Judy’s 70th Celebrations

I am sure that no-one likes to admit that they are getting older, but I figured if I had to turn 70, I would do it with enthusiasm and style. I actually turned 70 on the Tuesday and was given breakfast in bed by my man, given cuddles by my dogs, and then we set off for an adventure.

Otara Bay

We had been told about Otara Bay by Bruce’s daughter and her partner Justin, so we decided to go and have a look for ourselves. Access to this beach is off Sailor’s Grave Beach and it was an easy drive to the parking lot there. We donned our tramping shoes and grabbed the camera and some drinking water and set off.

The path was not well maintained like the ones on Shakespear Cliff and at times we were pushing through grass higher than ourselves

The first view of the bay was beautiful, and worth all the huffing and puffing up the steep incline.

We were all alone on this beach. There were the occasional footprints on the beach, but they were clearly from a while ago as the waves had obliterated some of them.

It wasn’t until we were here that Bruce told me that this was supposed to be a great swimming beach. Well, we did not have our swimsuits, and as we were the only ones there, there was a logical solution – skinny dipping. I was a skinny dipping virgin so what better day to try it out than on my 70th!

After a bit of relaxing and drying off, we hiked back to the car (more huffing and puffing) and headed into Tairua for a late lunch.

Bruce spoiled me with a lovely dinner that night, and I had a lot of phone calls from family and friends to round out the day, and then to start thinking about the big party on Saturday which was being put on by my youngest son Steven and his wife Stacey.

We packed up the motorhome and headed off to Hamilton on Friday. We wanted to arrive in plenty of time to help Steve with the set up, and also because my three siblings were coming over for it, so it was a good time to finally interring Dad’s ashes. Dad’s only remaining sister Phyl and her husband Ross were there also which made it a bit more special.

While we were there we also went and said hello to Mum.

Unfortunately, the weather was showery for a lot of the day so there was a lot of work setting up the marquee for the party, but it somehow made for a nice atmosphere at the party. There were about 40 of us, plus children, but Steve’s place was an ideal venue, and we did not feel cramped.

It was so lovely being surrounded by friends and family. Three out of my four children were there.

and eight of my 10 grandchildren (although Nathaniel escaped before this photo, so he and is girlfriend Baylee are pictured separately).

Cousins on Dad’s side

Aunty and Uncle

And some of the guests

And the romance is still there

And just a few more