garyandpearl

Day 16 February 1

We had an early morning as we had to be on the road by 8 on our way to New Plymouth. Gary must have thought he was a rally driver with the way he was driving these roads today. We have a red 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid which is a dream to drive. The roads are very narrow and winding. A few times today I told Gary that he could actually slow down for an unmarked corner, and he smiled and told me to close my eyes. So I did. And thus I slept most of the way to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Photography was not allowed in the caves, but the glowworms are really something to see! We had a 45 minute tour which included a boat ride on the river to catch the full effect . Imagine large clusters of glowing grapes hanging from the cave ceilings or many chandeliers clustered together. The effect was quite amazing! The caves themselves were quite spectacular as well.

After a lunch of fish and chips, we headed to New Plymouth to meet Brian and Julia and the boys. Brian met us at the Methanex plant where he works, and we toured the visitor center before heading into town. This was at one time a sister city to Medicine Hat and there are many similarities. There are three Methanex plants here as opposed to our one. It is also a hidden jewel away from the major hustle and bustle, and the cost of living is cheaper as well. They have a beautiful mountain in their back yard called Mt Taranaki, the top of which is only visible on clear days.

We enjoyed a delicious supper of New Zealand lamb, and then we went for a walk to see a beautiful award winning bridge called the Te Rewa Rewa bridge.

Although they also have sand flies and mosquitoes, the similarities between the two small cities stop as we walk beside the ocean which Medicine Hat does not have:

Proverbs 16:20 says:

“Whoever gives thought to the word (or matter) will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” ESV