Active in New Zealand

Kiwis consider themselves a fit lot, although our observation is that they fall into two categories: 1) those that do and 2)those that drink beer while talking about doing

Those that do are very hardy and make us California wimps look really wimpy!

We have decided that we are going to try and keep involved in as many organized events as we can.

We signed up for an 750M (1/2 mile)Ocean Swim and the Kapiti Cycle Challenge.

Here is our self portriat on a Training ride for the Kapiti Cycle Challenge, panoramic views from the top of Paikakeriki Hill, 1400 feet over sea level. Note the California brown bear logo on the Triple Crown winner shirts.

This guy floated over our heads watching us sweat and struggle up the hill.

They even have beer companies sponsor their sports!

The Ocean Swim Series at Oriental Bay, Wellington - 900 entrants

Fred and Barbara with Pre-race nerves waiting for the 750M swim

The wind was gusting to 25 knots and there was a lot of chop.

Fred completes the swim in a blistering time - way to go Fred!

Which way to Plimmerton Beach??

Hi, we just arrived in New Zealand today and we are trying to swim our way to 36 Steyne avenue. We have a very important delivery of a pound of Peet's French Roast Coffee for our homesick travelers.

Rats! We just got picked up by some beachcomber who has added us to the collection at home.

Exploring Wellington

Wellington is the perfect size city, not too small and not too big. It is a little reminiscent of San Francisco without the pan handlers. We spent last sunday visiting the botanical gardens and enjoying the panoramic views from the cable car.

Looking down on the city

The begonia garden

Lots of strange creatures here - a young hedgehog

Even stranger creatures - Ostrich

Freedom

Molly has completed her Time in the slammer

Molly being escorted from the Lockup Facility by warden Kaylee.

Freedom's just a step away


First walk on the beach - the Tasman Sea

I only wish Xena and Jack could be here


Sleeping like a baby

Summer Holidays at Lake Mangakino

Everyone is on summer vacation here, my brain is totally turned upside down. The quarantine facility was closed over Christmas and New Year so we decided to take advantage of the time and go on vacation with Fred's family. The O'Learys rented a "batch" at Lake Mangakino in the center of the North Island.

View of Mount Ruapehu (Volcano) on the way to Lake Mangakino

We ended up being dragged behind a skiboat around a lake for several days by Pete (Fred's brother) with the expressed intention that he would keep at it until we stood up. He was not taking failure lightly and commented frequently that most people get going on their third or fourth try........oh and it is a lot easier than water skiing.

The Ski Bully - what's with the woolly hat???

Instructor Pete

Please No Paparazzi

Having drunk half the lake and unable to take any more punishment, Fred attempts hara kari

Her other move is a face plant

Michael O'Leary shows how it is really done


Frances just looks plain cute!

He makes it look so easy!

New Year's Eve

Happy 87th Birthday Peg O'Leary



Do you think she will share the cake with the rest of us???



Receiving a call from President Elect Barak Obama


Wellington is a great city for free outdoor concerts, there is something on every week. We lived on the wild side for a night and attended the New Year's eve open air concert. The shack location makes it perfect for going into Wellington as we can get a train from outside our house and get all the way to the city center in a half hour.

New Year's Eve Self Portriat

The band we saw were a really great funk band - Johnny would have enjoyed them. Unfortunately the 30 mile an hour wind felt like it was stripping the skin from us so we had to take refuge in a bar. Thankfully they are also two a penny in Wellington.

A taste of Home