SAVVY
out & about
30
Take a winter’s drive and enjoy Northland by PHILIPPA MANNAGH
A
family drive. When was the last time you did that? Was it enjoyable more to the point? Maybe you don’t bother with them anymore as it conjures up images of squabbling children in the back, loud noise, mess and constant stop overs for that one kid that gets car sick? From our latest experience, I suggest you try one again sometime. Pick the right day and make it relaxed... see where you end up. I have been in the above category for quite a while now, until the other day.
Chicks
AT THE FLICKS invites you to
Date: Wednesday 14th August 2013 Time:
Drinks 6:30pm, Film starts 7pm at EVENT Cinemas
RSVP: Book online
www.chicksattheflicks.co.nz
Chicks FLICK
AT THE
CINE BUZZ MEMBER PRICE
$25*
S
STANDARD PRICE
$29
Ticket includes a glass of Shingle Peak, goodie bag and a chance to win fabulous prizes! *Online booking fee applies. I.D may be required. brought to you by
Think back to those magical days we were treated to when true winter had set in. Clear, crisp blue skies that welcomed warmth upon your back and that cool fresh breeze, only so slight. We were all raving about them and what perfected winter days they were! This calls for a family drive we thought (mum somewhat skeptical) so off we went in search of rest and restoration not far from home- that is the key I think. We took the Whangarei Heads scenic route out to McLeod Bay. Jumping out of the car with no more than plain sandwiches to eat. The kids enjoyed the sea air at the peaceful seaside playground under the close eye of Mount Manaia. We peered up to the peak and reminded the kids that they had conquered that mountain, the looks on their faces where priceless, so proud of themselves that they found it hard to believe. Hubby and I had a moment to sit back in the sun and chat about our busy weeks before joining in the child like fun of running along a deserted beach. Master four found train tracks in the sand which kept him happy for a long time, following them backing and forth making chugging noises. Miss Six found a cool tree to climb and of course it was the best tree ever invented to play her mummy and baby game, if only she could pull her ‘‘baby’’ brother away from his train driving!
When the games lost their fun, it was ice cream time, and a cool drink for mum and dad up the hill at The Deck Cafe´. What a great place! We perched ourselves in a line on the high bar stools overlooking the bay as the stresses of the week became a distant memory. A quick detour to the ‘Refinery Lookout’ down Reotahi Road, lead us to a
hidden gem for kids. ‘‘Another playground!’’ they squealed in disbelief. The view was breathtakingly still, a scene that is locked inside the photo library inside my head. You know those places you see and you never forget? This is one of them on a day like this.