We meet with fellow bloggers and a Happy New Year to you all

 December 31st

If anyone had seen us make a break for the loos this morning, they would have wondered why not an inch of our skin was showing. Hoodies, long trousers and Marilyn, you would have been proud of me wearing socks with sandals! To be truthful 9.30 am couldn't come quick enough, that was the time arranged to leave for Westport. It was stifling in the Toy, dare not leave a window or door open with those sandflies ready to invade as soon as a crack appeared. Ian even started the engine early to get some cool air through the vents and the fly spray was in constant use. Very glad when our passenger arrived.

 Russ was his name, A really nice chap and very knowledgeable about the area. We talked fishing, him being a fly fisherman and me liking my course fishing. Poor Ian didn't get a word in edgeways! Plenty of great scenery to take photos of, we followed the Buller River all the way to Westport and a part of the SH6 had been cut through the rock making for a unique single track road controlled by traffic lights.

We dropped Russ in the middle of Westport, right by New World supermarket. Ideal for us to stock up on the booze, it is New Year Eve tonight after all. Oh, and it wasn't all liquid. We did throw a few groceries in the basket as well. No eggs though! Twice we have tried to get eggs at a New World and twice we have failed. Are all the chickens on strike????

It rained today, first time for a while, hmm, solar blanket would be no good in that and as an arrangement had been made to meet with Jenny and Robin at The Star Tavern in Cape Foulwind, we hoped to get power. This was a POP site, (park over property) and it was on a first come, first served basis. So arriving by 2 pm we hoped to be successful. Motorhomes had already parked up on the pub car park but none on the only powered site there was. We paid over $10 for the privilege, always pays to get in early. More parking for motorhomes and caravans a short drive along the road. As we hadn't found Jenny and Robin where we had parked, we walked down to see if we could find them. The door to the caravan opened and out popped Jenny. A lovely greeting from them both, and soon biscuits and coffee was on the table. We talked about places to visit, the dreaded sandfly, and typically toilets! It's not just a boaters thing. Appears that caravanners also have interest in this subject too! 

They have a lovely view from that parking spot. If only power had been down there we could have joined them in the Toy. As it is our view is of cars, not that we mind because the majority of the evening will be spent in the pub.

And the views Jenny and Robin enjoy.

Back at the Toy we thought we best go and pay for our electric. Of course, it would be rude not to stop for a quick pint! What is it about their glasses over here. A pint is a pint and a half is a half. The Kiwis do not understand a half pint. I got my larger served in what I can only describe as a kiddies glass! I must remember to ask Robin what I should ask for next time!

The resident duo singing

How the hell did they get that money up there? Stepladders or a really, really tall fellow (or lass)

I did find out from Robin. If you want a pint you ask for a handle (looks like a pint glass but is smaller) and for half a pint one asks for a 12 oz. Talk about confusing! Anyway it's off to the pub with Jenny and Robin, I think this could be a good night.

So from us to you all HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎆🎉🍲🍻