Coming Up Close

This weekend for us kiwis has been Labour Weekend, the true beginning of Spring and what a weekend its been. Yesterday was such a beautiful warm day that the teens and I drove out to see one of my besties...Liz over at Mad Bush Farm who lives in Maungaturoto - a town about 20 mins from here. A decision to drive out to Tanoa on the Kaipara coast was greatly received, anything to get 4 teenagers out of the house and into the fresh air right?  This was the scenery that greeted us - wow, right? Apart from two fisherman pushing their boat out from the shore and a ferry, the Kewpie Too doing a cruise around the area we were pretty much the only ones there. There is a beautiful historic house out at Tanoa - Batley House was built in 1866 and is now owned by locals Rex and Rae Roadley, apparently it has been restored nicely to virtually how it use to originally be apart from the addition of a modern kitchen. Hows this for a stunning view?  Cool, calm clear water and green hills

I snapped this last night while driving home along Wayby Valley Road after doing some food shopping. Had to park in a farmer's driveway but I think it was worth it. Amazing colours after a big downpour of rain. For more Skywatch Fridays click here :-)