Castlepoint Lighthouse and some drivers do get it wrong.

 9th November

It didn't rain last night, we had no wind, were those jeans and jumper drip free? Nop, unfortunately not. How was I supposed to get them dry? By 8 am the sun appeared. Answer was to drape them over chairs and hope for the best. We waited until 10 am (departure time) before stowing them away on a very handy clothes rack inside the Toy. Finally drip free I now had high hopes of them drying, quite when though that was the question. At least before reaching our destination for tonight anyway.

 

First job was to visit the dump station on site then off to the site office to report the problem with the machine. It has happened before and $6 given back to us. Thank you. Next into Masterton for a bottle shop. Ian has discovered Speights Old Dark Ale, he really rates it and the box of 12 bottles bought 4 days ago has now gone. We also nipped into Countdown for loo rolls. Why do all the shops sell them in 6 or 12! We only want a pack of 4! It's the storage problem. Oh, well no doubt we will find somewhere.

Next was to get rid of the rubbish. You wouldn't believe that this was the hardest task so far. None at the NZMCA and no bins found anywhere on the streets! Went round in circles to find a bin and in the end decided in going to the information kiosk to ask the question. You wouldn't credit it but right by the I centre was Queen Elizabeth park and in the park, recycling. Not only that but super efficient talking toilets! A voice welcomes you in, mentions 10 minutes to do the biz, locks the door and plays soothing music. Soap, water and dryer in one easy application and the door opens on a push of the button. Not a penny to be paid. Quite what would happen if you were still in the loo after 10 minutes...well it doesn't bare thinking about!

This afternoon we made Castlepoint Another lovely part on this coastline.

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A huge expanse of sandy beach firm enough for cars to drive on. But get it wrong....

 

 Parking for the night is permitted and with toilets nearby, a bonus. Unfortunately not long after arrival when the rain came. Blast the walk to Castlepoint Lighthouse will have to wait.... 

Before the rain and...

After the rain

 A long time later it stopped, so before it could get going again it was waterproofs on and a trek up to the viewing point.

Fascinating that all the rocks would once have been under the sea. Plenty of shells to show for it.

We are getting a dab hand at cooking on one burner. Rice went on first, brought to the boil, lid left on and put to one side. Then with my instructions Ian cooked the Thai Green Curry, the paste was supplied by Marilyn, although I was made to make it!!! See previous post

Turned out brilliantly and for tomorrow's gourmet delight... Chicken Kebabs in BBQ sauce 😁 

 A walk to Deliverance Cove tomorrow. It's not far from here, another 90-minute walk along the cliff and return along the beach.

And seals seen at the lighthouse rocks