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Wendy Smith

February - April 2024
A 51-day adventure by Wendy Read more
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  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 11

    Night two at Hampden

    February 21 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Quiet night here in Hampden to spite the train track being very close. It didn't wake me when they went through.
    After my posting on Facebook I was very surprised at the number of people that were interested in this pensioners journey. Hope they have the link now. Like I have said I won't be offended if it isn't your cup of tea.
    This morning I finally got the jackpot and got a beautiful spot. The sea is close and I can see and hear the waves.
    Hampden is a bit further north from the Moeraki Boulders. Seemingly 40 minutes to walk there. Decided it was a little far but walked a long way down the beach. I tried to develop my artistic side. Better say that it is a "W" incase you don't see my arty side!
    This morning I got the map out and plotted my next move.
    Waimate is my next stop. Decided to re-read my David Smith book to get all the facts in my brain before going to the Museum in Waimate where David Smith lived. Re-reaading it certainly high lighted somethings I could have researched at Hocken Library if I had remembered.
    Walked up to the shops this afternoon (there is a dear little gift shop and a Night n Day) and decided on sausages for my meal tonight and tomorrow night and the next night..! They don't have small amounts. Oh well.
    We had some bagpipes playing here this afternoon too. So lovely to hear. The guy walked by, just with street clothes on but it was so good to hear.
    Busy here but not super busy.
    Take care out there    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    1
    Day 12

    Hampden to Waimate

    February 22 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    When I am on the road (like a 10 whole days) I pretty much don't need to worry about the time I get up and go to bed, eat etc. The motorhome home parks are unlike other establishments don't have a check in or check out time. I just go with the flow.
    This morning I woke and was up around 7am and the sunrise was something I don't normally see.
    I went 'backwards' down to the boulders. I could see Fleur's place from the motorhome place at Hampden and in hindsight I could have walked there. Wasn't sure exactly where they were.
    They seem smaller than I remember as a kid or young adult.
    I then went into the village of Moeraki so I can say I have been there.
    Then it was on to Riverstone and Dot's Castle.
    I was late or early so nipped over to the cafe for a scone and hot chocolate. What a spread..!! Tony would have loved it.
    Absolutely LOVED the tour of the castle. No pictures allowed inside. From the flooring, art work, flowers, drapes, accessories, furniture and the chandeliers (easy a million in them) the wallpaper and the layout. Just loved it. Excellent and well worth going.
    It was then on to Waimate. Thankfully because I didn't say I was coming, and book an appointment to research the lady is going to meet me. I have spoken to her on the phone and I could hear the oh David Smith - that isn't going to be easy in her voice but meeting her tomorrow.
    A bit of a glitch with the camper. Realised that the guage is still showing full on the diesel gauge. Nice as it maybe not true. There are worse things and it isn't like I can't drive it. I have recorded the mileage so can work it out.
    Sad too, that dear old Roy, the chap I interviewed a couple of years ago in his 99th year passed away. He had a good long life. Pleased the family have him on video to look at forever.
    Nice park here and I am parked much more level than night one in my motorhome!
    Walked down to the shops because my face is almost normal. Got a couple of things for an easy peasy dinner.    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 13

    Waimate and history

    February 23 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Great weather here in Waimate. Normal kind of start to my camper life morning. It was time to do some washing. I had sussed out the place yesterday when I walked into town. Finding the "bra bag" was a mission. I know I packed it. Five cupboards and even the boot I found it..!! It is in the soap powder bag for next time!
    I have used the laundromat in Invercargill to wash duvet and thought (hoped) it would be the same franchise. Sadly no and had to buy another card for $3. Fine if I get to use it again and of course it is like gift cards will I use the balance? I was surprised at the cost. $9 for a 18kg wash. By the time I had fluffed around sorting it - no 18 kg washers. Do I wait 11 minutes for one to finish or do I use the two 8 kg ones? Opted for the 8 kgs and it cost a buck more - which wasn't a problem to get moving. Washing in and then back to the camper to watch a service for an Air Force lass. Amazing that we can watch the service in real time with modern phones/internet.
    Then back to pop washing in the drier. Managed with the 25 minute cycle. The lady helping thought I would need more. It was light and I look forward to fresh sheets tonight.
    I then had a bit of a drive around Waimate.
    At 2pm I had arranged to meet Edwina . For those genealogy ladies following me, she did talks with Jan Gower so very knew what she was talking about. She said Jan is in care now with dementia. Sad to hear about such a knowledgeable person.
    The results of the meeting were as I expected and only leads to follow up in looking for my David Smith.
    It was good to see they still had my two Smith books I had donated and even some letters. One from Nancy Wills even.
    Lots of history around the streets here. A few pics. More tomorrow.
    Supermarket for a few things. Now time for drinks. Think I will stay another night.    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    1
    Day 14

    Another day in Waimate

    February 24 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    It only costs $5 per night to stay in the NZMCA parks for members. Most are couples from what I have seen and most have bikes. It is nice to see them biking away together after probably 40-50 or more years of marriage.
    Normally I have enough data per month to do all I need. However being on the road meant I was getting very low. With the help of Jack and FaceTime we sorted it and I have 100gb so that will last me until I get home! It still amazes me he can help via the tablet/phone etc.
    Saturday here in Waimate is Farmers Market day. It was spitting with rain so put my coat on to walk up and you can guess it stopped...!! If I hadn't it would have bucketed down.
    Just started off and I see a postie! So over I went and talked to him for probably 20 minutes. He has been with NZ Post most of his working life. Peter is about to retire in 18 days. Two runs here. He does Tue, Thurs,Sat and another lady the other days of the week. Contracted of course. Loves his electric bike.
    The market was pretty similar to others. Walking you choose wisely on weight. Also small quantities when you are on your own. The strawberries are so yummy!
    Picked up a book at The Sally's called Coal Range and Candlelight. Stuck my nose into that when got back.
    After lunch it was away on the bike out to the cemetery. There was a cross for David Smith's second wife Sarah, but it must have circum to the weather because I couldn't see it.
    Bike around and took a few other shots of the town. Massive community centre here for a small place. It is also the birth place of Norman Kirk. A former NZ prime minister for the non kiwis followers.
    On to Timaru tomorrow.
    If there is anything you would like to know message me.    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 15

    Timaru

    February 25 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    This morning it was time to move on from Waimate. Some don't travel with full water tanks but I put more water in my tanks. The gauges in the van are not totally accurate, so I thought it was worth it.
    Then it was off to the dump station to empty. As you will know it wasn't very successful last time. A lovely couple helped me and emptying the grey waste would take forever because it was trickling out. The man said I need to change the connection but he estimated that I had at least four days before it would be full.
    There is a tube-hose I plug on to the tank to empty the grey waste. Perhaps I could sit on a cattle truck stop and little "go", without the tube. Not sure that is allowed but I can ask.
    Interestingly I saw a car and caravan heading to Oamaru that must have forgotten to do theirs up and was leaving a trail all down the road.
    The black waste (toilet) is cassette - size of a small suitcase that is unclipped, unscrew and tip down the waste hole. That is easy.
    Then fuel and away I went. Again I have never used my trip meter and that would really help with distance when the fuel gauge isn't working.
    Something I will need to learn until it gets fixed.
    Stopped at a rest area for awhile because it was taxing that I couldn't get it things "done". Took a bit of time and talked to Jack.
    My son Jack played rugby yesterday. He really enjoyed it. A real surprise to me. The Blue Sky team. Never thought rugby would be his cup of tea.
    In Timaru I stopped and ended up having lunch with a relative. Eileen is a lovely lady we always chat away happily when I have popped in.
    Parked down at Caroline Bay but thought I was sticking out too far so didn't go for a walk.
    Supermarket again. I am low on milk - decided not to get any. So different from home. When you are driving you have to turn off the gas that runs the fridge. The milk has been fine so far but thought I would wait so it will be supermarket again tomorrow probably.
    Tonight I am staying in a POP. Park over property. It is a little way out of Timaru. Showers and a laundry. They don't have a set amount it is by donation. Note to self - have smaller notes thank $50.......!!    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 16

    Second Night Timaru

    February 26 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Two weeks today since I left home. Seems much longer.
    Didn't wake till 8 and when I pulled back the shades put up the blinds looked like no one else was up so it was off to the shower. Lovely shower for $2. No waiting. I have a shower in the camper but it isn't like a real shower.
    Then the normal and thought I would be away early but it was after 10.
    Off to the museum - guess what - not open on Mondays.
    Popped into the library to look up a couple of people on the electoral rolls.
    Then the Warehouse too get a few bits and pieces and then it was time to watch yet another funeral. Dear Roy the 102 year I interviewed a couple of years ago about his army life. Lovely tribute to him.
    Then it was off to see Glenn another ex Air Force friend. Glenn was saying he is 78. A few health issues but he is doing okay.
    The bins were full at Waimate so Glenn happily allowed me to put my small bag of rubbish in his bin. Gone - the things people worry about on the road..!
    My gas bottle had run out so I headed to refill it. I seem to be doomed. Arrived at 4pm and they close at 3...!!! I have two gas bottles so the other is okay. I will fill get a refill on the way into town in the morning.
    Trying to turn right on the main highway at 4pm was a nightmare in a
    Campervan. Probably would have been in a car too. I waited and waited and after awhile no cars turning left so I turned left went a block and turned right did a U turn and got back on the highway.
    Will spend another night here in the old Southdown school grounds. Not many photos again today. Massive big Bunnings being built here.    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 17

    Seadown

    February 27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    My apologies for last night. There seemed be a few glitches and the bit I posted about my parents is something I started and never posted and I thought I had deleted it. The internet was almost not happening until after 9pm.
    I was parked beside a couple from Blenheim in Waimate and then they have also been at Sea down (not South down as I said) and so in the morning and evening we have had a catch up on our days. They have moved on today and I will be here for another night. They were hoping to get as far as Christchurch today.
    I was here all morning and headed to the museum for the 1-30 opening in the archives section. As well as learning about camper life I have also learnt about researching and if I had planned ahead and let them know you are coming it is helpful. As previous visits nothing new but some avenues to explore.
    Their is a cruise ship in at Timaru so there was a market I had a quick look at but nothing took my fancy.
    I got my gas bottle filled on the way into town. Seemingly it was still half full so I don't know why the cooker pretended it was out. Full bottle again and the lovely man from rockgas carried it to my camper that was parked on the street. I could have driven in but I was cautious. He said a lot do that.
    Popped into the supermarket again. Didn't get caught today and went the corner with the traffic lights...!!
    Another wee gem today is that the rattle has gone!! How many ks have I driven? I moved stuff, put the non-slide stuff between the plates, pots etc. Still the rattle continued. Turned out it was the oven door! Makes such a difference!
    Getting a little better at taking photos - I have taken more in the last two weeks than the last two years probably. Phar Lap statue is on this road. Another photo is a tribute to paper boys but the wording didn't come out.
    I am sure the Southlanders will pick Russell Beck's work for Timaru's sister city    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    2
    Day 18

    Castle Claremont

    February 28 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Another lovely $2 shower for me this morning and I am so use to having quick showers these days didn't even use up all my time.
    Took some photos of the fruit growing at Sea down before I left.
    Then I headed to Temuka to catch up with an old work mate. Great to catch up with Gay and with them having a caravan she gave me a few more hints about life on the road.
    After that I popped in to see another ex Air Force lady. Denise joined in 1965 and she said she was 89 but in another sentence 87. Certainly not a young person. She manages in her own home with help.
    After that it had been recommended that I go to Castle Claremont. I headed back south - not far. Very well worth the trip. Very picturesque place.
    I wasn't sure that I was in the right place with a sign saying private property. Certainly didn't want to go up some drive that was narrow and I couldn't turn around in with ease.
    I phoned the number and sure enough it was the right place. No one else here. Wasn't here five minutes and another couple pulled up from Whangarei. They had also phoned up because they weren't sure. Usually they have a motorhome sign or a POP sign on the gate.
    Went for a walk around with them and learnt a bit of the history. Google is very handy.
    Built 1884, been a Govt General's residence, a training establishment for a church and a private residence. It is on the market for 3.5 million, which is a pretty good buy. Added on a few buildings at various times.
    Another couple has arrived as well.
    Weather is very dull and cool and some rain this morning.    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 19

    Short and Sweet

    February 29 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    So far I haven't had a problem with finding something to write about each day. As I was driving up from Timaru to Christchurch I thought today's blog would be short and sweet.
    Bit cool this morning and a little damp. I did managed to walk down the the entrance gate at Castle Claremont. Knowing my previous occupation I got the mail and newspapers out of the letterbox and put it on the doorstep of the main house. I suspect with four "farm" newspapers that it had been there for sometime. Several power bills - hope they are on direct debit otherwise if they might not have any power.
    No problem driving. Stopped in Ashburton and got a couple of things and emptied the black waste.
    The friend I could have visited was on the West Coast, so headed to my sister's.
    As it turned out there was a gathering at Carolyn's as she was going to be presented with her retirement certificate from the JP service. My time was amazing. Nice to see her family here also to support her. I remembered Tony and I took Mum and Dad to Queenstown when she first became a JP. The circle goes around    Read more

  • TravelerWendy Smith
    Day 20

    Domestic Chores

    March 1 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    If yesterday was short and sweet today will be even shorter. I am keen to write something every day.
    Last night after a lovely family meal and good conversation with family. Carolyn (sister) said slept in one of her beds so off I went for an hour then got up and said I am going to sleep in my camper. So off I went - never ever thought I would sleep in a camper in a suburban street...!! It is a no exit street so it was very quiet. I slept well.
    This morning Carolyn replaced a zip in her daughter's trousers and the daughter did Carolyn's ironing. Seemed a good exchange.
    This afternoon we have been to the shops.    Read more

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