Day out in Waikanae

 I had a day out in Waikanae yesterday, climbing aboard the bus (free for oldies like me) for the 40km trip down to Waikanae. 

On the bus and heading South

I was meeting up with my friend Trish for a birthday lunch.  She collected me at the station and whisked me back to her home for a most welcome cuppa and home made shortbread.  So yummy, nothing beats home baking.  Trish live in a retirement village, and she took me over to see the recently completed Hub, where all the activities take place.  It is beautifully furnished with seating areas to meet with friends, or if you just want to relax in peace and quiet, a cafe, billiards tables, piano for entertainment, and an exercise room.  We had a peek inside the pool area with the adjacent gym for those who want to keep their fitness levels up.

Then it was time for lunch.  Trish had  booked a table for us at the very popular Relish Cafe in Waikanae, this is a real favourite of both of us.  Mmm, what to have.  I decided on Pate, and Trish ordered Lambs Fry and Bacon.  And just because it was my birthday lunch, I couldn't resist a piece of lemon roll, I love anything lemony.  With coffee of course to finish.

Birthday lunch at Relish

Then we went on a Tiki Tour down to the Waikanae Estuary.  Trish likes to come here now and again and do some of the many walks available.  No walking for us though, I don't think I would have been able to manage going very far at all.  But we enjoyed the lovely peaceful environment.

It really was beautiful, although the wind had a bit of a nip to it.  There was plenty of birdlife to see, and elegant black swans bobbing about.

Such a pretty place to be

This area is very closed to the sea and look, there's Kapiti Island close by.  Kapiti Island was the stronghold of Warrior Chief Te Rauparaha back in the 1820s who used the island as a base while he undertook raids on other Maori tribes.

Looking out to Kapiti Island

This is a beautiful place to visit, calm and peaceful, and back to nature.  I really enjoyed our short time there.  Then it was time for Trish to drop me back at the station to get the bus back to Levin.  Such a pleasant day, and always so nice to meet up with an old friend.  Thanks Trish.