Tramping in Tawharanui

Look at me doing 2 blogs in one week...

Bonus points to anyone (non-Kiwi) who knows how to pronounce the name of park we went to this weekend! Saturday morning we woke up and it was a beautiful fall day so we decided to scrap our plans to clean and rest for better plans! We decided to drive up to a weekend farmer's market about an hour away, and then drive to a nearby reserve for a nice little walk.

The Matakana market is a really great place to spend a Saturday. It has a farmer's market nestled in a quaint little boutique shopping area. You can get your fresh produce, cheeses and good eats, then stroll along a little creek and shop in some boutiques for Kiwiana gear, books, and jewelry. I really didn't take many pictures at the market as my hands were full with these beautiful tropical water lilies and some yummy figs I pick up right away.

After lunch we went to Tawharanui Regional Park where we had been twice before. Previously we only went to the beaches so this time we wanted to actually walk around. We weren't sure what kind of tramping it would be, but when we got there I was a bit relieved that it was all along loose gravel paths and fairly easy. But it was not without breathtaking views. The park is on a peninsula so we had water all around us. When we started our walk it was a beautiful blue skies day and when we were walking back other parts of the area were getting good rain storms so it was cool to see the dark clouds coming over the hills.

Will taking a break on a water tank

Looking back over Anchor Bay

Will and I at Tokatu point

On our way back the path we walked on before had a pack of herefords (young heifers, Will postulates) milling about. Will and I had a bit of fun with them and mooed at them. They all looked at us and got out of our way. I'm pretty sure they were thinking "who are those new guys? They're way too skinny to be good cows". Maybe Will can open a branch of Smith Farms Red Angus over in NZ?

After we finished our walk, Will wanted to jump in he ocean as it just looked so enticing. I sadly had to stay out as I didn't have anything to wear and no towels to dry off. He said that water was actually quite warm!

Look at that rugged man of the sea

Not too bad, eh?

Since today is rainy and cold, it will be an indoor day. Church this morning and cleaning all afternoon---see, sometimes our lives are ordinary :)

Til next time

XX