Day 3 Northland 2

We left the Plane Tree Lodge and headed south. It took about 20 mins. before we reached the turnoff to cross the mountain heading for the car ferry at the Narrows. We were crossing to Rawene so we could follow the Twin Coast Hwy. down the Tasman Sea Coast. Once again we found a wonderful motorcycle road with tight curve after tight curve. Up we went. lean left, lean right, down we went, lean left, lean right. An hours worth of great fun early in the morning made a terrific start to our day. We went through unspoiled mountain forest without seeing a soul. We arrived at the ferry about 5 min. late to make the ferry which runs hourly. It didn't take us long to be glad that we had missed it. We met Pat a friendly woman serving fine Cuban coffee out of her fully equipped van. I had a latte and David had a hot chocolate, both outstanding. Pat comes over from Rawene every day to provide for those awaiting the ferry, she said she doesn't need the money but does it because of all the fine people she meets.

There was also a young couple standing outside their camper van, (painted up with the colors of the Moari flag), the young lady smiled at David so he went over to talk to her and I soon followed. They had been travelling for the past 18 months in New Zealand and Australia. There plan is to travel as long as possible, there hope being to catch a ride in NZ's fall to Asia. Kalo and Jackie are from France and shared with us their vision of spreading unity and harmony wherever they visit. All their belonging were in the little van they lived out of. Their enthusiasm was refreshing to say the least.

It is a scenic wonder as well as soul satisfying experience when you find yourself at places where the mountains and the sea come together. It happens all over NZ and we experienced a great deal of it this day. One place that was unusual as well as spectacular was a massive Dune the entrance to Hokianga Harbor.

We turned South and were soon in a sub tropical rain forest. The Waipoua Forest is home to the massive Kauri trees, biggest (around) in the world. We saw "Tane Mahatu" the largest living Kauri in NZ . It is 168 feet high and 46 feet in girth. This is David and his new Indian friends in front of "god of the forest"

After leaving the forest we continued down the Hwy. catching some awesome views of the Tasman Sea from the mountainside. We had a great ride back to Auckland and because it was "Founders Day" (celebrating the signing of the treaty of Waitangi ) the traffic was light. We found our way to our B&B "Campbell Clan House" at about 6PM and were greeted by our hosts Anna Mieke and Colin Campbell. I knew right away I'd like Colin because his garage held two antique restored cars; a model A Ford and an Austin.

We got settled and Colin pointed us to Italian restaurant we could walk to. We had a fine Italian meal with enough garlic. While eatng a guy pulled up a on a Gold Wing for some take-a-way.

David engaged him in converstion and the guy spent the next 15 mins. talking bikes and our trip. We told where we were headed the next day. He offered us an alternative route which we intend to take. He was typical of all the folks we have met here, willing,even happy to give you as much of their time as you want,

After a good nights sleep at the campbell lovely home we were treated to a mighty fine continental breakfast, including the best homemade muesli I've ever had and some to die for peach muffins, hot out of the oven. Colin was a wealth of information about things to see and do down south, as well as roads to take. We thouroughly enjoyed out time at the Campbell's, short though it was.