Waihi to Hahei Beach

Sorry to my readers but the computer this morning wouldn’t download text from a memory stick so that is why only the photos were posted. Today the computer charges are outrageous so I’ll have to wait one more day to post. Technology still has a way to go.

The first picture today was taken at the beach house on Monday night. That is Donna in the bare feet, our hostess for the night.

The day broke clear and warm, another perfect day coming. Before breakfast I went down to the beach to catch some morning light on the outgoing tide.

Only four of us took the side road to the scheduled coffee spot and what a beautiful side trip it was. For those of you haven’t seen much less tasted a flat white I thought I would post a picture for you. This is also so those on the trip can remember with fondness one of these little delights here. I could have spent the whole day on beach and surrounds in this little spot, perfect in so many ways, put yourself in the posted picture and imagine.

Oh yah the ride; almost forgot. A true cyclist will search out hills and curves. Well today was a day for true cyclists. All the other riders we saw on the road today also attest to this. We had to negotiate 3 major climbs of 200m, beautiful curvy roads on the way up and down, in addition to the numerous smaller hills over the course of the 103 km day. Rita is finally relaxing enough to lean into the corners with me and is not afraid that she will fall off the bike any longer. This makes cornering much easier. The good pavement and taking the whole lane made the descents a dream, with beautiful views all around. The temperatures were in the mid 20s or higher causing the sweat to drip constantly from my head as we climbed, out of the wind and in the sun.

As we approached Hahei beach we had another hill to climb before going down into the village. We could see the coastline in this beautiful area. The pictures show the cliffs and hills reaching into the water and between them fine sand beaches. The water temperature is nice but after a day in the saddle a dip in it really cools you down and both nights now I have had to put on extra clothes to keep warm as a result.

The chili, salad and garlic toast washed down by a beer or two really hit the spot. Early to bed tonight so we hit Hot Water Beach at low tide, 7:15 AM! Good night.