Ghost Blogger

Ranginitito? Spelling?

We received an email saying we made a new blog post - only the one problem.  We never made this post.  If we did, we didn't intend to make it.  We decided that it must have been the Ghost Blogger.  

We have visited an island near Auckland called Rangitoto, but we haven't written a post  about it.   We have been working on a post telling about the various regional parks and beaches in New Zealand.  But that is still coming - stay tuned.

There are 35 Regional Parks in the Auckland area.  In fact, according to Wikipedia, New Zealand has 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) of coastline making it the 10th longest in the world. The coastline on both islands borders the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The entire country of New Zealand measures 2,813 kilometres (1,748 miles) from the northern tip of the North Island to the southern tip of the South Island.  At the widest point it is about 100 miles wide, so you are always close to an ocean.  There are many beautiful and nearby beaches to visit.

This past weekend we went with two other couples from the Area Office to Waiwera Thermal Resort (see http://winterskiwi.blogspot.co.nz/2014/09/first-weekend-in-takapuna-new-zealand.html) It was our Friday night date and we all slept very well after spending time in the thermal pools.

On Saturday we went with Elder and Sister Whidden to with Tāpapakanga Regional Park. We always have a good time and enjoy being able to jump in the car and take off on the weekend to visit new places.  Where else can you find a beautiful and deserted beach almost anywhere you go?  Although it is winter here.    

Friday marked our oldest grandson, Taylor's birthday.  He is 12 and received the Aaronic Priesthood.  We are proud of him and the fine young man he is becoming.  We hope to visit with him more this coming weekend.  

"May we adapt to the changes in our lives, may we realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey."   Thomas S. Monson, Finding Joy in the Journey, October General Conference 2008

First Weekend in Takapuna, New Zealand

Saturday we drove north along the coast to the town of Waiwera.  Here we visited the Waiwera Thermal Resort (similiar to Lava Hot Springs).  It was great to swim, soak and relax.  After several blissful hours we drove back to our flat (apartment).   We, or should we say Gary, is driving on the left and learning all the tricks to adjust to this new country that we will call home for the next 18 months.

Tempatures shown are 118.4/104 in Fahrenheit

Sit back, relax and all the tension just goes away.

This was Susan's favorite spot.  Water was hot, but not 48c hot. 

Lava Pool, the small one, was just a bit too warm.

On the way home we were able to stop at a few places along the way to take pictures.  Yes you read that right!  Gary stopped and let Susan take pictures.  We have decided that we may never get this way again, and we need to enjoy ourselves while we are here. This location is near the town of Orwea.

Looks more like a vacation than a mission.

They call this kite sailing here. 

Sunday we attended church at the Takapuna chapel.  We had the opportunity to meet President and Sister Balli (Auckland Mission President).  The church meetings were wonderful.  We understood nearly every word.  Sometimes the accent is pretty strong and they might have different expressions, but it is the same language.  

At home today would have been Fast Sunday, but since we are17 hours ahead of Mountain Daylight Time (we went off New Zealand Daylight Savings Sunday morning) we will not be able to view General Conference until the following week.  As we walked to church we noted that it was 6 PM at home and the General Women's Meeting would be starting.  That conference session will be televised next Saturday (October 4th) and General Conference sessions the following weekend (October 10th and 11th).   Are you totally confused?  So are we.  We hope to view conference online before Oct 10 as even now we are beginning to see quotes from the Women's Meeting.

After church on Sunday we were invited to have dinner with a family from church.  It was delightful as we were able to carry on a conversation and enjoy the hectic lives of their teenagers.  It really reminded us of home when the family comes over for dinner.

Monday morning marks the completion of our first week in New Zealand.