More stories of hitchhiking and beaches and dinners with John. Today Marion and I failed to get up to see the sunrise. The bed was just too comfortable. But we had to get up around 8 to try and get a ride out to Hot Water Beach for low tide. Still, we got out the door a little late. Walked about a quarter mile up the road with our thumbs out. Finally, a farmer pulled over and took us all the way to our destination. Success! We found the spot where everyone was finding the hot water, and partook of the geologic wonder that is the Hot Water Beach. We dug our little pool where the water and sand are geo thermally heated, and enjoyed soaking in the water with the rest of the visitors. Okay, so maybe we did t dig our own hole, but we worked our way into somebody else's. The tide was only low enough for about an hour, so then we had to try and get a ride back to Hahei. Just a few minutes walking and boom. Two Uruguayan chicas picked us up in their rental car. It's true what they say- hitching in New Zealand is really easy.
So we got back to John's, had some cookies, and took on the next challenge: Kayaking! John has a two person kayak and was more than willing to let us take it out to the sea. It's something I haven't really ever done, and wanted to so here, so I was totally jazzed. It probably wasn't the smartest idea, the two of us, not really knowing what we were doing, but we were fearless, and it all ended up fine.. We took it out from Hahei Beach, around to Stingray Bay. We pulled up on the beach there and enjoyed the beauty and quiet there for a while. It was so serene. When it came time to go, we had no idea what we were doing. Pulling out into the sea was a challenge. Marion couldn't get in the kayak, and a big wave came and flipped the boat, I fell out, and the kayak landed on top of me. Bumped my head, but I was okay. But we thought it would probably be a good idea to ask a man on the beach to help push us out. So that worked out well. We paddled more around Cathedral Cove and back to Hahei Beach. It was a real blast. More kayaking to come in my future!
More time lounging on the beach before showers and dinner. John had made chicken and vegetables. Tasty. Leftover apple pie and ice cream for dessert. Followed by another evening stroll to the beach. All in all, a very nice stay in Hahei. I've appreciated the generosity of John here, but it's time for me to go. Leaving Frenchie here by herself tomorrow. I hope she'll be okay. I've got to get to Whitianga to catch my bus to Auckland tomorrow afternoon. Hoping ill be able to find a place to stay there this weekend! You never know!
Here's to more adventures in the great country of the Kiwis.
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