R&R Totoranui November 2022

Relaxing while waiting to catch that big one! 🐟

Port Tarakohe

 Port Tarakohe is always a good start and finish to any trip over Totoranui in Golden Bay and this time of year is perfect before life starts getting hectic with holiday makers. Our Doc Pass was coming to an end at the end of November so we decided to have the last week of the month at Totoranui. Always a great place to relax.

The camp that gets full over Christmas with 800 odd campers was surprisingly empty with around 30 motorhomes. There were a few Trampers walking the Able Tasman and passing through, or catching the Water Taxi or getting dropped off.

The perfect spot!

 So we had no problem finding the right spot to park up - down the end by the Estuary. 

It was very restful, particularly without all the sandflies of the West Coast.

Bill tried a little fishing but sadly no luck. I managed one short swim in the Estuary which was very enjoyable as the weather had certainly warmed up.

Bill in the kitchen again 😄

Great spot to fish from even if the fish don't think so 😒

A few books got read and a wine or two drunk, we came back out to Port Tarakohe after 6 nights and got organised to head out on the water in the morning with JOR (Jolly Old Rod) from the port in his boat and try our luck fishing out in Tata / Ligar Bay.

Rod & Anne have a very restful Bach at Ligar Bay which is nice and handy to Port Tarakohe. The morning was perfect and still. We spent 5 hours trying our luck. Plenty of spiny dog fish (a type of shark) tried to come home with us, but we threw them back as quick as we could as Rod had a rule - no dog fish on board his boat!

Golden Haze ready to launch

But luckily Rod also put a long line out when we first got out on the sea, so when we pulled it back in - we got 5 lovely snapper, one huge. Bill smoked some of it.  Delicious 🐟 And some to take home too. Thanks Rod for a great day.

Well done Bill! Opps - I mean Team 😄

West Coast November 2022

   

Doc Camp Kohaihai

 We parked up the Suzuki in Nelson and headed down the West Coast in our Bus to meet up with John & Denise, in their Caravan, for a week or two. The weather was finally looking settled, so it was a go.

The Coast Expeditionary Force

After the night in Westport NZMCA beach camp we proceeded to Kohaihai, the start of the Heaphy Track,for 3 nights.   We love this DOC camp, you park up looking out over the Tasman Sea, which can at times be a rough west coast beach at others, a mill pond😉 The only draw back are the sand-flies! Even with smoky fires.

It had been many years since J&D had been in this neck of the woods, but the walk into Scotts beach reminded them why this was held in high regard by all who visit.

A little bike ride up the road
(no one had money for a coffee 😞)

Denise, Bill & John on Scott's Beach

A little challenge and entertainment

We were entertained by Doc workers who came in with a helicopter and moved a new water tank from where it was delivered at the roadhead, to be flown into the Heaphy Hut. With bad weather over winter a lot of the track was damaged so it's been a full on job to get the track restored and an upgrade to some of the facilities, ready for the summer trampers, - like a new water tank to cope with the increase in trampers on the walk.

Bill enjoyed setting up a couple of fires on the beach, which is a great spot to watch the sunset, star watch and see Elon Musk's sky train head over above us amongst the thousands of other satellites,  fortuitously by this time the sand-flies have gone to bed... mostly.

Moira Gate Arch

Moving on from Kohaihai, we headed to Karamea for the night. But before this we headed off in J&D's car early that day, leaving the Bus & Caravan at the camp to enable us to head up into the Oparara Basin to see the caves.  The road was under repair and had been closed through the week, but Bill & John had talked to the Road Crew to come through at 10am (Smoko) and they'd let us through. But after waiting half an hour and no sign of any crew we headed in hoping we wouldn't pass anyone on the newly graded road,  we didn't😉

We had a couple of hours exploring and walking on the tracks around the Moira Gate Arch and Opara Arch - both impressive caves. A picnic lunch was enjoyable with all the bird song and sandflys. Bill was disappointed not being  able to get into the crazy paving cave to see the spiders that are now under protection to see what impact all the visitors are having on this environment. 

 We parked up at the Karamea Hotel  late Friday afternoon when the bar & parking were pretty empty. By the time we went over for dinner - the place was buzzing! All of Karamea was there 😃. J&D checked out the local Saturday Market before we moved over the hill, Gentle Annie, onto Seddonville, the weather changing to misty rain, so were pleased to be back over the hill, the road having been badly damaged with the winter storms. 

A full bar at Seddonville 😂

 Seddonville has a population of approx 170 people, so we weren't sure how busy the only Hotel in town was going to be and where we were hoping to watch the Black Ferns vs the Red Roses in the final of the Rugby World Cup. And would the Locals watch women's rugby? 😕 Although busy with Patrons for dinner it quickly emptied out to leave just 8 of us (including the Proprietor) to watch the game which was played well by the women in both teams. Very exciting. Well done Black Ferns 👏

Sunset at Mokihinui River Mouth

The weather cleared in the morning and we moved onto Gentle Annie Camp Ground on the Mokihinui River for 3 nights, allowing for a laundry catch up etc.  This camp is a little pearl.. our second time here, we will undoubtedly be here again. Positioned at the Mokininui river mouth it is idyllic placed with good facilities 

Gentle Annie Camp

Friends Sarah & Shane from Charleston visited on their Moto Guzzies for a days run. Yet again as our recent catch up after many years, the conversation continued to  flow.  

John & Denise - and support person 😁

Great location to ride up to the Charming Creek Walkway and walk with J&D who drove up as they had ridden the day before (39km return). Plenty of memorabilia of the trail's mining and milling history. Unfortunately due to a huge slip, the track is not open all the way through these days. Bill rode his bike though, which was a bit of a challenge in places, especially when he ended up on his butt in a creek at one point! No photographic evidence unfortunately 😕  

New stone wall at Kay's at the Cliffs

Moving on to Cape Foulwind, after restocking at Westport we parked up at Kays Villa at the seacliffs down the lane from the Star Tavern. This POP is magically located high above the mostly inaccessible beaches , but on the Kawitiri Bike trail. However we elected to walk the Cape Foulwind track on a dampish day as we all had recently biked this part of the cycle way. It also is being enhanced with a new boardwalk section round the cliff area, another reason to be back this way on another trip.

From here we made tracks in the direction of Greymouth stopping into the Pancake rocks or more correctly these days the Punakaiki rocks. These are well presented with  excellent sealed tracks and presently being built a swish visitor centre and much more parking. Our weather was holding well but still managed to observe some very large swells blowing up in a hiss of salt spray.

Punakaiki Rocks

 We didn't get much further as using our trusty app to locate, found a deserted freedom camp spot right on the beach. We encamped and took a drink to the beach to be then greeted by many new comers ..so many that by the time we came up for the evening meals we had at least 10 neighbours.. The tourists are returning.

Still heading south we stopped at another beach which purportedly had some interesting rock formations , we indeed were able to observe from a distance as the tide wasn't right to easily access them.

Geology 101

 The beach walk was still  well worthwhile and noted as "another day" visit. Greymouth finally, and a nicely located freedom camp across the river from Town with good parking very nearly on the forshore with a toilet block for those needing it. Next day saw us wandering the town, and heading to the Monteiths Brewery for lunch. Slighty poignant for Sheryl and I as last time we were  here was May with Cousin Kevin and Debs.... Kevin after a heroic battle has left us. We will miss CK.

The fellowship was on shaky ground now with us looking north once more and J&D looking south to look up some friends in Hoki.. we said our goodbyes and after a satisfying dump  and replenishment headed home but not before another night in Westport NZMCA camp just to break the haul up.

Oh!!!

Hanging out in Lyell Cemetry.
(soon after sandflies had sucked us dry)

Denise upstaging the Kohaihai Bridge

The Units been serviced again

Return to Spring in Nelson and around - October 2022

Our favourite spot - Marfell's Beach 

 We arrived back to a wet Auckland for a couple of days catching up with Brothers & Partners. There was time for a bit of a look around at the changes to central Auckland – even with the rain. So much development to lower Queen Street – a very different place to when Bill & I were living there in the early 80’s.

A bit of snow on the Kaikoura Ranges

We flew back into Christchurch a couple of days later and picked up our Bus & Car after 3 months in storage. The Bus was fine but the Suzuki sulked with a flat battery but otherwise all good. Weedon’s NZMCA Park is the perfect location to store our vehicles. Very handy to the airport.

New local café in Richmond

I thought I had a head cold (tested negative to Covid) so Bill did the running around before we headed off the next day up the East Coast. Although not a lot of sunshine in Aussie while we were there, it was warmer. Snow showers came through the Kaikoura ranges as we headed north. Quite scenic, although cold. We stayed at Marfell’s Beach to recover from our colds which dragged on so I think it was more hayfever.  The weather was beautiful so it was a relaxing few days before returning to Nelson.

Joan having a moment with her son 😍

We had a couple of weeks back in Nelson catching up with Bill’s Mum Joan and others and caught up on a few jobs that may be surprising we do have even with our lifestyle. And after carrying around our Kayak on our car roof for some time and not actually putting it onto the water, we finally decided to drop it off for the next few months till we return home full time next year. Bob kindly obliged us and has taken it into his “storage” facility! We owe you Bob, thank you.

Spring in Tasman - Pippa's Garden 🎕

Labour Weekend we headed down to Christchurch for the Big Band Festival – staying at Marg’s and  Helen &Ralph’s a couple of nights. I had attended this festival 3 years ago when Bill, Shannon and AC went rafting down the Clarence. I enjoyed it so much I had wanted Bill to experience it too. Bill was keen to go through the Molesworth to Hanmer and onto Christchurch which we did about 4 years ago. He was very disappointed when we found the road closed for Possum control! What!!So back onto the main road and down the Kaikoura Coast. 

Christchurch Square

Marg, Bill & Ralph checking out the local eels
in the Avon in the City Centre

It was another great music festival and a chance to enjoy Christchurch city centre once again. Met up with my school friend from college – Dianne whom we have reconnected once again after about 20 years.

Enjoying some of the festival
 with Dianne

Caught up with Cameron & Georgia in their new home and Michele & Nathan with wee Nora, and a lovely lunch with Helen’s sister’s and a brother (I’ve known them since I was 3!). Then  it was time to head back to Nelson. As the weather wasn’t going to be good anywhere around the country, we decided to drive through Lewis Pass home. It was snowing until we reached the top of the pass, where it just rained the rest of the way home.

Repairing the awning
(I was ready with camera in case it was one
of those moments 😆)

Another couple of weeks back in Nelson for Bill to work on T&V’s van fridge with a gadget to monitor who knows what! Luckily he does. Got our awning repaired which Bill managed to make it look easy even though I was waiting with the camera in case it all went to custard like a blind that unravels. Time for a quick weed spray at Tahunanui Dr before heading off to Motueka for the Bus to have repairs & a service before it’s COF. This involved a night in the workshop – quite a different spot to freedom camp. We haven’t got the invoice yet! So it wasn’t really free as such! But all went well with the COF, so we are all good to head off to the West Coast shortly.

 

Freedom Camping in the Workshop 😉

Which one to pick?😄
And our choices are only going to get better with time!

Our last weeks in Aussie

Ophelia's first picnic - Meelup Beach.

 Our three weeks left in Australia after Ophelia's birth went very fast. The last week having the best weather of course - felt like summer was just around the corner.

On top of Big Rock

Our weekends had been quite busy, so it was nice now to do some of the sights of Margaret River. Rochelle took us down to the Margaret River Market (20 mins away) but we are spoilt with Nelson's Market, so this market was a little underwhelming. But Margaret River is a quaint wee village in the heart of a wine growing region. The sun was shining. What more could we ask for. 

We meet up with Em's parents Leanne & Steve &  Em's sister Shannon for lunch. Being school holidays most of the venues were full but we managed to find the perfect spot after a quick visit to a Gin distillery - Ginversity - to sample some of their gins. Being a Gin lover I was keen to try some. They came with little side herb/fruit's to enhance the flavour - really loved the watermelon & basil! 

A little game of Petanque (or as Daniel calls it - Bocce) in
N&E's backyard with Steve, Daniel, Rocky & Bill

Steve, Leanne, Me, Bill & Rocky on Tour 🍻

Lunch 😊

Rocky & I had hoped to organise a wine tour while we were over - ideally a repeat of the Swan River Tour like last time in Perth. But unfortunately we were running out of time so we decided on a local Margaret River Tour instead. Leanne & Steve joined us along with 7 other strangers to fill the mini bus. It was another great day out. Our lunch was at a Brewery who also did gins. Bill had a beer paddle board and I had a gin one. Complimented our lunch perfectly. And we were still able to continue on the wine tour after after to enjoy the chocolate factory, and other winery and brewery. Phew! Excellent day.

It's a tough life being
a new Mum 💖

We managed to fit in another bike ride, this time to Flame Tree Winery - how come we find the cheapest wines at the end of our visit! Will return next time. Lovely setting just down the road from Dunsborough. And just the right distance on non Ebikes (borrowed the Kids while we were over - perhaps next time we might buy some Ebikes to go further. Maybe!

Wetting Ophelia's head 😍

Two weeks after Ophelia's birth we managed to finally get together with her Father and other Grandfather (Grand Da) to wet the Baby's head. Unfortunately Mum was busy with the Baby and the other Grandmother (Neenee) had a cold. So the four of us managed to wet her head on our own. 🍻 On our walk home, Nick had us do the Aussie custom of a Roadie on the home leg. We were pleased to see the next generation keeping these customs alive.

Western Australia celebrated the Queens Birthday four days after her funeral (I'm not a Royalist but I did respect her so it was sad to hear of her passing), making it a long weekend. Particularly those who had Friday already off as the funeral was on the Thursday and WA made it a public holiday. Our last weekend before leaving Australia so it was a nice relaxing one. On the Monday Ophelia had her first picnic at Meelup Beach with her parents, one Aunty & Uncle and both sets of Grandparents. It was a perfect day but Nick was the only one to jump into the sea 😰.

A little Roadie in the bush 😂

At the end of the day, Rocky & I walked around to friends Este and Henry and sat around (not in) the new pool. Rocky is going to love visiting here over the summer. Wee Henry was sooo cute too. I enjoyed the bubbles 🍹.

Bill and I had time to walk the Dunsborough to Meelup Beach Trail once again and see the difference a few weeks made to the recovery of the bush that was burnt earlier in the year. Amazing the spring growth in the short time since we last walked it. Very hardy plants.

Drinks at Eagle Bay Brewery 

Enjoying Este & Gedo's pool with Henry

A stunning day in Perth

And isn't it typical, the last day has the best weather! 29 degrees and blue skies all the way from Dunsborough to Perth. Rocky & Nick drove us the 3 hours up to Perth, shouted us a delicious lunch at the Lucky Shag before dropping us off at the airport and they returned home. It was such a special time with the birth of Ophelia and the Kids moving homes, it was wonderful we could be there. Looking forward to our next visit.💕

Meelup Beach

Just relaxing at N&E's

Bill helping Rocky with a little project 😂