Everyone would have hoped my Red dot on my tracker continued moving today. But it didn't. The tip of the spit was a windy mess this morning according to last night's weather and this mornings updates. For once it was me who turned to the support crew and said have faith, when it was suggested to me maybe we should hike and see what the beach looked like! "What!? Do you want to revert to just looking at the sky for our weather forecast?!" I did chuckle to myself. We are both so very keen to nail this next 50 plus kilometre day.

I now have to thank everyone who messaged me and sent emails saying "Congrats" and "Yahoo you are further north!", it really means so much to me that I still have such a loyal bunch of people. It made me smile all day. We got sorted this morning, I made myself pancakes in the camp kitchen, and got talking to fellow travellers so my pancakes ended up a tad crispy. Well actually to be honest the outside was burnt. They were still yummy, once I covered them in coconut oil and lashings of bush honey. I sit and drink my coffee, and enjoy this beautiful clear day. Crisp icy grass and layer upon layer of clothing, but this is a cute little campsite and makes me smile. (Farewell Gardens Holiday Park, Puponga.)

We get on the road, and we head to pickup a supply of honey. Thanks to Fraser, Kerry and Tuilla. It is beautiful honey and thanks for the generosity of you all. Then Jase and I were off to have our final farm lunch with the family at Kaihoka Farms, and to help in the yards for the afternoon rounding up the sheep for scanning. Boots on, sleeves rolled up and trying to herd sheep. I chatted rather a lot, and dodged the crazy sheep when they decided to jump the yard fences! I also left Jase up the front guiding them towards the scanner.

It was all done by afternoon tea. A quick cup of tea, some home baked biscuits and time to listen to news that the first set of quad lambs have arrived, then we say our final goodbyes. I stopped for a moment at the big farm house on top of the hill, just one last time, and enjoy looking at the spring daffodils. I am a tad sad, and actually a wee bit jealous. Again I am so humbled by their total generosity to me and this journey. I have made some amazing new friends that will never be forgotten. There are so many stories, so many great people, and such an amazing community, with real people; this is truly NZ.

Back to Puponga for a quick hike to check on Louise (my white kayak). As we walk back along the inner spit beach I look out at a very calm evening. Calmer than was forecast, and I go "maybe I should have!" but before I could finish my sentence, Jason stopped me. Reminding me I have a very short memory. That thinking about yesterday and what if's cannot help. It has passed and gone and it can't be changed. Just move on. Well ain't that the truth. Then it was back to base camp to pack and be ready for tomorrow. Who knows what that will be like. As we all know the best laid plans can get ruined by Mother Nature.

My smiles today:
A day on the farm.
A top up of golden honey.
Spring; it is certainly on its way.
Crazy leaping sheep.
Amazing supportive messages. Thank you.

My thoughts today:
"You can't have a better tomorrow if you don't stop thinking about yesterday." Thanks Jason.

Good night from Red, Jase and Cuzzie.
Ma Te Wa.