Travelling On

Wellington to Taupo  294 kms or 182 miles.

Another good drive today and knowing we had no deadline to met it was relaxed.  We zoomed on the new Transmission Gully motorway which is an improvement on the old highway out of Wellington.  Before Otaki we had a long circular detour on narrow country roads because of a road accident.  It was hold your breath time as the cars and big trucks shared the road.  In Foxton which is tiny we found a wonderful cafe for brunch.  In Taihape just by accident I parked right outside an outlet shop for designer clothing that the lovely daughter and I both like.  After a coffee in a lovely cafe where the L D noted she and the waitress were the youngest people in there we went into the dress shop and browsed the racks.  We had fun watching a woman trying on outfits to wear to her sons wedding.  I came away with a summer top and a dress.  The material of the top is a print of hydrangeas in pastel colours.  L D didn't find anything but the assistant said they have an outlet shop in Auckland.  Then it was onto the Desert Road and the driving across the alpine desert but the volcanoes were under cloud.  Beside Lake Taupo we stopped for a photo and even though this wasn't the prettiest view I always like that large body of water.  It is our biggest lake and I grew up beside it from age 6 to 14 so it holds a special place in my heart.  Parked in Taupo L.D did a Google search and found a motel at a reasonable price.  When she checked in the lady upgraded us to a suite but still at the reasonable price.  We are in luxury.  The extra is our view.  Second extra is Finn for M.P.  He can use his spoon very well but he used his hand as well.    We will walk a couple of blocks to dinner and get some exercise.