Not such a picture postcard day today. The wind was whipping up white caps on the lake and it was a chilly morning. We had a leisurely start and headed off just before 11.

We were heading to Levin. It was only supposed to be a 4 hour journey but it turned into a 6 hour one. We hit road works around lake Taupo and just sat for ages. Pity Google didn’t tell us beforehand as we could have gone the other way.

The desert road made up for it though. We found a nice spot overlooking the mountain with a picnic table. Jenny cooked us up some fillet steak from one of Johns cows. So we ate steak sandwiches on the side of the road overlooking mount ruapehu. Delicious . Thanks Eve.

We didn’t arrive at Levin until 5pm and Barry’s mum had organised dinner at the Cobb and co for 6 for Jenny’s early birthday dinner. Barry’s brother and his wife also joined us.

We all ordered the senior meal which was 3 courses for $38.70. It was yummy! Tonight we are sleeping outside Barry’s mums place, and Jenny and Barry are inside in a proper bed.