Digi Scrapbooking Retreat On Waiheke Island Nz

[Lauren]

Who would be interested in a digital scrapbooking retreat on Waiheke Island NZ .
We have found a wonderful lodge which sleeps up to 12 -

Here is a blurb about it
Waiheke Heights is conveniently located close to vineyards, beaches and restaurants.Situated on one of the highest points on the western end of the island it has fabulous all round views of the Hauraki Gulf islands and Auckland City. It also looks out over it's own 4.7 hectare estate,which includes an olive grove , lake and landscaped gardens. At the end of a no exit road, Waiheke Heights is a most private properrty. Waiheke Heights has two self contained properties,The Lodge and the nearby Woolshed. The Lodge has it's own indoor heated swimming pool. It is furnished with antiques and origional New Zealand artwork. It also has a 40" LCD screen home theatre making it suitable for small conferences,big matches and other gatherings. A short garden path leads to the rustic Woolshed which features a full size billiard table, piano and wood fired barbecue.

Who's interested in a weekend away sometime next year??

EDITED TO ADD DETAILS

DATE WILL BE PROVISIONALLY WEEKEND OF 16TH 17TH MAY - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS
COST WILL BE MAX $300 WHICH WILL INCLUDE ALL ACCOMMODATION COSTS AND SOME FOOD COSTS.
THERE WILL BE A 50% DEPOSIT REQUIRED TO SECURE YOUR PLACE ( WHEN WE HAVE CONFIRMED NUMBERS )
IF YOU CANCEL THE DEPOSIT WILL ONLY BE REFUNDABLE IF WE CAN REPLACE YOUR SPOT.
THERE ARE SINGLE AND DOUBLE AND TRIPLE ROOMS AT THE LODGE. IF YOU PREFER A SINGLE PLEASE NOTE IT DOWN HERE.( THERE ARE ONLY 2 SINGLE ROOMS THE REST ARE SHARED )
SIGN UPS HERE
MAX 12 PEOPLE

1.Lauren (confirmed)
2.Sharon (confirmed)
3.Pam (confirmed)
4.Erica (confirmed)
5.Julia (confirmed)
6.Quanita (confirmed)
7. Terryl (confirmed)
8.Jacqui ( ajax) (confirmed)
9. Michelle TW
10.

[Kerr]

Oh my! This would be amazing! XXXXX <------ Thats me crossing my fingers that I will actually be able to go!

[Meryl]

Oh wow, wow, wow how I'd love to say yes - humm?? how can I do it?

[shazzt]

Me Me!!!

[webfrau]

Sounds fantastic!
(subject to dates and cost of course :) )

[Lauren]

Well we were thinking perhaps the weekend of the 18th May - or similar - - after school goes back from the April holidays - cost would depend on numbers and we would have to work it out - It wouldnt be bargain basement prices but hopefully would be affordable

[honeymoon]

Love to come, but like Julia it will depend on dates, as I'm in the middle of organising a conference for Queens Birthday weekend.

Maybe it should be organised so that Meryl could stop off on the way to the US?

[PacificTonz]

Oh I wish I could but I have a feeling hubbys going to think the trip back to NZ to scrap is a bit over the top ..... hmmm how can I tie in a work trip .... will keep an eye out for the dates

[hoozieg]

Wow! I would LOVE to come to New Zealand and scrap at a place like this! I’ll bet you’re thinking just the downunders will come, but I’ll bet there’s a few of us Yankees that would really enjoy the trip! My husband will think I’m nuts – first Las Vegas and then New Zealand? Then DD will INSIST on coming to see where LOTR was filmed! Not sure I can swing a flight there cuz there’s a family reunion in Washington DC in August, But I’ll sure look into it! http://www.smileycons.com/img/emotions/88.gif

[Lauren]

Well we would love to have some real grannies - Flat ones are more than welcome but we would love to have some real ones too!!

[shazzt]

People from other places would be very cool! How much fun would that be! I wonder how close it is to the vineyards.....

[Donut]

Sounds like Heaven! I was holding my breath reading the first post, thinking it might be over the Summer holidays when we are away, what a relief to see May!!
Sounds good!!
I'd be in, subject to cost and dates!!

[twinsmomflor]

Oh my....... Why there isn't one in California?....Have fun!

[Erica]

I'm in, again subject to costs and date - I was wondering when we would be having our next crop but this is wayyy better. Thanks Lauren for putting this together.

[Lauren]

Actually Sharon and I were thinking a pre Christmas lunch or dinner get together might be nice . We could go and meet somewhere or we could have somethign at my place ( which would be probably be only good if it were during the day during the week when the family arent around!!!)

[terryl]

Oh--too bad this won't be over the summer break! My graduating 17-year-old is going to Waiheke Island in a few weeks with a couple of friends for schoolies. It would have been WAY too funny to have had lots of DSP digiscrappers on the island at the same time.:D

I would love to come over myself, and will have to see if I can manage it once the details are firmed up. Sounds like fun, and I'd love to meet everyone!

[Erica]

Putting my hand up for a pre-chrissy get together as well :santa1: It will be great to catch up with everyone. :tup:

[shazzt]

And we could try to get this retreat thing off the ground - it sounds like there is some interest :)

[dagwood]

if I am a very good gal between now and May I wonder if hubby will swing me a http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s168/crabapple_photo/thPlane0003.gif flight???? I would love to come, I will keep an eye on times, dates and costs of flights.....now if I can just round up of few more Oz grannies....

[Lauren]

We would love to see some Aussie Grannies and non Grannies!!

[littlekiwi]

I'm in for the shared meal idea but it does depend on what hours I am working

[Lauren]

Ive heard back from the Venue - We could do the weekend of the 16th 17th May . We havent worked out an exact price yet but it would definitely be under $300 for the weekend.
We would require a deposit of 50% which if you cancelled we could only refund if we replaced you with someone else.
We can only take 12 people maximum and as Sharon and I will be going that leaves 10 more spaces.
If this date suits and you would still be interested based on the maximum cost of $300 then please let us know

[honeymoon]

As much as I would love to come to this weekend, I'm going to have to say I can't as I'll be deep in conference planning for Queens Birthday weekend.

Hope it all works out so that we can do it again later.

[Donut]

I would love to come! I've not been to Waiheke yet, and that date is far enough in the furture for me to organise things! But if it can be altered so Fiona can make it too I could also do most weekends after that. :)

[Erica]

I'm a definate - count me in please. This will be an awesome retreat.
Erica.

[hoozieg]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d142/hoozieg/Smilies/Crying1.gif

It turns out I won't be able to come to any more events for quite awhile, much less this one. I got laid off 1 week ago today. No job, no income (except DH's), no fun coupons! HAVE to go to DC next August for family reunion so I guess I'll have to bask in the memories of Las Vegas.

I know you will have a whole lot of fun with great company!

[shazzt]

Oh no - that is bad news hoozieg! At least you got to go to Vegas.

[Erica]

Sorry to hear your bad news Suz - you could always send a flattie and we'll be sure to post plenty of photos after the event. It must be exciting looking forward to your reunion in August.

[shazzt]

Yes - the flatties would have a great time! Wear something warm though - it is heading into winter for us!

[webfrau]

WOOHOO! I just casually dropped the details into the conversation and hubby shrugged his shoulders and said "Go!". So put me down for one of those places and I'l pop those dates in my diary.

[shazzt]

Yay!! :)

[Erica]

Yahooo- Great news Julia - I'm looking forward to seeing you again.

[Donut]

Yay! This will be awesome! I have provisionally booked my babysitter, in other words told Becky to be sure she isnt busy that weekend! :)

[Lauren]

Ok Im going to go back and post a kind of sign up in the first post of this thread which I will keep updated - We need a minimum of about 6 and a maximum of 12 for this to work ( the more people the cheaper the cost )

[quanita]

I am going to chat to DB about this tonight, we would love to go to NZ and maybe that timing could fit in so that we can have some couple time and he can go off and do boy things while I do that...

ooo I'm getting excited now!

[Lauren]

We would love to see you Quanita

[shazzt]

Oh that would be cool!!

[Erica]

It'd be great to see some of our Aussie friends - Woohoo look forward to seeing you Q - fingers crossed.

[quanita]

I am going to say yes to this, I think even if I can't make it I will be comfortable with paying the cancellation fee,will start looking into airfares etc soon

[shazzt]

Cool!!!

[Lauren]

Woohoo - thats exciting Quanita - Im going to get the sign up form sorted very soon

[webfrau]

Excellent news Quanita.

[shazzt]

I am starting to get excited already :)

[Erica]

WooHoo Q - that's great news, i'm looking forward to meeting you in person.

[terryl]

My husband said I could come if we're still in Australia come May!! I'm not sure what to do however, since he also said there's a good chance (50-50) that we won't be.:( (His boss wants him back in the US ASAP, but we're pushing to stay here long enough to get our oldest settled into her first year here at uni.) So I guess I'm a definite maybe?! What is the latest date I can let you know?

[Lauren]

Oh Terry thats super - well we still have 6 places available so I can put you in with a ? beside you!!- I am just working through the best options for payment and as soon as I have that sorted out I will post more information

[Erica]

The list is growing - woohoo... Hope you can make terry.

[ajaxs]

Hi there, I would love to book in, but I won't have the full deposit until after xmas??? I could possibly spring $50? Is that enough to guarantee my possie in May`08? Cheers,:yahoo:

[Lauren]

Im not collecting money right now anyway - Im hoping that we can leave booking till early in January but I will put you donw as a definite

[Erica]

WooHoo 4 more to go to make it a full house - good to see your name there Jacqui - another Aucklander. :D

[shazzt]

Hey Jacqui - is that who I think it is??? :)

[quanita]

Hey Everyone
just wanted to check who would offer to be a travel advisory service for me and db before we come over :) ?!

We are going to try to be around for 2 weeks from the weekend of the retreat. I would just want some help on where to stay, what to do, what are must dos, etc etc. We are more outdoorsy than anything else.

Volunteers? anyone?!

[Lauren]

Im sure I can help you out - and Im sure the others will too - - You would probably want to go to Rotorua and down to the South Island- to the Queenstown area - those are great places for outdoorsy people. -

[shazzt]

Well I haven't done much so far, but I have been trying to get out and about lately so there are some photos of a few places on my blog (http://photowalkauckland.blogspot.com/search/label/photowalk). If you are outdoorsy, then a visit to the islands in the gulf like Rangitoto would be good as well as the waitakeres and the West Coast. If you are here for two weeks, maybe drive up north to the Bay of Islands which is really pretty and has cool boat tours and fishing or over to Coromandel. Rotorua is a great place to visit too - touristy but plenty to do - especially things like mountain biking and tramping (and hot pools). All of those are within several hours drive from Auckland. Probably won't be great weather I warn you though. Bring warm clothes and be prepared for rain.

[Erica]

WOW Sharon - you sound like a travelogue LOL - What Sharon said Q - you'll have a great time here and we'll all make sure you feel right at home!

[shazzt]

I have had an email from Michelle (http://tibblewilliams.wordpress.com/) who wants to come too!! She is an AWESOME photographer and scrapbooker (currently on the For Keeps design team if you want to check her out).

[Emma]

just the name of this retreat has me aching in jealousy! Was there ever a more tropical name for a place? Have FUN while I freeze, you can slather on some sunblock and laugh at me during my Texas winter.

[webfrau]

just the name of this retreat has me aching in jealousy! Was there ever a more tropical name for a place? Have FUN while I freeze, you can slather on some sunblock and laugh at me during my Texas winter.

But Emma it will be the opposite way round - it will be winter when we go and Waiheke is not very tropical despite its name. So we'll be inside with our laptops and hopefully a roaring fire and something decadent to drink to keep us warm while you're enjoying the sunshine.

[Lauren]

I second the decadent drink option!!- !!

[shazzt]

I have heard there might be some vineyards on Waiheke - just a vicious rumour I am sure :)

[carley1]

Oh man I would love to be there but unfortunately I will be busy packing house as we may be moving, :mad:

[shazzt]

Bummer - would have been lovely to meet you!

[Tesha Gibson]

I'm leaning towards thinking about going - hows that for sitting on the fence! Do I have to bring a laptop, as I don't have one! Sounds so great to get toghether with all these amazing scrappers, and I do love a wine!

[webfrau]

Well if you have enough wine you won't even notice that you don't have a laptop!! LOL! Would love to meet you Tesha.

[shazzt]

Tesha - you don't need a laptop, although with a whole weekend I am hoping to get SOME scrapping done! I wonder if there is anywhere you could rent one for the weekend?

[Erica]

Jump off that fence - no need to bring a Laptop, just bring yourself, would be great to meet you Tesha.

[Lauren]

Yes feel free to come - with or without a laptop - Based on past experiences of crops I rarely get any scrapping done anyway!!!

[Tesha Gibson]

Well - what do you do then? Very curious about this weekend, have provisional approval from hubby, am a posibility.

[Lauren]

Chat!!- gossip!!- talk!!- Now dont get me wrong there are people who do mega scrapping - I am usually just not one of them though!!

[webfrau]

Well - what do you do then? Very curious about this weekend, have provisional approval from hubby, am a posibility.

Eat, look at each others albums, eat, steal ideas for future layouts, eat, swap techniques, eat, pick Lauren's brains, did I mention eat?

[shazzt]

I think we could probably rope Lauren into a tutorial (how to make margaritas?) If you brought some photos up on a CD or thumb drive I am sure that someone would be happy to lend a laptop for an hour or two :)

[shazzt]

Just to let you guys know - we have not forgotten about this and some more info should be out VERY soon :)

[terryl]

Thanks for the update Sharon. :)

[littlekiwi]

I am now thinking of going - just have to see how the finances hold up over the next couple of months:)

Edited: May have a new job so will not be able to attend

[quanita]

Hello everyone
just wondering how much the ferry costs to get to the island?

Also over here I tend to go for onsite cabins (like pre-fabricated homes) in caravan parks or holiday parks, would this kind of accommodation be good or bad over there?
we would probably get it a bit cheaper than a hotel, and might be more convenient, any tips on the good bad or ugly or what to watch out for?
Thanks
Q

[Lauren]

The ferry is around $15 I think - not expensive - its only a 45 minute trip .
As for places to stay in NZ - There are quite a few holiday parks and caravan parks but many of the prices are as high as a motel anyway -- It really depends on where you want to stay though - www.jasons.co.nz is a good site to get an idea of accommodation in NZ ( and there are others too ) I believe you can request a copy of their listings to be sent to you

[webfrau]

A return fare is $28.50 for an adult.
The timetables and fares are listed here: http://www.fullers.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/210

[shazzt]

Hello everyone
just wondering how much the ferry costs to get to the island?

Also over here I tend to go for onsite cabins (like pre-fabricated homes) in caravan parks or holiday parks, would this kind of accommodation be good or bad over there?
we would probably get it a bit cheaper than a hotel, and might be more convenient, any tips on the good bad or ugly or what to watch out for?
Thanks
Q

Maybe this could help?
http://www.top10.co.nz/accommodation_option_rates.html

[quanita]

Thanks everyone, Air New Zealand has a sale at the moment so hoping to get booked soon very exciting stuff :)

[terryl]

Hi Q! Forgive me for this humongous post, but I thought I’d pass along some information from our trip to New Zealand’s South Island (in Dec 2005), and my daughter’s trip to the North Island (Dec 2007). I was a reference librarian pre-kids and so still tend to hang on to information like this. :p Hopefully some of it will be of use to you!

There are several different ways to get over to Waiheke Island, including three different passenger ferry companies. All the information you could ever want about the island, including links to the websites of all three ferry companies, can be found at this website:
http://www.waiheke.co.nz/

I did find some websites that look useful for finding the information on caravan parks.
http://www.tourism.net.nz/accommodation/campsites-and-holiday-parks/
http://www.aatravel.co.nz/accommodation-newzealand/

And here are some websites for general information about both the North and South Island attractions:
http://www.leadingattractions.co.nz/
http://www.nzto.com/
http://www.tourism.net.nz/attractions/

Now, here is some information I pulled together last year, for a friend of mine who was going to New Zealand, that is specific to our trip to the South Island. We did a driving tour, and we are a family of five. These are the places we actually stayed, the towns we visited, and the things we did. (My daughter stayed with friends on her visit to the North Island, and only visited Rotorua and Waiheke.)

Hotels/B&Bs

(Keep in mind we were looking for rooms that would sleep five, however many of these places have rooms to suit two people as well.)

Christchurch, Turret House 0011 64 3 365 3900
We stayed here three nights--two on the way in, and one on the way out. The owners were very friendly and helpful, and the location was easy walking distance from the city center. I couldn't find the website--it seems to be a broken link, but I found a Lonely Planet review: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/pacific/new-zealand/christchurch?poi=161090

Wanaka, Wanaka Homestead 0011 64 3 443 5022 http://www.wanakahomestead.co.nz/
This was a wonderful little place with individual cottages as well as a lodge. The cabins looked new--very Swiss mountain chalet. We walked into town from the hotel several times along the lake, but it is a rather long walk.

Te Anau, Arran Motel 0011 64 3 249 8826 http://www.arranmotel.co.nz/
Kind of on par with your basic Motel 6. The new owners were very friendly, but the hotel location left a bit to be desired.

Queenstown, Heritage Queenstown 0011 64 3 442 4988 http://heritagehotels.co.nz/default.asp?sectionID=26
This was beautiful and luxurious, and generally out of our price range, however as we booked most of this trip at the last minute it was all that was available for a family of five. It was out of the city center, so you could either take your own car into town, or there was a regular bus service that was complimentary.

Haast, McGuires Lodge 0011 64 3 750 0020 http://www.mcguireslodge.co.nz/index.html
Very basic, but they had a nice cafe where we played pool and darts after we ate.

Franz Josef, Glenfern Villas 0011 64 3 752 0054 http://www.glenfern.co.nz/
A self-contained villa, but it is a number of kilometers out of the town center. Nice and quiet, however, and this is where we borrowed Lord of the Rings to watch, if I recall.

Greymouth, Paroa Motel 0011 64 3 762 6860
Can't really recommend this place--it was pretty old and looked it, and it was way out of town. The owner let me into his own home in order to check our internet bookings for the next few days, as there was no internet access at the hotel or nearby. There is a fairly popular restaurant on the property as well, so it can get a bit noisy.

The only other place we stayed overnight was on the boat on Milford Sound.

Things to do (These are only the things we actually did, but you can find more things online of course.)

Christchurch

Antarctic Centre http://www.iceberg.co.nz/
This has a lot of interesting information about Antarctica, and a room you can enter to experience temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. We also took the Hagglund ride.

City Center
There's lots to see and some great shopping here. Really pretty parks.

Akaroa

We took a driving trip out to this town on the peninsula and had dinner at a great little restaurant that I can't remember the name of!

Christchurch to Wanaka

We stopped several places on this leg of the trip, but didn't do anything we had to pay for. We were going to go up Mount Cook, but the day was very overcast and we decided it wouldn't be worth it since we wouldn't be able to see anything from the crest.

Wanaka

While we were in Wanaka we took lots of walks along the lake, and rented kayaks to go out on the lake as well.

Puzzling World http://www.puzzlingworld.co.nz/index.html
The whole family wished we had more time to spend here since we had so much fun walking through the maze, the Illusion rooms, and working on puzzles in the cafe area. We bought a few puzzles here to keep the kids happy in the car.

We drove through Queenstown to Te Anau, spent the night there, then drove on to Milford Sound the next day.

Remember to fill gasoline before you leave Te Anau, and be sure to drive speed limit because both Werner and another couple we met on the Wanderer got a ticket along the stretch of road between Milford Sound and Queenstown.

We made reservations for the Glow Worm Caves, but didn't end up going. I can't remember why any more. http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/Main/GlowwormCaves/

Milford Sound

Milford Sound Cruise http://www.realjourneys.co.nz/Main/OvernightCruises/

We were on the Milford Wanderer, mainly because it was less expensive. Instead of private rooms we had a cubby quite similar in size to a train sleeping car--just enough room for four beds and a path down the middle--that had a curtain separating it from the rest of the "rooms", all coming off a single compartment. We were only in there to sleep anyway, and spent most of our time upstairs in the lounge or out on the deck. The Mariner and the Wanderer follow each other out into the Sound and dock for the night at the same place, so the trip is the same on both--just pick your luxury level. Make sure to check out the NZ version of Trivial Pursuit--I'm sure they have it on the Mariner as well as the Wanderer.

At any rate, this was an awesome trip, even though it rained much of the time we were out on the Sound. You go right up into the spray of many waterfalls, and there are seals and dolphins. There is also a chance to take out kayaks or take a trip on the tender craft. We opted out of the underwater observatory option, but it sounds interesting.

Queenstown

There's a great place in the center of town where you can book tickets to do anything if you haven't already booked ahead--just ask at your hotel.

Shotover Jetboats http://www.shotoverjet.com/
This was so much fun--we highly recommend it!

Skyline Gondola/Luge http://www.skyline.co.nz/
The view is great from the top, and the kids had a blast doing the luge--we had to go back for more tickets several times.

Dart Stables http://www.dartstables.com/
The girls and I went riding with this outfit, while the boys went cycling. We chose this stable because they would let Nikki canter, but let Kira and I go a bit slower. They have a Lord of the Rings ride which goes to many of the movie locations, but we chose the shorter River Wild ride.

Gravity Action http://www.gravityaction.com/
Werner and Bjorn chose the bike/heli option, which took them out mountain biking, then returned them to town by way of a helicopter.

Shopping This is a town with a young crowd, and it has some great shops.

The Cow Restaurant on Cow Lane, off Beach Street had great pizza/pasta--we went here twice in the three days we were in Queenstown.

Haast
We just spent the night here so we would be sure to make our reservation time for the Heli Hike the next day.

Franz Josef

Helicopter Scenic Flight http://www.helicopter.co.nz/glaciers.asp
Werner, Nikki, & Bjorn were signed up for the Heli Hike, but the trip was cancelled due to cloud cover over the glacier. They wandered around Franz Josef a bit, and then took the Discoverer helicopter trip instead after the weather cleared. Kira was too young for the helicopter hike, so she and I went riding, and then hiked up to the base of the glacier.

South Westland Horse Treks http://www.horsetreknz.com/

Greymouth

Dragons Cave Rafting http://www.nzholidayheaven.com/adventure/blackwater-cave-rafting.htm
This sounded like a whole lot of fun on the website, but it was misleading. You had to hike about a mile in, in your glamorous wetsuit, to get to the cave. Due to the drought, instead of "floating through a galaxy of glowworms" you had to hike through ankle-deep water through most of the cave. Having said that, there were many fun moments on the trip, but it was a bit scary sometimes as well. And the "spa with a hot drink and snack" afterwards was downright gross--I don't know how long it had been since they had cleaned that hot tub, but it STANK. The glowworms were very cool though.

Sweet As Adventure Eco Rafting http://www.ecorafting.co.nz/index.php
We wanted to go whitewater rafting, and this was the only outfit that would take kids as young as Kira. The day we were due to raft it was pouring rain, but we decided to go anyway--what was a little more water? The guide, Josh, was also the owner, and was really funny--he made what could have been a miserable trip into a good time. The rain did clear off after a while, but then we were inundated with sandflies! The scenery was beautiful along the river, and Josh really did know his stuff, telling us all about what we were seeing.

We dropped the car off and then took the train back to Christchurch.

TranzAlpine Train http://www.railnewzealand.com/Tranzalpine.html
This is very scenic and relaxing.

Back in Christchurch we only had time for a bit more shopping, and then we flew back home.

The place I would most like to have added to our trip was Dunedin. I would like to have seen the castle and the beautiful architecture in the town, as well as the penguins.

I always check out places to stay and see on www.tripadvisor.com to see what other people have to say about their experiences there. Just thought I'd mention it in case you're not familiar yet with that website.

[Erica]

WOW Terryl you know more about Waiheke than I do - If I ever want info about a trip to Aus I might email you LOL (this is definately a librarian thing - you have earned my undying respect) - great reply for Q and thank you for doing all that work.

[shazzt]

Lauren is just waiting to hear back from the place to confirm the dates etc. Hopefully very shortly :)

[bethliz]

hello..this is probably not the right place to ask but i thought i would poke my nose in here as i don't get to chat much if ever....does anyone know if we are doing a challenge for australia day?...or do i sit tight and wait!!...Cheers liz

[shazzt]

Just to keep you updated - still waiting for confirmation (impatiently!). As soon as we hear, we will contact those who put their names down :)

[shazzt]

OK - I have confirmation of the dates from the venue so it is all systems go for the 16th-17th of May 2008. Check in is after 2pm on Friday the 16th and we have to vacate by 11am on Sunday the 18th. I will be PMing payment details as soon as I have fed the offspring. :yahoo:

[Erica]

WooHoo....... I've put the dates in my calendar - can't wait to catch up with you all in person. Thanks for orgainsing this Sharon and Lauren.

[shazzt]

OK - just sent the PM. Any questions/problems, please PM me. I can't wait either Erica!!!

[webfrau]

How weird - it never ocurred to me that we were there Friday night! Duh! That's going to take some grovelling on my part but I'm sure I can twist enough arms to make it happen. :)
It's too exciting to miss!

[shazzt]

Plenty of time to earn some brownie points Julia :)

[terryl]

Sharon mentioned a photo walk in her PM--just thought I'd whet your appetites with a photo my daughter took on Waiheke when she was there last November.
http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs23/i/2008/008/b/8/Waiheke_Sunset_by_jemapellenicoletta.jpg

[shazzt]

Let's hope that the weather is like that when we are there!!! What a beautiful shot!

[webfrau]

Beautiful photo - the weather wasn't quite that nice when I was last there in July. But still some beautiful views.
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=207816&cat=500&ppuser=29334

[Erica]

Stunningly beautiful - my appetite certainly whetted LOL

[Donut]

Lovely photos Terryl and Julia!! Im getting excited!

[webfrau]

Thanks for your PM Sharon. I thought I'd bring the discussion back to the thread so we can share the details.

Can you tell us check in/out times?
What time were you & Lauren planning on going over?
Dh just looked up Half Moon Bay ferry times online and it didn't seem to have any services on Friday - just the weekend.
How far is the accommodation from the ferry terminal? Do they have a courtesy vehicle or is there a taxi we can use to get there? Does it have a web-site where I can look up these details myself and save pestering you? LOL!

Is there anything you want us to pre-prepare before we go from a scrapping point of view?

That's all I can think of at the moment but I'm sure I"ll have some more questions soon. I really haven't got this sorted in my head yet!

[Lauren]

We will book the car ferry which runs every day and you can meet us there and we can all go over together - there is a ferry at middayish and one at 2 ish ( depending on which company we use) - its much cheaper to do it as a car and passengers than do it individually .
That way also no one has to worry about getting to and from the ferry at Waiheke

[Donut]

Great questions Julia, you read my mind too! Also wondering about food, what happens with meals, do we need to take everything ourselves? Assuming that is we want to waste time bothering to eat instead of scrap and chat!! lol!!

[webfrau]

I suspect I may have to come over later - I'm supposed to be at work until 2.30 on Fridays. Depending on bookings I may be able to take the day off but that will make it an even more expensive weekend - no work, no pay - I've already taken Saturday off. It would also mean dh would have to take time off to collect ds from school.
Will have to look into it a bit more seriously.

[Donut]

I *think* I have my kids sorted for after school on Friday so was planning on going over at lunch time, is there a carpark thats safe to leave my car in this side?

[shazzt]

Well Pam if you can get down to my place, I can take you in my car!
Julia - if you can't make it to a car - one of us can pick you up from the ferry.
The reason that we thought of bringing our cars is that, especially if we go to lunch on Sunday, we will have space for bags and stuff and transport to wherever we are going. And we can't fit everyone in one car! It will also make bringing food over easier (since we don't want to waste time food shopping while we are there). Food will be included in the final cost - Lauren is going to do a virtual shop to get an idea of price. We want to keep things simple (cause we don't want to spend time cooking either!). We thought an anti pasto type thing for dinner on Friday (bread, dips, cold meats etc). Probably toast, cereal & fruit for brekkie. Not sure about Saturday lunch. BBQ for Saturday night (seeing as they have an all weather one). Plus a few chocolate related nibbles.....

[shazzt]

PS Julia - I am still getting it sorted in my head too - all of a sudden it is close!!!

[shazzt]

Oh - and remember there is an indoor pool so bring your togs!!

[littlekiwi]

So wish I could attend but maybe next time when finances are in better shape

[terryl]

Hi all! I'm getting so excited now that we have less than a month to go! My flight into Auckland doesn't arrive until 1:30, so with customs and travel time I will not be able to get to Half Moon Bay before you guys leave. As near as I can figure I should be able to get to Waiheke Heights by about 4:00pm though, so not too much later than you "locals". (Looks like there's a bus that goes directly from where the passenger ferry stops to Palm Beach, so you won't have to make an extra trip over there for me.)

As for the Sunday activities, I think I'll need to catch the 2:00pm ferry from Waiheke in order to make my 4:55 flight from Auckland in plenty of time, so whatever I can fit in before that I'm game for.

Anyone need anything from Australia? I'm not sure what we have over here that you guys don't have over there, but if it's small enough to go in my carry-on I'd love to bring it for you!

Can't wait to meet all of you in person! See you in a few weeks.:)

[Lauren]

Hmmm- yes you will probably be an hour at least going through customs - Maybe one of us ( Sharon or I ) can go on a later ferry and then we could pick you up from the airport ( then the ladies who have to go later anyway can also come over on that crossing wtih us - .
You will need to be at the airport 2 hours before your flight give or take a few minutes - so the 2 pm ferry might be pushing it for you there too but we can organise that too

[littlekiwi]

I thought you needed to be at the airport 3 hours before your flight departure. Has that changed since last year?

[terryl]

Yeah, I was only counting on being at the airport one hour before departure, but if the rule is two hours (or three?!) then I'll have to take an earlier ferry.:(

It would be great if someone could pick me up at the airport, but it's no bother to get to Waiheke on my own either. I'd hate to shorten someone else's weekend just to fit my schedule. From what I've seen on the internet there are plenty of transportation options to get there and back. So if I'm the only reason to go later, please go on without me. (But if there are several people who would need a later ferry, I would love a ride.:))

[shazzt]

I just looked at the car ferry times and I don't think that we could get to the airport and back in time to get a ferry. It is probably going to be quicker to take the airport bus into town and the passenger ferry to Waiheke - there is one every hour http://www.fullers.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/210. You could ring to tell us what ferry you are on and we could pick you up (we can give you our cell numbers). I suspect you might struggle to get the 3 o'clock ferry but the 4 o'clock would get to to Waiheke by 4.45 which is way earlier than if one of us took the 4.30 sailing of the car ferry (which gets to Waiheke at 6pm - clearly a MUCH slower boat!)

[terryl]

This is what I found as well. I am hoping things go quickly and I can make that 3:00pm passenger ferry, but we'll see! See you guys on the island, OK?:)

[shazzt]

Can't wait :)

[Erica]

I only live a few minutes from Half Moon Bay so Pam if you need a lift and a safe place to leave your car, that goes for anyone else - dh is taking me to the ferry and I was thinking the midday one but need to confirm that I can get the day off work - if not - then I will just have to take a sicky LOL. I'm so looking forward to meeting you all - some for the first time, others a re-union, Terrly it's awesome that you can make it and I wish more of our aussie neighbour could, lets hope this is the start of a regular happening for us down under happy scrappers!

[littlekiwi]

Just had a quick look for you on the Auckland Airport's website and you do need to check in 3 hours prior to your flight.

[Lauren]

No you dont - 2 hours is absolutely ample - even to the US - they SAY 3 but you truly dont need 3 - you would be hanging around for ages with nothing to do

[webfrau]

OK - my wonderful hubbie has come to my rescue and offered to be my chauffeur on the Friday. So if there is a car going at 2pm (or was it 2.30?) I should be able to make that. He's going to take a day off work, I'll work until 12, he'll run me out to half moon bay then do the child collection from school. Howzat? :)

[Lauren]

For it to be financially practical for us to be taking our cars we really need for as many of you as possible to come with us - The cost of $120 per car includes 4 passengers so it makes it a much better deal if we can take people with us - we were planning on doing the middayish or 2 ish ferry ( depending on which company we use )

[webfrau]

I can meet you for a 2ish ferry - put me down for a seat.

[shazzt]

Hmm - I better clean out my car then....

[Erica]

I'm in for a ride what ever time - 12ish or 2ish!!

[terryl]

Thanks for the airport information! I think I'll chance it and just get there two hours early--I'm just bringing a carry-on anyway so I won't have to check anything through.

[shazzt]

Lauren and I are just finalising costs. It will depend on a replacement for quanita (so if you know anyone who wants to come at the last moment, let us know!!) High finance I tell you!

[littlekiwi]

too bad I am working all weekend and saving up to go to Christchurch in July for my 21st otherwise I would have come

[Cathiemarie]

Bwahhhhh, :cry: I wanna come - how about this for a suggestion,:rolleyes: I will take quanita's place if you all have a whip round for my airfare :D - good deal????:yes: :no: :tup:

[shazzt]

No worries Cathie :)

[Erica]

Sounds like a good idea to me Cathie but only if you have a whip round for me to go to the Adobe crop - good eh!! LOL

[Donut]

Sounds like a good plan Erica... how about we all whip round for Cathie and she treats us ALL to a trip to the Adobe Crop?!
What Cathie? No? Awwww!! :)

[Cathiemarie]

OK, well how about this plan then, you have a whip round for my airfare, then you get to come and stay with me in England, for free, but you have to bring your own bottle. OK????

[Donut]

Sounds perfect! :)

[shazzt]

Sounds like a deal Cathie :)

[Erica]

Hey Cathie I like that idea.

[shazzt]

Can you believe that this time next week we will be sitting on Waiheke Island sipping the beverage of our choice?? Hopefully the weather will improve!! Hey guys, don't forget to bring WARM gear. If the weather allows us to go photo walking, it would be great to go try to catch the sunset (or sunrise if you are up that early and not hungover (errr...from the orange juice we will be drinking :rolleyes:) !!) If you have a beanie and a scarf, bring 'em (and some mud proof shoes). I am itching to explore the island! Here are some "official" walks (http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/walkways/waiheke/index.asp) to whet your appetite - of course we could just drive down to a beach :)

[Erica]

so besides the warm clothing are we still doing the cocktaily thing? I'm not a great walker but these walks look great Sharon - are they more than 15 mins? :yikes: I've managed to get time off from 11am on Friday so plenty of time to get to the ferry for 2.30 - :yahoo: :yahoo: not long now - see the ticker says... 7 days to the Waiheke Crop - I'm sooo looking forward to meeting you all. :tup: :tup:

[shazzt]

Well my definition of a photo walk is more like a photo wander - I don't think we will be breaking any records!! Otherwise how will we take all those AWESOME photos to make our DSP friends incredibly jealous???? (even if it is cold and rainy)

[Lauren]

walking has NEVER been the first priority of a photo walk!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[shazzt]

Which is probably a good thing :)

[webfrau]

Oh I'm so disappointed - I really thought I was going to get fit this weekend!
:D :lol: :lol: :yes: :no: :D

[Donut]

They look great walks Sharon! Lets hope for good weather!
So what do we all need to bring apart from the warm clothing? I havent really had time to think much about this yet with everything else thats happening, and now suddenly its only a week away!

[shazzt]

Oh I'm so disappointed - I really thought I was going to get fit this weekend!
:D :lol: :lol: :yes: :no: :D
Well you can Julia - and we can drive along beside you and take photos :lol:

[shazzt]

They look great walks Sharon! Lets hope for good weather!
So what do we all need to bring apart from the warm clothing? I havent really had time to think much about this yet with everything else thats happening, and now suddenly its only a week away!

Lauren and I are organising food etc. Off the top of my head you will need:

laptop & charger
camera and charger
cell phone and charger (if you have one)
clothes and stuff
togs (if you want a swim)
a desire to have a GREAT weekend!!

[Lauren]

LOLLIES AND CHOCOLATE _ How could you leave that off the list Sharon??????????

[Donut]

Lollies and Chocolate, like Wine, go without saying Lauren!! :)

[shazzt]

I thought so :)

[shazzt]

Only three more days to go!!!

[webfrau]

Gosh the time is going so quickly - I still need to buy new pyjamas for the trip - believe me you don't want me there with my old ones!! LOL!
I'd better start organising my gear tomorrow - have to work Thursday and Friday am. Should be fun.

[Lauren]

I know this year has just FLOWN by - once Waiheke is over its only 2 months till Adobe and thats insane - that means more than half the year will be gone - where??????????-

[shazzt]

Gosh the time is going so quickly - I still need to buy new pyjamas for the trip - believe me you don't want me there with my old ones!! LOL!
I'd better start organising my gear tomorrow - have to work Thursday and Friday am. Should be fun.

LOL Julia - Great minds think alike. I bought new ones today!!

[Lauren]

LOL - every trip to the US Ive bought myself new pjs - I have a nice collection now but I see farmers have 50% off lingere and sleepwear on Thursday so I think I might have to continue my trend and by some new ones for this weekend

[webfrau]

Thanks for that tip Lauren, hadn't seen that advertised.

[shazzt]

Darn - I only got 25% off!

[Lauren]

Oh its a cardholders day sale - so only if you have a card which luckily I do!!-
I just remembered to remind you to pack an album or 2 to bring with you so we can all ooh and ahh

[webfrau]

:( Don't have a card - never mind.
I haven't printed out any pages since our last get together a year ago!

[Lauren]

well be like me and be printing madly and bribing children to cut them out!!

[Erica]

Is this a PJ party??? Have I missed something? I don't like PJ's only a nighty will do for me LOL. However I do have some PJ's if that's what it's to be!! 2 days woohoo!!!!!!!

[shazzt]

I don't think it is a PJ party Erica - but I NEEDED some new jammies anyway! I seriously cannot be seen by non family members in my current ones!

[terryl]

WOW--look how close that sailboat is to the edge of the sea!! Haven't yet decided if pj's or my flannel nightie will be coming with me, but either way, see you all tomorrow!!:)

[shazzt]

Yeah - that boat is about ready to sail off into the sunset. See you all tomorrow!!!!

[Erica]

OMGosh... can you believe it TOMORROW - only 1 more sleep - yeah!!!!

[LadyCarolyn]

Have fun ladies . .. . . .

[Meryl]

Wow, your trip just sounds so exciting - looking forward to seeing all the photos when you return!

[Lauren]

I just got back from farmers - with 2 new pairs of pjs ( and a new top and a new pair of boots for Hannah and a lovely new thermal camisole and...............
Its very dangerous for me to go shopping!!!

[Lauren]

while im here - who drinks white and who drinks red????- just so we know which balance to fall in favour of when we go shopping tomorrow morning

[Donut]

LOL!! This is too funny! I have been without internet for 2 days, (trying to swap over ISPs, it didnt go well!) so hadn't seen the PJ posts here. This morning I went shopping and bought new PJs...and in Farmers too! I wonder if we will all be matching?! Now that would be a photo shoot! lol!

[terryl]

Red for me thank you, although I'm not too terribly picky.:)

[Lauren]

LOL!! This is too funny! I have been without internet for 2 days, (trying to swap over ISPs, it didnt go well!) so hadn't seen the PJ posts here. This morning I went shopping and bought new PJs...and in Farmers too! I wonder if we will all be matching?! Now that would be a photo shoot! lol!
what isp did you change from /too - my experience is that it NEVER goes well if you are moving from xtra to anything else !!!- the one time i went from someone else TO xtra - well it went smooth as silk!!

[webfrau]

Not fussy on the wine - depends on the mood and the weather. Red is always good in winter - nice and warming.

Well I got my PJs today - not from Farmers though - I went to Postie - they had some WITHOUT pink! :)

Having never been to the half moon bay ferry is there somewhere particular to meet or will it be obvious? What car(s) are we looking for? I suspect I'll be a bit on the early side so I hope the weather's nice.

[littlekiwi]

Have fun everyone - hopefully I will be able to join you next time!!

[Donut]

Lauren I went from iHug to Telstra ... Big big hassles, but all sorted now!

I'm usually a red girl but not fussy, whites good too! :)

[Lauren]

Isnt it so stressful - changing isps ??- well really anything to do with computers i find so stressful - seems like most of us are red drinkers ( I know Sharon likes a drop of the red stuff too )

[shazzt]

Isnt it so stressful - changing isps ??- well really anything to do with computers i find so stressful - seems like most of us are red drinkers ( I know Sharon likes a drop of the red stuff too )

Red, white, bubbly - bring it on!!

[ajaxs]

Wow, I managed to log in - I love bubbles and whilst I don't have new pj's I will have to suffice with my old trusties. And I can't wait, see you all at the ferry around 2-ish! Cheers,:yahoo:

[Erica]

I hope that ferry's got a FOG horn (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260325&ppuser=80946) ... I took this at 7am this morning but not to worry the forecast is supposed to be great all weekend. :D

[Donut]

I couldnt believe it when I opened the curtains this morning!! LOL! But lets hope it lifts soon and will be clearer by the time the ferry has to navigate across to Waiheke!! I just said goodbye to my kids and it hit me I wont see them till Sunday afternoon. :( Not that they seem to mind! :)

[Lauren]

Well weve just done the shopping - can I say that Sharons priorities definitely lie in the liquid portion of the supermarket??????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!

[shazzt]

Well weve just done the shopping - can I say that Sharons priorities definitely lie in the liquid portion of the supermarket??????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't believe her girls - I had to drag her out of the wine section kicking and screaming!!

[PacificTonz]

Good to know you'll be well refreshed during the intense scrapping sessions - hope you all have the best time!

[littlekiwi]

Just thought I would pop in here again today and wish you all a great weekend of digi scrapping - wish I could be there too but I have to work

[LadyCarolyn]

Ladies, of course we will expect some layouts showing all of us your intense scrapping sessions!!!!

[Lauren]

You can find several layouts in the gallery now Carolyn!
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260826
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260818
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260635
http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=260568
and Im sure there will be more to come

[webfrau]

I need to go back! Now!
I haven't stopped coughing since I got home which is probably a sign of how damp my house is and my bed isn't as comfy as the one at Waiheke!!

[shazzt]

Oh you poor thing Julia! Clearly we do need to go back for your health!! The weekend was far too short!!

[Donut]

I need to go back! Now!
I haven't stopped coughing since I got home which is probably a sign of how damp my house is and my bed isn't as comfy as the one at Waiheke!!

Yep you need to go back, and so do we all no doubt. I vote we win lotto this week and just buy the place!! :tup: Along with that helicopter of course, and a boat so there's a choice of travel options.
Hmmm, maybe i need to start buying lotto!! :D

[webfrau]

Yep you need to go back, and so do we all no doubt. I vote we win lotto this week and just buy the place!! :tup: Along with that helicopter of course, and a boat so there's a choice of travel options.
Hmmm, maybe i need to start buying lotto!! :D

I like your way of thinking! :D

[Margie]

ah, i've been loving the pictures! i so need to make the next one. soon, i tell ya, soon i'm getting down there!!!! :D

[Lauren]

Well there was plenty of room for you Margie - esp at this place - now we know what its like we know we can have quite a few more next time!!

[terryl]

I had SUCH an awesome time ladies! I had no problems with my flight back, and even managed to get souvenirs for all the kids before I had to board the plane. Thank you for organizing this--it was an amazing break from "real life".:) I'm sitting here now at the computer really missing the wine, chocolate, and especially the camaraderie. When I win the Texas Lottery I'll pitch in for the place, OK? Hope to see all of you again one of these days!:yes:

[webfrau]

I know what you mean Terryl - it seems awfully quiet here with nothing but the sound of the washing machine to keep me company! Missing the Crunchie bars too - could just go one of those with my cuppa right now. :) Glad to hear you got back safe and sound. It was lovely to meet you.

We'd love to meet you too Margie - we'll hold you to it and expect you at the next one - no excuses!

[Erica]

What an amazing time we all had and thank you Lauren and Sharon for choosing such a grand place for us to stay. So wish we'd had a longer time there. It was a pleasure to meet you all especuially you Terryl as we'd not met before. Glad you had a safe flight and look forward to seeing you around the forums. Margie you would love it here in NZ so we'll reserve a place for you next time. I've got a LO to upload as soon as I get home after work.

[littlekiwi]

You guys had too much fun - I'm coming to the next one (just give me plenty of time to save!!)