Temperance Street Times

Here, finally (despite Nathaniel), are some NZ North Island roadtrip pics!  A brief overview [Map]:

Day 1 we drove Napier to Matamata [Detail Map]. Three in the cheap seats in the back, three in the middle and two up front.

Day 2 we visited some funny holes in the hills [Detail Map] and then drove Matamata to Whale Bay in Raglan on the West coast [Detail Map].

Day 3 it was a bit rainy so we checked out ‘Bridal Veil Falls’ and then hit the beach some striking and dramatic images. Thomas was psyched!

Day 4 was all beach. Day 5 was all beach too. Nathaniel couldn’t get enough of the sand!

Day 6 we drove from Raglan to Ohakune in Tongariro National Park [Detail Map] stopping at the glow worm caves near Waitomo.

Day 7 was 4 degrees C and pouring rain in Ohakune so we bailed on the planned canoe trip and headed for Whakapapa Village (pronounced with an F) [Detail Map]. This day was especially noteworthy as follows 10AM: We did a  great hike up a ridge overlooking the area, it was abit windy. 12PM: We visited ‘Mordor’ up on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, at which point we realized we had lost Nathaniel’s Blanky up on the Ridge Hike (DISASTER!!!). 1PM: Imbaw and Aidan did the Ridge Hike again to no avail. 4PM: Michele and Aidan (Aidan was keen on the exercise!) did the hike again and somewhat miraculously Michele spotted Blanky in a divot between shrubs not far from the top (PHEW!!!). We all slept well that night until the town fire alarm went off at 3AM – which Michele was frantically convinced indicated the Volcano was erupting. So much for sleeping…

Day 8-9 we drove from Whakapapa Village to Rotorua [Detail Map], where we soaked in thermal spas, visited a fantastic wildlife preserve (Rainbow springs) and celebrated Thomas’ Birthday poolside.

Day 10 we drove Rotorua back to Napier [Detail Map] stopping at some volcanic parks where we watched mud bubble. Phew!

Click on any one of the partial thumbnail images to see the full versions. Once in the full version screen you can get to the next picture by clicking ‘next’ in the bottom left corner:

Some NON-roadtrip NZ pics will be hopefully be coming shortly!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas from the side of a hill under a  Pohutukawa (Christmas) Tree in Napier, New Zealand.

We are visiting Imbaw’s sister (who lives here in Napier) and her family (the Farquar’s) for 5 weeks of fun down under. Click on the photo to see a larger version.  Back row from left to right: Michele, Imbaw, Nathaniel, Aidan & Alli. Front row from left to right: Nyssa, Thomas & Boudicca.

A 7th wedding anniversary was celebrated on October 12th. Remember Then…

And See Now…Well actually this photo was taken back in late August…but you get the idea!  It was our first time back to Ucluelet since the wedding and while the town has boomed, the beaches are exactly as we left them…

And of course Halloween on the 31st. Uncle Matt helped with the trick or treating while Imbaw handed out candy. Thomas’ self made costume was a bit awkward at times, but the hit of his preschool class! Nathaniel, on the other hand steadfastly refused to wear his ‘bat ears’…But the weather was great, so no complaints!

And yes indeed – Uncle Matt did give his Friday lecture wearing his costume…And that will have to do until December…

Toward spending a little more time with Michele’s mom we decided to relocate for a few months out to Vancouver Island.  Michele and the two boys flew out April 22nd and Imbaw drove out two weeks later after finishing a fairly major bathroom reno in Saskatoon. We are located a 20 minute bike ride from my mom’s house and a 10 minute jog from the beach.

Our address for the next 4 months or so is:

512 Hawthorne Drive, Qualicum Beach, BC, V9K 1A5, Canada.  Phone (250) 594-8793

Things have been hectic so far, between spending time with ‘Grammie’, working full time remotely and all the usual daily stuff that can’t be ignored. Indeed shortly after our arrival, Thomas turned red and bumpy all over and was diagnosed with Scarlet Fever!  But 7 days of Amoxicilin and he is good to go again. Now with Imbaw here and things generally settling down, should anyone of you find yourselves in the area we’d love to see you!

Between all the travel we have managed to spend a little time at home and the lake enjoying summertime. Uncle Matt comes and goes now and then.  Biking with the Chariot has been great.  Aunt Mary has been out kayaking with us a couple times now.  Cousin Jasmine is always willing to come out and play too! And most fun of all – Thomas went for his first Laser Sailboat ride!  Good Times!