27th December 2021 (wet all day, cool) 0 km

We were awake by 5.45am and over to the kitchen by 6am.  Only one other guy in there at that time, fisherman or hunter. The light rain had been steady throughout the night, and showed no signs of having even been there at all. The grass wasn't particularly wet and the tar seal on the road was dry, 

Began with a cup of black tea as we had no milk, but reverted to water as it was too bitter.  We also didn't have sugar so Ju went to the neighboring tent and uttered those immortal words, "lend me some sugar, I am your neighbour". Not sure if she started shaking it like a Polaroid picture, but she came back to the kitchen with enough sugar to make coffee.

Straight into uploading yesterday's photos for Julia from the camera, her phone and then transferring the shots on my phone. Talk about time consuming.                     

The rain clouds are still hovering overhead, but the sun is doing its best to break through. Think we'll try to push on today, but we may get a bit wet. 

Cute old dog just chilling outside the cafe.

It is now 10.30am and has been raining steadily since we went for breakfast with Dot at 8am, which was very nice.  We would like to get on, but this next section is supposed to be one of the most scenic and enjoyable parts of the track, hence we don't want to do it in the pouring rain, with no visibility, so no photos. Goodness knows if or when, we will be back this way.           

  This campground is very full but pretty quiet considering.  Lots of boaties.                             

So, here we sit in state of grace.                Wondering when we'll leave this place.                                                  The clouds above are filled with rain.                                                    Our attempts to leave are all in vain Tomorrow's skies are to improve.          Which should enhance our chance to move.                                          To take the shots we've been hoping for.                                                     Back out on the road once more.      

Jesus... Talk about nothing better to do.

 Update: 12.28pm. Began pack up an hour ago and the heavens opened. Scurried inside the tent. Definitely here today now and will have to get to Kurow tomorrow, weather hopefully not ruining this section of trip.           

Just after 1pm we strolled across the road to the cafe for a bite of lunch. Got talking to Olaf, a German, now living in Christchurch. You will be pleased to know that I never made any comments about the war. He was working in Lincoln in Viticulture and really loved how New Zealand wines had progressed over recent years. He was taking his new (20 year old) Ducati for a  trip to Queenstown. Thought about going to the hot pools in town tonight, but with Julia hating hot water, I thought I may as well just set fire to $80 worth of one dollar bills. I'm trying to think where the value would be for her. 

Obviously seeing me naked would be the main attraction. Maybe I could attach a pom pom and do a little dance... or attach a little pom pom and do a dance. Apparently, the fact that you can take alcohol into the pool does it for some people. I'm thinking of buying a single Carlsberg and a 1/4 bottle of Pinot from the supermarket and we can both take it in the camp shower. That way, Ju can have a cold shower and I can have a hot one and we can talk to each other through the walls.                                 

                           

3.49pm... Back in the tent... Rain consistent. Glad now that we didn't start today.  Looking in the direction we were headed are dark grey rain clouds. We would have no photographs of any value. 

Obviously today inside the tent, the pictures are of much better quality than usual.

After lingering in the tent for the rest of the afternoon, at 6pm we wandered to the pub for dinner. It was packed and I would suggest that holiday mode has finally reached Omarama. 

Into the kitchen for our nightly ritual.....begging for food from campers and performing The Full Monty over a hot stove, before playing out various Karma Sutra moves in our 2 x 1 metre tent. Cozy.                     Then to sleep, per chance to dream.

Think he's dreaming already!

It's supposed to drop to 7 degrees overnight so that will be a bit different from New Plymouth!