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Wendy Smith

Wendy Smith

Bor i: Invercargill, New Zealand Læs mere🇳🇿Invercargill
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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 66

      9. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

      Last night the rain bucketd down and the wind was fair rocking the camper. Great big puddle outside the camper but stopped around midnight and no problems with a floating camper today.
      I did worry it would flood around the park and checked twice to ensure I wasn't getting above the wheels in water.
      John took me to Weta Workshop today. We didn't do the tour but watched the free videos. Incredible what they have done and what they can achieve. Certainly we know Peter Jackson's work and the things he achieved.
      Every day I see the pohutukawa trees and have been forgetting to mention them let alone taking a picture. Today I finally remembered. Love seeing them and there seems to be a lot. Some are in full bloom some half way and some only a few blooms.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 65

      8. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

      Today I have been at Marie and Ian's. I worked at Post with Marie. They live in Tretham. John dropped me off on the way to visit his family.
      Loads and loads of nattering - catching up, to spite my staying with them just after Kings Birthday weekend. For Marie and me it is like we worked together yesterday. Great lady.
      They are expecting one of their son's and children tomorrow from Australia so the real Christmas tree is ready for the children to decorate. Loved the smell of a real tree.
      Ian is in the Navy so always the banter.
      I liked talking military things, seeing his medals, his Dad's and grandfather's medals.
      We went to the markets, which were really good and I probably need to think about the odd Christmas present but nothing seemed to take my fancy for the people I would like to get a gift for.
      They have a list of famous people from the area displayed near the market.
      Marie and I went for a walk near their place and it is where park run is held.
      This super couple drove me back to the motorhome park and came to see my campervan. As you can see Ian's car is pretty unique.
      Very very windy here again.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 64

      7. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      I am still very surprised when I write the day number!
      This morning John and I went to Paraparaumu. Like I have said John is finally putting down roots so wanted to look at furniture. Interesting to see what is available.
      We then walked along the beach and there were loads of boats and trailers of people away fishing or back in from fishing. Wonder what time they went out and if they had their full catch. Reminded me of Oreti Beach. Not many beaches are sandy and you can drive on them. Saw Kapiti Island reminded me of not being able to see the other mountains further up the island. Got to see some of it even with the clouds.
      Young fella and his dad collecting wood to make an art work.
      On the way back we stopped off at the memorial to the American Marines that were here in WW2. I thought I had been there but I don't think I had or don't remember it. I was surprised to read that there were 15,000 American troops here. That is a lot. I signed the remembrance book.
      Some great news from Invercargill - the fence is back up...!!      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 63

      6. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

      This morning John and I headed away in his car. He tows the car on a frame attached to his motorhome and when he gets to a destination he can separate the two and trip around in a normal size vehicle.
      He is a good driver and knows his way around Wellington. Apart from the odd one way street.
      Firstly we went to where Shelly Bay Air Force Base was. Hard to remember where things were now days. We had morning tea at the Chocolate Fish Cafe. Great place and enjoyed watching the young children ride around a small track on various scooters and bikes.
      We then went and saw the Massey Memorial. Five minutes walk up a pretty step hill. I was surprised how big it was. Sorry the pics don't seem to have turned out.
      We then drove around the coast to loads of lovely bays and ended up doing a full circle. It was a very good look at the bays and as always some of the places would have tremendous views.
      We went and saw the wind generator. It was erected in 1993. Pretty interesting from then to now to see how much technology has changed and improved since then and becoming the norm. Not easy to erect in Wellington winds on such a steep part of Wellington.
      Saw two ferries come and go, and it reminds me of how my time in the North will be here before I know it.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2
      Waiting for the train
      The return trainLook at the detail on the buildingCable CarFrom the top of the cable carWendy on the police launch...!!

      Day 62

      5. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

      This morning I was up and about early and off to the train station 10 minutes walk away. As it turned out there were four of us from the NZMCA park catching the train after 9am so we were able to go free with our Gold Card.
      Lots of chatter about our plans.
      Arrived in very windy Wellington and I started walking and no firm plans for the day. Keen to go to the Maritime Museum. Managed with Google Maps to find it. I have been before but not sure it was the same place or they have amalgamated with Wellington Museum. Not Te Papa. Some of the facts I wish I could remember. The one I can remember is that the first royal visit to NZ was in 1890 something.
      Watched a video on the Wahine disaster and the displays. Very sobbing.
      Off walking again and saw loads of people having business meetings in the cafes. Most men seemed to have blue suits on. Didn't see anyone famous.
      I then ended up in the main shopping street and saw Lululemon so I knew the cable car was close. Again free for us old people.
      Talked to a young English chap out here with his Dad for the cricket. 15 days of cricket...!! Seemingly they won the first game. Who could watch a day of cricket let alone 15..!!
      I had seen the police launch and sent my brother Winston a pic. His 'son-in-law' works on it and was at work. I wasn't sure if I would see it on my return trip. Turns out I did see it and Kit showed me around. It still amazes me that from time to time I am in the right place at the right time.
      It was excellent to get a pic of me trying to skipper the boat. Thank you, Kit, a highlight of my day.
      Back on the train and John is here. He is going to be my tour guide for the next few days. Loads planned and with having a car so much easier to get about.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 61

      3. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

      Some may remember Julie and Mark from the first few days of this trip in the Dunedin NZMCA park. They were friends of friends and Julie recognized me. They were so kind and took me to the supermarket.
      Julie, who has been so good at following my blog, arrived and of course asked me over for a drink and to catch up with her and Mark. We had to sit inside because the weather wasn't all that good.
      Another couple were there, ex Air Force Margo and Richard. Quite a bit younger than me but lovely people. They have been on the road for four years. Great catch up and at least two pics for the blog!
      This morning I did some paper work and then set out to find this ex Air Force friend. GPS was sending me up and down the road. Parked the camper and walked. Dizzy rain so put on my jacket.
      I walked from 354 to 292. Rebekah's number was 286. Seemed like a pool or something. Walked back to the camper drove back and found the place. I looked like a drowned rat so I did not go and visit. At least I know where to go another time.
      Someone took my space while I was gone. I could have put out my cones but I have the space where Mark and Julie were last night so that works for me.
      The outside area is full but people can still park in the middle. People coming and going all the tme. Drizzling again so no walking.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 60 - Plimmerton (for the next 9 days

      3. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

      Loaded the blog, put the washing away made the bed so all good.
      John was in Levin. He is looking at putting down roots after 18 years on the road, so came to Levin to look at a unit in a life style village.
      Denys, John and myself went out for a meal together. Lovely all us ex Air Force people getting together.
      Very pleased to report the white vinegar vinegar sorted the smell out..!!!
      This morning I went looking at the shops at Otaki. Loads of great shops but you have to be in the mood to decide.
      I then tried to find an ex work mate but it was too complicated.
      Then on to Waikanae. I joked that I had seen two of my former father-in-law's partner/wives and thought I could go to the cemetery and see the third. Saw a sign saying cemetery so thought it is meant to be. Third row I found the headstone. Did a good deed and cleaned the bird poop off it.
      I then went to see Joan 'Duggan' that was our 'ma'am' at Wigram. I thought there was a connection with friends of Mum and Dad's. I must have been mistaken.
      Joan is in good health and spirits and we remembered a load of people from the 1970's. Joan had a prior appointment so I wasn't there long but excellent to see her. I am now at the Plimmerton NZMCA park for the next nine days      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 59

      2. december 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

      I walked over to the shed to register at the NZMCA park, that is at the Foxton racecourse and a group of people were having happy hour and asked me to join them. I think most were from Foxton Beach and go places regularly together.
      Enjoyable company. I didn't stay too long.
      This morning it was on to Levin to Denys and as I said Trafalgar St laundromat - at no charge!
      Tooth/mouth issue, I had a filling full out on Friday night, no pain no sharpness at the back of my mouth. Phoned my dentist and I have an appointment for the Friday 20th Dec, so that determines when I will be back in Invercargill.
      The rest of the morning I did laundry, and vacuumed the campervan. Put some white vinegar down the sink wastes and then went and emptied it. No issues emptying the grey waste today. Hope the smell goes now. Filled up with fuel so all my tanks are empty - if that is the best way, and the others are full..!! Great way to be.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 58 - Foxton

      30. november 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

      My gosh day 58 and 1 December. 12 more days in the North Island. Hard to believe.
      We were given numbers and had to decorate a table. So random people and to mix things up. I had serviettes, but another lady in the group had Christmas themed ones, so I actually have more than I started with. Locals were able to bring things from home. Our table was pretty good.
      Excellent night with a shared meal. The club supplied the ham and such a great selection of other salads and other food. I took some new potatoes and cooked them up, my bowl was empty by the end of the night so that is always good. The deserts were as always great.
      There was also an upcycle outfit competition. People are so creative. Very impressed.
      This morning the Sanson market was on so we wandered down to it. Only got some biscuits that looked yum.
      Raffle and farewells. Shared my details with a few people and who knows if our paths will cross. They were very welcoming to this Southlander. Took a few pics of some of the vehicles. I think there were around 60 people at the weekend.
      I then drove to Foxton Beach and had lunch with Stephen and Di. Loads to catch up on since I visited on the way up. Perhaps more confidence.
      Parked up at the Foxton NZMCA park at the racecourse for the night.      Læs mere

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    • Wendy SmithRejsendeRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 57 Sanson - day 2

      30. november 2024, New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

      The vehicles are packed in like sardines, but all good. Like I said everyone was very friendly and loads of great conversations. Interesting people all out on the road not sitting at home letting the grass grow under their feet.
      We had fish and chips as a group. The logistics of getting 40 odd parcels of fish and chips back to the school meant some were a little less hot than others but I didn't have to decide or cook and that is a bonus.
      This morning there was a morning tea shout. One lady was having her 70th birthday so cake for everyone.
      This afternoon John had offered me to take his car to Whanganui. He has it hooked on the back of his campervan. I asked if he would like to go. He said he would so off we went.
      Timed it nicely. So pleased I was able to go on the paddle steamer boat. Up the river for an hour and back again. It was so smooth and a lot quieter than I thought it maybe. Hard to find the words to describe the journey. Loads of bush, a few bridges and other landmarks.
      On the way back we called into Dudding Lake. Lovely spot.
      Happy hour time      Læs mere

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