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Wendy Smith

Wendy Smith

Tinggal di: Invercargill, New Zealand Baca lagi🇳🇿Invercargill
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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2
      2

      Day 36 - Whangarei - Day 4

      9 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

      Janice and Mark and two of their friends went to the North Club for a meal. Very nice Thai Beef Salad for me. Forgot to take a picture sorry. The other couple, English by birth have lived in Whangarei for about 8 years. They have just returned from 4 months overseas great hearing about where they have been.
      This morning I cranked up the camper and with Janice and Mark's guidance I backed out the drive. A couple of corrections but then away I went.
      I meet Kim for morning tea. Kim's late parents were super people and although we only meet once or twice in real life we spent a lot of time on the phone - as you do. Both Sheila and Tom are fondly remembered. They are part of the extended family tree. Like the Pollard tree, so it was tough trying to remember the connections. Kim and her husband have just had 8 weeks in the UK researching, seeing attractions and relatives. Two hours went nowhere.
      After that I went and filled the campervan up with water. I had left my hose connections some place and got another one on Thursday. Also got fuel, so I will be good to hit the road tomorrow.
      This afternoon Janice took me to the Quarry Gardens. It was damaged a lot in Gabriel but through volunteers they are restoring it. Pretty neat place.
      I forgot to post the clock next to the Hundertwasser Museum the other day      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Whangarei - Really Day 3

      8 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

      Once again this old brain wasn't in gear and I said yesterday it was day 3 when really it was only day 2.
      This morning Janice and I headed away towards their batch/holiday home/crib. Janice is excellent and did the scenic tour. Again what an amazing part of the country. Beautiful bays, white sandy beaches, deep green sea and fabulous holiday homes with views that you would never get sick of looking out at.
      We went to Tutukaka Coast their batch is at Matapouri. Excellent spot and so close to the water.
      Nature is pretty cool in some of the pics.
      Very pleased to finally see the banana tree growing. I have heard a lot about the bananas. Janice grew it from a cutting. Lady finger bananas.
      We had a walk on the beach, lunch at a cafe, a look in a couple of shops, we climbed up a observation tower to see the sea because the trees have grown to see from the observation deck.
      As it happened we were driving as the kids came out of school in one bay and I was intrigued how five of them went home - in an aluminum boat with an outboard motor. Maybe it was a Dad at the helm. Certainly an adult. How cool is that? Beats a school bus or walking.
      Mark has been as busy as a bee today doing the lawns and they look perfect..!! He is holding my arm half way up my back so I write that..!!
      Out for a meal tonight.
      Thank you all for reading my blog      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 34 - Whangarei - Day 3

      6 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      I am 70 years old and sometimes it feels so hard to remember things and I often think was that this morning - seems a long time ago but it wasn't.
      Two things I forgot in yesterday's blog. I parked at Opau too close to the trees or the trees needed trimmed. Or maybe one branch.
      My amazing nephew Josh guided me and even went on the roof of my campervan to "move" the branch to enable me to pull away from the park without damaging the roof of my campervan. Young people are so agile. I think Josh jumped from the roof. Poor Frida would have been having heart failure. I need to thank them again.
      I also forgot yesterday to say I saw four different lots of people walking, I guess the Te Araroa trail out of Russell. Two couples, one on her own and another lot of three. How far they walk in a day is beyond belief. Seemed a long way to anywhere so they may pitch a tent in the middle of nowhere.
      I am staying with an ex Southlander Janice and her husband Mark. Even though Janice came down for my birthday still loads to talk about. Doesn't sound like me!!!
      This morning Janice took me driving to Whangarei Heads. Some beautiful bays and as I have seen in the last few days properties that have amazing views. Loved it.
      This afternoon we went to the Hundertwasser Museum here in Whangarei. He was a man before his time with his art and natural values. Very interesting. We also popped into the Kauri shop and glass blowing shop. So many lovely things.      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 34 - Whangarei

      5 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

      Life is always interesting. I got a call from my nephew Josh to ask if I wanted to go in his helicopter (not his personal one the company he works for) from the foreshore in Paihai back to the shed it is housed in. Thought long and hard - at least 30 seconds - yes I would love too. It was amazing. So quiet compared to the only other helicopter I have been in when we were at Mount Cook biking from there to Oamaru and they took us across the river, and our bikes separately.
      It is awesome how it he can land in such a small space was amazing.
      Frida - Josh's partner picked me up and took me back to my campervan and then back to their place and once again I was treated to their home cooked meal.
      I had hoped to go flying again this morning with Josh but he had the morning off and I didn't want to go with another pilot or wait until this afternoon.
      We had a lovely walk around Opua. There are some impressive boats moored.
      It was time to bid them farewell and I was off on the car ferry to Russell.
      I remember Mum and Dad's picture from when they were on their retirement holiday going on this and I thought it would be cool.
      Cost $30 for maybe an 8 minute crossing. It was great. I wanted to take a picture but the movement of the boat was such that I felt safer inside the camper. Easy to get on and off and they seem to go ever 15 minutes. Ni waiting, no booking. Had a drive into Russell but didn't stop.
      I wanted to go to Whangarei and but the GPS and Google Maps wanted me to go back on the ferry. I knew there was a coast road. After a couple of attempts and asking at the garage I got on the right road. It was lovely but challenging.
      At Whangarei now.      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2
      5

      Day 33 Paihia

      4 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

      After I loaded the blog yesterday Caro and I went driving. Ended up at Cooper's Beach and walked along the beach. Just so lovely. Then on to Mangonui for a seafood meal. I had hoki. So much nicer than the supermarket hoki. I am not going to say it was as good as blue cod but close probably because it was fresh.
      We both enjoyed our meals.
      Slept well and this morning I set off for Paihia. I did stop on the way through and take a photo of the entrance to Keri Keri because I hadn't managed it the other days when I was there. I think it is great. I am amazed how it is constructed.
      When I am driving I have my music on and often sing along. This morning no exception with a few Beatles numbers. It is random what comes on.
      There is a lot of bamboo growing around this area for protection /shelter belts for the fruit trees. Some of the bamboo is really tall. Interesting to see.
      I have also noticed not many motorists used their indicators when leaving passing lanes, overtaking on passing lanes etc. Just my observation.
      I am in Paihai. Just a great place. I have been here before but forgot how lovely it was. I have been to Waitangi and out on the boat to see the hole in the rock so won't be doing that again.
      My nephew and his partner recently moved here. Josh is a helicopter pilot so my blow a few bucks and have a spin with him tomorrow.      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 32 - Kaitaia

      4 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

      I spent another night at Helly's. Forgot to share the photo of the macadamias that Alan had given me yesterday from their own trees.
      Lovely shower this morning in the glamping site area. Shared it with some spiders!
      It was then on to Kaitaia. It didn't take as long as I thought it would. Here before 11am. Cooper's Beach looked a great place as I past through it.
      I am parked at Caro's. Let's just say she is a relation of my former husband, Chris.
      We have always stayed friends and I have visited before.
      Cuppa and then her daughter popped in with some bargains. Look at the size of the broccoli.
      Caro and I then went into Kaitaia and she had a few messages to get. Nice to be a passenger for awhile.
      We went to the lovely library there and to the museum attached. No photos because I thought they would be too dark.
      The kauri gum was very interesting and some of the history of the area.
      Great weather but a cool wind. This is the furtherest north I am going. Been to Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach a few years ago. Other parts of NZ I want to see.      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2
      1

      Day 32 Keri Keri - day 2

      3–4 Nov 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

      Helly and I had an enjoyable night swapping stories, drinking wine and eating good food.
      It was then back to the camper and bed time. No nightie. It would appear I have left it and my sweater in the shower at Ureiti doc camp! I still had another nightie so no problem.
      This morning I tried to contact Alan. Alan and his wife Pat were on the same tour of Turkey together. Lovely couple and Pat facetimed regularly. So we have stayed in touch. No reply to txts or phone wasn't sure what the issue was with Alan's phone. They have been to Invercargill and stayed with me twice.
      I went to the stone house, that I have seen before and parking was difficult so no pics.
      Still no contact from Alan and the markets seemed a good place to go. Minimal but spent some of my birthday money.
      I have stayed with Pat and Alan and drove down the street and remembered the place. Hesitatenly approached knowing they had been in a different place for awhile, but there was Alan sorting some welding. I had the right place.
      Sadly Pat had passed away earlier this year. Good seeing him and listening to his plans for the future and loads of memories with his beloved Pat.
      We forget in the south how warm it is up here. They have tomatoes growing, orchids and even a coffee tree! Is that Wilson looking over the fence?
      We had a bit of lunch a few doors up from their place and Alan did a small repair of my grey water outlet. Very thankful for his expertise.
      I then came back to Helly's and she had a lovely meal on the stove.
      Moving on tomorrow as far north as I am going.      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 31 - Keri Keri

      1 November 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

      Loaded the blog and then off down to the beach for a look. Walking from the camper to the beach reminded me a lot of Oreti beach sand hills when we were kids. No cars of course. I did a walk but didn't see any nudists that are further down seemingly. I am good with that. According to the map the islands I could see are the Hen and Chicken and Burgess Islands. Very peaceful. So safe for little kids.
      The lovely couple next to me helped me put the wedges under the wheels of the camper to ensure it was more on the level. Once I wouldn't have worried but it is great to be - level.
      Took advantage of the $2 shower this morning. I am so use to quick showers now I was all finished before the time ran out.
      By past Whangarei and went on to Kawa Kawa and the famous toilets. Had a wander around. The hobby train was going down the main street but I wasn't quick enough to get it while it was going, because I was being served after buying three books at an Op shop.
      There don't appear to be as many NZMCA parks up this way. I see loads of signs saying EV charging. Google helped with dump station at Kawa Kawa.
      Next Keri Keri for fuel. $1.91 less 12 cent loyalty. $1.54 in Whanganui, so a bit more.
      No stress with a full tank. I don't have a budget or any idea what I am spending or what I am comfortable with. Think this trip is a one off and I have money in the bank so what the hell...!! The credit card was a bit of a shocker but I can pay it..!! A few one offs so next month will be better.
      I am at Helly's now. Been a few days since I have been with anyone ex Air Force!
      She lives just north of Keri Keri. It is a glamping property. So lovely and quiet here.
      Wine time......      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 30 - Ureiti beach

      1–5 Nov 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

      I did it...!!! I am through Auckland...!!
      Two achievements for today. No problems staying at the Huntly RSA without any other campervans parked.
      I left Huntly at 9am and headed towards Auckland. Loads of deep breathing and sending messages to the universe during my journey.
      It was suggested by two brothers to stay in the middle lane. Great advice with three lanes. Some overtook on the inside lane and as you may imagine many over took me. Even a few trucks.
      Only had one 'moment' when a red car cut in front of me way too close for my likings.
      It was pretty good to see the Habour Bridge. Didn't get the best lane, some lanes are a tad wider than others but just slowed down a little. Still able to exit easily without getting in the wrong lane.
      When I was through that part I stopped at the first truck stop and relaxed and sent text to everyone.
      Certainly a sense of achievement.
      Phoned my brother Trevor and he said he had just finished his bike group ride and was having a coffee with his riding mates and could be home soon.
      I hadn't been there long when he arrived back.
      They have just installed a lift and it looks and was very posh. Future proofing for old age! They have an amazing view.
      Quick cuppa, couple pics, goodies from the garden and I was off again.
      I am at a DOC park tonight. Big place. Ureiti Beach. I believe there us a beach over the dunes and so I am away to look.      Baca lagi

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    • Wendy SmithPengembaraRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 29 - Huntly

      31 Oktober 2024, New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      When I got back last night I was two parks over from the previous night. I could not get the internet and as I said I thought it might have been the trees. Long night. Couldn't do any homework to see where I was going to stay tonight, no txts, no phone calls. Thought it was my phone until this morning when I asked if there was a 2 Degrees shop in Otorohanga and the lady said her friend was having problems and it wasn't my phone it was them. Bit of a lesson to have a few more numbers written down and I may seriously consider buying a cheap phone on another network.
      I couldn't search out where I was heading. Thank goodness for road signs and my trustee old GPS/Tom Tom/Navman. The net came back on midmorning so I was able to go to the app and find a parking spot.
      In the old days there was a book of places to stay, maybe it is here somewhere. Like I said I may consider buying another phone and most likely I would phone someone to search for me.
      I did wash my sheets at the laundromat this morning and I so look forward to remaking the bed. NOT..!! It has to be done.
      Four weeks on the road today. It is different to the South Island trip. Have to study the map more. Loads more traffic but very pleased I am doing it before I get too old.
      Big city traffic was a concern. I managed Hamilton without any issues which is good because tomorrow I am going to tackle Auckland...! I won't stop and head towards Whangarei. Won't get all the way but going in that general direction.
      Today I went the the Golf Club at Huntly, no other campers there but it was early, and decided to come to the RSA here in Huntly. Only camper here at the moment, and not totally comfortable with the situation but I have put my big girl pants on and here I will be over night.
      Perhaps I could go in and have a few and then I will not worry!      Baca lagi

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