Saturday 11th December

We know we had a number of cafes to cover in our time here so it was up early for Mika and I to survey the land and the Three Bean Cafe for a takeaway coffee. I was hoping it would be terrible so as to free up the day but it was not to be. Donna was the perfect host from behind the counter and I knew that this was a place the locals would return to for the interchange and that we would have to also. But not yet...back to get the rest of the crew and we headed for Mrs Clarkes in Riverton.
Set on the main st of Riverton in what has been a bakery for a long time. When Cazan and Pat found the place 3yrs ago it was empty. they have worked 7days a week almost constantly since then to turn it into the gem it is today. The baking is to die for and Cazan is obviously well loved in the community. She is a talker...and seems to be a woman of integrity and community too. I never even laid eyes on Pat but believe he was in the kitchen creating the fabulous fare. These two personify hard work and how it can create fantastic. This place is quality, atmosphere and personality and we heartily enjoyed our time. More of those fantastic southland people!
Back to the Motel to download photos as we had run out of space. I think it was due to the christmas decorated homes and scenery. Anyhow before we continued we needed some recharging.
Donna and Gareth are from opposite ends of the country. She hails from Auckland and he comes from a line of fishermen on Stewart Island. They both ended up there for many years and then decided to create a bit of fabulous in Invercargill. Neither had experience in cafes but the four girls who came with the cafe gently introduced them to the business and have stayed on. Gareth started doing dishes in his gumbies and has graduated to chief in charge of the espresso machine and he does a great job. Again the food was great and the heart of the owners shined through. Sent on our way with the days leftovers, Donna off to organise the staff xmas do and our kids desperate for a swim we went to splash palace. We had alot of fun and then home for a roast. At the Monarch Motel you get a real oven in your unit not just hotplates and it was a treat.