For all the discombobulation of Christmas in the southern hemisphere, having a spot of good weather does seem to boost festivities. After much procrastination on the part of weather forecasters, they did in the end promise a sunny day for the Wellington region which was perfect for our Christmas ritual to rustle wrapping paper before giving the bassets a sprint on the beach. Such was the heat this morning it was more of a doddle and a waddle but nevertheless a stroll to be savoured.
We were pleased to reach Paekakariki before the crowds although there were a few families doing the kiwi equivalent of the towels on the loungers around the pool. People were carefully selecting their territories for family picnic and unloading trailers of gazebos, sun umbrellas and gas barbeques. Not to mention paddle pools, goal posts and cricket wickets for that most important and highly competitive family sports entertainment.
In the absence of our own families, we like our Christmas Day a little more laid back. Time to lounge around and truly be on holiday. With the temperatures heading to 28 degrees Celcius the bassets are done for and will spend their day searching for the coolest spot in the house. Although as I write this a stinky black cloud is passing over head sprinkling a few raindrops and a rumble of thunder.
It was a rare thing of beauty to be able to see the South Island so clearly at the coast. The Pohutukawa (also known as the NZ Christmas tree) were blooming scarlet red bringing a touch of bling to the beach on this special day. Otherwise it was business as usual. Fortnum paddling and Mason running away from the waves as they gently rolled across his path. Both bassets sniffing every grain of sand and seeking out nasty flotsam that they can roll in. Casual callings of Happy Christmas to fellow dog walkers. Mason was also particularly determined to avoid the camera either out-running me or completely disengaging. Although I did actually to sneek a closer view of him using one of my rather special Christmas presents.
Wherever you are, whatever the weather and whatever your plans for celebrating the holidays we hope you have a peaceful and relaxing time. Not to mention some special Christmas wining and dining.
Adorable pics! Looks like you had a cracker of a day, sunny here in Melbourne too 🙂 No settling in for a day of grazing on leftovers 🙂
Glad you’re having a good time Mairi – think you took the right option weather wise :o)
As usual, enjoyed your post. Dare I say it, your comments about reserving the loungers reminded me of one occasion when German holidaymakers in a European resort had claimed their prime spots and one annoyed holidaymaker took all of their towels off the sun loungers and threw them in the swimming pool!.
Oh Lesley, that’s so funny. I remember losing out to Germans on holiday in Tenerife one year so my friend and I decided to sleep out all night to beat the rush. Some people got quite a shock to see us there.
Warm and toasty here as well, although it’s winter I still have my air conditioner on!! Something about it being in the mid 80’s just doesn’t seem right with me 🙁 Ah well, what a great way to enjoy Christmas day, a walk with the people (dogs are people too) you love most!! I adore the last pic, so many wrinkles, and of course the better half with the boys is adorable as well, he’s harder to photograph than the bassets!!