Westwind and on to AucklandDec 6, 2005
|
|
Linda and Di on the bush walk
Bush walk
Bush walk
| Woke up early (when does Jaz ever NOT wake up early?!!) to the sound of birdsong and to stunning views from our window. Had a scrumptious breakfast with Linda and Ian, which included pancakes, a dish that Ian is quite rightly famous for. Linda studies numerology so we had our numbers done, she was spookily right about a lot of things. What do you mean, money goes through Di's fingers like water? Linda was supposed to go to work that day, but decided that a walk with us through the bush was far preferable - work must be bad. Their land has only reverted back to bush over the last few years and is absolutely beautiful. After the walk we were on our way to Auckland, very sorry to leave such hospitable and interesting people. En route we visited the gem factory at Ngatea, plus the Botanical Gardens (owned by someone with a very suspect sense of humour - see photographs). One of the photos was of Diana with an entourage of ducks, standing by a zebra crossing with the sign 'ducks crossing'. Got to Devonport and went straight to Tourist Info who booked us into - Duck Crossing B&B - coincidence or what? In the meantime, Di noticed advertisements for salsa classes but as they were only for beginners, Di decided to turn to alcohol instead. We were greeted at the B&B by Peter - a lovely man, very attentive, with lots of anecdotes about his past life. He was born in England, worked as a jockey and then had a succession of careers, including Bar Manager on a cruise liner, eventually settling in Auckland, where he met Gwenda his 2nd wife (after wife no.1 returned to the UK). Jaz had her first decent cup of tea in NZ. There was another lady staying at the B&B - Annette from Perth. Very nice lady, she joined us for dinner down in the town and has arranged to meet up with Di when she goes to see her friend Mary in Oz. Devonport is one of the oldest suburbs in Auckland and one of the most expensive, being on the waterfront. It is very classy and upmarket, so naturally we felt very at home. |
Advertisement 
|
