Te Anau is beautiful

 AWWH what Te Anau does to a hard working executive !!! - not the most flattering photo but good to see bumble catching up on some much needed rest

Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear dad - Happy birthday to you - followed by 68 claps


Hi again from gorgeous Te Anau
This weekend we have driven five and a half hours to my parents home in a place called Te Anau.  It is a beautiful spot that has a lake, mountains, bush and loads of sand-flies.  Usually when we make the trip her to visit our family it P#$%@# down with rain and Te Anau is know for its high rainfall.  We are essentially on the West Coast of New Zealand.
My family are all well and we have our Niece and Nephew Sophia and Nicholas also staying.  It makes for a busy household.  Fortunately the cousins all get along very well with each other.  The boys are camped out in the tent and think that its really cool to be camping.  They are both attending the Scout Jamboree early January so look upon this as practice for that.  Both Boys have attended a Jamboree before three years ago.  
We have enjoyed today as Richard and I have been investigating the places that we will take Eric and Sonja when they come over to visit next year.  I have taken Richard to all my favourite places around here.  My family have lived at Te Anau for twenty one years so are now considered locals.  

 Abbey almost asleep on the couch - they had been busy playing down at the lake, and at the playground

 The boys in the tent chilling and enjoying swapping stories Nicholas almost 14 and Alex 14 (cousins)

 Cousins Sophia (12) and Abbey relaxing after loads of mountain air

 A small sample of the bush around Te Anau - it is much better after it has been raining! This is the beginning of the Kepler Track

 Watch out for the Kiwis - the national bird - I have never actually seen one as they are nocturnal.  This is the beginning of the Kepler track and the bridge over the Waiau River.

 The Waiu river and beginning of the Kepler Track - a lovely four day walk.

 Our national Christmas tree - The Pohutakawa tree - they flower in the bush at Christmas time

 This is where the Waiau River is and we did a small part of the track today.

 Lake Manapouri and Deep Cove in the distance - a lovely trip but very very cold water and the deepest lake in New Zealand.

 Mushrooms growing in the bush - don't eat these they are poisonous

 Pearl Harbour - The other end of the Waiau River and where you catch the boat to Deep Cove

Native Flax (Harakeke) - beside the river edge.  A small version of another native plant

Personally I always enjoy visiting Te Anau for the different climate.  We are 750 feet above sea level in the town so the air is very crisp.  Te Anau always makes us feel sleepy and hungry.  I don't know what it is about Mountain air but it just does that.  We enjoy waking up to the sound of native birds, walking along the lake front and exploring the local book shop.  My dad always cooks us a yummy barbecue - no what the weather. For some reason food always tastes good cooked on his BBQ.  I reckon Dad would give you a good run for your money Todd and Eric with his BBQ skills.
I have just taken some photos of the kids relaxing, and may sneak a photo of Richard snoozing on the bed.  He also enjoys relaxing as he has had a busy four weeks since our big trip.  He has been working long hours. 
Well it is a georgous warm evening and the sun is still shinnning - a rarity on our Te Anau visits.  we are about to go sit outside and enjoy a cold beer while dad cooks his BBQ - Mum is away with her ladies group but will return soon for tea.  We are all celebrating dad's birthday as he turned 68 this week.  Happy birthday Dad.
Enjoy and have a good week all
RIP to the 29 men who perished in the Pike River Coal Mine this week - Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this terribly tragic time.


Here is a link about the Kepler track for those who want to read more
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/southland/te-anau-area/kepler-track/
The link to my brothers business that just won a New Zealand national tourism award - well done guys
http://www.teanaumotel.co.nz/