Friday 28 October 2016

Night-Owl syndrome last night. After looking at lots of random pictures, I visited many places and had to stop myself just after midnight in order to turn off the light and go to sleep. This corner of Kawhia Harbour is so very calm, tucked away from the crazy West Coast winds. Every morning, I wake thinking that it is far calmer than it actually is and then I follow my normal weather ritual. Always hoping, once done and re-read a few times. Then I get into my training gear and on with the day. The tide was still on its way in, so I could possibly run a lot further along the beach today, but (jeepers) I’m really not too keen on sand running.

I love the many flowering plants that have escaped from their gardens and are now tumbling and growing wild over the banks and tracks along which I’m running. Back into the campground, to be watched by sleepy-eyed tourists as I do my small circuit training exercises. I was glad when it was all finished, because I’m never too keen on being the centre of attention. The sun’s out and the wind has picked up but I have been promising Louise an outing on the Kawhia Harbour for days so, just on midday, I manage to get my act together to go and have a paddle. The tide was three hours off low tide, so I had a great time, racing along with the outgoing tide towards the harbour mouth and then turned and headed across to the south side of the harbour, to the pancake rock piles and huge boulders. I had to hurry and had fun surfing on the outgoing tide with the wind blowing strongly on at my back. Shallow waters and, sometimes, my blades touched the sandy bottom but I made it in time and sat admiring the rocks from my little kayak. I also smiled at the white sandy beaches on this side of the harbour, a total contrast to the black sand beaches on the West Coast. I was blown sideways past them rather rapidly and also noticed over my shoulder that the water was rapidly disappearing. But, thanks to Grant’s good directions yesterday, even with the wind in my face and the current whisking against me, I managed to paddle back down the deep channels and not get grounded on any shallow sandy areas.

I had a really lovely paddle. Perhaps next time I need to be on the harbour before high tide and use both tides to my advantage. It would be a good idea for me to take a picnic and a thermos, to make the most of the deserted white sand beaches. Who knows, I might even be able to locate the scallop beds at low tide.

Back later than planned, I shower and get warm and, finally, feel refreshed. There haven’t been many days when I can just go out to paddle and just sight-see, to turn when I feel like it and to actually enjoy having the wind and waves in my face. All of which reminds me of why I kayak, because it has been a really enjoyable end to my Friday, followed by a late lunch and a visitor for the weekend. Thanks, Jase. Let's go fly some kites!

My smiles today:
Kawhia Harbour.
Wind, waves and a racing tide.
A weekend guest.
New and exciting discoveries.
Chatting with friends.
KFC with a difference. Kawhia Fish and Chips for dinner!

My thoughts today:
Don't wait for things to get better. Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now, otherwise you'll run out of time.

Goodnight from Red, Jase, Louise and Cuzzie.

Ma Te Wa.

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