The water is warm once you're in

This morning I took a different course, to the western side of the peninsula and the mangrove swamp on the edge of the tidal Mahurangi River. Took a number of photos, including an attempted panning shot of a pukeko just after taking flight. Focus was off, otherwise it would have been an interesting and pleasing shot.

Domestic chores and problems occupied the early morning until S suggested a picnic at Scotts Landing. A bit of organising later we headed off, arriving just before the middle of a bright, hot and sunny day. Almost no one else was there, and few came later. The water was just short of high tide, meaning that there was a reasonable distance from the shore before it became too deep for the grandchildren.

Both were relaxed and happy in the water, and Miss 6 was encouraging Barbie to also enjoy the experience. We heard no complaints, even when Miss 6 (accompanied by Barbie) rode further out on Daddy's back.

After the picnic, two small children ran and ran on the grassy banks, under and around the giant macracarpa trees, at times interacting with the only other children who were the on the beach, all toddler age or younger. They tired out their parents with their energy, and all went home, while S, J and I remained for a bit longer.

Later this evening, after the children were in bed and asleep earlier than on any other night since they arrived, sunset gave us a glorious sky to "gosh" and "wow" about. I tried for some unusual images; reflection in the window and then in the mirror of my car. My advisor in these matters (S) remained very clear that this picture is the best of all I took today.