Merry Christmas from New Zealand

This is a whole new Christmas routine for us as we streamline our camping routine and hit the back roads. No snow here. We took a few days with our pals the Kelly's from s/v Moorea and car camped on the beach in Tutukaka. A splendid long soft beach, perfect for the boys to skim board to their hearts content. A local surf school gives lessons and rented us some boards for a fun day of surfing. A great intro to New Zealand waters for us.

It doesn't necessarily look like Christmas is coming anytime soon around here as Kiwi's don't really decorate the outside of their houses like we might at home. Never fear, Christmas paper crafts have exploded inside the boat and ornaments abound. Due to the fact that it is summer vacation here in New Zealand right now and the sun doesn't set until fairly late at night, there isn't a lot of time to view pretty twinkling lights outside. They are also getting ready to go camping and tramping (that would be trekking or hiking to you and me). They set out for their summer vacations the day after Christmas. They are having an unseasonably cool spring/summer start so you don't want to waste a minute of that great weather when it comes.

No matter where you are this season and how you are celebrating it we truly hope you are sharing all the gifts that we have received in this life with all those around you.
all our love,
the crew of Ohana Kai