Glow worms and tyre blowout in one day!

Today was in one word.... interesting!!! We set off on the highway after a stop at the Warehouse (where everyone gets a bargain) well that was true to its word. It isn't like the stores in Oz they are much much bigger - even have a plants section, and have a huge variety. We got shampoo, conditioner and body wash - all well know brands and under $20!

Then we got two phone cards - one for my mobile and one for the landlines - phone calls are costing us a heap ($71 today) and it is really annoying. I found out that on my mobile any calls to Oz are $15 isn't that just ridiculous!!

Well on brighter stuff..... we travelled through to Waitomo Caves for a visit with the glow worms. I went there many years ago but this time was different. There was a devastating fire in 2005 and the buildings were destroyed this changed the atmosphere of the place - but luckily the wonderful caves and the glow worms are unchanged as they have been for centuries.


It was simply awesome to be in the dark in a boat underneath millions of little blue stars (glow worms) everyone was quiet as it took your breath away. Phil loved it and so enjoyed the experience. While I was disappointed about the outside it was of no consequence - it all worked out in the end and it was truly a magical experience. Of course no photography is allowed so unfortunately no pic - but sweet memories. We had lunch afterwards at a lovely cafe Tutu..... very nice

But the day was not ended.... on the way from New Plymouth...... with just 100 kms to go we blew a back tyre. I was concerned with this tyre a few days ago......note to self, always check the tyre before leaving the parking lot - we have had this issue before and same tyre same problem. This tyre seemed to be cut and blew out - so tomorrow looks like fun - fixing a tyre which we did to do and shouldn't have to be fixing..... we (or rather Phil while I held red umbrella over him to shelther him from the rain) popped on (don't you love that word ....when actually it was blood sweat and tears) the 'space saver tyre' the one you cannot go over 80kms on (much to the annoyance of everyone one else on the road and we had to pull over so many times to let banked up traffic by......we were happy to see the 80km zone). We arrived safe but tired at Quest to a wonderful comfortable apartment.

So while I thought about cooking dinner for about 10mins until we blew out that tyre we are thinking a pizza might be the go.... oh for comfort food.... I have already have had two glasses of wine while I write this and am feeling pretty mellow.....