April Activities

Matarangi Beach

The doctor sat in the front driver's seat of the Toyota.  A good share of the first six months of the journey was in that position.  The floor saturated with Tip Top ice cream bar sticks licked clean.  The seat had acquired his body scent---a combination of various aged Old Spice with avocado-chic pea-kumera farts.  The odometer registered 15,000 km more than when it was originally leased.  The blonde woman had effectively transformed the passenger side into a library of travel, activity, and culinary information.  At times she appeared to be buried in brochures, difficult to find but not difficult to hear her.  Fueled by "flat white" lattes and chocolate truffles she navigated and determined points of interest.  The general destinations were decided in advance.

Matarangi Jazz Festival

Atop Mt Maunganui

One weekend destination included a short trip up the Coromandel coastline to a village celebrating autumn in New Zealand.  Matarangi benefits from the beach life during the summer.  On that particular fall day, the sun shone just right.  The doctor and blonde woman ran across acquaintances at the festival as one does when they meld into a community.  Kiwis enjoy the community of man, the dancing to music, the meeting of friends.  And, once again, a stroll along a gorgeous beach with fine white sand and nature's treasures washing ashore completed the day.


 Mt Maunganui competes for "beach community of New Zealand".  Overlooking the beach is a small mountain allowing full circle views of the Tauranga Harbour, Pacific Ocean, and cities of Mt Maunganui and Tauranga.  Following the jazz festival, Cheryl the Navigator and Activities Director directed them to the Mount.

Another of Tom's fantasies

Cheryl and Sam visited  the area in January.  Kiwis meet and play on the beaches all year, but mostly from November to April.  Sailing continues year round.  From the Mount, a series of sailboats caught Tom's fancy.  These vantage points of life can be glorious.  The boats appeared to be moving in unison orchestrated by some unseen Conductor all for Tom's benefit.  The scene may have evolved into a Monet painting, but Tom's legs ached and needed attention.  The legs were appeased with a rest on an old-man's bench and encouragement from Nick and Kari who met the two and then helped cheer the University of Wisconsin in the Final Four.


Then, Mother Nature pulled an astronomical delight out of the night air.  The 'Blood Moon' phenomena occurred in the southeastern sky from about 7:30-10:30 PM.  Attempts at capturing the event partially failed, but are submitted for future memories.



After the 'Blood Moon', the Prince and Princess came calling.  The Duchess of Thames prepared herself and with friend Jenny proceeded to Auckland for tea with Duchess of Cambridge.  They knew Kate was on a tight schedule, but who turns down the Duchess of Thames?

Cuppa tea, Kate?  Please join us.

Kate! Kate! You forgot us! We are over here on the dock!

The Royals captivated the country for 10 days.  Each dress scrutinized and then sensationalized.  William looked on.  Little George drooled at his mother as did the rest of the Kiwi nation.










The Royals took a spin aboard the New Zealand boats that compete in the America's Cup.  A few more distant photos were possible and then they disappeared.  The media followed them relentlessly.  Cheryl had her few moments.

Caroline and Simon Marriott

April also appealed to admirers of agricultural and pastoral (A & P) shows.  Cheryl spent a day with Jenny at Caroline Marriott's orchard picking limes and discussing limes, lemons, and men.  Which is most sour? bitter? reliable? fuzzy? firm?

Shearing sheep at A&P Show

Cheryl learned that Caroline and her daughters were preparing to show her sheep at the A&P show in Auckland (similar to State Fair).  Cheryl received an invite and found herself the next week shearing an unsuspecting sheep in front of a crowd of 5 or 6 people.  This experience allowed her to check another box of "things-I-want-to-do-in-New Zealand".   The young muscle bound rancher was considered bonus points.
 The remainder of the show involved local art and craft booths, family rides, and stage shows of various success.

So many opportunities in New Zealand

April certainly had a variety of activities.

Moo over and moo room for May!