AN AFTERNOON ON A VINEYARD BY THE BAY


Before anything, I'd like to ask you guys to pray for the continuous recuperation of my sister-in-law, Gigi, who suffered a mild stroke yesterday. Folks from home say she's okay now, just being kept for observation so hopefully she'll be home soon. Thanks, guys.

Carrying on then...

It was Saturday, the afternoon before we were to drive off to Wellington, when we took a ferry ride to Waiheke Island. It's one of the many islands off the mainland, dotted by vineyards and fantastic views of the bay, small country shops with tinkling bells on their doorways announcing your entrance, winding cliff roads you'd drive alone for miles on end, and homesteads on the hillsides. several of which are built within the vineyards, where the people lived and did business, planting grapes, making wine and running inns, cafes, or restaurants.

It gave one a feeling of time suspended.

That afternoon, I forgot about the rest of the world... there on Waiheke Island.





Make no mistake about it, Spidey's lurking out there somewhere, but this isn't his show... hehehe






always love the seabreeze on my hair, even if I have to shampoo it again after




Pretty much the same kind of boat we were in. Other tours would leave at dusk, and you can wine and dine during the ride. I definitely have to go back for that.

And that's where we're going. Just look at it! Even the clouds seem to be racing toward it.

the bay, the hills, the vineyard and a barrel of wine... it all comes together right here






Do I fit in too?





Tim said, 'You gotta rent a car to get to it. It's no. 8 on the loop, and it's got the most spectacular view.' He's talking about the Te Whau Vineyard. Good thing we were a couple of obedient kids... it was spectacular.





That's a Church, wooden and unadorned save for a big white cross, running from roof to base at the front facade, beautiful in its barrenness. We found it while driving back to the Matiatia Ferry Terminal. We had to go back and forth twice just to park and we never even got past the lawn.





Papa on his first right-hand drive. I think he did pretty well. Err... you don't really need those wipers, do you? Kidding, mylab... hehe






we're just ships that pass in the night and alas, this, too, have passed...