As Dr. Seuss would put it, "it was a Wet, Wet, Wet Day". Henry and Nicola stayed in.........
The planned water activity was cancelled. We switched on the TV to see pictures of the extensive flooding in and around Nelson, Golden Bay being particularly affected. In one day alone the area had 600mm of rain in one day, the flooding was announced as the worst in a 100 years. We both took an active interest in these reports as this was our destination in 2 days time!
Rest stop was McDonalds at Wanganui on our way to Raumati (approx. 40 mins drive from Wellington) to see Bob and Mary. I initially met Mary through swimming and she kindly invited us to stay if we were in the vicinity. Bob and Mary's son John, and their granddaughter Amy live in Wellington and since retiring they now live around 3 months a year in N.Z to spend time with them. This year was to be a special Christmas as it was the first time all the family, including daughter and grandchildren from England would celebrate in N.Z.
On our way we stopped to take a picture of a fence full of old shoes, flip-flops, gumboots and trainers. We learnt later that it is a sign that backpackers / travellers leave and it indicates they will return one day. Ahhhhhhhh.....
We arrived at our destination just after Wine/Beer o'clock (5.00pm), I felt right at home. Their beach house is gorgeous, and we were the first visitors to see recent renovations. With new full length patio doors opening onto new decking, let's hope the weather improves so we can fully appreciate them.
We were treated to home cooking, fresh fish, salad from the garden with new potatoes, cheese and wine. The evening just flew by and I believe we all went to bed well past New Zealand bedtime (i.e. 9.30pm).