Whatipu Beach - December 2009

It's been so long since I last posted anything on our Kiwi Experience blog. It's not because we have not been travelling... to the contrary: we've been busy taking trips as well as preparing for our Exodus from the Land of Kiwis (more about this later).

Anyway, at the beginning of December we took a car trip to the west again. Our destination was Whatipu Beach. It is the southern-most black-sand beach in the Auckland Region, forming the north head of the Manukau Harbour. Looking southwest from the beach you can see waves breaking on the treacherous harbour bar. In 1863 New Zealand's worst shipwreck happened here when the "Orpheus" hit the bar and close to two hundred of those on board drowned.

Whatipu beach is not only remote and thus less frequented than the other west coast beaches. Also, the road to it is unsealed, and beach access is poorly signposted from the end of the road.

The drive from our house took well over one hour and it was not the easiest one towards the end, but it was well worth it!

After having a picnic, E and I set off on an "expotition" (we're heavily into Winnie the Pooh these days).



















We climbed the tallest hill on the beach and admired the views from the top.











And of course E engaged in some water play!











We stopped a few times on the way home to take some more pics!

Happy Gliding, Eric!

Over eight years ago, when I first met Eric, he was into gliding. One of the things that fascinated me about him back then was that uncommon hobby. For one reason or another Eric gave up on his interest in gliding over the years.

His 42nd Birthday was coming and this year Ephraim and I took Eric on a surprise trip south of Auckland, to Drury. It is where Auckland Gliding Club is located.



He really was surprised and enjoyed his Birthday gift.

It took a while for Eric to have his turn. We used the time to picnic and watch others glide (lots of launches and landings).
















Then it was Eric's turn.



E wanted to go up in the air with his Dad ("I never ever went in one of those!" - he would say and plead with us to allow him to have a ride).















Finally Eric took off.





E and I hung around waiting for his return.















From time to time we looked up and saw Eric circling way up in the sky.



He touched down after 20-30 minutes.











Now E and I have a whole year to figure out Eric's 43rd Birthday present.