Long weekend-Regatta and Fairies

Seems this time of year there are many stats here, which are national holidays which means clinic is closed!  Today is Auckland Anniversary Day so we are sleeping in and may head out to explore a new beach, can't ever get enough of the sand and surf and sunshine!!  Yesterday rained a bit, so the air today is fresh and cool.  Mags and I have already been to the beach for a bit of a walk about, surf is nice so we may have to roust Jack for a quick surf.  Noah of course is still grumpy and hobbling around in his cast feeling sorry for himself!

Earlier in the weekend we were honored by a visit from some fairies who found their way into the cozy home that Maggie and Jamey had built for them.  You will know they have been there by their blue foot prints and the luggage they leave!  (How much are we loving Jamey!!)

A few random shots from last weekend at Orokawa beach, one of my favorites!

I napped while the boys did some fishing.

inside the fairy home with soft bean bags chairs Maggie sewed out of socks on the left.  

 Ariel view of the fairy home.  By the next day it was covered in blue footprints!!!

 We went out to visit our friends horses while they were away on holiday, got to feed them carrots and apples.

 Here we are at Lake Karapiro, a gorgeous long narrow lake that is home to a major NZ national rowing training center and race course.  This weekend was the Cambridge Club regatta, must have been at least 20 different clubs of mostly secondary school age kids racing in all various combinations-singles, doubles, quads and 8's.  Here they are putting boats into the water.  It was well managed and pretty efficient.  Once boats and rowers are set, they row up the 2000 meter course to the start.  Races were starting every 4-6" all day!  

 View of the course

 Here is Jack and  his crew prepping to carry their boat down to dock.

 Final meeting with coach before their U 16 Eight race, Jack on far right, trying to look "hundy" (kiwi word for studly!)

 Nice biceps/deltoids, Boys!!

 Unhappiest member of the crew!

They weren't first but had a good time!  That is Jack in bow.  Pretty amazing the entire scene in general and to see how big a sport rowing is here!  On Monday Jack got to watch some Olympian race and get beaten.  It is an amazing site and sport!