Day 5 - flying solo (well, duo!)
We'd planned to leave Taupo Bay on Sunday afternoon to head to Russell so we'd be ready for our Tall Sail Boat trip round the Bay of Islands on Monday. Despite the offer of 'finishing off the kegs' we were resolute and keen to start the second phase of our adventure.
Unsure what facilities we might find at our next stop, we took the opportunity to shower, do a wash load and fill up with left over tacos, power and sump water for the sink.
We took a final wander down to the stunning bay to soak in the scenery (in the sunshine today, typically). The crashing waves continue their relentless charge on the gentle sloping shore, wild and foaming on its approach it steadies to a rhythmic beat as it laps and tugs at the shells and stones.
We sat and watched and listened for an hour.
On heading back to the camp site we were met with brunch. A fairly hungover group of people demolishing last nights shredded beef, re-fried beans and fresh fried eggs. We sat down to help... Nom nom
Full to the brim, we said our good byes and agreed to meet G+G in Auckland on our last night to spend some time with them whilst we're here. We headed for the open road, two chooks in Kylie the campervan.
Russell wasn't that far away and we made fair time considering the hairpin bends, 40degree gradients and tree carrying juggernauts that we had to negotiate. The Bay of Islands has two main entry points, Paihia on the west side which was not dissimilar to a regulation European holiday resort. Seafront restaurants, neon inflatables, kayak hire and ice cream vendors, but on the other side of the bay, a short ferry ride away, was the historic and pretty much untouched Russell. Proud of its heritage as the 'first capital' of New Zealand, Russell was steeped in colonial architecture, seemingly immune to the penetration of technology. An assortment of wooden boats, houses and signposts. Much more our pace!
After an initial reccy, including a cold beer at the Duke of Marlborough, overlooking the harbour, we headed back to Kylie to freshen up. Before long we were heading back along the front in search of sustenance. Hone's Garden pizzeria won out and we enjoyed a Calzoni and Fish Tacos with some local refreshments. We headed back for an early night in preparation for our swashbuckling adventuring tomorrow.