Day 38 Gulf Harbour

My nephew and his family picked me up and took me from the RSA at Stanmore Bay, where I was parked to his parents' place - my brother Trevor and his wife Janice. Great catch-up and more delicious food. The most I have had in a photo yet.
I moved my camper to a flatter part of the carpar when i got back. Everyone was gone so wasn't using up spaces. Another lady came in so I wasnt the only parked there.
It was suggested I go to Gulf Harbour to park and I could get the ferry to 'wherever'. Plenty of room for campervans. I just arrived in the pouring rain and waited no time for the ferry and I was away.
At the pay station I was looking to see what to do and a chap was there. He explained no hop cards but most likely they would take me by just showing my gold card.
Turns out he was ex Air Force! I didn't have to pay just showed my gold card. Thank you Winston Peter's.
I got a hop card when we reached Auckland.
He was going the same way as me and said get on the same bus and all will be good. Never trust an ex airman! After he went his way and I mine figured out NOT the right move!
Google Maps said five minutes - by car! I walked for over an hour to get to Auckland City hospital. I was hot and bothered after a few wrong turns I suspect. Google said visiting hours were from 11 to 1 and then after 3. I wasn't sure if they would let me in or not. No problem.
I went to see Grant Pratt aka Nose. I haven't seen Nose for 20 years perhaps and was shocked to see him. He had a stroke five weeks ago. If he didn't have his name above the bed I never would have recognize him. Thankfully he remembered our last meeting in Invercargill more than all those years ago at Stephen and Barbara Meads place.
Two other ex Air Force chaps came to also. All joined in 1969. Connection made though and I am going to follow up on another couple of ex Air Force chaps in Invercargill they mentioned when I get back. Seems they are very supportive of Grant and see him three times a week. The bond is strong.
I had a bit to eat and then on a BUS back to the ferry terminal. Missed the boat by minutes. Two hours to the next one.
Sitting bedating what to do and my phone goes. My dear Air Force friend Jane, from Hasting passed away. Her daughter Robina phoned to tell me. Very emotional after seeing Nose and knowing about my family situation the tears flowed.
Decided to go and toast Jane's passing to pass the time. Two cocktails - campervan is by the ferry terminal so no driving needed.
I wasn't sure how to manage Auckland traffic but ferry was my answer. Excellent solution.
Long time since I have been down town Auckland. Masters Games maybe 7 years ago. InterestingLäs mer