Norfolk Island

Well we had a wonderful 13 days on Norfolk Island after the initial weather delays, and were blessed with many beautiful days.

We were greeted at Norfolk Island airport by a friendly crowd

of cousins and other relatives.

(Photo courtesy Jenni Piper)

Teddy was particularly pleased to see us

Jess set about making the flower arrangements for Charles & Kim's wedding using materials available on the island, and what we had brought with us. We had to add some leaves from plants around Mary and Bernie's property - Devon. For a very relieved Bride, the wedding ceremony at Simon's Water was one of the first Sunny Days in months. It was a fantastic occasion Jacob, Sienna & Kate Jessica and Uncle Bernie The reception followed at Devon House Not surprisingly, Brandt was very comfortable with the microphone delivering telegrams

Jess took a break from taking photos to have one taken with Kim... while Jacob and Charles took photos of themselves There are many more photos on the other family blog sites. Over the ensuing days, we started to slow down to the Norfolk pace of life, and enjoyed the socialising by the pool at Fletcher Christian... We really enjoyed the hospitality of Mike's youngest sister, Tina, looking here like twins, 7 years apart Highlight of Jacob's holiday however was being "allowed" to mow the lawns at the apartments They also enjoyed the Horse Riding trails And Mike scored a Hole-in-One at the Mini Golf Jacob loved to go fishing with cousin John, and learned how to do a Fish Fry John was also very generous with Jess taking her out for driving lessons, and she quickly progressed to driving his manual 2 Tonne Truck. Kate went along for the ride and Mike tried to follow to get some photos; John wanted to sit in the middle so he could be near the handbrake! But we're sure we have started some tongues flapping on the Island with John being chauffeured around in between 2 women in his truck! EASTER CARNIVAL One of Norfolk's big events - it seems the whole Island congregated at the School on Thursday Night. Jake tackles the "Green Machines" We have to share a funny series of photos; Jacob won a novelty prize playing "Bat the Rat" and we all had to have a go at the joke eyes: Hope they make you laugh too! You can take Hobbits out of the Shire... At the end of the evening, even though the streets were deserted except for the road cattle, we still felt compelled to use the only pedestrian crossing on the island Snorkeling Thanks to Granny and Jenni for lending us their masks and snorkels, we finally discovered the magic of Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay. When the tide is low, the bays are very calm and we were amazed at the multitudes of large tropical fish swimming around our legs Mike emerging from Slaughter Bay with the underwater camera (courtesy Cristina McRitchie) After all the Easter Chocolate (thanks Sweeties!) a couple of bush walks were in order, which enabled us to appreciate parts of the beautiful and rugged coastline not accessible by road 100 Acre Wood Bird Rock - isn't the colour of the water magnificent! On the last day before we were due to leave (in between praying for a cyclone so the flight would be delayed) we took some photos around Kingston and Ball Bay, and enjoyed the serenity while we could. Kingston Pier Ball Bay (courtesy Cristina McRitchie) Sadly, after many visits to the small airport to wave off Miriam, Granny & Jenni, then Sarah and Emily, it was now our turn to leave (amid tears). We are so glad that our kids now appreciate what a special place Norf'k is, and it now holds a special place in their hearts too. We will be back, and in less than 12 years this time. See yorle morla

Blockwork underway

Wahoo - real building happening on site.

We had an early morning meeting with the builders on site, at the start of what looked to be a busy day. We had to drop Jess at School at 7am for a dance class, followed by a last-minute meeting on site with the builders before we head off to Norfolk Island.

It was great to see them already underway with the blockwork around the front of the terrace and behind the pool.

Then we found out the flight to Norfolk was delayed due to weather, so I have time to post one last blog before we go.

Sadly, those trees had to go

The excavators have gone and the earthen ramp has been removed

New View of the Site - Looking North towards the River

Unfortunately, the Angophora Costata which we had painstakingly designed the Garage around had to be removed; we knew this tree had self seeded in loose spoil from the driveway construction, however once we carefully excavated around its roots, we found it was barely hanging on to anything and was pushing two large boulders through the house, and if it didn't fall onto the worksite, it would inevitably fall through our new house over the next few years. So it had to be removed from a safety perspective, along with a couple of smaller trees that were just too close to the house, and would end up pressing against it as they grew. We will have to replant a large gum between the garage and the entrance when the construction is finished so it ends up looking like it was always there. Looking South (Paul Healy 190cm)

Also, adding salt to our wounds, when the Angophora was being removed, it damaged another limb on the Cheese Tree near the driveway, so that is now looking a bit retarded.

Anyway, the foundations are now complete, with the lower slab ready to be formed and poured over the next few weeks.

Mark Healy is even bigger than his brother

The Pool

The Old Boatshed is still handy for storage:

The possums probably think we've made a handy ramp for them.