Today we travelled. And travelled. Drove and drove. Windy bends, a bit of rain, drive and drive.
We went for 15km through a forest of 180 degree bends- we felt sorry for the 3 campervanners we saw- they were not smiling. Not a straight bit of road and very few lay bys.
We have ended up at a retreat- very apt because it is in Northlands, west of North island and miles from anywhere. The lady who owns it was here when we arrived but has now left for 4 days. On the way we saw a wild boar! It came out to the road and ran back again. We felt like Asterix and Obelix (well actually we drove on).
At one point the road became single carraigeway as it ran between two massive trees. Many birds continued to play chicken on the road- they coolly walk (not fly) away at the last minute. I also saw a pair of cockerels at the roadside. The views stun us so we have to take it in turns driving. Driving, driving driving- which is fun when we make up songs or try to sing along to take that (we are learning the words). We are happy travellers having fun.
Finally we have arrived and when I get out of the car to greet the owner I find my legs and hips have fused together so I walk like an incontinent cowboy.
The retreat is strange and I am embarassed by the carvings on the bed headboard-Steve hasn't noticed- I'm hoping so anyway. Theres about 6 full height totem poles in the room and every wall has a large window facing out to a spectacular garden. Even bananas are growing here. Its very humid. The place is called Omapere.
We do what we always do in these situations and fall asleep. Sadly we are awake again and its 3.30 so we eat toast and read for a bit. We wake up at 10.30 the next morning! Ooops