Yesterday, Senior Son picked us up in his Chrysler Valiant and we were transported across the hill and down to the beach. For those of you who asked about the car; this version was only made for Australia and New Zealand so it is a wee bit different from the American Plymouth Valiant. His car was built in 1975, and has a 318 V8 motor. A superb ride.
The house he lives in is slightly above one beach, with a ridge up the back which looks back over the entrance to the harbour, where we were yesterday, and down onto another beach.
So we walked up there to get some photos for you. 
This is the ferry that runs from the North Island to the South Island. 
Then we walked down the other side to the beach. 
Very carefully in case we got in trouble. 
Collecting little treasures on the way. 
We took off our shoes, and sloped along the shore like the old beachcombers that we are deep down, breathing deeply of the salty air and exclaiming over and over again, ‘What a glorious day’. As though, by repeating the words, we secured a few more minutes of exquisite sunshine and sea, with the gritty sand exfoliating our tired feet, sandals dangling from loose fingertips, the sound of a lone gull the perfect score. 
My companions for the day. 
Being beside the sea is good … very good. I drink in the sounds and scents and consciously store them in my memory for when I am back on the plains. 
Good morning.
Sorry I am late this morning, but there is no wifi here and I am dependent on the little hidden hotspot in my son’s phone and he does not rise as early as his mother. So I am working quickly while he is in the shower. Shortly he will pop my connection to you into his pocket and go to work. But I shall be back in the morning. Today it is more like the Wellington of old. Windy clouds speeding across the sky. Cardigan weather. But that is ok. We had yesterday.
Have a lovely, lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
58 responses to “Off to the Beach in the Valiant”
What a gorgeous beach! I can almost smell it and feel the sand between my toes.
This trip is so enjoyable. I’m loving every minute of it. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
What a spectacular place to spend some time!
Spectacular views, Celi!
Walking on the beach is so therapeutic.
More water pictures. I love water views. Clear and cold here — it frosted last night.
What a beautiful place on earth.
Oh C. what a glorious day you must have had and what beauties your baby chooks are!! 🙂 I want to dye my hair the color of your daughters now….I love It!! I also love that last shot of the waves crashing up on the rocks….we just left the sea ourselves and I am soooo missing it!! Especially the lovely, warm trade winds!!
Can’t wait for more adventures from your trip!!
A glorious day for walking along a beech! Glad that you could take advantage.
I wondered about the Valiant. That was the first car my brother owned. It was a model from the early 60’s, as I recall, and already old when he bought it used. I bet you’re being flooded by many such memories, eh? Good for you! 🙂
My first car was an old Valiant! Looks like you are having a wonderful time.
Love the pics, especially the one holding the wheat type flowers which shows little tiny hairs on the legs, such a lovely pic. All of them are actually.
Thank you for sharing.
Oh, forgot to say that I learned to drive a steering wheel stick shift valiant on a horse track/oval. I beat I could beat Richard Petty on the turns …. lol.
brilliant!! so much fun.. I bet you had some muscles on your arms too .. no power steering!! c
Your views of Wellington make me keener than ever to visit…maybe 2013 is the year.
Such a contrast to your farmy life c !
Have you read “Sarah Plain and Tall” by Patricia MacLachlan? It is a lovely children’s book and the prairie and the sea are at it’s heart. When you come home again and miss the sea, find a copy of the book…
I will find it Alice.. thank you! c
So beautiful – I find such a sense of peace and life when I am at the ocean. It might come from growing up on a island, but I crave that sight, the sound, and the salty air if I am away from it too long.
The Greater Powers have blessed you and those of us travelling with you – glory be! So typically Kiwiland and that Down Under: beautiful photos the warmth of which will acompany you back to the prairies! Looked at our Met report just now: there should be more ‘highs’ heading your way . . .!
Excellent.. we are having a windy day today though.. c