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Di Handley, from our mountian bike group
invited the gang over for a Bike, Beach and BBQ weekend on Waiheke
Island. Here's a glimpse of what went on. |
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Rather than try and find somewhere to park our shoebox
for the weekend we loaded up our packs and rode to the ferry. |
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Here's Roy, truly looking the part of a tourist. |
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Hangin' out: It was nice that the ferries provides a place to hang
your bikes. They just weren't prepared for the number that we had. It's
about a 45 minute trip from Auckland to Waiheke Island. Waiheke is very
similar to the Gulf Islands in Canada. |
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A great view of Auckland Harbour as we pull away. |
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Here we are at Di's bach having a wee rest after riding
from the ferry.
Before heading to the beach we brought all the bikes
into the living room for safe keeping. Di's just trying to estimate how
much she can sell the lot for. "mmmm.... how many glasses of wine are
they worth?" |
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Too bad there were no pictures of the kayaking skills. |
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Surfer Roy strides out to catch a wave. |
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We did a tour of the
north-east side of the island. I was under the impression that we were off for a
pleasant ride up to the top of a ridge and back. 37 kms later, of which at
least 10 were up hill, and half were gravel road, my meager breakfast had
long run out. But it was well worth it. The views as we rode up and down
MANY ridges were stunning. |
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Rest Stop |
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It didn't take much convincing to strip out of the riding
gear and leap into the water at a beautiful scenic bay about half way thru
the trip. We were lucky to have a good breeze to help keep us cool as it
was blazing hot that day. |
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The "boys"
were sent on a mission to find wood for the bbq. We were beginning to
think they had stopped down at the local pub as they seemed to be gone for
quite some time. But they were successful in their mission. The poor mini
didn't look too happy under it's load though.. Not the load of wood, but the 4 big
guys that managed to fold themselves up to get inside the mini and unravel
back out again. |
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The mini bearing
it's load. |
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George, Ollie and Barney were the cheif cooks and
tasters. |
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Di single-handedly
put on an excellent feed for the hungry tribe. There were chicken and pork
kabobs each with their own special dipping sauce, chicken wings,
hamburgers, sausages, salads of all types, corn on the cobb, and lets not
forget about the appies before the main and the desert that followed. No
chance of going hungry that nght. Thanks Di. |
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Everyone happily tucking in! |
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1. The boys discussing the merits of their fine vantage
point over looking the cooks in action. |
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2. "There's a problem here Russel. We have no place
to put our drinks". |
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3. Tjebbe to the rescue. With some slight remodeling of
Di's deck, he puts the final touches on the new bar. |
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Tjebbe, testing his handy work, announces the bar is
officially open. |
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"Yup, no deck is complete
without a bar." |
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Not only did it make a good bar but a great place to
heckle the cooks from. |
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Barney
and Tjebbe's Flying Circus The boys seize the opportunity to demonstrate their
acrobatic abilities. Never mind that it's Russel and Liz's bed, it makes a
great landing pad for their tricks. |
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Barney, trusting that Tjebbe knows what he is
doing..... |
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....soon realizes that next time he may go right through
the wall. Head first! |
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Not just a pretty face, Barney finds a way to remedy the
dangers of Tjebbes budding circus skills. |
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Barney decides he needs to take control this time round. |
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Tjebbe and Di's act needs a little work. |
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Again the poor mini groans under the weight of
everyone's
gear as we return to the ferry and our trip home. An excellent weekend.
Thanks again from all of us, Di. |
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