Ever watchful

We drove north to the Beachhouse for the weekend. Late this afternoon. Had we left last night, I would have missed the sunset we were blessed to see. Coming this morning or earlier in the afternoon would have been ghastly. One of S' cousins drove down to Auckland, and knowing that we were heading north sent a text to say that the traffic was at a standstill between Orewa and Warkworth, a distance of more than 20 km. Coming four hours later, we had a pleasant drive in the late afternoon sunshine.

A short walk around the margins of the incoming tide at the Southend of Snells Beach, gave me this photo of a kotare (kingfisher), and also the extra of a Taranui (Caspian Tern) as it hit the water, diving for dinner. 

Now relaxing with a glass of Syrah. Me; not the taranui

I have just seen that laurie54 has initiated a Virtual Big Blipmeet, and I have added that tag