First Look at Whakatane

Whakatane is said to be the site of the first landing of Polynesians to this island. On the east coast of the North Island, it is situated in the Bay of Plenty. On our first night, we were treated to a tour of Whakatane and a dinner picnic on a ridge high above and overlooking the coastline. In the narrow straits a statue of a woman stands atop a large rock symbolizing a legend of an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua, a Polynesian voyaging canoe about 700 years ago. The name "Whakatane" is reputed to commemorate this incident. The men had gone ashore and the canoe began to drift. Wairaka, a chieftainess, said “Kia Whakatāne au i ahau” (“I will act like a man”), and commenced to paddle (which women were not allowed to do), and with the help of the other women saved the canoe.

Mount Eden 360

Mount Eden, a dormant volcanic crater, is the highest natural point in the Auckland area at 164 meters (over 600 feet) above sea level. The 360 degree views were amazing.

Our Day in Devonport and Auckland

Our day in Auckland included a few hours in the charming Devonport area which is an affluent community across the bridge from downtown affording fabulous views of the city across the bay. We strolled through the picturesque "town" and headed for the park where we devoured a huge order of Fish 'n Chips together on the lawn.

Whakatane River Trail

Scenes from our walk along the Whakatane River walking/cycling trail.

On the Pier

Fulton Harbor fishing pier in the soft morning light.

Latest and Greatest

Trying out some new photo-editing tools on some 2008 Padre Island photos.

Last Day in Fulton

Our last day in Fulton Harbor started out with a glorious sunrise and walk out onto the fishing pier. We have had picture perfect sunrises every single day we've been here... spectacular! After a leisurely morning for some blogging and a little shopping, for lunch we went to Paradise Key Island Grill (Hands down, our #1 choice for lunch!) and sat at a table overlooking the marina. Glenn had his final "Southwest Chicken Wrap" and I my final "BLT by the Bay" for this year. From there, we headed down the road through the waterfront community of Key Allegro and discovered a little beach with pounding surf, enough shells to satisfy even a voracious beachcomber like me, and a few pelicans to top off the experience. We settled in for an hour or so of doing nothing but soaking in this wonderful spot. We ended the day with dinner at our favorite Rockport restaurant, Bellino's, which is situated overlooking a pond and facing west for lovely sunset views. Then it was the hot tub in the moonlight before heading to bed. The relaxed pace of Rockport, Fulton Harbor and Padre island have been the perfect way to end this memorable and very much needed vacation!

Colors of South Texas Coastal Bend

Love the soft pastels of the Gulf of Mexico Texas coastline, so different than the high-contrast beach tones of the Pacific Northwest.

Waking Up in Fulton Harbor

This enticing fishing pier is one of the best viewing spots at sunrise in Fulton Harbor, Texas. Here are a few images from this morning.

Windmill at San Domingo Cemetery

This picturesque windmill caught my eye while we were visiting the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas, where some of my husband's ancestors are buried. The windmill creaked and groaned which made for some pretty atmospheric moments in this old cemetery!

Good Morning, Fulton Harbor!

Waking up to Fulton Harbor's glorious vistas has been one of the joys of this trip. Walking out to the end of this fishing pier is one of the best ways to see the sunrise!

Here is the view as you start out onto the pier.

Unobstructed view of the sunrise!

Looking back at the sleepy little town in the first blush of the morning.

The fishing pier from the seawall.

Looking back from the end of the pier gives you some idea of scale. It's a long pier with a "T" at the end and we are at one end of the T.