A view from the Mount

This view cost me blood sweat, more sweat and tears some unladylike words, to climb to the top on a very hot day, but it was well worth it!!!

We are in Tauranga, a most interesting place with it's history and modern development. Geographically it looks from the air like a collection of arthritic fingers connected with superb road and bridges, so it easy to get from one area to another.

We have seen so many things on one day, so will try to give some idea!!!

We spent the morning checking out the historical area which is off to the right on this blip, behind the port area. Whilst we were having lunch on the Strand (the beach road) a train passed (between us and the beach) pulling 61 shipping containers. If you haven't seen NZ railway tracks, you will be surprised to know that they frequently run alongside the road, go across roundabouts in the middle of the road and are open to pedestrians to cross!!!

Then we crossed to Mount Maunganui by the bridge which lies behind the port area to the land on the left. M & E, also the lady from the motel, suggested that we might find it interesting to see the view from the top, so that's what we set out to do!!!

There is a easy round the bottom walk and two routes to the top. The “harder” one, taking 20 minutes, is mostly steps. The “easier” one takes 30 minutes and is a long slog up a gravel path. “The Coach” suggested we do the harder one!! I won't say how long it took, but a lot of people passed us on their way up and down. I must add at this point that I didn't see anyone as old and as unfit as me at any point in time!!! A good cardiovascular workout and I arrived as everyone else did....in a hot sweaty state!!!

The views from the top were stunning and as we walked down the easier route saw a 360 degree view of the area. The area was busy with birds, rabbits and more quails (saw my first one ever yesterday) on the Mount, hang gliders jumping off and landing on the beach. An enormous cargo ship sailing out of the harbour, numerous small fishing and pleasure craft in the water and a bloke, then a girl on a stand up paddle board. Something new at every turn.

We came back to the motel with a view of showering, changing and then going out to eat. Too much like hard work, so we have had a pizza delivered and have loads of salad out of the fridge.

I will sleep well tonight!!!!