|
(Click any image for a larger view.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
We decide it was high time that we
had dinner at the beach so we ordered pizza, grabbed a couple of cold
ones, and watched the sun set. Al & Sylvia joined us. |
|
|
 |
|
Roy is obviously getting a response to
something he said, but really, everyone loves the photographer. |
|
|
 |
|
You can just make out the city skyline
with the lights in the background. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hiking in the Waitakere's |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
With both the windsurfer and Roy's bike
out of action (oh my god, no toys!) we decided to go hiking in the
Waitakere's. |
|
|
|
 |
|
Our first stop was a short hike in to see
a big Kauri Tree in the Waitakere Ranges. These were regularly logged in
the past for sailing masts amongst other things. They are now a
protected tree and are making great efforts to replant them
throughout New Zealand. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Our next hike was into Fairy Falls. The
trails are really well maintained. The wet sections that
are pretty greasy and need careful navigating through. It was rated as a
three hour
loop but we had a good pace happening and did it in about half the
time. We hadn't been doing much hiking so it was a good opportunity
to work some lost muscles.
-
I'm not sure what type of tree Roy is
standing beside. It seemed taller and straighter than the Kauri tree
though. Darn fat for it's height.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
I love the undergrowth in the forests here.
Everything is growing in harmony and dead decaying trees become the
breeding grounds for new ferns, moss, and lichens. |
|
|
 |
|
Here we see Fairy falls from the top
and the bottom. The trail on the way in is great but nearly
impenetrable if you step off the track. |
|
|
 |
|
Fairy Falls |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our next stop was a
hike between Piha and Karekare. We've been to both beaches before and have
spent time playing in the surf. This was our third hike of the day which
took us through a forest and along the high cliffs over looking both the
beaches. It was very hot and humid so after all the hiking we had a swim at
Piha. Love playing in the surf. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- To the left Roy is looking north towards Piha Beach.
- To the right is Karekare beach with the huge sand bar
out front.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Big
Al's Fishing Expeditions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Here's Captain Al picking up his latest fare for an
evening of fishing out at the mouth of the Waitemata Harbour. |
|
|
 |
|
Captain Al reels in his first fish as 1st Mate Sylvia
prepares the net to bring it in. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Roy showing off his first catch
of the night. Snapper for dinner. Yummmmm. |
|
|
 |
|
Ewww, do I have to touch it? |
|
|
 |
|
A helping hand brings out a smile. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The Boys telling fish stories.
You know the one:
"It was THIS big, no lies!" |
|
|
 |
|
Caught in the act. Sylvia always claims
she doesn't fish but what's that in her hand? |
|
|
 |
|
Al by far caught the most fish and I'm
sure the biggest as well. It was a great night. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Here, Roy is sailing across a narrow part of the
Waitemata Harbour. Only a few miles upstream is where the inlet ends at
Riverhead. |
|
|
 |
|
The wind was really gusting through the narrows. The
photographer's boat was cruising alongside at the same speed: 30 knots.
That's about 50 klicks! |
|
|
 |
|
"That
was so cool. I've never sailed THAT fast before."
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
