one tree point, whangarei

We stopped at One Tree Point in Whangarei on our way back home on Monday. The sky was clear, and the sun was warm. We found this staircase down to the water. I decided to take my shoes off and walk in the water. The kids followed. Lonnie stayed on shore and got photos. Many of the bays near Auckland are quite shallow. When the tide is low, you can walk far away from the shore without getting in too deep. It is perfect for toddlers. Max and Maya loved it!








It is hard to believe that we went swimming (well, the kids swam and I just walked in the water) in June. For those of you on the northern half of the earth, that is like going swimming in December. We have had some cold so far. There are nights when we run our radiant heaters all night long and we bundle up in sweaters and coats, but interspersed are amazing clear blue days that are sometimes even a little warm.

Rawhiti

On Sunday after wrestling through church we went for another drive out along the bays to Rawhiti.
(I've got to figure out a better way to attach a map, but if you click on the google map below it will give you an idea of the route we took.)



When we came to the end of the road Lonnie stayed down at the beach to look after the kids and I hiked up the hill to get a view out into the South Pacific Ocean. It was crazy to think that other than lots islands, there was nothing between me and California than the ocean.