Labor day take two

Amie and I took advantage of our first three day weekend by taking a trip to the east coast. It was Labor day this week so I had Monday off. Very nice to get two Labor days in one year.
The east coast is known to have a warmer and dryer climate and it did not disappoint.
First, Friday night-One of our local spots delivered the best waves we have seen yet. Chest to a little overhead size and very clean. Amie caught her first overhead wave ever. She disappeared down the face and shot out a few moments later with a huge smile on her face.
It was a perfect Friday night. Surfing at sunset with Mt. Taranaki in the background, absolutely perfect. Shared a beer with a few Californians here on vacation and then home.
Saturday we loaded up the car for our first overnight road trip. We were able to get a mattress in the back of the van. We had made curtains during the week. Amie had rounded up food, a new cooler and some other supplies. Off we went.
We strolled lazily over to the town of Napier. On the way, we took advantage of one of the last surf spots on the west coast. I got some nice long board waves.
We pulled into Napier at a free campsite at about 7pm. The site was amazing. We backed right up to the water. No surf directly out front of us, but as we found out the next morning, there was plenty of fish. Two salty old guys, think Howie in 25yrs, saw the water start to boil with fish and got after it. Amie got some great pics of them running into the surf to get their catch. I have never seen men in their 70's so excited about fish.
While we made dinner on our first night, a little five year old came over and invited us to the camp site next to ours. The people there were great. They only lived 1km down the road, but were camping out for the weekend anyway. Jamie and Hillary were the parents. Great folks. Everyone here is so friendly. We have been welcomed very warmly everywhere we have gone.
This weekend we noticed a whole country on vacation. Everyone seemed to pick up an go somewhere. The Kiwis travel well. There are clean bathrooms everywhere. Showers provided. Information centers in every town. On our drive, there were a few road stops set up to provide free refreshments for tired drivers.
Oh and then there was the California Dreaming concert. On Sunday, we spent the morning at the beach, then hit Napier and the aquarium in the afternoon. On our way back to the campsite, we stopped at one of the many wineries. We picked the one with the California Dreamers concert. There was a group dressed like the Mamas and the Papas playing 60's music. The crowed was made up like hippies. Everyone was drinking wine, dancing and having a great time. Old and young just partying.
Monday morning was sunny and not a cloud in the sky. We had a quick dip in the ocean and then home we went. A great weekend, new friends and SUN. Oh, when we got home it was raining, again.

Amie worked three days this week. A good start to her career here. Work for me is fine. I have had some very sick patients show up for office visits. The kiwis do not use the ER like Americans. They actually go to their GP's. It can be very challenging, but I like it.
So, we know the area pretty well. We have many surf spots dialed in. Amie is getting a mtn bike this week. The car is ready to go. We are now a traveling circus.
Notes from home. It looks like the surf had been good. We miss the surf shack and all who resided there.
The Yankees are going to the world series.. I know I am excited.

Keep all the emails coming. We miss everyone. Hope to start hearing about people making some flight arrangements soon.