the evening, New Zealand won the Wellington Sevens, we beat Pakistan in the one day cricket (but lost the series 3-2) and the Phoenix had only their second away win of the season to move closer to securing their playoff position in the A-league.