We brave the Pacific

 December 3rd

 Surprisingly neither of us woke with a sore head after that 'session' last night. A good night's sleep was had... after I might add, managing to get warm. Gosh, it was cold last night and sitting in that icy wind chilled me to the bone. Poor old Ian had to deal with an iceberg as I cuddled up to him! Even with the blue blanket it took an age for my feet to warm. Anyway, when I woke this morning to sunshine warming the Toy, it was time to throw off the covers because now I was too hot!

So it was decided that today would be a chill out day, The most exciting thing planned was a shop for more booze at New World. Then it was off to Waihi Beach, first to Anzac Bay lookout (Te Ho pā site) where we were amazed at how many boats were waiting to enter Tauranga Harbour. It's one of New Zealand's largest natural harbours and home to the country's biggest export port, the port of Tauranga. I took this video.

 

 We have also finally been very brave and took the plunge in the Pacific Ocean, a balmy 16 degrees! (brrrrrr)

Anzac Bay

What fun and how great was it to dry off lying on Anzac beach in the sun. By now the afternoon was drawing in and as Waihi Beach is very popular with the weekender motorhomers we decide to find a place to stay. Well there are loads all along Seaforth road but the place we stayed was a car park called Bowen Town. It has toilets, washing machine and more importantly...showers. Admittedly we had to purchase a 'Kiwicash' tag from the local store. It cost all of $5, but then it can be loaded with cash to use on any of the Kiwi sites throughout NZ. On their website was a page for payment. We put on $10 and for that Ian and I had showers for $2 each, lovely and hot and a lengthy 4 minutes. That was ample for me to wash my hair twice, scrub myself and shave both legs! 

We have another little problem. The small inverter to power Ian's laptop has given up the ghost. Super cheap Autos have them in stock but OMG..at over $200 that will stay on the shelf. Hopefully at Tauranga another will be found at a more reasonable price!

And today's wildlife,