I survived the Remutaka.

 

September 13-15, 2022

Napier back to Martinborough

We washed out our swim suits from the mud bath and hung them out to dry at the AirBnB. Still stinky but doing the best we can. The spa had special detergent to purchase to get rid of the smell, but ah, we'll just have stinky suits! Haha. 

I totally recommend this AirBnB in Napier if anyone goes. 5 Madeira Street, Bluff Hill, Napier. The view is worth it. 

We went on a walk to Bluff Hill Lookout. On the way we passed Centennial Gardens. Cute little park. 

As we walked up towards Bluff Hill, we met a woman who was geo-caching. She found the "treasure" and added her name to it. The first person on this list was in 2011. 

I gotta try geo-caching sometime. Seems fun. 

Up towards the lookout. 

Serene. You could see the loading docks for the lumber export, the bay, the city. Spectacular. 

The view on the beach.. the walk is called Marine Parade. Water is freezing. In the summer, folx can't swim in it because the tide and undertow is too strong. 

After our long walk, we had refreshing drinks from Gong Cha. Mom loves red bean anything. Corinne usually gets the usual milk tea. I opted for the taro drink. I don't usually order boba drinks. My go to is get a sip from each of my kids and Victor. 

We walked up an appetite too. Tennyson Cafe. Those "chips" are yummy. 

Our afternoon activity was thrifting. Corinne thrifts as many young people do now. Mom has been getting into it. She gets excited about things made in England. 

We were fortunate enough to get a dinner reservation at Jarks in Hastings. Just a 20 minute drive from Napier. There aren't that many restaurants open for dinner on Monday and Tuesday. We we drove a bit away. Such yummy seafood!

Last look at Hawk's Bay before driving back "home" to Sage Cottage in Martinborough. 

Right when we got back to Sage Cottage, Corinne wanted to go for a bike ride. Oh was it cold...

Dinner was leftover from Jarks in Napier. We often have leftovers!

This  morning (Thursday, 9/15/22), we had to return the car back to the airport. I paid for an extra driver because I was worried that I couldn't drive the long distances. I usually leave all the long distance driving to Victor. I often feel sleepy at the wheel. During our New Zealand road trip, I drove the whole way. So Corinne took the wheel this morning to say that she drove in New Zealand. She drove out of the driveway, in to town before we got on the "highway." Good job, Corinne!

In order to drive back to Wellington, you have to drive a super windy road up and down a hill- the Remutaka Hill.  Some New Zealanders avoid driving this road because it's so windy. I intentionally planned our road trip to avoid driving on this hill. With one week of driving experience under my belt, I drove the hill to return the car to Wellington.  I was encouraged by Kate, Heni, and Lisa, all telling me that I could do it. I felt super accomplished and wish there was a t-shirt I could proudly wear: 

I survived driving the Remutaka

If you want to see what the Remutaka is like, check out this YouTube video. Start at 8:00 minutes. 

We took public transport back to Martinborough from Wellington. Someone is having too much fun. 

And again, biking is the choice of activity for Corinne! We tried to walk the Rapaki Walk, but there were sheep in the field. It's closed for lambing. 

Beautiful scenes as we bike around town. Taking it all in. Just two more days in New Zealand.

Victor, want to take a trip here with me? Maybe we can drive around in a camper van? It's a thing here. 

While Corinne and I went biking today, mom walked into town to hang out at the library to read magazines AND she bought some lamb from Scotty's Meats. Mom thinks the lamb in New Zealand tastes better. The lamb we get at Costco is also from New Zealand, but maybe not as fresh? 

We love lamb from Costco though. 

We cooked up the lamb chops. So simple with salt and pepper and so tasty. 

Today, mom is grateful for: returning safely from driving on the mountain and returning the car. 

Today ,Corinne is grateful for lamb chops, her water bottle heat pack, and biking. 

Toady, I am grateful for: a year off, time to reflect, time to think more about what's important to me. 

Just got word today from Victor that he made a COVID booster appointment for me. So I'm grateful for Victor and for science and those who follow the science!