New Zealand- Picton

Okay, the last New Zealand post. I have to add photos from our stay in Picton because it was probably my overall favourite place. The house was awesome, beyond awesome even. The house belongs to a couple who rent it out for holidays. They had a garden based on permaculture, which spread down a cliffside to a private beach. There was fresh eggs every morning from our own chooks, an abundance of strawberries and fresh vegetables to pick. We would go out every morning for a play and a lunch at a winery and come home for a 2 hour plus nap. It was just heavenly. It was also the place where Arthur gave me my first unasked for kiss (three times!)

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New Zealand- Wharariki Beach

While staying at Ligar Bay we did a day trip to Wharariki Beach. It was a a 30 minute walk down to the beach through farmland and past sheep. It was here that Artie learnt to say "baa' for sheep. 

Down at the beach we saw seals who ran into the ocean as we got near. Can you see him in the photo below? Unfortunately, Artie slept through all the seal sightings. We even laid him on the beach and he stayed asleep. The seagulls were curious and circled closer to see whether he was edible or not.

Artie woke up just before we left. Just in time to get his revenge. Dada helped him chase seagulls all over the beach.

It was my favourite beach ever to visit!

Knitting- New Zealand

Just before we left for New Zealand I finished knitting my first shawl. It was a very easy garter stitch pattern. I liked the way it turned out and it was very handy on cold beaches. However, I didn't notice until looking at the photos that there is obviously a different dye lot in there. See that very obvious pink stripe? Never mind, let's just pretend that it's supposed to be there shall we.

My lovely purple shawl got quite a bit of use at Ruby Bay. We stayed at Clayridge Cottages, right near the very cool beach at Mapua. Artie loved exploring the gardens there, visiting the Llamas and riding on the tractor.

Flying- New Zealand

Artie not only flew over to New Zealand. He spent a lot of time flying in New Zealand too!

New Zealand

We had such a wonderful time in New Zealand. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to travel and give Artie the opportunity to see some of this amazing world.

We ate at wineries, played in playgrounds, went on hikes, swam and froze at the beach, went to some farms, explored towns, had long naps, went to the zoo, and then played, ate and explored some more.

If only we could go on holidays every day. Artie and I loved having Adam with us  all the time. Adam was already planning the next one at the airport on the way home!