THE SECRET TRAIL

Today was a work day for Emily, so Brian and I were left to our own devices.
Emily works for a wealthy family two days a week, housecleaning.  It's hard work but she was chosen!  They have a Great Dane by the name of "Atlas" who likes to be naughty - like eating vacuum attachments and not listening to what he is told.  Emily fills her pocket with treats and it helps Atlas to stay in line, close by her side. Smart girl.
Brian was picked up by a friend - Ken -  who visited with us in Calgary last year when Emily visited.  He is a dear fellow, very kind.  He has several properties in New Plymouth that he takes care of and does handyman work on while keeping tabs on the renters.  He lives in Australia, but is in New Plymouth for awhile. They went on a car tour of Mount Taranaki - the mountain you can see from everywhere in N.P. You can never really see the top of it because it is usually covered in cloud, however we got a really great photo of it on the plane today but that is part of the story for tomorrow.  When you see the picture of the mountain - that is Mt. Taranaki - the famous N.P. mountain and the story is that it erupted at the turn of the century and could erupt again - anytime!  Ken and Brian had a great day touring around.
Meanwhile, I walked 'the secret trail'!  It is the same trail that goes to Back Beach, however, when you get to the tunnel, you turn the other way and the trail goes all the way through to town.  It takes about an hour to walk it, but so worth it as it is beautiful with lots of birds flying from tree to tree, cicadas chirping incessantly, peaceful and quiet. (except for the cicadas of course) but that's a lovely sound.  Occasionally you will meet up with a friendly person walking a dog, or spot a horse under a majestic Norfolk Pine. I feel that I am truly in paradise. Living in a big city like Calgary makes me a little worried because I am on a trail all by myself, but it is very safe here.
We make a nice meal and clean out the fridge because tomorrow we get on a plane and head to Wellington for two days where we will shop and see the sights, then head over on a huge ferry to Picton, pick up a rental car and drive to Nelson where we will stay for the rest of the week.  This area is right in the middle of the North/South Islands. Here are a few pictures of the secret trail.