Smith's Journeys

This is a time to value family and friends to remember the fun we all had together over summer before we had to retreat into our individual bubbles.

We started the year quietly with a visit to the hot pools at Wairakei Thermal Resort with Andree & Philip.

Bruce & Gill joined us for the weekend.

Cath Paul Jake and Esme called in on their way back home after their camping holiday. We had a great picnic at Spa Park with Andy and his Kids.

Matt, Emily, Livy, Lucy & Nathan stayed with us for a couple of weeks. This picture was taken at the Redwoods in Rotorua.

We all climbed up and did the treetop walk which got the heart-pounding a bit.

Andy & Lindsey got into the swing of it.

we went exploring around the Blue & Green lakes before heading home.

It was back to Taupō for rock painting organised by Grandma. This was followed by family time around the table.

 Grandma, Lucy & Livy enjoying a late afternoon swim.

Lucy was on the tandem bike last time she stayed in Taupō.  She was pleased to become part of the biker club this time.

Emily managed to score a ride on an e-scooter along the lakefront, with a little help from Grandad’s credit card.

The Taupō sunsets didn’t let us down and were as spectacular as ever.

Ann & I left the kids and grandkids to their own devices (literally). We went through to Tauranga and spent a night with Ross & Marion.

Phonebox was busy being used for an emergency.

Mt Maunganui

One of Ann’s favorite kids’ stories “Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Diary”

Once friends and family had departed we rode a few more of our favourite trails around Lake Taupō.

 

Waihaha Track

Lunch on part of the Waikato River Trail

Quiet Beer and glass of wine at a lakeside bar when Ann’s friend Margosia came to stay for a weekend.

We sold one caravan and purchase a new one which I had to bring back from Christchurch.

Grandma had a bit of river time with Lylah and Tilly.

Cath, Paul, Jake & Esme didn’t quite make it back to Taupō but got out and about on their bikes up to the Kapiti Coast to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Graeme took a week out of his busy retirement schedule to go with a group of guys to Wanaka and cycle some of the rides around Central Otago

Alexandra to Doctor’s Point

Wanaka to Glendhu Bay

End of a hard ride

Arrowtown to Macetown

There were a total of 40 crossings over the Arrow River to be managed (20 in and 20 out)

Rest stop on the way back to Wanaka at the Cardrona Hotel

Wanaka to Luggate

It was then back to Christchurch via Danseys Pass. After a night at Neville & Donna’s, it was back to Palmerston North then Taupō into lockdown.

Loaded for an extended stay in Taupō.

We have had the pleasure of the company of a family of Quale who live in the gully over the road.

Cheers