New Zealand Trip 2013 - Pippi & Cockle Collecting

On the way back from Opotiki we came across at least 50 people waist deep in water collecting pippis and cockles.  This is a regular collection bed for pippis and cockles.  At low tide you can unearthed the shell fish by sifting the sand with your feet or hands. Pippis are fast burrowers, but by the fullness of the collecting buckets these guys knew their stuff.

New Zealand Trip - Opotiki

 Percy takes a walk down memory lane.  We did a 'drive by' of his Grand Mothers homes in Opotiki. 

New Zealand Trip 2013 - Motu Trails Bridge

 Well we heard about it, a Golden Gate Bridge look alike in the north island.  Here it is!

The Motu Trails Bridge, built to accommodate mountain bikers and  bush walkers doing the Motu Trails.

At a cost of $750.000.00 I believe.

Kiwi's love the great outdoors and this is just one of many trails crisscrossing the country.

Looks like D & J are up for the challenge - NOT!

Ah... that's better.

New Zealand Trip - Whakatane Sculpture Walk

 I wonder, Kara, if Aaron Kingi is a relative? 

We came upon the Whakatane Sculpture Walk, held during Art Week in the Bay area.

 

This sculpture, carved from one piece of  wood (reclaimed tree trunk) was carved by Joe Kemp.  

Joe comes from Lake Rotoma, an area where many of the Clark Family have holiday bachs/ homes.

Julia's favorite piece.  The 'twists'  in the stone do not touch, quite remarkable.

Well Hello...

What do you think of this handsome fellow?

It started as a Sunday morning feeding moment.  One or two kookaburras came to our bread feeding bowl, so I dashed inside and cut up some chicken breast.  Kookaburras eat lizards, small snakes, baby birds, mostly meat.  

Word travels fast in the Kookaburra world.

Be careful what you start...

Our Christmas Angel - Toby

We are so proud of you, TOBY.

What a wonderful time this is for you and your Mum and Dad.

Precious moments to be treasured.

HAPPY HENRY

Happy Henry playing with his Sandpit 

                (2nd B'Day present)

Henry loves' Diggers'  and  sand.
We Love you too Henry.

 The wonders of Christmas

                         A little too hot for you Henry?

HENRY'S HATS 

  

Aren't you lucky Henry to wear Mummy's Mickey Ears.   Lots of wonderful memories of our trip to Disneyland with your Mum and Dad.

Henry we love your sun hat so much, especially because you always seem to wear the hat tie in the front dangling down over your face, Silly Billy.