Beach Time

Our original plan this weekend was to drive to Mount Maunganui and hike the base of Mauao.  It is a small mountain and as Maori mythology goes, it was once a nameless mountain that stood inland.  It came to rest in its current location after falling in love with a nearby mountain named Puwhenua.  When she did not reciprocate, Mauoa was so upset that he called upon his fairy-like friends to drag him towards the coast and help drown him in the Pacific Ocean in the darkness of night.  He made it to the end of the peninsula, but at that moment the sun rose.  His friends, being night creatures, were forced to flee back to the forest, and left him stranded there forever. 

Mauoa is at the very end of the peninsula and there is beach on both sides.  One side seems to cater to sand volleyball, surfers and sun bathers.  The other side held sail boats, barbeques and beach camping.  It is a beautiful beach town that is full of beach homes, apartments, eateries and shopping. 

So drove to the base and couldn't really seem to find the entrance.  Plus it was super hot and we were hungry for lunch.  So instead we decided to forgo that plan and hit the beach instead.  There we had a beach picnic, played in the water, walked along the beach front and found all sorts of fun discoveries like baby muscles growing on rocks and the most perfect seashells we've ever seen.  The scenery at this beach is amazing!

   

Scenery in the ocean

Mauou on the left

Completely flat shell

Perfect shells were everywhere!

Then we walked around town for a bit and found a great family restaurant for dinner.  What a nice way to keep the family occupied while dinner is being cooked.  So many fun things around each corner in NZ!

 

Then to finish off the weekend we relaxed by going to Church at the Tokoroa Ward for the second week now.  It's been great.  They are soooo kind and welcoming.  Spirit was great and they are nice to involve us in the lessons and activities already.   

Just the start of a 4 hr puzzle