Cliff was pleased to find 23mm of rain had fallen overnight. Even though this morning the rain had stopped, it was cloudy and humid with no sun.
Before I'd even got out of bed (around 9.00 am) Raewyn had chocolate chip cookies and cheese scones in the oven.
Breakfast for Raewyn and I was home made muesli with yoghurt and local fruit, whilst Henry and Cliff had two fresh out of the oven cheese scones with reheated Beef Bourguignonne. All we needed was Pavlova and a true Cressey breakfast would have been consumed.
Oh dear, I only have one pair of trousers with me and I really can't afford to outgrow them!
Late morning, Henry and Raewyn set up stall on the computer, backing up data and filing etc. Cliff offered to take me round the farm in the ute. The farm is very hilly, with some hills at least 45 degrees. Cliff thought it fun to drive up one such hill to "stop me talking", well, it worked, but only while we were driving on the hill.
We left at 1.30pm, their weekly staff meeting was due to start, plus it was the staff Christmas nightout that day. Raewyn gave me a beautiful green pounami stone necklace along with Maori blessing, she did say that the necklace had never felt comfortable so she was happy to give it away. Lucky me, I was very touched. We were also given chocolate chip cookies and Christmas goodies for Mark and Julie.
Before we left Raewyn rang the Tongariro Crossing to find that due to weather conditions the Crossing was closed tomorrow and until further notice. This was very disappointing as we had carted our walking boots from the UK especially to do this walk!?
As we left Cliff and Raewyn we contemplated a local visit to the Kiwi House but were put off partly by the rain and primarily the price, $20 each. Oh well we may see these shy creatures some other time.
On arrival at Rotorua the first thing that hits you is the smell of rotten eggs (sulpher). Through the iSite we booked into a local hotel and made use of the facilities. Tea was Raewyn's pack up.
It was still raining so we decided to watch rubbish TV and I started to read a new book on the kindle called 'Help'.
I needed no help falling asleep.