11 November

Steady rain on the roof of the van overnight kept me awake. Anxiety had me imagining bogging a full sized campervan down the narrow dirt track in the bush that we had gone down to find our camp site for the night. Jacob was also restless, so joined us in our bed. His hutch above the cabin of the truck was a little confined and the comfort of snuggling up with Nan and Pop was just what was needed.

So, because we were all awake early, the usual early start through misty, but spectacular scenery with snow capped mountains, waterfalls and rivers saw us drive clear of the mountain mist and into a bright, clear day alongside Lake Warnaka. Perfect weather to take a 40 minute helicopter ride from Warnaka to the top of Mt Pisa, for a snow landing. We had seen so much of it atop the mountains that it was taunting us somewhat! We needed to actually feel it! Another landing gave us awesome views of the lake and village.

Steve, our pilot was extremely proficient and very informative and helpful. Jake looked just the perfect co-pilot sitting proudly alongside him.

After this a wander through the Transport and Toy Museum was interesting, but not somewhere that we needed to spend more than an hour or two so we were able to fit in a quick supermarket shop before making the decision that the caravan park at Warnaka was just too expensive and not really our scene. On the road again, we headed back to Albert Town where we camped by the river. Not many facilities in this council stop, but water and toilets - enough for us for an overnighter! We had stopped on the way at a place recommended by Steve for a hot chocolate. Very European style and much too rich for even the chocolate loving Bill! We all actually felt a bit sick from it, so driving was a somewhat somber event. It was lovely to just relax by the river with the ducks and sparrows, then play a few games of poker before dinner. We felt this a good time to give Jacob his greenstone hook that we had bought back at Hokitika. He seemed quite proud to be immersing in the Maori culture and was showing real interest in the cultural tourism.