“Girls – The wallet has just walked in.”

Summer Series: 6/6 stories.

Our summer family holiday started in Matakana after driving up from Lake Karapiro, where our daughter was once again representing Onslow College in rowing.

We stopped at Matakana for an overnight stay. When we arrived, there was dark cloudy skies, and you could cut the atmosphere with a knife – plus, it was extremely muggy.

We all spent some time going around the shops before the boys had had enough, and I said to the girls we are off to the bottle shop, so catch us up there. No issues.

I don’t think my son Blake was that fussed about going to another bottle shop, but it sure as hell bet going to another woman’s clothes shop from our perspectives.

Off we went, fighting our way through the muggy conditions and arrived at said bottle shop. We were greeted accordingly and we headed towards the chiller. Blake did not know what my true intention where until we entered the chiller. I said – what do you think? – he replied, its ok. I then said isn’t this better than being out there in the muggy atmosphere, he then understood me – shear bliss!!!

It wasn’t too long before Sandra and Natasha arrived looking a bit worse for wear, so I suggested they both go into the chiller to make them feel better. They reluctantly took my advice and came out refreshed. While purchasing some fine wine and beer the heavens opened up and down came the rain in bucket loads. It didn’t last long, and we got back to our accommodation dry.  

That evening we had a great dinner at the local establishment sitting outside in very pleasant conditions and this is where Blake found his love of bangers and mash with heaps of gravy with fried onions.

Then next day, we headed north to stay in Dargaville. Once again, the weather wasn’t great as we met up with more rain. The following day was fine and warm and we had breakfast at a local café. Once again it was time to hit the shops!!

Great, excellent was the call from some of us. We all went into the local Hunting and Fishing shop and the boys were happy, the girls less so. Until. Out from the back of the store came a young black lab carrying in his mouth a toy of similar size, tail wagging. What a sight – took us straight back home where our golden lab – Soda (with a twist) does the same thing. The owner said he was training him for duck hunting – soft mouth.

Anyhow, had some lunch and the shopping continued. By this stage the enthusiasm was waning – even Natasha wasn’t that keen anymore.

Sandra was in her element with craft stores, woman’s clothing stores. So, there was a split and then Sandra saw another clothes shop across the street and said this will be the last one, promise. I suppose it had to be because there was no more.

The three of us let her go. We mucked around keeping a distant view of the shop. Natasha was the first to break ranks to try and hurry Sandra up. She wasn’t so successful so after a while, Blake and I crossed the street and entered the shop.

Well, it was all on from then, once I was identified. The cry went out from the staff – “Girls – The wallet has just walked in”. This had never happened before to me and I felt a wee bit intimated. But I had nothing to worry about, I was in save hands and the staff were just wonderful. A great example of customer service, and they actually took the time to have a chat with us to learn where we came from and also tell us about their region.

We found out it was run by three sisters who were all characters. Their mother opened a clothes shop in Whangarei and then this one in Dargaville. At the time the sisters and their mother used to commute between the two shops while all living in Dargaville.

While in the store and parting with some money, they strongly suggested we visit the local museum and Lake Kaiiwi. We heeded their advice and headed off to the lakes and it was well worth the drive. When we got there, it took our breath away, intense white sand and clear blue water. They were created during the Pleistocene Epoch, which began more than 1.8 million years ago. They were formed by the accumulation of rainwater in depressions of sand and because there is underlying ironstone, it prevents the water from leaking away.

So this is where I will finish my summertime series. Trust you have enjoyed my stories and I look forward to your feedback.

Goodbye until the next series.

END