We get our first visitors ....

Dave, Bob, Josh and Tim were heading over to Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park from their awesome Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura. We got to spend the evening with them, primarily because the regularly schedule Aqua Taxi's last run in the Park is at 3:30 pm. Kinda ironic they call it Aqua Taxi, rather than just Aqua Shuttle, which it what it really is.

The kids were thrilled to see them, and Maya spoke quite a bit to both Dave and Bob along with multiple hugs and kisses. She described some of the school activities, the lunch schedule and what she has been doing in NZ. Nice to watch Maya chat up a storm :). We gave them an option of the BoatShed or Haven Fish and Chips for dinner. Since they would be eating pretty good meals at Awaroa, they opted for the local greasy newspaper fish and chips consumed facing scenic Nelson Bay. We ordered a sampling of various fish (Blue Cod, Snapper, Grouper, Cardinal, Fish Kebab, Mussels, Scallops, Fish Stick) and a couple of orders of fries. I liked it much better than the first time, probably because we ordered the better fish on the menu. The Blue Cod in particular was quite excellent. It definitely is a super greasy meal, and cannot be repeated more than once a month!. We also ordered drinks and lemonade from the nice bar next door (sand????) and had a pretty good time. As usual, PJ managed to eat nothing but chips and ketchup, while Maya did try pretty much everything we ordered.

We got them some pretty decent accomodation at RiverLodge Motel which is across the street. They had to leave a bit too early in the morning, before our favorite cafe opened (morrison street cafe), so instead we paid a visit to the coffeeshop of the world that cannot be named (and should not be visited either, but thats another story) :(