Final Train to Auckland

Christmas was very nice.  The family came to Mum and Dad's for lunch.  In the evening I went on a small foray to Muriwai with Nikki and Olly.  My other west coast adventures were a trip to Piha, also with Nikki and Olly and a drive to South Head (of the Kaipara Harbour) with Mum and Dad (pictured at South Head). 

On Christmas Eve Dad and I took the train from Helensville to Auckland.  Why?  Well, in my whole life I had never taken a train through Huapai and Kumeu, because there was never a service until a couple of years ago.  There is only one train a day in each direction between Helensville and Auckland and the service was being cancelled from Christmas Eve.  So it was our final chance to catch the train.  It was interesting getting a different perspective on what is otherwise fimiliar countryside.  Helensville train station-

Aunty Lois had her 60th birthday party and Dad turned 65.  I had a chilled out evening with Graeme and Celia and friends for Celia's birthday.  Colleen and Dave, the "kids" from New Plymouth, popped by for a couple of hours on their way north in their camper van.  I caught up with Jessica, Kirsten and Paul over the last week, each visiting NZ from Australia where they are all doing very well. 

My boxes finally arrived from the UK last Wednesday.  I expected it to take a while but it was a little frustrating that it took them three and a half weeks to get from the wharf in Auckland to me.  Oh well.  At least I have my laptop now.  Which means that I was able to get my iphone working.  I hope to never be parted from my iphone again...

A lot has happened this year, most of it good.  2010 might be a little bit quieter but hopefully just as interesting and as enlightening.

The Beach

The weather has turned summer-like, finally!  I am looking forward to a traditional NZ summer- sunburn, cold water, ice creams, relaxation and sand that scorches your feet.  I made my first pilgrimage to the beach on Thursday with Graeme and Celia.  Celia just heard that she had landed a job as we headed to the beach.  Graeme and I are still both gentlemen of leisure.  We went to Cheltenham beach in Devonport.  It was a lovely day.  As expected the water caused some amount of hyperventilation, especially as it reached our nether regions, but it was actually quite pleasant after the initial shock had passed (much better than my brief dip at Sumner beach in Christchurch nearly three weeks earlier).  It was good to just laze around on a quiet beach.  Cheltenham beach with Rangitoto island in the background-

Apart from going to the beach I have been trying to do some more constructive things. I have spoken to two recruitment agents, so my job hunt is underway.  Mum and Dad had a party for friends and family at their place a week ago to celebrate Mum's 60th birthday (actually on 25 December, but an inconvenient day for a birthday).  I was kept quite busy for a few days with planning the party.  The party went off really well.  I have done a bit of Christmas shopping.  Yesterday was my great uncle Sam's 90th birthday- a good chance to catch up relatives I have not seen for a long time.

The stuff I freighted from London should clear Customs this week.  I will get my beloved lap top and my tent in time for summer.  Hooray!