Seventh Entry

This day was a slow day, a travel day from our campsite @ Matakohe to the base of the Coromandel Peninsula, in a place called Thames, a town of approximately 10,000 people. Neither campsite was very inspiring, but each was serviceable nonetheless.

First stop was to pick up some ice and post a letter in a little town called Paparoa. 

To send a post card to Canada, it cost $1.90 NZD (that's about $1.45 CAD.) Not bad.

Paparoa General Store, Paparoa, NZ

I thought this old bank seemed out of place in such a small one-horse town.

Erstwhile National Bank Building, Paparoa, NZ

Just north of Wharkworth, we stopped in at a place called, Sheep World, once again. Below you can see the dizzying array of unaffordable foot-keeper-warmers, more commonly referred to as slippers and boots. 

(What is up with that creepy sheep?!)

Sheep World, Wharkworth, NZ

Here below, you see Cailin modeling more of their wares--this time, rough sheep's hide with coat still intact.

Cailin doing "The Price is Right" thing @ Sheep World, Wharkworth, NZ

At the same place, there was this paua shell from which is made the stunning jewellery below. 

The shell of the animal is really quite unremarkable until it is polished down from its' dull, pock-marked

limestone grey-white exterior to its' extremely beautiful, multicoloured inner surface.

Paua Shell and its' Jewellery Product, Wharkworth, NZ

Just another strange lavatory sight. They use mostly stainless steel over here, instead of porcelain. Maybe it's cheaper, and maybe it has something to do with metal's natural antimicrobial properties. What I do know is that most restrooms over here are extremely well maintained and cleaned. Notice the old fashioned pull chain?

Jay's Fascination with Plumbing Continues...hmmm...

If you're looking @ Google maps of this one, it's taken from the 

area near the short road marked, "Old North Rd." 

In the foreground you can see a zip line, where they were giving away 

free zip rides to anyone who would dare. Had we any time that day, 

I'm sure we'd have given it a go. Hey, it was free, eh?

In the background, you can see para-sailers, wave-riders, and water-skiers having a great time!

The View looking south along Orewa's waterfront during a festival there. Orewa, NZ

Just north of Auckland, there was this awesome little town called, Albany, where the shopping and the prices were spectacular. Below, you see the rampway leading to the underground parking lot where some of the patrons parked their vehicles while visiting the store. Also below, you can see Speedy Gonzaleez racing his sister and mom to the car...why do they do that? We've got the keys?!

Pak 'n Save Store, Albany NZ

Just to prove it--and to avoid the work--I took this shot while the groceries were loaded.

Underground Parking @ the Pak 'n Save, Albany, NZ

Thanks, Cailin. You do know I'll have my chance to get you back in a couple of years, eh?

 "How am I supposed to open this? Where'd you get your license to drive?"

Downtown Park, Albany, NZ

Auckland City Skyline, as seen from the front seat of our speeding car.

Auckland, NZ

 City of Sails

Auckland Harbour, seen from the Harbour Bridge. Notice the yachts in the background along the pier?

 Auckland, NZ

Wonderful composition work, below, by Cal, our budding photographer.

All this was made possible, when an inattentive driver managed to get himself 

off the freeway in the middle of downtown Auckland!

Some Interesting Sights in Downtown Auckland, NZ

Farewell Auckland, and goodnight all, as we sign off once again.

Tree covered, Franklin Street, Downtown, Auckland, NZ