Waiheke Wanderings

The highlight our week dear reader, has to be yesterday (Saturday). We went to Waiheke Island with Bruce and Wendy, Meghan (their daughter) and Marnie (Wendy's mum). I hadn't been to Waiheke before, and Nicky hasn't been since she was knee-high to Moa.

Bruce had booked a mini-van so that the six of us could travel round the island in comfort, and because it worked out cheaper to hire the vehicle on the island than to take a car across on the ferry. We offered to provide a picnic lunch for the six of us, so on Friday I bought dips, and made bacon and egg pies and apple and cinnamon brownies (they are brownie shaped). On Saturday morning we cut up carrots, cucumber and capsicum to go with the bagel crisps and dips. We breakfasted and drove into town a parked in the Civic to take advantage of the $8 all-day weekend rate.

We met up with B, W, M & M at the Ferry Building and caught to 9.00 sailing over to Waiheke. The warm sunshine was tempered by the wind as we sat on the top deck to enjoy the views while crossing. Marnie and Wendy had already worked out a programme for us so we were set to go once we had picked up the van. I volunteered to be driver for the day so that B & W could enjoy a glass of wine (or two).

Off we go

Our first stop was the Saturday market in Ostend. There were a good range of stalls, many of which were selling local products. Nicky and I found some lovely lava-lava's and a painting which we would have happily given some wall space, but it was $1200 so it didn't make it into our hands. I did buy some baklava to add to lunch, and this turned out to be very good though very sweet.

We were all shopped out after an hour or so in the sun, so made our way back to the van and onto The Red Shed art gallery, by Palm Beach. This exhibits work by around 20 local artists. Unfortunately, the thong on one of Nicky's jangles broke after we had left the market, so she was now shod in true Kiwi-style. I had a quick look at the beach (very inviting) before perusing the gallery.

Next stop, with the help of the sat nav twins (Bruce and Wendy) was Onetangi Bay, which might be the biggest beach on the island. We found a picnic bench (I don't think Marnie fancied sitting on the ground) and ploughed our way into lunch. B&W had also brought cheese, biscuits and wine. The first bottle seemed to empty quite quickly, despite our plastic cups. We then took to the sea (which was very salty). Even Nicky came in (very slowly), and Bruce and Wendy went of for a snorkel while Nicky, Meghan and I just floated about enjoying the calm water. It had clouded over a little during lunch but the sun came out again as we headed off to find some wineries.

Onetangi Beach

The Raiding Party, fed and watered

The sat nav twins plotted a circuitous route via a sculpture park, which it turned out (a) had to be booked in advance, and (b) was down a steep gravel road with a sign which said (4 x 4's only) just after the descent started. Reversing a 2 x 4 fully loaded mini van with an automatic box and a foot operated parking break was interesting, as was the the smell from the gear box, but we made it, and then got out an enjoyed the view for a while.

By now it was approaching four in the afternoon, and some of the party felt the call of the grape juice was deafening, so the sat nav twins (and I have no idea how) got us to the Stoneridge vineyard. Various wines and ginger beers were consumed, and I enjoyed my drivers fruit juice. 

Back on the road we passed a dairy, so Nicky jumped out to buy some new footwear. The next winery we got to had closed for a private function, but this didn't stop Bruce trying to swap our van and $28 for an old Packard. Unfortunately his negotiating skills just weren't up to the task, so we moved onto another winery which was also closed. 

Bruce with his hand still on his $28

At the next one we tried, which had not been on the original itinerary, we were welcomed with open arms. The Cable Bay vineyard had some wonderful views, great outside seating area, and a hammock. Wine was consumed and Nicky and I also had some duck pancakes which were fantastic.

As much as we were enjoying Cable Bay (and Nicky and I plan to go back sometime) we had to move on as we wanted to catch the 7.15 ferry, and still had to refuel the van and get it back to the rental place. Bruce and I dropped the ladies at the ferry port, and then did the necessary with the van and got to the ferry with a few minutes to spare. As we left Waiheke with the wind in our hair we polished of the remains of lunch and watched the sun beginning to set.

On our way home

Once back in town we said our good-byes as Bruce and Wendy are off to Australia today, and Meghan and Marnie back to Tauranga. They caught a bus to their hotel and Nicky and I walked back to the car, before driving home and having a pot of tea. It had been a very good and enjoyable day. The weather was sunny, the views wonderful, and the company excellent.

The rest of the week has been much more routine. The weather has continued to be warm and sunny, resulting in some record breaking February temperatures and hours of sunshine. Many places have had over 200 hours of sunshine. Droughts have also been declared in parts of the North island.

Nicky has been busy at the library, I have done a couple of Mac jobs and completed delivering all my census forms. 

Today started with some rain, but the sun was back by mid morning so the washing was back on the line again. Jancis, Sandra and Dennis came back with Nicky from church, then at lunchtime Nicky and I walked down the road to Whitney Street to watch a house auction. It was a new build with four bedrooms and two lounges and went for $755,000. Nicky then zipped off to a baby shower for Liz (daughter of her friend Jan). We have spent the rest of the day, quietly enjoying the sun.

Bye for now,

Rick