Kath's knitting

Kath has been very busy of late with her knitting projects for Toby. He should be warm and comfortable for the next little while.

Walkworth

 With Ardmachree anchored in the Mahurangi Harbour we dingied upstream about 7 n. miles to the town of Walkworth. The trip started in open waters but soon narrowed to a well buoyed channel leading to the towns docks. We had arranged to meet Barry and Lorraine for lunch in town.  

 After lunch and a quick shopping for groceries we walked back to the docks. The tide was starting to ebb so it was time to be on our way.

 Several beautifully restored classic steam and sailing boats are tied up along the docks.

Leaving Walkworth behind there are several marinas and associated businesses sharing the banks of the river with a very dense mangroves lining the shores.

Kawau Island

Mansion House Bay, a favorite anchorage on Kawau Island, with the Mansion House in the background and the restored vintage steam tug arriving.

The William C. Daldy as she backs out.

 Lord Gray, the Governor of New Zealand at the time,  had the Mansion built in the late 1800's. The grounds and the Mansion are available for tours. Currently the roof is having some maintenance done.

Waiheke Island

Looking north from Waiheke Island.

Just off the ferry docks for Waiheke Island we were able to find a mooring for Ardmachree. This is a very busy time on the Island as the Sculpture Tour is taking place. The tour takes place every 2 years. This outdoor tour takes about 2 hours, has over 50 sculptures with something to please all tastes.

The Crows....

 Giant 'QR' code with manual controls

 It moves with the wind....

Approaching the gazebo built with scrap wood

 Gazebo close up, the closer the more interesting it is.

 Looking down on the ferry dock and the bay

 Visitors walking the trail to the various sculptures.

 Back at the giant tent where the tour starts and ends.

Touring with Kevin

While staying at Gulf Harbour Marina we were lucky to head out with Kevin on several occasions touring the local countryside. The set of pictures are at 'JB'S' a friend of Kevin's who rebuilds classic aircraft and has them stored in his own collection. Many of the required parts he makes from scratch as the originals have been lost or disintegrated over time.

On another sunny day we headed out with Kevin and his daughter Sarah. Later in the afternoon we arrived at Sandspit and of course had to stop for a welcome drink and a few minutes to enjoy this beautiful inlet.

Helen and ANZAC

In early January the Waimati North A & P Show is the oldest pastoral show in New Zealand.  With a wide number of events of all kinds of farm animals and two show rings for horses, with dressage and jumping and the other ring for harness horses and donkeys.  Our friend Helen and Anzac did very well in the harness classes with three ribbons.

 Helen with Anzac with his pack saddle.

Waitoa

Sailing back to the Kerikeri Cruising Club after a New Years outing we cross tacks with Waitoa and her crew.