Coromandel: Cathedral Cove

A little over a week ago our group of about 22 friends hit the road for our first real independent road trip. Before we even left we learned an important lesson. It’s really hard to coordinate a road trip for a score of young adults. Amazingly, we did it thanks to a few of our fearless leaders who took charge of planning this particular trip.

Oh right! I almost forget to tell you where went- the Coromandel Peninsula. And if there were one word to describe its beauty I would say it was (don’t hurt yourself) beautiawesomefantasticallygorgeousplussomeotherbigadjectives. Any pictures I’d taken from this adventure would never do it justice. And once again, it wouldn’t be fair to squeeze the whole weekend into one entry.

To begin the weekend our group rented 4 small to mid sized sedans and hit the road at about 9:00am on Friday morning. The fact that some cars had to squeeze a sixth person into the back seat meant that some got to know each other really well and there was no room for being bashful. I lucked out and got the front passenger seat to help navigate. Let’s not forget that the front passenger seat is on the left side here in New Zealand. This meant I was constantly reaching for the steering wheel and moving my feet back and forth only to find myself confused and looking like an idiot.

Our drive went relatively well if you don’t count the time our driver Cate became suddenly fascinated with a dead “kitty” on the side of the road and almost sent everyone to their death by almost rear-ending a car who decided to completely stop in the middle of the road. I gave a few friendly yells of “BRAKE!” at the top of my lungs. She got the idea just in time. From there on out the drive went well- meaning there were no more dead kitties. We moved along winding roads that took us through farm land, into what seemed like the jungle, back out to steep hills over looking the ocean. The long three hours were whisked away by the changing scenery.

After checking into our hostel in Whitianga, The Cat’s Pajama’s, we headed straight for the famous yet secluded Cathedral Cove beach. For someone from upstate New York who doesn’t get to the beach often, I suddenly found myself stumbling upon what considered on some lists one of the most beautiful beaches in the world…

Walking to the water, kicking the white sand as I move forward, I step into crystal clear water that turns the shade of turquoise as I wade out farther. The water is cool and refreshing, but not cold. I begin to swim out, as the water again changes color from turquoise to indigo. I head for a giant rock where everyone seems to be congregating like a flock of seagulls before the make their next flight. I reach the rock and begin to climb while the force of the oceans waves tries to pull me off. But I will not be taken, and I make it to the top- a treacherous 4 feet. I walk to the rock’s highest point close my eyes, listen to the wave’s music, take a breath and jump 6 feet back into the water. I climb back up and do it again, again and again. I’m getting winded. Time to swim back in.

I never want to leave this place; I wish I could pack it in a bag a take it home with me. Tom Hanks didn't have it THAT bad.