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Wendy Smith

Wendy Smith

Woont in: Invercargill, New Zealand Meer informatie🇳🇿Invercargill
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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2
      1

      Day 46 Tauraga - Day 2

      19 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

      Always good to be with Christine and Brent. They were our neighbours at Bluff. Stayed with them several times and they have stayed with me too. Brent worked for Union Maritime Services. They have lived in Tauranga since 1987. Their older boys are my boys age and went to kindy together.
      Great conversation and food and wine!
      Campervan happily parked on the grass area next to their property.
      This morning Christine was kind enough to let me use the washing machine and I did enjoy a great shower and hair wash in their shower.
      June from the Air Force moved here to Tauranga four months ago and came and picked me up and took me to her place. Excellent view from her place.
      This afternoon Christine took me tiki touring and once again nice to have some local knowledge and explain some of the developments around Tauranga. Excellent I could be in the passenger seat.
      Very pleased to say I got my mail that Jack sent up. My prescription is sorted pleased both counts.      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 45 Tauranga

      18 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

      Short and sweet today. In the motorhome park there were 2 buses, 9 caravans and 5 motorhomes. Seems to be a lot more caravans at the moment with push out features. The custodian check us last night.
      I went from the motorhome park for a drive around Waihi Beach for
      and then on to Katikati.
      Had a cuppa with my old neighours from Crinan Street daughter Bev and her husband Colin. Bev was Nancy and John Foley's flower girl...!!
      They live on/near a golf course in a small village. Lovely.
      I am now in Tauranga and fingers crossed that I have sorted my prescription for my medication. I will be very pleased when it is in my hot little hand.
      Off to Brent and Christine's now, if they are home from golf and majohn      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 44 Waihi Beach

      16 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      Wrote the blog then joined my neighbours for drinks. Jenny and Brent from Keri Keri and Barry (maybe Bruce) and Sheree from Whangarei. Lovely chats and people in common. It is the first time in an NZMCA park a cat has joined the people having drinks. I am not totally comfortable with cats on a lead. The couple love the cat to bits. Got a bit cool so only two drinks.
      As we sat there maybe 20 motor bikes went through. Mostly two at a time. They sound like jet planes taking off. Very noisy. There were a lot on the road from Hells Angeles. Isn't Chris going to stop the patch wearing?
      Then meal time of course. Bit of tele via my tablet, then it was bedtime for me.
      This morning I went to Pauanui to see an old Air Force friend, Lyn. Lovely catching up after 52 years and hope she will be at the 2027 reunion for the 90th anniversary of the Air Force.
      On to Waihi. Some very expensive fuel and a few groceries. On to Waihi Beach NZMCA park. The weather has improved, bit cool this morning.
      Jack has got things moving at home veg in the garden and the tenant is sanding down my very weather beaten front door ready for new vanish...! Yipee      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 43 Whitianga

      16 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

      The rain did stop last night thankfully. I headed away this morning to Whitianga. Seems a lovely place. I saw the NZMCA park as I drove in but things to do before finding my spot.
      Had a wander down the beach near the main street. Debated whether to go on a cave trip, via the sea but it was quite windy so decided my tummy would be better off staying on land.
      Walking back to the camper I saw the NZ Post place, Marram. Never been here before so when I see them being advertised I will know where they are.
      There are some multi million dollar properties that have massive boats moored right in front of their houses in way I think it is a man made waterway. Like I have said if I won Lotto I wouldn't want a boat.
      I searched out things to do. Hot Water Beach took my fancy so off I went. 30-minute drive.
      I saw a sign that said car park so hoped like billyo that I could get my campervan in and out..!!
      To the lady in the white car I am sorry you had to back up for me. I see the carpark and an entrance but until I parked I was unaware it was only the out. More sign posts would be handy for someone that has never been there.
      I walked down to the beach and I must have been at the first entrance and walked to where many people were enjoying Hot Water Beach. If you don't know you dig into the sand and the water is - hot. I didn't dig one but put my toes into many, some were a lot warmer than others. Weather pretty good but a wind. The togs didn't come out.
      Drove back to Whitianga and found a spot for the night.
      Always interesting where to park. Go right to the end, road side or in this case runway side. OK choice - close to the sign in shed.      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 42 Coromandel - Day 2

      15 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

      Like I said yesterday the NZMCA park is right in town so I was able to walk up and get some salad for my meal. Works for me.
      This morning I had a walk around the lovely shops here. Very boutique with lovely things but nothing took my fancy.
      However I saw a hairdresser and asked if was she able to cut my hair. Not at the moment but 2-45. That made the decision to stay another night.
      Then the rain came down and it hasn't stopped. I am impressed at the phone weather forecast that said the rain would continue till 8pm. 15 mm. Time will tell. Not cold though. Coromandel have about 2000 permanent residents and many more in the summer.
      My phone and tablet wouldn't charge. I thought the weather being dull might not be charging my solar but no - checked the plug and it wasn't in properly.
      Read part of a book this morning then went back to the hairdresser. Pleased to be tidy again. Turns out she is heading south for New Year to go to the Riverton Races. She was happy to get her Pic taken for my blog. The other Pic is of the puddles in the park.
      So very little to report, to wet two go anywhere.      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 41 Coromandel

      14 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

      Can you believe I have been on the road for over 40 days? Seems hard to believe but still happy traveling around.
      As I posted my blog yesterday and settled in the camper for the evening cars came in and more cars came in. Seems it was darts, pool, and maybe ping pong. The car park was full to overflowing. So different than the few cars on Sunday night.
      The car park is on a slope so I thought if I nosed in it might have been more level, unlike the parrel parking Sunday night. Didn't think there was a lot of difference.
      The night went on and people started leaving and then I heard this massive bang. Out I went and someone had hit the bike rack. Minimal damage to the bike rack but the car had a panel flopping away. The vehicle didn't stop.
      There were maybe seven cars that had to pass my campervan to leave and as each tried to came across the car park I went out to make sure they didn't damage my vehicle or theirs.
      Helped another chap get out too. Very tight and just someone else outside the car giving help ensured he got out without another panel being damaged. He was very glad of my help.
      Once again a photo would have been helpful but forgot sorry.
      Unlike other places leaving early isn't fruitful in Auckland traffic. I was pacing around waiting for the rush hour to get to work.
      I am pleased to say I made it through Auckland safely...!! Very slow going before the bridge and in a manual vehicle bit more of a challenge. No hairy moments.
      The deep breathing and messages to the universe worked.
      Sat on some side road and watched my friend Jane's service. The reception was patchy but got most of it.
      Thames was my next stop. I am pretty sure I have never been here before. Looks a little bigger than Gore but I am not sure.
      No hairdresser available.
      Laundry time. Thankfully I didn't have to buy yet another card. Works with the business next door for people just passing through. I have two already.
      The drive from Thames to the NZMCA park at the Coromandel was lovely with the sea on my left. Bit like Devils Staircase with no safety barriers! As always slow and steady.
      Lovely park close to the shops so one happy camper.
      Thank you all for reading and following my blog.
      Photos aren't very on today. Lol      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 40 Stanmore Bay RSA

      13 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      The jolly blog would not load last night until way after 10 I think. Very frustrating.
      I guess you are all wondering how I got on and if there was a ticket under my campervan windows wipers when I got back. I am pleased to report NO ticket. Well unless they post it to Invercargill. How I missed the sign the first night is interesting. The one that says car and boat trailers only. It was right in front of the camper! Still parked on the wrong side of the cones, because no spaces available on the right side. Someone said it costs to much to police sites around Auckland so they don't do it.
      As I walked back from the ferry Trevor and Janice were there to meet me. Lovely surprise. Drink and a natter. Sorry forgot to take a photo.
      Trevor messaged me to say that perhaps with the hikoi it would be a real challenge getting over the bridge. I stayed late in bed and did very little this morning knowing I was going to have another night in the big smoke.
      I called on one friend but no one home so left a note. Tried to get a hair cut at three different places - no luck so frustrating. Tried to exchange my gas bottle at a service station and they were "out". I reckon he just couldn't be bothered looking! I was going to turn around and go find another place.
      A few things from the supermarket and parked at the RSA again. Heavy rain at the moment here so no walking or biking.
      The family in Invercargill have been out to lunch today in honour of my (our) Dad. He would have been 100 today. Happy heavenly birthday Dad      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 39 Gulf Harbour - Day 2

      11 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

      I wrote the blog on my way back from Auckland on the ferry. When I arrived back at Gulf Harbour, I stopped and nattered to another couple parked in their camper and were out having a drink in the sunshine and then headed back to my campervan. Stuck to the door was a msg from Auckland City Council. Difficult to understand so I thought I would give one of the numbers at the bottom a call. Came up with Leon (nephew) as soon as I keyed in the number. It was a trick and he had me believing it was for real..!
      Drink with the couple from Snells Beach and back to the camper. Crackers and wine were enough after my large lunch at 3pm.
      Bit of a catch up on things and then slept well considering my day.
      I had arranged to meet Jenny today and after exploring a couple of options decided to get the 8-30 ferry into Auckland City.
      When I was dressed blinds up and low and behold a vehicle with Auckland City Council was parked beside me. Hell I am I trouble now. There are cones things half way up the park and campervans are meant to be on the far side. No parks left last night, so I was parked in the wrong place. I chatted with the guy, and it wasn't his department. I moved my campervan closer to the 'cones' so who knows whether I will be giving the Council some dosh or a well word letter of explanation, when I get back.
      I am writing this on the ferry again this evening.
      I was in town early and had a couple of hours before my next ferry but it was going to be 'to fine' if I didn't go on that ferry.
      The ferry takes about 50 minutes and is very smooth and quiet.
      Wandered up Queen St, shops like Dior, Boss, and others are way beyond my budget and tastes.
      Had a hot chocolate and scone - who said Queen St is expensive $10.
      I then went to Half Moon Bay. Jenny was there to meet me
      Jenny was a good friend of my late friend Linda's. A bit of closure for me. Jenny was very good to Linda and was close where my relationship with Linda was by phone most of the time.
      When I got back to the ferry terminal, the ferry was there and it was going to Waiheke. So away I went...!! Always wanted to go when it was so close to Linda's but never managed it.
      It was a vehicle ferry with a few passengers. Very impressed with the skill level of some of the drivers backing their trucks on. I would never have managed that...!!
      Loads of people and cars at Kennedy Point when I arrived on the island. Started walking and the bus was over a 30 minute wait. After yesterday I was waiting..! The bus journey enabled me to see a tiny bit of the island. Can say I have been to Waiheke Island.
      Like other places I seen loads of great beaches, homes, holiday homes. Some are very upmarket some old school.
      Wasn't sure if I was going to get on the 1600 hours ferry. The staff member said to us waiting it maybe full and we may have to wait till the next one. Luck was on my side I was the last one on that sailing. Nattered - as I do to others. American lady was here to do Queenstown marathon this weekend.
      Debated (got the right word today) to have a meal or head back. After I went to Half Moon Bay ferry instead realized I was going back there I was going Gulf harbour. Good spotting Wendy.
      May have forgotten other things that have happened today. Gold card and hop card is one. Not sure how it works. Maybe I had to pay to go early thus morning. Still an excellent deal      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 38 Gulf Harbour

      11 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

      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. Interesting      Meer informatie

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    • Wendy SmithReizigerRetirement Holiday- number 2

      Day 37 Orewa

      9 november 2024, Nieuw-Zeeland ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

      I am humbled by the generosity shown to me during my journey.
      Last night Janice and Mark cooked for me AND my friends! Another Wendy. Wendy and I joined the Air Force on the same day and we were born on the same day also. Wendy has been married to Ken for 50 plus years. Janice and Mark knew Wendy and Ken because they lived near one another and walked together from time to time and Ken also worked at Mark's Golf Club.
      I haven't seen Wendy and Ken since I was last in Whangarei (Janice cooked for them that time too) about nine years ago.
      Loads of chatter, sharing of stories, photos and laughs!
      Excellent night. Never enough time with people. Hope they will make it south when Wendy retires.
      This morning it was bitter sweet to move on from Janice and Mark's. They absolutely succeeded all expectations of hospitality. So very generous with everything.
      On the way south. My goodness was there a lot of traffic!!! Tons of passing lanes so I didn't have to pull over.
      Popped into Ureiti camp where I left my sweater and nightie - alas the nudists must have decided they would wear my clothes. At least I called in and asked.
      Off to my brother's in Orewa for a catch up with his family now      Meer informatie

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