Man, what a day! I swear, Henderson, NZ, you’ve got me all kinds of twisted. Woke up this mornin’ thinkin’ it’d be just another chill dive day. But nah, the universe had other plans.
First off, I hit up the local café on Great North Rd. You know, the one with the best flat whites? Yeah, that one. I’m sittin’ there, sippin’ my coffee, and boom! This dude walks in, all decked out in scuba gear. Like, bro, it’s a café, not a dive shop! I couldn’t help but laugh. I mean, who does that?
Anyway, I finish my coffee and head down to the water at the Henderson Creek. The sun’s shinin’, birds are chirpin’, and I’m feelin’ good. But then, I see this massive sign: “No Diving.” Seriously? In a place called Henderson? What’s up with that? I’m like, “C’mon, guys, I’m a diver! This is my jam!”
So, I decide to ignore the sign. Rebel, right? I suit up and jump in. The water’s cold, but it’s refreshing. I’m swimmin’ around, checkin’ out the fish, and then—WHAM! I bump into this old tire. Like, really? A tire? In the middle of paradise? I’m fumin’. Who throws a tire in the water?
But then, I spot this cool little school of fish. They’re dartin’ around, and I’m like, “Okay, this is dope.” I forget about the tire for a sec. Just me and the fish, vibin’. But then, outta nowhere, I hear this loud noise. It’s a boat! A freakin’ boat zoomin’ by! I’m thinkin’, “Dude, chill! I’m tryin’ to enjoy nature here!”
After that chaos, I swim back to shore, and I’m feelin’ all kinds of emotions. Happy, angry, confused. I mean, what a rollercoaster! I hit up the local fish and chips spot on Railside Ave. Gotta refuel, right? I order the biggest serving they got. I’m starvin’!
While I’m munchin’, I overhear these locals talkin’ about the best dive spots. They mention the Waitakere Ranges. I’m like, “Wait, what? I gotta check that out!” So, I finish my food, and I’m pumped to explore.
I hop in my car and drive up to the ranges. The views are insane! I’m takin’ pics like a tourist. But then, I get lost. Like, how do you get lost in Henderson? I’m cruisin’ down Scenic Drive, and I’m like, “This isn’t right.” I pull over, check my phone, and of course, no signal. Classic!
Finally, I find my way back, and I’m feelin’ like a champ. I hit up the local pub on Lincoln Rd. Needed a cold one after that adventure. I sit down, order a beer, and just chill. The vibe is good, and I’m laughin’ with the locals. They’re tellin’ me about the Henderson Christmas lights, and I’m like, “I gotta see that!”
As the sun sets, I’m reflectin’ on the day. It was wild, emotional, and full of surprises. Henderson, you’ve got my heart. Even with the tire and the lost moments, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Can’t wait to dive again tomorrow!