Tutukaka Coast Road

Yesterday Doug and I decided to go for a drive through Ngunguru, Tutukaka and along the coast coming back through Hikurangi.

It was a perfect day for a drive.

First stop was at Ngunguru where the Sandspit was recently saved in public ownership.

                           We then turned off the main road and visited Church Bay with the lovely old Pohutakawa tree

                          then Kowharewa Bay

 I think the next one was Pacific Bay where we sat under another large old                                                                       Pohutakawa tree

 From here we went back to the main road and drove along to Tutukaka with its marina.

 at the end of the marina was this nice shady spot where we parked to have some lunch.

                                      From here we headed to Matapouri bay

                                                 then Wooleys Bay

 and finally Sandy Bay

 From here we followed a sign to a small coffee house which turned out to be open at the weekends only and then went on to the end of the road where we found the Whananaki Coastal Walk which ran along the ridge above this beach.

 it was a beautiful day but from the look of these trees it can get extremely breezy to say the least.

I think some of the photos have switched around and, as the beaches look very similar I have lost track as to which is which.

Parkinson Walk - Whareora Road to Whangarei Fallls

The last time we did this walk was in winter when it was very wet underfoot.  Today was just the opposite with a fine dust on the path.  I wasn't too sure whether I would do the walk up the hill to the top of the waterfall as I sprained my ankle on Friday but I had the ankle strapped and took it carefully.

Waipu

Yesterday was fine and sunny (again) and we decided to go down to Waipu.  We had heard about a garden between Waipu and Waipu Cove called Roots and Shoots that also serves Devonshire Teas.  They have, apparently, worked out how to make their own clotted cream. (Not impressed with the teas although I have heard good reports perhaps it was just a bad day!!)

Just as we arrived at the  gardens the sky clouded over and there were a few drops of rain but we had our tea followed by a look around the gardens and the cage of what I am told were Eastern Water Dragons  - you can just see one behind the wire netting.

From there we went on to Waipu Cove where the water looked almost oily as it contained a  large amount of a type of sea weed.

We then headed back to Waipu (our main reason for the trip was to buy some of Malcolm Harker's Celtic and New Zealand Sea Salt with deep water sea kelp).  We then had a coffee and delicious gluten free orange cake followed by a walk around the park.

 Not sure what the above tree is - from a distance it looks like red berries but on closer inspection it was actually small red flowers.  Anyone know?

Then it was time to start heading back and we made a diversion to the Marina at Ruakaka to visit a friend who is, currently, living aboard his boat there.

We left just after taking Sophie for her walk and got back just before 6p.m. so it was a good day out.

Fibre Optic Network

Northpower is building an Ultra-Fast Broadband fibre optic network in Whangarei.  Last week it was the turn of our little cul-de-sac to get the cables.

The work was done very smoothly and without disruption in spite of the rain.  The only problem being a broken water main but that got fixed quite promptly.

I think it will be at least six months before the service is available and I have no idea what my cost will be.  Having a long drive will, presumably make it more expensive.

A Perfect Summer's Day

I awoke this morning to a slightly chilly day which turned into a real stunner.

First I drove to Tikipunga where we  walked Sophie.

 Sophie always has a swim and needs drying after her walk!!!!

 I then drove straight to the Town Basin and Doug took Sophie home on the way.  He had to take his car in for new Shock Absorbers and I had suggested it would be a good time to walk along the river from the Town Basin.  Although he had been to the Town Basin, Doug didn't know about this walk and was amazed , even getting in the waka to check it out!!!!

 The new bridge across the Hatea River is progressing well.  The various components of the bascule have started arriving in Whangarei.

I left Doug at the Town Basin with another hour to pass while he waited for his car.  He was going to have a coffee and visit the Art Museum and Gallery.  I went and visited Max who was not feeling very bright today.

photo images of the new bridge from Knight Architects

Time Flies

I am trying to remember what I have done since my last post.  Doug and I have walked Sophie most days (unless I have been on the Parkinson Walk).

I have, of course, been visiting Max who varies on a daily basis.  He is still at the stage of recognising me but not being sure who I am.

Doug has been busy doing various jobs around my house that have needed doing for a while and comes here for his evening meal - great not eating on ones own.  He made and installed a couple of Tui Feeders for me one of which also has a little bird table attached.

On Friday we also walked to the top of Parihaka (without Sophie).  We parked in Whareora Road and first walked along the Hatea River then took  the Ponga track - a dirt path with a lot of roots to negotiate - and on to the Dobbie track.   This was a path I had not been on before and, according to the Whangarei walks leaflet is 2.2km and 60 minutes plus the walk along the river.  We went on up to the lookout and came down the  easier and shorter Drummond Track at 1.4 km and 40min and a longer walk along the river back to the car.  No pics as I didn't take my camera this time.

On the way up I had lots of stops to look at the forest and get my breath but was very pleased with my effort.  I know Doug was surprised at how well I managed it.  He does it as a fast walk and has managed 1 hour and five minutes for the whole walk without doing the little extra to the lookout.  This is about five months since he had quadruple bypass surgery.

We are planning many more walks and it is great to have someone to share walking with.

On Saturday I went into town to pick up two pairs of shoes - I hate buying shoes but have a pair of Arcipedico shoes in black and the soles have perished.  I asked the shop if they were able to get me another pair but they phoned back to say they were only able to get cherry and  beige so I decided to get both.  They are a lovely soft leather and the black pair are really comfortable.  Comfort is what I look for in shoes nowadays!!!!

Yesterday Doug's grand-daughter visited with her partner - they are due to get married in March and had come up from Warkworth to see to arrangements.

Last night I went to Alan Davies show "Life is Pain" with my friend, Marjorie.  It was a laugh a minute.  The show started at 8 p.m. and went till about 10.20 with a 15 minute break.