Sandspit weekend
Sandspit weekend - I have had many wonderful trips, but I think that this one will be difficult to beat - the weather and water conditions were unlike anything I have ever seen before.
Sandspit is one of my favourite places to stay with the cabins right on the beach, and when the tide is in the water comes right up to the deck.
Late Friday afternoon a small group of us went exploring up the estuary and were pleased to see a large group of Spoonbill Herons. It was so lovely on the water we were reluctant to stop, and with the dusk we drifted slowly down to the estuary entrance, entranced by the changing light.
Saturday a small group headed off early to paddle the 40km around Kawau Island. Another group left later and headed up the coast to Jones Bay. There wasn't even the slightest breeze and the water was as clear and as flat as glass. We could easily see starfish many metres below us on the sandy bottom. We ambled very slowly up the coast, exploring the rocks and constantly amazed at what we could see - we even spotted a sunken dingy. When we finally reached Jones Bay we lunched on a small sandy beach in the sun.
Back at Sandspit, again we didn't want the day to end, so we delayed things by having a 'kayak race', but no paddling allowed! Some tried to hold up a paddle float to catch the wind, but as there was no wind that was ineffective. Others furiously waggled their rudders - that did help, but not much. The rest of us drifted with the incoming tide. Then Olga wanted to see how many kayaks she could tow at once - she managed 11! Good going Olga! Saturday evening was a very sociable dinner at the Matakana Pub.
Sunday we drove up to Jones Bay to paddle around the Tawharanui Peninsula. Jones Bay has a very steep stoney beach, so many of those with plastic kayaks elected to seal launch. This involves getting into your kayak at the top of the slope, and with a bit of a push you shoot down the slope and into the water This is enormous fun and often evokes screams.
Once launched we again we divided into two groups - those who wanted to go a bit faster and further, and those who didn't. The conditions were again perfect and the rock gardening was lovely. As we rounded the end of the peninsula we were exposed to a slight swell and a wilder coastline which was interesting. We then started looking for a beach where we could land for lunch. This was a bit of a challenge for the slower group as many were new paddlers, but we found a little rocky beach that was sheltered behind a rocky outcrop and we were able to easily land one at a time.
It was a wonderful weekend, and so far at the top of my 'best' list.
Photos from Larraine...
Photos from Martin...who went around Kawau Island
Sandspit is one of my favourite places to stay with the cabins right on the beach, and when the tide is in the water comes right up to the deck.
Late Friday afternoon a small group of us went exploring up the estuary and were pleased to see a large group of Spoonbill Herons. It was so lovely on the water we were reluctant to stop, and with the dusk we drifted slowly down to the estuary entrance, entranced by the changing light.
Saturday a small group headed off early to paddle the 40km around Kawau Island. Another group left later and headed up the coast to Jones Bay. There wasn't even the slightest breeze and the water was as clear and as flat as glass. We could easily see starfish many metres below us on the sandy bottom. We ambled very slowly up the coast, exploring the rocks and constantly amazed at what we could see - we even spotted a sunken dingy. When we finally reached Jones Bay we lunched on a small sandy beach in the sun.
Back at Sandspit, again we didn't want the day to end, so we delayed things by having a 'kayak race', but no paddling allowed! Some tried to hold up a paddle float to catch the wind, but as there was no wind that was ineffective. Others furiously waggled their rudders - that did help, but not much. The rest of us drifted with the incoming tide. Then Olga wanted to see how many kayaks she could tow at once - she managed 11! Good going Olga! Saturday evening was a very sociable dinner at the Matakana Pub.
Sunday we drove up to Jones Bay to paddle around the Tawharanui Peninsula. Jones Bay has a very steep stoney beach, so many of those with plastic kayaks elected to seal launch. This involves getting into your kayak at the top of the slope, and with a bit of a push you shoot down the slope and into the water This is enormous fun and often evokes screams.
Once launched we again we divided into two groups - those who wanted to go a bit faster and further, and those who didn't. The conditions were again perfect and the rock gardening was lovely. As we rounded the end of the peninsula we were exposed to a slight swell and a wilder coastline which was interesting. We then started looking for a beach where we could land for lunch. This was a bit of a challenge for the slower group as many were new paddlers, but we found a little rocky beach that was sheltered behind a rocky outcrop and we were able to easily land one at a time.
It was a wonderful weekend, and so far at the top of my 'best' list.
Photos from Larraine...
Photos from Martin...who went around Kawau Island