We left Hokitika after the NEXT Forum (the day before this) and drove to Murchison to stay the night in an Air Bn'b we had booked. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive. Murchison is close to Inangahua Junction, where they had a big earthquake in 1968. This bridge crosses the mighty Buller River.
Nearby was Lyell Creek. This gave its name to a famous trotter, who won many races for a decade around the time we had Blossom Lady racing.
Then we stayed at Daphne and Philip's Air Bn'b in Murchison. They have moved from Switzerland for a quieter life and to start a family. They provided a delicious spaghetti meal and European style breakfast, in a beautiful large house with lots of wood. It was the best.
And a lovely walk to the mighty Buller river.
Another view of the river.
And some pictures of the walk back. Here there are black headed sheep.
And pretty blossom trees.
After breakfast we drove to Nelson. We caught up with Pru and Paul Bell at the Boat Shed Cafe for an early lunch, before heading back to Auckland. We have so many laughs catching up with them. Looking forward to catching up with their girls next year at the Youngies dinners.
My haloumi cheese dish which was very yum.
When we landed in Auckland we drove to Hamilton to visit Anna and Simon. We wanted to celebrate Simon's birthday, even though we were a few days late. And we did, with a beautifully cooked home made dinner - Make your own pita bread with salad and chicken (yum, like Hello Fresh, my favourite) and then a birthday cake (more yum) This is Simon lining up to blow the candles. These days we need to work up to the blowing breath obviously.
Then 62 candles in one.
Of course we played 500. Always boys against the girls with these guys. There were lots of laughs as usual. Not sure who won? Bill took a photo of all the winners. (One winner and two losers in this photo, Ed.)
