8th January - Bye Wellington

Photos for Emma and Ellen were our first priority this morning. Matthew sorted those and then continued with the never ending search for accommodation while I went to pick up Ruby. Firm friends have been made and many tears were shed on departure.
After a false start heading for Kapati instead of Masterton we were on our way....again. To be together after a three day break from each other was an adjustment and one we were all pleased to make.
Greytown turned out to be what I had expected from Martinborough. Cool boutique shops and an abundance of great cafes. We ended up doing the Main St Cafe and Deli. The food was fabulous and I especialy enjoyed the Deli. Lynne has a successsful history in food and her passion for Bali is catchy. The gelato they sell out the front was a highlight for Ruby. We did have trouble choosing here as there is a French Bakery/cafe across the road, a treat for the eyes tea rooms down the road and Cukoo (sp) that on reflection I would have loved to have visited. We need longer to really cover the country, another journey? I have to say though that maybe you don't want to buy clothes here unless the pockets are very full. I took a quick look at a skirt that was on sale, I repeat on sale for $495.00. Pass.
Keeping on the road we were making our way to our cottage for the night which according to the owner Heather was 'in the middle of nowhere'. Through Waipawa and to Patangata which consists of a Tavern and we were almost there. We arrived to find that Heather works for a major cafe supplier and she had the inside knowledge. The cottage was cute, clean and a pleasant surprise as the cost was relatively low. Heather kindly wrote us a list of must sees and left us to it. Nice. We were hot as it was the 33 degree day and so we went down the road to the beach and had a swim. Ruby first, then Matthew and I was shamed into joining them as I had been raving about a swim only to find the water very cold. It was just what we all needed.
Back to the cottage having realised we may not have enough petrol to get out of the middle of nowhere if we weren't careful.
A hot hot night. We took our mattress out on to the verandah and stayed awake as long as we could so I could for the first time see a shooting star. Didn't happen but it was a magical sky none the less.