After a good nights sleep, Deb and I went to town to rent a car to do some local touring. Seems the only guy who did this retired recently so no joy. Turns out that Deb was visiting with some local folks while exploring yesterday (as only Deb can do), and she stopped by to see one of them (Sharon) and mentioned our predicament.
Sharon quickly said that she had a second car that was for sale and we were welcome to use it. THink that might happen in the US – not. Two complete strangers show up and you hand them a car. Gotta love Kiwi land. So off we went.
First some shots that expand upon Whangamata harbor and its approaches. First a shot looking out from the marina at high tide.
Here are a few shots of the entrance across the bar. The last shows a commercial boat making its approach over the bar – note the wake (speed) he had just to counteract the current.
And then the mass of boats to avoid as you head down the harbor.
Turn the clock forward a bit and here is the harbor and entrance to the marina at low tide.
While in town, we got to witness the Whangamata Saturday afternoon water fights staged by the Fire Department.
Anyway – we were off to the country and visited a park at one of the headlands overlooking the town. The next is a series of shots along the way.
On this next shot, you can see Iron Lady sitting at the dock in the distance.
Deb and me on the walk thru the bush.
On the way back, we stopped by a local farm for some fresh produce. No shortage of that here and it is all organic and wonderful.
Out to dinner tonight at one of the few bistros in town. More adventures tomorrow.