It had been five months since our last visit to our beach house in Whangamata.
The weather forecast was excellent, so we loaded the car with essentials, including golf clubs, and made the 90 minute drive to the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, and sedate (at this time of the year!) Whangamata.
Son Scott and his partner Eva decided to join us from their home at Mt Maunganui. Dinner that night was at Neros .. always a favourite!
The next day Sue, Blair and Scott played golf at the Whangamata Titoki golf course. Although not particularly long, it is an excellent golfing experience, with plenty of variety of holes and stunning vistas.
Fore! 
Dinner that night was at Kafal Indian Restaurant on Port Road. Excellent Indian food at a reasonable price.
With the weather gloriously fine and warm, it was off to the beach. Blair went for a swim, and described the water as “refreshing!”
Give us a song! 
Whangamata beach 
After three days at Whangamata, and minor plumbing household jobs sorted, it was on the road to Mt Maunganui. Scott and Eva have a two month “break” at our apartment, but plenty of room for the four of us. The purpose of the visit is to meet with the Project Manager of the refurbishment being undertaken next year. Also, to watch the Phoenix Foundation live in concert, plus a round of golf.
That evening, we decided to venture into the Papamoa Hills and the Summerhill Estate golf course. On Wednesday evenings, they run a 9 hole pairs ambrose competition, with a barbecue at the conclusion. All for a very reasonable $20. Scott’s friend Guy Wilkins joined us, and was eager to try out his brand new golf clubs.
The course was very undulating, with great views over Tauranga, Papamoa and the coast.
Scott aka “Morgy”
Guy trying out his new driver 
Summerhill .. great views
The next day was gloriously fine, so golf was again on the agenda. Sue, Blair, Scott and the latters friend Todd Barry decided to take on Omanu golf course, Mt Maunganui.
This was the first time playing the course, and we were impressed. Not overly long, the fairways and greens were in wonderful order. Quite a lot of dog legs right, suiting the right handed “fader”. The group all played well, with a personal best of 77 for Todd.
Omanu golf course 
The course is adjacent to Tauranga airport 
Tay Street beach entrance
Dinner that evening was at the Satori Lounge, a quality Japanese restaurant. Following this, Blair and Sue wandered down to the Maoau Performing Arts Centre to watch The Phoenix Foundation, live in concert. After a opening set by Motte, who was to then join the band, they were on. Their New Zealand tour was to promote their new album “Friendship”, but the set list included many other favourites, such as Buffalo.
A great show!
Landline 
Buffalo
The next morning, after a visit to Dixie Browns for breakfast, we met builder and project Manager Jimmy from Coastal Builders. All set for next years project, the apartment refurbishment.
Meeting over, into the car and back home to the “Tron.”