Trees on Tuesday

Two outings in two days!  Yeah, it was good to get out again today.  Rain was forecast for today...originally it was snow, but then it changed to rain, but this morning was nice so we took the opportunity while we could.   This time we walked from home and didn't have to drive to get to the park which is only just over a mile away.

There were plenty of trees to scramble over and up.

Today I discovered my coat was reversible so thought it would be fun to wear it with the other side showing.

I'm also wearing my new jeans that Mum made this morning, but you can't really see them.  

I find some snowdrops by one of the small ponds.

Standing on one of the big rhododendrons.  These look fabulous in the spring when they are in flower.

The lakes were partially frozen, so not much to see really.

The sun was out a little bit though as you can see my shadow.

All in all another pleasant morning out.  

Down Under in New Zealand: March 24th Wenderholm Regional Park

One of my Mum's favourite places in New Zealand is Wenderholm Regional Park and she has many happy memories of going there as a child, a teenager, and as an adult.  She has picnicked there, hiked, swam and met up with friends.

On Monday 24th March we went there for lunch and the afternoon and it was really lovely indeed.  Pretty much deserted, unlike the weekends when it can often be packed, being a favourite spot for family days out.

The park is 'cradled by the Puhoi and Waiwera Rivers' and was one of the first Auckland Regional parks opening in 1965 taking its name from the historic homestead on the site, Couldrey House, which was formerly called Wenderholm which means Winter Home.

There are some lovely coastal walks to go on, although we didn't do any this time, we just enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beach.

Plenty of park space for ball games and picnics.

The still water of the river.

Barbecue and picnic areas.

I had fun climbing the lovely old trees.

Trees for riding on.

These wonderful Puhutukawa look amazing when flowering, a blaze of red,  but we were too late for that.

I enjoyed just sitting and watching the sea.

I also enjoyed inspecting the shells and seaweed washed up on the beach.

Anyone care for some seaweed?  They say it is good for you and the garden!

At this point....or just afterwards the tide came in and washed me off my feet!

Oops...I got my hair wet....not a good idea for a boy who is losing his hair at an alarming rate!

Still it was all good fun and a boy's got to do what a boy has to do!

Climbing

Investigating

Drying!  Oh yeah, got my nice new t-shirt wet and my shorts too.

Wonderful birdlife, this little Dotteral was warming itself in the sun.

Until it spied me and set off...

Waves

A Godwit

Sea gull  hmmm...what is that I spy down there?

More seaweed!

A Pukeko

Oyster Catchers

Another Dotteral

The three stooges. 

This is one of the holiday bachs you can stay in.

Nice and secluded its only access is by boat.

There's those Oyster Catchers again.

They seem to come in threes!

Two Black Backed gulls feeding on something.

Mine, all mine!