Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Tauranga

Thursday, Jan 26


If I could live anywhere in New Zealand, it would be Tauranga.  Picture a comfortable, easily accessible beach, not over run with tourists.  To the left lies Mt. Maunganui.  Sheep are scattered along the base of the mount.



As you hike up the trail, trees engulf you.  We passed by several runners along the way.  The people are so nice here.  A man went out of his way to show us the way up the mountain.  They are all happy to share their life stories with you.  And they continually surprise me with their hospitality and friendliness, without expecting anything in return.  

When we reached the top of the mount, we could see an astonishing panoramic view of the ocean, beach and sky.  I climbed on a rock, much to mother’s dismay, and took some fun pictures there.  This was a wonderful moment for Mama, Wayne and I.  We even saw a Pheasant run across the pathway.  The light blue sky and teal ocean were clear and mystical.  I could have stayed there for hours.  We laid out on the beach for a bit, and then Wayne and I ventured out onto an atoll to the right of the beach.  Some kids were cliff jumping at the edge.  The town is small but everything you could possibly want is right there.  


We hiked up the mount and then
enjoyed the beach.  We saw a spinner shark just
off the shore.  It jumped out of the water
and spun to catch its prey.  (hence the name)





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