Escaping The City

 

For the first time in several weeks, I was able yesterday to leave Hamilton City boundaries.  We are still not allowed to leave our Waikato Level Three Lockdown area, but are able to travel if we stay within that area.

The day started out with brilliant sunshine, and the sea along the Raglan coast reflected the blues in the sky and made an absolutely beautiful scene to gaze out at (can you tell I love the ocean?).

First stop was at Te Toto Gorge lookout.  It was so quiet and peaceful here, with lovely views up and down the coast. 

The lookout itself was a little scary though, as the platform was built out over the cliff edge – not a safe-feeling place for those of us who are not so fond of being at heights!

Most of the road was gravel (not sealed), with the occasional cattlestop to negotiate.  This road winds along the coast as it skirts Mount Kariori.

I loved seeing all the birds in this coastal rural area.  There were an abundance of yellowhammers, tuis, magpies, kingfishers, and one thrilling sighting of my favourite kereru (wood pigeon), as well as the odd other bird to be seen (including turkeys).

Ruapuke Beach was next on the itinerary, but it was only a short stop as the wind was getting quite strong and blustery so it wasn’t that nice.

The waves were great to watch though, especially when the wind caught the tops and blew the spray backwards.

The last place visited was Bridal Veil Falls.  These 55 metre high falls are a spectacular sight and good viewing points can be had from near the top.

It is possible to walk to the base if wished, but it is a very steep climb back up again.  I have only done this once, and that would be 50 years ago! 

There was no proper pathway then, just a muddy track to negotiate while making ungraceful grabs at branches and roots to stop oneself from sliding down the bank.

Now it has become a tourist attraction, and there is sealed road access, wide well-formed tracks, and proper viewing points.  So much more civilized!

It was great to get out into the countryside again, even if only for a short time.  Now that summer is approaching and our lockdown conditions are easing a little, hopefully I can be doing more of this.

Sometimes our souls need a bit of time out 😊

Margaret.