Lake Hayes Duathlon

Easter weekend in the Wakatipu is very busy with lots of events and celebrations as people enjoy the last of the warm weather before winter slowly creeps in. It helps that the autumn colours are fabulous and set the district alight with a blaze of glory.

The Lake Hayes Easter Triathlon is New Zealand's oldest surviving triathlon. It also has a kayak and a duathlon option for people such as Him Outdoors who can't/ don't swim. As I am still recovering from injury and operation, I went along to support and spectate.



Him Outdoors before the race

First run leg

Coming into transition off the bike

The end of the run

Kids Cricket

Due to various local cricket matches being played in Karori and other venues, the last day of the junior cricket was moved to the Basin Reserve. This was quite exciting - playing cricket at the national venue, so I went along to watch as my nephew was involved in one of the six matches taking place.

As the teams were warming up (and throughout their matches actually), younger folk batted and bowled around the periphery. Nephew Adam and The Weevil squared up.



In the 'real game', nephew Olaf is at bat...





Howzzat?



Not out!



...and in to bowl.



A walk around the Basin revealed a number of other talented youngsters...

... and Dad umpires.

Meanwhile, back at 'our game', the wickets were tumbling, thanks to some fearsome fielding.

And then it's handshakes all round to finish the game. In case you're wondering, I've got no idea who won - apparently that's not the point. It seems to be all about participation these days - my, how times have changed!



Wellington Weekend

I've recently spent a couple of days in Wellington, catching up with folk, and walking around the place; from the southern bays to the shops on Lambton Quay and the cemetery at Karori, it was a busy couple of days.


Una and Connor



The grave of Harry McNish (one of the explorer's on Shakelton's Endurance) is adorned with a bronze representation of Mrs Chippy - the cat who accompanied the exhibition. Despite the name, Mrs Chippy was discovered to be a male cat, but by then the name had stuck and the tiger-striped tabby retained the nickname.

 

Mrs Chippy

We were joined on our walk by this beautiful real-life version of Mrs Chippy who lives nearby and reportedly accompanies folk through the graveyard, stopping to be stroked and admired.

Nephew Adam with curious cat



Niece Rachel

At home with the Bakers...



Nephew Adam and the Weevil



Nephews Olaf and Adam