Day 51 - Hike! (Wednesday 29th December)

Chaggie started today with more optimism as we had a plan of what we were going to do for the day. The plan was to go for a 6.1km hike from Tonga Bay to Bark Bay, not far from Kaiteriteri.

We woke up at 09.30 as Staggie's Dad and Kate were leaving, so after saying goodbye, Chino went down to the 'Sea Shuttle' office (the company who take people from beach to beach around Kaiteriteri) to book our shuttle to Tonga Bay for 12.30.

After catching the 12.30 Sea Shuttle, our journey would take about an hour to Tonga Bay. We arrived at around 13.30 after seeing a group of Seals on the way and set off on our 6.1 kilometer hike to Bark Bay! This would surely burn off all that Christmas food!
The walk wasn't to strenuous but Staggie found it a little hard due to stubbing his toe on a tree root 20 minutes into the walk. Not a nice start, Staggie will remember next time not to wear flip-flops when hiking! Oops!

After a lot of moaning from Staggie we reached Bark Bay 2 hours later, Chaggie chilled out on the beach for a bit and had a well deserved lunch. We then spotted two young, good looking kiwi girls playing volleyball. One older guy soon joined in believing he had a chance, what a silly man. Chino used this opportunity to go and ask if they needed the teams a little more balanced, as you do. They said yes and Chaggie joined in their game! After having a laugh playing volley ball, the older guy gave in and admitted failure, he left us to the Kiwi's shortly. We headed to the sea for a swim with them both before having to leave them as our boat was the last one that day at 16.30, absolutely gutting! Not only that but they're spending New Years at a completely different location. The girls did ask for a photo with us, which Staggie also got on his camera (well played Staggie). However, we couldn't ask for any phone numbers or email addresses as we had nothing to write on or be written on! We didn't know their full names so we couldn't add them on Facebook either! What idiots/stalkers we are! Nevermind.

After getting back to The Plum, Staggie cooked chicken pasta, whilst Chino realised Austin Powers would be on the telly soon! It was on just in time for dinner to be ready, so Chaggie sat down and watched with pretty much constant laughter.
After Austin Powers, we stayed up to make sure we watched our new passion in television, Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares!! Yet another shocking American diner, but Gordon, obviously, sorted them out with his charm and wrinkly face.. what a lad.

A busy day and enjoyable day for Chaggie as 2011 nears!

Chaggie x