Practice was fun, fast and whipped me out!! After getting a shower and dressed, Kirk and I left to pack for Omaha Beach to meet the Blackwell's at their beach home. When we arrived, Liz had whipped up chicken sandwiches, hummus, pesto spread and jelly. There was also fresh blue cheese and other cheeses. So good!!
Shortly after lunch, I felt like I was drugged.....food plus temperate weather and a cool ocean breeze knocked me out:-) I went upstairs and thought I would sleep for 20-30 min, but after waking up I found out that I was out for over 1.5 hrs!! Wow....I needed that:-)
The gang was already down at the water so Kirk, Liz, Kate, and myself went to the beach to sun and body surf. I learned from Kirk and all of the kids how to body surf. Best I can explain is to catch a wave just before it breaks and ride it by making your body as straight and stream lined as possible and let the current take you to the beach. Really cool rush!
After a couple of hours doing this we came back, took showers to clean uff the salt and get ready for Jared's party later that night. Liz and Paul, along with help from Dave and Michelle Ambercrombie, we had an amazing meal. Eye fillet, sausage, fresh salad, and potatoes and cummerin( sweet potato). So delicious I had 2 plates!
We finished having Pinot Gris on the patio at sunset, laughing and talking about whatever came to our minds. Kirk and I had to be on to the party, so we headed off saying good bye to the Blackwell's. We stopped in Manakata for organic ice cream and blueberries....perfect way to end the dinner!!
The party was a blast seeing Jared and his family. This is Kirk's cousin and I meet some of them at Kirk and Audra's wedding 6 months prior. His sister Becky, who I met before and Kate, whom I meet for the first time, were there as well. It was cool to help Jared celebrate his 24th birthday with what he desired most...family and friends over any gifts.
We all slept well that night:-)
The next morning we all were slow getting out of bed....but once all up with coffee, the day got off on the right foot. Audra whipped up a wonderful breaky with blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh bacon, and toast with peanut butter and jam. She also made these really great Smoothies.....love smoothies!!
After fueling up, Sam, Kylie, Camille, Kirk, Audra and I left for Bethelle Beach. Before we shot out, we grabbed a few bottles of Pinot Gris and Rose...perfect for quenching our thirst later during the beach day.
The cool thing about this beach is the iron in the sand makes it black...while really soft sand, the sun heats up the iron and it makes your feet burn if you don't have your sandals on at all times while on the sand. Sam showed us the most amazing sights and top of the bluff were we climbed and the climbed to the top of the tree.....breath taking views and a thrilling experience. My heart was racing at a million miles per hour as I was part freaked at the sheer height but also what I was seeing.
Here are a few shots a top the tree we climbed.....
We made it down the bluff and decided it was wine 30 and sunning time. After baking a bit we made our way to the water for 20 mins or so to cool off before heading out.
Sam had one last killer stop for us as we were all starving and ready for some good food. We ate at Hallertau beer garden....amazing food and really good beers. I had an amazing veal burger that was out of this world.
A bit tipsy and full we made our way home were we all got ready for bed. I packed for the South Island and my next couple of days of exploration. So excited for the days to come!!!
Updates and photos to come soon:-)
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Location:North and West coast
