Update from Hampden

Hi again!
We're still wandering and loving it.
The Willows NZMCA camp was lovely. We really enjoyed our walk along the Waimak River and the detour along the stop bank. Saw a really unusual planting style.... not sure of the why but surmise it's about water retention or flood control.
Rakaia Huts camping ground was ok but the access to the beach is limited and with large stones was not walkable but still lovely views. We were joined by Gerard and Sue at Hardy's Retreat POP for a night. Great to catch up with them before we moved onto Methven for two nights. WOW! We highly recommend the Hot Pools. It was well worth paying $64 for the adults only area with a swim up bar and cafe and alcove areas that offer a quieter experience. The booking system ensures that there are no crowds. The ambience is really lovely. The private bathrooms, robes, towels etc were great. Quiet sitting areas to relax afterwards with a coffee or a wine top the experience.
Next day we biked about 20ks along the river, exploring the Methven area. The enchanted woods are delightful! We decided we both really like Methven. We'll be back!
It was so good to catch up with Heather and Colin for a night at a wee POP on the outskirts of Ashburton. The next day we cycled around 35km to Lake Hood. Had an oops at the start which found us on a Grade 3/4 track. Definitely not for us! We backtracked and got on the correct track! Lake Hood was a bit of a revelation. Quite the exclusive area with massive homes/holiday homes, a gorgeous man-made lake which we understand was purpose made as an aquatic resort. We had a cuppa and soaked up the scenes. Beautiful!
We spent a couple of days at Ashburton NZMCA to be handy to town for a catch up on domestic stuff and then moved onto Waimate where we saw Steve Wotten from Brokn Free Solar. He reviewed our set up and made a few changes which have made a big difference. Highly recommend this business. Well set up and know their stuff!
The Oamaru A and P showgrounds are VERY wet so we stayed on the sealed drive for the night. There's been loads of snow and freezing temperatures inland and it's been really wet on the coast so it was a bit concerning when we got home from The Army Brass Band Concert, in Oamaru's beautifully restored Opera House, that we discovered our gas heater wasn't working! We're so very pleased we have a very well insulated European MH! We were cozy in our bed and once dressed we were warm. We'll make some calls tomorrow, Monday 9th to find a place to get it fixed.
We're currently in Hampden. The beach is wild and wonderful and the walks along it fabulous. That's it until next time! Love and hugs to all.Read more