Moby Dick's big..................... and the lost day in Hikurangi

Hi all

The great thing about being in a camper van is that you can pretty much go where you want when you want. Today was a very good example of that we set off early to wend our way up to the very photogenic Whangarei Falls .

We had the text from Andy & Charlotte early doors that they were not far up the coast so we agreed to meet in Hikurangi. Hikurangi is one of those one street villages that have state highways passing through and you don't really stop unless you need to buy provisions.They were there slightly before us and the boys quickly spotted the open pub/hotel despite it only being just after 11.00am - Oh dear  boys.....

We were the only patrons so Tony the manager kept us well topped up with drinks and stories about this famous old whaling hotel (hence the big whale willy) for an hour or so until Andy and Charlotte had to get on their way south. I think Dean and Andy were definitely there for the day, but Charlotte reminded them how short a time they had left so the die was cast. Dean gave me one of those looks that said try and move me at your peril and so we stayed..... right until the chip shop (the only source of hot food in the village) was about to close at 7.30pm. We had already agreed with the hotel owner that we could stay in the car park fir the night.

We had spent the afternoon being entertained by a rolling precession of locals who called in at various times of the day. Steve the Welshman, Dougie from Southampton who sailed round the world 20 years ago and ended up marrying a Tongan lady and stopping in NZ. Bruce the rather inebriated 'local' who lived about 20km up the road and only popped in every 2 or three years (our lucky day!). There are too many to mention by name, but they were all lovely and very generous with their time and advice.
After dinner we retired to the van, about 8.15 thinking we could watch a movie, but no that was not to be.

Within 5 minutes we had a knock on the van and one of the locals Dickie offered us a drink at his place, stay the night and have a shower, which being typically British we politely declined. Another 10 minutes passed and there was another knock, Dougie the Southampton sailor, turned mechanic was there with his 10 year old daughter Geraldine and a case of beer. He really wasn't taking no for an answer so we jumped in his 4WD and sped off up the road to his mate's house. Lets just say the drink drive rules are rather more relaxed around here! Grahams pad was a typical bachelor pad - Massive TV, sofa and fishing kit everywhere! I found a spot on the sofa with Geraldine and the boys tucked into the beers around the table. The highlight of the night was being introduced to Billy T James a legendary NZ comedian from the eighties - very funny.

Do look him up on UTube if you get the chance.

Thanks for looking

Sara