I hope that 2014 brings everything to everyone that you would wish for. We are certainly starting this year better off than we were last year with more hope and optimism for the coming months which makes us both feel so much better. Less stress, more financial security that is a real blessing and that is what we would wish for all of you too.
And now to carry on with the holiday blog...........But before that, Derek just forwarded this photo of me on the Tree Top Trail so had to share with you as you can really see how high up we were!! He was at the top of the Tower taking this. Awesome though I have to say even I was unsure going up those steps to the top.
OK three more for you.
It does boast the only safe swimming beach on the whole of the west coast though which is a huge distance of coastline and that is at Carters' Beach.
This region certainly has its' own beauty and charm, the people are friendly and warm, great seafood. Most of the beaches have black sand, the surf is rough and compelling to watch, the wind blows hard all day long. The scenery can be stunning. I have never seen so many colours in the colour green before! It is so different from where we live.
I have to say yes, I would do the trip again and maybe stay a little while in some of the places to discover what people see in the place. I think its' isolation from the rest of New Zealand is certainly a pull, there are no metropolis' here, no fancy malls and uptown clothing shops just honest shops with honest people trying to make an honest living with what they have in this remote and unique part of the world. It is certainly not a rich community and for the most part, people get by. I also think they get trapped as more people want to leave the area than come here to live. But for those that do it must be a special place to be.
So my hat goes off to you West Coasters, I think you have done a grand job with the place.
TTFN xx