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A visit to Nan's
  • Trevor and Robyn

A visit to Nan's

A 20-day adventure by Trevor and Robyn Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 3, 2024
    Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler
    This deck is usually cramed full with trucks, trailers, campervans - both sides empty11

    The crossing

    June 3, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    It's been a pretty easy day. We sailed out of Wellington on time and the crossing was good. Robyn was heard to say "that was a pretty good crossing" We spent most of the time in the Strait outside in the fresh air, it was cold but we had on a few layers. Sat inside in the sun as we cruised up the sounds.
    Gusto was closed and we had lunch at a busy Cafe near the waters edge - and coffee too. No dramas driving to Kaikoura - the last 60km in glorious sunshine. I got petrol at a Caltex garage in Blenheim and got 22cents a litre off the posted price of $2.68 - not sure why.
    Got into Kaikoura went to the supermarket on the way in and got supplies, including pies for dinner. We decided to drive around the coast, south past town and had a wander - took some photos and waited for the sun to set. Lots of people out there including a group of serious photographers.
    In our motel now and watching TV from our bed.
    We had a short discussion before - are we on a holiday? Not sure.......    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Hometown

    June 4, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    We arrived in Ashburton at around 4. Clear blue sky and 16 degrees - similar sunny morning in Kaikoura and you can imagine how spectacular the hills behind the town looked.
    We got coffee before we left and were off. We shared the drive to Christchurch, but missed the turnoff to the airport road, but after a few deviations Mum navigated her way to Lorraine's where we planned lunch and a catch up. Got 2 meat pies from the busy bakery next door. We sat outside in the sun and drank the coffee that Lorraine had brewed.
    She has chemo tomorrow. We thought she looked good all things considered.
    Then on the road south.
    We are at Nan's and unpacked the car. Wish us luck!    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Two days worth

    June 6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    So this is yesterday and today's stories.
    Essentially we had to be forceful with Nan who tried to tell us we were on holiday - but no we were here to sort stuff out. And on that note got going. Robyn spent the afternoon cleaning pictures, light fittings and vacuuming.
    I went to the council to get advice on the stuff in Grandi's shed. They sent me to the recycling centre. I went there and discussed a concern we had about some of the chemicals that Lorraine was worried about. Essentially they would take everything as long as it was in its original container.
    So we decided today was clean out the shed day. Now you may sometime in the past had a look in the shed and thought "Oh my God" as I have. And when I started in there this morning I did not feel overwhelmed, but by late in the morning I did. I began sorting stuff into piles - categories that the recycling centre would take and by lunch time I realised that I had got to the stage where there was a clear separation between the categories and rubbish shit. So I began dropping off stuff at the recycling centre.
    So far all of the spray chemicals, a large box, are gone except 2 small containers, all of the paint tins, there were probably 25 tins, all of the fertilizer except some small bags which Nan hopes to palm off to her gardener. 2 large containers of glass.
    I have hired a trailer for tomorrow - you would not believe how many small containers that are empty and would fall into the category of " just in case I might need this". There is a heap of tools - see attached image.
    We feel satisfied with the day and have dealt with a problem no one really wanted to tackle.
    The weather is holding good and the coffee breaks are welcome.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Some photos

    June 6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    I took a photo this morning so I can do a before and after. The other 3 are the photos I took to the recycling centre so they could see what we had in terms of garden chemicals and fertilizers. Photo 2 is fertilizers, #3 is a cabinet full of sprays (they took all of these) and #4 a mystery spray (that they wouldn't take). Under the big sheet was all those tins of paint.Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Today was cancelled....

    June 7, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    This was one of those days. All of our plans were focused around removing a lot of rubbish to the dump - the trailer was booked.
    Nan was meeting friends for lunch and we decided to look at the stuff in the garage and the tools that were no longer useful that might also head to the dump.
    But the scene became quite negative and there was no agreement which rubbish was going and the rubbish that "might be useful for xxxxxxx" that would then have to stay. Save to say that she dug her toes in and accused us of "going at it like a bull at a gate".
    So we gave in, I cancelled the trailer and we went for a walk and had a relaxing day (or non productive).
    We had Indian for tea tonight - not bad. I did my photo challenge late this afternoon.
    Tomorrow is another day and we shall see what it brings.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler
    Before
    2AfterTo the dump, dump, dump....

    At last...........

    June 8, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    We’ve had a pretty good day – you can see that it’s a bit like a roller coaster ride – up and down, and a few tight bends.
    Nan was in a better mood and even told me “You are in charge of the rubbish”. We picked up the trailer at about 11 and got started. Mum and I got started and with only the occasional question to Nan it was pretty straight forward.
    We completely emptied the shed and swept it out, including the shelves.
    Then off to the rubbish dump – wasn’t sure what we could expect there – we got weighed in and later we were weighed out – paying for the difference.
    There was a loader driver who backed our trailer to the tip face and then cleared away our rubbish as we dumped it over the face.
    Dropped off the trailer and back home – put all of the tools, Grandi’s fishing gear and a few bits and pieces that Nan wanted to keep meantime, back into the shed.
    Had a shower and then made a a well-earned coffee.
    The weather changes here on Monday I think and its good to have this job done.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Quiet day

    June 9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We had a fairly quiet day - not really a footprint.
    Late up after breakfast and coffee Mum did some washing - it was sunny and some breeze.
    Then to New World for groceries - toasted crumpets for a late lunch
    The weather was closing in and we got our gear on and went for a bike ride, firstly I had to pump up Mum's tyres. The cloud was low and it was cold, but we needed some exercise.
    Back home for a hot shower and coffee.
    Nan made dinner - vege soup.
    So we are tucked up inside, heater and TV on.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler
    Mum's haircut
    3Today's best shot

    Another quiet day

    June 11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    It rained over night, but cleared early. Today we both had hair cuts - Judith's daughter Hanna is a hairdresser - the salon is in her house.
    We were both pleased with our cuts - especially Mum. We were feeling pleased with ourselves so went for a coffee and sat in the warm sun.
    After lunch Nan had a visit to the doctor and got a Covid jab. I played with my camera, try a few things for this week's challenge. When they got back we went for a walk in the sun and home for coffee.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Wednesday and Today

    June 13, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    Yesterday we made the decision to head home - much earlier than we had first thought when we made the commitment to come south and help Nan. But somehow the communication wires got crossed. We sat down and tried to find a clear weather day for a good crossing and agreed on Tuesday - made the booking and let Nan and everyone know.
    In 24 hours the whole weather pattern changed and a Tuesday crossing now looks like it will be "uncomfortable".
    We had lunch and went for a walk into town to try the coffee at the new Council/Library building. It was sunny and had a lovely walk. We thought the new building was a bit underwhelming and the coffee just ok. On the way home I stopped on the railway overbridge to take some photos for this weeks challenge. And last night worked on the image. This week is abstract and the extra challenge is "Vanoost Technique". This is new to me and most people. His images are about life chaos and blend/overlay multiple images. I am very pleased with my creation.
    Today we travelled to Christchurch to have afternoon with cousin Jill and Neville. We left just after lunch and it was 6 degrees outside.
    We had a good chat with them and Jill and Mum shared family stories.
    Christchurch has changed a lot in the last 10 years with new access roads - we had to rely on Google to find our way to their house.
    Tomorrow we are having lunch with Judith and Eddie at Lake Hood. That should be fun and Nan is going in the afternoon to The Club.
    I think we will have a few rainy days now and I guess you will too.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler

    Our weekend

    June 16, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 6 °C

    We were late out of bed on Saturday and after the usual round of phone games it was late in the morning before much was done. Mum had convinced Nan that some cleaning and vacuuming in the lounge would help. She went and got some groceries and a bottle of sugar soap.
    Mum got started and after lunch I got the job of washing the bathroom ceiling and later vacuuming too. So we achieved a little more of the stuff we came for. But Nan still has this idea that everything is fine and can wait for another day. Mum has done a great job – cleaning, dusting and the carpet looks different after the vacuuming – removing stuff that you don’t see when you are nearly blind! Nan shouted a bottle of red wine which we all had with dinner.
    Today was a frosty morning, but sunny and not a bad day. We didn’t do a lot this morning and I went for a swim at the pool – 60 lengths and that was great – nice pool. We had a late lunch and after coffee Mum and I went for a walk that included another walk past Grandi’s tree. The Domain is looking very tidy and well maintained – still a lovely place to wander through.
    We have been keeping an eye out on the state of Cook Strait and our intended sailing on Tuesday did not look like it was going to be a picnic – more like a washing machine on an extended wash cycle. So our plan is to probably sail on Thursday – it looks like a better day, but not perfect.
    We will leave Ashburton and have lunch with Lorraine then stay two nights at a BnB at Sumner – it has a tub! Then stay Wednesday at Kaikoura.    Read more

  • Trevor and RobynA visit to Nan'sTraveler
    Sumner looking from the spit
    Lyttleton harbourDad, mum and junior on the pierThe pier

    On the road again.....

    June 18, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Yesterday we said farewell to Nan. We got up early and packed all our stuff. We had a few things she had given us to take home, but most were small and could fit into our over packed car. It took a while to get the car loaded and it felt like it was going to rain. It was cold.
    We said farewell and I think all three of us felt relieved. Driving straight through to Christchurch for lunch with Lorraine – she had pasta on the stove and the most magnificent tomato sauce bubbling away, to which she then added sardines! It was so yum and warming.
    We had coffee and off-loaded stories of the last two weeks. Lorraine looked good – she was to have a busy week of hospital stuff.
    I bought a sourdough loaf from the bakery next door, and we left for our house at Sumner and got here late afternoon. It’s up on a hill on a road where my uncle and aunt lived (Keith and Mary Plunkett) – their house was destroyed in the earthquake (they had passed away long before that). It is quite a modern unit and is attached to the owner’s house.
    We went out for pizza for dinner and bought dessert (Tim Tams) at the supermarket. The pizza place was quite (it was Monday) – we did enjoy the ribs, then pizza with a glass of red.
    This morning, we took our time getting up. The weather was windy and low cloud – threatening to rain. We had no plans so decided to go for a walk along the estuary trail. We headed east passed the town and around to the surf club. Despite it being a workday there were lots of walkers, bikers and runners too. The tide was low enough for walking on the beach. The wind was driving in the surf and swell – some board riders were trying to find a suitable wave while fighting each wave head on.
    We must have been out for over an hour, got back to the car and set off aimlessly and found ourselves Evans Pass road that eventually lead to Lyttleton – there was a great view looking across the harbour in the mist. We decided to have lunch and went to a café that we have been to before where the coffee is great. Scrabbled eggs for me and French toast for Mum. Had a wander – visited a couple of galleries and I bought a coffee mug.
    Back in the car and we returned back the route we came – didn’t want to head into the City. Then drove out to New Brighton – I wanted to see the pier and walk to the end. The sea here was raging – the breakers were racing in. A couple of wind surfers were taking their chances with the wind and surf. We drove around Brighton for a bit then headed down to the spit where we walked out to the beach and viewed Sumner from there.
    Back to Ferry Road and we went for coffee at The Tannery and then wandered around the shops until 5. Then to the supermarket to find something for tea.
    Tomorrow we will pack up the car one more time and travel north to Kaikoura and get ourselves mentally prepared for the crossing – we know it won’t be perfect, but we will have to go with it.    Read more

    Trip end
    June 22, 2024
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