I tell no lies it really is Winter here.

On Friday after I had finished work I had a lunch date out at Raglan with two lovely Raglan Local Ladies, one was having a birthday.

First I picked up a gift for the birthday girl.

Such a glorious sunny day with an icy wind

but I was well wrapped up so I was nice and warm.

I had time to poke my nose in a couple of shops

before meeting the ladies.

We decided to dine in doors at the

Raglan Hotel.

Table by the fire and delicious food.

A celebratory photo on the balcony of the pub with my girls before they both had to head back to work.  Diane on the left was the birthday girl and Sharon is on the right.  These two are gems, such great company!

I drove out to the beach to take in the scenery from the top of the hill above it.  Miles and miles of wild west coast line, clear blue sky, and glorious winter sunshine, perfect!!

Stairs that lead down to the beach.

Great going down

but not so much fun climbing

back up!!

Did I mention the wind? Well it was blowing like a bugger on top of the hill, cold wind too, but look at that scenery, and I am not that soft that a cold wind would prevent me from soaking it up.

Also atop of the hill in the cold wind with me was this circle laid out with large Maori carvings in stone. 

Each carving represents a compass point.

And just for you I took a photo of the info because you all love this stuff and I love giving it to you!!!  You are of course, most welcome.

From the top of the hill I drove down to the bottom closer to town where the beach access is a gentle walk, much more my style.

 Oh yeah, a ramp,

no steep stairs but a ramp for us ELDERLY!!!

And small kids with toys.

A rather empty beach it was,

but I guess because of the wind.

Just one lone fisherman.

I left the beach to go to my favourite part of Raglan, Cliff Street.  This road hugs the harbor coastline from town to the wharf and it is so beautiful.  I dream of living in this road.

How bloody gorgeous is this place!!

 'Real bloody gorgeous' replied this line up of gulls.

 Glimpses of sea through old  twisted Pohutukawa trees.

Homes with their own jetties,

does it get any better?

This little one would do me fine.

Not For Sale,

but it would do my fine!

Something about being by the ocean that is so calming and relaxing, so good for the sole, the senses and the mind.

Of course a visit to the Wharf had to happen

and it was looking pretty good to.

 I love that the parents are fishing and the kid is wandering away.

This shop is really nice, jam packed full of Vintage home ware and collectables with prices to match. But if you cannot be arsed with charity shopping to find a bargain, then this is a good place to visit.  The view from inside out to the harbour is the best.

I love the wind farm on the Te Uku hills, mind you I love those Te Uku hills, the colour and contrast, must be an artists dream.

Imagine living in that house?

Those glorious sunny days

mean cold over night temperatures

and

even lower wake up ones!!

Before I go:

I made a purchase today. 

OH YEAH!

My very own man tool.