The stunning West Coast & return to Nelson for Christmas 2024 🎄

Looking up the Mahitahi River toward the southern Alps.

We headed off south down the east coast due to the expected wet weather on the west coast. Once again we traveled through lake Rotoiti (and once again it was misty), onto Ward Beach. We haven't been to Ward Beach for a few years, but it was as appealing as ever. A very peaceful spot, however a bad exit off our ramps, requiring a touch of straightening and panel beating, we got on our way. 🚌

Bill took me for a little walk along the
Motueka River Bank 🙅

 We continued onto Kaikoura, the weather was beautiful and sunny. A windy night dawned sunny, perfect for a peninsula walk before deciding Christchurch would be our next stop.

We stayed with Helen & Ralph in Christchurch, catching up with Helen's sisters. I've known them since I was 3, so we go back a wee way. 😊. Anne gave us a beautiful nursery rhyme book to read to our granddaughters. 💕💕

On our way into Christchurch, we dropped in to see Michele & Nathan at their new home. V& T were there too, entertaining their wee granddaughter Nora while everyone (especially Michele) was waiting on the arrival of Nora's wee sister. Any day now (actually it was the day after we visited - wee Sloan was born)

Ward Beach

We continued south from Christchurch after a leisurely stroll through Hagley Park while waiting on our air filters to be cleaned. Through Geraldine, that had a new Transport Museum for us to spend a couple of hours in - the Roger Mahan Heritage Center. Well worth a visit.

The Roger Mahan Heritage Centre

Twizel ended up our destination that night - Lake Wardell on the Pukaki Canal. We have noticed so many motorhomes (both private and hired) on these southern roads compared to our travels a couple of years ago. I think NZ has recovered from the Covid era. Bill & I aren't happy to be sharing all our special spots with all these people. The secret is out!!

Bill amongst the Lupins 

We didn't bother trying to catch a salmon this time round. We went straight into the shop at Twizel and bought some frozen salmon. Much easier cheaper and quicker...  😂 

Onto Wanaka to Albert Town (great spot to keep all the motorhome's / campers out of town on a big reserve) to catch up on the laundry. The Three Park Complex just out of Wanaka is huge. Great laundry too.

Keeping our eye on the weather, it was looking good to cross over the Haast Pass to the West Coast to travel homeward to Nelson. A night in Kidds Bush (Lake Hawea) was a bit of a reminder of the sandflies to come on the west coast. It was good to see the Doc camp well used by families celebrating the end of the school year. We did the smaller loop walk around the hills before shutting ourselves inside for the evening, away from the pesky sandflies.

Thunder Creek Falls

Haast Pass was stunning the day we drove over onto the West Coast - New Zealand is fortunate that the loggers never got this far south to remove the huge native forests down this way. Lots of picturesque walking tracks through native bush to waterfalls and rivers. There were certainly plenty of overseass tourists stopping in these areas.

Arriving at our morning tea spot on the Waiatoto River

Once we made a date when we would cross over to the coast, we booked a jet boat ride on the Waiatoto River, just south of Haast - the Waiatoto River Safari. I was sold on the trip as it advertised "not for thrill seekers"! Poor Bill. But he was ok to come along. It was more of a nature cruise up the river, past a Kiwi Sanctuary, into a UNESCO recognised world heritage area. Our guide / driver Ruth was very good explaining the history and geology of the area, which Bill did enjoy too. Plus, fresh scones and a hot drink. 

Beautiful bush walks with the tree ferns

We had parked up the night before at the departure point for the jet boat. It was very tranquil. But boy, were there sandflies and mosquitos galore! The mosquitos were big enough to pull our window mesh screens apart and just come on into the bus. We've never had so many inside the Bus before. Thankfully we got most of them before bedtime. Thus, once we finished the tour, we decided to move on rather than another night with the blood suckers!

Fox Glacier Viewpoint and Aoraki to the right.

The rest of the week was perfect weather conditions, with blue skies that allowed Mt Aoraki to be seen from every vantage point on the west coast as we traveled northward. Unfortunately, the sandflies were at every vantage point too. We drove into Gilespie's beach, where we hadn't been before. What a lovely DOC Camp - we will return another time when we have more time. Lots of Gold mining history. The other thing we noticed as we traveled over the Haast Pass and up the West Coast, was all the cell sites, particularly at the DOC camps. It is nearly full coverage all the way along the coast these days. It also allows booking online of the Doc camps as we went. Many of the camps only take online bookings & payments.

Gillespies Beach Walking Track

Still plenty of mining gear left lying around

More beautiful bush 😍

Overnighting in Franz Joseph made us aware of the impact tourism is having down there, especially the number of helicopters operating in the area! They are not quiet. Stopping at Hokitika the next night and a wander around the town in the morning, was very pleasant as the town was buzzing in the sunshine. Last time we were here, it was very bleak and wet. Looked very different this time around. Bill even splashed out and brought two copper coin penny frog sculptures from local artist Ian Phillips - he managed to find one each of our birth years. A little disappointed that they were worth far more than their face value😬

Tree Top Walk Hokitika

We did a few tourist attractions; one we hadn't done before was the Tree Top walkway. After having done the Aussie one in WA, I thought I should do the West Coast one here in NZ. I did. I survived too!!

And we did the Hokitika Gorge which has been upgraded since the last time we did it, now with a loop walk. well actually, one bridge was out, so will have to return another time.

We called in and had a catch up with Sarah & Shane in Charleston on our way homewards, adding our bus to their cluster of accommodation for the night. Their operation is coming along well. 

Hokitika Gorge

With the weather about to pack up, it was time to head back to Nelson, well Richmond to be precise.

Fran was heading away for three weeks, so we offered to housesit. It was the perfect spot as we could park the bus and car up and stay sleeping in the Bus. Plus handy to see Joan over the Christmas break and have her around for lunch or a cuppa. Christmas was with Bill's family this year; all our children were with other family members. The weather hung in there for a day out at Rabbit Island, where we met Alan & Eare and their daughter Nuana. It was a quiet one. Sheryl is keen to sort something more for next Christmas! Undoubtedly  involving her rowdy Whanau 😕😬😏

Tylers lined up Christmas day 🎄

We got back into a bit more walking up hills in the Richmond enjoying the change of scenery from the Tahunanui hills. Bills got keen on moving there, but I'd like to wait another ten years. Watch this space! 😂

It was a good time to catch up with friends too, once Christmas was over and everyone was more relaxed. a few card games and a day out the Wakefield Steam Museum, where some of our friends have never visited before. As we were a bit late in the day, we will have to return. And as it is a POP, perhaps take our bus too.

Now it is time to pack up once again and get ready to head north for five weeks, lots of catch ups, a concert and some fishing. 2025 is looking a great start to the year.

Cuppa tea with Joan at Frans

Discussions at Sprig & Fern Richmond

Lenny's first visit to New Zealand

Not so little Girls with their Daddy 😂

 We had moved into Vicki & Trevor's for the last couple of days of ownership of Tosswill Road, while Bill & Trevor sorted the last bits and pieces. Vicki was away to her parents up north and Trevor was heading off to Christchurch to help Michele & Nathan in their new house with curtains, etc. It was good timing to have the use of their house with Rocky and Lenny's expected arrival.

Bill & Rod heading out for our dinner

With the Bus parked up at Tahunanui Dr, actually at the bottom of the driveway, Bill had time to sort new batteries for the Bus after our house batteries had been struggling for a bit. My arm was still limiting me a bit, very hard to keep it still with moving house and packing the sleepout once again! Walking was more painful than I had expected - so I'm still needing the sling. But it's early days. Hopefully another week before Rocky arrives out with Lenny, for a bit more recovery.

Lake Rotoiti

But first Bill & I had five nights over Golden Bay, which included a day out fishing for Bill & Rod (my arm preventing me this time, hopefully next time) - so it was nice fresh snapper for dinner at Rod & Annes in Ligar Bay. From here we headed over to Marfells Beach in Marlborough via a night at Lake Rotoiti. We found a new park over place at the lake, perfect for walking the trails. But it was a bit grey and gloomy, so one night was enough in the mist. We had the Bus serviced the day before we went to the lake driving through the beautiful Moutere Valley. Everything was so lush, especially all the hops.

Four generations of Tylers

Marfells was pretty quiet which was lovely and allowed us to park up on our favourite elevated camp spot. We managed a walk out to Cape Campbell Lighthouse, which is easy at any tide these days since the uplift of land along the coast with the Kaikoura earthquake. Then it was back to Nelson, via Lake Rotoiti again and Pippa & Johns in Tasman for a long overdue catch up.  Onto Redwood Stables to park up the Bus for three & half weeks while Rochelle is home with Lenny.

One of Restores
Entertainment
centers

Vicki showing Lenny
her granddaughter 💜

Lenny traveled well for Rochelle on her 7 hour flight from Perth to Auckland, and then the connecting 1 1/2 hr  flight to Nelson. Fellow travelers and Air NZ staff were very helpful to make it a smooth trip for them both. The only issue initially was the 5-hour time difference, and wee Lenny's internal clock struggled for a few days, as we all do. We had borrowed most of the required baby gear, but Retore did well with the entertainment centers. 😂

Ligar Bay ready for a walk

Wainui Falls

Four nights were booked over in Ligar Bay at Rod & Anne's Bach, to give V&T a break before they headed down to Christchurch to await the arrival of their second Granddaughter. We dropped into Riwaka for a coffee on our way through for Lenny to meet her second cousins Lily & Daisy. Over the hill we caught up with Jana and her three children and did the walk up to the Wainui Falls. Rocky on our last night unfortunately woke up 5am feeling sick and unable to be sick (something her Nana Joan and Shannon share) passed out on her way to the toilet. Huge crash as she dropped to the floor, she was very lucky only to get a fat lip! That day we just took it easy but had to return to Nelson. Thankfully Lenny was quite used to us by this time as Rocky was only up to feeding and sleeping. We called into the Anitoki Salmon Farm on the way, and Bill caught his biggest Salmon ever! Just over $100 worth with the value adding hot smoke- glad it was his first fish and not a second 😂.

What a whopper!

Cool in our shades

I dropped Bill at airport the next morning to fly to Auckland for a PO Reunion - it was 40 odd years since Bill had caught up with some of the Guys. He was surprised how old some had got!  Unfortunately, not well organised, so Mark & Bill returned to Mark's at a civilised hour. They had been lucky to make the event after some issues sorting their Bus & Ferry route.

40 Years!💕

All tuckered out

Lenny's first bus ride
& Mum with split lip

Joan was pleased to see Rocky, when we dropped in with Lenny a couple of times although she was surprised to see she had a baby. Bill & I also celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with Rocky & Lenny - a tasty lunch at Grape Escape. The weather was perfect, and the spring flush and scents of the flowers added to the ambiance. Lenny had her first bus ride when Rocky & I took the public bus to town. So easy to push pram on and off the new electric Bus, which bows down to you. We had a pleasant morning shopping and looking around Nelson between Lenny feeding and napping. Rocky got three swimsuits - she's now ready for summer.

Sarah & John, Rocky, Bill & Lenny

Our children's God Parents and good friends John & Sarah came over to Nelson from Wellington, for the weekend to do a spiritual blessing of Lenny down on Tahunanui beach. It was a lovely weekend to catch up with them, the weather was perfect. And they enjoyed their catchup with Nelson and other friends from their time living here 15 years ago.

Enjoying the flowers and Nelson sunshine😎

Bill had another PO catch up, this time in Nelson. it was only a year since he last saw these local Guys, so there wasn't too much change in them. We also had a Tyler catchup for Bill's Family to meet Lenny and for Lenny to meet her second cousin Elliott.

The weather was very warm while R&L were over, so we were able to get out for walks most days. Lenny enjoys the front pack and was quite happy to go off to sleep. We had Lenny in the bucket of water to keep her cool and bathe her, but she's still a little bit little and kept floating. 😁GrandBill was very good showering her, special bonding time for them both. Taking Bill back to the times he showered our babies.

Some on milk, others having wine & cocktails

Shannon got her smiles & cuddles

Shannon flew over from Wellington for the last weekend of R&L's visit, to have time with us all - really lovely.  Shannon & AC had flown to Perth for two weeks a couple of weeks prior, to meet their new nieces for the first time and see Ophelia again. Lenny had been a bit clingy to Mum while they were over, so Shannon was hoping she might get a cuddle or two this weekend. The weather played its part so we could enjoy a couple of cocktails and wines in Nelson City. I thought we'd go to the Cathedral for Christmas carols but missed the memo on ticket admissions only, and it was booked out😑.  Sunday, we headed down to the Sprig & Fern for lunch before Bill /Shannon / Rocky relived their childhood with rides on the Miniature Railway. Joan, Lenny & I watched from the sideline. Well, Lenny slept actually. Shannon flew out late afternoon ending a lovely weekend together. Bill also managed to sell his Ute at the end of the weekend, (The Green Gremlin no longer required) to a savvy buyer, skilled in negotiating, and both parties believing they got a great deal 😂

Early December, the Christmas decorations are out and about in the city. We did some Christmas shopping with Rocky, and she managed to get a photo of Lenny on Santa's knee without her realising she was on a strange red man's knee! A double hair appointment for Rocky & I (I was trying to go grey, but not quite ready for the change! Perhaps in my 70's 😉) - it was too soon for Lenny to have her's done.

Lenny & Santa

And then all too soon, it was time for Rochelle and Lenny to head home. Not wanting to feel too down at their departure, we emptied out of Vicki & Trevor's, packed up the Bus, and moved onto Motueka for the Bus to have its annual service the next morning. The Salvation Army finished the day beautifully with Christmas Carols in the NZMCA park. They were very switched on and knew to come after happy hour, but a very worthy cause. Time to head south for a two-week tour before Christmas.

  

Taking over the Bannings
Holly & Hanna dropped in too

 

Time to make plans as House has sold 🎉

Cheers 🍻

Well, it finally happened! Two and half years after finishing the renovations of our rental at Tosswill Road, it finally sold! And all very quickly once the paperwork was completed. Now back to being homeless once again, with Tahunanui Drive rented till June 2025. Back on the road in the Bus 😀.

Those wonderful 4 letters!

We will miss this view in the kitchen 😍

Everything fitted
into storage

Long suffering Trevor was roped in once again to help Bill move the bigger items. We moved as much as we could after having visitors come and stay for a couple of days, the week before settlement date. Bill's niece Davina & Malcolm and two of the children - Jasmin & Gabriel.

I then had my shoulder operated on (repaired my rotator cuff, which I damaged over a year ago when I broke my wrist), leaving Bill to finish the move and the cleaning and looking after me too. He did a great job. Fitting everything into the sleepout was a bit of a mission - a bit like a game of Tetris 😮

Timing of the sale wasn't great with Rochelle and Lenny due out from Australia for three weeks, but we're sure we will sort something. In the meantime, we'll head off in the Bus for a bit of R&R.

First meal after my operation.
No wine sadly 😌

Last Tyler gathering at Tosswill Road

Back on the road again 🚌

Australia and three new Granddaughters

Just two of our Granddaughters - before Ophelia's sisters arrived

We flew from Nelson to Auckland, staying with Wayne and Kate, who dropped us off back at the airport the next morning. After our last trip over and cutting it fine to get through security, Sheryl wasn't taking any chances. We had a nice, relaxed coffee before heading through the security doors.

Lenny's first road trip - Perth to Home

We arrived in Perth late afternoon on the 4th of July, Nana Pat's 102nd birthday, Rochelle and Lenny were released from hospital today too. Daniel had picked them up from hospital earlier in the day. We all stayed with Cathy and Mark (Daniels parents). Lenny was doing well at only one week old, but she seemed so little at only 1.85kg. Rochelle was looking great, and very happy to be discharged from hospital after 5 weeks of worry.

Daniel & Rocky, Bill & I and Lenny, and a trailer load of firewood from Daniel's grandparents, headed off to Dunsborough the next day. Lenny traveled well with only one-stop on the way for a feed and a change of nappy. 

Lenny's first weigh at home -
not too much flesh on her yet.

We caught up with Nick & Em and Ophelia later in the day. Em looking great with the twins growing well in her tummy. In the first few weeks of our arrival, there were a few midwife visits. Rocky had her midwife calling in to check on Lenny's weight gains and Em had hers checking on her pregnancy and the Twins growth. We did a lot of walks with Ophelia. Mostly between the 2 houses which took 40 minutes to walk the 1.15 km's. It was lovely listening to her chatting and singing us lots of nursery rhymes. Her other Grandmother, Leelee, has taught her well.

Biddy
having some cuddles.

We celebrated Rochelle's 36th birthday, a week after our arrival. It was the first time out with Lenny in her pram. Daniel was a bit concerned she would get upset while we were at the restaurant, but she slept the whole time we were out. Good girl Lenny, letting your Mum enjoy her lunch. 
Bill did a trip to Perth with Nick for the day (6 hour round trip) to get more furniture for the twins before they arrived. These road trips are great bonding sessions for father and son. 

Four days after Rochelle's birthday, I celebrated another birthday myself - my second one in Australia. Bill and I had lunch in Dunsborough just on our own as it was mid-week and with new baby / babies about to arrive / Dad's still working / and Ophelia still having mid-day naps, this was the easiest way to celebrate. It was lovely to be with two of my children and grandchildren. Sorry, Shannon, it's tough not celebrating with you too.

Bill & I kept busy doing odd jobs / cooking / washing, at the two homes. Trimming vines / painting above N&E's new door that went in on our last visit / re-working R&D's front door for better sealing. It was pretty wet once again, as their winters are, with lots of paddocks with surface flooding. So different to when we left in April where everything was so brown from the drought.

Hope Lenny is into Dinosaurs
like her mother 💕

Kathy and Mark came down for the weekend to see their first grandchild, of course both besotted with Lenny. Nice for Mark to have something positive to focus on with all his ongoing health issues. 

Proud new Parents

The night before Ophelia's sisters arrived - all is calm 😉

Two and a half weeks after our arrival, and staying with N&E, Em came out in the morning after lots of back pain through the night. A plan was made for N&E to meet the midwife at Bunbury hospital (an hour away and where the medical professionals prefer the birthing of twins, rather than a home birth)- Em was 35 weeks pregnant. Em was sure she would be back home later that morning. The twins were born just before midday 😊.

And then the Twins arrived - Em coping well💕

Tulsi George (Tulli) was born at 11:47 - weighing 2.25kg and Lucia Cameron (Lulu) was born at 12:35 - weighing 2.48kg. Bigger than wee Lenny. Em certainly produces big babies but hides them well in her body 😉. Both babies coped well at birth, Lulu needing a little oxygen to start with. Because they were 5 weeks early, their digestive systems weren't fully formed and needed a little help with nasogastric tube feeding. The twins were bottle feed (Em's breast milk in bottles to see exactly how much the Girls were taking in) but only every second feed as it's very exhausting for them to feed. So nasal feeding was done every other feed. Their little digestive systems are quite fragile, and the feeding regime full on every two hours to get the girls weights up. 

Bill getting ready for his first hold with proud Dad Nick

We celebrated that evening at N&E's with Leanne & Steve, Rocky & Daniel and Lenny & Ophelia, who wasn't too worried her parents didn't come home. But unfortunately, that first night Ophelia was up all night (along with Biddy) with an ear and eye infection. It was off to the doctors as soon as we could the next morning, both Ophelia and Biddy knackered! And antibiotics for O. Nick returned home that night to give Ophelia some time and look after her that night. All three of us slept well.

Telling GrandBill a big story

Em and the twins were doing amazing, so Nick started coming home every second night for Ophelia. The hospital is well set up to have both parents staying, especially with twins. And with two sets of grandparents available, Ophelia coped very well without her Mummy.

Just checking on R&D's neighbours 😂

Bill & I went and visited on day 3, with Ophelia. With the twins a similar size to Lenny, they weren't too much of a surprise to hold.

Em's sister Shanny and partner Oisin, live around the corner, were also dropping in and giving a helping hand with Ophelia. The days were very organised and went very smoothly. 

Relaxing at R&D's - Nick keeping his distance 😷

Not a lot of
room 😄

Until! Rocky and I headed out for a walk one morning with me pushing Lenny in her pram, when a dog came up behind and bit Rochelle in the thigh! As we couldn't find anyone home, or any neighbours, Rochelle rang the Dog Ranger. Two hours at A&E that afternoon to make sure Rochelle was not going to have any infection or complications with her recent Cesarean. Thankfully she was all up to date with her immunisations.  The Dog Rangers were fantastic and came around the next day for Rochelle and my statements. They take dog attacks very seriously, especially when it's on public land.  I was also concerned that it could have been Ophelia attacked as her and I walked past the property many times on our walks.  The Rangers then went on to visit the dog owners who were away at the time. They were very concerned and have implemented some safety measures to keep the dog under control. Plus, they received a fine of $400. So hopefully the dog will not be out again. It made Rochelle & I very nervous every time we went for walks past that property.

Leanne & Stephen took Ophelia back to Perth with them a week after the Twins births, to take the pressure off everyone juggling Ophelia and let N&E focus on the Twins and Bill & I help out at R&D's. 

Saturday nights are a bit different now 💕💕

And the transport has changed too! 

And not just the buggy - but also the car.

Cousins catching up 😂

Lenny bored with the conversation.

But shortly after, Nick came down with COVID! And had to come home from hospital, leaving Em with the Twins in isolation in case they came down with it too. Thankfully they didn't. We visited daily at this stage to help Em with 1 or 2 of the feeds. Nasal and bottle feeds. The Nurses were very good, but like all public health systems, understaffed. Em was very organised and kept routine. She was amazing. 

Meanwhile poor Nick thankfully didn't get too sick but had to stay isolated so felt a bit of an outcast.

The Olympics were full on at this same time, so it was a bit of a distraction from all the baby activities. Daniel had great delight in asking where the NZ medalists were, while watching all the Aussies collecting theirs. 
Daniel's sister Carla, visited from Melbourne to see her niece for the first time. She got lots of cuddles and Lenny was given lots of clothes. And I had a night off cooking, thanks Carla.
With Ophelia up in Perth (still not really missing Mum and Dad, but they were certainly missing her), at two weeks old the Twins we're able to come home. With Nick still not allowed back at hospital, and Em more than capable of looking after her babies equally at home, four of the new family of five settled in at home.

An afternoon at the beach - we did see Whales too.

Ophelia came home the second night, still unfazed by all the attention of the twins. Quite happy in her own world. Except she did like her little finger to poke them every now and again.
We only had the one day at the beach with Ophelia while we were over this time as it was mostly too wet. The days were quite busy and with Ophelia still having mid-day sleeps, the days just disappeared.

Celebrating Rocky's birthday 

Daniel was trying to fit in his surfing when he could around Lenny, and grandparents being available. I think life will be a little different in that house from now on.
Bill and Nick did another trip to Perth to pick up the new family car. A Kea Carnival, which will easily take 3 children's car seats and the grandparents. Very roomy. Now to sell one of the other two cars. Hopefully not the fun car Nick!
We did a 7 km walk to the lighthouse with Rocky, Daniel, Lenny, Steve, Bill and me. It's a lovely coastal walk, the whole path is sealed. Tried looking for whales, but difficult to see on that blustery afternoon.

Cape Naturaliste lighthouse walkway

We managed an afternoon at the local pub to wet the Twins heads with Steve, his sister, Kelliann, Shanny & Oisin, Rochelle & Daniel with Lenny. It seems a bit of a shame the poor mother can't be at these celebrations, but we tried to enjoy it for her too.

Ophelia with her new gloves helping Biddy

Bill, and I had a trip to Perth, returning with Steve and Leanne to their home to enable us to catch up with Bill's cousin Mark and wife Fiona for dinner. We returned to Dunsborough with the old family car that had been left at Steve and Leanne's. It will now be cleaned up and put on the market. Hope it sells quickly.
Another walk was from Meelup Beach to Eagle Bay and return, a 5 km walk. Rochelle & Daniel with Lenny in the front pack. We managed to see Dolphins, Whales, Seals and Surfers.
Nick always likes a project while we are over there, and I like Bill to be kept busy while I'm happy to cuddle babies and cook. The project this time was a hedge around the front lawn to make a nice area in the afternoon sun. It will make a lovely family front yard in time.

Cousins hanging out together - Tulli & Lulu not really interested.

By the 3rd of September, Lenny and Lulu's weights we're identical, with wee Tulli not far behind. All babies were gaining weight well.
Had a quiz night out with Shanny and Oisin at the local pub and the oldies knew a few answers to help come in third place.

Happy 2nd birthday Ophelia😘

We celebrated Ophelia's second birthday at 

With these two granddads
looking after Ophelia -
what could go wrong!😂

home, which was busy enough with all the family and 3 new babies. Ophelia didn't seem to mind and enjoyed her special day.
Another walk from Canal Rocks to Wyadup Rock - a 5 km return part on the most scenic part of the Cape-to-Cape walkway with Rocky. Daniel stayed home with Lenny for this one.

We had a farewell lunch with Steve & Leanne, Nick & Em, Rocky & Daniel and our four granddaughters at Eagle Bay. Thankfully, nobody saw Ophelia's little mishap while under Daniel's supervision. The blood nose was a little giveaway, as was the bruise the next day. But Ophelia got over it pretty quick.

Lulu and Lenny chatting, while Mum gives Tulli cuddles

A day in Bunbury for Lenny to get her passport to come and visit New Zealand soon and to have her strawberry birthmark checked out by a pediatrician who said it wasn't of great concern and very common in babies. Hopefully that soothed Rochelle's concerns.

Ophelia helping plant new front yard
with Dad and Grandbill

Our last night was fish & chips on the beach at Busselton before heading to Perth the next day with Rocky & Daniel and Lenny, ten weeks after our arrival.

Fish & Chips on our last night 😪

Our last morning walk for this trip 💕

We flew direct from Perth to Auckland, and onto Wellington where we had four lovely days to catch up with Shannon & AC.  Attending a local show, a Japanese festival, Doctor Who Exhibition, a walk to Marama Peninsular to Double Vision Brewery. A 13.5-kilometer walk and a well-deserved beer.

Onto home back in Nelson to wet and blustery conditions and settle back into Tosswill Road to do some gardens and maintenance up at Tahunanui Drive and plan our next adventure. Plus, our return to Dunsborough and our four beautiful Granddaughters. 😍😍😍😍

See you soon Lenny 😘