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Day 140- We managed a good nights sleep and rose early to make sure we would make it to Wellington in time to drop the car of at 3.30pm. One thing we really wanted to do which time wouldn't permit was a canoe trip down the Wanganui River. It is a huge river which stretches for miles down the centre of the North Island with the mouth at Wanganui town. However it takes around 3-5 days and we didn't have time but we heard about the Wanganui River Road which is a road that runs alongside the river meaning we can still take in the scenery and towns along the same route but it would only take 2 hours and we would stay dry! So after half an hour we were on the river road and our first town was Pipiriki. This was the biggest town on the road and had about 6 houses and a canoe station. We drove on through and before long the road was no longer sealed so we were driving on gravel. We knew this was the case but we had no idea how long for. After about 35 mins of driving at 15mph we passed several houses and finally came to a place called Jerusalem. This is essentially just a convent and a church that was set up in the late 1800's by a missionary who sailed up the river from Wanganui. To this day its still active and it was like an oasis. It was so tranquil and peaceful we could have sat there all day but time was slipping by so we tumbled down the gravel road for a further 25 mins. We passed several more tiny villages-if you can call them that, before we arrived into Wanganui. This was a beautiful town where we stopped for a quick bite to eat. We drove through the centre and pulled up outside a cafe where Eve ordered a pulled pork and caramelised onion bagel and I opted for roast lamb and feta. They were amazing and went down nicely with two lattes and finished of with the most sensational caramel toffee walnut cake. We now had 2 hours exactly to get to Wellington on time and Mr Google estimates 2 and half so we had some catching up to do. We drove through endless towns and villages and with 45 mins left the speed limit was reduced to 40 mph as the towns got bigger and traffic became more congested. We Managed to make it to Wellington with 5 mins to spare however we still had to find the depot and also fill the car up with petrol. By the time we handed the keys over we were 30 mins late but they were fine with it and overall were really happy with the rental company. As we pulled our bags out the boot I seen my family turn the corner and they raced over. It was great to see them again and we couldn't wait to just chill out in one place for the first time in 5 months. The house we were staying at was great, it was right next door to Ian and Carries and the views were stunning. Eve's parent and nana had sent her over some xmas presents and my parents had brought some for me too and we also had a whole load of new clothes and toiletries. We sat and talked on the balcony with a couple of drinks, overlooking Wellington and discussing our travels. We got changed and Ian and Carrie came over to take us out. We went to a pub and had a few drinks and chatted for ages then moved round the corner to a Chinese restaurant. not only was there the 7 of us but some of Ian and Carries friends too, so we put two big tables together and ordered lots of food to share. We had dumplings, ribs, black bean beef, chicken and vegetable rice, boiled vegetables etc. and safe to say the two of us stuffed ourselves. We had a great day and even better night and retired to our bedroom- YES BEDROOM!
- comments
mam fantastic... cant wait for the next blog ...
Trudi Slee Was out with your Mummy last night Eve, iv read your blog a few times AMAZING take care you two Trudi x