Afore ye go

It's always hard leaving a place you love. Bethells Beach has been special to Claire, Louise and me for a long time. Granny's ashes were released here. There is such diverse landscape - lake, beach, caves - we've enjoyed them all.

On an Indian summer's morning, my swim in the lake was quite heavenly. I left Lily behind as she is not keen on getting her feet wet walking up the stream and last time she was a right pain.

From the sand dunes, Mary Ann's is the big brown house at far right. It has been a great place to stop and gather bits and pieces for the journey ahead.

MA is a natural host - so kind, generous, witty and wise. I really wish her well on her journey as a b and b owner.

Lily and I have luxuriated in such hospitality. We've lazed about on the verandah; MA and I have drunk a lot of wine and now it's time to go.

The to-do list has been all but crossed off. But we'll still be on this side of the Bombays for a day or so yet. Tomorrow I hope to get the Mac upgraded, courtesy of Stefan Ballantinos, my merciless Mac mentor.

And here, below, we have the wonderful once-upon-a-Waitakere communications team minus Nada who took the pic. It was so good to hug every one.