Sunday evening update…….
The big news in Hamilton was the annual ‘Great Waikato River Race’ – annual challenge between the University of the Waikato rowing club and a visiting crew from either Oxford or Cambridge - this year it was Oxford. The 4km course (a bit shorter than the London Boat Race but against a very strong stream) was through Hamilton on the Waikato River (hence the name). The commentator spoke of the crowds of 20,000 lining the banks but we were at the end and at a pinch could only see a couple of thousand people! Anyway it was covered live on NZ TV so counted as a major event. The home crew pulled ahead early on and kept the lead throughout to finish about three lengths ahead, we watched the race from one of the bridges but the girls went down to the finish line – only to almost miss the Waikato boat as it passed in front of them so close to the bank!
The big news in Hamilton was the annual ‘Great Waikato River Race’ – annual challenge between the University of the Waikato rowing club and a visiting crew from either Oxford or Cambridge - this year it was Oxford. The 4km course (a bit shorter than the London Boat Race but against a very strong stream) was through Hamilton on the Waikato River (hence the name). The commentator spoke of the crowds of 20,000 lining the banks but we were at the end and at a pinch could only see a couple of thousand people! Anyway it was covered live on NZ TV so counted as a major event. The home crew pulled ahead early on and kept the lead throughout to finish about three lengths ahead, we watched the race from one of the bridges but the girls went down to the finish line – only to almost miss the Waikato boat as it passed in front of them so close to the bank!
Rest of afternoon was spent wandering around the Mitre10 DIY superstore – a bit like on of those B&Q Wharehouses but about 4x the size. I eyed up some ride on mowers – but decided that I needed a lawn of sufficient size to make it worth while.
We did go back and look at a house that had taken our fancy last week. Many houses here arrange Open Homes where anyone can pitch up and look around for an hour on a Sunday. In this case we were the only viewers, so I think that bodes well if we want to make them an offer. We’ll update you as and when there is any news.
So the girls are now on holiday again after only two weeks at school! Providing the rain does not return again next week I’ll be back on the bike into town – 30 minutes each way. The house we looked at was another 7km out of town but much closer to the girls’ school. It will also be about 1km away from the by-pass I’m over here to build and sheltered by plenty of trees along a road that will eventually become a cul-de-sack when I finish the State Highway so long term I think it is a good move.
Two eggs tonight (one from Miranda and one from one of the others ) – and the clocks changed – so its now a 12 hour difference to the UK – soon to be 13 hours when the UK drops back in October. Must go out and put the chooks (chickens away).
Also small confession about the car – we ran out petrol in it last week – probably caused by the astonishing thirst of the engine which demands more fuel every few days. We may get it looked at or alternatively buy a small fuel bowser to tow behind us! Thankfully with the few litres of lawnmower fuel we had with us and the helpfulness of a couple next to Highway One we were soon on our way to track down another petrol station.
Richard
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