Summer has Arrived

The 1st of  December was officially the first day of Summer, but who would have known.  We were driving 170kms over the Napier-Taupo Road, it was cold and miserable, the wind was blowing a gale, low clouds and mist made it hard to see and the temperatures dropped to 8 degrees.  I don’t like this road at the best of times, up and down all the way, and in these conditions it was not a fun trip at all. We were both pleased when it was over.

Another day later here in Hastings it’s like being in a different world altogether.  We wanted to plug into power after all the bad weather we had in the previous few days  so are staying at the Hawkes Bay Golf Club, many thanks to our caravan club friends recommending this place.  

The golf course looks very well cared for, and we were made very welcome when we went to pay our fees for staying here.  In fact we were advised that the club restaurant is open on the next few nights when twilight golf is in session and is open to campers as well.  We just might have to try it out before we leave.  Robin used to be a golf player in an earlier life so would appreciate these surroundings.  

Hawkes Bay Golf Club

Hawkes Bay is touted as the “Fruit Bowl of New Zealand” and what says Summer more than beautiful red cherries!  We stopped at a road side stall to get some cherries, and lovely looking peaches too. Don’t they look delicious.

Summer fruit time

While here in Hastings we are catching up with family.  I wanted to see my sister Kathleen as she is scheduled to have surgery just prior to Christmas.  Then we met up with my niece Lisa and her family for a meal out at Breakers restaurant. 

Catching up with family at Hastings

In the evening the sky turned a glorious shade – such a wonderful sunset.  A wonderful finish to a great day.

Just look at that sky

The following morning was spent at the local laundromat  - we needed to get the washing up to date as when we leave here we are not going home, but spending the weekend at a caravan club rally.  While we waited patiently for the machines to finish the cycle, we watched a young family arrive.  Mum, Dad, four children,  a new baby, and a tiny 3 month old puppy (no lead) running every which way, even out on the road at one stage.  I thought to myself that the young Mum perhaps should have left the family and dog home with Dad, and gone to do the laundry on her own enjoying some “time out” by herself  for a while.

And it was “dining out” on our last evening here at Hawkes Bay Golf Club.  With Twilight Golf in full swing, Cuzzy’s Café was open for business for those who had a hit around the golf course.  And others too, like us campers who are staying here.  Robin enjoyed his big burger, chock full of all the good stuff such as beetroot, bacon and egg, juicy beef patty and salad greens.  My chicken dinner was very tasty too, just loved the veggies in cheese sauce.

Dining at Cuzzy’s Café

We will be moving on in the morning, heading southwards  to catch up with our caravan club buddies at Rangiotu for our Christmas Rally.  Should be a good one, and we are looking forward to it.