Today was enormous. We got up and away by 7.00am with plans of being back in town for a relaxed late afternoon and an opportunity to see the Mussel Cafe. Not to be.
On our way to Kouatunu we had may a photo stop as we are aimming for some scenery shots and early morning light is the one. We had planned to breakfast at our first cafe by 8.00 but the photos held that back. We stopped at the beach and Matthew spent much time getting the surf shot. He pushed it and ended up wet to the waist with no dry clothes, whoops. We went to Blackjack Cafe for a look and then kept on to Whitianga. I had been to cafe Nina many moons ago and it had been recommended by others so we had breakfast in the outdoor area having watched it being cooked in the outdoor kitchen. We had a really interesting chat to a local couple. It was one of the days highlights.
Onwards to Hotwave at Hot Water Beach. This place is run by a woman who lives in Tairua and it turns out has family connections with my own. We met Stumpy the seagull here. He has no feet and a commitment to the area spanning over a decade. Nice food and art was to be had before we went down the road a little to Colenso.
Colenso has been in action for over 20yrs. I went there as my treat cafe over 12 years ago when I lived in Tairua. This place began as an orchard and then almost by accident evolved into the icon it has become. Great food, coffee and beauties to buy. Matthew stretched out a dying camera battery to get some great shots and we had a fun time chatting to the owner.
Still not done for the day. Back up the coast to Blackjack Cafe as it did look appealing in the morning visit. Well here we stayed for a very long time. This place is owned by Paul, right next door is Lukes Kitchen. Luke is Pauls son. Blackjack does a great coffee and a smattering of food. Lukes Kitchen does food and no coffee on site. A perfect complimentary moment. Just to really make sure the area is covered by the family Libby, Pauls daughter, runs a coffee cart in conjunction with Luke and her Mum that moves around the coast.
By the time Matthew had driven back to Coromandel for the battery charger and I had spoken to every member of the family including little sister, whos real name escapes me but was oft referred to as squirt, we were hot and tired. We went to the beach for a long overdue swim and it was fantastic. Entertainment value was high with a local dog surfing with her boss.
Back to Lukes Kitchen for dinner and more photos in the evening light. Mark who roasts Lala coffee was kind enough to invite us to his home and roastery tucked away in the bush. After a couple of lost moments we made our way in and were made welcome. Mark is passionate and proud of his achievments with award winning coffee, I felt connected.
So now it is eight thirty and we head back to our lovely lodgings for a cup of tea and fall in to bed. Man what a long day.
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