We 're counting: Renovations at Waihi Beach

Happy Birthday Mum

We headed down to G&C's at Waihi Beach on the 4th July in time to celebrate what would have been Mum's 95th birthday, sadly she wasn't here to enjoy a glass of very nice champagne. But as tough as it was, we had a lovely evening reminiscing our many times here with her.

Our little bus the only Bus in the front row

The next day we travelled down to Mount Maunganui where we had the Bus booked in for a service, it's first one under our ownership. Thankfully it was a lovely day so we walked around the commercial area of The Mount and picked up a few items that were on our list. eg ramps - always nice to be able to sleep on an even keel.
One item on my Bucket List was to have a night on the beach front at the Mount. It would never appeal over summer when it's pretty hectic with holiday makers. But being the middle of winter, I expected it to be very quite. Forgot to take into account the Lion's Tour and our proximity to Auckland for the last Test at the weekend. We did manage to get the last site on the beach front thankfully by booking at mid day on a hunch that perhaps I should ring to make sure it was possible. No point in staying in the back row and seeing nothing! On our arrival 4 beefy white bodies in their togs had emerged from the sea. Bill had to ask if they were English! No they weren't, they were hardy Kiwi's they said in a very strong English accent! Yeah right!

View from the top looking along the beach to
Papamoa and south

But the presence of these hearty people did give a party type atmosphere to the camp, sitting around in their deck chairs complete with big jackets and beanies. Mostly all red of course.
We had time for a walk up to the summit of the Mount (Te Maunga), which we haven't done since the kids were quite young, so probably 15 to 20 years ago. One of the main reasons for not doing it is every time we have visited is usually summer which is too hot as a lot of the track is so open. But the track has been improved hugely since then, and although you can't walk right around the mountain at the moment due to slips earlier this year from heavy rains, the walk to the top at this time of the year was perfect.

Bill checking out the edges for me

We caught up with ex Nelsonians Dale & Don who have been living in Tauranga for about 20 years. Had dinner and a good catch up on their lives and our families. Mid week, middle of winter, who would have thought you had to book for a meal? Again the Lion's Tour! It is great the money these sport attractions do bring into the country - but why the one week we are in town!! But the Maitre d' did manage to find us a table (and no not by the toilet), and we had lovely meals.
Part of my picture of our staying on the Mount's beach front was breakfast on the waters edge. Well it wasn't to be with it pouring down when we woke and stayed that way for a lot of the day. So we just headed back to Waihi Beach so Bill could get stuck into the renovations. He was itching to go!

Before construction started
Cupboards too shallow for storage

One moment cupboard is there..

Just under a week later, it is coming along well. A few interruptions from brother G who was ready to head off overseas a couple of days early and bored wanted to play darts and table tennis. Sadly Bill didn't have time so he had to make do with me! He's obviously had lots of time to practice is all I can say!!