Day 12 (1/2): Today is a "beach day". We woke up late and then had a leisurely breakfast. We slathered up with sunscreen and set out for the beach. We walked along the beach towards The Mount. We stopped in town for souvenirs, lunch and hokey pokey ice cream (a flavor unknown to us in the States). At the foot of the Mount, we returned to the beach for a stroll back to our homestay. Relax and clean up before dinner. The weather was beautiful, clear and warm with a cool breeze but with a haze. The haze was caused by the brush fires raging in Australia. Too much food and wine for dinner and another day on vacation is over.

Mt. Maunganui