Sails Away!... and other weekend adventures

This past weekend we took a trip to Tauranga, which is on the eastern coast of New Zealand.

We decided to make a weekend trip to use a groupon deal we bought for a sail around the harbor. We had the chance to stay with a friend's parents so we had the local tour and good company (oh and a free night's stay!)

On the boat Will got to play skipper (I really don't know what an actual skipper does, but go with it) and steer the boat, even participating in "tacking" several times, including one time 20 feet from a large ocean liner. Needless to say this control freak was about to cry as we are barreling towards a large mass, but they made their calls and "tacked" and the ship turned in an instant. It was really cool to see as I have never been on a sailboat before. I got to enjoy some sun and wine while the boys did all the work. Not too bad!

Will casting off

Driving the sailboat 

Enjoying some vino and sun

After the sailing trip we tried to go to the ocean front beach, which was stunning, but the onshore wind was too strong, and the sand too fine. Sand was blowing everywhere, including my eyes, ears, nose and mouth. This lady was not a happy camper so we left the stunning beach for the harbor beach which was more sheltered.

The harbor-side beach. Apparently it's common here for little boys to do the Winnie the Pooh look at the beach? Saw 3 little boys rocking that look...including one that came over and stood next to Will and just stared at us...awkward. 

Sunday morning was the physical activity portion of the trip. We walked up "The Mount" and it was super intense. I was trying to keep up with my friend's mom (no use in keeping up with the boys as they were far ahead) and that was quite the challenge. I really wanted to stop and have a break, but she doesn't stop so I didn't want to be the young wimp who can't hack it. Vistas along the way were nice when I could muster enough energy to turn my head to the side :) It was totally worth it when we got to the top for some neat photos. The walk down was a bit easier, but at the steep grade it was almost as much work keep yourself from falling down! After the climb we got to have a great brunch where I tried Eggs Benedict for the first time. What have I done without this as a breakfast option all these years!!

View along the mount walk

At the top! The beach below is the one we tried to go to, but was too windy

Looking out over the bay and islands of Tauranga

Our lovely hosts Pete and Ngaire

The Mount we climbed. 

Close up of the pohutukawa tree, blooms around Christmas time so is New Zealand's equivalent to the snowflake as a symbol of the holidays

Looking East out to the ocean. Nothing out there til South America!

Another one from the top of the mount. Can you see my hair plastered to my face in sweat? 

We had such a lovely time and look forward to doing it again!