I’m happy as a clam, posted up at a wooden table outside The Shack, a light breeze gently playing with the ends of my hair. Full belly, full heart. There isn’t much like sun, sand, salt, and surf to soothe the soul. Sun-kissed cafes and sunset hues, and the tail-end of summer greeted me with a distinct warmth and mellow pace to pause and reflect on the past month. Three nights in Raglan has been just the ticket. I’m smitten with this little town on the coast, the pastels of evening light dancing on the hills and the cruisy beach lifestyle.
Ngarunui Beach, the perfect spot for a morning surf, an afternoon stroll, or yet another special sunset.
I’ve returned to The Shack for round two after being sold on their spiced chai waffles yesterday, and I’m doing whatever I can to delay departure. I’m not ready to leave. It didn’t take much time to settle in here, slipping into the daily rituals of dropping by Raglan Roast, finding downward dog at Solscape, The Space, or Loft Yoga, savouring a late afternoon ice cream cone, and a good dose of salt water to boot.
An ideal blog-writing scene at The Shack
Yesterday I took a class called “Vinyasa Chill” — the right blend of calming cues, on point playlist, and slow morning stretches were a true apres surf treat — the morning sun streaming into the upstairs space, as new and now familiar faces arrived to soak in the session. The six German girls from surfing the day before greeted me as I settled in on my mat.
A daily scoop of Kapiti Coast ice cream makes for one very happy Raglan camper.
“I thought Raglan might give you pause,” Emily said over the phone as I discussed the way my heart was being pulled into yet another direction.
One thing’s for sure: I’m not quite done with Raglan and I’ll be back.
-Ali
