Skip to main content

cycling, hiking and beer

We had a repeat of last week’s cycle again this past Saturday except that Brendan came along this time. He is still getting over his sickness, but I think the cycle was much needed fresh air and exercise. Despite the forecast, we had a mostly beautiful morning for the ride. We did end up getting a little wet towards the end, but not nearly the deluge that was predicted. Beautiful ride again. I spent a little less time thinking about how much pain my legs were in and a little more time thinking about which of the amazing houses with the amazing windows and porches overlooking the valley we should buy. Part of the ride is along Ridge Rd, which very much reminds me of Skyline Blvd in the Bay area, except that it is easier to get to (only a 20-minute climb on a bike at a much shallower grade). One of the houses up there has a big, gaudy sign out front that says “dotcom mansion,” which always makes me giggle.

After the cycle, there was some lounging and some eating and then there was beer brewing! We finally did it – we procured the equipment and the materials and actually had a go at brewing beer. The result is currently sitting in our apartment fermenting away. I am not super excited about this first batch of beer other than the fact that I am anxious to see if we did it right. We made the beer that came with our starter kit, which was a Lion Draught. We figured what better batch to mess up than the free one. As the beer is fermenting though, I am starting to realize just how much beer 23 Litres of beer is. 23 Litres! Of Draught! That’s a lot of draught. Anyone who wants to visit in, oh say 6 weeks, better bring their drinking shoes.

Sunday was another hike, this time in the Hanua Ranges, or close to. Beautiful weather, a few nice vistas - I can’t complain. You can also mountain bike on the trails we were hiking on. All I can say about that is: no way! There were only a few sections that looked even the least bit fun. The rest of the time would be spent sliding on the ridiculously slick clay. Going up, don’t even think about stopping because you will not get re-started. Going down, don’t even think about stopping because you won’t be able to!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Australia is...

beautiful extreme (google: 'Australia & poisonous'; image search: 'Australia & outback') unique from any place i've ever seen similar to every place i've ever seen simple and laid back difficult and uptight lonely eye-opening ... Closing thought that is completely unrelated: my current career is cool. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6471241.stm

i saw a 'roo!

Brendan and his parents came out to visit last weekend, which was fantastic! I love it when I have people to hang out with in this country!! Saturday, I attempted driving for my second time to go to the airport and pick them up. Crazy right-sided driving on the left side of the road. Still incredibly difficult! I must have let my guard down a bit though b/c I got honked at more this time than last. I also got a pretty good piece of a curb (I hope Mark doesn't read this...). It also didn't help that on the way back from the airport, we had 4 people and 8 suitcases in one car. Brendan decided to use his parents as luggage mules, so that we don't have to ship our toys via the boat. I have no idea how I am going to move out of my serviced apartment by myself now based on the amount of stuff in there... Saturday we went to a few house inspections (Fitzroy) and then wandered through QVM and the CBD. We saw Fed Square, the Yarra River, the Docklands... we had beer and coffee spora...

Lighthouse success

Manukau heads lighthouse was easier to get to than Puoto Point. :) ANZAC day landed on a Wednesday this year. It made Tuesday feel like Friday (which was nice). But then it made Thursday feel like a second Monday in the week (not so nice). Maybe it will make Friday feel like double plus Friday? We shall see tomorrow. For ANZAC day, I went to the lighthouse at Manukau Heads, followed by some beach lounging time and a short walk at Awhitu Regional Park. It was another gorgeous day! My (real) phone is near, so pardon the quality of the photos just a little bit longer. I cannot tell if that is graffiti in the side of the wall or bird houses? Or both? I was promised an island, but the tide was too far out. Picture frame! And some dark artwork in the lighthouse.