Monday 24 October 2016

At 4am I was awakened by my alarm! Oops, I had forgotten to turn it off! Later on I rolled over to check the weather updates as per normal and was reassured that the wind was not allowing for it to be a paddling day. I would not be making it to Raglan today, but I already knew that last night. It never will stop me from re-checking it.

Today, like for all of you, it felt like a Sunday! The only people up early this morning are the kids playing football before even the sun had awoken. It made me smile to just lie in bed and listen to the chatter and them having so much fun. Camping and this holiday life is an incredible time for kids. I still remember my camping holidays vividly. It was all fun and laughter.

Once we do get up it is a check-up on a couple of small wrist aches from yesterday's paddle, then breakfast, repairs on Cuzzie, and cleaning and tidying stuff. The rain clouds tried to arrive but never did it actually rain. What did I do for my Labour weekend Monday? Well I just enjoyed this little campsite with its amazing atmosphere, kids, families, smiles, lots of laughter, and the boats heading out to go fishing on the harbour before having to pack to go home. I talked with the local fishermen about the coastline and the landings and the swells etc; there is never too much information from the locals. I could actually listen all day. We hear fishing stories, boating tips, and other adventures. I never actually tire of listening to it all. I just do not have enough space in my brain sometimes to absorb it all.

We then wandered down to look at the wood and stone carvers in action at the waterfront of Kawhia. Oh such a talent! Something I would not attempt and a skill I do not have in me, but admire I surely did. We then enjoyed our fresh, pan-fried scallops for lunch and then sadly packed up Jase's ute for home as he is to head north for his work. Do I need a support person? Well not for a few days that is for sure. It is sort of a pattern at the moment. I get one day to gap it as far as I can and then I stop and down paddle and wait for another gap. 7 to 10 days to get to know the locals, the area and the coast.

This afternoon, this little place has returned to myself and a couple of other camper-vans as everyone has left for home. I am back to just myself and Cuzzie. Is that okay? To be honest, yes. I always make sure I have plans and lists to keep me busy, walks and hiking to do and I have a huge harbour to explore in Louise while I wait. Along with a fantastic camping location. During these solo times that I have learnt to treasure, me time is for me , and fun. No wonder I enjoyed the Fiordlands!

For now, this evening the wind has dropped and this makes me frown just a tad! But I do not dwell as a family arrive back from a very successful fishing trip and I watch the story telling from afar. Another smile to end a very peaceful and tranquil day. Kawhia is a hidden gem of a location (visit one day) and it will be my basecamp for the next few days while I go sightseeing and eventually can head back to relaunch from Marokopa. Until then I am going to enjoy myself. Even if it is in rain and wind.

My smiles today:
Kids enjoying camp life.
A pet blue tongue lizard.
Fresh, open and honest kids.
Kingfishers. Beautiful.
Labour weekend enjoyment.
Simple lives are the easiest.
Warm black sand on my feet.
Kawhia made us both smile.

My thoughts today:
I may not be there yet. But I'm closer than I was yesterday.

Goodnight from Red.

Ma Te Wa.

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