Sometimes it doesn't pay to talk and lock the door at the same time. Sister Bartlett shut her skirt in the door. She wasn't too happy when I had to stop and take a picture of her in this dilemma. We had a good laugh and she is still smiling.
The reason we were in a hurry is that we had to be to the office for a meeting about transfers. Every six weeks new Missionaries come in, Missionaries leave, and Missionaries are transferred around the Mission. This means we have to train the new ones, transfer new bicycles around, and assign new bicycles to new Missionaries. We have to be at the office rather early so we eat breakfast across the street at a little bakery. This is how you get a drink of water.
This was our breakfast. It was like an Egg McMuffin but so much better since the egg was freshly cooked and the yoke was still a little runny which is how we like it. Yum!
Since we had 3 new Elders come into the Mission and 1 new Sister, I donned my apron and assigned bicycles. We have a problem with bicycles getting stolen here in Auckland. Last week the Police showed a video on the TV of thieves stealing bicycles. Someone said a man stopped and got off his bike to take a drink of water and a person jumped on his bike and rode away while he was standing next to it. Anyone have a good solution to prevent bikes from being stolen? This is Elder Bartlett doing his bike thing.
We were able to do more exploring of the Island on our Preparation day. At the Arataki Visitors Center, they had a large frame that you could stand behind and take a picture. We requested a passer by to take a picture of us with the Manukau Harbor in the background. The Manukau Harbor is on the West side of the North Island, off the Tasman Sea.
We were enthralled by these unusual trees with branches that hung low over the track (trail). We just love the variety of Vegetation. Going into Winter and still the colour is mostly green. You may notice that the spelling of certain things like colour is different. Welcome to proper English.
These beautiful falls are called the Karekare Falls, which can be seen from the road at Karekare beach. We took the 5 minute walk to the falls and it was worth it.
Karekare beach was also very beautiful. There were volcanic cliffs all around the beach and the small island in the background was also volcanic. I believe the guy is also volcanic? The sound of the waves here on the West side of New Zealand were like a jet plane taking off. There was just a constant roar which echoed off the volcanic cliffs. They waves seem to be more powerful on the Tasman Sea side of New Zealand. This is about an hour from our flat (apartment).
You probably can't tell from this but the sand on Karekare beach is black. The shells show up very white compared to the sand. Sister Bartlett was intrigued by the patterns the waves make in the sand.
We have been amused by the signs and what things are named. Can you guess what Carpark means. Of course parking lot.
This is Piha beach also on the West side of New Zealand. This beach is on the Tasman Sea and produces some large waves. They have surfing competitions on this beach. It is very popular and often gets crowded. Not to bad on this day.
This was taken at the North End of Piha beach looking back at the rocks in the previous photo. The sun is very bright in New Zealand. Piha beach also has black sand. We assume it is from the volcanic rock that has been eroded over thousands of years. Who knows. A day at the beach would not be complete without a proper sunset. So until you hear from us again, may all your sunsets be beautiful on this earth Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created for us. Love Elder and Sister Bartlett.
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