Taranaki

No extraordinary day, simply driving up to the Waikato for a leadership workshop in one of the company's many reliable hybrids. 

A twist in the road takes me up to a viewpoint that brings tears to my eyes; the powerful sea to the left and brilliantly green sheep-strewn hilly farmland to the right fills my heart with gratitude. 

Since moving to Taranaki I’m no stranger to these emotional eruptions of thankfulness. Its vast beauty and formidable mountain invokes a mysterious sense of belonging and protection which befuddles me. 

This magical place that has begun to heal the one hundred years of hurt I’ve crammed into thirty-three years of life. 

As I continue into the Waitomo district signs remind me that the Naki will miss me and looks forward to welcoming me back. 

As my tears deepen I hear myself say “How did I get so f&$#ing lucky.” 💖🐇🏔

Our gorgeous Maunga Taranaki as viewed from Lake Dive to the South. Fantham's Peak in the foreground, Mt. Taranaki's summit behind and to the North.