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Togless at the Mount -Day 12

Got up finished packing, brekkie. Packed up car and drove to Mt Maunganui. Macie was poorly so came with us. The rain stopped by time we left Hamilton and as we approached Tauranga it was cloudy but dry with just a hint of blue sky. It was windy when we got out but all the better to blow the clouds away. We went for an amble around the Mount, passed the hot pools. The original plan was to go in for a dip but Corina having been really organised got us all to bring our togs and then packed hers and some towels for us all had then left her togs and towels in the house while we piled into the car. Togless and towel-less we continued walking along the promenade, past the amphitheatre and into town. By this time the sun was fully out and the wind was starting to die down a little bit. We had lunch at Astolabe - they have various "special offers" on different days of the week- tight arse Tuesday gets a cheap burger, fries and a drink; fabulous Thursday gets two for one cocktails - I asked if there was a special for fabulously tight arsed Wednesday but the barman had no sense of humour and I felt the quiet tumbleweed moment before I changed track by ordering lunch. After a large lunch and coffee we slowly waddled back towards the car stopping at Copenhagen cones for  ice-cream - I was still too full from lunch and Adrian only managed to try a free spoonful of Hokey Pokey.


Said my goodbyes (short term au revoirs) and drove to The Wildes via Liqorland and Pak’n Save for some last minute wine and lolly shopping. Arrived just as Justin and the kids pulled up in the car from school and spent some time chatting with them and Pam (Claire’s Mum) until the Citizen of The Year herself came home ( she just won an award from the local PHO). We had a glorious dinner cooked by Justin topped off by a home make rich moist chocolate cake - also made by the Spouse of the Citizen of the Year. The kids streamed off to bed followed by Pam and then Justin, whilst Claire and I stayed up nattering until the wee small hours. I had a lovely nights sleep in Lucy’s room which she kindly let me borrow for the night and sweetly made sure some of her friendly toys were there to keep me company.







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