Beloved Opal springs no more! We called Opal springs to confirm we could stay there but were told that they couldn’t lift the low power lines with a broom like they usually do to let us pass. Health and safety was the reason. Sadly we had to look for somewhere else to stay. We found salvation in Sapphire springs Holiday park, Katikati, which also has hot springs. I traveled in Simone, Tiwai and Letties bus to get there, then we all went swimming in the awesome hot pools.

The next Three days we spent schooling, swimming, swimming and swimming! There was a national heat wave, even the tar was melting on the road, so it was great to have a freezing cold stream right next to our truck.  The second morning Dad made me get up really early and go running with him!  I was sooooo grumpy (I love my morning sleep-in’s) I had a tantrum half way along the bush running track. Afterwards we jumped into the freezing river. Secretly, I felt amazing but I would never admit that to Dad!

Lettie and I laid out yoga mats and pillows and made our own honey and oatmeal face masks, creating the “Gypsy spa”.

One evening we were down at the river feeding the Eels when one miss-took my finger for a sausage and had a chomp. Once we had cleaned it up I realized the Eel had actually lacerated my finger!

On Thursday night we reluctantly left lovely Sapphire springs for Mt Manganui. Once again I traveled with Simones family, watching Pirates of the Caribbean the whole way. Friday morning we left the free parking spot by the port (really just a car-park by the sea)and drove onto the grounds near by. We set up and trained our show then Lettie and I baked Afgans for Gypsy bakers.

As for the weekend, it went perfectly; hot, successful and busy. We even had shade over our shows so we didn’t die of heat like usual. The only down side was dirty feet as the hilly ground was covered in short dry grass. Sunday we had dinner at the Pub/brewery next door to celebrate our lovely week.

Next weekend Ohope beach. Bye!