Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #10

Took the camera on the stroll around the point at Mataragi. It was low tide and it's somewhat more accessible.

It's getting more popular too which isn't a bad thing.

You might see variously in the pictures, Me, MrsPdubyah, a Dotterel, Some Oyster Catchers, a Pine Tree, some fallen over trees, couple odd signs in an odd place, sand, sea and sun.

I didn't edit the pictures, that would be taking up sitting int he sun relaxing time :-)

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Did stop for a beer at the end of the walk at the Golf club, where the pricing was reasonable but the patronage poor. This would be for a couple of reasons, one of which is the historical nature of the welcome that was given, even though now it's changed hands, and another would be that at the beach house, holiday home, you tend to drink and socialise at home. The restaurant does a cracking trade though.

I think that I reached "Beach Max" yesterday. This is the limit of time I can spend with the in-laws, and leads to bickering and surliness. So today will be the last day and we're leaving tomorrow to go home.  It's all about how I manage my time with them now, and it's not just me MrsPdubyah is at the end of the tether too.

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Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #9

I write this the day after the day before.

Yesterday, the weather was average, cold and a bit showery.  But I was made to go for some exercise with MrsPdubyah, as you can see it wasn't as flash as it could have been in the morning

We got to the beach, Matarangi, didn't have it to ourselves in the distance you can see another romantic couple braving the elements

Some of the locals are more hardy, these oyster catchers for instance

To be fair there were far more people on the beach than I'm making out, they're done the more built up area where all the beach houses are. Brave souls.

As reward I brought me two beers, one which was good the other was ok. They are local beers, so I am in a way supporting local artisans. I am not however convinced they are brewed locally, but brewed to a recipe, which isn't unusual. I'll need to do more 'research'.

And then to bring it all back down we opened a bottle (gifted) of Sauv Noir, a horrific mixture of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from Chile.  It's as bad as it sounds. It's not like that don't have a decent wine trade in New Zealand. As it was a bit mardy we had a Thai Red Curry for dinner which was outstanding, and the remains of the Focaccia bread. Which now reminds me that I was supposed to make some bread for lunch. 

Today, Which I think is Thursday the day has dawned much brighter. There are many more boats on the seas going fishing and gathering, and MrsPdubyah is talking about a walk around the point at Matarangi to the Harbour, and I can buy more beer :-)

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Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #8

The New Years Eve edition, that was.

The new thing is fireworks we discovered at variously 11:58, 11:59, midnight, 12:01 and all the way through to 12:20. Extremely loud fireworks. I'm not even sure when that became a thing.

Obviously too that whoever held the matches told the time, and that no-one had thought to synchronise watches, or phones, or anything. Bit of a laugh. Someone has to go first.

I think the frugal in me is against setting fire to money like that, this of course does not extend to my beer drinking and the associated costs for that. Also I enjoy the fact that other people have spent the money, I'm good like that.

It was a nice evening, although it was getting slightly cooler as it got later,



The view was improved a bit, as did my mood.



So the communal party was great, although it was cold last night, cold enough to have regretted wearing shorts. The iTorch thing ran the battery out on the phone half way there, made getting back a bit of fun.

I should bring a proper camera next time as the abundance of stars is to behold.

Back at the party though, with Shaking hands I took these pictures of the man-cave, shaking because of the cold not the sense of awe, or Cor!

[gallery type="rectangular" ids="5885,5884,5883,5881,5880,5878,5879,5876" orderby="rand"]

Fast forward, and the morning of the first still sees the Gentleman Fishing Club on the sidelines waiting a break in the weather and for the rafts of weed in the sea to move along. Might be later today I hope

And for the next activity, after brunch, it's a walk around the Matarangi point. Pictures later, or not, depends.

Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #7

It's still really nice here, weather is behaving itself by and large.  To be honest I don't know how I haven't got a tan going on, it's been mostly sunny.

Although some things have changed at the beach it's always pleasing to note that the sign in the front garden of the neighbours house is still as vibrant as ever. I'd have to check if anyone has stopped to ask if they are open today, it has happened.



I was pleased with yesterdays efforts at bread making, so I'm giving it another crack today. Focaccia style, again. Bread rolls are the other go-to recepie but they get snacked on and grazed over to easily, best not let temptation get in the way of a good intention.



The Focaccia was really nice with the barbecue chicken that I cooked last night, toasted a bit of on the barbecue,added some stuff,  just the thing. Chicken was in a lemon and herb dressing, I'm told.



I just do the cooking.

We had an impromptu drink thing with some of the neighbours last night, those are the best type of evenings. Tonight being New Year Eve we're off to a communal drinking party, or gathering, after dinner, so everyone has eaten, less catering and faffing about by the hosts. Tonight it's at 'diggers' place, he's the self-appointed 'Mayor' of the beach. I'm sure he's more diligent and trustworthy than the one we have in Auckland, although he does like to put it about at bit, but that's not a secret.

In other news  was made to brave the 'big smoke' we all know as  Whitianga. Didn't seem to be busy or full of touristas as it has been in the past. We didn't stay long.

Did however stop of Kuaotonu for a coffee at the always excellent black jack coffee place.  Hasn't really improved my mood though. Woke up today with a sore calf, and sore ankles. Exercise on the unmade roads is really a bit tricky for an old fella like me, so I have to take a day off. On the plus side did buy two local beers which I'll enjoy (hopefully) a bit later.

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Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #6

Well here we are then. At the beach house. this is the view, well this is the view when you hold the camera up a bit higher than eye-line, but you get it.

The local Fauna are really really noisy. We have Tui, Fantails, and Califonian Quail, Pheasants, the local Kingfisher and sundry other things all chipping in.



This was yesterday afternoon when we arrived. You really can see the beach (in the red rectangle) the trees and bushes are all growing up and the glimpse is getting glimpser.



Annoyingly the automatic lighting thing on the barbecue still works, couple of clicks and it's away. We've had this thing for many years now, and it still keeps going. It doesn't get a lot of use when I'm not here though, the in-laws aren't that fussed on cooking on it, apart from the occasion smoked fish.

Because it's still a bit murky the Gentleman Fishing Club has been put on hold. I'm sure I'll get on this later.

Already had a beer, well last night had a beer. We've also, MrsPdubyah and me, been on a mooch down the end of the beach and back. It was a bit bracing. Saw some of the younger neighbours who'd been partying for at least an hour being clowns, I should go see how they are today.

Had a couple of exercise walks, yesterday afternoon after the drive here, and this morning. Lordy this morning everyone was out jogging/running/cycling/mooching. All adults mind, no teenagers, funny that. It was was however 8am and what do you expect?

Today then, well I've done some exercise, MrsPdubyah was leaving as I got back, and FIL has gone for a meander. MIL is in bed, having been up at 7am putting a load of washing on, probably onto her second, it's her thing.

Suddenly it'll be 10am, I'll have to make some bread, there will be coffee and then the house will settle for an hour before lunch.

It's all go!

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Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #5

Sunday then.  Today would be the day that we are finally getting our act together to get to the beach. It's taken a while.

MrsPdubyah just went out to get staples, and discovered that it was only Sunday and all the special coupon things start tomorrow.

Wet weather has arrived and there is a fair amount of surface flooding in the roads to where we are going.

But we will be there, and we will not be in the city.

And there will be fishing.

I'm sure I can survive the running commentary that is the in-laws. I shall give it my best shot.

Or I'll retire to the sanctuary of books.

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Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #4

Still not quite at the beach, but 'tis the day before christmas.

8:45 MrsPdubyah sends me a text, she has to work today, at the local mall. Text reads "Car park full, Supermarket full" It'll be a long day.

Daughter has spend the last 1/2 hour squeezing and rattling the presents under the tree playing a guessing game. I wouldn't mind but she is 18.

Anyhoo FIL was out of the house at 7:58am to go to the local hardware store, to buy some urgent things.

and MIL is now setting about making a trifle. Something which I personally can't abide.

I was up at 7 doing my 5km exercise, it's called getting into calorie deficit early, there were quite a few others doing the same thing, but I doubt it'll catch on.

MIL also has a fanciful idea that she's going to 'pop' to the shops and get some cream.  Good luck with that.

For this evening though we're planning to take them out to Browns Bay, and have a dinner, which is easier than thinking about what to cook, and since tomorrow is going to be all-you-can-eat day it's possibly wiser.

Still to come:

• The Glazing of the ham


• The baking of the bread

 

Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #3

The weather forecast says that it'll be rain on 25th, this isn't in the plan.

This will mean that we're inside, instead of outside in the sun.

This could mean that 'm cooking the barbecue in the rain, under an umbrella held by a brave assistant.

But the menu hasn't changed as far as I'm aware, but it does mean we'll have to be more organised and aware of where glasses, plates, and other things are placed around.

Having said nothing has changed of course it has. The nibbles are now going to be Bilini  with cream cheese and Salmon, and MrsPdubyah is going to make some miniature quiche things, she says.

Which leaves me only to make fresh bread in the morning.

Beach Life – Summer 2013 – #2

The one where we're not actually at he beach yet......

This is the one about the bit before the bit about christmas day, and the preparation and planning.

Today, Saturday 21st.

• Brought a dozen bottles of wine, some of this some of that.


• Brought two dozen beers for the quaffing of not the writing about


• Brought a bottle of Pear Vodka, it's the latest thing


• Brought 2 Litres of Orange Juice - don't judge me


• Brought some Salmon for the pre-lunch snackage

Also

• Brought a bottle of single-mart whisky for the Father-in-law


• Paid for a paid of sunglasses for MrsPdubyah

Discussion about the christmas day lunch, which this year is at home and not at the beach.  Ok so the heading for this post is confusing.

We're having, if everything goes to a plan and it doesn't rain so much

• Salmon on bread of something or other


• Some miniature Quiche affairs


• for the main event


• a glazed ham.


• a whole eye fillet  steak thing for the barbecue

There will also be

• Potato Salad


• New potatoes just dug from the ground


• Some salad concoction

Finishing with

• Trifle


• cheesecake


• Fruit and Cream

MrsPdubyah is a bit tense about the whole thing. I know we did this a couple of years ago but normally we are the beach house and lunch tends to be a communal gathering where we enjoy things like Scallops in bacon, Salmon , smoked fish, Mussels, with an abundance of bubbles, beer,  and most of the beach residents in attendance.

I know I'm lucky to have a beach house, but being at home, in my own home, isn't the same, I've become accustomed to not being here for that particular day.

I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Three will be pictures, at least from the early part of the day.  My tasks only include making a cocktail or two, cooking the barbecue and organising the music to play.

Easy.

Beach Life - Summer 2013 - #1

I'm lucky enough for there to be a beach house in the family trust that I get to visit frequently. The parents are there a lot, almost permanently in the summer months.

so this year, again, it’s to the beach house for a couple of weeks more or less.

Rings Beach - Coromandel - North Facing on the East Side of the peninsular.

The bach is about 50 meters from the sand, on the beach side of the road, down a small cut communal path. At the end of the path there is a picnic\bbq table and at one point there used to be a bathtub, might still be there.  You can spot the house in the picture there is a lone white car parked besides it. On the beach you might see a kayak and a RIB.

It's a real community beach, everyone knows everyone, everyone is willing to help everyone and we tend to party as a community with the hosting being shared from house to house on an informal rotation basis. There is always a beer or Gin to be had somewhere.

Rings Beach named after Mr Frank Ring who in the early days owned a sheep farm and who was the son of Charles Ring of Coromandel fame. Gold was first discovered at Driving Creek in Coromandel Town in 1852 by the Ring brothers.

As well as me this year Rings Beach will also be probably home to a pair of  the New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu  -  This endangered bird can be found on a number of beaches on the Coromandel. There are only about 450 New Zealand dotterel on the Coromandel and 1700 nationwide, these birds need all the help they can get. They nest on the sand, mostly above the high tide mark, but weather vagaries, and predators, as well as careless people are all threats to them. Their nest will be roped off, and hopefully they'll hatch their eggs and then there will be 451 :-)

Rings Beach is also home to the Gentleman's Fishing Club and the Kontiki device.

And there is a web page! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rings-Beach-Coromandel/172961526108932

I'm kind of hoping to write more about how I'm doing nothing all day, except the bbq for breakfast eggs and bacon, and the evening meal of fresh fish, or exotic meat. How the fishing is going, and how the book reading is coming along.

I'll be trying to exercise, not get sidetracked into too much coffee shop and ice-cream and relax a little.

It is for me summer after all.

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The Gentleman’s Fishing Club - October 2013

The Seahorse Kontiki torpedo has been in the shop for maintenance.

Had new deeper rudder fitted, and had the wiring replaced as well as the batteries.

Does not seem to have done it much harm with this 5  fish haul from the sea. The small fish are all > 30cms long, the biggest one at the top 59cm in length, Who knows how much it weighs, we've misplaced the scales. We did put one back that was under-sized, and we lost one hook/trace.

The biggest fish smoked up a treat in the smoker on the BBQ, and made a nice lunch time, the sun shining, I made some bread and there was a cold beer, It couldn't have been a nicer hour.



[caption id="attachment_4063" align="aligncenter" width="300"] SeaHorse Kontiki[/caption]

For previous adventures see here:

The Gentleman’s Fishing Club Summer 2012

The Gentleman’s Fishing Club

The Gentleman’s Fishing Club Summer 2012

The SeaHorse Kontiki got a work out today.

[caption id="attachment_4063" align="alignright" width="300"] SeaHorse Kontiki[/caption]

This is the Electric powered Long Line Setting device.

Allows you to set upto 25 baited hooks from the comfort of the beach.

Has an electric motor that you set, using a magnet, to run for 15, 20 or 25 minutes into the yonder. Left for a while you push the rewind button on the motor winder device and it comes back home, hopefully with the fish.

Today we lost two hooks, and bagged us 4 fish, a Gurnard, two little snappers (legal sized) and an fair decent sized fish of about 3.7kg give or take. Hard to know when you've hidden the weigh scales.

Bit of a result.

[gallery ids="4064,4065,4066,4067,4068,4069,4070,4063"]

The Gentleman's Fishing Club

What you need, and all you need  is;

1. A Seahorse KonTiki unit, complete with the electric winch.


2. Some bait


3. A beach


4. A couple of hours


5. Optional Beverage

The idea of one of these pieces of kit is that you launch them from the beach, and they tow your long-line and associated hooks and bait, out into the wide blue yonder.

Cunningly the motor is timer driven so you can set it to chug away for 30 minutes and then it stops, until you winch it in again, with attached fish, if you're in luck.

It's been unusual for us to come home empty-handed, although occasionally we have. Sometimes you lose a hook.

It's all very gentle and orderly and effortless, apart from a bit of lifting and bit of lugging on the sand.

The nice thing is that when you go to retrieve your line you can always sit there with a glass of wine, gin and tonic or a beer or two, since the winch is doing all the work and can take half an hour or so.

BUT.....

the problem this year was that on the recovery the torpedo managed to snag itself on something and became marooned. This occasioned the conniption and much angst as the FIL got himself into a tizzy. Lucky we have access to a Zodiac and was able to launch a rescue mission to retrieve it. I got wet and cold on that day, and so that  goes towards my summer swim in the ocean count.

Oh and that was one of the few fish-less days.

There are now 3 of these things on the beach, one of them comes equipped with a GPS unit, so you can launch it and it will go where you send it, which is a bit fancy, half the challenge is pinging the thing straight into waves and taking into account the tide, wind and current. Each to their own (he says sarcastically) "They're not true Gentleman Fishers"