There is something really special about walking or running along Hawke's Bay's coastline with the warm sun on your back and clear blue skies above.
This was the experience for about 700 people, including me, who participated in the annual Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast event on Sunday.
This is thethird year I have taken part in the event - the first time I did the 7km walk, but for the past two years I have done the longer 15km version and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
The thing that struck me was how happy everyone seemed to be. Some people walked in solitude, while others chatted away to fellow walkers. There did not seem to be much talking among the serious runners as they whizzed past me, but all seemed to be having a good time.
I had a great time, despite a few niggles early on. Hastings councillor Henare O'Keefe, who was the official starter for all the events, met me at around the 5km mark and walked (and talked) with me to the end.
It summed up the camaraderie and friendship of the day with many simply out to have a good time.
But as we all know, these events do not organise themselves. This newspaper is proud to be associated with Country2Coast, which has become a mainstay on our province's outdoor calendar. But the praise should go to Kevin Longman and his team from Havelock North Rotary setting everything up and for ensuring the event was a stunning success.
So, if you weren't there on Sunday, make sure you don't miss next year's Hawke's Bay Today Country2Coast.
