Almost a Tit In the Wind

Slept well and up at NZ time 6:30am but took our time getting gear together, fins in Emari's board etc. Ste'en, Emari and I loaded the car and headed down to Raglan but the swell on the point had dropped off. Wainui Beach looked fun so we all suited up and ended up catching really fun Shoulder to head high clean surf. So proud of Emari in her 4/3, booties and cap, I wasn't sure she was going to make it out since it was a fairly long paddle out through a beach break, but my baby brought it!!! The surf was super fun. (AJ)

AJ and Ste'en caught lots of great waves, and AJ even rode through a barrel. The waves were definitely the tallest I've ever paddled into, and my heart was thumping. The waves were clean and kept rolling through in long sets. It was beautiful to watch from the lookout point, and startling to watch in the water.

Post-surf Ste'en gave us a tour of the town and we had a late breakfast at home. Then we put the camper together and worked on our trip itinerary for the next few days. AJ and Ste'en looked at the surf reports and I read through our travel guide. (Emari)

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The countryside is absolutey stunning. I'm thrilled to spend the next month driving through its hills and valleys, along its coasts, up its mountains.

On our walk into town tonight, we could smell outdoor fires, not bbqs like in the states. We walked arm in arm in the dark. Tomorrow, we surf and head to Mt. Ruepehu.

Ps. Almost a Tit in the Wind = Emari changing out of her 4/3 wetsuit.