Herbertville

On one of our short weekends (two days instead of 4 - they alternate), we took a day trip to the ocean.  It it is directly east of us about 60 miles.  We had to go over a couple of mountain ranges to get there.  We saw very few people on the way and only went through a couple of farming communities.  As always, a lot of sheep and cattle. 

Our destination was Herberville - right on the coast.  It was a gorgeous day and we expected to see loads of people at the beach.  Big surprise!!  The beach was beautiful - light colored sand, versus the volcanic rock we had previously seen - very  deep beach - probably 3 football fields of beach!  Where are all the people??  We did finally see one person, who was so far away, we couldn't even identify if it was a man or woman.    I did go down and dip my toes - wan't going to come this far and not test the water.  Jay said "that's too far to walk!!"   Note the hat - everyone wears them here - sun is hot when it out.  Hightest rate of skin cancer is in NZ!!    Anyway, water was pleasant with a gentle surf.  

Very few people in Herbertville - mostly folks who fish.  There is a very small hotel, a caravan park, and several homes spread out. 

We did a side trip between the beach and Dannevirke- off the road onto a dirt road for about 6 miles to a waterfall.  Jay was a trooper - he is not much into "off" roads.  It was well worth the trip to see the falls.  I walked down to them - not far, but quite steep.  There were about 1/2 dozen folks having a picnic and swimming.  Three teenagers were climbing up under the falls and  diving off - looked like great fun!!

Just another day in paradise!!!