Fri. 10/26: 8:15 bus departure for Napier. Arrived around 10:45 AM and immediately saw a video about the earthquake of 1933 followed by a guided tour of the town. Lunch at the RSA ("Retired Servicemen's Association") in Napier, followed by a visit to the Rose Garden in Napier. Met our host family (Cheridah and David Sewell) at 3 PM in Taradale. Cheridah drove us around the town a little, then took us home and we settled in. Great 1920's era "California style bungalow" with lovely views and gardens. After supper, met Peggy, David's sister, who arrived to spend the week with them while she did some work in Napier.

Sat. 10/27: Started the day walking around the hills with Peggy for 2 and a half hours. After breakfast, the four of us (Cheridah, David, Porters) climbed "Te Mata" hill --we saw lovely redwoods, great views. Ate at a small café in Havelock North. Came home and got ready for the party, that was supposed to start at 8 PM, but got rolling early and ran late (1am). Met many interesting friends of the Sewells. Good time, great day.

Sun.10/28: Another walk with Peggy, followed by breakfast, followed by the 5 of us going off for a couple of short walks in the hills. Instead of eating a picnic lunch on the top of one of the hills, we wound up eating in the lovely living room of an acquaintance of Cheridah's. When we finished eating it had stopped raining so we climbed up and enjoyed the views.

Mon. 10/29: We visited Roger and Diane Alexander's sheep and beef farm ("Springvale"). Lovely gardens. More sheep shearing. Tour of the farm in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Got to see new pond, home site. Had picnic lunch at the farm. Took Peggy and the Sewell's out to eat at a Thai Restaurant. Then went Scottish Country Dancing with Peggy and Cheridah.

Tues. 10/30: Went with the rest of the group, via tractors, to view the gannets at Cape Kidnappers. Wonderful -- lots and lots of fun. Good weather, took lots of photos. Afterward, Cheridah took us to the Napier Museum. We enjoyed looking around, and then stopped in some shops as we walked home. Evening: farewell dinner for hosts and elderhostelers at the RSA in Taradale. Sing along. Lots of fun. Piano music throughout the meal.

Swan on pond along the road	Farewell to Val and Ian	Napier Rose Garden	Napier Rose Garden
Napier Art Deco architecture

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