Days off

I've realized the necessity of seeing the horizon at least once every few weeks. I do manage to spend a lot of money every time I have days off. The American consumer in me is just itching to get rid of the colorful bills in my pocket or bank account. In just a few hours in TeAnau (a basic overpriced town)I managed to spend over a hundred dollars on shoes. It is justifiable though. As the cafe supervisor now I may as well abide by the dress code and black shoe policy.

Tara and I were dropped off at Gunn's camp on Tuesday night after our town excursion. Gunn's is located 10 Ks down a dirt road in the midst of a mountain valley. Bill and Helen operate the site, a combination of different size cabins each with woodstoves, campsites and campervan parking. This is quaint New Zealand defined. We drank wine and attempted chess in the candlelit cabin with the warmth of a woodstove to keep feeling in our toes. The next morning we drank tea and sat on the swings in the sunshine for hours while a strong breeze kept the sandflies at bay. We didn't have a car, so walked the 10Ks back to the road hoping for a friendly driver to pick us up. After only half an hour our kayaker friend Sam stopped to bring us home. My skin and brain was happy to have a huge dose of sunshine