Lovely to be Back In Nelson

Monday 20th April. NELSON.

Its nice to be back, we spent the night with Vicki & Trevor and awoke to a sunny morning overlooking the the Bay and again wondering if we are doing the right thing......, but we are committed.
This fortnight will be a blur as we see & talk to all we can (this is very serendipitous) and winding up the last vestiges of putting our work on hold indefinitely whilst we travel.
Without the luxury of a big  bus to throw our gear into the compact pack we  need to acheive for flying out seems a daunting prospect, well for Sheryl anyway.
Blokes only need a change of undies and a spare set of jandals, cause you never know when you might need to scrub up!!!!
The section is pretty good and we won't need to do too much in the gardens so are in the midst of catching up etc etc.

Lovely last evening in Nelson

Nelson on sunset

We blinked & true to form missed it. The 2 weeks blurred, but we did get to say hello and good bye to some, got a little work done, tied up a lot of loose ends, ate far too much.

I also got down to Duncan Bay assisting brother Alan sort out some issues with his launch. Hope it all went well Alan. Look forward to the report when we normalise contact again in the not too distant future. Alan & Eare's house was also the venue for the family get together, being able to catch up with Mike who's been in Aussie for the last couple of years and Nuana who is busy working in the Marlborough sounds presently. Caught up with Ian Trudy at Nelson airport as we left. 

Would like to welcome Mum (Nana Joan) to the small but dedicated band of followers of our quiet adventure. (yes all seven of you will eventually get a mention) We took Mum to the Richmond library introducing her to the computer suite & Internet thingy so she can easily log in and with a few easy steps get too the blogg, and catchup on our exciting???? exploits.

And Mum don't worry, pressing the wrong key will not bring the world crashing to a stop or take you to a sordid porn site so relax and if things do go wrong just log out and start again.  

At Christchurch for a night where our friends Marg & Don hosted & ferried us to and from the airport was muchly appreciated.

Our gratitude to Vicki & Trevor in Nelson who were our hosts as we were preparing to leave, certainly makes things more manageable when options are provided in the way of accommodation, meals etc.....

So we board our plane, Sheryl freaking and me looking forward to the thrill of speed, and am led to believe an entertainment system that will make up for the years of spurning TV.

 Will resume transmissions when we are able.

Wellington

You can't beat Wellington on a good day, it is said. We would agree however that doesn't cut the mustard for the other days. Wellington has shown us all its variations and vagaries in the weather over the last fortnight.But what it lacks in a settled climate it makes up for in its variety.
We have been here since prior to Easter variously staying with Nick & Jacky moteling for 2 nights and most recently staying with good friends John & Sarah (recently of Nelson) Being situated 5 minutes from the Ngaio rail station and with also the generous use of their car we have been having a good look around the city.
Catching up with kids & Theatre & shopping & trekking & shopping its been a full two weeks.
Whilst Sheryl lunched with the girls I visited the Maritime Museum on the anniversary of the sinking of the Wahine, which I do recall (tho only 10 years of age) The museum was doing a commemoration which was low key but some survivors on hand and and some very brief words by the curator before the Victoria String Quartet entertained a small gathering of perhaps 40 people for an hour of superb classical music selected to reflect the gravitas of the occasion. I was in my element reflecting on our good fortune in not having been in any disasters at a personal level and our time & place in this tumultuous world. This with my good fortune to have happened upon this fine hour of beautiful reflective music, I think sums up my expectations of our busy capital. It is a place we would suffer if the need ever arose. But not any time soon as the days tick away to our leaving NZ on the 4th May.
Rochelle flew back to Perth, Shannon went to Gisborne and Nick put his head down to study and work with Exams imminent and work pressure whilst we spent the week looking around & I did some work for John & Sarah.
The plan has us now moving on to Nelson for 2 weeks before a flight to CHCH 3rd May, then onto Singapore for 4 nights, then arrive Heathrow on the 8th May.
We will be leaving Sunday the 19th April, crossing on the ferry with Vicki & Trevor as they return from a week also in Wellington, primarily to celebrate Michele's Graduation.
The Bannings & Tylers (minus Rocky & Nick) all brunched together Sunday AM before  saying our farewells and meeting at the ferry terminal, having got lost on our walk to the terminal and losing our way round the CakeTin concourse, then having to back track for 40 mins. Luckily we did have a few mins up our sleeve.
So Nelson here we come or as you may glean from the published date "We are here"

Lovely view from Shannons

Happy Birthday Nick

Taupo to Wellington (and Easter)

Monday 23 March. Omori Bay, Lake Taupo. " In Recovery"
 We spent a dull day on the shore of Lake Taupo catching up with Gst / blogs and paperwork. The DOC reserve is on the shoreline walk but this time of year saw only a few souls.
It's "the same old same old" even though the weather is goodish the holiday spots not on State Highway 1 are deserted. With a late afternoon walk round to Pukawa Bay to stretch,(the next beautiful peaceful spot full of batches) . Could've been a leafy bush suburb any where in NZ but deserted. Bird song was amazing, the residents are doing a comprehensive trapping regime in their pocket of bush, making a real difference to the bird life.
 Late afternoon saw us heading towards Tauramanui via highway 41 Kuratau junction, a new piece of road for us. The NZMCA has a spot at Piriaka which is nicely placed to go forth. Great for catching up on the laundry and chillaxing as the washing dryed.
Piriaka to Wanganui via a walk in Owhango. Did a walk thru a bush block of 2 hrs. Got talking to the trappers, older folk who weekly come in and clear the traps. They enjoy it as it keeps them busy, and really are doing something worth while, which DOC don't have the resources to do. On this day collectively they had cleared 5 rats over (guessing) a hundred traps.The bush was majestic with some truly big Totara and stands of trees not entirely identified apart from the Rimu.
Further down stopped at Raurimu to observe the world famous Rail Spiral, a great feat of engineering design, sadly not well observed on location, the Tauramanui "I" centre has an excellent scale model of it and of course using google earth gives you a good appreciation of its achievement in lifting trains in a short distance up to the Volcanic Plateau level. We then trundled thru rainy hills making Whanganui in the evening and finding" Picwick" a girl guide camp, which offered a parking spot  to motor homers. A few sheds on some land tucked in the small valleys of ST Johns Hill. Was securely off the road and quiet,with a few sheep, a definite "come back to spot".
We re supplied at Whanganui then went onto Waiinu.

Waiinu Beach Reserve

Waiinu - a small seaside holiday spot 30km. north, appears to be a purely constructed holiday spot as there are no old buildings etc, the houses all of a similar age are just there in a tidy grid with a big reserve area leading into the sandhills and beach. They encourage camping and though exposed to the south we spent two pleasant days walking the beach and reading books.
The beach is known for ventifacts and fossilised shells. As the sea bed has risen over the last few million years, coupled with the last ice age, exposing cliffs of shell fossil. On a clear day you can see the Marlborough Sounds but not whilst we were there this time.

Back thru Whanganui to Marton NZMCA in the middle of town, again wet with some real rain, the first we had seen since leaving home in 7 months. The plan had been to go to a local pub and watch the Cricket World Cup final, however from the opening ball listened to on the radio the excitement wained till finally we dined in dismal solitude in the bus with rain falling, and the Kiwis being taken apart by the Aussie bowlers.
The next day saw us walking the thriving metropolis of Marton High street. Well Sheryl got a coffee & I found an interesting book on antique firearms which I hope Sam at Hahei might enjoy as a belated birthday present. I had bought him some craft beer from Hotwater Beach Brewing then proceeded to drink it myself, sorry Sam, was a great party, hoping you didn't miss the beer & will enjoy the book.

As arranged for the afternoon we presented Big Yella for a mechanical inspection at Hunterville's local garage, allowing  the new owners to ascertain there were no issues to worry about, which there wasn't, and a discussion on the handover details the following Wednesday after Easter, not long now.
This is nearly upon us & viewed with some sadness by us both,  there has never been a day we weren't happy with our travels, but now its time to move on overseas and start a new chapter. There is definitely unfinished business in NZ but time enough for that.
Twas but a short drive to Otaki to catch up with cousin Sandra for two nights where we filled in our day with a beach walk and helped Sandra with some window latches & a towel rail, and Sheryl a little gardening. Thank you for your hospitality Sandra and will be back to finish the other work:)

Plimmerton Waterfront

From Otaki we braved State Highway 1 yet again, and as I've oft ranted what a pitiful stretch of highway into Wellington. Its like a choke hold on the country's Capital. (mind you, there may be an argument in there somewhere). We dropped into Plimmerton on a stunning day, what a scenic little spot. Had tasty F&C's on the waterfront gazing upon the distant shoreline of the Malborough Sounds.

Laundry day in Piriaka

Rare Whiowhio Ducks

The Raurimu Spiral

Raurimu Rex

 

 
 Awaiting Rocky's arrival with the Big Guys

Hanging out the washing at N&J's 

Was then a small trip across the hills into the big smoke of Lower Hutt, to spend Easter parked up with Nick & Jacky and a progression of kids for the Easter Break (Shannon locally & Rocky from Perth). Excited to have all the kids and Nana Joan together for a few days. With that and the added excitement of Nick & Jacky's new house (Possesion in May) it will be a buzz over the next few days. Roll on Easter Bunny.

Our three Darlings bonding

A misunderstanding Spit!

Easter Time- Jacky & Rocky first in.

The Tongariro Crossing

Sunday March 22nd 2015
Almost a year ago we spent a night at National Park railway station which resembled Hogworts station with the foggy conditions and nocturnal coming and going of trains all night. Then we woke to a day not at all suitable for the Tongararo Crossing, and decided we would return to try to cross it another time.

The start of the Tongariro Crossing

Sunday 22nd March was to be the day, and we rose to a day with considerable more promise. So with Herculean effort on our part, we set off but the day not overly good for the crossing, Though not overly cold or windy it clouded up so that a view was not to be had, so disappointed. It was hard to get any idea of perspective of anything. We were very aware we had climbed to a great height, but couldn't see anything, not even the edges at times. We were surprised at the numbers that were doing the crossing, a lot of foreign tourists, lots of couples and a few families. Our age group and older were certainly in minority.

The crossing wanders across the bleak landscape

The real issue being that we will need to do it again and now knowing how difficult it is are in no rush to return but will have to before we lose the edge which I think we may already have.
Our fitness levels were pretty good, it was more our feet that let us down. Sheryl with blistered toes on the long descent and Bill's bruised heel. But we certainly felt our muscles the next day, and the day after.

Bill eating lunch but not seeing much!

Still very active volcano

The lower part of the descent, without mist, was very scenic, lovely bush and certainly good trail to walk. So after 7 hours walking, it was lovely we only had to travel 3km up the road to our freedom camping spot that was provided by the shuttle company we used "Mountain Shuttle". Would certainly recommend them.
The next morning we headed to Turangi to top up with supplies & fuel. Then off along the bottom of Lake Taupo as far as Waihi Village looking for Sister Marie Andre, from Bill's Youth Group days in Nelson circa 1974. Amazingly! He found her brother who told us where she lived locally. Bill & Elizabeth (as she is now known) had a great catch up on their pasts. She & her husband Russel are very involved in their local & wider community.
We then headed on around the Lake to Omori Bay for the night. A scenic, very quiet little Doc area right on the foreshore. A pleasant walk was had to try and ease our still painful muscles.

Sun rise on Lake Taupo at Omori Bay

Tauranga and heading south

We evaded Pam, as thankfully did much of the country.My apologies to any one on the East Cape reading this!!
We arrived back at Tauranga to Pat's delight (I am her favourite son in law after all)
Gregg, who I bought the trailer off a few weeks ago, was most helpful to finish repairs to it and compensated me for the repairs and transport costs which, was all I could ask. He is still keen to make more similar trailers, he is on to  a winner, so can recommend him as an reliable honourable character.
Where we park the bus at Pat's retirement village requires a small trek across the field to her villa and this was good for mushrooms as the cooler dewy mornings and warm days encouraged them up. Not a lot but over 3 mornings was enough to mix in with a bit of bacon and onion to add to one evenings meal which Pat wouldn't have a bar of!!!! "Most likely toadstools and I was trying to poison her". So fell on my sword and ate the lot yummmmmmm.
We did have a lovely lunch down Tauranga's waterfront from the Fresh Fish Market - got Pat her first half dozen oysters of the season (Oh yeah Sheryl is her favourite!) while we had lovely fresh Terakehi.
With Sheryl having to get her shite together for her passport (mine all completed on line) we didn't get away from Tauranga till 3ish on Friday.

Blue Pools

We took a small walk to the Blue pools at Patauraru we found a park up at Lake Wakamaru once again and enjoyed a coupla beers as the sun set, celebrating Nick and Jacky's closing a deal to buy their first home in Lower Hutt. Well done you two.Will be hard for the first few years but will be worth it.

PS Reason Sheryl couldn't get her shite together was because Bill only packed his passport! Did he think he was going without me!!!

Sunset on Lake Whakamaru

Auckland. Friends & Family.

All good things must come to an end and thus it was for our brief sojourn at Fantail Bay ,where the fantails are as rare as rocking horse shit, and the ducks plentiful, albeit wary of the camp manager, who brooked no water fowl on his watch.
Friday saw us heading back to Coromandel to reclaim our repaired trailer and on to Thames to meet prospective buyers for BigYella from Hunterville who were driving up in the small hours to beat out the other buyer, and thus it has come to pass that Big Yella is now promised to Sue & Dennis,who are accommodatingly allowing us to live in, till after Easter whilst we are in Wellybobs catching up with Whanau.
Sue and Dennis were excited by the bus and are a colourful couple who will enjoy Yella,  Sue will do proud as ambassador repping Yella's proud entity up and down the country..

The trailer is now in a better physical shape than when dispatched it on it's way for repair on the transporter, and am happy to say the builder of the trailer has been fairly positive about reparations for the damage.
With Yella selling so quick and having a little time up our sleeve we elected to head up to AK to catch up with family and friends. We went up the Firth of Thames and found a small beach to camp on about an hour out of Ak.
We dropped into Wayne & Kates for lunch the following afternoon and a stroll round the Hobsonville development. Ak as always is on the move with huge on going investment in roading, housing and infrastructure, but as we are continually told, never enough. To our minds it is impressive, and overwhelming, the constant construction coupled with the constant mayhem reinforces our decision to decamp to Nelson in 1987..As we were warned by our friends at the time we would never be able to get back into the AK market, I would say never a truer word spoken, we wish our friends on going success in Auckland.

Launching to paddle Marhurangi Harbour

We spent the evening and the next night with Sheryl's brother Allan & Nicky at Dairy Flat, the next day with a very pleasant trip to Riverhead Tavern for lunch with Wayne & Kate, visiting  Hallertau Brewery to sample fine beer where Simon of HopFederation honed his craft.
Dropped in on Nephew Paul and Marta in there new house at Workworth, another escapee from Ak. With their two kiddies it must be seen as a positive move, all seem to be enjoying the quieter life style this now burgeoning town offers.
We took Little Yella on an excursion up the Mahurangi Harbour into Warkworth, spending 3 hours on this sheltered tidal inlet, drifting with the tide, watching the birds and observing the various launches, yachts and scows moored up its channels.

Looking out Algies Bay

Devonshire Tea at Algies!

From there we made our way to nearby Algies Bay to stay with Murray & Jenny Butler in their elegant new beach house, with whom we have shared many convivial times in our early days in Auckland. They never change and we spent many hours recounting the anecdotes that define those two from the maddening crowd. Thank you J&M for your hospitality and we are enjoying the gift of wine.

Scotts Landing

Wenderholm Regional Park

Lovely large Pahutakawas

Allan & Nicky, Bill at Okura Point

We headed back to Ak for another night at Allans, having a BBQ on his deck admiring the brilliant stars, a view afforded him being that little way further out of Ak's constant night time glow. The next morning a long walk thru Kauri forests at Okura was had before heading to Mark and Elaines at Chelsea, Birkenhead.
 Mark has many distiungsh one being the only one to have shared some nights with me in Yella on our odyssey up the North Island 4 years ago, some may recall my recounting of the struggle to remove his hairy arm from across my body in the dark heat of night.

Mark & Elain & Bill Auckland Viaduct

 Our intention was not to stay with them, but after a trip to the Wynyard Quarter to see the Volvo fleet in town, and nice meal at a Irish Pub, (the viaduct was humming, more so the car parks) then enjoying more beer & wine we accepted the fact we needn't press on. Thus with the Eagles concert in town we stayed the night to enjoy a video evening, featuring the Hell Freezes Over Eagles concert, The Corrs as a opening act, and a smatter of UB40 and The Shadows to wind down the evening, only after Mark had wrested back control of the volume from Elaine. This coupled with good seats, great food and excellent wine made for a fine evening.
Unable to access Marks elevated rear section we parked in the, thankfully, quiet street. A discerning leafy neighbour hood with some soul leaving a rose on the bus, in some token, no doubt for us gracing the area with our presence.
Unfortunately we were unable to catch up with all our friends in Ak but such is the nature of the beast. People are always on the move and busy so the catch ups must wait for another time when we all are able to slow down and work our way round the list of must do's.
And so after a week in AK and environs it was time to head south finding shelter from cyclone Pam, and recuperate from the shellshock of AK

Cyclone Pam's destruction at Lake Karapiro

Another few days up the Coromandel at Fantail Bay

Had four lovely days up north of Coromandel at a lovely Doc camp in Fantail Bay.We went with Sam & Pauline in their motorhome, along with Sam's sister Judith & hubby Stewart.
Left Hahei looking forward to a few days up the otherside of the Coromandel to where we travelled last week. All went well till we were 5km south of Fantail Bay and heard a massive metalic crunch sound as we went over a little one way bridge along the coastal edge! We got out to see what had happened, Bill quickly reporting the new trailer was F#@*ed! It had snapped at the weld joints where the taper started for the draw bar.

Sam & Bill using good ole kiwi ingenuity

 We were blocking the traffic both ways, so didn't think to take any photo's at the time! Luckily we were just ahead of a layby, so with the help of another couple, managed to tip trailer back upright and push it to the side, along with the bus so traffic could continue thankfully! Then quick call to Sam who was already parked up at the camp to return & help Bill plan a stratagey to get us to camp. Good old kiwi ingenuity & a lovely piece of drift wood later, the draw bar was strapped to the axle, which allowed us to make it to camp.

Bill's new trailer!

 As the job was beyond anything Bill or Sam could do without a welder, Bill organised a tow truck for the morning.

Coromandel Towing turned up pretty prompt Wednesday morning & took it back to MetalCraft back in Coromandel to repair. Both great service.

Meal time again!

 

Beautiful sunset at Fantail Bay

So after a not so great start to our trip, things from then on did get better. When we first arrived at the camp we were met by the Doc volunter that managed the camp, who made us most welcome & told us of happy hour at 5.00 pm with the rest of the camp. So for the next three nights we made happy hour along with most of the camp, it was a lovely friendly group. It felt like we were leaving family when we left yesterday. That is what I love about our current lifestyle, is the lovely people we are meeting. Including a couple from England who have a canal boat! Watch this blog spot!!

Pauline with Snapper, Judith & Sam

The days were filled in with fishing, swimming, eating, reading and drinking. We had a couple of meals of snapper, plus one lone blue cod ( thank you Bill, even if the others don't appreciate cod).

had lovely sunsets as the photo's will show.

Love couple on point, & 3 men in a tub!

Catching fish on sunset

Three men in a tub! 

Bill & Pauline out for a paddle in little yella

    

                          

Lovely landscape along the Coromandel Coast