Last of the Summer Days

 Most of the Summer is spent at Lake Okareka, 20 minutes drive from home.

 The urchins swim out to the buoy, Tighe's swimming has improved so much this Summer.

Hello Duck

Mt Tarawera still looks out of place, amongst the forested hills

Anneke avoiding the ducks trying to eat her chips

The buoys waiting for me to swim out to them.

 This duck was determined to get the chips

15 March 2019

51 people were killed today, in a hate crime, at two mosques in Christchurch. The nation is stunned,  and in mourning. My heart weeps, as some of the victims were refugees from war torn countries. They should have been safe here.

Harry Frog

 Harry Frog keeps me company while I sit on the deck and catch the sun's rays.

 Harry explores around the pond, and hops up onto the rocks in the garden.

 Hello Harry Frog!

To the sixth buoy ...

 During summer, I have been swimming between the buoys at Steep street reserve at Lake Okareka.

 Every week, I attempt to swim to the next buoy. The fourth one is a lot further away, and the sixth one is way over by Boyds beach.

 I have really improved with my fitness, and really feel confident I can get to the sixth buoy by the end of Summer.

I really like the shape of this tree.

 The urchins really enjoy coming to the lake on these hot summer afternoons.

I made it! I managed to swim to the sixth buoy, several times in February. Normally the 4th buoy is the furtherest I could swim.  Great progress. 

The sixth buoy

The urchins enjoying the "4 Cs" after their swim. Chips, crackers, chocolate, and cherries.