Issue # 139 - March Passed

.  March 2019  .

Hi there,

Welcome to the end of March!  Lots of water this month, and some running about, and some lazing about.  We got a few beach days as well which is always nice. We also did a couple of Irish-related activities, since its that time of the year!

National Swim Meet

Sam and Jake were back in the pool earlier in the month.  It was the National Age Group Swim meet at Camana Bay. A four day Heats & Finals meet with the heats in the am and Finals at night for the top qualifiers.

Sam in one of the Butterfly or IM events

Smiling for the camera?

They hadn't targeted this event as they both have big meets coming up off-island that they are training for. Carifta for Jake, and NZ Age Groups for Sam. Despite that they did pretty well again this year, making the finals in all events, and either winning or placing in each as well.

Jake also does alright in the Fly and IM events.

Oops! Lost me pants!

That's better

Now that Sam is over 17, they didn't have podiums presentations for her events.

Dave's Birthday is in March - and there was a Public Holiday, just for him!

He even got to have a Speight's on the beach - thanks to Grandad Gordon!

Mick enjoys one as well!

The Sun starts to set on another nice beach day

We went out for the day with some friends on their boat one Sunday to Rum Point and a little Sand Bar close by

Boat day out to Rum Point

 

A visiting friend 'Nicky'

 We had a relaxing day and parked up on the sam for a while for a natter and a quiet beer.

Here's some happy people on the way back home... 

Prince Charles and Camilla were here last week for a fleeting visit.  The Government declared a day off for everyone, which was nice of them.  We'd organised a BBQ and a few beers at the beach for HRH but he had to decline the invite.  Had an airport to open or something... 

We did wave to him as he flew over us in his helicopter though.

Mya watches on with amusement while the Mum's et al try and organise the Royal selfie...

Others are far easier to organise

 Some random beach and sunset shots for your viewing pleasure

St Patrick's Day

There is always a 5k Fun Run around St Patrick's day.  It's well attended (over 1000 participants) and most of them wear green.  It's been going for over 20 years now.  It started at 5:30pm on a warm Friday and Dave took part again this year. The course winds around a golf course so has lots of turns and little dips around it.

There he is!

Made it! 28 mins - not too bad for this course.

 It was pretty warm, but a nice refreshment after always helps!

Turn back Time - This was our first Irish Jog, back in 2009!  Deegs (the Leprechaun) still does the run each year as well - although the suit hasn't faired well....

The following day Michelle played in the Gaelic Tournament for the Rest of the Word v Ireland.  

I think they won!

 And keeping with the Irish influence, we went to a friend's wedding which was attended by about 80% Irish folk!  Here's an impromptu group shot. We're in there somewhere!

March was 'Honouring Women' Month.  

For their efforts and successes in swimming, Sam and Sarah were invited to a reception at the Governor's residence. They had a nice time and got to rub shoulders with some of the island's dignitaries as well as other successful women.

 And as we wind down the blog for another month, here's the Sun winding down after another Sunday on the beach.  You can never get tired of nice sunsets....

So, that's our relatively quiet month of March.  

April is going to be a tad busier:

• Michelle does a quick work trip away.
• Sam and Michelle head to NZ for the Age Group Swim Nationals in Wellington (16 - 20 April, Kilbernie - www.swimming.org.nz for more details).  Pop along if you are in the neighbourhood! They'll be in ChCh for about a week after that.
• Jake and Dave head to Barbados over Easter for the Caribbean Champs (CARIFTA). Visit https://www.swimbarbados.com/carifta-2019/ for more info.  Pool swimming is 20 - 23 April. Open Water (5k) is 24th which Jake will do also.