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