Whew, the 11:55pm flight from Honolulu to Auckland was hardly restful. But, I did happen to sit next to a guy who is finishing a similar trip of his own. The world is traveling and the US has no idea. (n of 2)
The rental car pick-up was a disaster. The cheapest company, booked through Expedia, was actually a “clearing house” for these little Mom & Pop operations. The rental company wasn’t at the airport. So after having to figure all this out and wait for a half hour to be picked up and another 20-minute drive to the lot, there I was surrounded by crappy cars galore. The people ended up being nice enough and we had tea while the owner flooded me with tourist maps and lodging guides. So, with insurance, $32 US got me an ancient Mazda clunker and I was off. They would love for me to drive one of their cars down to Christchurch, but it will have to be one hell of a deal because there are ample companies with far better rates and much better cars.
The trip to the Bay of Islands was about 5 hours. Everything is fairly close in miles, but traffic moves very slowly, as in less than 45 mph for most of the trip. I really need to be more aware of how tired my body feels. Everything was feeling reasonably good and “bam” I was almost asleep at the wheel. (Instant adrenaline rush.) The next café was an immediate stop.
The café was very quaint, with dial-up internet and a location within a few yards of a train track, which was actually in use. It was fun to see the train lumber by at such a close distance. With all the massive fields, it is funny that the house was built just there. One organic soda later, combined with an hour or so writing e-mails and I was fit again to drive.
Not long after the sleep demon was after me again. Have no fear chocolate malt balls and diet mountain dew are near. That definitely did the trick. Zoom… Paihia and the Bay of Islands were right around the corner.
I am staying in a Hostel for about $55 per night which is reasonable, given that I have a solo room. Dinner was had at a truly amazing restaurant next door The Pepper Corn. The chef was unbelievable and served a cream of carrot & ginger soup, Dory Fish on a bed of grilled vegetables and mash, followed by key lime pie. I really must take pictures of the food as I go along. This was true fine dining for a $25 pre-fix.
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