Reinga Reign

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The bubble has burst…..along with the big water main in the sky. Cape Reinga, at the northern tip of North Island, is a sacred Maori site where the spirits of the dead are meant to leave this world on their journey home to the spirit world..possibly Glenmorangie or Glencadam, who can be sure? Anyway we must have done something to upset them as it hasn't stopped raining since we returned from there 2 days ago & meant to continue for a few days yet! Like Scottish rain, it is persistant and nearly horizontal with the strong easterly winds, which is also unusual as normal is westerly here. On the bright side...the waterproofs work and vindicate the decision to pack them. We were beginning to think they were an unnecessary excess. The kiwis are well chuffed as they have had a bit of a drought. And it has brought out all the winsurfers and kite surfers. I drew the line at that, playing the pensioner card. Just as well that our current hut is all wooden and will float if required! Character building stuff. Also it has allowed us to pursue our mutual interest in investigating the cultural and social values of the traditional Kiwi meeting grounds. Today it was the Star & Garter in Coromandel..

I also had the most amazing smoked mussel chowder, for which this area is renowned....last night it was calamari and chips....I'm going to have to look for bigger rooms as I am struggling to get through the doors now! No new photies as they all look the same in the wet....maybe in a few days when it stops.....

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Photos

Cape Reinga
But which way back to the bus?

Wild Horses
Unfortunately destined for dog food (or McDonalds.....no, really.

Dune surfing
Oh, for Gods sake, act your age!

45000 yr old Kauri tree stumps
Excavated & dried out. Wood u believe it?

Manuka trees
Or...Honey, pass the migraleve, please