I decided to visit the Tauranga rose gardens but there were no free parking spaces, so I moved on to Memorial Park.
For the number of cars occupying spaces, the dearth of humans was amazing. Perhaps they park here now and catch a bus into town?
The main attraction here is the playground and it was almost empty.
Heavy traffic was causing congestion on the harbour bridge as I made my way back to the Mount, where I was lucky enough to find a park.
The 'Celebrity Edge' cruise ship was in port for the day (that is it below, sitting behind the building), and many of its 3000-odd passengers were wandering around town (it was difficult to take a photo without someone looking at you!).
After a last look at the crystal clear harbour water lapping the beach, I headed back to my motel in Papamoa.
There is a Marathon on this Sunday, so I imagine a lot of people will be arriving tonight for the weekend. No doubt there will be more surfers arriving as well, to swell the numbers already out enjoying the ocean.
I may find busyness and crowds of people a bit daunting now, but the beach is still beautiful and I'm enjoying being here.
Margaret xx
I could watch people/surfers on the beach all day!
ReplyDeleteThat cruise ship is huge. Lovely photos of the Mount and beach
ReplyDeleteI saw a cruise ship close up for the first time in the summer - they are just so BIG - going on one doesn't appeal at all.
ReplyDeleteLovely sunny photos
I agree, I also find being in crowds daunting now, but sitting on the beach in a secluded spot 'people watching' I can cope with :) Love that area of the coast.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
That is a beautiful weather there! It is very warm here today
ReplyDeleteIt looks idyllic really - and a lot warmer than Canterbury. We are having remarkably cool weather.
ReplyDeleteI think watching people woukd be fun, but I so would love to be there in that first photo. It sure draws me in.
ReplyDeleteJust got caught up with you. Wow. Sun and surf! Enjoy your getaway. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous setting. I can understand the cruise ships coming in there. The surfer must be accustomed to sharing the waves there. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice beach. We lived at the Mount for 3 years before moving north to Kerikeri, I do miss it on some level.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious. Your crowds look like wide open space compared to what I see when I go to the beach! (which is why I don't go more often). Speaking of crowds, I'm not sure I would enjoy being on a ship with 3000 other people, but can't say for sure since I've never tried it.
ReplyDeleteI believe there are also over 1000 crew members on board - far too many people to be in one ship, I feel.
Delete