Day 19 - Mangawhai

A zero day today. The location is ideal, town with shops, good campsite, and great weather. So a beach day it is. Spent the day catching up and getting organized. Most of the day, however, was spent sitting on the beach swimming and reading. At the end of the day the Belgians, and two recently met TA’ers Lea (German) and Steph (English) went for burgers and beers at the local pub. Turns out I’m hiking with a couple other Tolkien fans, and we nerded out for the next couple hours over lotr. 

I did not take any photos, but I’ll take the opportunity to show you the Silver fern of New Zealand (Alsophila dealbata). Easily recognized by the silver underside of the fronds. The silver fern has become a symbol of New Zealand, you may recognize it on the Air New Zealand planes and on the All Blacks Rugby team (since 1888). 

A local Kiwi, and walker, (Gemma) showed me this one

“To Māori, the elegant shape of the fronds stood for strength, stubborn resistance, and enduring power. To Pākehā (New Zealanders of non-Māori descent), the fern symbolised their sense of attachment to their homeland”.