Only the 6 of us in our party today, so we head along the well worn track down to the beach, and along the sand, and across the river with boots on, no gaiters, well some of us! Then stride on to check out the cave just before O'Neill's Beach, but unfortunately the tide was a bit high to go in and investigate so onto O'Neills Beach, and then the ascend up to the top of the cliff. What a view that greeted us and the rest of the way along the dusty track, which is gradually slipping back down toward the beach!
Further along the Tea Tree grove around us, a buzz with busy bees foraging for pollen and Flax bushes with bees so heavily laden with pollen on their legs it was a miracle that they could even fly. Puts a new meaning to busy bees! Although they didn't pose for the camera.
The order to Garry was, the lunch spot must have a nice vista, and have a bit of shade. We're not demanding at all, are we Garry?! So a little cliff overhang fitted the bill nicely to sit and nosh with a slight reprieve from the searing rays and a spectacular outlook.
Then along to what we thought might be the others coming towards us, it wasn't so we carefully negotiated our way down an interesting finger of land, cue a few photos and cheeky comments! The others arrived, but thought better of heading down to greet us and put the little rockets on their boots and headed up the cliff again. Up and over to see the black sand dunes overlooking Lake Wainamu.
Almost back to the bus past the nice shaded area, and a group walking the other way, one remarks, "what a beautiful view"! Although I think he was more referring to the bikini clad beach babe that had just walked the other way rather than the gorgeous sea scape, given which way his cranium was directed.
I think we had the better bargain of the deal from the other groups, with the stunning vistas all day, even if it was fair to roasting having no cover during the day.
* Interesting info:- the sand in this area contains quantities of black titan magnetite derived via the volcanic rocks of Taranaki and transported north by the coastal currents.
If you missed out on this fantastic coastal walk hit the link below and enjoy- then resolve not to miss it next time!
http://picasaweb.google.com/jentrish/TeHenga?feat=email#