After a morning exploring the west end, we returned to our house for lunch. The food and a little rest prepared our crew for a busy afternoon.This shot was taken on the beach in front of our house.
Arram made a good ride on his boogie board and ran up to us, happy with his success, to see if we had seen it. We had!
The guys have just about had enough. They're taking it easy now and Allie has decided to call it a day. We have about a 5 minute walk home.
And look what is hanging overhead as we walk up our driveway.
I haven't seen bananas growing since Jeanne and I spent the weekend in Spain's Gold Coast town of Torremolinos in 1973.
I showed you this picture in my first holiday post, but this one shows better colors. I still can't believe I'm seeing such a scene.
The boys shucked their wet swim wear, climbed into dry clothes and had a rest for a while. They had their computers to entertain themselves. It was siesta time. Glasses of orange juice and a handful of Pringles, sour cream and chive flavor, were just the right touch.
About 5 p.m., Allie suggested we drive to Whakatane and see a few sights there, and get some dinner while we were there. Off we went.
Our first stop was Muriwai's Cave. If you're interested in reading a very short story about this cave, click on this link.
We didn't stay long.
Near the cave was a play ground with water jets. It catered to a mostly younger crowd we noticed. Arram and Amiri had had plenty of water play and weren't interested.
This is Wairaka, 'The Lady on the Rock.' She stands at the entrance to the harbor.
Read about her here:
This is Pohaturoa Rock in downtown Whakatane.
Read about it here:
Just across the street from Pohaturoa is this uniquely painted staircase.
We were a tired but happy crew by this time. We had seen and done so much. We decided we didn't want to find a restaurant and take an hour or so dining, so we stopped at KFC and got a bucket and sides. Must easier.
We have a big day coming tomorrow. We 'sail' for White Island!
I saw you had Ohope Part 5 up when I cam to visit your blog this morning and I thought to myself - I've got to find and read Part 4 first. So I did!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all the information in the links you provided. I hadn't realized that Muriwai was a female name and wonder if 'our' beloved beach is named after the same woman? With the next pictures of the Lady on the Rock, I was expecting this to be of Muriwai - but no - it is of yet another brave Maori woman! It's good to see that women were also recognized and honored in Maori history and culture.
As I end Part 4 with your parting shot of White Island, I will now proceed to Part 5..
Thanks for following the saga.
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