Woke up this morning by the Whanganui river. I am forming an attachment to this awa and wonder if somehow we are connected from days gone by. The Motel unit at the whanganui top ten was fabulous. Lots of room for all and Andre and his staff were very helpful and friendly. No charge for the pegs here just make sure you bring them back. The ducks made quick friends hoping for a feed I'm guessing but we didn't oblige. Ruby told me not to walk on the grass in bare feet cause it was slimy. I'm thinking duck doo. The whole park is clean and very kid friendly. In fact I really like the city too. This is a place I would like to spend some more time. Unfortunatly we have people to see and cafes to visit and will have to move on.
After a Ruby swim, boys in the games room and packing parents we were on the road again. Before leaving the area we headed up to Brent and Claire on the Spirit of the River Jet boats. Ethan and Ruby had not been on a jet boat before and so were pretty keen and Mika who had been was even Keener to get on the water. Claire and I had spoken a number of times on the phone and a hug seemed appropriate on arrival. We got on the boat with a few other guests and it was up the river to the Flying Fox. the river was yet again beautiful with low flying ducks, wild goats and stunning scenery the whole way.
We got to the flying fox and walked up to be met by Corrine and John. John and his wife Annette are the creators of this magnificant place and kaitiaki of the original Pa site. Annette is now very taken up with being the Mayor of Whananui (thank you god for the moving on of Michael) so John is the man on site at The Flying Fox. This cafe wins the award for being the most difficult to access. You can get there by flying fox or by boat, otherwise you just miss out. We had beatiful lemon drink on arrival and coffee and muffins. John showed us around the accomodation and gardens and Corinne and I worked out that we were related through the Tuahiwi Marae.
The longdrop with a view was a highlight for all and Matthew and I are trying to work out how we can return and stay for a week to complete the book in peace. All those who may be available to look after kids watch out. It seems that the place became known as much for the food that Annette creates as the sublime location and hospitality. Now she is otherwise occupied the food is still good but those who are staying tend to self cater. You'll get your coffee and muffin but not so much the main meal. Again I am after a recipe and hoping for the famous Kumara bread. We shall see. Onwards an upward. After saying our goodbyes to Brent and Claire ( gotta do the trip if you are in the area it's amazing) we went on to the best playground I have ever come across in NZ. Kowhai park.
Off to Wellington on a long journey where I drove and all else snored. Past a fire on the road, we just got through before they stopped traffic, (thank you universe) . On arrival we dropped Ethan off at the Beehive to his mum and then on to my sisters place, exhausted and keen to go on the ferry to the mainland tomorrow.
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