Let's go exploring!

Despite the looming clouds I decided to be adventuresome on my first Saturday off (no Saturday morning conference here...fathom that one...) and packed a picnic lunch and headed to Auckland's North Shore. Now I must confess, I do appreciate how the weather service here tells you how many layers to wear... But I'm wearing at least 1-2 more layers than advised and I'm wondering what I'm going to do in July and August!

I started at Takapuna Beach and headed North along the rocky pathway to Milford Beach. There were some great views along the hour walk and I didn't get too wet (even though I managed to get there at high tide).

Then I headed down to the town of Devonport which is directly across from Auckland's harbor. It was colder and even windier here!

After wandering around the town and grabbing a snack at a cafe I drove over to North Head, an old volcano turned military fort (that was never used) and hiked up to the top. The views were spectacular!

Fun day. Would've been more fun if the grocery store let me buy wine, but apparently you have to have a passport to buy wine (whereas my driver's license suffices to drive here). Go figure.

More adventures to come over this holiday weekend! The rest of my photos are posted on Facebook if you are interested...