For the first time in months, socks and shoes.

At the bird sanctuary we waited amidst nikau and puriri for tui, bellbirds, kereru, fantails, a robin, and when we’d given up, at last, tieke — the saddleback.

Girls in bikinis were swimming out from the beach and surging back through the cavern. In the cool afternoon, we weren’t even tempted to join them.

Kate appropriated a nikau bonnet.

The dog was so thrilled by our return she piddled on the kitchen floor.