From L & P to Pavlova …

We arrived in Whangamata for the evening and had booked the room on line.    I always worry it won’t be as nice as it looks in the internet pictures.   It was really nice.   We took  a walk in the neighborhood saw a native bird (Pukeku) and Mum’s corner store.    On Monday morning we went to the beach, watched the surfers and touched our toes in the luke warm water. Nice.   We stopped at a bakery for a apple turnover, éclair, and custard pie. OKWe found the statue of the soda we have enjoyed this trip and had to have a photo opp.  I love this picture of Verne and Lynette and Sheryl.    38 years after their Australian missions.  WOW    We got back in the car and headed to Hamilton,NZ but I noticed that Verne and Rick’s shirts matched and . . . another photo opp!!! When we got to Hamilton Tony and Lynette showed us their beautiful Park with gardens from all over the world.  U.S Italy, Maori, English, Japan, China (loved the bamboo) This park and gardens are the most beautiful I have ever seen. In hamilton we took a picture of the statues in the entrance these signify the important things in life.   Lynette made us a wonderful home cooked dinner (we hadn’t had for a while) and topped off the meal with “Pavlova”   It really brought back memories of Verne’s mission.   I will have to make some for you when we get home.    After breakfast, (Verne’ eating Pavlova) we will be heading to windy Wellington,NZ this is the most southern city of the North Island.  Long trip about 7 hours.   

Easter morning in Auckland

We left Sheryl’s house this morning.   We found this yummy drink “L & P” it’s kind of like a ginger ale and we like to drink it with our meals.   As we headed to Cormandal penicala and the hot water beach.   We had lots of beautiful views and cow and sheep were in great numbers.   Laurie read on the map that there was a gold mine on our way and when we found it, it was closed.   Back in the car and down the road.   Tony drove again, but I think he likes it that way.  

In Coromandale Verne caught sight of this tiny car and this tiny sink.   It was a tiny bit interesting.    The day was just beautiful and everywhere we  went the people told us how lucky we were to have such great weather we are enjoying.   New Zealand has had the wettest Summer ever and now that it is their Fall the weather is sunny and about 60 –65 degrees.   When we got to the hot water beach the tide was coming in so we looked around a bit then drove down the road to a beach and hiked a couple of miles to some beautiful rock formations.     We came to our motel  about 6:30 p.m. and had dinner in a cafeteria type restaurant right across the street.    Long driving day!