Onwards and upwards...

A day spent travelling...So today was a day moving up from Auckland toward the Bay of Islands.Our final destination: Mimiwhangata on the East coast of North Island, and a beautiful part of the Department of conservation.A late start and a wait for Beckys bag arriving late from honalulu saw us leave the city along to the soundtrack of our tour guide Toms favourite kiwi bands. Those i would recommend: opshop, or polysaturated. And those I wouldn't, Supergroove. A Dozey drive and pit stop later we arrived for lunch in Whangarei. A small city to many but the final largest city on the way Northwards! A quaint harbour saw cates lining the marina and we stopped for lunch at Mondos - treated with nachos, burgers, BLATs ( with avocado! :O) And steak sandwiches amongst many others.Back on the road again and only and hour or so to destination. This however is a kiwi estimate - and therefore one never to be trusted! Straight sealed roads became gravel tracks winding up Into the hills and over bays, treating us with beautiful a views, but also treating the more apprehensive with a knot in their stomachs. Once e arrived we caught the first glimpse of our living quarters for the next five days. Hello a wool shed. In short - smelly hut of slats parked on top of a pile of sheep poo, accompanied by an outdoor long drop and no hot water - lush. Despite its looks, once made more homely we were all settled In and got Into cooking an indoor barbecue (literally) for dinner. Many burgers later it was time for a star gaze and despite airing the fact i has never seen a shooting star, the rest of our group revelled In viewing not one each, but multiple shooting stars, with me turning my back everytime one appeared to pass. I think I need to work on my patience.Time to snuggle down into sleeping bags, at mid winter with clear skies, I think I might greet 8degrees with a hat and socks in bed with several layers and long johns!!: