Christmas Holidays 1998

My Mum came over from Sydney for Christmas. Michelle's family got on really well with her and we had a great time, going camping, shopping, a picnic at the races (the NZ Derby), to the beach etc.


to Xmas Day photos

 Mum and Michelle and monster scallops
Mum, Michelle and her Dad sailing
On Christmas Eve we went sailing in a fun race where we finished next to last, but still won a prize. At one of the turns on the course we got rammed by another yacht - the eventual winner! Ross thought about protesting the result, but didn't because it was a fun race.

Rangitoto

One of our day trips was on a ferry to Auckland's youngest volcano, the 600 year old island, Rangitoto, where plants are gradually claiming the lava fields.

When pleasure trips to the island started 100 years ago there were no trees at the summit, now its covered.

 Me on a lava field on Rangitoto
Mum and Michelle at the summit
We walked around the amazing landscape, exploring some lava caves and climbing to the summit for a panoramic view of Auckland Harbour, and a stroll around the crater, before descending to the coast for a much needed refreshing dip.

We only made the last ferry back with a minute to spare, and that was with hurrying as quick as we could. Never have drinks and crisps tasted so good as that cruise home.