first stop on the west coast

The journey down the west coast to Punakaiki was once again a delightful and relatively easy trip. We followed the GPS instructions even though there were times when it started to get lost and guiding us across open fields. There were a few scary moments as we crossed narrow 'one lane' bridges and passes that had poor visability. But we followed the rules of the road and beckoned the odd lorry through when it needed guidance.
We arrived at our next port of call. The Rocks, Homestay.
Well this was another experience entirely and in a different league as far as paradise was concerned. The place appeared to be suspended over a small section of rain forest and the hosts Rolie and Eva made the welcome all the more special as we were introduced to the living space and the options of what activities were available and where to eat.
There were 2 other rooms which were also taken as the 'no vacancy' sign confirmed when talking with Rolie.
we rested a while then considered where to eat. We had been recommended to the local tavern where all the locals seemed to congregate as well as other travellers were also eating. We arrived there just in time and ordered food. I opted for the rib-eye steak whilst Caroline went for the pasta with tomato sauce.
It was served to us by Ian the owner of the place and as Caroline identified herself as having the 'veggie' option, he responded with the best line of the day, "you can see a Doctor about that".
I nearly choked on my mouthful of draught Tui.
the food went down a treat, although during the process we had witnessed the locals all turn to the TV (the volume was turned up and the music stopped) as an interview with the Chief Executive of the Pike River Mine brought home the proximity we were to the recent disaster and how it was effecting everyone.
I had a second pint, this time Monteith's Black Beer whilst Caroline then watched a change of mood on the TV... Gordon Ramsey's Nightmare kitchens!! imported US version.
we returned to the Rocks and had a quick walk on the beach at the end of Truman track.
Then back for a get together with the other people staying and discussed and compared our adventures around New Zealand so far.