Monday, January 17, 2011

Day 14 - Taumaranui to Whangamomona, Stratford, Pembroke Hall

Day fourteen saw us at Taumaranui. We went into town and some walked the main street before we began the Forgotten World Highway, that runs from Taumaranui to Stratford. This is a fantastic drive. It has many challanges and gear changes. It is very hilly and windy with few stopping places. Halfway down is a narrow tunnel (Moki Tunnel) that was just as wide as the wing mirrors on the bus. Further down the road is Whangamomona. This is a small historic town with a famous pub. We had our lunch inside and then thought we would spend some SKI money and buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We then drove on looking for a place to stop for the night or even pull over. We were in Stratford before we found a stopping place and finally stopped for the night at Pembroke Settlers Hall for the night. This is beside the Pembroke School.

The Forgotten Highway is about 150 kilometres long but has impressive scenery. Well worth the trip. It was extremely hot throughout the drive. We thought of staying at Whangamomona for the night but the heat was stifling.

Wally of the day is Gloria. We had trout for tea last night and Gloria bagged up the scraps and put them by the bus wheel but forgot it. During the night there was one almighty cat fight outside and in the morning the remains of the bag was under Don's bus, spread around.

                                          Mort and Val fighting over whose bucket should be
                                          filled. A lot of water was wasted.

                                          Cattle on the Forgotten World Highway.

                                          The Old Post Office @ Whangamomona.

                                          Whangamomona Hotel. Notice the the For Sale sign.

                                          Lunch inside the pub.

                                                        I decided to become a citizen of the
                                                        Republic of Whangamomona.

                                          We have spent more S.K.I. money. Bought the Pub!!!

                                          Parked at Pembroke Hall for the night.

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