Feb 11 - Feb 13

Feb 11^th

The days go so quickly. Each night finds me tired and ready to read for a few minutes and go to sleep. So, once again, I’m a few days behind. I’m enjoying the blogging when I feel I have the time to write. However, this won’t be posted until I can somehow get to a wireless set up. (TODAY, FEB 18TH IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD A WIRELESS CONNECTION.)

Tonight, the 13^th, we’re at an Energy Art’s friend of Art’s, who he met at a Tui Na workshop in Vancouver many years ago. Art emailed Stephen to reconnect, and we were invited to stay with him for a few days when we got to the Christchurch area. So, we’re back on the East Coast of  South Island after spending a couple of nights on the West Coast – I’ll be telling you about that next.

The morning of the 11^th found us in Motueka. We left Gail and Doug’s early so we could make the Abel Tasman cruise out of Karteriteri. It was really overcast and had rained heavily during the night. I dressed in jeans to keep warm, but once on board, sitting on the top deck, I went below to change into the shorts I’d brought with us, as the sun had come out and it was getting warm. Once back up top, the sun went behind a cloud and it got cool again. I didn’t change, but as it got cooler and windier, I went below into the area with tables and chairs. It was nice to be warm, out of the rain, and still be able to see out the large viewing windows. We traveled up the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park to the last stop and then turned around to head back to our starting point. At one island, we were able to see seals and their pups; it was wonderful. We got off the ship at Bark Bay, about half way back, to have a picnic lunch and then an hour’s walk to some water falls. We had about 2 ½ hours ashore, before the ship returned to pick us and some others up. It continued to be overcast but didn’t rain while we were ashore, which was perfect. The trip was a 6 ½ hour cruise. Glad we went.

Art decided he wanted to drive and see how far we could get, heading for the west coast in order to head south. We stopped in Murchinson for dinner, about an hour and a half drive, and I highly recommend the Rivers Café. They were really helpful with all my don’ts. I had delicious chicken and shrimp kabobs with a great salad for dinner and Art had fabulous pork chops; he said it was his best meal in NZ. It’s a neat place with great food and good service. A nice stopping place on the way, although I believe that it’s good skiing in season, and good kayaking and many trails if that’s what you want to do. The “tramping” around NZ is incredible – that’s what many people come for! We continued on to Westport, another 2 hours. It was close to 10pm when we got there and we stayed at a BBH, backpackers hostel. Many of them had shared baths, but it’s not bad. The rooms are usually very nice, and there’s a kitchen everyone uses; so, storing my food in a refrigerator is easy.

The 12^th

High Tide at Pancake Rocks was at 10:57am, so we were off early again, on our way to Punakaiki. The rocks are incredible, but the blowholes were disappointing, as it was really calm out and sunny, so the water didn’t forcefully hit the rocks. We decided that it was really the rocks we had gone to see anyway, as we’ve seen other blowholes, but there’s nothing like the Pancake Rocks anywhere else. It was a beautiful walk that they’ve set up to follow around the various areas showing the rocks.

After that, we went looking for a place for lunch. Around Punakaiki, there was nothing that would work for me, so we continued south to Greymouth to eat at 124 Café, which was lovely. I had a really nice salad with sun-dried tomatoes and olives, leaving the cheese off, and Art had the scallops wrapped in bacon salad. Both of us were happy campers. From there, we were looking for a jade pendant for me. It was recommended that we go to Hokitika, as the Maori are the ones who generally cut jade and they have several stores there. So, off to Hokitika. I guess it’s a good thing that we don’t have a set itinerary, otherwise, we’d have to keep changing our reservations. This was the first time we’d had a problem booking a place to stay, but we did find a place. We even had some time to check out a few of the jade stores before everything closed for the day. They all opened around 9am, so we knew we’d have time to have another look/see. I found a few pieces I liked, but nothing really hit me that night. Dinner was lovely at the Café de Paris, where Art had a rack of lamb and I had the vegetarian dinner of roasted eggplant stuffed with other roasted veggies over rice. I didn’t have the cheese it originally was served with, but I did have a bit of the Bernaise sauce on the side into which I dipped my fork from time to time. It was a lovely dish that I’ll be able to tweak at home.

The 13^th

There was suppose to be a Saturday market near the iSite (information center). When we got there, only one person had set up and another was starting to; the second one had some non-pesticide vegetables, so I was able to buy some peppers and cucumbers but that was all. It was really raw out with some rain, so we could understand why they were late starting or may not have shown up at all. Next, we were off jade shopping. After several stores, we went back to a place we’d been to the day before, and I found something that really resonated with me. A simple but beautifully made piece. I’m really happy with it. It’s a combination of the fishing hook (prosperity and good health, as well as other things) and the Koru       (a spiral and new beginning) . We stopped for brunch, as we hadn’t eaten breakfast; then, we left for the east coast, after deciding that we weren’t going to visit either glacier on the west coast, as neither of us were up to a half day tour only to see dirty ice, and we were not interested in a full day tour, good energy management. We’re looking into doing a tour of the Terminal Face of the Tasman Glacier near Mt Cook. I’m calling about it tomorrow, so we may see a glacier after all, or not. Either works, as there’s still so much we want to do and it’s feeling like six weeks isn’t enough time to do it all.

On our way across, we continued to see lots of cows and sheep of all color combinations. There was one herd that we knew were related. I couldn’t believe their gene pool. All of the cows were black in front and back with white bands reaching all around each from the back haunch all the way to the front legs; when I first saw them, I thought they were wearing blankets, but they weren’t. There was even a calf with the same markings. Unreal. However, there was one cow that had a big black drop from the top of her back ¾ of the way to her stomach – I hope she wasn’t ostracized by the others.

As we continued across the country, we went thought Arthur’s Pass. Around there, there were two waterfalls we had wanted to see. Going towards Arthur's Pass, we passed about a half dozen really beautiful waterfalls, which we stopped to photograph. However, after leaving Arthur’s Pass, we realized that we’d missed the turnoff to the two waterfalls we had planned on going to. Still not sure how that happened other than poor signage, which seems to be the norm in NZ. Again, it was really perfect, as it was pouring and I really didn’t want to walk for an hour in the rain in order to see those falls. Of course, it had been raining when we stopped to photograph the falls along the road, but we didn’t have to hike in order to see them.

At one stop along the road, we saw mountain parrots, which apparently are only found here in NZ. They were beautiful and we have photos. We really do. I’ll prove it one of these days. Art has downloaded over 400 photos to his computer, so I’m still waiting to get a few to mine so I can upload them for you to see. The parrots will be among them. Their feather colors were wonderful, and when they spread their wings, you could see the orange under them, they were incredible. Really unusual. The birds aren’t afraid of humans, and I understand that they will destroy your car tires given half a chance. So don't park where there are mountain parrots.

We arrived at Stephen’s home about 10 minutes before he had to leave for his night shift as a policeman. Unfortunately, he will be on in the afternoons until 11pm every day while we’re here, so we’ll only connect in the mornings to early afternoon. Some time is better than none. Stephen is also a healer, so he and Art will have lots to talk about. I’m looking forward to getting to know him too.

Unbelievable that this has taken over an hour and a half to write. I’m off to bed. Hopefully, I’ll find an internet café soon. Hope you are all well.

Tuesday & Wednesday , Feb 9th & 10th

The 9th

It was a glorious day! Long but wonderful.We took a bus tour of Farewell Spit, in a custom bus made especially for travel over lots of sand; it was very high off the ground with huge wheels and had large glass windows all around. Farewell Spit borders Golden Bay and has a lighthouse, all automated at this point, at its end.

Our first stop was at Fossil Point, but we couldn't see any fossils as the sands had buried them for the moment; we were told that the sands would soon blow away for a while and then be blown back to cover the fossils again. Near where the fossils were was a cave and inside was a seal, startled by us being there. He wanted out but wouldn't go with so many people around. We backed away, and still he lay there. Then, he raised his head, looked around, ignored us, and pounced forward twice and then slid. He lay there again for a short time, raised himself, pounced using  his flippers a couple of times, and slid to a stop. This continued until he reached the water. It was so great watching him.

Off to our next stop, although our guide, Bob, was talking the whole trip, stopping to show us the different water birds around, and giving us history and many a story about the area. It was really interesting. We had lunch at the Lighthouse and got to view the original lenses used.

The sands are always shifting and there are usually heavy duty winds to blow them around. We next went to a sand dune, which we all walked up, and then side walked down to an area where we could see a couple of heavy duty bolts and some wood, like the top rail of a ship, which it was. It had been grounded in the mid 1800s and slowly covered up by the sands. About 10 years ago, they put up a marker, which also got covered but reappeared last year. So, now they're waiting to see more of the ship.

Our last stop was at Cape Farewell, which we viewed from a beautiful spot across from its large rock arch. It was where Cpt Cook last viewed NZ before leaving. The tour took about seven hours and was very special.

It amazes me how much beauty there is all around us. We're driving a lot but it's all so different, even when there are constantly mountains, winding roads, trees, sheep, cows, and water. Ma Nature's compositions are like nothing imaginable. The play of light and dark with the sun light and shadows humble me.

We stayed the night at Shambala again and went to bed early. Nothing exciting about food.

The 10th

This was kind of a rest day, as we drove back from Onetaka to Motueka to stay with Gail and Doug for another night. It's about an hour and a hald drive which took most of the day. We had passed many carvers, jewelers, and potters and all had been closed before today. So, we took our time, stopped where we wanted to, and talked with artists of all kinds. It was great. Takaka is a town close to Shambala, and is quite the hippie place. Lots of people, mainly youngish, dressed like hippies with dreadlocks. There are several organic farms and a nice, but small organic market in town. Healthy eating places too. Very laid back. Lots of galleries. So, that's how we spent our day, looking at galleries in town and artists along the drive. We had lunch at the Dangerous Cafe, sharing a vegetarian burrito, gluten-free and dairy-free, no sugar in anything and it was delicious. Art had gluten-free chocolate cake for dessert. For dinner at Gail and Doug's, I made a salad, and I had hummus while Art had cheese and pate. Light but yummy and enough food to satisfy us.

Oh, while in Takaka, we had stopped one of the organic farms. They didn't have a lot for sale but they had a fruit called Nashi. Didn't have a clue as to what it was, so they let us try one - turned out they are Asian pears but they were a slightly different variety than I'm familiar with so I hadn't recognized it. A couple of people drove up and they had just picked a lot of Nashi from a deserted grove. We traded a bar of chocolate for about a dozen nashi; both groups were pleased with the barter.

More later. Too tired to write about today. Will tomorrow or the next day.

Finally time

 This is the first night we’ve been in NZ when we aren’t at anyone’s home. We’re staying at Shambhala, a backpacker’s hostel. It’s lovely; we have a king size bed with an ocean view, or rather a bay view as it’s Golden Bay we’re looking at, in the NW of South Island, past Abel Tasman National Park. The roads here were windy with 180 degree turns in some parts, just the type of roads Art loves to drive. The countryside is green, hilly, lots of sheep and cattle, and we even saw deer today. There is a big common room and kitchen where you can cook, and there are about 6-8 people around talking. I’m determined to do some writing.

On Feb 2, before traveling to Lower Hutt, where we stayed with a lovely couple, just north of Wellington, we went to downtown Stratford, just after 10am, to see the Glockenspiel chime and to see the Romeo & Juliet performance, where windows/doors opened up and the figures appeared and spoke Shakespeare's line. You’ll see photos eventually.

They have a lovely house with the three separate parts to their only bathroom. Michael does the cooking, as Pauline is still working. Their English type garden in the front is beautiful and nothing seems to be far away from their home. We seem to be going to a market or store almost daily for one thing or another. Today, we went shopping for towels, a measuring spoon, and a folding canvas chair. We’re going on a day-long (6 ½ hours) trip to Farewell Spit tomorrow, and I think we’ll need towels – lots of sand dunes and I think seals.

Our first night with Pauline and Michael, we had a delicious dinner of fish in a tomato–caper sauce, which Pauline cooked since she isn’t working yet due to the school schedule, with fresh veggies and a nice salad. I got the recipe and I can’t wait to make it at home.  For the second night with Servas hosts, I usually cook. However, they insisted on cooking for us again, although I worked with Michael in the kitchen. He cooked a chicken stir-fry and I made the quinoa side dish and salad.

On the 3^rd, while in Lower Hutt, we didn’t go into Wellington, as we’ll spend some time there on our return. We took it very easy on our first morning with Pauline and Michael, not leaving their place until just after noon. During our day out, other than the organic market, we explored Lower Hutt & Petone, across the sound from Picton on the South Island. There is a wonderful museum showing the items and the history of the first settlers to the area.

Feb 4^th saw us up around 5am, in order to make the 8am ferry across Queen Charlotte Sound to South Island. We had to be there by 7am to get our tickets. The trip across was 3 ½ hours – did I already write this. I’ll try to read what I’ve written before publishing this. In Picton, we had a picnic lunch after having gone to the Edwin Fox Museum, showing a preserved teak ship from the 1700s, which had gone though many changes, from being in a war, transporting settlers, to being used for refrigeration. It was really interesting to see the way it was constructed. Our picnic lunch was cheese and crackers for Art and some veggies and humus for me, as it was getting late and we didn’t want to spend more time eating at a restaurant.

We stayed the next three nights with Cynthia and Graham Brooks in Renwick. They are the “folks” of Allison Lee, a very close friend of our son, Brian’s. Twenty years ago, Allison was an exchange student from Jamaica and lived with Cynthia & Graham for a year. When she found out that we were going to visit NZ, she offered to get in touch with them. She did, then we did, and our visit was arranged. We had such a good time with them; they are lovely, warm, and now newly extended family. Our first dinner with them was a delicious roasted lamb, roasted kumara (sweet potatoes), and steamed vegetables from their garden, with a side salad, also all from their garden. I ate lamb, which I haven’t had for about 2 years. She made me my own mint sauce with stevia. It’s so easy and I had no idea that it was:

Big bunch of fresh mint

Boiled water

Apple cider vinegar

Stevia

Chop the mint and put it in a bowl. Pour boiling water over it to release the essences. Add apple cider vinegar and stevia to taste. Let it sit for about ½ hour and serve. Yummy.

On the 5^th, we went to the Omaka Aviation Museum, because Graham said we shouldn’t miss it. I wasn’t enthusiastic but Art goes to bead stores with me, so…  It was great! I especially liked the display of the various uniforms, metals, and memorabilia from WWI. The plane displays were imaginative and really well done. Glad we went.

Then, we went into Blenheim for lunch and to shop for organic produce. Home to the Brooks. Their home is so special. Again, only one bathroom, which was all in one room. She is into quilting and does beautiful work, as well as being a writer, professionally, and also has a greeting card line which she sells locally. They grow most of their own greens, and have an orchard of many different fruits, as well as chickens for their own eggs. Graham is also a writer, creates stained glass pieces, and various other things. Very self-sufficient. Their home is well lived in with many wonderful spaces. I especially loved to do my chi gung in their sun room looking out at the many wild flowers. It’s the room where they have their breakfasts and afternoon tea. For dinner, Cynthia made a delicious salmon in tin foil packets. The night before she had roasted beets, which we also ate for dinner, but I asked if she ever cooked the beet greens. She hadn’t, as she usually gave the greens to the chickens, who loved them. So, for dinner on the sixth, I cooked beet greens and made the salad.

The 6^th was busy. We started out at the Quilting Barn. I bought some fabrics that were made here in NZ. I plan on using one for my February bead journal entry. We went to three different vineyards, as this area is noted for their wonderful wines. One of winery owners has a son who started a brewery, Moa beer, so we went there too. Cynthia was suppose to join us but a friend of theirs was very ill and she needed to help out there. When we left, he was doing better, so we have our fingers crossed that all will be well. I cooked dinner that night. I made my lemon chicken, roasted veggies from both their garden and from the market, which included kumara and regular potatoes. Cynthia made the salad. All was great, especially the company.

On the Sunday the 7^th, we attended the morning Sunday Farmer’s Market in Blenheim, before taking off on our next leg. On the road to Nelson, I saw a hillside with an image that I drew – that of almost a hand with the hand as a light green, surrounded by dark green. the contrasts of the two greens inspired me and I may use that image in my Feb bead journal piece. We next stopped at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and walked to the beach, which was lovely. Then, we walked across the bridge and down a scenic bush to a suspended bridge. I found rocks I plan on using on my embroidery. Obviously, I’m collecting pieces to pull it all together. I can’t wait to work on it. While driving, as yellowish butterfly flew in my window and out Art’s. We laughed so hard. The night was spent with ATC members, Gail and Doug, in  Motueka. Dinner is not expected to be shared with ATC people, but they invited us for a pizza dinner. I made a delicious salad for my dinner, and Art loved Gail’s home made pizza. They’re lovely people and we enjoyed our evening with them. We’re going back to stay with them for another night after our Farewell Spit trip in golden Bay.

Today’s the 8^th. We went into Motueka to book the Abel Tasman trip for Thursday. While there, we did laundry at the Bubbles Laudrette – do you love the name? I do. While the laundry was in the washing machine, we walked around the town, following the Art in Public Places brochure. We saw most of them, but didn’t find all of them. I love the concept of artists making the benches and trash enclosures, as well as other sculptures. We had a lovely lunch at the café next to the museum. I had Kumara rosti with wilted spinach, beet salsa, and a salad. Art had vegetable fritters with poached eggs and roasted tomatoes. Both were very nice. Once the laundry was dry, Art went to fold it while I went to an internet café to check on email. Everything was fine and we were off to Shamhbala for the evening. Of course, we stopped several times along the way, once for about an hour for a supposedly 20 min turn around. It was at the Resurgence at Riwaka Valley River. It was a beautiful walk to see the crystal pool, where the water was so green, very deep, next to the dark blues of the rest of the river. Then, we climbed above the pool to look down into it. It’s a healing spot for the Maori. Great water energy! So, now I’m caught up, although I know there are lots of small wonderous incidents I have forgotten to include.

I didn’t mention it but we saw the Southern Cross for the first time while visiting with Cynthia and Graham. What a sky! This is the type of thing I’ve wanted to include throughout and am sure I’ve forgotten some. I’ll either remember or I won’t, and I hope to share them with you.

This journey has been miraculous and I know it will continue to be that way. I’m grateful every day to be able to be here enjoying all this beauty and time with Art.

Feb 1 ?

Diane left early for school, so, we took off  for Mt Taranaki or Mt Egmont, as it's called by both names. It was a bit rainy and very foggy,  so we couldn't see the top of the over 8000 ft. high mountain/volcano. The visitor's area was nice to see, but it was disappointing that we couldn't see the peak. We looked at the exhibits, and then, off to New Plymouth. The woman at the visitor's center had told us about a nice place for lunch at the harbour, so that's where we were headed. However, when we arrived, it was closed on Mondays, so.... We found another spot on the water and had a bite there, watching the boats sailing around. There was a fin in the water in the small anchorage, which looked like a shark's fin but it was stationery, so we asked. Turns out that it was a marker for the owner of the restaurant who did his own fishing. He could tell the depth of the water depending on how much of the fin showed. There were a couple of manta rays swimming near where we were eating. Beautiful to watch.

I'm going to skip a few days as I'm having too good of a time to spend a lot of it writing. Although, I am enjoying the writing, we're spending our evenings with people, so it makes it difficult to use to the computer, and we don't always have wifi, so we have to use their computers instead of ours.. So much has gone on, with sightseeing, experiencing new foods, and all the marketing we've been doing. I'll try to add things as I go along, but maybe I'll start again with the 4th, when we crossed from Wellington to Picton, on the 3 1/2 hr ferry ride.

I keep meaning to mention the toilets here. Most have two different buttons to push, one is a half flush and the other is the full flush. The half usually works well. But until I discovered what they were, I was pushing both buttons! Look at all the new experiences we're having.

I've thought about having my computer in the car and writing then, but if I did that, I'd miss the fabulous scenery we were passing, so that won't work. It's been incredible. A lot of the roads have been really winding, up and down mountains, overlooking the different bodies of water, such as the Tasman Sea. I hope we get to go sailing somewhere. Maybe once we get back to North Island.

Will write more later.

Sunday the 31st

We were off to visit a new beading buddy. I had found out that there were two BJP members, down in NZ, and had contacted them. Diane Lithgow wrote back and had invited us to stay with her in Stratford, in the area near New Plymouth. So, off we went with the intension of going to the Kiwi House in Otorohanga. However, it was pouring and although the kiwis are nocturnal birds and live inside a building, the rest of the park was outside and we didn't want to walk around in the rain.

So, we studied the map and decided to visit Kawhia, a small community on the coast. It was a nice drive, still raining when we got there, but not hard like it had been. We found a small place for lunch, Annie's, where I had a pan-fried fish and salad and Art had an abalone fritter with Kumara fries. We'd never had abalone before and it was delicious, as I took a bite. Kumara is like a sweet potato but not as sweet. Annie's was a place where you stood in line to give your order, they give you a stand with a number on it, and then the waiter brings your meal. While in line, we were talking with a couple who had been at a 50th birthday party in Kawhia. They told us about a Maori gathering where they were selling produce, so after lunch, we went exploring and went there. Because it had been raining, everything was moved inside. It was a small group but fun to visit with, and we purchased some beautiful tomatoes.

On our way out of town to continue our southernly passage, we stopped at a gallery called the Artsy Tarts. The paintings were nice but it was great meeting the three women who were there. One is a painting tutor (teacher), and she gave us lots of in put where to find fine crafts and jewelry collectives (another name for a co-op) in both the North and South Islands. They suggested we take the coast road down to Stratford, so that's what we decided to do.

Maude wasn't happy! We tried to program in the alternative route, but she wanted us to go back to the main highways and head south that way. She lost. We followed the coast as far as we could. It was through the mountains and a very beautiful drive. Well worth the longer drive. We saw birds we've never seen. One was all black except for its wings which were white but outlined in black. Very unusual.  I don't know why we left Maude on but we did, and she continued to try to get us to change our minds. No luck there.

We finally arrived at Diane's house, a lovely space. She's single and is a Principal's PA at the local high school. We had a great time with her. A bit after dinner, Art went to use his computer and Diane and I played with beads, also viewing all of her creations. She's more into embroidery but has lots of beads.

Another wonderful day spent in New Zealand.

The 29th & 30th

(I'm so far behind with my writing, as today is Feb 3. However, it's so much fun spending time with people, but it is cutting into my computer time. Oh well - priorities.)

Finally settled the phone situation. Now I feel secure again, having contact when we need it or want it. I find when I'm in the States and have left my cell at home, I feel vulnerable. I first got a cell years ago because my car had broken down; I was right near an exit so I went to the gas station there and phoned AAA, and then went back to my car, which had been broken into and things taken. Hence, the vulnerability. We've named our GPS Maude, who quite yells at us to turn around each time we discover a spot we want to stop at, and there have been many.

Before leaving the Auckland area and heading south to Pirongia, we went looking for a health food store with organic produce. Found one; it was small but had nice produce - we bought a salad mix, rocket (arugula), cucumbers, red peppers, and delicious juicy  cherry tomatoes. I also found a rice pasta brand I didn't know about, plus some brown rice crackers I could have.

Off to our next stop, which was just south of Hamilton, Hamilton Gardens. They're best known for the Paradise Garden Collection, which features six different style gardens:
Chinese Scholar's Garden
English Flower Garden
Japanese Garden of Contemplation
American Modernist Garden
Italian Renaissance Garden
Indian Char Bagh Garden

Hard to say which was my favorite, as I was typing and thinking that this one was my favorite, then I'd type the next name, and think that that one was my favorite. I think my favorites were a mix of the Japanese, Italian, and Indian. Art didn't care for the English garden as it was a confusion of flowers, but I like it. The house we're at right now, on the nights of the 2nd and 3rd, has a front garden similar to the large one we saw, and it's bright with all different flowers, overflowing with warmth and color.

We only had time to visit the Paradise Garden Collection, but there were other collections as well, such as the Productive, Cultivar, and Landscape Garden Collections. On to Pirongia and our first Servas hosts; this is an organization which was first formed after WWII and we've been members of since the early 90s. Jim and Jill Hammonds were warm with their welcome. They live in a 3 bedroom house with one bath, but the bath is divided into 3 rooms - the toilet, the sinks and bathtub, and the shower room. Apparently, this is quite common in NZ. They have a lot of land, about 13 acres, and grow some of their own food and have 12 cows for selling beef. She is with the school system and Jim is retired and a househusband and quite a good cook. It turns out that their American daughter-in-law went to Centre College in KY, and so did Art! I love the coincidences of life.

We had booked a tour of Waitomo Caves for 11:00am. There are several caves in the system and we booked with Spellbound Tours. It was a 3 1/2 hour tour, part of the time driving 1/2 hour in each direction to get there and back. There was a max of 12 people on each tour, so it wasn't not very large, which was exactly what had been recommended to us. There are closer caves, but each tour has a lot of people on it. We saw two caves, the first being with loads of Glowworms. It was incredible. Still waiting for Art to download some photos to include. Our tour included a rubber raft ride to view the glowworms in total darkness; actually, it's amazing how it becomes once your eyes adjust to the light they put out. After that cave, we had a stop and those who wanted hot chocolate, hot coffee, or hot tea had some with biscuits (cookies). I had brought a salad to eat at this point in the tour while they, including Art, had the cookies and drinks. We then walked about 5 minutes to another cave, where it was a walking tour. It was interesting, and not terribly enhanced, as were the caves we had seen during our AZ/NM trip.

Back near the tour office, there was a gift show and restaurant. The shop had wonderful crafts and I was tempted to buy a felted handbag. However, I decided I didn't really need one, so I passed, but they were wonderfully colorful. I like a bag which closes completely at the top, and these didn't. The artist was really creative, as she also made scarves, rings, small pouches, and eyeglass cases. I hope I see her work again.

On our way back to Jim and Jill's, we had decided to see the Kiwi House Park, but it was getting late and I was tired, so we skipped that with the idea of seeing it on our way further south the next day. The best laid plans......

I cooked dinner on the 30th, a delicious onion pasta, an herb butter with a bread Jim had baked that day, and a huge salad. The onion pasta is one of Art's favorites, and it's so easy; it will be in my cookbook, but here's the recipe now:

Onion Pasta
3 large onions
6 Tablespoons Olive oil
sea salt and pepper
1/ 2 cup organic vegetable broth
parsley
Rice pasta (or any type you like)
Parmesan cheese, optional

1. Thinly slice the onions and put them with the 6 T of olive oil into a deep fry pan. Turn the temperature to very low and cover the pan. Cook for 45 min., stirring once midway through.
2. Take off the cover and stir them well. Add a generous amount of salt, as the onions will be very sweet, and some pepper, Stir again. Turn up the temperature to med-high and let the onions turn golden.
3. Add the broth and keep the temperature up as the broth evaporates a bit. Add the parsley and turn off the heat.
4. While the onions are cooking, heat the water for cooking the pasta. The rice pasta usually takes a long time, so start to cook it when the onions are on the med-high heat.
5. Drain the pasta and add to the finished sauce.
6. Serve the parmesan cheese on the side if you desire it.
7. Serve and enjoy. If you're not gluten free, it's wonderful with a warm crusty bread and herb butter.

I'll write again soon.

Sightseeing on the 28th

We didn't spend much time in the Auckland area, as we're planning on doing so when we return towards the end of our trip.

After finally getting the car situation handled, phone still wasn't, it was early afternoon, so we headed for the west coast to Muriwai Beach to see the gannets. Gannets are sea birds which always return to these specific rocks to have their babies. Apparently, a male and female will mate and then always return to mate with the same one again; they separate for the winter and then return to the same nest. The eggs began hatching in November, but there were still lots of chicks, almost as large as the parents at this point, still fluffy with down, without feathers yet, there on three cliffs. We had great views as they've set up an area above two of the sites, one is more out to sea but still quite visible. The parents were flying around, some feeding their chicks, and others were showing the chicks how to use their wings. While a few of the chicks mimicked their parents with their wings; it was wonderful to see.

After we left there, we headed to the east coast area, north of Auckland, to Devonport. We were staying north of Auckland and both these stops were north of the main city. Devonport is a ferry ride away from downtown, but we drove; it's only about 15 minutes from where we were staying. It took an hour to get there from Muriwai Beach. We first went to Mt Victoria, the highest point there, with a 360 degree view of downtown, the harbour, and other islands. It was beautiful and windy, so cool. The harbour is huge. Unfortunately, there was a group of 4 men, early 20s who were sitting around near their car with the music very loud and it was rap, which sort of spoiled the tranquility of the summit. However, after a bit, I was able to block it out.

We want to go downtown, but took a wrong turn, so we ended up a bit outside of the center. How fortunate that was, as we passed a gallery and parked. It was closed, but that didn't matter, as there was a small jewelry store two stores down. It is owned by Roley McIntyre, the jeweler. Her work was lovely, but even better than that, I had to use the head. So, Art started talking with her, which was fortuitous, as she was a fount of information about out of the way places and things to see or do. We're hoping to connect up with her and her partner when we travel up to Northland at the top of North Island. They have a home there and will be there around the time we will. Her partner is a photographer and does beautiful work.

After we left them, we drove downtown and had a bite of dinner at a Malaysian Restaurant, where they accommodated my needs - delicious. Then, back to our hosts for more input on what to do. It was a really lovely stay with Meryl and Michael.