Poor weather in the morning did not stop 15 people from knowing that a glorious afternoon would come
on for a tramp around the Wattle Downs peninsula near Manurewa.
Three of us left The Bracken
at 1:30pm and joined up with the others at the Wattle Farm Reserve. From the carpark beside the former
oxidation pond we set out, crossing a reserve and roadbashing through to Hills Beach.
|
|
|
|
We followed the grass coastal strip southwestwards, and soon came to a formed pathway that led to
our afternoon tea break at Kauri Point.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Y presented an acronym on Motivation - Momentum (we need to start moving), Opportunities (these
begin to come once we get moving), Transformation (we get transformed as we move and take the opportunities),
Inner power (we need to choose the right thoughts and actions), Vitality, Action (we need to activate
and take charge), Thankfulness (we need to be appreciative, and take time to enjoy the day), Inspiration
(this could be a special moment that would never be repeated), Optimism (know what you set is what you
get), Nourishment (we need physical, mental and spiritual sustenance). Peter cited the story of Florence
Chadwick who attempted the 26-mile swim from Catalina Island to the California coastline in 1952. She
gave up after 15 hours due to a thick fog, to find that she had only one mile to go. So two months later
she tried again. The fog set in again, but this time she was determined, and with a mental image of the
coast in her mind, she made it to the finish. Peter concluded the devotions with Jeremiah 29:11 For
I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you
a future and a hope.
|
|
|
|
|
We carried on along the coastal strip a short distance before turning in to roadbash across to the
northern side of the Wattle Downs peninsula.
|
|
|
|
|
A formed pathway along the coastline passed a pond and we eventually came out on Bluewater Rd.
|
|
|
|
|
To finish with we followed the formed pathway around the ponds of Wattle Farm Reserve, to come out
soon after 4pm bringing to a close a lovely and interesting walk in a little-known part of Auckland.
|
|
|
|
|
|
