I took a quick trip to Auckland and Napier to visit my dad and Cathy. We mainly caught up over conversation, beer, and a coffee or two. I also discovered that my dad is a bit of a hustler at pool.

Dad resting outside Uncle Christopher’s place in Auckland

Dad and Christopher preparing breakfast

Birdhouse in my uncle and aunt’s backyard

I can’t believe I didn’t like mussels as a kid

My cousin Tim with his daughter Annabelle

Rebecca and Martin’s adorably cute chocolate Lab

Overlooking Piha

Looking out back over Piha

Posing mid-hike by Piha

Gazing out over the ocean by Piha

Resting at the top of my hike by Piha

Little rock statue

Cathy and Kelvin at Piha

Uncle Christopher and my dad

Hundreds of car enthusiasts parked at Piha to show off their cars

Seed collection at Whole Foods in Napier

Giant flowers in Napier’s Art Deco scene

Trying to balance the composition

Happy walk along the beach in Napier

Guinness at the Irish pub in Napier. Not bad.

Dad teaching Cathy how to do some tricky shots

My hand

Dad hustling me: the 8-ball went in while I still had four balls on the table

Dad and Cathy shooting pool and photos

Old switchboard table at Irish pub

Overlooking Hastings

Big smiles on a windy day

Dad and Cathy looking across the valley

Panorama from outside Hastings

Dad mesmerised by bees at Arataki Honey

I absolutely love this honey