tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25374444663624328012024-03-19T00:43:48.829-07:00Sunny Otaki Dedicated to finding the best of Otaki and Te Horo. There is plenty to see and do, from Beaches, Rivers, Festivals, Gardens, Shops, Historic and Cultural Sites and plenty moreClaire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-21895413730938313162016-03-27T06:56:00.003-07:002022-04-18T12:50:43.935-07:00Egg-citing Otaki - By the Easter Bunny<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeTxlifULvwgdMMfp_UAsNyZ4asUhwv_infUNqrOxss1GAD_albOVKEkATxZ6kzapkTfmVI9-r4ujF_oVAMOhNeIRQZMlYSRl45jN12Q0CVw2TemunTZKggX1nYm3sqMig2LWLSN77K_-/s1600/sunset+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Otaki Beach Sunset" border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeTxlifULvwgdMMfp_UAsNyZ4asUhwv_infUNqrOxss1GAD_albOVKEkATxZ6kzapkTfmVI9-r4ujF_oVAMOhNeIRQZMlYSRl45jN12Q0CVw2TemunTZKggX1nYm3sqMig2LWLSN77K_-/w640-h430/sunset+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><b><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy Easter everyone! </span></b></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A message from the Easter Bunny:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"This year on my Easter Egg journey I've decided to make a stop over in Otaki! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">My favourite spot is Otaki Beach, it's so beautiful, I love hopping and jumping around on the sand and bury my big toes into the warm sand. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">But I'm an honorary Tidy Kiwi and make sure the only thing I leave behind on the beach are my footprints....maybe you'll see my footprints over the easter holidays? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">There is plenty to do at Otaki Beach, during the summer months you can play Volley Ball and sunbathing, building sandcastles and expressing my eggstraordinary talent is so much fun! </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Enjoy your easter holidays and stay safe on the beach."</span></span><br />
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<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are plenty of picnic tables and park benches to sit down relax and the kids will enjoy playing on the round-around, red tractor, giant rocking horse and swing. This park is also known as the Otaki i-Site playground. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The big red tractor</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My little boy especially loved the big red tractor and spent most of his time "<i>Driving the Farmers Car</i>". Look out for further blog posts on the other great children's parks in Otaki and Te Horo. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">The sand dunes to the north of the Waitohu Stream, this part of beach is wild an rugged with drift wood, rolling sand dunes, wild grasses and the Waitahu stream. Dig your toes in the warm sand and gaze along this stretch of beautiful coastline. Remember, only leave your footprints behind. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">You might also like to read </span><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2016/01/whoever-your-with-enjoy-view.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whoever you are with, enjoy the view</span></a></p><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QgDE-GTNVDYzKbA2zpIFhtMRnU6d-U3iXKouCw0mVbTQE3Iy8fnac_1TK6HeRlNNNZmrfaEwZtXryq-bVREMXkxsPd2ySSB4myvvOtAEJQVNp7rbl5dY98wk9R9HNzpejldGgUwP18Nf/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+15.07.11.png"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QgDE-GTNVDYzKbA2zpIFhtMRnU6d-U3iXKouCw0mVbTQE3Iy8fnac_1TK6HeRlNNNZmrfaEwZtXryq-bVREMXkxsPd2ySSB4myvvOtAEJQVNp7rbl5dY98wk9R9HNzpejldGgUwP18Nf/w640-h418/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+15.07.11.png" width="640" /></a>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b>Waitohu Stream</b></span></h2></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">The Waitohu Stream is a great place to swim and play. With a gentle stream and rolling sand dunes it’s perfect for swimming playing in the dunes or watching the wildlife. You might also like to read </span><span style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/splashing-about.html" target="_blank">Splashing About at Otaki Beach</a></span></span></p><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5_XJsA6mXLyXwKmnWrPCk8JA7o67WpuNUJEnhda1pcA9ZsuHBuxliFbI-F_W5up4SpGpz1d2WnizHkJ5HC1-ZgZlL9yJ9RsqD6cCJOpD8sTgLov3YygCCdfAEWoauumeI9cWaexg9PEA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+15.04.04.png"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5_XJsA6mXLyXwKmnWrPCk8JA7o67WpuNUJEnhda1pcA9ZsuHBuxliFbI-F_W5up4SpGpz1d2WnizHkJ5HC1-ZgZlL9yJ9RsqD6cCJOpD8sTgLov3YygCCdfAEWoauumeI9cWaexg9PEA/w640-h416/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+15.04.04.png" width="640" /></a>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b>The River Mouth</b></span></h2></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Otaki River Mouth is loved by the local community for fishing, walking, swimming, camping and boating. It's a beautiful river and provides locals, visitors and wildlife with a beautiful place to visit or live. You might also like to read <a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2014/04/why-ill-never-wear-striped-top-to-beach.html" target="_blank">Why I'll never wear a striped top to the beach again.</a></span></p><div><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZMLEjJ9KqAOJYUcH_jEHv3RnYpbcDBymLSlO2TJmBoL8TatUHiOil6RGEIovABRn1SM5uqO4-XeW1U3DO3XC_Nb6xFNP89NrCrEm3730EBlUcKUfo2nPB3NWCm6zAipGCADztWgnZTRt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+14.51.50.png"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZMLEjJ9KqAOJYUcH_jEHv3RnYpbcDBymLSlO2TJmBoL8TatUHiOil6RGEIovABRn1SM5uqO4-XeW1U3DO3XC_Nb6xFNP89NrCrEm3730EBlUcKUfo2nPB3NWCm6zAipGCADztWgnZTRt/w640-h418/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+14.51.50.png" width="640" /></a>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Beach Front</b></span></h2></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">There is a lot to do at Otaki Beach, building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, collecting pipi, fishing, picnic's, swimming and sun bathing. You might also like to read <a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2016/01/fishing-trip-with-poppa.html" target="_blank">My fishing trip with poppa.</a></span></p><div><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInWuMJ1SIoSc2Irz7ZdlUC0THueWimlqoscqsQIJEwXuWb5RkiuJewac81xOAYmDLpSvBYDu6uBk1hk_5Ncuc-86N3UQ_lO7iKOrIUx6jvDXYLCIitIDhdt7ibEq78nj5dNN_pEvxH61M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+14.58.00.png"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInWuMJ1SIoSc2Irz7ZdlUC0THueWimlqoscqsQIJEwXuWb5RkiuJewac81xOAYmDLpSvBYDu6uBk1hk_5Ncuc-86N3UQ_lO7iKOrIUx6jvDXYLCIitIDhdt7ibEq78nj5dNN_pEvxH61M/w640-h472/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+14.58.00.png" width="640" /></a>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b>The South end of Otaki Beach</b></span></h2>
</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Like many beaches on the magnificent Kapiti Coast, Otaki Beach is wide, long and gently sloping into the sea. With golden sand and a huge collection of drift wood there is a place for everyone. You might also like to read <a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/discovering-te-horo-beach.html" target="_blank">Discovering Te Horo Beach</a></span></p><div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7WjlekmaLPu5Es17GTS68YtWYrC3jOPGAzwoS-DcOO3Ohuia4faRd4zBan2iI9nw8LNfOJV-Y65za6hJjigwdwHbRqMlfz8UC6B8PhvDeImZyXSz6AgIsdCMLXBoQnwqVNyX8kN_drjN/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+15.22.22.png"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7WjlekmaLPu5Es17GTS68YtWYrC3jOPGAzwoS-DcOO3Ohuia4faRd4zBan2iI9nw8LNfOJV-Y65za6hJjigwdwHbRqMlfz8UC6B8PhvDeImZyXSz6AgIsdCMLXBoQnwqVNyX8kN_drjN/w640-h410/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+15.22.22.png" width="640" /></span></a>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add your photos to the comment section below.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGAo0HUnfsv_CMmvGx_0dGOWkrJDTUodHYO004JDnlnXq5bU-LO5uxbgkwwGGmlxjs0howoXztQmGJ_uahdKguon-fVkD8Wt23Nqvx5l8Y1wBZoHWXBL1gbsV8_7wH2-80hNcMNkY2xTA/s1600/Picture62.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGAo0HUnfsv_CMmvGx_0dGOWkrJDTUodHYO004JDnlnXq5bU-LO5uxbgkwwGGmlxjs0howoXztQmGJ_uahdKguon-fVkD8Wt23Nqvx5l8Y1wBZoHWXBL1gbsV8_7wH2-80hNcMNkY2xTA/w640-h429/Picture62.png" width="640" /></a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Otaki Beach, what can you say, it's the most beautiful beach on the Kapiti Coast. It can be wild and ruggered with an amazing collection of driftwood or smooth sand and seashell collecting. </span></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kapiti Island</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are always fantastic views of Kapiti Island and a great place to swim with the family or your friends. (remember to always swim between the flags!) </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">If your taking a long stroll with your pooch across the sands or dipping your toes in the water, so much to love about Otaki Beach.</span></p>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And then there's also the stunning sunsets which are always different and always spectatular. So whoever your with, enjoy the view. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">#Paperpeople </span>
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Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-88852972439913515342016-01-03T03:57:00.001-08:002022-04-18T17:16:48.608-07:00Fishing Trip with Poppa<p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">My First Fishing trip at Otaki River Mouth with Nanna and Poppa, it was pretty successful, I managed to find two sticks, five rocks and Nanna and Poppa caught a bucketful of fish for my dinner. I wasn't aloud in the water, but Nanna did give me a bath when we got home, I was covered in sand and shells.</span></span></p>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2016/01/fishing-trip-with-poppa.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comOtaki, New Zealand-40.7605869 175.15601809999998-40.9530279 174.8332946 -40.5681459 175.47874159999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-32466840627038068072015-12-23T03:58:00.003-08:002022-04-18T17:28:48.183-07:00We say thank you for the Ice Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is Summertime and Christmas without a yummy, scrummy ice cream and in Otaki we have the best ice cream in the whole, wide world! </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Ice Cream, Gelato, Sorbet, in so many of your faverite flavours, Chocolate, Strawberry Ripple, Peanut Butter, Ginger Crunch, Coconut, Mint Choc Chip, Rocky Road, Blackberry, and any kind of berry, if you can dream about it, then you'll probably find it in Otaki at Koru Ice. </span></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/we-say-thank-you-for-ice-cream.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-79634016155956976252015-12-22T06:41:00.000-08:002015-12-22T06:41:00.056-08:00Otaki Christmas Cheer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1KJIzL4pt8b-UeFBCYyHBWhKLNXTejthAHeiXxjftQGAjXE09flK1bm4QTq8jRRiJJ5elIgQs_VBqVHsO8dZ4p0TjkJxjA4kTOIPE19BkvpCOyTOJK_Nz8ILn-_eUMBkynxXND6Tjest/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-07+at+15.34.14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1KJIzL4pt8b-UeFBCYyHBWhKLNXTejthAHeiXxjftQGAjXE09flK1bm4QTq8jRRiJJ5elIgQs_VBqVHsO8dZ4p0TjkJxjA4kTOIPE19BkvpCOyTOJK_Nz8ILn-_eUMBkynxXND6Tjest/s200/Screen+Shot+2015-04-07+at+15.34.14.png" width="200"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love Christmas, it's a great time of year to spend with your family, relaxing, eating yummy food, having a few drinks, and exchanging some presents, all in the beautiful surroundings of Otaki and that warm summer sun. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Using social media, I found my faverite photos that to me represent Christmas in Otaki.</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/otaki-christmas-cheer.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comOtaki, New Zealand-40.7605869 175.15601809999998-40.9530279 174.8332946 -40.5681459 175.47874159999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-13068761037324588792015-12-17T03:54:00.001-08:002022-04-18T17:32:14.209-07:00Around the World in Otaki - Part 2<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">My last blog post, </span><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/around-world-in-otaki.html" style="text-align: left;">Around the World in Otaki</a><span style="text-align: left;"> was so popular, I thought I would create a part 2. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Otaki and Te Horo have some beautiful landscapes, varying wildly from sunsets, kite festivals, forests, rivers and churches which rival that of other locations around the world and you can visit some of the most famous locations around the globe right on your door-step! Check out Around the World in Otaki Part One <a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/around-world-in-otaki.html">here</a>.</span></p>
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</div><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/around-world-in-otaki-part-2.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comOtaki, New Zealand-40.7605869 175.15601809999998-40.9530279 174.8332946 -40.5681459 175.47874159999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-9636987769533740572015-12-15T03:11:00.001-08:002022-04-18T17:36:23.396-07:00Then and Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Otaki has come along way, the beautiful Rangiatea Church was destroyed in a horrific fire, but rebuilt by the community, there is amazing shopping on the main highway and on Main street, the Beach Pavillion is still used the by public. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">It may not be a post office anymore, but it's a well used and well loved building housing cultural art work. We've put togther a couple of then and now photographs. What do you remember from this wonderful town</span>?</span></p>
<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/then-and-now.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comOtaki, New Zealand-40.7605869 175.15601809999998-40.7605869 175.15601809999998 -40.7605869 175.15601809999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-35596186479145482032015-12-12T02:47:00.000-08:002015-12-12T02:47:00.158-08:00Pavlova - a Kiwi christmas Classic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPESPIEOLwVrlAC-gI0TzevbQl1tXMAFQUygINwNLsOHCV0Z6Zs9j3olmec_pLRoksowc6TFcBAvW5q_6ylLCadfCNMYLzPYQXst-sYBDahGp3oZLmFv3iuLq7CDBwf4G5WfWeS7qhsdt/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPESPIEOLwVrlAC-gI0TzevbQl1tXMAFQUygINwNLsOHCV0Z6Zs9j3olmec_pLRoksowc6TFcBAvW5q_6ylLCadfCNMYLzPYQXst-sYBDahGp3oZLmFv3iuLq7CDBwf4G5WfWeS7qhsdt/s200/images.jpg" width="200"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pavola, the traditional Kiwi Dessert, no party is a success without one! </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum in Wellington,
celebrated its first birthday in February 1999 with the creation of the
world's largest pavlova, named "Pavzilla", which was cut by the Prime Minister of the time, Jenny Shipley. </span><br>
<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/pavlova-kiwi-christmas-classic.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comOtaki, New Zealand-40.7605869 175.15601809999998-40.7605869 175.15601809999998 -40.7605869 175.15601809999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-30404947170356310512015-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:002015-12-10T04:00:04.910-08:00Your Kapiti Coast Family Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQFiB8V8EKph8Vrrr3Tk00BqhOAOjiS33jLCeJo4z8YXoES_R4DLCM1eJSVo_sA4OWAM3o2zLjAC7gRy3Ywg7ZzkjHYCcqGl8Da83cHADVtXRG2WXo5oUdlyEmu2AX2u3hKovhfxI8QuJ/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQFiB8V8EKph8Vrrr3Tk00BqhOAOjiS33jLCeJo4z8YXoES_R4DLCM1eJSVo_sA4OWAM3o2zLjAC7gRy3Ywg7ZzkjHYCcqGl8Da83cHADVtXRG2WXo5oUdlyEmu2AX2u3hKovhfxI8QuJ/s200/Untitled.jpg" width="200"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Retracing your family steps and finding out where you come from can be an amazing step back into history. Otaki and Te Horo both have a wonderful and rich history, and using the local resources available you'll be able to research your family tree.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who know's who you'll find...</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/your-kapiti-coast-family-tree.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comOtaki, New Zealand-40.7605869 175.15601809999998-40.7605869 175.15601809999998 -40.7605869 175.15601809999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-32878344125368094582015-12-02T07:40:00.000-08:002015-12-10T02:20:24.444-08:00New Zealand Flag Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxdX5-olpWMrU6SRt6SUXnOO7uI6ORxUTiEK4PdJp16s1o7bTr3IqSd_JIaTqsYYq86f88j2JT7QsSfBQpJgCbkO6URez6Se4FE2rHn34zXHBXElTYTc5x_NZ2auRjQ_EBl9tIPJS88vx/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxdX5-olpWMrU6SRt6SUXnOO7uI6ORxUTiEK4PdJp16s1o7bTr3IqSd_JIaTqsYYq86f88j2JT7QsSfBQpJgCbkO6URez6Se4FE2rHn34zXHBXElTYTc5x_NZ2auRjQ_EBl9tIPJS88vx/s200/Picture3.png" width="150"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">National pride is always something that comes in abundance of enthusiasm, and when it comes to your flag, you want to feel as though it represents you as a nation. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is plenty of discussion about New Zealand's current flag, and whether you love the flag or want a new look, it's important to take a look back at the history of the current flag and consider all the facts before making a decision.</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/12/new-zealand-flag-facts.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comNew Zealand-40.900557 174.88597100000004-65.234714 133.57737700000004 -16.566399999999998 -143.805435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-19468828244316931112015-04-20T06:50:00.002-07:002022-04-19T00:52:35.019-07:00Otaki Township<p style="text-align: left;"><br><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">Otaki Township through the lens.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A quick look at downtown Otaki on a slightly overcast, but still very warm day. The small rose garden by the War Memorial, the public seating, toi toi bushes, the Mural on the Civic Theatre, a small wheel barrow by Choices Art Cooperative, the Memorial Hall and the Family Hotel.</span></span></p>
<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/otaki-township.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-77798812002371958732015-04-16T12:16:00.000-07:002015-12-06T06:54:37.178-08:00Splashing About at Otaki Beach - My Photo Diary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeLZghszq6KQ5JUPT3VwQTOPo6ArcujjSfWCRSOhe8eqNCywpYd2TYXK6g9gfITg7wc8pYkBupx2YWBYES5iX4e8xMSIWvm_SRhYwLRWyeHsk4FT8BTGXVR7g0B4yQ9JTF9XXZK01ovxX/s1600/GAR_2432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeLZghszq6KQ5JUPT3VwQTOPo6ArcujjSfWCRSOhe8eqNCywpYd2TYXK6g9gfITg7wc8pYkBupx2YWBYES5iX4e8xMSIWvm_SRhYwLRWyeHsk4FT8BTGXVR7g0B4yQ9JTF9XXZK01ovxX/s1600/GAR_2432.JPG" width="150"></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who can resist a splash about in the ocean, especially on a night like this, what a fantastic afternoon at Otaki Beach jumping the waves, splashing Mummy, running about with Daddy and Uncle, all with the back drop of Kapiti Island, simply spectatular!
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were a few tears when it was time to leave from Mr 3 1/2, who was soaked, but he had a great time splashing about.</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/splashing-about.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-47571930336693210022015-04-14T17:59:00.002-07:002015-12-06T06:58:42.875-08:00#OtakiThreads - Maoriland Film Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeVMVyxE4e41uEFMezTTs1SP-qvrECw4E786FG3l4qWG3gWDAht-lh2FfzAxvLT3A549x4gv8zvAXU1krW5QqiGuXU7QahqulsUgx_0T8nhiDuzMYvMEStDakXqyeBO3HWervI2aN_fP5/s1600/IMG_1650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeVMVyxE4e41uEFMezTTs1SP-qvrECw4E786FG3l4qWG3gWDAht-lh2FfzAxvLT3A549x4gv8zvAXU1krW5QqiGuXU7QahqulsUgx_0T8nhiDuzMYvMEStDakXqyeBO3HWervI2aN_fP5/s1600/IMG_1650.jpg" width="150"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"This year I was lucky enough to follow the Maoriland story for the whole week. Everyday I woke up wondering what I would see, hear, and be reflecting on by the day’s end. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personal highlights for me would be the enthusiasm for the festival from our local schools, particularly on Wednesday morning at the Wananga where the students creations were watched, cheered and critiqued. What an opportunity, to realize that a creative act can be carved out right here at home in Otaki using just talent, enthusiasm and hard work."</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.zilchoo.com/otaki-threads.html">Simon Neale - Otaki Threads</a></span><br>
<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/otakithreads-maoriland-film-festival.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-58090095202873117852015-04-07T12:57:00.001-07:002015-12-06T06:59:28.032-08:00A quick drive at Otaki Gorge...never disappoints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7h_oMt4s3zNrql-rm-q28tZUNwCXY9tW6WCqLTmsAJUXBQzoLjSqHC2wypAGZ9IIQyx9QzCnauK4a73wazPvVJ4JEZvLfkCkij78wQvNncZ4A07JL2xVB6odR-68blpSnCdH19-4KI-Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-08+at+07.34.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7h_oMt4s3zNrql-rm-q28tZUNwCXY9tW6WCqLTmsAJUXBQzoLjSqHC2wypAGZ9IIQyx9QzCnauK4a73wazPvVJ4JEZvLfkCkij78wQvNncZ4A07JL2xVB6odR-68blpSnCdH19-4KI-Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-08+at+07.34.39.png" width="150"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A quick drive up to Otaki Gorge to run a few errands and the scenery never disappoints! Out with the Camera and snapping a few shots of a very beautiful Otaki.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All but the last photo <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18px;">#DonkeyDoo, are</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> </span>just over the road swing bridge on Parenga Road, a simple farm scene, but looks spectacular! The last photo, just made me giggle, love the signage and the little imagery of the Donkey.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once again, thanks Otaki!</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-quick-drive-at-otaki-gorgenever.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-86925827233980472482015-04-06T21:03:00.000-07:002015-12-06T07:00:14.165-08:00Otaki in Words....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf3_oEyYQP13omfaTl4Q1wZJjlCVvraKK9BPnWMH3Kut2iWYvYDV86MVP7H5Yr9o_oQUxKP-JtmMX4k_jYITXt7Yan0-hEfiEOPd3sJuveOJt80tUnRh8OsWOPhQE0QGoX6THjfjODGzl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-07+at+15.34.14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYf3_oEyYQP13omfaTl4Q1wZJjlCVvraKK9BPnWMH3Kut2iWYvYDV86MVP7H5Yr9o_oQUxKP-JtmMX4k_jYITXt7Yan0-hEfiEOPd3sJuveOJt80tUnRh8OsWOPhQE0QGoX6THjfjODGzl/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-07+at+15.34.14.png" width="150"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How many different ways can you photograph the word Otaki, we've put together a few to get you started, what can you do, shells, sticks, water, leaves, people, what ever you can get your hands on, photograph the word Otaki with what you can find...</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/otaki-in-words.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-81529002513894448842015-04-06T20:45:00.000-07:002015-12-06T11:24:00.182-08:00Discovering Te Horo Beach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQBkBK8pYFZHw7U_VAc0lQwN9jrrkSJtgeRbKQI-tFouQIu4PNmjEwoDO6cvM1VQF4t65SHdy0SRPazqr_DMEMqjPptJCZFNavisb9UpXraOeQSn0Y9PJEhUp1NNOCZJEQOdXCCxqGA84/s1600/GAR_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQBkBK8pYFZHw7U_VAc0lQwN9jrrkSJtgeRbKQI-tFouQIu4PNmjEwoDO6cvM1VQF4t65SHdy0SRPazqr_DMEMqjPptJCZFNavisb9UpXraOeQSn0Y9PJEhUp1NNOCZJEQOdXCCxqGA84/s200/GAR_1281.JPG" width="200"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr 3 1/2 discovering Te Horo Beach for the first time, what an exciting time, a wild and ruggered beach full of drift wood to climb, shells to collect, stones to throw into the puddles and waves to jump and plenty of treasures to find. A very exciting afternoon playing on the beach followed by a picnic in Nanna and Poppa's caravan.</span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/discovering-te-horo-beach.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-57257113361144173402015-04-05T23:03:00.000-07:002015-12-06T11:24:41.408-08:00Our Walk in the Forest....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf9IHLH76f1zaEdaoAzdthK5es9jtmfNqsj64v8m5Z3pMw0dxlwcRgwvGmjiRlk7RK4uxtutV4eo6nPLUeACgBT27nJMceWzyM71dCP7lhNta6Bh4mu9obUUyJWJpLybGJo59IgRyK3qn/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtf9IHLH76f1zaEdaoAzdthK5es9jtmfNqsj64v8m5Z3pMw0dxlwcRgwvGmjiRlk7RK4uxtutV4eo6nPLUeACgBT27nJMceWzyM71dCP7lhNta6Bh4mu9obUUyJWJpLybGJo59IgRyK3qn/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" width="150"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One mum, one uncle and two nephews, our walk in the Forest at Otaki Beach near the Otaki Health Camp. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day and the boys loved exploring the forest, running through the pine needles, playing in the trees, Mr 8 Months had a great time hanging out in the baby pack, first with Mum, then with his Uncle.</span><br>
<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/04/our-walk-in-forest.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-85643310328216044012015-01-05T05:56:00.004-08:002015-12-06T06:41:53.524-08:00An Otaki Community Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVuS6ar5Za1OX2c-YWecbFN7Qo2lMk9yocTjSTnaAySYph9DRQGkELL_FFaB5XcoWHg6Z8PCaeQJ1bapVGE-BqzD3qQyDcRgF6PwKZtfiyWJ04zkIIKj_LSa_xMtaZfdRq0S20yox5SM5/s1600/IMG_7551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVuS6ar5Za1OX2c-YWecbFN7Qo2lMk9yocTjSTnaAySYph9DRQGkELL_FFaB5XcoWHg6Z8PCaeQJ1bapVGE-BqzD3qQyDcRgF6PwKZtfiyWJ04zkIIKj_LSa_xMtaZfdRq0S20yox5SM5/s1600/IMG_7551.jpg" height="130" width="150"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“The plan to provide something to ease the burden of Christmas for some of our town’s families originated from Strengthening Families in Levin, who had funding for the year left over and decided to to buy hampers or presents for families with very little. A lot of community groups donated to this as well, in particular Subway, who set up a tree in both their Levin and Otaki stores, and asked people to leave presents there. </span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2015/01/an-otaki-community-christmas.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-21991952994833075562014-11-21T13:00:00.000-08:002016-01-04T14:05:35.611-08:00Hi, G'Day, Kia Ora, Dude, 'Sup, Nau Mai - World Hello Day<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Word Hello Day!
November 21 </b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The objective is to say hello to ten people on the day. By greeting others, the message is for world leaders to use communication rather than force to settle conflicts. The event began in 1973 by Brian and Michael McCormack in response to the Yom Kippur War. </span><br>
<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2014/11/hi-gday-kia-ora-dude-sup-nau-mai-world.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-44702296213600993352014-11-09T01:23:00.000-08:002015-12-06T06:41:41.739-08:00#OtakiThreads - MenzShed<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/otakithreads-menzshed.html"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUCCMhnf3mTVJfHEfIu0yg3mZfovt8mdtGKr9rPBBYRaJ7sPTDTxDR62krjW-RC29yUkj_2gAClNnkaj3_L0hFaaE2TWGZk2oUmwTtHPAvE4yizQ-5pOeXeg1IQdGAy6C8KeoHegwVj_U/s1600/Simon+Neale+Logo.png" width="640"></a></span><br>
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<td><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Otaki Menzshed, which can be found near the Women's Health Centre on Mill Road, has existed now for a little over a year. It sprang from the desire of Menzshed founding member Valdis Plato's desire to create a space where people could come together, share their skills, find like minded people, and do valuable work in the community.</span><br>
</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2014/11/otakithreads-menzshed.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537444466362432801.post-78596444839873908292014-11-08T01:31:00.001-08:002015-12-06T06:41:16.228-08:00The Long Walk Home (Day 2) - By Zoe Mounsey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6C6BFWVtl3TFLQGx4CvRMBZumZlsWW2a45rsKMu3HRGOWNQt4Cv1YKrnd5R1hSggucJ9SmXUeNgQiif-pRK1Tb62dA6GsVmoFT2Zcpjf4FTAbjh4yPJ-p5JEvVLe6pveNvr3hYhmB1Kj/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-08+at+07.37.28.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6C6BFWVtl3TFLQGx4CvRMBZumZlsWW2a45rsKMu3HRGOWNQt4Cv1YKrnd5R1hSggucJ9SmXUeNgQiif-pRK1Tb62dA6GsVmoFT2Zcpjf4FTAbjh4yPJ-p5JEvVLe6pveNvr3hYhmB1Kj/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-11-08+at+07.37.28.png" height="130" width="150"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Long Walk Home – day two
Day two started very early for me and I was soon on the train to Mana ready to do it all again – a hot bath and a good night’s sleep had ensured that I was still raring to go. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My walking partner was not quite so raring to go as was suffering from a sore ankle but she had strapped it up and joined me at the start. The words of encouragement on the second day were from Porirua’s mayor and we were soon on our way. </span><br>
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<a href="http://otakizilchoo.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-long-walk-home-day-2-by-zoe-mounsey.html#more"></a>Claire Roperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02093620376053060020noreply@blogger.com