On Saturday Tiny picked us up to take us to Pahia to catch the ferry to the small town of Russell. Russell was originally a fortified Maori settlement, but after a turbulent history it became a magnet for escaped convicts, whalers, prostitutes and drunk sailors. Charles Darwin described it as full of 'the refuse of society' and it became known as the 'hellhole of the Pacific'. However, it is now a pretty colonial-style beach front town full of restaurants and galleries. Going on the ferry across we watched boats arriving from the classic East Coast race from Auckland to Russell. The weather had been terrible with lots of gales and there were some very wet crew.

It will be of no surprise that we first went for a long lunch at a really nice and relaxed restaurant, before going our separate ways to explore the town. We visited the craft show and looked in galleries etc. before meeting up at the bar prior to returning on the ferry. We had a fairly quiet evening for once.

On Sunday we had an early start, with Tiny picking us up at 8.30 a.m. to take us to Kerikeri to visit the farmers market and then do a supermarket shop. However, Tiny first took us to a little cafe where they served really wonderful breakfasts and some of the best coffee I have had for a while. Suitably refreshed we then drove on to the farmers' market. The market was full of beautifully fresh fruit and veg. Asparagus, avocados, baby courgettes and strawberries are all in season - my idea of heaven. After stocking up with fruit and veg we then finished our provisioning at the supermarket. It was a luxury to be able to provision so well - never had that quality or variety of food before on our trips. Also, much of it is organic, which is an added bonus.

In the evening we all went to the yacht club for a farewell meal as Storyteller and Southern Princess were leaving the following morning at daybreak for Auckland. It was sad to say goodbye, although we do hope to catch up with them at some time later on in our trip. We are now down to just Harmonie and us, and Harmonie will also be leaving for their trip home soon.

Picture is of our magic bus - unfortunately it is not Tiny driving as he had to go off to tow away some crashed cars.

xxx