Good on ya... Throughout our tour we have heard this phrase many times, mostly from the older Kiwis when they see us huffing and puffing on fully loaded bikes up steep hills. One of our favorite "cheerleaders" is Bill, aka the defacto campground host at the Otto/MacDonald Department of Conservation campsite. He and his wife Pat have been spending their summers at this tiny campsite for 22 years. Through an elaborate concoction of generators, pipes, and curtains, Bill (age 84) and his wife had made this their summer home.
Bill was quick to offer smiles, words of encouragement and friendly greetings throughout our stay. Our second night we were invited over to see his "camp" and share his home-made Moonshine and Brandy. He offered history of New Zealand's West Coast, opportunities for laughter and advice for a long healthy marriage and life ("live well and love each other"). Bill and Pat have been married for 63 years.
We would like to offer a "Good on ya!" to Bill and Pat, for your wonderful hospitality and for being wonderful representatives of Kiwi culture and hospitality. For although Bill and Pat have to share their summer home with many different tourists, they enthusiastically continue to embrace all newcomers, whether they are there for one night or a fortnight.
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