Life is full of surprises! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be in the middle of no where sliding down the biggest dunes I had ever seen on a piece of wood. But hey, thanks to Ron we was there today. Our Maori guide took us out on the boat to the deserted island ( felt like Robinson crusoe) dumped us on the beach and handed us a pile of boards and said “Ill be back in 30 mins”. Then it started to rain. It took all my efforts to climb to the dune top and noticing that it ended in water I positioned myself carefully. Egged on by the Canadian contingent off we went. Missed the water by inches lol. Unlike Roger….but that’s another story.

A quick change later and we are on the way to the ferry at Rawene and a cup of coffee. Over on the ferry and onto the fish and chip shop for lunch at Mangonui. Some nice fish for sure but $1 for vinigar I thought was a bit much!! Being as we are now on Maori land we must mention the Maori people. They don’t seem too know what they want to do next. How do they get the best of what they have…going from here to Hot bay was still Maori land (Ya Ya…ill ask Ron tomorrow) A obvious holiday location but a cafe or 2 would be good ill have thought. But nothing. Beautiful scenery as usual. But then maybe that’s best?

The government has even offered them re numeration but they cant decide which group will accept the surrender of New Zealand . Typical. The beach reminded us of sand to much so we left quickly. Into the Stone store house, the oldest building on the Island. ( I got a fruit truck. Looks good) Winding down into Paihia and the Copthorne hotel for a light snack and beers before bed. Don’t believe those that said I fell asleep and arrived late. Another tiring day or maybe I’m just getting old.

So often too many Cooks spoil the broth as we see here. Seize the opportunity before it is gone.