Another trip to Viv's Kitchen

 Our weekend weather was a mixed bag at Mt Lees Reserve.  Mainly sunny, but the wind was rather cold, making sitting outside a challenge.  The park was busy, with many day visitors bringing their dogs and family groups enjoying the walk through the native bush.  We saw and heard many beautiful native birds, tuis, kereru, and fantails, this really is such a beautiful place.

Parked up at Mt Lees Reserve

Gemma enjoyed some time outside, although we did need to keep a wary eye out on the dogs walking by, luckily there were no issues.

Gemma up on the picnic table

But she wasn't the only cat in camp, Dot had brought Honey along too.  The pair of the met outside a few times on their leads, after a quiet hiss, they touched noses and looked at each other.  

Two Birmans on a camping adventure

Since we were in the area, a visit to Viv's Kitchen on Saturday for lunch was a must.  This is always such a popular place, so it was just as well that we had a table for 12 booked.   Murray and Sue, recently returned from their South Island trip, joined us for lunch too.

There is always so many wonderful choices at Viv's.  Cream horns, of course, although I prefer the chocolate eclairs.  Some ordered a Big Breakfast, pies, savouries, whatever took their fancy.

Jenny, Murray, Robin, and Owen

Dot, Maureen, Sue, Russell, Geoff, Eileen, and Helen

Then we all went back to camp, sitting outside in the Autumn sunshine.  Sue and Murray told us tales of their 3 month trip traveling around the South Island.

Robin, Sue and Murray

There was quite a bit of excitement in the evening.  We could see flames burning in the dark, seemingly in the bush adjacent to where we were camping.  Owen bravely set off to investigate, and Geoff rang the Fire Service to report the fire.  Although the fire looked like it was close by and the native bush was all set to burst into flames, it was actually burning in another farm property - we were viewing the flames through the trees.  Eventually a fire engine arrived, and the excitement was over.

Sunday morning was an absolute stunner of a day - this is often the case after a weekend away, the weather on the last is perfect.  After morning tea, we packed up, said our goodbyes and headed off to our respective homes.  It was a very enjoyable rally.