Pakiri Beach

We left Auckland in the late afternoon in our new van filled with excitement. People had been asking us what our plans were but our only response has been "somewhere north of here". So finally we left the big city behind us in search for some quieter parts of NZ.

I read about Pakiri beach the night before so it caught our eye on the winding roads. After about thirty minutes of gravel twisting road we turned right for Pakiri. After passing a huge Holiday Park, designated areas for people like us to camp and use showers and what not for cheap, we came to the end of the road to a tiny beach access.

Eager as ever we grabbed our cameras and rounded the corner for the beach. What stood before us was quite possibly the most beautiful sight I've ever encountered. A long stretch of golden sand before blue waves came crashing on top. To the left was the big old setting sun with mountain ranges just beneath. Beyond the water stood pale blue islands, jutting out from the water with ferocity and confidence. Morgan said to me in a near panic, "I have to go swimming". So we literally ran back to the car and as we did the rain began to fall gently. At the car we stripped down and got into our suits. "Look Lizzy", she practically screamed. I turned around and to my amazement a perfect rainbow had formed right above us.

This was the moment. The moment I had been eager to come upon. This was the moment for my sister's gift. Becky gave me a high or low pack for my going away. A small package that I was to keep sealed until I had a moment of unbelievable bliss or found myself in a place that needed cheering up. Morgan agreed, it was settled.

We got back to the water, gently laid down my scarf, and we both sat to open the gift. Each member of my family had contributed a letter of some sort and a few gifts as well, the M and M's are perfect! As I read the letters I was overwhelmed with love! In Becky's kind words she wondered what led me to open the gift and then told me no matter the reason I am exactly how I am meant to be. Paul's kind and big brother words gave me great comfort. My Mom sent a pocket mirror with a photo of her and my step dad. Morgan and I took it all in, wet cheeks and all.

Then the time came. The time to get stark ass naked. We shed our suits and danced and screamed. The sun kissed our faces, the water cooled our skin, the salty air embraced us. This was a perfect moment and we were perfect inside of it.
Lizzy and Shmo