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Retirement Holiday- number 2
  • Wendy Smith
  • Wendy Smith

Retirement Holiday- number 2

An open-ended adventure by Wendy Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 3, 2024
    Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day One

    October 3, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    I left Invercargill around 2pm. It rained all the way to Dunedin and still is! No problems with the roads but lots of water in the paddocks.
    I wrote two paragraphs and not sure it has uploaded. So apologies if I am repeating myself. Just trying to remember how to use this app.
    Parked in the NZMCA park in Woodhaugh st in the Leith Valley.
    From all accounts may not get further up the Island because of flooding.
    I will post this and see what happens    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    North Island

    October 3, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    I finally managed to leave home around 2pm. Loads to do with my plans to be away till Christmas. I thought I would count the number of times I went up and down the stairs but too busy trying to get everything in the camper and forgot after a couple.
    House had to be clean and tidy also.
    Pretty sure I have everything but couldn't remember where I put the spare keys for the camper. It wasn't a problem last time so I will have to be extra careful this time. I may remember where I put them in the next couple of days.
    The weather wasn't too bad and I didn't have to put a coat on to load the camper.
    It rained all the way here to Dunedin. Still heavy rain out there!
    No problems with the roads but a little of water in the paddocks.    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Two

    October 4, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    Very wet night...!! I am in north Dunedin and resigned myself to staying on. Then opted to get up and dressed and pull the blinds. The NZMCA park at Woodhaugh st, is tarsealed so no problems with grass and bogging. No flooding I can see.
    Not sure if I will move on up the island or not. From my limited skills of searching the net looks like the roads are okay.
    Very pleased I have the internet and can "discuss" moving on or not.
    Will add more as I decide.

    10:37am
    Decided to stay put for another night. I have full gas bottles, so good heating. Plenty of food - perhaps not what I fancy but won't stave. It was my intention to go to the supermarket today to save me carrying the food down the stairs at home.
    Books to read, computer stuff and I can watch tele/Netflix if I want.
    Thanks everyone for caring    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Three - Dunedin

    October 4, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌫 12 °C

    After txts, reading about the roads opted to stay another night in the same place.
    It rained all day!
    I quite happily filled in my day with reading, sending txt msg, watching a little tele/Netflix.
    Very pleased I have the internet and being so accessible to information and keeping in touch with everyone.
    I am self sufficient with a shower, toilet, power, bed, food, heat and cooking facilities. Gas for the heating and cooking.
    In the late afternoon I needed fresh air, so put on my gummies (wellies) coat grabbed my umbrella and off I went. There is a walk way right behind my campervan. Didn't actually realize the stream was so close! 20 steps would I be okay in the night? How far would it come up? I trusted the alert system would work and I wouldn't have a problem. By the photos you will see how much it went down over night (or you may not - you have to be here) so I didn't have to worry.
    I guess there are about 10 vehicles in the park.
    One chap, traveling with his wife and two children came to check on everyone in the park. Nice thing to do.
    This morning I walked up to the reservoir behind the park. Good to get my steps up but still not enough. The rain had stopped and I had too many clothes on for such a walk. I got very hot. As you can see the reservoir was okay. I wonder how much it was up yesterday with all the rain.
    Turns out the people beside me are good friends with Whangarei friends! Small world - we met in Cromwell earlier this year. Julie recognized me. They very kindly took me down to the supermarket in a car they have while in Dunedin.
    I will now have options for my meal this evening. Great feeling.
    The road is still blocked but hopefully will be open tomorrow, so one more night in Dunedin. I have no plans to be anywhere anytime so I am okay to go with the flow. I will book my ferry crossing when I get to Christchurch.    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Four - Waimate

    October 6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    It was great to see the sunshine this morning after so much wet weather.
    I was probably last to leave, with everyone
    wanted to get up and go after having to stop longer than they planned.
    It was great to be on the road again. Seemed lots of traffic but perhaps it was because they held back on their travel till the roads were better or just normal.
    I could see where there had been flooding and slips but no issues with the roads.
    Stopped at Oamaru for fuel and something to eat.
    Next stop was with Marilyn, an old school friend that was home. Popped in a few times but often they are away somewhere or at golf. Great to catch up on her.
    It was then a quick journey to Waimate. Cousin Stuart and wife Shirley were the next people to visit. Shirley and I wrote the Burgess family tree book together and I sent updates before I left Invercargill so she added them to her computer program. Realized a few I had forgotten. We also talked about two medals they had from Stuart's Dad. Photo attached so I hope some ex Air Force will help us to know what they are for.
    At the Waimate NZMCA park. I smile at how far my parking has come since I first got my campervan. For those who don't know I parked here in the really early days and the camper was on a terrible lean. I have learnt why it is important to be level..!!
    Five people out having drinks. I joined them for awhile. So nice to be able to after the rain and coldness of Dunedin.
    The park have moved the bins from the last time I was here. They had them near the gate and the locals were putting their rubbish into them. Great place now and I am sure they won't be as full. Well done, custodians.
    Heading Christchurch way tomorrow    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Five - Burnham

    October 7, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Another day on the road. I didn't get moving very early. Not much to write about today.
    The picture is of one of the vehicles parked and leaving. I guess that stop on the outskirts of the town - would be pretty hard to park that in any town.
    Headed away from Waimate around 10-30, and headed towards Timaru.
    Called into see my cousin Denise for about an hour for a catch up.
    Another call to see Glenn from the Air Force. He has some health issues but looks pretty good for 78.
    On to Temuka. At the pottery shop I had debated about buying a towel rail for my bathroom and decided this time I was going to buy it. Guess what? They didn't have one! I wasn't meant to buy it...!!
    Popped in to see an old Air Force corporal, Denise Anderson/Jost. Denise will 90 in Dec. She was so pleased I popped in. I would ask any AF people passing the main st of Temuka to pop in and say hello. She doesn't see many people these days and like I said was very happy to chat to people. Wish I had longer with her.
    I am now at my cousin Glenice's. I went past Burnham Army camp to get to her place. A few memories of my time in the Air Force when the army trained us. It was the middle of winter and I have never been so cold for so long in all my life..!
    It looks like nice modern barracks now days that will be very warm I bet.
    Sorry the photo of the big rig hasn't turned out. So no photos today
    It will be Christchurch tomorrow.
    Thanks for reading    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Six - Christchurch

    October 8, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    The cousin Glenice's I stayed with, who is in her late 70's. has an amazing garden and is one of the old school who cooks everything probably from scratch and never let's anything go to waste. Great at recycling, and maintaining her large section. Inspirational.
    From Glenice's I went to visit ex Air Force Marg. The chattering was great and food fit for a Queen! It was my intention but ended up staying for lunch. Their hospitality is beyond words.
    On the way to my sister's I stopped for a quick cuppa with another ex Air Force friend Gayle. Great to have a short visit.
    At Carolyn's who was busy in the section when I arrived. Garden very tidy she has been working hard and I can see the results.    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Seven - Belfast

    October 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    I am booked to go to the North Island...!! My dear sister, Carolyn helped me last night. Like people say the savings as a NZMCA member more than pays for your membership for a year. I cross on Bluebridge next Tuesday and have a return crossing for Dec. So good to have Carolyn's help to ensure I got the discount and didn't book things the wrong way around.
    This morning I had morning tea with Cathy my old NZ Post boss. Cathy was coming south from here to help celebrate my birthday. She was parked at Woodhaugh St, Dunedin in her campervan missed a step, fell and broke her shoulder. Poor thing had to wait five hours for an ambulance. They were phoning regularly to check on her.
    Hindsight is wonderful and she knows how she could have done things differently.
    They totally replaced the bone and the scar is enormous and healing is slow and steady. Very pleased to see her and know how she is doing.
    I had a problem with my fuel guage last time in the campervan and it is happening again with the cigarette lighter USB type connection not working. Went to an auto electrician about 12-30 and the chap said he would be back at 2pm. Parked up and waited. 3pm phoned again and got an answer phone, left a msg and still haven't heard anything! Drove to another place and will take it back in the morning. I hope it is just a fuse.
    Been meaning to say that to spite my best efforts to ensure everything is locked and secure before I depart it has taken a few days to really get this sorted..!
    Always seems to be one not secure to spite my best efforts. I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer!    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Eight - Ohoka

    October 10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    I was up and sorted and at the auto electrician at 8-30. Not exactly sure what the issue was but sorted very quickly. Perhaps just cleaning a bit of dust and dirt off the connections. Very pleased to have it all working well and for $35 a bargain.
    Back to Carolyn's and we went to see Dad's cousin John. Must have been still at morning tea. Went with Carolyn to do a couple of messages and back to John's. John is 96 and a great person to talk with and still has an excellent sense of humour . It was his meal time so we didn't have long with him. He loved getting the free newspapers from Invercargill. He grew up in Orepuki with Dad and then lived in Invercargill till he was in his 40's meet and married a Southlander and had three children, and still a proud Southlander.
    Then Carolyn and I went to the garden store to get plants for her vegetable patch that is ready to go with her spending the last few days removing the weeds.
    We then went on a Sunday drive on Thursday. We went to Pegasus. I have never been there before and I was impressed with the lake, houses, shop, walking and cycling tracks and so near the beach.
    I could see remote control boats in the lake and said to Carolyn they must have a holiday program going for school kids. Look at the photo and see how wrong I was!
    Two young lads were selling shortbread on the side of the lake so we stopped and got some. Very enterprising with Nana's help. I haven't tried it as yet but I hear they are delicious.
    I am at my brother's Winston and his wife Lesley's tonight. Yum tea to spite me having food that needs to be eaten in the camper. It will be a good breakfast for me.
    Winston helped me buying the camper and when he arrived in from work he looked at the camper to see if there were any differences. Winston realized that my road user miles have expired or not current. Excellent spotting and I will be down at the Post shop first thing in the morning to get that sorted. How did I not think of that???
    Only one night here and off north tomorrow    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler
    1

    Day Nine - Kaikoura

    October 11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Wonderful sitting in the warm sun here in Kaikoura.
    The day started slowly and with the early start yesterday I had a sleep in.
    Winston and Lesley had a broken pump so the chap arrived to fix it and parked right in front of my motorhome. Well that is my story for not getting away till 11am!
    As I said yesterday not realizing I was out of road users charges it was straight down to the Post Shop to get more. Very pleased I am not breaking the law and will never forget again. It is only the second time I have had to buy them - can I say it is inexperience? I have more than enough to get me back to Invercargill.
    Stopped at Cheviot for a break. Pretty good coming over the hill and seeing the beautiful blue sea. No pics when you are traveling alone, too hard or lack of confidence to cross over the road. Will get one on the way home.
    At the Top Ten in Kaikoura. My nephew and his family are due here to stay. I will only be here one night    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day Ten - Nelson

    October 11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    I stayed at the Top Ten park at Kaikoura - prices are way different to the NZMCA parks, but there are toilets, showers, games rooms, TV rooms, swimming pool, laundry, BBQ areas so probably we'll worth it if you needed things like that.
    Excellent to be with Dean, Himemoa and the girls even if it wasn't for long. Was able to supervise the older girls in the pool till Mum and Dad were ready to come to the pool. Sometimes I can be in the right place at the right time.
    I slept well and then took advantage of the shower to wash my hair. Campervan showers are a challenge for that.
    Dean and family were heading away surfing this morning and me on to Nelson. Pretty much straight through and stopped on the side of the road for a break.
    At my good friend June's in Nelson. Only here for two nights so I won't get to see everyone    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 11 - Nelson

    October 12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    With the lovely weather when I arrived yesterday, June suggested I bring in my washing. Great move most was dry before the night was over.
    It was fish and chips for our meal. Always good to spend time with June and as always we talk about our boys. June lost her son two months after we lost Hayden and we met through The Compassionate Friends, a group for parents that have lost children. We understand what it is like.
    It was then out to the camper that was parked on the street. Reasonable average sleep.
    This morning I did some tidying of clothes and folded my fresh laundry.
    Bit cooler today so changed twice during the day to put on warmer clothes.
    June, her friend Alan and I went out for lunch at a retirement village quite handy to where they both live. Not spectacular food but very reasonably priced.
    Late this afternoon I had a quick cuppa with a friend then it was time to head back to June's to enjoy some whitebait. Cooked so well and looked at June's presentation of the salad..!
    June is a very keen gardener and she has some orchids on her bench from her garden.
    Some very heavy rain but not for long.
    On to Blenhiem and Picton tomorrow    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 12 - near Picton

    October 14, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    I was up reasonably early this morning and away from June's just before 9am.
    The main road was bumper to bumper and instead of turning right as I wanted to I left turned up to the round about and crawled to the dump station and then on to Blenhiem. A lot of the road is 90k but I prefer to let others go ahead of me. Campervans are only allowed to go 90k.
    At Blenhiem, I filled up with fuel, parked and walked down to the Post Shop and posted some mail. Most walking I have done in days.
    Popped in to see Barbara Hayles (old workmate) and her sister from Invercargill was visiting for a few days so two Invercargill people at the same time.
    Then I went around to Pam and Roy's. Super lovely couple that I met on the road when we were parked next to one another at Waimate and then Timaru.
    I left Roy and Pam's and was very surprised at how little time it took me to get to the NZMCA park near Picton. Could have stayed longer.
    Heavy shower of rain as I arrived.
    Ready for the big day crossing the strait tomorrow and I am anxious. This is challenging my comfort zone and I hope everyone is right and I will be easier than I think. Will be a lot happier when I get to the park tomorrow on the other side of the straight!    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 13 - Plimmerton

    October 15, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    Early blog today. I wasn't sure how I was going to sleep knowing the challenges ahead of me today. Managed well and left the Koromiko NZMCA park at 6 am.
    First time I have driven the campervan in the dark. Almost daylight. The park is 10 minutes from Picton.
    My main concern was getting to the Bluebridge terminal. What does Dr Phil say - what we fear we create? I did take a couple of wrong turns but easily fixed. Very happy to be in the queue to get on board the ferry. I was in the large vehicle lane, the car in front must have missed that notice board..!
    I booked through the NZMCA and the operator needed to see my membership card so have to dive back into my handbag to get that. I didn't have a print out of my ticket. Not sure if they go on the reg plate or the booking number. Easy.
    It was amazing what was going on the ferry. A portaloo, spa, wheelbarrows, fencing gates and who knows what else.
    No problem driving on and finding my spot.
    Very foggy and cold. I did go outside for a short time but didn't stay long. No problems with sea sickness.
    I haven't been on a ferry since the boys were young. Probably 38 years ago and we were only passenger, no vehicle.
    Interesting how some chose a window seat and sat on their phones and tablets.
    The fog did lift. The sea was pretty calm.
    Arrived in about 11am and I did have to turn inside the boat/ship in the camper to leave. Tons of room even for my driving skills.
    Drove to the NZMCA at Plimmerton without a problem! Took the old main highway.
    I can de-stress now. I have done it. Thank you to everyone that had more confidence in me than I had in myself. A challenge I faced and succeeded.
    Will stay here for two nights before heading to Levin    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 14 - Plimmerton still

    October 16, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    The rest of yesterday was just chilling out. I read magazines online, watched a little tele and nattered to my neighbours.
    This morning a little house work and a short walk. It was great that my niece Ashleigh was able to come and get me and we went to lunch. Interesting place that seemed away from the main shopping areas but was very popular. One of the best toasted sandwiches I have had in a long while. We had a little bit of a walk after lunch on the beach at Titahi Bay (I think - spelling may not be right).
    I am not skilled enough to look it up without losing all I have written!
    Had hoped to see some ex Air Force people but just didn't seem to work out.
    Debated whether to go for a walk or bike ride. I have enough food for my meal tonight so been reading since I got back.
    The custodian came and checked my details. Like I have said 7 weeks traveling the South Island I only saw custodians once. Will be interesting to see how many I see on this trip.    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 15 - Levin

    October 17, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    This morning when I was about to leave the motorhome park the NZMCA volunteers were doing some mowing and weed eating. Pleased I was trying to sleep. They do a great job.
    One of the photos attached is above the motorhome park. Interesting watching them the last couple of days. New housing I think.
    Easy to navigate to the old motorway. Beautiful sea around Pukerua Bay. Weather a lot warmer than the last few days.
    I had a couple of hours with my cousin Sue, husband Dennis and their daughter. Charmine was there with Charlie the dog after they came in from a beach walk at Paraparaumu Beach. Great catch up.
    Otaki does have excellent outlet shops. I know I recently returned from Australia with a lot of new clothes and shoes but they are good shops had to have a wee look. A couple of items were purchased..!
    On to Levin to my Air Force friend Denys's. Denys is going to Wellington for the weekend and I have agreed to look after her cat Tabitha.    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 16 - Levin night 2

    October 18, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    This morning I stripped the sheets from my bed and popped them in Denys's washing machine. They are lovely and dry but I haven't made up the bed again because I can't decide to go to summer sheets or not. I will have to make a decision before the night is over and I go to bed..!
    Lovely shower and hair wash in Denys's shower.
    I then went off to Palmerston North to catch up with Val. We were neighbours at Bulls and her former husband and my former husband worked together. Excellent catching up on her.
    I then went to the library in Palmy to look up various addresses. Not easy in a nearly 7ft campervan to find a park. Parked a few blocks away and then went the 'long' way to the library. Found a couple of addresses and then thought dam it I am going to go to Fielding.
    Took the quick route back to the camper. Always a concern that I wouldn't remember where I parked it. Lombard St was in the brain that I could have googled. Interesting seeing the Square in Palmy again. Bit different to the old days.
    I then went to Fielding to see our old neighours from Bulls. Like a lot of people must be almost 50 years since we have seen one another. Sylvie was thrilled to see me and and me her. They were an English couple that came to NZ when Graham wanted to join the RNZAF. I was very fond of Graham's Mum that also lived next to us. Just loved seeing them. Sadly Graham's memory isn't the best. They live in a retirement village in Fielding.
    Sylvie said they have been to Invercargill twice but didn't know how to contact me. She has thought of me from time to time. One also wonders how we lost contact.
    Loved the English accent and Sylvie saying bye darlin as a Londoner would.
    Managed to finally get to the supermarket and stock up. Not sure how long it has been good to have wine again.
    Cat dutifully fed even if it was 5-05 not 5pm    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 17 - Levin night 3

    October 19, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    This morning, I did another load of washing and put it on the line.
    I then went off to Palmerston North to meet with Claire from the Air Force.
    I went a different way today and went past Linton Army camp and Massey University.
    Interesting to see - well as my much as I could see from the road and driving.
    Claire had picked a great spot and no trouble parking the camper. Once again it is many years since we had seen one another and didn't know each other well. With modern technology I sent her a picture of what I was wearing and she immediate recognized me.
    We had a great catch up and I was impressed to hear that she was only in the Air Force for three years but made Sgt. Doesn't say much for me! I was still an ACW when I left.
    I decided to come back to Levin and this afternoon I watched a funeral and read. Tabitha was not here till 5-20 but has been fed.
    Can I hear you asking about the sheets? My goodness I know you will be waiting so patiently to know! NOT. I opted for summer sheets.    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 18 - Levin night 4

    October 20, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Very late tonight because I have been out socially.
    I had a good morning. Was able to "lux" the camper floor. Badly needed doing even if I didn't do it all that well.
    The debate about the sheets is interesting. Wait for this...! I have had two duvets on and this morning I decided to remove one, put the new cover on and remake the bed..! It isn't easy making up the bed and I was in a sweat by the time I finished. Hope my ability to sleep will be better, perhaps I was too hot.
    Popped down town to get a couple of things and read this afternoon. Something I never do at home - read in the day time. Holidays are great.
    When Denys's arrived back, we went to her sister and husband's for a meal. Great people, super food and conversation. Ken is a keen gardener and I enjoyed seeing the garden. Liz and Ken have a new house with loads of special features. They thought of everything.
    So just back and writing this blog. Thank you once again to everyone interested in reading about my journey    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler
    11

    Day 19 - Marton

    October 21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    This morning it was time to get on the road again. Nice spending some time with Denys. We have done pretty well with being together for Kings Birthday and then she came down for my birthday.
    My first stop today was at Foxton Beach. Always good to see Di and Stephen. Stephen and I were in the Air Force together. Bluffy too. I thought I would only go for morning tea but there still seemed things to catch up on so I sent a txt to Mike and said I am delayed and will catch up tomorrow.
    Lovely lunch and then Stephen was able to help a single white female travelling alone. My top drawer in the camper couldn't be opened. The chopping boards had moved and lodged in the wrong place so Stephen was able to skillfully move them so the drawer could be opened. Needless to say they will not go back in the drawer so I won't have that problem again.
    Then as a true kiwi bloke he got too and washed the road work grim off the camper. Very happy to see my campervan all clean again. Well less dirty.
    It was then on to Marton. I stopped at New World to get something for my meal tonight. So lovely and warm I will have a salad.
    When I first got out of the Air Force I worked in a bedspread factory in Marton for a short time before I became a postie here. Good memories.
    At the NZMCA park in Marton for the night. Quite busy    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 20 - Whanganui

    October 21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    The NZMCA park at Marton is pretty small. Talked to the neighbours and Joy thought there were showers. Certainly showers - cold ones! I opted not to be adventurous. It was a small camping ground that was owned by the Council before the NZMCA took it over.
    One campervan similar size to mine with two occupants at least had three massive dogs. Wonder how it is with them traveling. They barked a few times that didn't go down well with me.
    Little things that are interesting. After Stephen got the drawer open I was able to have my meal on a plate last night. I had been using the top of the cracker container! Lovely salad and it will be the same tonight with the great weather.
    At the park they have two grapevines growing for the campers when they fruit. Good thinking. Look how well I parked in closeness to the fence?
    This morning I went to visit yet more ex Air Force people. Mike and Gaylene. They have just moved into their new home and it is, as you will imagine super lovely.
    Then it was on to Whanganui. Bit of a challenge finding Rockgas to get my gas bottle filled. Then they didn't accept the loyalty card so big fat waste of time. Good that I have it filled.
    Had a walk around the Cbd, so my steps will be up today, because I parked quite a wee way away.
    Had hoped to go on the paddle boat steamer but only works Friday, Sat, Sun so hope I can do it on my way back.
    Bed saga! Found I was got too cold early this morning. I went to Bed and Beyond and got a light throw. Hope that will be enough! Incidentally the cover I got for $20 in Invercargill was $90 here!
    Couldn't find the NZMCA park in Whanganui. It seems the park I was looking for is no longer there. To spite using the app daily seems it hadn't been updating - now it is, so I won't go on wild goose chases.
    I am parked at the Whanganui East Club. Can stay up to four nights for the same price. Train track very close, hope they don't have a lit of trains in the night    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 21 - Whanganui Day 2

    October 23, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Version 2 of today's blog. Typed it up and it wouldn't upload then lost it.
    This morning Vanessa (ex Air Force) arrived for morning tea and then she took me to be a tourist. We went up the lift that was built in 1916 and as she said it would have been pretty amazing technology back then. They installed it because trams weren't able to get up the hill. The view from the top was amazing and very pleased I went. Loved the tunnel walking to it and the echo as I made some sounds like a school kid.
    We then went to a grand old building for lunch (dinner), really old school and tasty food. Forgot to take a picture of it - sorry.
    Vanessa and I walked along the banks of the river. Saw a couple of people fishing.
    Back to Vanessa's loads more talking and she cooked me a meal. I have done very well with eating out this week. Again very tasty.
    She has just dropped me home and I am pleased I have one other couple staying at the same place.
    For those interested I didn't need the rug last night and that is the last of the bed sagas!    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 22 - Raetihi

    October 24, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Thank you, Vanessa, for the extra explanation about where we were, etc. Like I said I wrote it up and then it wouldn't load so I had to do it again. I didn't remember some of the things. Thank goodness for friends.
    My morning started early and meet Alison (ex Air Force) and Vanessa at 9am because Alison had work at 10am.
    Great to see them and to get a photo I didn't of Vanessa and me before I left yesterday. Couldn't get one of her food from last night because we had eaten it- sorry.
    I then went to the supermarket and got a few things. I need fuel also for thhe camervan. Now I am no longer talking about beds perhaps fuel will be the next "situation "..!
    Could be too much detail but I used a Mckeowns card on the South Island trip.
    Not many here in the north or their partners. Knew I would have to get fuel before before I left Whanganui so been noticing the prices as I was driving around. Most were around $1..77 for diesel. Must have been along weekend special. I got it for $1.54 at NPD. Very pleased.
    I then went on to Raetihi. Stopped and took a photo of the waterfall on the way.
    Long story. When Jack was born another lady in the hospital, Marcie had a daughter two days later. We become good friends. Their second daughter lives here, Loren.
    Fabulous old house that was a small hospital and then a maternity hospital in years gone by. They have done a massive amount to it, being an old wooden building. So big. Loren is married to Bruce and Bruce's parents are here as well in their campervan. Five bedroomed house, two people sleeping in it and two campervans in the driveway. Great conversation.
    Great meal tonight and Loren's pav was top of the line.
    I have been so very lucky to experience so many people cooking delicious food for me. I am blessed    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 23 - Raetihi - day 2

    October 25, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    When you are doing the trip that I am doing you can change plans easily. After an early start yesterday and perhaps later to bed than I normally would, it was 8-15 before I woke up. Cuppa and a chat with Loren decided to stay another night. Loren is interested in genealogy we had lots to talk about and just other topics.
    After I decided to stay on, Loren very kindly took me out driving in her electric car. Not sure I have ever been in one before. Do paxsters count?
    We went to the cemetery and they are always interesting. We did a walk next to it.
    Raetihi is a small town, one Four Sqare, one petrol station, couple of takeaway shops and couple of other shops. It was a logging town in its day. Loads of empty premises.
    On the tour and Loren is an excellent tour guide, we went to Ohakune and she took me up the mountain. Cloud cover meant no sight of the mountain today. I think it was 15 k up the mountain. Good tarsealed road. Saw the ski fields.
    Ohakune is the carrot capital. See the pictures at the kids park.
    The men have been building a kitset tomato house for Loren. It has automatic vents! How amazing is that?
    Loved my time here and pleased I was able to stay on another night.
    I will go to New Plymouth tomorrow    Read more

  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Traveler

    Day 26 - New Plymouth- Day 3

    October 25, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    This morning I had a book that Lynette had given me in Invercargill so I wanted to read the last 100 pages so I could return it to her. Alas I see it still sitting here when we have had our last good byes. Blast it.
    The weather has been pretty grotty here today with strong wind and hail a few times. Did manage a short walk to see take a photo of Fulton Hogan, New Plymouth branch for my brother Winston that works for them in ChCh.
    Once again Lynette picked me up and we went for late lunch/early tea. We went down by the habour and had the best seafood chowder I have eaten in along while. I wonder if the chap in the hammock was cold?
    We sat by the sea and watched the wind surfers, people braving the waves and talking.
    More driving around to see interesting things. Like other places loads of walkways. The white bridge is part of the costal walkway but the weather was too rough to walk it.
    Back to Lynette's for a shower and hair wash. She had dried and folded my washing. Forgot the photo again but there is the one of us the boat together. She has been so good to me.
    For the next part of my journey there isn't a plan like I have had up until now. I did start writing a few notes and studying the map. I want to go as far as Kaitaia. Not sure of what and where I will go from here. No luck with the seeing Mount Taranaki, what happened to the cloud fairies??    Read more

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