I had a night at the beach which is only 40 minutes away but the lifestyle is a bit of a contrast. I stayed with my daughter in a renovated old house sitting right on the harbour. Road access was up a little side street I've driven past for years and had no idea the beach was just on the other side of the houses.
Most of the houses along that side of the road have gates opening on to the grassed verge to allow boat access to the harbour.
Saturday was a changeable day. Brilliant sunshine one minute, then dark clouds, blustery winds and heavy showers.
Looking to the left towards the marina entrance
Around a bit to the right is the Marsden Point Oil Refinery. There was a huge container ship at the wharf.
The interesting, craggy peaks on the other side of the harbour are Mt Manaia at Whangarei Heads. The legend is they represent the family of a Maori ancestor who were turned to stove through ritual chants in a dispute over the infidelity of his wife.
Sight of the weekend for me was seeing this magnificent sight going slowly down the channel heading out to sea. I'm pretty sure it is the R. Tucker Thompson, an iconic tall ship which is usually based in the Bay of Islands. A few minutes after I took this they had another two sails up and were picking up speed quickly.
You do live in a stunningly beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Adrian, the best part is this is the part of the country that is overlooked by the tourists.
DeleteBeautiful scenery and the sailing boat looks great .
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely spot Diane, and the boat was a bonus.
DeleteGosh. I remember the time you took me to Whangarei Heads on my first visit to Northland and then on a much lter visit to Russel we saw the R. Tucker Thompson nearby. I do recall a visit to what must be near where you are now because we saw the refinery from that view (I think). I also have a less clear remembrance of a visit to the refinery.
ReplyDeleteGraham, that sighting of the R Tucker Thompson sailing in the Bay of Islands came to mind when I was trying to remember where I'd seen that boat before. When you see her in Russell you know which boat she is, when you see her here it's a bit puzzling.
DeleteI knew where you were as soon as I saw Mt Manaia - so distinctive. Used to spend a lot of time in Whangarei Heads and holidayed in Ruakaka.
ReplyDeleteLovely pics. Thank you :)
Hi Fi, Yes, Mt Manaia is easy to recognize. You wouldn't recognize One Tree Point these days!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to take a break, and even better that it's close by.
ReplyDeleteUntil I read you were near Marsden Point I was trying to work out where you were. It's lovely up there. btw we are back in mangawhai, not sure for how long but we're back.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning area! Absolutely beautiful! We could do with quite a few of those heavy showers in many areas around here at present.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your thoughts, Pauline...I've responded on my blog.
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