Week three...

Well, if you have had a chance to read a little about the area where we are located, you will know that there are approximately 120 beaches only a 30 mins to 1 hour drive from our house! That's right 120!!! Given this fact, we decided that we best get started and explore them if we wanted to see them all. Conveniently, some of the most beautifuls ones are only a stone throw away.

The main highway - no. 1 - is two lanes filled with twists and turns (brings back memories of our adventures through the Mexican Sierra mountains minus the crazy mexican driver!), which can be a challenge for those who suffer from motion sickness. However, there is something to be said about roads that don't taking over the landscape!

Here are some views that were taken on our way to Matapouri. A beautiful beach located only 30 mins away!

Here is Matapouri....

Although spring has officially arrived, it doesn't mean that it stops raining 5-10 times a day or that you won't see at least 3-5 rainbows in a day. It just means that we are that much closer to a "snowless" Christmas! Ha! Ha!

Our second outing took us to Whananaki and Moreeses Bay. Granted the weather wasn't the greatest - cloudy, off/on rain - but who cares... it ain't snow! Soooo we didn't let the clouds and rain scare us away from finding these beautiful places. Places where Fraser and Sarah recently celebrated their wedding this past April. Talk about an amazing backdrop for photos...

As you can see, a "boggieboard" enthusiast's dream location..."Bring it on!" Says Breeana - That's our girl! Eric, Andrea ready to take on the waves!

We are definitely looking forward to some summer weather to enjoy the beach and the sun in our bathing suits!

Yesterday we ventured south to Warkworth, Leigh, Goat Island and Matakana.

Warkworth was very nice. Almost like a little town that you would see in the Eastern Townships. Quainte little boutiques and coffee shops. Lots of people. We didn't stay long as our mission was to have internationally renowned fish-n-chip! So we pressed on to Leigh. The drive there was beautiful - as usual!

We finally arrived, found the restaurant, tummies grumbling and....the place was closed for renovations! Opening on Thursday!!! Oh well. So instead we found this cool restaurant called "The Sawmill Cafe". Cool because it was previously and old mill. They kept the main architecture mill, old beams and all. They used some of the old blades as tables! Really cool. Good food. We discovered Kumara (?)= a local sweet potatoe. Something different is that you don't tip here. All prices include GST and Service fees. Waiters and waitresses don't make minimum wage here. They get paid $16-$18 an hour.

Once our bellies were filled, we drove to the Marine Reserve since we had missed the glass bottom boat ride. Just one of those days. Oh well! We still really enjoyed the reserve.

Our next stop was Morrisson & James - a well know ceramic/pottery shop. All made on location. We found the place - no problem - place WAS OPEN - knew our luck would change:) Beautiful stuff. We will definately need to consider purchasing some of the tiles, plates, vases for our new place in Chelsea.

Off to Matakana - Another beautiful little town filled with boutiques and coffee shops. We didn't stop since the girls were passed out. We decided that it was time to head back home after a full day.

Anyhow, it's not like we won't go back!

Along our way to all of these destinations, the road was lined with vineyards, winerys, artisans. Reminiscent of the Niagara area and the Eastern Townships.

All in all another great week!