Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove

Wow, wow, wow. We cannot post photos here...too far off the beaten track apparently. It is again, breathtakingly beautiful. We rented a car and popped the bikes in it to cross the mountains and get to the eastern side of the Coromandel pennisula. So glad we did. We are not in the shape one needs to be in to cross these mountains. Now we are staying just a few steps from a most beautiful beach...watched the sun rise on the beach this am. Saw a coupla parrots flying around yesterday. Today I went snorkeling at Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay while Michele painted two fantastic watercolors. The fish hung out with me, right neighborly of them I thought. Tomorrow we meet our kayak guide on the beach for a coupla hours of kayaking around this coast. Whew! Guess I'd better go rest up for such a hard day ahead. All our best to all of you. More later...and don't worry, the photos will come in due time :)

Today was a madatory day of rest :) Wonderful warm sunny day.

Coromandel

We are camping tonight with a view of the islands and the water. The "motorcamp" in which we are staying has a common kitchen...so cooking the fresh caught red snapper we bought in this little town was quite easy and fun. Now, after snapper and salad and wine...we spend a coupla minutes on the internet and off to our little tent. Another day in paradise!!

Thames

Success!! Finally managed to add some photos. Happily, we awakened to a sunny day. What a relief to have sunshine and no rain. So the birds are completely new to us. I awaken each morning to a cacaphony of birdsong. Great way to wake up. The smell of the sea, mingling with the perfume of the flowers and the birds leading and serenading our pedaling...what else is there?

Miranda Hot Springs

Ok, I have the very best partner in the world!! It rained on us all day...a nice soft rain, but we got completely soaked within the first 15 minutes of setting off. Now, since I was the one who really really wanted to ride our bikes over here, I was a wee bit nervous when I realized this would be an all day rain. Michele rode up behind me and exclaimed, "Isn't this beautiful?!" What a tough and great woman she is. So we rode to the Hot Springs with rain falling on us all the way. Fortunately this was a short ride (about 3 hours) and we could rent a room with a bed in it with a beautiful mineral water hot spring pool at our disposal. There are hot showers also and a communal kitchen we can use...we are very happy not to have to set up our tent in the rain. This was a breathtakingly beautiful ride, even in the rain. We rode right next to the water all day, blues and greens and coastline with incredible vegetation: lilies, hibiscus, ferns, palm trees, vines of all types, sweet white tiny camomille flowers...green green green fields with cows and sheep everywhere. We have had a most excellent day and are safely ensconsed in this little resort. We will update you again tomorrow.

Orere Point

Hello! Took a train from Auckland to Papakura, and rode from Papakura to Orere Point. Only one big hill...at the end of the ride of course. Made it up and were happy to find a simple cabin in a down to earth, charming camp ground. This morning set off for a half an hour walk to Tapapakanga reserve and beach...turned out to be a 2 hour walk to the reserve, breathtakingly beautiful. Had lunch on the beach and walked along the beach and took a little nap in the sand...then met some lovely ladies. Kay was kind enough to give us a ride back to our cabin. Thank you Kay! This is a dial up connection out here in the boonies...so will not try to post any photos today. Tomorrow we set off on our bikes to Miranda Hot Springs and beyond!

Auckland and Bike Ride to Mission Bay

Hi everyone! We are deliriously happy, riding our bikes along the water today to Mission Bay. Took us about 5 hours to put the bikes together :) Tomorrow we will take the train to Papakura and cycle out from there. Love to you all