day 4 of the expedition and well into the guts of the north island
monday - kaikoura - tuesday - castlepoint - wednesday - napier
very much enjoying the constant change of scenery and stays
early to bed, good sleeps and early waking and into the day
today - 7am sneak out of the bay view snapper holiday park
on the north side of napier so hit the (open) road running
target - gisborne-ish so a trip up and around hawkes bay
new territory for both of us so that an adds to the allure
another beautiful sunny day and only a few other vehicles
no sign of the past drought with green the dominant colour
the road a constant but gentle change in slope and direction
an easy driving rhythm easily achieved and no want to break
but a mirror roadside lake too much of a photo opportunity
we push on - few towns and damn - even fewer petrol stations
should have filled up in napier - this could be a tad embarrassing
the concern parked as we roll into the morere hot springs carpark
pay the very reasonable $10 and walk the 10 minutes into the bush
arrive at the centre just as the only other visitors are clearing out
we have a couple of exterior stainless steel pools to ourselves
so hot and so relaxing - the body knows it is being pampered
a cold plunge pool and shower jarring things back to reality
but a sense of a change walking out again - the body buzzing
what a treat - and such a low-key place - entrepreneurs barred?
resumption of the drive and with it the concerns re low petrol
the needle below empty and still 70km to the nearest town
oh well - it's an adventure - take it as it comes - no biggie
but we get there - phew - fill up and then head to gisborne
low and flat - geography as well as economy is the feeling
not very enticing at all - trip advisor is not very excited either
nothing leaping out for a lunch stop so we go back to traditional
i.e. pick something that looks ok - nope - average and overpriced
so hit the countdown and high-tail it out of down (troden) town
the decision made to go all the way around the east cape - tomorrow
today we travel another 12km north to a caravan park at tatapouri
stunningly placed between high hill and beachside - looking good
budge the proprietor so welcoming and only a few other campers
a walk along the beach and a wish for low-tide - crayfish in wait
bad timing for that so we settle for scallops and rice noodles
and as it has been lately - dusk draws curtains on the day
4 down and 3 to go - getting very used to this lifestyle
...and quietly excited about the big friday drive...
