Long bay to North Head - by Christine








(This was a 24 km day, so ignore all statements about the fun in this day's events.)

After a leisurely start to let the traffic ebb, we headed over to Long Bay Regional Park. As the road access there was limited, we began walking at the southern end.  En route down to the beach we had to out flank a school party disembarking their buses. We were summarily roped in to carry luggage, and we were so pleased to be taken for parents that we obeyed without question. An hour later a coffee and fries at Brown's Bay refuelled our energy levels. 

The morning was spent climbing steep headlands and dropping back down to beach level. Had the tide been low we would have walked around the rocks. As it was we had a coastal walkway from Milford, but still removed our shoes to keep them dry. It was fun perusing the real estate and critiquing the number of windows that would have to be cleaned, etc etc. 

We finally arrived  in Takapuna for a rather sumptuous lunch to give us the energy to continue onwards. At the end of Takapuna Beach we joined the road again and followed it around to the base of North Head. One of the' highlights' of the day would have to be the 100 steps which we had to climb up in one stretch.  We puffed but made it successfully to the top. Our fitness levels have certainly increased.

Ross was waiting patiently at North Head and we were all very pleased to tumble into the van. The rain began but we managed to stay relatively dry. After dropping Joanna and Bruce at Joanna's Uncle's home, we carried on over to Barbara's home, where we were made very welcome. Dinner and bed were the order of the day. Beds made and we all gratefully tumbled into them after a very fun-filled and busy day. 

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