A break was taken from the strenuous school work, on offer of the chance to help crew a 36' ketch yacht from Tauranga to Napier. After making it to Tauranga, equipping, tidying and readying the vessel, the compasses (well GPS) were out and a course set for Motiti Island, White Island, Hicks Bay, Tolega Bay, the Mahia Peninsula and finally Napier. High jinks with the Coats family.
The actively volcanic White Island appeared under close scrutiny from CCTV, more likely for geothermal activity than reckless travellers traipsing around without hard hats on. To clear the sulphur from the lungs a spot of fishing resulted in catching the propellor twice, and an icy cold dip for Dooner to recover a fishing line from the rudder. Perfect preparation for helming into the night (in thermals), with some fairly exciting swells and winds (for a while there), on to Hicks Bay. Kind donation of crayfish from a local (fishing boat 'Heather') settled the sea stomachs, along with a few beers and the Paihia Bombs.
The final crossing of Hawkes Bay into Napier was rowdy 10hours, with SW swells providing the incentive to don safety lines and get salt-water-soaked for jobs out on deck. No safety lines for being back on dry land, despite the continued swaying after almost a week on the waves, particularly noticeable in a shower cubicle.
Master James macerated and slept between helming duty, Galley Goddess Emma served up swell defying gastronomy at (almost) every meal, and Skipper Ted kept the whole mission together with knot lessons, learning and laughs.
Back in the mix - a late update - 23/11/09
So....back in the fold of the swing of things....
The latest academic term has swept by for the teacher, with visits from overseas dignitaries (from Shropshire), and a further week down south, along with salsa dancing, white water rafting at hen weekends and picnics in the botanical gardens. She even added in time to go car buying (although may be pushed for time for christmas buying), and to construct a hefty amount of knitwear.
In education, the balancing act of a couple working together appears a regular thing, and became reality for recent teacher aide 'Mr Down' at the teacher's school, despite his being sternly warned to keep relationship details on the QT from the young minds of the school. So three weeks helping with Maths, Science, English, Swear words, Filling water bombs and eating cakes in the staff room added to the old CV.
As Emily explored the Southern Alps, I accompanied a plethora of government types to a bach near the beach at Castlepoint. Several photos, some monopoly, idyllic animal painting, beach sports and generous gin portions filled a weekend completed with lighthouse and hill walks for some more mint views. Quite wholesome.
After an afternoon of sunshine in the botanical gardens, Wellington (and NZ) went all football for the final qualification game for the 2010 world cup....the All Whites (NZ) qualified, the White Noise area of the stadium took it's shirts off, and we all sunk some stadium beer before Indie discoing into the small hours. D to the R to the M.
Next up...plans for skipping isles and exploring the south for the summer....christmas....new years....who knows where? Hopefully some barbecues, camping and more big old views.
All after another injury scare. After stacking it well playing indoor footy, the wrist and knees took a bash. Tendon damage to the wrist, as well as uncovering a peculiarly healed break in another wrist bone, that may have happened with the last break, reassuringly overlooked. Tendon healing vibes please. Out.
The latest academic term has swept by for the teacher, with visits from overseas dignitaries (from Shropshire), and a further week down south, along with salsa dancing, white water rafting at hen weekends and picnics in the botanical gardens. She even added in time to go car buying (although may be pushed for time for christmas buying), and to construct a hefty amount of knitwear.
In education, the balancing act of a couple working together appears a regular thing, and became reality for recent teacher aide 'Mr Down' at the teacher's school, despite his being sternly warned to keep relationship details on the QT from the young minds of the school. So three weeks helping with Maths, Science, English, Swear words, Filling water bombs and eating cakes in the staff room added to the old CV.
As Emily explored the Southern Alps, I accompanied a plethora of government types to a bach near the beach at Castlepoint. Several photos, some monopoly, idyllic animal painting, beach sports and generous gin portions filled a weekend completed with lighthouse and hill walks for some more mint views. Quite wholesome.
After an afternoon of sunshine in the botanical gardens, Wellington (and NZ) went all football for the final qualification game for the 2010 world cup....the All Whites (NZ) qualified, the White Noise area of the stadium took it's shirts off, and we all sunk some stadium beer before Indie discoing into the small hours. D to the R to the M.
Next up...plans for skipping isles and exploring the south for the summer....christmas....new years....who knows where? Hopefully some barbecues, camping and more big old views.
All after another injury scare. After stacking it well playing indoor footy, the wrist and knees took a bash. Tendon damage to the wrist, as well as uncovering a peculiarly healed break in another wrist bone, that may have happened with the last break, reassuringly overlooked. Tendon healing vibes please. Out.
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