Three Sisters and a wall of Jandals!

Monday 13th,

Rain, lots of it! The first significant downpour we have had since arriving on the North Island. Now there's an opportunity not to be missed, all that dust accumulated on the bodywork from that gravel road on the Forgotten Highway could be washed off. Marilyn and David were very quick to supply Ian with mop and hose to watch this mad man washing the van in the pouring rain! So on went the waterproof jacket and armed with said hose and mop, stepped out into the rain and proceeded to give the vehicle a good scrubbing. It was as he stepped back inside the motorhome that the discovery was made, the jacket was no longer waterproof and everything was wet through, even down to the undies!

We were parked on a powered site at Waitara Holiday Park, a site run by Marilyns sister Dee, and one of the perks of having the site in the family, check out time could be delayed. Glad of it because the rain was relentless and we hoped that a delay on leaving would mean a fairweather arrival at the next stop at Tongaporutu. It was not to be even though we didn't set off until nearly mid-morning.

Tongaporutu

To wet to explore so nothing for it but drink, be merry and play Five Crowns. Yep, we have been introduced to this card came and boy did the competitive streak come out!

Finally dry enough to get out and have a look at the place.

The change in the weather the next day, well this photo said it all.

Off for the long-awaited walk to be shown where Marilyn spent many a happy hour of her childhood.
 

What a great way to display washed up Jandals (flip flops to you and me)

The blue of the river was stunning.

Time for a paddle

Back at camp and it was a waiting game for the tide to recede as the only way to see the Three Sisters, (one has completely disappeared so now only the two of the 25-metre rock formations are standing) was to cross an expanse of black sand at low tide, walk alongside the river and around the point. Marilyn rallied the troops (several other motorhomers joined the walk) as a window of two hours was all we had so not a place to linger for too long. The place was amazing but tides wait for no man so had to be quick and limit myself to a mere 532 photos!!! Fret not, only a few went on here.

Marilyn in front

The erosion is happening on an alarming scale

What is going on here???

Looking sheepish, are we????

David and Ian

What a place to finally get a phone signal!

Blimey was this dog about to attack Ian? Nop just trying to find a safe route out of the cave.

T'was now late afternoon and by the time we had arrived at the motorhomes several of the other 'troops' had already made it back. A small gathering at one of the vans prompted Marilyn to invite all of us to gatecrash the party!  So armed with drink, chairs and lots of cheek wondered over to the circle. This turned out to be one of the best nights we have had. More people came to join the party (many invited by Marilyn) and to say this became a rowdy affair was the understatement of the evening. No bad heads in the morning (the motorhomers are a hardy bunch) and another gatecrash at breakfast by some of the 'troops' at Davids and Marilyns. A photo was needed and it came down to me to do the honours.

The time had come to head away for pastures new and with Marilyn taking the lead headed off for New Plymouth. A quick stop for tea at Marilyn's friend Judy (wow her place was amazing) and another very quick stop back at Dee's for showers use of the facilities and it was off to do Chaddy's charters in a Bridlington C class lifeboat. Just Ian and me as this had been done numerous times by David and Marilyn. We even got to be launched down a ramp, great fun especially as the sea had quite a swell to it. The rougher the better for us but it did take some doing trying to get photos of the seals. A very enjoyable hour was spent.

You would never tire of that view

On route to Hawera for the next stopover, Marilyn took us to  Paritutu Centennial park. another place to admire the views

The planned night's stop was full, a lovely place overlooking the beach but boy was it windy so very glad to leave for a more sheltered place. David found one at the car park of South Taranaki club. So it was decided to go in for a meal but as it was members and guest only, David collared Trevor a veteran of the club (now a life member) who obligingly signed us in. The meal was good and plentiful (especially David who ordered the Lamb shank and "Make it a large one." I think he may have regretted the portion size! Then back to the motorhome to be introduced to yet another card came, Up and Down the River. Most confusing game but great fun nevertheless.

Wildlife for today,

Bloody Cicada landed on my foot!