Coromandel

Just as I was beginning to think this country couldn't get any more beautiful, my eyes were awe struck this past weekend as we ventured to the east coast to Coromandel.

To get off to a great start, we made the decision to drive the three hour distance. Taking turns, we all saw the road from the opposite side - and surprisingly, we all did very well! Only a few times did we each hit the windshield wipers instead of the blinker, stray to the other side of the road, and sway over to the left side of our lane - but other than those things, we managed quite well! We realized that driving is the same, you don't loose those skills, it's just a switch of the mind on a few things. But we all agreed that we missed driving and the feeling of freedom that comes with controlling your own vessel.

The evening drew us to the Hot Water Beaches as it became low tide. As the cold ocean water drifts back, digging into the sand allows for hot (and I mean almost boiling temperatures) to surface. Digging a large ditch in the sand, we created a spa which we relaxed in as we gazed at the sky which was filled with a dome of stars. The more you dig, the warmer the water stays. In pitch darkness, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore only complimented the beauty the night brought us.

Traveling the next day to Cathedral Cove, Sting Ray Bay, and Cooks Bay brought us the loveliest day on the beach yet. Needing to hike in the forests of the cliffs which overlooked the open sea brought us the areal view of the bays which we would soon swim within. With the sun shining upon us, the turquoise water was so very inviting.

The following morning, we awoke only to escape to the outbound water in our kayaks. There is no feeling like being in the middle of the bay, in a small kayak and only your own strength to take you anywhere. It is such a refreshing rush of freedom - I enjoyed myself tremendously... until a small wave took us out as we pulled into shore, throwing us out of the kayak and into the water!

To say the least, this weekend was a huge blessing of beauty with the gift of friendship to complete it all!