Wednesday 1st December - Day 15

Again a short blog today. We don't have easy access to the net. It was a big day today. The biggest yet as far as travelling goes. We went from Motueka to Greymouth. After packing up early and assigning seats we drove through the very pretty Motueka Valley, back through Murchison and down the coast. We had intended to stop at the Charleston pub for lunch and discovered it was long closed and on the market. So we made ourselves comfy in the carpark to have a picnic. A very nice man from the local rafting company pointed us down to the beach where we found loos, picnic tables and a great walk to clear out the car cobwebs. The boys went right around the point and the waves were big, great fun.
After that we went on with a little trepidation to Greymouth. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate to be there doing cafes on the eve of the memorial for the lost miners. We ended up at DP one cafe and were welcomed by Sarah who runs the place for her mum Alison. On walking in I wondered what we had struck until I got past the counter and into a very funky and relaxed area of couches, old radios and much to the kids amazement an old fridge with completely iced up freezer box. they hadn't seen one of those before. The coffee was great and the relaxed intention is definitley fulfilled. Kids made a friend and ended up playing ball on the footpath and we had a fantastic coffee. This place is not slick and I say that as a compliment. Carvings are for sale at the counter and artwork around the walls. The cafe does not charge commision for sales, they are just promoting local artists who are more than likely friends who are now family. It has that kind of vibe where if you are included you are family.
After a chat and doing the photos we decided it was time to check out the B&B where we were staying. The New River Bluegum B&B run by Sharon and her husband whose name escapes me in the moment. harry is their 5yr old and he is a part of the working team.
The place is gorgeous and we were very well looked after. It was a shame we missed the outdoor bath being finished but if you go there it will be. Mika and Ruby played tennis and then they all went for a walk to the river and to see the horses while I read a book for the first time out. I woke up to their return thinking it was morning, whoops.
A lovely nights sleep and fantastic cooked brekky delivered the next day topped off our time here and now all are into the B&B concept wondering when we will get to the next one.