Sunday morning and out and about in sunny Wanganui, the weather gods threw a glorious day at us.
While Wanganui is famous for its river, riverboats and railway history, it is actually on the Wild West coast! A short drive took Thelma and Louise to the beach; black sand, surf, driftwood and mountains!
The clear day provided a perfect view of Mt Taranaki, a couple of hundred kilometres north, reaching for the sky.
Castlecliff beach stretching south, dogs and humans enjoying the perfect morning.
Then it was off to visit the heads, where the sea meets the river. Cruising along the coast road we found….
The driftwood house and the owner out front planting daisys in his driftwood fence
We very politely asked if we could take a photo. “Are you from the council?” No T & L are from north of Auckland and Louise is a driftwood fan. New best friend, the entire property is decorated with driftwood, a physical therapy project after a broken back left the owner almost paralysed.
The fence on council berm, hence the council question. This is a snapshot of two houses, two sections, driveway and fences. We even got offered to take whatever piece we wanted, but we couldn’t destroy the artwork!
Back on the road, for a few minutes, and we parked up at the heads.
One way in and one way out through the break water as the rest of the shoreline had a 6-8 foot surf rolling in. So we had found the most popular spot for fishermen, surfers, wood collectors, dads and kids all out enjoying the still morning sunshine.
Even ditched the jeans and bared the winter whites.
A beach full of natural treasures…
Wetsuited surfers waiting for the big one…
And the breakwater; a perfect fishing spot for Kawhai, John Dory and Red cod, as we were informed by a local. We were wishing we had thrown in a couple of rods for the roadie!
It was back to the main beach for a quick bathroom stop.
Art Deco Wanganui at its best and across the road a quaint little Sunday market was opening up. Stalls with everything free, donation if you like, a few locals enjoying just a social Sunday event, selling stuff not a priority!
The afternoon was filled with washing, cooking for a birthday dinner, a bit of personal maintenance…like the first shower since leaving on Friday! And now my brother in law is playing with his new toy, a skillsaw to chop up firewood. No such thing as no power tools on a Sunday in Wanganui!
We now have the Sunday roast and chocolate birthday cake – made from scratch, just because we can!
Tomorrow the roadie begins, who knows where this will find T & L!
All who wander are not Lost girls 