Boxing Day

After our awesome Christmas, we started Boxing day by packing up. The crew is getting really efficient, we were packed up well before our deadline. Everyone is pitching in, and it is great the way things are going.

We added a new venue to our day by starting with an indoor rock wall for the crew. The wall was 30 meters high, far higher than any indoor walls I've seen. Most of the crew participated (we adults are just too old and fat) and had a grand time. The wall was closed for boxing day, but on Christmas eve we made arrangements for someone to come in just for us to get our day started. They have a high wire at the top of the walls that goes across, and everyone had a go. I've got some great photos to show you.

Next came the Buried Village, New Zealand's Pompey. It was very interesting, and it was a disturbingly tragic event to learn about. Unfortunately, it was raining most of the time we were there, but we got to see it all. Man, they have the biggest trout in their streams. At least 18 inches, about 15-20 pounds. That is a lot of fish! They had a bunch right there in the stream next to the village.

We then went to Okere Falls where we watched kayakers going down a 23 foot waterfall. It was, to say the least, exciting.

After that, Kiwi360, a kiwi fruit farm. We took the tour in a driving rain, but that certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirit. Looks like about half the kids did not bother to bring rain gear, so when we get to fiji, they are going to get very wet. A bunch of the kids did not bring mats to sleep on, either, and those floors are rather hard.

Showers are challenging as facilities and time are very limited. We arraved at Mount Maunganui mid-afternoon where we proceeded to set up some tents and in the hall. It was great to see the guys and gals setting up and cheerfully making do. They are now off shopping and checking out the town. Back for our evening meal at Bureta Park Restaurant where we will be meeting some local venturers.

Tomorrow is our last full day in New Zealand, with the gold mines and Ngatea, Paeroa and mural town. Things are definitely winding down, but it has been a real thrill ride!
It is Dec 26 here, but we all wish you a great Christmas!