We are now doing a little criss-cross to Raglan for the night. Thames to Raglan, over on the west coast, is not far. 140km or so. There are several routes to follow all much the same distance. We took the one that seemingly weaved its way backwards and forwards across the agricultural districts, fairly flat and green with paddocks divided by hedge rows. Very English.

Raglan is the North Island’s surfing mecca. Great black sand beaches with renowned left-hand point breaks. Any surfies among my readers will know if you get on one of these waves it will keep going to the right, as you ride towards the beach, the wave breaks and peels on your left but stays open in front so you just keep sliding down the face and going until the wave (or you) runs out of energy.

Allthego was never a board rider but enjoys watching it though.

Before leaving Thames we had a look around the town and a morning coffee and tea at the old Shortland wharf, originally built in 1868.

The planks we walked on here had seen better days. I’m not sure that the whole present day structure dates back to 1868, 1958 perhaps! The last cargo landed here in 1963. Now mostly pleasure craft and fishing charter boats.

On the way out of town we had a short detour into the hinterland along a stream that flows into the harbour. Very green and picturesque countryside.

Ended up at a Forestry Reserve and campground, the road went on but we turned back. Time was getting on and Raglan called.

Got to Raglan ok in the late afternoon, checked out the old Harbour View Hotel for dinner, nice outlook over the town, told the barman we would be back later.

Raglan is supposed to be a bit bohemian, there is that word again. There are a few arty murals on the walls and people wandering around with odd beards and hairdos.

Didn’t have time to check out the live music scene; that is a hang-out for bohemians. Maybe some of the surf set are bohemians, they though mostly just seemed focussed on the surf when we saw them at the beach.

Then had a little wander down to the wharf, Raglan township is on a small estuary, to watch the sun go down. A siren went off and Allthego checked with a local as to whether it was a Tsunami warning. No, not a Tsunami just the daily emergency siren test. All ok.

Back to the Harbour View Hotel for dinner, we settled for a steak burger each. These were more like a steak and salad dinner in a bun. Very tender piece of meat. Chips too of course.

Next morning before heading the 70km to Cambridge we had our now normal look around the town for interesting bits and pieces.

Allthego is very keen on murals and always seeks them out. Some are better than others. We have seen some good ones on this trip. Bird ones seem to be popular in these parts. The water tower was excellent!

The road to Cambridge took us through the usual lush pastures and picturesque countryside.

We had a stop along the way at Bridal Veil Falls. An impressive drop of 55m into the pool below. The top of the Falls is an easy 15 minute walk from the carpark.

Allthego found the walk to the bottom of the Falls more like going down a step ladder, 235 steps. There was a good handrail and the pathway was well maintained. A bit puffed on returning to the top though.

Then on to Cambridge for two nights. Staying in a neat little villa overlooking some well kept lawns and gardens. The weather forecast is not looking good, the week ahead has storms and rain on the radar for most days.