We then drove on south. The wind was fierce - driving along the coast highway was work. First we went up to a road that runs around the mountain there (Carrington Road - goes by the famous rhododendron gardens there too, where we stopped but refused to pay to go through). Mt. Egmont - we'd have spent more time there, maybe done a few tramps, but the mountain was socked in with clouds and again there was too much wind.
Finally we stopped and bought beer, sat in Henry on the beach in Opanuke, and discussed drastic travel plan changes, agreeing to make some calls when we reached Otaki, where a couple we met in Taupo (Keith and Olga - friendly and retired) invited us to stay. Driving on against the wind was bad, but as we had a bit of beer we began to feel inspired and started coming up with poetry to commemorate what we've seen and experienced so far down under. That improved our spirits in a big way!
Next thing we knew we'd hit our destination - Wanganui! Much more charming than New Plymouth. We found the windsurf store - Windservice - and soon Jim had met the owner - Noel - who said he could rent a rig for $40NZ/day - could in fact take it out then and have it through today! So we drove out, following Noel, to the beach, and Jim got to wave sail with the locals!
Noel also invited us to stay at his place - what a great break from the motor camps! The house he's in is a bit out of the main town; it's one-story, but very big, with huge rooms and high ceilings and friendly flat-mates - we've met Sheila (a teacher for 8-9 year olds) and Wayne, who Jim sailed with today on Wanganui River and out in the waves. We slept great, in a house at last instead of the tent! Slept in 'til 10:00 this a.m., to our amazement! Then had the day devoted to the wind!
Tonight (up to date, more or less, at last!) here at the house again. Wayne, Sheila, Jim and I have hung out here this evening, having dinner and watching t.v. (Wanganui gets two stations). Tomorrow we hope to see Keith and Olga and further map out the future travel plans...
One thing neat about this house, other than how great it is, is the fact that there are cows and horses right out front, wild peacocks in the hills in the back, some visiting chickens, local quail, and a stray cat with two tiny kittens that was apparently dumped out on the road last week (in the last year about 19 cats/dogs were dumped around here).
When we finally roused ourselves for coffee this a.m. we sat out on the back stoop in the sun with Wayne, talking and watching the hen with her two chicks and the cat - a skinny, young little thing, long hair, pretty markings. It was so idyllic, so relaxing! Good people, good place, good time!
