Rest Day at Waihi Beach

 Windy weather greeted me this morning.  Unfortunately the wind is coming in from the west, which will mean head wind out of here tomorrow - dread!  but today was about being slack!

A slow start to the day.  took advantage of the washing machine here, so after the clothes were flapping madly on the clothes line, I decided I should go for a little ride.

Hennie and I headed south to Athenree, where I kept my eye open for a path around the Wetland reserve.  Head wind, but the coastal road was fairly protected by a row houses.  A quick peak over the sand dunes, confirmed that the sea was still quite calm, maybe the westerly wind keeping the surf under control.

We found a path and headed around the inlet.  the tide was out, but there wasn't too much to see in the bird scene.  a kingfisher and a white-faced heron plus the always present silver gulls were the total.  

but the bush was thick with ti-tree bushes, plus NZ flax and a variety of plants I have no idea what they were.  I did see lots of gorse and a variety of what looked like escaped garden plants, such as fresias and lilies and who knows what else.  But it was lovely quiet ride, only saw 3 other cyclists.

The ride back to holiday park was a cruisy ride, just gotta love a tail wind.

After lunch, I had a little snooze, then Hennie and me went for a little pedal down to the Rapatiotio Point - only 1.5km each way.  I was hoping there was a cycle track around the point, but it was only for walking.  So took some photos and came home.  

have to get packed up as much as possible tonight, so I can get an early start on the B!! ridge - maybe before the wind really picks up - 2km walk uphill I fear!  be prepared for some whinging tomorrow!

Wetlands sheltered path

Inlet

Waihi Beach

Rapatiotio Point

Tuhua/Mayor Island