We spent last weekend in Raglan, a cool little surf town on the west coast of the North Island not far from Hamilton. We decided to go after I scored some sweet $14 ($10 USD) return (which means round-trip) airline tickets a while back.
Lots of walking of course, and enjoyed the scenery... I probably say that in every post, don't I? Anyway, we took a hike along the exposed coastal cliffs and found a cute little tree that had grown completely sideways due to the wind. Jake's adding a little weight at the moment, but it was leaning that much to begin with. 
And then closer to a swimming beach we came across these four Maori carvings that represent the four directions. Artists usually use paua, an abalone only found in NZ, for the eyes and other features. 
Enjoying some bubbles on the balcony of our hotel. I told you it was a lazy little trip. 
Bridal Veil Falls is 20ish km outside of town and is 55 meters high. A really well constructed walkway guides you from the top to a viewing platform down at the bottom. 
In all the guidebooks, they say Raglan is known to have the longest left-hand surf break in the world, and here it is. The photographer didn't catch a good wave in this shot, because the waves were much larger and there were several more surfers out there. 
And since we don't surf, we were perfectly content to have a lazy weekend together.
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5 comments:
I totally enjoyed my stay in Raglan, and took a surf lesson at Mt Maunganui. Lovely locale!
Raglan, is that what they named the sleeves after? Looks like Jake is dressed for summer and you for winter! Dang, I'm still jealous. Looks beautiful...especially the balcony bubbles.
Indeed there is a connection between the small NZ township of Raglan (founded 1855), and the sleeves. Both are named after the famous British soldier, Fitzroy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan. He fought against Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, was wounded and had to have an arm amputated. To make dressing easier, his tailor devised the innovative roomy sleeve design for his coats we now know as *raglan*. Baron Raglan's other claim to fame is the family home of Badminton Hall, Gloucestershire, from where the modern racquets game of *badminton* was launched and gets its name.
Bubbles on the balcony--good times! Sounds like a cool trip. There's a Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite too, interesting. Beautiful pictures!
I had a Miller Lite in the 30 degree temps with a 40 mph north wind coming at me. Take that!
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