We didn't take any photos in Palmerston North nor on the trip to Napier because it rained the entire time. However, as soon as we checked into the Top 10 Campground, the sun came out.

We were so lucky that our friend Fred (who is nice enough to look after our house while we are away) suggested that we call his cousin, Maureen, and her husband, Tom. Maureen and Tom live near Napier, and they met us at the campground. After getting acquainted over a glass of wine, they drove us through the city of Napier so we could see the sights.

Napier is known as the "Art Deco Capital of the World" because many of the buildings that were rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake were designed in the Art Deco style. Maureen drove us down the Marine Parade which is a beautiful esplanade lined with Norfolk pines. She also drove us up to Bluff Hill high above Napier which provided us great views of Hawke Bay, the city and the harbor, and even a view of their farm in the distance.

From the overlook we could see a great deal of timber ready to be loaded and shipped out. Timber is a big business in NZ. Due to a favorable climate, a forest can grow to maturity in only 18 years. Many of the hillsides are covered with grasslands for the sheep and edged with forests for the timber. It is very green and makes for beautiful scenery.

We had a terrific dinner at the Thirsty Whale located on the water; we had a great view from our upstairs table.

Tom has invited us to come to the farm tomorrow; we are looking forward to a close up view of the sheep and cattle industry.