We arrived at Moira & Graham's "bach" (what the North Islanders call a beach cottage) and our jaws dropped when we saw what a beautiful view of the bay they have from their primo location - literally steps from the beach. The girls discovered some pails and sand shovels and got to work constructing city after city over the four days as they learned about what happens when the tide comes in!
The final four shots are taken from the front yard of Moira & Graham's cottage - really a South Pacific dream for these Canucks ....... In two of the photos, you can see two rock outcroppings ("The Puddings" as Graham called them) at high tide. At low tide, we were able to walk out to them and explore the tide pools. The girls loved discovering various forms of tiny sea creatures such as crabs, pipis (very small shellfish), and starfish.
The final four shots are taken from the front yard of Moira & Graham's cottage - really a South Pacific dream for these Canucks ....... In two of the photos, you can see two rock outcroppings ("The Puddings" as Graham called them) at high tide. At low tide, we were able to walk out to them and explore the tide pools. The girls loved discovering various forms of tiny sea creatures such as crabs, pipis (very small shellfish), and starfish.
Over the next few days, we decided to leave the car in the garage and just enjoy (& explore!) the surroundings. The spit in the second photo is the view of the land feature directly across the bay from the cottage seen from an overlook on the other side of the bay. At low tide one day, we were able to cross the rocks and explore the harbour side. The girls imagined that we were on a deserted island "a hundred years ago," before humans arrived here.....
In the last photo, you can see the girls trying their hands at sea kayaking, their first time! They were naturals, and,of course, Auntie Kim & Uncle Louis can take some credit as both Teaghan & Rowan mentioned they knew what to do because they had paid attention as auntie & uncle paddled them around Lac St. Louis. .
Judy was able to catch them in action with a short video that is worth watching. Our beach neighbours, Raewin & Ken, were surprised this was the girls' first time, as they looked so comfortable.
We also took some time every night to gaze up at the stars from the front yard. With almost no light pollution, we were able to view a virtual blanket of stars, and we were all awestruck by the beauty of the night sky. Too bad our camera couldn't capture it to share with everyone
As a closing note, we would like to thank Moira & Graham for introducing us to the Whangarei area and sharing with us their second home at gorgeous Oakura Bay (the other neighbours we met, Gloria & Roger, assured us this was the most beautiful location in New Zealand!). We loved our time in both spots and look forward to meeting up with Moira & Graham later this summer in Montreal - happy travels until then.
In the last photo, you can see the girls trying their hands at sea kayaking, their first time! They were naturals, and,of course, Auntie Kim & Uncle Louis can take some credit as both Teaghan & Rowan mentioned they knew what to do because they had paid attention as auntie & uncle paddled them around Lac St. Louis. .
Judy was able to catch them in action with a short video that is worth watching. Our beach neighbours, Raewin & Ken, were surprised this was the girls' first time, as they looked so comfortable.
We also took some time every night to gaze up at the stars from the front yard. With almost no light pollution, we were able to view a virtual blanket of stars, and we were all awestruck by the beauty of the night sky. Too bad our camera couldn't capture it to share with everyone
As a closing note, we would like to thank Moira & Graham for introducing us to the Whangarei area and sharing with us their second home at gorgeous Oakura Bay (the other neighbours we met, Gloria & Roger, assured us this was the most beautiful location in New Zealand!). We loved our time in both spots and look forward to meeting up with Moira & Graham later this summer in Montreal - happy travels until then.