Happy Birthday to the Mechanic!

The birthday boy fortunately wasn't expecting much from the day, so he wasn't disappointed!  We set out on the bikes in sun at 9.30am, by 9.45am we were wondering if we should go back for full waterproof gear and by 3.00pm we knew we should have......We did another section of the taste trail, getting fairly lost again, the signage is eccentric / non existent in places but we fought our way against the odds and the darkening storm clouds to Brightwater for coffee accompanied by raspberry and dark chocolate muffins (yum!!).  Onwards on Wakefield taking in the requisite selection of swing bridges, gravel, Boardwalk and kissing gates. Our next objective was to do some wine tasting at a selection of the local vineyards. We discounted the first as it meant fighting our way up a steep hill on rough gravel, the second was shut (despite the brochure saying it was open) and we finally ended up at a third, which was open, although in temporary premises at a different location.

After sampling 3 wines each we were thinking of trying another winery when we discovered the rain was hammering down outside.  Wishing we had brought more than lightweight showerproof jackets we decided to just head for home.  Having got exceedingly wet the sun reappeared as soon as we got off the bikes and we have been out on the patio for most of the evening.  Another washing run done, so we might just have enough clean clothes to get us home.

I am a little concerned about the education system over here - I saw a notice today outside a Vet's practice - 'Pre-school puppy classes held here' - does this mean the puppies have to go to school or does it mean that all the kids are expected to take a puppy to school?  I need to know.........

BTW we couldn't gain entrance to the vineyard boasting of its biodynamic grapes and are a little concerned that they might have taken over the world (or at least the vineyard), I'll try to find out and let you know. We passed the oldest pub in NZ yesterday but were slightly underwhelmed to see it was built in 1850. 

Anyway we move on tomorrow for the last cycling of the trip, plus some walking. The forecast for tomorrow isn't great but then we are supposedly due at least 3 dry and sunny days. For the record, in January the rainfall in Milford Sound (SW end of the South Island was 1,300mm (about 4ft 4inches) compared to an average of 300mm, while in Napier on the North Island in the same period they had about a quarter of an inch.  Not that we feel victimised.........

Photos of C's birthday treats