Walk: Gannet Colony Lookout, Muriwai (Waitakere Ranges).

Описание: Gannets.

Mum and I ventured out for a car ride, walk and fresh strawberry ice cream. We went to Muriwai to walk the loop and see the gannets. I had often looked out for and researched doable walks for mum that optimised what she could do. By this walk, mum was used to moving with her one full knee replacement but she did get her other full knee replacement before she passed away.

It was very hot that day and I am not a fan of the heat, the sun and summer itself hah! Aircon, shade and umbrellas here come Summer haha I knew it was hot up there that I even took an ice pack with me hahahaha That's how bad I am with heat. I can tolerate heat and the sun when I must but I do not enjoy it at all.

The gannets were beautiful and with the perfect picture summery day, their white feathers and yellow necks stood out in contrast against all the hues of blue around them.

It was a great day out for us and mum more than managed the walk around the colony. We began from the right side of the colony by Muriwai beach and walked up the stairs to the colony. Once, we were done, we headed around the lookouts to Maori Bay side and walked down the road until we came to a short-cut on the left through some bush and over a bridge that brought us out behind the playground across the road from the car park we had begun.

After mum and dad's passing, I learnt a great lesson when it comes to one's connection with their parents - if you are close like I was with my parents, you do your best not to look after them in their final years but you adapt and learn how best to live with them - and, let them live while providing them opportunities to support their independence, dignity and quality of life.

Strawberry fields.

December, 2017.