Rangitoto Island

This last Saturday, Mark, Greg, the girls, and I took a ferry over to Rangitoto Island and hiked to the summit. Rangitoto is an iconic dormant volcano in the Waitamata Harbour (Auckland's harbor). It is 5 1/2 kilometers wide and 850 ft high. It erupted about 600 to 700 years ago. It is now a reserve. It rained on us most of the way up, but cleared once we got to the top. We saw some beautiful panoramas of the harbor and the city. Kohimarama is seen in the distance of the picture with our backs turned. On the way over on the ferry, we had a little show from a naked guy who had climbed to the top of a beacon. Disgusting!

Mama and Sarah

An account of our time Down Under would not be complete without a mention of the bond between Mama and Sarah. The two of them have been inseparable. It has been a great fit because both Mama and Sarah love to have company more than anyone I know. Sarah follows Mama around everywhere. Mama always asks, "Where is my shadow?" They read stories, play games and go for an almost daily walk with Pa to St. Heliers to get the mail. Getting the mail inevitably turns into climbing 1000 trees, playing at the playground for hours, and having lunch and a coffee/fluffy. A fluffy is a sophisticated little drink for a 4-year-old. It is warm milk frothed up like a cappuccino with chocolate drizzled on top. It is usually accompanied by a little marshmellow. Sarah knows all the best places in Auckland to get a fluffy. Everyone in St. Heliers knows her and teases her. Mama and Pa love having her with them, and I think there will be a big hole in everyone's heart when they are oceans away from each other.