Paihia and Russell

A gorgeous sunny day for a trip to tourist town Paihia and ferry to Russell. 

First we walked along the beach, finding some beach glass which, as usual, I think I will make into a necklace. Certainly could happen someday. In one of the shops, I even saw one I could copy, with holes drilled in the pieces, then strung on flax, with knots between each, to space the glass. 


We had a gingerbread latte at the Third Wheel, then walked down to the dock. Besides getting our ferry tickets, we made reservations for the bus trip to Cape Reinga, being picked up at Claes’ farm stay.

An easy crossing on the Happy Ferry, then a walk around Russell up to the oldest church in New Zealand. It has bullet holes in the outside walls left from a 1845 war. Inside are pew cushions needlepointed by local women in the 1990’s. Birds, local buildings, religious symbols, plants are depicted.

Lunch was fish and chips, both gemfish and snapper. We added fried oysters to our order. Very good, however I’ve had all the fried food I’d like for the near future.


We walked around Russell some more, then took the ferry back to Paihai. We’d planned on gold rush flavor ice cream for dessert, but the Tip Top dairy bar didn’t have any. I tried passion fruit, absolutely delicious, and Grant had fudge caramel. 

On the way home, we drove up Mount Bledsoe for the view. Time for a nap. Betsy made us kumera waffles for dinner.

Steps today: 6,752

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