Build Update

Now we are cookin'!

Look at these. Walls, windows, space, corners, nooks, crannies, cupboard space, plumbing holes, it's all taking shape.

The weather was appalling and i got totaly soaked wandering around but, hey, that's life.

Bay of Islands (2)

The weather was awful in Wellington while I was in Northland but I could have got sunburned up there. No wonder everyone wants to retire there.

Here are a few random shots; a train, some food at BlueWater restaurant, the restaurant at BlueWater restaurant, a shot of the ferry landing dock and bay and some ferns.

The fishy food was good but I have no idea why it all had to be battered and deep fried. We accompanied it with a pretty ordinary Huntaway Pinot Gris.

Waitangi

Waitangi is where the first treaty was signed between Maori and Pakeha

It's a very pleasant place and has been upkept very well. We spent a few hours there looking at the various bits and pieces. There's not a huge amount of historical stuff but there's sufficient. The war canoe, Waka, is carved from three trees and needs at least 75 people to man it. Why the dead pig is on display though is beyond me.

The Birdmen of Russell

Russell is a lovely town just down the road from Bill and Toni's place. Each July they hold a Birdman contest off the local dock.

What amazes me about these things is how very few of the contestants really try to fly. how difficult can it be? Just fit a gyrocopter onto a bike and away you go. the guy who tried to take off backwards was the only one trying and he nearly made it. His wings filled with air and he nearly caught a big gust which would have lifted him, however, he overbalanced and didn't quite take off.