Day 2

The dogs were feeling generous this morning, granting us an extra 15 minutes of sleep—pure luxury on holiday! The sunrise was stunning, but bed was still calling, so back we went for a couple more hours.

Marley decided I needed a wardrobe change, helpfully jumping on me with plum-covered paws, christening my freshly donned dress. It was a perfect excuse to put the camping washing machine to the test! Neil took charge, and we’re happy to report: success! The sunny, breezy weather played its part, drying everything in no time.

Meanwhile, my stewed windfall apples, peaches, and nectarines from last night were calling to be made into paste. Cue a morning of stirring while Neil kept insisting I sit and relax. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but today, creativity won out!

Maggie popped by and did us the favour of wearing out the dogs, giving us a peaceful afternoon of reading. A productive, messy, and wonderfully slow holiday morning—just the way we like it!

At 4:15, it hit me—I was supposed to be helping Craig with milking! I rushed over just in time to put the suction cups onto the cow’s teats (because, fun fact, cows don’t have nipples). Then, I hosed down the milking yard like a pro and got behind the wheel of the quad bike, bunny hopping my way down to the cow paddock and back—basically, a crash course in off-road driving. After that, we fed Gavin the calf, the pigs, and the ever-hungry chickens. Best part? I collected 11 fresh eggs to take back to the motorhome.

Jude arrived just in time for an adventure to the wee township of Te Aroha! Our wonderful hosts, Jen and Craig, invited us to their favorite spot, The Duck and Cover, where the food was incredible, the service top-notch, and the company even better. Laughter and great conversation flowed as we got to know each other over a delicious meal.

Luckily, we had managed to secure our hosts cozy little Airbnb for Jude, so after marveling at the breathtaking, star-filled sky (no light pollution—just magic!), we left her to enjoy her own space and called it a night. A perfect evening in every way!Read more