We did a hike around St. Heliers Point at low tide. It took us about 3 hours including the run to the start and the run home in the rain from the end.

There is a very secluded beach halfway around the point.  There is no road access. 

Not being able to drive to your doorstep hasn't deterred a few hearty beach dwellers. There's about 8 houses or baches on this beach.

Most of the houses are older but one looks to be only a few years old. Big flash place. I guess all the building materials are brought in by barge.

This is an old,, most likely abandoned, boat house. It was covered in moss, rust and barnacles.

Here's the Mad Loop windsurfing instructor dudes. I know they look like beach bums, but the instruction and rental gear was top of the line. I took  four two-hour lessons which made a big difference. Al and his crew have promoted a great culture at the lake. They contribute to Auckland windsurfing as much as anyone.

This is Mad Al. I think there is most likely a story, or many stories, behind him and the reason he's called Mad Al.

Al has a great operation on one of the few lakes around Auckland. The nice thing about taking lessons here, is that you don't have to contend with the big rollers on the ocean so the conditions are really ideal for learning. Roy came every day as well and sailed around on our gear. I can now gybe as well as tack and can sort of keep up to Roy.

Check out http://www.winzurf.co.nz/

We went downtown and cruised  the Viaduct to see the all the Gin Palaces and the Volvo Cup Race boats while they were in Auckland.

This view is from the Viaduct with the Skytower behind.

Here Roy is looking out across the Harbour to Devonport, which is on the north shore. There is a ferry that people use to commute back and forth to work in the city.

Kayaking around the harbour is a  great way to really see what's going on.  We rented Kayaks and paddled from down our way to the Viaduct and then home again.

This is what they call a Gin Palace. Who knows what millionaire owns this one.

They just had a Euro class (type of sailboat) world women's race out in front of our place. We have an amazing view of the start line from our office window. We have both decided that even tho our house isn't flash, the view is second to none. Being able to look out on the harbour everyday has made the whole trip worth while. Now when ever Roy sees the wind pick up, he literally bolts from the house to the beach. The windsurfer is always in the van ready to go.

Here's a couple of the Volvo round the world race boats. This is just days before starting leg 4 of their journey. New Zealand to Rio de Janerio.

Here's one of the fearless captains doing a little test run in his mighty ship.  "Oh this is a tale of tiny ship"......Captain Gilligan at the helm! Everyone's time around the course on this simulator was recorded. For some reason they haven't contacted Roy to give him his prize yet.

I think this is the all women's boat.

We stopped at the fish market on the way home. It was so impressive we just wandered around for awhile taking it all in.

Fish, scallops, squid, and things I was afraid to even ask about.

Mussels, pipi's and clams. The mussels are so cheap that we've been having regular feeds of them. Haven't tried the pipi's yet.

We decided to stick to mussels which are about $3.00/kg while the prawns are like gold. They were about $3.00/each

Well, I just had to put this picture in. I was so thrilled after riding this bridge that I had to go back and ride it again.