Himatangi Beach

 Himatangi Beach is within striking distance of Wanganui and has miles and miles of waters edge - the 'beach' itself, apart from the dark coloured sand, is also for the most part overwhelmed with driftwood. It seems as though an area is cleared for the beachgoers and we had the most glorious day to amble around on the sand. Horses right down into the water were not quite what we expected, but there you go - obviously it's not anything anyone complains about - which is in itself somewhat surprising!

 These fellows were enthusiastically enjoying their game of beach cricket - a swig of beer between each bowled ball and the bottles serving as wickets and boundaries!

The speed limit of 30km/h on the beach has a sign which nobody can claim to have missed!

Our awning for the caravan is now a synch to erect since the mysteries have been re- organised and solved. This is the guitar that we purchased about eight years ago with the view to making it into a 'braaivleis guitar' - we dutifully made the required hole in the body of the sound box - just the perfect size for a wine vat tap - so that we have our liquid refreshment available without having to skip a beat! Maybe we will complete this project over the festive season this year! We are still on the hunt for a wine 'bag' with the required tap which is leakproof - that has been the hold up thus far!

The holiday park at Himatangi beach has got itself organised for the Christmas period - this train full of gifts is atop the kitchen and ablution block at the park. The facilities were really fantastic - five star bathrooms and everything you could need in the way of kitchen facilities. It was quite strange to see that you can leave whatever you want to in the fridge or freezer - as long as it has your name on it! There's a notice to this effect in the kitchen area - in other words, don't expect to find your stuff if it hasn't got your name on it! Kind of quaint! 

And so to the grandchildren - all born this year - aren't they just too fabulous for words? - Henri (top left) with Estan are cousins and this little gorgeous princess is Matilda with the blossom in her hair! This is what it feels like to have hearts walking (well almost - and edited in on the day of this post, Matilda is now officially walking!) around outside of your body!

And a PS - just captured from Facebook - Junè (who has settled in NZ but is in SA for a two month holiday) catching up with Marieta (who has moved back to SA) and who has featured before in the pages of this blog - sometimes friends just stay friends no matter what!

Dis al!