Garden Ramblings: Auckland and the AGP (Annual General Picnic)

Saturday, January 23rd was the 18th Annual General Picnic (AGP), which was held in Auckland. This year's AGP was not a picnic, but was held at the Mudbrick Winery on Waiheke Island.
We were all to meet at the Ferry Terminal in Auckland, and take the 10:00 ferry to the winery. That meant that we left Hamilton at 7:30 am, which probably wasn't a shock to anyone but me!

We arrived in Auckland in plenty of time to get parked, get ferry tickets, and get COFFEE!!
There were 29 of us on the ferry for the AGP, including 8 from Hamilton. Also on the ferry were a group of guys who were having a stag party! They were dressed up in strange get-ups, and one of them was on rollerblades! On the ferry! Of course, nothing would do but Lee had to get their picture, and, of course, ended up in the picture with them.

When we got to Waiheke Island, shuttles were waiting to take us to the winery. It was grey and overcast, but as we got to the winery and walked around to the area that had been set up for us, the sun came out! The day was beautiful, and the setting for the lunch was amazing! We had champagne and canapes on the patio, then moved inside for a 5 course gourmet lunch, complete with Mudbrick wine! It was just amazing

It was great to catch up with everyone from Auckland, especially those we only see once a year. Due to another event at the winery, they invited us to leave at 4:15. But, considering that lunch had begun at 11:00, we really couldn't complain! Most of us got on the 5:00 ferry back to Auckland.

Bryan and Peter took us to Craig and Stephen's, as we were staying there until we left for Christchurch on Monday. It was great to catch up with Craig and Stephen, too, and Craig made a wonderful late dinner for us, even though we had probably eaten enough that day!

On Sunday we went grocery shopping, and then Craig and Stephen hosted a wonderful dinner on Sunday night. Craig's Mum, Ann and brother Mark came, as did Deane and Tony, and their friend Richard from Australia. We had grilled steaks, ahi tuna, sausages, salad, roasted veggies and potato salad! YUM!

A wonderful, wonderful AGP, and wonderful, wonderful friends!

Josephine and John on the ferry to Waiheke.

Us on the ferry

The stag party! The guy in the yellow leotard was on rollerblades!

And Lee in the picture!

This is Timothy. Timothy belongs to Deane, and has been to every AGP! There were 29 of us at lunch, and the tables were set for 30, so Timothy had his own place setting! Sadly, Timothy was the only one to spill his water and break the glass. Ok, he had a little help!