Ride with a difference

Tuesday 8th. We've been reading, both in Whakatane and Porirua, that old rail tracks are being used again using small self propelled cars for rides through unspoilt countryside. Well, I feel that today we went one better. We were meant to have a lazy start this morning and then take a walk down the race (farm track) to the beach. However, Jacquie told us that if we were ready by 9 o'clock, Jade, their farm worker, would take us down and show us where to go and, more importantly, how to get back. What she didn't tell us was what the transport would be. Up came a quad bike complete with trailer and straw bale seat, so, in we climbed. 

The journey was something special through the farm, the unspoiled countryside, across fields, through gates, over dunes, through gorse until we arrived at the sea. 

Wow! Two miles or more of our own beach with no one else in sight. Nothing but sand and sea. 

And out to sea we could just sea the White Island, Whakaari, NZs most frequently active volcano. (Right in the distance, left of centre). The surf was spectacular but Brigid didn't venture too far from shore because of the strong undertow. 

When ready, we started our walk back to the farm. It was then that we found that Jade had sprayed blue paint on all the important gates that we had to go through. 

When we were nearly halfway back, the quad bike and trailer reappeared and we got a lift back again and, because of that, instead of going straight back we stopped off at Blueberry Corner for muffins and tea. 

When we did get back to the farm we both jumped straight in the pool (nice and cool) then into the hot tub (nice and warm and bubbly) and then into the shower. I dunno, it's not like me to have three baths in one day! Usually it's only one, and that's on my birthday! 

Picture of our transportation. 

In the evening we went back into Whakatane for fish and chips on the quay. Mind you we nearly missed out because they close at 7 o'clock and we only just made it in time. We had been warned that Kiwis eat early and that not many places stay open late. We did have one problem when ordering our fish because we didn't recognise any of the names on offer! No Cod or Haddock! Still, when it came it tasted good. Another sunset to end another perfect day.