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Retirement Holiday- number 2
  • Wendy Smith
  • Wendy Smith

Retirement Holiday- number 2

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 48 - Ngonotaha Rotorua

    21 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    When I am writing my blog I pretty much have to have everything ready. Spelling has never been one of my strongest subjects and unless I get the word before I start, it can be a problem.
    Last night and tonight I am at Ngonotaha, just outside of Rotorua. No Sulphur smell this far out.
    After I loaded the blog last night I walked down to the local shops and the Post Shop was still open. Very pleased I am more than legal with my road user charges. For those that don't know, this vehicle runs on diesel and we have to pay so much a kilometer in tax - road users charges where petrol is charged at the pump. Some will remember that I was very behind when I was in Christchurch, but wouldn't make that mistake again! I still have 700 ks to go before I run out. Different vehicles are charged at different rates. Mine were $393 for 5000 ks. Now I will be okay till I get home. I must have done over 5000 ks
    Today I have not been off the property. Cold miserable day. Read this morning and talked to friends on the phone. This afternoon I thought I would get moving but it bucketed down again so very lazy day.
    This NZMCA park actually has 4 levels not 3 as I said yesterday and plenty of extras. See the rhubarb? There are lemons inside the rec room for anyone wanting them.
    Thank you for reading    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 49 - Day 3 at Rotorua

    22 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    It is with much sadness I share that my dear sister-in-law Lesley passed away this morning, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family after a three year journey with cancer. Lesley and her husband, my brother, Winston live in Christchurch.
    A memorial service for Lesley will be held next year.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 50...!! Still in Rotorua

    23 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Life throws us some curve balls and it is how we react makes us the people we are.
    After yesterday's blog I was told in no uncertain terms that I need to get on with it and that is what Lesley would want. What did I do yesterday?
    Emptying the grey water had been a challenge for me in both the South Island and again this trip. It wouldn't 'go' and two chaps in the park helped me and said my valve wasn't opening. Gave me a place to go to, so off I went. They were too busy with other customers. I phoned around plenty of others and all too busy. Ended up at a delightful plumber, and his parents had many caravans and knew how to help. Turns out because this is an older model the level is very important. The tank emptied easily in front of his business because it was on a slight slope. Might be a bit of a challenge but at least I know how to sort it now and no more worries.
    I then popped to the supermarket, came back to the camper and got the txt from Winston about Lesley. We are a large family and I understood him communicating that way. It was beautifully worded.
    I scuttled back to the motorhome park to my comfort zone.
    I am lucky to have so many good friends and family to support me. I am so grateful for my phone and the internet. It made it so much easier. A lot of messages were sent directly to me, not on the blog site. All the caring was a great comfort to me. Thank you so much.
    As Lesley wanted I was off walking this morning and I guess the lake is less than a k from here.
    Next it was Self Drive Rail Cars, right next to the motorhome park.
    Timed it well considering I hadn't pre-booked.
    On my own I wasn't totally sure I could manage it but the instructions seemed simple enough. So I was first off the blocks. Five cars left around the same time, but behind me. The track is about 10k there and of course the same back. Excellent views of paddocks, native bush, farm land, and I could even see the campervan park. Pretty much self drive but I had a brake if i needed it. A bunny was in front of me at one stage, thankfully it zoomed out of the way so I didn't have to make a decision whether to stop or not. In the commentary they said about a cave but I wasn't quick enough to get a picture of it. Pretty amazing.
    Took 46 minutes to get to the other end. I arrived and not long after another couple arrived. Then the chap working for the company said some 'car' had a problem and was stopped. We waited and waited probably for almost an hour before they arrived. When they did we were told free ice creams for everyone. I was first away back. It was very slow in parts but kept going. Pleased to be back at base again. They refunded half the fare.
    It was too late then to do other things I wanted to here in Rotorua.
    Decided to stay yet one more night.
    Now to wander back to the shops and find something for my meal tonight.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    Very pleased I read this would never have known!

    Day 51 - Taupo

    24 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    I could have headed the blog - not in Rotorua.
    Walked down to get a piece of chicken for my tea. Didn't know that is what I was going to have till I got there. Easy as to cook with my salad and I even cooked some new potatoes to go with it. No mint though.
    This morning I did a drive around Rotorua. Couldn't see any land marks from our trip here as a kids. Dad worked on the railway and got cheap/free fares and one time there was a softball tournament in Rotorua so we came up. Pretty unusual for a large family in those days to travel so far.
    It was then on to Orakei. My cousin said it was magical. It is probably half way between Rotorua and Taupo. 20k from the main Rd.
    What an amazing setting. Loved it and can understand why Pete and Carmen said if you can go - do it.
    Photos probably don't do it justice.
    A small ferry takes you across the lake to the thermal activity. Probably two or three minutes from one side to the other. 2.5ks around and so many lovely things. I had forgotten boiling mud is more grey than brown. The geyser boiling water, the cave as well all so good to see. Yes a Sulphur smell but not too bad.
    Very pleased I went.
    It was then on to Taupo. At the NZMCA park at the racecourse and the side car track is next door and they are having a meet today. Hope they will finish in the next hour or so because it is very noisy!
    Weather excellent    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    Taupo racecourse
    Some of the Van parkedLake Taupo

    Day 52 Turangi

    24 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Thankfully the loud noise from the race track next to the park stopped soon after I loaded my blog. It made the evening much more pleasant.
    The lady in the next camper came over and asked if I was a 'babe'. There is a Facebook group called Motorhome Babes. I am a member of it. You place something orange in the window of your Motorhome and others will know you are traveling on your own. Think this is the first one I have come across on this trip. We had a lovely conversation. Rose is from Howick in Auckland and has a black lab that travels with.
    This morning I could actually see a mountain before I left Taupo! No where to stop and take a picture easily. Not sure what mountain it was - sorry. I can't seem to see what the name is, on my map.
    I was able to do my laundry when I arrived at Turangi. Sheets needed a freshen up, plus other stuff.
    So there I was, washing in the machine, nice sunny day I decided to sit outside the laundromat and a police car with siren and lights going parks almost right in front of me. A car with a male driver needed to be spoken. Three police officer, were at the scene. They talked for a few minutes to the driver and then they must have decided the driver of the car needed to go with them. He was not happy about that to put it mildly and one policeman said get out of the car now or I will trazer you. My little old heart was racing to see something like this in real life. Some would have got their phone out and recorded it but I wasn't sure what to do. Just sat there.
    The man did get out of the car using very bad language and I reckon he wasn't much a fan of the police. They took him away. Excitement over for the day/week.
    I happily waited for my laundry to finish. Small towns things can be interesting occasionally at midday!
    On to the NZMCA park. Very quiet here but more are arriving.
    Lovely day but a cool wind.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    1

    Day 53 - Turangi - Day 2

    26 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    This will be short and sweet.
    Managed to empty all my grey water, into a bucket and walk it over to the dump station. I have seen a lot of people emptying their grey water this way. Like I have said pleased I know how to empty it now. Grey water is from the sink, hand basin and shower. I have also tidied up the boot.
    Managed to go for a short walk. I was close to getting bike off the back of the camper but the wind is strong so decided against it.
    I have also finished my book. Second one on this trip and that is two more than I have read this year.
    The wind is very strong and frustrating because the windows in the camper are banging closed.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 54 - Waiouru

    27 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    My memories of the Desert Rd are from a very long time ago, when the boys were young. It had a few more corners to what I remember. Not sure why they are closing it in January for awhile. Seems in reason condition. The scene from the road is mostly scrub.
    I did finally see a mountain! I missed Taranaki and the other one that the name escapes me at present. I did take plenty of pics incase the clouds came over and it was gone again.
    Seeing the Army Museum was a must on my to do list. Loved it and so many names came to mind as I walked around from great uncles to uncles, and even a great great uncle. Robert David Smith in the Boer war. People I served with that went to Vietnam, to husband's of some I have met at reunions. I wonder what happened to the army chaps I did the medics course at Burnham with? Also thought of those that did CMT (compulsory military training) and some were at Burnham when I was there.
    I watched a video of Ray Seymour talking about his time in Vietnam and as most know it as Agent Orange but there were others Agent blue and white that were actually herbicides. He also talked about PTSD and how he got help 35 years after the events of the war and urged anyone watching his video that has had an "event" in their lives to get help. He is able to sleep at night now. He also headed an inquiry into herbicides for the NZ Govt.
    Talked to a staff member about giving them a copy of my interview of Roy, the 99 year old I recorded three years ago about his time in WW2 in the Army.
    Something else to sort when I get home and seek his family's permission.
    I was impressed that as I entered the museum there were pics of female soldiers (hope that is pc) but only one section on nurses in the war. How they got the hospital smell in that section is intriguing. As some will know there is a lack of acknowledgement of females at the Air Force Museum.
    I was surprised at the low price of getting in $8. I made several donations in different places and got a bit of memorabilia from the gift shop. Lovely day here and will stay the night.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    Enlarge it and you can see Ruapehu

    Day 55 - Whanganui

    27 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    You just never know what I will have to write about.
    Loaded the blog and then there is a chap outside my campervan. I said I know you!! It was John. He is ex Air Force, and I met him after he posted a msg on the ex Air Force page that he was getting a hip replacement in Invercargill and was up for visitors. By the time I contacted him he was away back to Dunedin. He came back to Invercargill for a post-op checked and came for a coffee and we went to a rally at Fortrose (near Invercargill) before I left on this trip. John has a campervan too.
    We have stayed in touch and he was doing some father helping at the school where his son teachers and was passing through Waiouru.
    We were parked behind the Army Museum and I think there were 10 vehicles or more. Since it was such a lovely night I knocked on everyone's door and said happy hour at 5pm. Most came and were appreciative that someone had taken the bull by the horns and asked people. Loads of networking and swapping numbers of the ten that came along. First time I have had a happy hour in the North Island.
    Saw Ruapehu easily again this morning and even took a picture between Marton and Whanganui from a different aspect.
    I drove down to Whanganui via Taihape and had to stop and take a pic of the famous gumboot.
    I have spent the morning and early afternoon sorting documentation for my friend Linda's (Linda passed away in September) solicitor to enable me to get an inheritance. I walked for miles - I didn't but it seemed like it and my feet are sore.
    The bank, court house and library. Everyone was very helpful.
    Parked up at the Whanganui East Club where I stayed on the way up. They have water and a dump station, so that will be used tomorrow before I leave.
    Hope to go on the paddle boat steamer tomorrow - no vacancies but I hope someone won't turn up and I can go.
    Then I will go to a Free Wheelers Rally in Sanson.
    Weather hot here but windy today    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 56 - Sanson

    29 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    It was a very windy night last night. Hot but couldn't have the windows open. Three of us parked at the club. I actually went for a shower this morning at the baths. There is a freedom camping spot outside the baths with a dump station I didn't know about. We live and learn.
    Sadly and annoyingly the paddleboat steamer was not going today. Starts next Friday. It is on tomorrow so I may or may not go. I looked around their museum.
    Had a look at some shops. First time I have done that. Got some things for the weekend.
    Drove to Bulls and saw the old married quarter we lived in. Loads are empty defence force houses and a lot seem to have wooden windows still. Never been upgraded.
    Was too early for the rally so had a quick look at the museum and some shops. Bulls sure has a lot of traffic going through. I think there are about six concrete bulls in Bulls
    Assembled for the rally and everyone seems very friendly and welcoming.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 57 Sanson - day 2

    30 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 58 - Foxton

    30 de noviembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 59

    2 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 60 - Plimmerton (for the next 9 days

    3 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 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    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 61

    3 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    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 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 63

    6 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 64

    7 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 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...!!    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 65

    8 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero

    Day 66

    9 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 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.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    1

    Day 67

    10 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    I guess the blogs are going to be pretty hohum really. Today John and I went to Levin where he signed on the bottom line to buy his unit. A very exciting year for him with putting down roots after 18 years and some overseas travel.
    At Spelhurst Lifestyle village, where John is planning to live, I saw the plaque to say what it was previously. Love to be able to read Dad's notes of his time in the Air Force and see if he was stationed there. I cannot remember.
    On the way back we went up Paekakariki hill. Pretty narrow road and surprisingly enough the wind wasn't as cold or as strong as I thought it might. I think up Bluff hill 90% of the time I have been up it, the wind has been blowing strongly and cold.
    Tomorrow will be my last full day in the North Island. Then it will be ferry on Thursday.
    My plan is Bleheim, Kaikoura, two or three nights in Christchurch, Waimate, Hamden and then Invercargill. So probably very little to write about    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    1Famous cake shop next to the campervan park

    Day 68

    10 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    John and I went for a walk last night by the Plimmerton beach. Lots of interesting things to see and read about. Even people swimming.
    This morning we went to see if I could find the right house after me walking so very far last week. Sadly no one home. Next time or write a letter.
    This afternoon John and I went to Paraparaumu, where a friend has a house lot of furniture that she wants to give away. Her mother has gone into care and as you may well image John does not have anything. Certainly got a lot from pots and pans to furniture, or ear marked it for when he moves.
    We then had a wander around a
    furniture store. I haven't been into a furniture to speak of for a long time and interesting to see what is available.
    We were going to go out but decided to have fish and chips.
    Ferry tomorrow, time to return to the mainland. Mixed feelings    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    Parliament view while I was waiting to board
    I was on board and these cars were still coming on board

    Day 69

    12 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    The usual pre travel things to do to the camper before departure. A bit of apprehension with the camper not having been driven for a few days. All good an easy start and away I went.
    I have come along way with my confidence in my driving and getting to the ferry terminal it was very easy. I was a little unsure which gate to go in but I was spot on and made the correct decision. Pretty pleased with my ability.
    There seems a lot more people and cars on board. I'm not sure though. Smooth sailing. Was off the ferry within 20 minutes of being allowed to gonto our vehicles.
    At the NZMCA park at Koromiko that is really lovely, surrounded by lovely bush and trees probably 20 minutes from Picton towards Blenhiem    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    They mowed the grass this morning

    Day 70...! Koromiko day 2

    13 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    I did sleep well last night. I was low on supplies but just wanted to park up and didn't bother with the supermarket. I have baked beans, soup, rice and a few other things. One bottle of beer that I consumed. Zero wine. I also had bacon and eggs so that was my meal.
    In bed very early.
    Very pleased the milk was still okay for my cuppa this morning, would have missed that. Wonder if it will be okay tomorrow.
    I was able to talk with a couple of Invercargill friends via the phone. Great catch up.
    The day was lovely. This spot is excellent.
    Plimmerton was practical but it is gravel. This has lovely grass, trees surrounded by hills and paddocks. No trains or cars and so I remained.
    Found a rug and lay on the grass and listened to my music.
    So not much to say but a love the sun, surroundings and my music    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    Good milk in my tea this morning
    Winston's presentationThe current jigsaw1WhitebaitChicken dinnerDearest Lesley

    Day 71 - Ohoka

    14 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Please to report my tea was fine this morning and as always love my cuppa in the morning. I did pack up my North Island map. Probably won't get the South Island one out this trip.
    It was off down the road and a bit hard momentarily to remember that I was still on the other side of Bleheim. I thought I might go out on the whale watch boat but needed to move a lot earlier in the day to get on that. It was too late for today.
    The drive down was okay. Loved seeing the sea. Traffic was busy in places. Hot 30 a lot of the time.
    Got to Amberly and did a big stock up of food. I have options again! Lady on the side of the road was selling whitebait so I stopped and got enough for two small patties after I arrived at Ohoka.
    Arrived at Ohoka to my brother's home. Pretty emotional. Winston is doing pretty well since the loss of his wife Lesley, three weeks ago.
    We cried, we hugged, we talked, we had a drink, we went for a walk and then he cooked a delicious meal. He has learnt a few things. Lesley was a great cook and her presentation of food was very professional.
    I didn't add any pieces to the puzzle.
    Lesley would be happy that I continued with my trip and as many said a very dedicated follow of my blog. Part of me can't be sad that she is no longer suffering and is at peace but oh how I would love to sit with her and talk about the things I done and places I have been.
    Very special lady.    Leer más

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  • Wendy SmithRetirement Holiday- number 2Viajero
    Brown grass
    Lavender is excellentWhere my campervan was parked but forgot the picture until I movedMore lavenderWinston and meWendy and WendyThe family

    Day 72 - Belfast

    15 de diciembre de 2024, Nueva Zelanda ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    The weather was a bit cooler this morning and got down the road and thought I forgot photos so turned around and went back. The grass is brown compared to the green grass of October when I was last in Canterbury. The lavender is blooming wonderfully and the bees loving it at Winston's place.
    I went and got some fuel. Good to be able to use my Mckeowns card again. Didn't use it much or at all in the North Island. Not sure either it was the best price but certainly better than the North Island.
    I nipped and got a couple of presents in preparation for Christmas.
    Back to my sisters Carolyn for a combined lunch. Nieces, great nieces, great nephews and my brother. Lovely catch up but missed some of them. Auntie Wendy is getting shorter or the next generation are way too tall....!!
    I then tried to find a park at the shopping mall to catch up with my ex Air Force friend Wendy. She has had bit of a struggle with her health recently but hope she is on the mend. Great to see her again.
    Back to Carolyn's and catching up.    Leer más

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