46th Wedding Anniversary: Lunch at Mercury May Winery, Cook's Beach

Our wedding anniversary today - we had lunch at this lovely winery this time last year so decided to return,and see if it was just as nice as we remembered.  It was! Although Whitianga is only five minutes ferry ride from Flaxmore Bay it's really a bit far to bike or walk to the winery, especially in 26 degrees, so we took the 30 minute alternative of driving around.

The outlook was beautiful, and their mixed platter delicious.

Doug enjoyed seeing this old Land Rover. The owner of the vineyard was about to take the family to the beach. He said that it had been in the family since new in 1964

After lunch we drove to Ferry Landing just to see if it would be possible for us to bike or walk next time. We agreed that it really would be too far in the heat of summer.

On the way home we decided to explore Shakespeare Cliff. (We look across to it from Whitianga.) 

In this photo we are looking at back to Whitianga from the Shakespeare Cliff lookout.

Looking down into Lonely Bay. (Next to it is Cook's Beach.) The water was so clear and beautiful.

First Day of Spring

Lots of fog this morning, but glimpses of a blue sky above. I took an early wander down to Mother Brown's Stream hoping to get a nice foggy photo. Too late - I had to settle for fog in the distance and reflections.

Opito Bay

Friday  1st November 2013

We haven't been anywhere lately so thought that we might go and explore  Black Jack Rd that runs from Kuaotuma to Opito. We had heard about the gravel road but had no idea that such stunning views and beautiful beaches were in store.

As you leave Kuaotuma the road sign warns you to leave your headlights on for the next 9 km. (Actually it isn't that bad - just a typically windy, gravel Coromandel Peninsular type road.)

There were stunning views as we climbed; lots of picnic tables where you could pull off the road. We decided to keep going until we reached the end of the road.

Soon we reached Opito which was the end of the road. We looked out to Rabbit Is and Greater Mercury Is, as we ate our lunch.

We were curious to see if there was anywhere we could climb to get a view into Mercury Bay, so went for a walk along the beach to see what we could discover. There was a courtesy walking track through private property, across the headland, to Crayfish Bay at Matapaua Bay. (A good idea for another occasion.)

The pristine beaches really impressed us. There was no rubbish to be seen apart from the odd scallop shell.

We stopped briefly at Otama, before heading back home.

Landrover Saves the Day!

Sunday 9th December 2012

Such a beautiful day - we had decided last night that we would 'go somewhere' today. I woke early as usual when the first baby sparrow started demanding its breakfast, so had loads of time before church to make a picnic.

Doug had replaced brake shoes in the LR so though it would be good to go for a run to bed them in before its warrant on Thursday.

Neither of us had been to Cook's Beach via the roadway - there is a ferry that goes across 24/7 from Whitianga - it's quite a distance by road.

As we approached Coroglen we noticed that there was a Farmer's Market in progress. We couldn't resist stopping to have a look.

Such a friendly lot of stall holders. He happily smiled for the camera.

 Look at the size of those radishes! And the broccoli!

 It was ages since breakfast time - I would have loved a mussel fritter - maybe we'll go there for lunch next time.

Doug was very happy with his purchases: a tomato plant and two lots of lettuce. We also bought a big bag of walnuts and some venison salami.

On we went to Cook's Beach - quite odd to drive all that way and be still just across the water from Whitianga.

After lunch we went for a walk along the beach. We hadn't gone far when we saw a boat coming in so stopped to watch them getting it out of the water. The first thing that happened was the 2012 Toyota ute got stuck in the soft sand. Doug gave them a push and they got it free. Then came the retrieval of the boat and the winching onto the trailer - meanwhile the tide was coming in. After two attempts to secure the boat on the trailer the 'girlfriends' got bored and began walking up the beach while the men got ready to tow. The tide was coming in fairly quickly now, and the water was lapping the back axle. The guys were confident that they could pull the boat out but it just wouldn't budge.

Doug offered to get the Landrover and pull them out. They looked a bit sheepish but gladly accepted. Soon Doug was back with his trusty wagon and the tow strap was attached at both ends.

Hurrah! Just like the Famous Five.

We then had a healthful walk up the beach.

While we were in the area it was a good time to visit Hahei and Hot Water Beach. Hahai Beach looked lovely - we will return there another day and visit Cathedral Cove.

  

Hot Water Beach There seemed to be two parts to it. The surf beach looked rather dangerous. We could see people further around digging in the sand, so drove on further.

This was also a beautiful spot - it was already busy with visitors in camper vans and others like us just enjoying the beautiful weather in a beautiful spot.

At the End of Our Street

Saturday 24th November

It was a nice day to stroll barefooted along 'our beach'. It's about 3 minutes walk from our gate. A small stream flows down from surrounding hills. There are usually gulls here; today an oyster catcher as well, and a scampering dotterel. The water looks very clean.

There are tons of shells on the beach. Really pretty colours - no sign though of live pipis. We'll have to investigate when there is a spring low tide.

It looks to be a sheltered, safe beach - I wonder if the bathing suits will come out this summer?

 

This photo shows the blind end of Cook Drive. It ends here at Racecourse Rd.

Alternate Routes across the Peninsula

We normally don't play, 'What If,' games. Doug doesn't anyway - I play them in my mind all the time! 

'What if there was a slip on the main road and we needed to get to Coromandel?' 

I've been at home quite enough this week to be willing to go along with such a possibility.  

'Let's take the Land Rover and try the dirt tracks!'

 Last week we took the tourist route to Coromandel Town, in the MX5. This week we went Land-Rovering and crossed the peninsular on two secondary roads, both gravel and one-way bridges through the bush. 

Highway 309 was first and reached the main Thames road just South of Coromandel Town. Continuing on, we headed south past Te Kouma and Manaia to Tapu, and took the Tapu to Coroglen road back home.

The second route was my favourite - the bush was more lush - the road seemed better maintained with signs where it was definitely one-way and who should give way. ( I like that.)

 

These two pictures are taken from the hill South of Manaia, looking across the Firth of Thames towards Kawakawa and Auckland. It was very windy, the sea covered in whitecaps and tourists were having trouble standing up.

Both the dirt roads were in good order but would not be much fun if conditions were hot and dusty, or with more traffic than the half-dozen cars we encountered.

Now we know - both routes took about half an hour to do about 20 kms. I'm glad that I grew out of being car sick some years ago - both could be challenging for those with iffy tummies.

Guy Fawkes at the Domain

It's been many years since we celebrated poor old Guy Fawkes's disasterous (for him) attempt to blow up the House of Lords and King James l, in 1605.

The last time we did, was at Waiheke Is where we were totally shocked to see a poor misguided individual, high on wacky backy, walk out of the bonfire. We have ignored Guy Fawkes night ever since.

Last night we donned our warmest duds and joined the crowd down at the domain just before dark  There waiting to be lit was a huge pile of pallets with a sad looking Guy perched on top. The winning 'Guy' maker was to have the priviledge of pushing the start button to start off the fireworks display. Meanwhile there were meat raffles:  " Only 20 tickets, ladies and gentlemen; $2 a ticket."

We couldn't believe it - Doug paid his $2, they spun the wheel, and we had the lucky number!

The fire was finally lit at 8:30. We then all waited expectantly for the display to begin half and hour later.

It was spectacular - I've never been that close to a big fireworks display - it must have lasted for a good half hour. Lovely seeing lots of families out having fun together.

Thursday 1st November

There isn't a lot I can do today, so it's a good opportunity to blog, and wander around the garden. There are some beautiful plants growing, as well as fruit trees.

The carpet layer arrived first thing and the furniture got moved onto the deck again. I was feeling a bit anxious as to whether I would like the dark carpet after living on light coloured bluey/green for years, but was  pleasantly surprised when I ventured upstairs to look. The bedroom looks very nice - the curtains and paintwork still match. Living room next!

Wednesday 31st October

Very little sleep again - too much to think about.

The carpet man rang to say that they could begin the job this afternoon. Furniture had to be moved big time - much of it out onto the deck. I have a narrow track through the kitchen and the ensuite bathroom is unusable.

It's so good that we don't have to wait a fortnight!

Halloween - very quiet, no trick or treaters.

Making Progress Tuesday 30th

Neither of us slept much - too many things to do before we can unpack propery.

We knew that the rubbish collection was today. We eventually located the recycles crate - like the ones we used to have in Auckland. We wondered about getting a skip but decided to try our luck with the cartons and newspaper that was piling up already. The collectors cheerfully took it and told Doug where he could take future loads.

Getting some new carpet arranged was a priority. The living room and upstairs bedroom carpet needed to be replaced before the furniture was permanently placed. Another problem was a heavy wall unit that had been left behind. We didn't want it either, the movers had told us that it would need a crane to get it out.(They didn't want to know!!)

After lunch we went carpet shopping. We found some that we liked and were very pleasantly surprised when the salesman said that he could come that afternoon to measure up. He was so nice - he arrived later and offered to help Doug shift the unwanted wall unit. One problem gone. He also knew an organisation that would be happy to have it. He thought that it might be a fortnight before they could lay the carpet but promised to squeeze us in if the opportunity arose.

Early to bed - we haven't walked down to the beach yet.

Move to Whitianga Monday 29th October

Years ago, when Doug and I were first married, we could carry all of our possessions in our car. Ha ha, how things have changed!! Now we need a ten ton truck and a Landrover.

To begin with, I felt pretty pleased with myself if I managed to pack one big box a day. I tackled those things that hardy ever get used, but never-the-less I wouldn't part with.
 ("Throw it out", Doug would say, " If you haven't used it in the last year, don't take it, there isn't room.") 
You can't throw out my grandmother's cups and saucers, Mum's  two tea sets; so I set about keeping most of it, but redistributed some to family and recycled those things that nobody wanted. 

We thought that one medium roll of bubble wrap would be enough,  and our son said that he could get us some boxes.Thousands of boxes, and an extra roll of bubble wrap later, we finally had it all under control.

A number of loads went over to Whitianga in the Landrover - workshop stuff, camping gear etc, and the week before, David followed Doug in my car to leave it there for me.

There were still too many cars and not enough garage space so Doug decided that the time had come to part with the dear old Skyline. It sold quickly -  Grandad spec - would now to begin its new life as a 'boy racer'.

Move day dawned, and at 7:30 am the truck arrived. Rain preceded it.

 David had already moved out but he came back to help on the day.

Dave and I took turns vacuuming and wiping things down as the movers rapidly emptied the house. We wanted to leave more or less at the same time as the truck so we could be there when they arrived.

The house was emptied within three hours so after a quick last good-bye to Nana we were on our way. We caught up with the truck just as they were pulling out at Tairua. It was still drizzling.

It was so good to finally arrive in Whitianga. Everyone had had enough by the time it came to unpacking but eventually the truck was emptied and the furniture places in the right rooms. My main aim then, was to produce a meal and get our bed made - tomorrow was another day.

Whitianga Without a Tent

It's great visiting Whitianga without a tent! Doug and I set off in 'Skyline' for a night away by the seaside. Too cold to camp we decided - I can handle staying in a beautiful motel over the road from the beach - the weather was lovely too. The motel sitting room looked out over Buffalo Beach. There was a concertina, wooden shutter in the bedroom that allowed you to view the same vista from bed if you wished to.



Buffalo Beach is named after HMS Buffalo that was wrecked on 28th July 1840. She was anchored in Mercury Bay after being loaded with Kauri spars when a gale struck. The ship parted from her cables and as the crew couldn't save her, her captain (Capt. Wood) steered ashore onto the beach. Two crew lost their lives.


In May 1960 a tsunami hit the region, and the 120 year old wreck was left high and dry. Whilst many fled to higher ground, others rushed out to the wreck to search for relics. That was abandoned after about 20 minutes when the seas began to return.

During the low tides a local contractor tried to drag the keel up on the dry with a bulldozer. This was unsuccessful and the wreck remains in its resting place.

During the afternoon we explored the town, then took the ferry across to Ferry Landing.


We were amused to see this sign at Ferry Landing! At the motel it said, 'In case of tsunami alarm disregard designated emergency meeting spot and head for high ground. We'll meet you there.'



Flaxmill Bay Library.




We went for a wander and explored Flaxmill Bay. It's very pretty - not a soul to be seen up and down the beach.



Soon it was time to board the ferry again and head back to Whitianga.

We ate our dinner with all the blinds up gazing out onto that wonderful view - it was well dark when we went to bed - no need to leave that shutter open!

Another lovely day Saturday - we visited friends for morning coffee, then pointed the Skyline towards home.