Ramblings from Rangitoto View Road: The Healing Powers of Howick

The past few weeks we've taken advantage of what's around us. David has kayaked at Howick Bay, taken sailing lessons at Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, and even attempted the plunge into the water. We continue to be amazed at how some locals just go right in the water while we are sitting there with multiple layers of clothing, the wind whipping through us, huddling on the bench while enjoying the ever changing view before us.

It was sailing day for juniors at Howick Beach ---- We hadn't realized the "juniors" part so David thought he might get a go at sailing but had to be content with kayaking --- this too was for juniors but they let David and the gentleman in the kayak behind him paddle around for a bit. That gentleman could not stay upright --- every time I turned around he was upside down --- David did us proud!

The following week he got a call from Bucklands Yacht Club that they were starting a 3 week course for adults wanting to learn the basics of sailing. So off he went for some tacking and jibbing. I couldn't help but make Popeye some spinach that night to replenish him.

Weekend 2 of sailing gave David an exhausting day of constant tacking, jibbing and reef sailing. The winds were at 20 knots the entire 6 hours. Waves crashing! The engine died when starting the entry to the narrow channel of the harbor ---- the coast guard actually had to pull them in. O'kay -- I'm thinking George Clooney in The Perfect Storm ----

While George was out there in the wind, I went for a final hike with Carol to Duder Regional Park. Carol has finished her year contract and will be leaving soon for her new home in Nashville. David and I will so miss this dear friend. We had the perfect hiking day --- light breeze/ partly cloudy/ cool temps ---lots of talk ---- lots of lazy sheep along the rolling hills ---- incredible coastal views and a great lunch out in Clevedon. If you don't remember here is a pix of Carol at Duder from back in July. (Yes I blew it ---I missed taking a pix this time)

I have been enjoying being back teaching and taking painting classes. Here are some photos from the school I volunteer at.

Here is the space I use. I actually had my choice this term and chose the Resource Room for easy access to the books. Beside this counter is a sliding door to a wooden hallway ---- all classrooms open so nicely to usable outdoor space. This room also houses leveled books. Here is a pix of the sliding shelves --- what a smart way to do this.