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.