Spur of the moment.....

"Drop of a hat" Seizing the opportunity " what ever you want to call it,they are usually the best descisions.

Ok so I admit that I was pretty down at the prospect of no waves at my beloved "Local" and looking at the forecasts for the Raglan area I could see that despite the weather being cold,rainy and pretty rubbishy, the waves would be better than average.

By the time morning came around I don't know who was more excited me K or Mana.

I found a place on the net called "Waimarie" (Calm waters)

The web site (designed by there daughter) looked the part and it sounded like it had all the "bits & pieces" required for a night away were there.

The 2 and a bit hour drive down was good and Mana entertained herself the whole way with singing,talking (about princesses) snacking and colouring.

We met up with the owners Sue & Tony Burns and straight away got that feeling.......you know the one when you meet someone you get that warm fuzzy feeling?......well this would be one of those times.....wonderful couple obviously very proud and passionate about Raglan.

They both kinda fell over each other telling us "If there is anything you need just let us know....."
Sadly we didn't spend alot of time "chatting" as the skies opened up once again and we dashed for cover inside with arm loads of "over night stuff".

The place was amazing- A self contained unit on the ground level of modern 2 story house.
Decorated in a modern,stylish way,clean bright with a definite homely feel to it especially with the (I'm assuming Sue's) unique personal touches of arts and crafts.

Huge windows/sliding doors leading out onto the decks and into the beautiful garden. (I spied a Gardening award on the wall so I'm assuming that it was for that)

It was so cute to have"Post It" notes stuck everywhere from instructions on how to operate the TV/DVD to the location of the hot plates and the toast bread.

We all went out to Manu Bay,K and Mana laughed as I changed in the rain then plunged into the cold sea (and it was cold about 15c the real killer was the chilly southerly)

They shot off into town to get a DVD and returned an hour later (thank goodness for that I was losing the feeling in my feet)

As soon as we got back I "thawed" out with a yummy HOT shower and while Mana watched her "Barbie Swan Lake" DVD I went into town to get dinner.

A very tasty wood fired Hawaiian Pizza,Wedges some Chicken plus a few bottles of the local drop "Raglan Gold"(actually not too bad)

After dinner we all played "Junior Scrabble" which Mana pretty much kicked butt on.

All of that was followed by a very convincing win by the All Blacks over the Aussies......so yeah pretty good night