27.10.08...DAY 90...
9.30AM...OH WELL HERE WE GO...NOT A LOT TO DO TODAY.
9.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.05AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...EGG/MUSHROOM/TOMATO ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.50AM...PACKING MAIN BLUE HOLDALL WITH EVERYTHING WE WILL NOT REQIURE TILL WE REACH ENGLAND...BASICALLY ITS FULL OF BITS/THINGS/MOMENTOS WE HAVE ACQUIRED ALONG THE WAY...WE ARE TRYING TO BE NEAT...MAKING THE MOST OF THE SPACE AVAILABLE.
12.30PM...WE HAVEN'T GOT AS MUCH AS WE THOUGHT...IT LOOKED A LOT...BUT ITS FITTED NEAT.
12.50PM...ANOTHER CUPPA.
1.30PM...SUN IS OUT...READING PAPERBACK...BEER.
3.30PM...CAULI/SPUD ON BOIL...LAMB UNDER GRILL.
4.15PM...DELICIOUS MEAL.
5.00PM...WATCHING TRASH KIWI TV.
6.00PM...ITS TIME FOR SOME ALCOHOL DRINK...BUT FOR SOME REASON I AM NOT IN THE MOOD.
7.00PM...THE NZ ELECTIONS ARE IN 9 DAYS TIME...SO THERE IS A 'SPECIAL?; PROG ON...ITS HARD TO TAKE NZ POLITICS SERIOUSLY...COME TO THINK OF IT...ITS HARD TO FATHOM POLITICS IN ANY COUNTRY!
28.10.08...DAY 91...
8.10AM...SECOND TO LAST DAY...AFTER 14 MONTHS ITS INCREDIBLE THAT WE ARE SO CLOSE TO RETURNING TO OUR HOMELAND.
8.25AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.45AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.15AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.05AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.15AM...OFF WE SET.
10.45AM...SECOND HAND BOOK SHOP IN WELLSFORD...NU BUYS TWO BARRY CRUMP BOOKS...HE'S FAMOUS OUT HERE?
11.40AM...OUTSKIRTS OF AUCKLAND...TRAFFIC GOING SLOW.
12.35PM...FINALLY FOUND OUR PRE-BOOKED LODGE FOR THE NIGHT...ITS ONLY 5K TO THE AIRPORT FROM HERE...CHAP ON RECEPTION TELLS US THE STREETS ARE NOT THE BEST PLACE TO BE AFTER SUNSET...OH!...AUCKLAND AS A BAD REPUTATION...MUGGINGS/KNIFING/SHOOTINGS...SOMEBODY ACTUAL GOT SHOT IN DANGAVILLE LAST NITE...WE WERE THERE 3 NIGHTS AGO...IT LOOKED ALRIGHT TO US.
1.30PM...CHEESE/LETTUCE SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
2.40PM...SOME FORIEGNER AS PUT A VIDEO ON IN THE LOUNGE...NO CONSIDERATION FOR US...I'M LOOKING AT THE SCREEN AIMLESSLY!
4.25PM...I'M HUNGRY...WE ARE HUNGRY...SHOULD WE BE?...MIGHT RISK AN INDIAN.
5.15PM...INDIAN RESTAURANT...ITS THE KAMIKAZI IN US!
5.45PM...MOUTH ON FIRE!
6.20PM...AS MUCH AS IT WAS HOT SPICY...IT WAS AN ENJOYABLE TASTE/FLAVOUR.
6.50PM...BACK AT OUR LODGINGS.
7.30PM...CORONATION STREET...BEER.
I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW I DON'T REGRET A SINGLE DAY OF THIS MAMMOTH TRIP/FANTASTIC VOYAGE NU AND I HAVE UNDERTAKEN...WE'VE MOANED...WE'VE GROANED...WE'VE DRANK...WE'VE LAUGHED...WE'VE CRIED...WE'VE DEFINATELY GOT FATTER!...WE BOTH FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE SUCCEEDED/CONQUERED A DREAM...AND I ASK EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU TO GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY THE WORLD...YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!...WE HAVE ZIG-ZAGGED ACROSS A QUARTER?/THIRD? OF THE PLANET...WE MET SOME WONDERFUL FOLK...SEEN MANY SPECIAL PLACES...ITS HARD TO TELL YOU IT ALL...YOU'VE GOT TO DO IT YOURSELF...THEN YOU WILL UNDERSTAND/LEARN SO MUCH...ALTHOUGH TO ANYBODY READING THIS BLOG...I DO UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS SOMEWHAT?BORING...BUT WHEN NU AND I GO TO ANY PAGE/DAY ITS LIKE A TV SCREEN IN FRONT OF US...AND WE REMEMBER SO MUCH...AND ITS OH SO UNBORING!...I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY THAT HELPED US ON OUR WAY...BUT MOST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK NUALA[MY WIFE]...THANKS NU...LOVE YOU FOREVER!
GOOD LUCK,
TAKE CARE,
SAFE VOYAGE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Monday, 27 October 2008
Sunday, 26 October 2008
NZ CONTINUED...
22.10.08...DAY 85...
9.55AM...DOING NOTHING TODAY...JUST GONNA FIDGET ABOUT.
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.30AM...SHOWER.
11.05AM...RICE CRISPIES/MARMALADE ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.50AM...WALKED INTO TOWN.
12.20PM...LOOKING AT GIFT SHOPS...NU LOVES IT...I HATE IT...CHEAP STUFF AT INFLATED PRICES.
2.00PM...NU HUNGRY...I AM TOO...BOREDOM I GUESS!
2.15PM...CAFE RIP OFF...KUMARA PIE/MOROCAN CHICKEN WITH SALAD...BEER...ACTUALLY IT WASN'T BAD...THE PRICE WAS TO MUCH FOR TO LITTLE.
3.20PM...SITTING ON BEACH...NU READING...I'M FIDGETTING.
4.25PM...BACK AT LODGE.
5.10PM...FIDGETTING.
6.00PM...CHEESE ON TOAST WITH ONION AND TOMATO...YUMMY!
7.00PM...WAFFLING WITH ENGLISH COUPLE...THEY'RE BORING.
8.05PM...FIDGETTING.
8.25PM...GLASS OF WINE...NOT REALLY ENJOYING IT...GUESS I'M BORED.
9.10PM...IS IT TIME FOR BED YET?...GETTING MORE FIDGETTY!...THE BAY OF ISLANDS IS A PLEASANT PLACE...SCENERY WISE...BEAUTIFUL...THE PEOPLE ARE A PROBLEM...ALSO THE PRICES.
23.10.08...DAY 86...
7.40AM...WE ARE GOUNG SOMEWHERE TODAY...CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.45AM...PACKING UP TIME AGAIN...THESE IS THE WORST PART ABOUT TRAVELLING.
9.20AM...BACON/TOMATO SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.55AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.10AM...BANK...ATM MACHINE.
10.25AM...PETROL STATION.
10.35AM...BAKERY.
10.45AM...SUPERMARKET...GOT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER AMONGST OTHER ITEMS.
11.25AM...WAITANGA...TREATY HOUSE...THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT IN NZ HISTORY WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE MAORI AND INVADING FORCES...I'M NOT SURE THAT IT WAS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE MAORI BRCAUSE THEY STILL DON'T HAVE EQUILITY.
12.15PM...HORURU WATER FALLS...OK ITS ANOTHER WATER FALL.
12.35PM...BLEDISLOE LOOKOUT POINT...NICE VIEWS...SIGN THER SAYS 11,278 MILES TO LONDON...DON'T KNOW WHEN THE BUS ARRIVES...NO TIMETABLE!
12.50PM...DRIVING ON TO MANGANUI...HILLY BENDY ROADS.
2.10PM...MANGANUI...FISH AND CHIPS...BLUE NOSE FISH...THEY'VE GOT A FANCY FISH SHOP HERE...WE THOUGHT THAT WAS THE ONE WE ATE AT...DROVE ROUND THE CORNER AND THERE IT WAS...OUCH!...WE HAD EATEN AT THE CHEAP NOT SO FANCY ONE...TASTED OK THOUGH.
2.50PM...NEXT STOP KAITIA.
4.10PM...WE HAVE BEEN UP AND DOWN KAITIA HIGH STREET 3 TIMES AND HAVE AT LAST FOUND THE PLACE TO BOOK OUR TRIP TO CAPE REINGA[90 MILE BEACH]FOR TOMORROW...GOES AT 9AM.
5.00PM...ENDLESS SUMMER LODGE,AHIPORA...BOOKED 2 NIGHTS.
5.40PM...FELL ASLEEP.
7.00PM...WOKE UP...NU HAD MADE SANDWICHES...CHEESE/ONION/LETTUCE...CUPPA TEA...WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT HER?
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
24.10.08...DAY 87...
7.00AM...ALARM...DIDN'T HEAR IT...NU DID.
7.15AM...SHOWER.
7.25AM...CUP OF TEA...MADE SANDWICHES FOR TRIP.
7.45AM...WEETABIX.
8.10AM...OFF WE SET...GOTTA BE THERE FOR 8.45AM.
8.25AM...SUN NOT SHINING...BUT THE WIND IS WARM.
8.40AM...PARKED CAR IN TOUR BUS COMPOUND.
9.00AM...BOARDED COACH.
9.10AM...WE HAVE A MAORI GUIDE WHO FIRST SPEAKS HIS OWN LANGUAGE AND THEN TRANSLATES IT IN ENGLISH.
9.50AM...START OF 9O MILE BEACH...WHICH IS ACTUALLY ONLY 64 MILES LONG?
10.10AM...COACH DRIVING ALONG THE BEACH...TASMAN SEA SIDE...I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY ABOUT THE BEACH...I MEAN A BEACH IS A BEACH!
10.35AM...OFF THE BEACH WE COME...BACK ONTO THE ROAD.
11.20AM...RARAWA BEACH...PACIFIC SEA SIDE...HERE THE WHITE SAND IS VERY FINE AND YOU CAN POLISH YOUR RINGS AND COINS HERE WITH A RUB...AND THEY WILL GLEAM...LIKE MAGIC!
12.10PM...NEXT STOP TEKAO STORE FOR AN ICECREAM...AND FOR 2 DOLLARS YOU CAN HAVE A CONE OF TOO MUCH ICECREAM...AND I MEAN TOO MUCH ICECREAM.
12.40PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...STICKY HANDS FROM TOO MUCH ICECREAM...WE FORGOT THE WET WIPES!
1.10PM...CAPE REINGA LIGHTHOUSE...THIS IS WHERE THE TWO OCEONS MEET[PACIFIC AND TASMAN]...ITS VERY WINDY...LUCKILY NU AND I ARE QUITE WEIGHTY!
1.55PM...BACK IN COACH...FREE COFFEE AND BUN...I TUCK INTO MY OWN SANDWICHES...NICE COFFEE.
2.40PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...THE RAIN AS ARRIVED.
3.10PM...TAPOUPOTU BAY...THIS IS THE OTHER END OF 90 MILE BEACH...THE COACH DRIVES THRU SOME VERY WEAK WATERLOGGED SAND TO THE MAIN BEACH...THE DRIVER/GUIDE WANTED TO GO ALL THE WAY...BUT THE TIDE WAS COMING IN FAST THAN USUAL...SO HE SAID?...SO WE HAD TO TURNAROUND.
4.00PM...TE PUKI SAND DUNES...TIME TO SAND SLIEGH...I'LL SAY NO MORE!
4.40PM...BACK IN COACH...ON OUR WAY BACK TO OUR STARTING POINT.
5.15PM...DAY DONE...AND IT WAS A GOOD DAY...WORTH THE MONEY...TIME WENT SWIFTLY...AND THE MAORI GUIDE WAS WITTY.
5.40PM...SUPERMARKET...COOKED ROAST CHICKEN/CAULI.
6.10PM...BACK AT ENDLES SUMMER LODGE.
6.35PM...SPUD/CAULI ON BOIL.
7.30PM...I'M FAT AGAIN...WASHING UP SORTED.
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...GLASS OF WINE...RAIN ABSOLUTELY THUMPING DOWN/LIGHTENING.
25.10.08...DAY 88
7.45AM...THE RAIN AS CEASED...RAINED FOR THE GREATER PART OF THE NIGHT.
8.05AM...SHOWER.
8.25AM...CUP OF TEA.
8.40AM...PACKING UP.
9.15AM...LAST OF THE WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA...MADE SANDWICHES WITH YESETERDAYS LEFTOVER CHICKEN.
9.50AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...EVERYTHING A MESS.
10.20AM...DRIVING IN DIRECTION OF KOHUKOAU.
11.30AM...ON FERRY TO RAWENE...ONLY 10 MINS.
11.45AM...DRIVING ON TO OPONINI.
12.20PM...OPONINI...FAMOUS FOR A FRIENDLY BOTTLED NOSE DOLPHIN WHO FREQUENTED THESE SHORES BACK IN 1955...THE DOLPHIN WHO WAS NAMED 'OPO' BY THE LOCALS ENJOYED PLAYING WITH THE LOCAL CHILDREN...AND WAS APPARENTLY A BIT OF A WHIZZ WITH THE BALL...ALTHOUGH HE/SHE HAD NEVER BEEN TRAINED...CROWDS FROM ALL OVER NZ WOULD COME...THEN SOMEONE SHOT HIM/HER...OH!...OUCH!...WETCHED A FILM ABOUT THE POOR THING IN INFO/MUSEUM CENTRE.
1.00PM...TIME FOR CHICKEN SANDWICH...SAT ON A BENCH OVERLOOKING THE BEACH/SEA.
1.30PM...TIME TO DRIVE ON...DIRECTION OF KATUI...THERE IS A VERY TALL KAURI TREE[TANE] ON THE WAY NU WISHES TO SEE.
1.50PM...TALL KAURI TREE...OK I SUPPOSE.
2.15PM...DRIVING ON TO DARGAVILLE...GREY SKIES ABOVE.
3.10PM...DARGAVILLE...BOUGHT A FLEECE...REDUCED FROM 45 TO 16 DOLLARS.
4.00PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT GREENHOUSE LODGE.
4.40PM...FRY UP TIME...LAST OF THE BACON/MUSHROOMS/BEANS/TOMS/EGGS/TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...TV NEWS...FIGHTING ON THE STREETS OF WELLINGTON...NATIONAL FRONT...BLESS!
6.40PM...SHAVE...COULDN'T BE BOTHERED THIS MORNING.
7.20PM...READING NEWSPAPER...BEER...DREAMING OF HOME...DREADING 24 HOUR FLIGHT.
26.10.08...DAY 89...
7.55AM...BACK ACHING...BED NOT GOOD.
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.30AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...ALL PACKED UP...EVERYTHING IN CAR APART FROM BREAKFAST STUFF.
9.25AM...TOAST AND JAM...ANOTHER CUPPA...MADE CHEESE SALAD SANDWICHES FOR JOURNEY.
9.55AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY.
10.40AM...KAURA MUSEUM...EVERTHING HERE IS MADE FROM THE KAURI TREE WOOD...LOADS OF OLD PHOTO'S OF WORKERS/MEN KNOCKING DOWN THE TREES AND PREPARING THE WOOD TO BE SHIPPED ALL AROUND THE WORLD...PHOTO'S OF FOLK MAKING FURNITURE...AND ALL THE MACHINERY AND TOOLS THEY USED...IT WAS A HARD LIFE BACK THEN...WE DON'T KNOW HOW LUCKY WE ARE...NOT A BAD LITTLE MUSEUM...WORTH A VISIT.
12.15PM...DRIVING ON TO WAIPO...OUR DESTINATION FOR THE DAY.
1.00PM...BRYNDERWYN...TIME FOR A SANDWICH.
1.20PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN.
1.55PM...WAIPO...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS AT THE WAIPO WANDERERS LODGE.
2.15PM...CUPPA TEA.
3.00PM...EVERYTHING...AND I MEAN EVERYTHING OUT OF CAR...A BIG BIG SORT OUT TO DO.
4.30PM...SPUD/CAULI ON BOIL...STEAK UNDER GRILL.
5.10PM...STEAK WAS AWFUL...AND I MEAN AWFUL!
5.30PM...WATCHING NETBALL ON TV...NZ/OZ...THERE ARE A SOUTH AFRICAN COUPLE HERE SUPPORTING NZ...SO I'M SUPPORTING OZ...I LIKE A GOOD STIR!
7.05PM...NZ WON...OH WELL.
8.00PM...PHONED PAULINE.
8.30PM...FILM...A ROOM WITH A VIEW.
10.00PM...BED.
EVERYBODIES HEART DOESN'T BEAT THE SAME.
BYE FOR NOWZ!
7.40
9.55AM...DOING NOTHING TODAY...JUST GONNA FIDGET ABOUT.
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.30AM...SHOWER.
11.05AM...RICE CRISPIES/MARMALADE ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.50AM...WALKED INTO TOWN.
12.20PM...LOOKING AT GIFT SHOPS...NU LOVES IT...I HATE IT...CHEAP STUFF AT INFLATED PRICES.
2.00PM...NU HUNGRY...I AM TOO...BOREDOM I GUESS!
2.15PM...CAFE RIP OFF...KUMARA PIE/MOROCAN CHICKEN WITH SALAD...BEER...ACTUALLY IT WASN'T BAD...THE PRICE WAS TO MUCH FOR TO LITTLE.
3.20PM...SITTING ON BEACH...NU READING...I'M FIDGETTING.
4.25PM...BACK AT LODGE.
5.10PM...FIDGETTING.
6.00PM...CHEESE ON TOAST WITH ONION AND TOMATO...YUMMY!
7.00PM...WAFFLING WITH ENGLISH COUPLE...THEY'RE BORING.
8.05PM...FIDGETTING.
8.25PM...GLASS OF WINE...NOT REALLY ENJOYING IT...GUESS I'M BORED.
9.10PM...IS IT TIME FOR BED YET?...GETTING MORE FIDGETTY!...THE BAY OF ISLANDS IS A PLEASANT PLACE...SCENERY WISE...BEAUTIFUL...THE PEOPLE ARE A PROBLEM...ALSO THE PRICES.
23.10.08...DAY 86...
7.40AM...WE ARE GOUNG SOMEWHERE TODAY...CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.45AM...PACKING UP TIME AGAIN...THESE IS THE WORST PART ABOUT TRAVELLING.
9.20AM...BACON/TOMATO SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.55AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.10AM...BANK...ATM MACHINE.
10.25AM...PETROL STATION.
10.35AM...BAKERY.
10.45AM...SUPERMARKET...GOT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER AMONGST OTHER ITEMS.
11.25AM...WAITANGA...TREATY HOUSE...THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT IN NZ HISTORY WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE MAORI AND INVADING FORCES...I'M NOT SURE THAT IT WAS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE MAORI BRCAUSE THEY STILL DON'T HAVE EQUILITY.
12.15PM...HORURU WATER FALLS...OK ITS ANOTHER WATER FALL.
12.35PM...BLEDISLOE LOOKOUT POINT...NICE VIEWS...SIGN THER SAYS 11,278 MILES TO LONDON...DON'T KNOW WHEN THE BUS ARRIVES...NO TIMETABLE!
12.50PM...DRIVING ON TO MANGANUI...HILLY BENDY ROADS.
2.10PM...MANGANUI...FISH AND CHIPS...BLUE NOSE FISH...THEY'VE GOT A FANCY FISH SHOP HERE...WE THOUGHT THAT WAS THE ONE WE ATE AT...DROVE ROUND THE CORNER AND THERE IT WAS...OUCH!...WE HAD EATEN AT THE CHEAP NOT SO FANCY ONE...TASTED OK THOUGH.
2.50PM...NEXT STOP KAITIA.
4.10PM...WE HAVE BEEN UP AND DOWN KAITIA HIGH STREET 3 TIMES AND HAVE AT LAST FOUND THE PLACE TO BOOK OUR TRIP TO CAPE REINGA[90 MILE BEACH]FOR TOMORROW...GOES AT 9AM.
5.00PM...ENDLESS SUMMER LODGE,AHIPORA...BOOKED 2 NIGHTS.
5.40PM...FELL ASLEEP.
7.00PM...WOKE UP...NU HAD MADE SANDWICHES...CHEESE/ONION/LETTUCE...CUPPA TEA...WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT HER?
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
24.10.08...DAY 87...
7.00AM...ALARM...DIDN'T HEAR IT...NU DID.
7.15AM...SHOWER.
7.25AM...CUP OF TEA...MADE SANDWICHES FOR TRIP.
7.45AM...WEETABIX.
8.10AM...OFF WE SET...GOTTA BE THERE FOR 8.45AM.
8.25AM...SUN NOT SHINING...BUT THE WIND IS WARM.
8.40AM...PARKED CAR IN TOUR BUS COMPOUND.
9.00AM...BOARDED COACH.
9.10AM...WE HAVE A MAORI GUIDE WHO FIRST SPEAKS HIS OWN LANGUAGE AND THEN TRANSLATES IT IN ENGLISH.
9.50AM...START OF 9O MILE BEACH...WHICH IS ACTUALLY ONLY 64 MILES LONG?
10.10AM...COACH DRIVING ALONG THE BEACH...TASMAN SEA SIDE...I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY ABOUT THE BEACH...I MEAN A BEACH IS A BEACH!
10.35AM...OFF THE BEACH WE COME...BACK ONTO THE ROAD.
11.20AM...RARAWA BEACH...PACIFIC SEA SIDE...HERE THE WHITE SAND IS VERY FINE AND YOU CAN POLISH YOUR RINGS AND COINS HERE WITH A RUB...AND THEY WILL GLEAM...LIKE MAGIC!
12.10PM...NEXT STOP TEKAO STORE FOR AN ICECREAM...AND FOR 2 DOLLARS YOU CAN HAVE A CONE OF TOO MUCH ICECREAM...AND I MEAN TOO MUCH ICECREAM.
12.40PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...STICKY HANDS FROM TOO MUCH ICECREAM...WE FORGOT THE WET WIPES!
1.10PM...CAPE REINGA LIGHTHOUSE...THIS IS WHERE THE TWO OCEONS MEET[PACIFIC AND TASMAN]...ITS VERY WINDY...LUCKILY NU AND I ARE QUITE WEIGHTY!
1.55PM...BACK IN COACH...FREE COFFEE AND BUN...I TUCK INTO MY OWN SANDWICHES...NICE COFFEE.
2.40PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...THE RAIN AS ARRIVED.
3.10PM...TAPOUPOTU BAY...THIS IS THE OTHER END OF 90 MILE BEACH...THE COACH DRIVES THRU SOME VERY WEAK WATERLOGGED SAND TO THE MAIN BEACH...THE DRIVER/GUIDE WANTED TO GO ALL THE WAY...BUT THE TIDE WAS COMING IN FAST THAN USUAL...SO HE SAID?...SO WE HAD TO TURNAROUND.
4.00PM...TE PUKI SAND DUNES...TIME TO SAND SLIEGH...I'LL SAY NO MORE!
4.40PM...BACK IN COACH...ON OUR WAY BACK TO OUR STARTING POINT.
5.15PM...DAY DONE...AND IT WAS A GOOD DAY...WORTH THE MONEY...TIME WENT SWIFTLY...AND THE MAORI GUIDE WAS WITTY.
5.40PM...SUPERMARKET...COOKED ROAST CHICKEN/CAULI.
6.10PM...BACK AT ENDLES SUMMER LODGE.
6.35PM...SPUD/CAULI ON BOIL.
7.30PM...I'M FAT AGAIN...WASHING UP SORTED.
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...GLASS OF WINE...RAIN ABSOLUTELY THUMPING DOWN/LIGHTENING.
25.10.08...DAY 88
7.45AM...THE RAIN AS CEASED...RAINED FOR THE GREATER PART OF THE NIGHT.
8.05AM...SHOWER.
8.25AM...CUP OF TEA.
8.40AM...PACKING UP.
9.15AM...LAST OF THE WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA...MADE SANDWICHES WITH YESETERDAYS LEFTOVER CHICKEN.
9.50AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...EVERYTHING A MESS.
10.20AM...DRIVING IN DIRECTION OF KOHUKOAU.
11.30AM...ON FERRY TO RAWENE...ONLY 10 MINS.
11.45AM...DRIVING ON TO OPONINI.
12.20PM...OPONINI...FAMOUS FOR A FRIENDLY BOTTLED NOSE DOLPHIN WHO FREQUENTED THESE SHORES BACK IN 1955...THE DOLPHIN WHO WAS NAMED 'OPO' BY THE LOCALS ENJOYED PLAYING WITH THE LOCAL CHILDREN...AND WAS APPARENTLY A BIT OF A WHIZZ WITH THE BALL...ALTHOUGH HE/SHE HAD NEVER BEEN TRAINED...CROWDS FROM ALL OVER NZ WOULD COME...THEN SOMEONE SHOT HIM/HER...OH!...OUCH!...WETCHED A FILM ABOUT THE POOR THING IN INFO/MUSEUM CENTRE.
1.00PM...TIME FOR CHICKEN SANDWICH...SAT ON A BENCH OVERLOOKING THE BEACH/SEA.
1.30PM...TIME TO DRIVE ON...DIRECTION OF KATUI...THERE IS A VERY TALL KAURI TREE[TANE] ON THE WAY NU WISHES TO SEE.
1.50PM...TALL KAURI TREE...OK I SUPPOSE.
2.15PM...DRIVING ON TO DARGAVILLE...GREY SKIES ABOVE.
3.10PM...DARGAVILLE...BOUGHT A FLEECE...REDUCED FROM 45 TO 16 DOLLARS.
4.00PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT GREENHOUSE LODGE.
4.40PM...FRY UP TIME...LAST OF THE BACON/MUSHROOMS/BEANS/TOMS/EGGS/TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...TV NEWS...FIGHTING ON THE STREETS OF WELLINGTON...NATIONAL FRONT...BLESS!
6.40PM...SHAVE...COULDN'T BE BOTHERED THIS MORNING.
7.20PM...READING NEWSPAPER...BEER...DREAMING OF HOME...DREADING 24 HOUR FLIGHT.
26.10.08...DAY 89...
7.55AM...BACK ACHING...BED NOT GOOD.
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.30AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...ALL PACKED UP...EVERYTHING IN CAR APART FROM BREAKFAST STUFF.
9.25AM...TOAST AND JAM...ANOTHER CUPPA...MADE CHEESE SALAD SANDWICHES FOR JOURNEY.
9.55AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY.
10.40AM...KAURA MUSEUM...EVERTHING HERE IS MADE FROM THE KAURI TREE WOOD...LOADS OF OLD PHOTO'S OF WORKERS/MEN KNOCKING DOWN THE TREES AND PREPARING THE WOOD TO BE SHIPPED ALL AROUND THE WORLD...PHOTO'S OF FOLK MAKING FURNITURE...AND ALL THE MACHINERY AND TOOLS THEY USED...IT WAS A HARD LIFE BACK THEN...WE DON'T KNOW HOW LUCKY WE ARE...NOT A BAD LITTLE MUSEUM...WORTH A VISIT.
12.15PM...DRIVING ON TO WAIPO...OUR DESTINATION FOR THE DAY.
1.00PM...BRYNDERWYN...TIME FOR A SANDWICH.
1.20PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN.
1.55PM...WAIPO...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS AT THE WAIPO WANDERERS LODGE.
2.15PM...CUPPA TEA.
3.00PM...EVERYTHING...AND I MEAN EVERYTHING OUT OF CAR...A BIG BIG SORT OUT TO DO.
4.30PM...SPUD/CAULI ON BOIL...STEAK UNDER GRILL.
5.10PM...STEAK WAS AWFUL...AND I MEAN AWFUL!
5.30PM...WATCHING NETBALL ON TV...NZ/OZ...THERE ARE A SOUTH AFRICAN COUPLE HERE SUPPORTING NZ...SO I'M SUPPORTING OZ...I LIKE A GOOD STIR!
7.05PM...NZ WON...OH WELL.
8.00PM...PHONED PAULINE.
8.30PM...FILM...A ROOM WITH A VIEW.
10.00PM...BED.
EVERYBODIES HEART DOESN'T BEAT THE SAME.
BYE FOR NOWZ!
7.40
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
NZ CONTINUED......
14.10.08....DAY 77...
9.15AM...NU ALREADY UP...WASHED AND DRESSED...SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST TOO EAGER!
9.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST/ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.30AM...OFF WE SET.
11.45AM...BANK.
12.10PM...'CRATERS OF THE MOON'...LARGE HOLES WITH STEAM RISING FROM THEM...JUST LIKE ON MARS?...CAN'T BE SURE...NEVER BEEN FURTHER THAN PLANET EARTH!
1.45PM...BACK IN CAR...RAINING/DRIZZLING...ITS TAKEN US 0NE AND THREE QUARTER HOURS TO WALK...WE WERE A BIT SLOW...WELL WORTH A LOOK.
2.00PM...OPENING OF FLOOD/WATER GATES...THIS CREATES ELECTRICITY...NZ GETS 22% OF ITS ELECTRICITY VIA THIS MEANS...NOT SURE HOW...THEY HARNESS IT SOMEHOW.
3.00PM...PRAWN FARM REASTAURANT...FRESH PRAWNS...QUID EACH!...AWESOME TASTE...ONLY HAD SIX!
4.00PM...SUPERMARKET...NU NEEDS BEER AND MALTESERS.
4.30PM...'WAREHOUSE'...A LARGE OUTLET SELLING CLOTHES TO BATTERIES TO ELECTRICAL GOOD TO ETC...NEED A NEW FLEECE...BUT THEY'VE SOLD OUT THERE WINTER STOCK...NU BOUGHT A WATCH...PLUS I GOT A STEVE HARLEY CD...WELL CHEAP.
5.20PM...BACK AT LODGE...HEAVENS HAVE OPENED.
5.40PM...SEARCHING FOR PLASTIC MUG I BOUGHT IN CHINA...I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE...THINK I LEFT IT ON BREAKFAST TABLE THIS MORNING...OUCH!
6.10PM...EXPLAINED ABOUT MY MISSING MUG TO CHAP ON RECEPTION...I THINK HE FELT SORRY FOR AND OFFERED ME A NEW PLASTIC MUG FROM THE STAFF QUARTERS...ITS NOT THE SAME THOUGH!
6.25PM...READING MY BOOK...BUT MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH MY LOST CUP.
7.50PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER/LETTUCE SANDWICH...BEER...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...BUT NU SAYS ITS BEST I EAT!
8.30PM...PHONED PAULINE.
15.10.08...DAY 78...
7.35AM...I WAS DREAMING...I WAS GONNA TELL NU ALL ABOUT MY DREAM...BUT AS I WOKE IT JUST FADED AND I FORGOT IT.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...IT DOESN'T TASTE THE SAME FROM THIS ALIEN CUP.
8.20AM...SHOWER.
8.50AM...WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA...THE RIM FEELS DIFFERENT?
9.35AM...PACKING EVERYTHING INTO CAR...NO SIGN OF CUP.
9.50AM...OFF WE SET.
10.10AM...HUKA FALLS...FIERCE BLUE FOAMY WATER CREATING ELECTRICITY.
10.45AM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...ONLY ABOUT 50 MILES TO ROTORUA.
12.10PM...SLOW DRIVE...BENDY ROAD...WHAT ROAD IN NZ ISN'T BENDY!!...I LET EVERYONE PASS ME...BUT WE HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED IN ROTAORUA.
12.35PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT CENTRAL CITY BACKPACKERS...NICE PRICE.
1.30PM...WE WANT TO GO TO A MAORI CULTURAL EVENING...THERE ARE TWO TO CHOOSE FROM...CAN'T MAKE UP OUR MINDS.
2.30PM...DECIDED TO DO THE 'HANGI' MAORI EVENING...HAVING SPOKEN WITH SOME FOLK WHO HAD ALREADY BEEN.
3.00PM...BOOKED 'MAORI EVENING'.
3.40PM...SUPERMARKET...COOKED ROAST CHICKEN/BREAD COBS/TOMATO/WINE.
4.30PM...WATCHING 'STEVE HARLEY' DVD...SCOFFING CHICKEN SALAD COB...TASTY.
4.50PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
5.30PM...SHAVE.
5.40PM...READING KEN FOLLETT NOVEL.
6.20PM...OFF WE TROT TO CATCH COACH FOR 'MAORI EVE'.
6.35PM...WATCHING SHORT FILM ABOUT MAORI'S.
7.00PM...ON COACH TO MAORI VILLAGE...OUR MAORI WOMAN GUIDE IS ENTERTAINING...THE MAORI'S ARE A WITTY BUNCH.
7.25PM...ARRIVE AT MAORI VILLAGE.
7.45PM...MAORI DANCING/SINGING...A LOTTA AGGRESION...A VERY WARM WELCOME!
8.15PM...SHOWN ROUND MAORI VILLAGE...FIRES BURNING...BUT ITS COLD...AN INTERESTING ARRAY OF HOW THEY MAKE THINGS/ITEMS...HOW THEY COOK.
8.40PM...A STAGE SHOW OF MAORI CHANTING/DANCING.
9.15PM...FOOD...AT LAST!...AND THERE IS PLENTY...LAMB/CHICKEN/VEGGIES/SWEET AND NORMAL SPUD...ALL COOKED IN THE MAORI WAY...IN UNDERGROUND OVEND IN VAST IRON POTS.
9.55PM...WONDERFUL MEAL...AN EXCEPTIONAL FEAST...WITH PAVLOVA FOR SWEET?
10.20PM...THE MAORI EVE FINISHED WITH THE 'HUKA' DANCE...NU AND I PREFER THE 'TWIST'!
10.45PM...BACK ON COACH FOR RETURN JOURNEY TO OUR ABODE.
11.10PM...GLASS OF WINE...TALKING ABOUT WHAT GREAT EVENING WE HAVE HAD...DO NOT COME TO NZ AND MISS IT...ONE OF THE HI-LIGHTS SO FAR!
16.10.08...DAY 79...
7.40AM...THIS IS GONNA BE A BORING DAY.
8.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.25AM...SHOWER...NOT A VERY GOOD SHOWER...HARD TO CONTROL THE HEAT...I'M NOT ONE TO MOAN THOUGH!
9.00AM...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...CUPPA TEA...MADE UP SANDWICHES FOR NEXT JOURNEY TO AUCKLAND WITH YESTERDAYS LEFTOVER CHICKEN.
9.20AM...SPEAKING WITH ISRAELI CHAP...THEY'RE ALL A BIT BARMY FROM THERE...THE SOUND OF THERE OWN BOMBS BLOWING UP INNOCENT PALESTIANS AS TWIDDLED THERE BRAINS!
9.55AM...RAIN POURING...SAT IN CAR...DISCUSSING WHETHER TO DRIVE PASSED AUCKLAND OR STAY ONE NIGHT...ITS GOT A BAD REPUTATION...LOTTA GANG WARFARE.
10.20AM...OFF WE SET...STILL UNDECIDED.
10.45AM...ON THE ROAD TO HAMILTON...HALFWAY TO AUCKLAND...ANOTHER PLACE WITH A BAD REPUTATION.
11.35AM...PICKED UP HIGHWAY ONE TO AUCKLAND...200 ODD K TO GO.
1.00PM...STOPPED IN A PLACE WITH UNPROUNCEABLE NAME...CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH...ALSO BOUGHT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER.
2.20PM...LOST IN AUCKLAND CITY CENTRE...ITS AN ENIGMA...BIT LIKE ITALY OR RUSSIA!
3.00PM...DECIDED TO STAY ONE NIGHT IN AUCKLAND...FOUND A LODGE WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY AT...THE RECEPTION IS CLOSED TILL 4.00PM MIND.
4.00PM...ENQUIRING ABOUT A ROOM...THEY ARE FULL...OUCH!...THEY DIRECT US TO ANOTHE LODGE.
4.30PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT 'THE AUCKLAND LODGE'.
5.15PM...STEAK UNDER GRILL...VEGGIES ON BOIL.
5.50PM...A TASTY MEAL.
6.20PM...ALL DONE...READING NEWSPAPER...BEER...IT WAS A BORING DAY SPENT DRIVING...BUT IT WAS ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME!
17.10.08...DAY 80...
7.40AM...HAD A FIDGETY NIGHT...COULDN'T SETTLE...LOTS OF THOUGHTS ON MY MIND...NOTHING BAD...JUST THOUGHTS ABPOT OUR LAST DAYS...ARE WE GONNA GET IT ALL DONE?
8.05AM...SHOWER.
8.40AM...WEETABIX/CUPPA TEA....MADE CHEESE SALAD SANDWICHES FOR JOURNEY.
9.15AM...PACKING UP.
9.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.05AM...TRYING TO FIND ROAD/WAY OUT OF AUCKLAND...THIS PLACE IS A MESS...THE ONLY THING ON THIS PLANET THAT ISN'T A MESS...IS MY HEAD!?
10.30AM...I THINK WE ARE ON THE RIGHT ROAD...WE GOING NORTH...SEEN A SIGN...THATS THE MAIN THING.
11.20AM...ON THE SCENIC ROUTE?/COASTAL ROUTE.
12.10PM...WAIWORA...TIME FOR CHEESE SALAD SANDWICH.
12.40PM...DRIVING ON.
1.30PM...GOAT ISLAND BAY...GOAT ISLAND IS ABOUT 100 YARDS OUT TO SEA...NO-ONE IS TO SURE WHY ITS CALLED GOAT ISLAND AS THERE WAS NEVER ANY GOATS THERE...SOMEONE DID PUT SOME PIGS ON THE ISLAND BUT THEY ESCAPED BY SWIMMING ASHORE...GO PIGGY GO!
2.45PM...WAIPU COVE...A SURFING PLACE/BEACH...STOPPED FOR A LEG STRETCHED.
3.20PM...WAIPU VILLAGE.
3.35PM...WAIPU WANDERERS LODGE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
4.30PM...FRY UP TIME...EGGS/BACON/MUSHROOMS/TOMATOES/FRESH BREAD...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...TV NEWS....FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION GONE WONKY,FIVE KIDS INJURED IN GISBOURNE...WILD WINDS IN CAMBRIDGE,ELDERLY FOLK EVACUATED...BIG WAREHOUSE FIRE IN PERNELL,SUBURB OF AUCKLAND...THATS WHERE WE STAYED LAST NIGHT!
7.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
7.30PM...CORONATION STREET.
8.45PM...TIME FOR BED...WELL TIRED.
18.10.08...DAY 81...
9.40AM...LAZY IS ME.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.00AM...BACON/TOMATO SANDWICH...STEVE AND ELAINE THE OWNERS OF THE LODGE HAVE JOINED US...SO I'M DOING A BACON SANDWICH FOR THEM AS WELL!
11.40AM...HAPPILY CHATTING...THEY'VE INVITED US ROUND FOR THE EVENING TO WATCH THE NZ VERSUS ENGLAND NETBALL MATCH...NETBALL IS BIG HERE!
1.00PM...WALKED INTO VILLAGE CENTRE...BUTCHERS...BOUGHT PORK STEAKS...SUPERMARKET...BOUGHT CABBAGE AND CARROTS.
2.05PM...MUSEUM...SMALL MUSEUM...NOT ALOT TO SAY...JUST HAPPY THAT IT WAS SMALL!
3.10PM...PUB.
4.25PM...BACK AT LODGE.
5.40PM...PORK/CABBAGE/CARROTS/SPUD...GREAT MEAL.
7.00PM...SITTING WITH STEVE AND ELAINE IN THERE LOUNGE...THEY ARE QUITE AN INTELLECTUAL COUPLE...I'M DOING MY BEST!
7.30PM...NZ/ENGLAND MATCH KICKS OFF.
8.15PM...THE NZ GIRLS ARE AN UGLY BUNCH...THEY ARE WINING BY A MARGIN AND A BIT!...I THINK THE REF IS NZish!
9.10PM...GAME OVER.
9.30PM...NU AND ELAINE IN SPA POOL...GLASSES OF WINE IN HAND.
11.00PM...WATCHING A VERY BRITISH FILM...'CHEERS AND TEARS'...A TOTALLY BRITISH A1 COMEDY.
1.00AM...TIME FOR BED...PHEW!
19.10.08...DAY 82....
8.00AM...MY EYELIDS ARE HEAVY.
8.15AM...SHOWER.
8.35AM...CUPPA TEA.
9.00AM...PACKING UP.
9.25AM...WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA...MADE CHEESE SALAD SANDWICHES FOR JOURNEY.
10.10AM...CLIMBING TREE FOR GRAPEFRUITS!!
10.25AM...ON OUR WAY.
10.40AM...HEADING IN THE DIRECTION FOR WHANGAREI.
11.05AM...TOOK A DIVERSION...GOT LOST IN A PLACE CALLED 'ONE TREE POINT'.
12.10PM...HEADING FOR TUTUKAKA BEACH...SUPERMARKET...COOKED CHICKEN/PEAS.
12.40PM...MATAPOURI...TIME FOR A SANDWICH.
1.30PM...FOUND OUR WAY BACK TO MAIN ROAD.
2.20PM...KAWAKAWA...THIS PLACE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS PUBLIC TOILETS...TILES OF MANY COLOURS AND ODD BALL ITEMS CEMENTED INBETWEEN THEM...OK...I SUPPOSE?
3.10PM...BACK ON THE MAIN DRAG...NEXT STOP PAIHIA.
4.00PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS AT THE 'PICKLED PARROT LODGE'...TONIGHT[MONDAY[...AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT...TUESDAY WE ARE ON A 'BAY OF ISLANDS TOUR CRUISE'...VERY POSH?
5.10PM...ROAST CHICKEN/PEAS/SPUD...OK.
6.00PM...TIRED.
7.30PM...PHONED PAULINE.
8.30PM...NOISY CROWD OF KIDS OUTSIDE OUR ROOM...NEED TO SLEEP!
20.10.08...DAT 83...
6.30AM...OH I DO LIKE TO BE UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN...HEAR THE THRILL OF TWITTY BIRDS...BREATHE THE EARLY MORNING AIR...GO TO THE LOO!
6.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
7.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
7.40AM...WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA.
8.35AM...GETTING BAG READY FOR CRUISE TOUR...EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE.
9.10AM...MADE CHICKEN/LETTUCE SANDWICH FOR FOR PICNIC LUNCH.
9.40AM...WALKED TO TOWN CENTRE.
10.10AM...BOOKED CRIUSE TRIP...DEPARTS 5.00PM.
11.10AM...IN AND OUTA SHOPS.
11.40AM...FERRY TO 'RUSSELL ISLAND'...ONLY TAKES 10 MINS...10 DOLLARS RETURN.
12.10PM...ON A COACH/MINI BUS TOUR OF ISLAND...THE GUIDE IS ONLY INTERESTED IN TELLING US THE PRICE OF HOUSES!
1.20PM...SITTING ON BENCH IN BAY...SUN SHINING...CHICKEN SANDWICH/BEER.
2.10PM...BACK ON FERRY FOR RETURN TRIP TO PAIHIA...RUSSELL ISLAND?...NOT WORTH IT!
3.00PM...FISH[DORY] AND CHIPS...FISH SALTY...CHIPS UNCOOKED!
4.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...BEER.
4.40PM...WALKING TO HARBOUR FOR START OF BOAT CRUISE.
5.10PM...BOARDING.
5.30PM...THE BOATS CAPTAIN TELLING US THE DO'S AND DON'TS.
5.50PM...IN OUR CABIN...HAD TO PAY AN EXTRA 40 DOLLARS FOR AN UPGRADE TO A PRIVATE CABIN!
6.20PM...NOTICED THE CURTAINS ON THE CABINS REAR SLIDING DOORS/WINDOWS DOES NOT FIT CORRECTLY...ALSO THE LOCK DOES NOT WORK...I WANT TO GO AND COMPLAIN...NU SAYS NOT TOO.
7.30PM...FOOD...MINISCULE AMOUNTS OF MEAT/PASTA/SALAD...DRINKS HAVE TO BE PAID FOR.
8.30PM...EVERYBODY DRINKING/WAFFLING...MET SOME FOLK WHO WE HAD MET AT FRANZ JOSEF[HELIHIKE].
11.30PM...BED.
21.10.08...DAY 84...
8.15AM...SLEPT FAIRLY WELL...WINE PROBABLY HELPED!
8.35AM...NEED A SHOWER...NO WATER...HOT OR COLD!...THIS CRUISE IS POOR...GETTING POORER.
9.00AM...MENTIONED THE WATER SITUATION TO A FEW CREW MEMBERS...THEY JUST SHRUGGED THERE SHOULDERS.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...RICE CRISPIES...NOT KELLOGGS...CHEAP ONES...THEY DON'T SNAP,CRACKLE AND POP CONSISTENTLY!...COFFEE AWFUL!
10.30AM...NU SNORKELING...I'M AGITATED.
12.05PM...STOPPED AT SMALL ISLAND...NU KAYAKING...I'M AGITATED.
1.15PM...BACK ON BOAT...HEADING BACK TO HARBOUR WHERE THIS CRAP CRUISE STARTED!
3.00PM...BACK IN PAIHIA...THANK GOD...THE MONEY THAT WAS SPENT ON THAT TRIP WAS A WASTE...'ROCK THE BOAT TOURS'...FORGET IT!
3.40PM...BACK AT 'PICKLED PARROT LODGE'...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...NEED A DAY OF REST TOMORROW.
4.00PM...SORTING WASHING.
4.20PM...SHOWER...WELL NEEDED!
4.45PM...WASHING IN MACHINE.
5.10PM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO/EGG/TOAST...A LATE LATE BREAKFAST.
5.30PM...WASHING ON LINE.
7.15PM...WASHING DRY AND FOLDED.
7.35PM...TV...CORONATION STREET!
BAY OF ISLANDS IS A LET DOWN...BUT IF I HAD NEVER COME...I WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
9.15AM...NU ALREADY UP...WASHED AND DRESSED...SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST TOO EAGER!
9.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST/ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.30AM...OFF WE SET.
11.45AM...BANK.
12.10PM...'CRATERS OF THE MOON'...LARGE HOLES WITH STEAM RISING FROM THEM...JUST LIKE ON MARS?...CAN'T BE SURE...NEVER BEEN FURTHER THAN PLANET EARTH!
1.45PM...BACK IN CAR...RAINING/DRIZZLING...ITS TAKEN US 0NE AND THREE QUARTER HOURS TO WALK...WE WERE A BIT SLOW...WELL WORTH A LOOK.
2.00PM...OPENING OF FLOOD/WATER GATES...THIS CREATES ELECTRICITY...NZ GETS 22% OF ITS ELECTRICITY VIA THIS MEANS...NOT SURE HOW...THEY HARNESS IT SOMEHOW.
3.00PM...PRAWN FARM REASTAURANT...FRESH PRAWNS...QUID EACH!...AWESOME TASTE...ONLY HAD SIX!
4.00PM...SUPERMARKET...NU NEEDS BEER AND MALTESERS.
4.30PM...'WAREHOUSE'...A LARGE OUTLET SELLING CLOTHES TO BATTERIES TO ELECTRICAL GOOD TO ETC...NEED A NEW FLEECE...BUT THEY'VE SOLD OUT THERE WINTER STOCK...NU BOUGHT A WATCH...PLUS I GOT A STEVE HARLEY CD...WELL CHEAP.
5.20PM...BACK AT LODGE...HEAVENS HAVE OPENED.
5.40PM...SEARCHING FOR PLASTIC MUG I BOUGHT IN CHINA...I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE...THINK I LEFT IT ON BREAKFAST TABLE THIS MORNING...OUCH!
6.10PM...EXPLAINED ABOUT MY MISSING MUG TO CHAP ON RECEPTION...I THINK HE FELT SORRY FOR AND OFFERED ME A NEW PLASTIC MUG FROM THE STAFF QUARTERS...ITS NOT THE SAME THOUGH!
6.25PM...READING MY BOOK...BUT MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH MY LOST CUP.
7.50PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER/LETTUCE SANDWICH...BEER...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...BUT NU SAYS ITS BEST I EAT!
8.30PM...PHONED PAULINE.
15.10.08...DAY 78...
7.35AM...I WAS DREAMING...I WAS GONNA TELL NU ALL ABOUT MY DREAM...BUT AS I WOKE IT JUST FADED AND I FORGOT IT.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...IT DOESN'T TASTE THE SAME FROM THIS ALIEN CUP.
8.20AM...SHOWER.
8.50AM...WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA...THE RIM FEELS DIFFERENT?
9.35AM...PACKING EVERYTHING INTO CAR...NO SIGN OF CUP.
9.50AM...OFF WE SET.
10.10AM...HUKA FALLS...FIERCE BLUE FOAMY WATER CREATING ELECTRICITY.
10.45AM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...ONLY ABOUT 50 MILES TO ROTORUA.
12.10PM...SLOW DRIVE...BENDY ROAD...WHAT ROAD IN NZ ISN'T BENDY!!...I LET EVERYONE PASS ME...BUT WE HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED IN ROTAORUA.
12.35PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT CENTRAL CITY BACKPACKERS...NICE PRICE.
1.30PM...WE WANT TO GO TO A MAORI CULTURAL EVENING...THERE ARE TWO TO CHOOSE FROM...CAN'T MAKE UP OUR MINDS.
2.30PM...DECIDED TO DO THE 'HANGI' MAORI EVENING...HAVING SPOKEN WITH SOME FOLK WHO HAD ALREADY BEEN.
3.00PM...BOOKED 'MAORI EVENING'.
3.40PM...SUPERMARKET...COOKED ROAST CHICKEN/BREAD COBS/TOMATO/WINE.
4.30PM...WATCHING 'STEVE HARLEY' DVD...SCOFFING CHICKEN SALAD COB...TASTY.
4.50PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
5.30PM...SHAVE.
5.40PM...READING KEN FOLLETT NOVEL.
6.20PM...OFF WE TROT TO CATCH COACH FOR 'MAORI EVE'.
6.35PM...WATCHING SHORT FILM ABOUT MAORI'S.
7.00PM...ON COACH TO MAORI VILLAGE...OUR MAORI WOMAN GUIDE IS ENTERTAINING...THE MAORI'S ARE A WITTY BUNCH.
7.25PM...ARRIVE AT MAORI VILLAGE.
7.45PM...MAORI DANCING/SINGING...A LOTTA AGGRESION...A VERY WARM WELCOME!
8.15PM...SHOWN ROUND MAORI VILLAGE...FIRES BURNING...BUT ITS COLD...AN INTERESTING ARRAY OF HOW THEY MAKE THINGS/ITEMS...HOW THEY COOK.
8.40PM...A STAGE SHOW OF MAORI CHANTING/DANCING.
9.15PM...FOOD...AT LAST!...AND THERE IS PLENTY...LAMB/CHICKEN/VEGGIES/SWEET AND NORMAL SPUD...ALL COOKED IN THE MAORI WAY...IN UNDERGROUND OVEND IN VAST IRON POTS.
9.55PM...WONDERFUL MEAL...AN EXCEPTIONAL FEAST...WITH PAVLOVA FOR SWEET?
10.20PM...THE MAORI EVE FINISHED WITH THE 'HUKA' DANCE...NU AND I PREFER THE 'TWIST'!
10.45PM...BACK ON COACH FOR RETURN JOURNEY TO OUR ABODE.
11.10PM...GLASS OF WINE...TALKING ABOUT WHAT GREAT EVENING WE HAVE HAD...DO NOT COME TO NZ AND MISS IT...ONE OF THE HI-LIGHTS SO FAR!
16.10.08...DAY 79...
7.40AM...THIS IS GONNA BE A BORING DAY.
8.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.25AM...SHOWER...NOT A VERY GOOD SHOWER...HARD TO CONTROL THE HEAT...I'M NOT ONE TO MOAN THOUGH!
9.00AM...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY...CUPPA TEA...MADE UP SANDWICHES FOR NEXT JOURNEY TO AUCKLAND WITH YESTERDAYS LEFTOVER CHICKEN.
9.20AM...SPEAKING WITH ISRAELI CHAP...THEY'RE ALL A BIT BARMY FROM THERE...THE SOUND OF THERE OWN BOMBS BLOWING UP INNOCENT PALESTIANS AS TWIDDLED THERE BRAINS!
9.55AM...RAIN POURING...SAT IN CAR...DISCUSSING WHETHER TO DRIVE PASSED AUCKLAND OR STAY ONE NIGHT...ITS GOT A BAD REPUTATION...LOTTA GANG WARFARE.
10.20AM...OFF WE SET...STILL UNDECIDED.
10.45AM...ON THE ROAD TO HAMILTON...HALFWAY TO AUCKLAND...ANOTHER PLACE WITH A BAD REPUTATION.
11.35AM...PICKED UP HIGHWAY ONE TO AUCKLAND...200 ODD K TO GO.
1.00PM...STOPPED IN A PLACE WITH UNPROUNCEABLE NAME...CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH...ALSO BOUGHT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER.
2.20PM...LOST IN AUCKLAND CITY CENTRE...ITS AN ENIGMA...BIT LIKE ITALY OR RUSSIA!
3.00PM...DECIDED TO STAY ONE NIGHT IN AUCKLAND...FOUND A LODGE WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY AT...THE RECEPTION IS CLOSED TILL 4.00PM MIND.
4.00PM...ENQUIRING ABOUT A ROOM...THEY ARE FULL...OUCH!...THEY DIRECT US TO ANOTHE LODGE.
4.30PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT 'THE AUCKLAND LODGE'.
5.15PM...STEAK UNDER GRILL...VEGGIES ON BOIL.
5.50PM...A TASTY MEAL.
6.20PM...ALL DONE...READING NEWSPAPER...BEER...IT WAS A BORING DAY SPENT DRIVING...BUT IT WAS ONE STEP CLOSER TO HOME!
17.10.08...DAY 80...
7.40AM...HAD A FIDGETY NIGHT...COULDN'T SETTLE...LOTS OF THOUGHTS ON MY MIND...NOTHING BAD...JUST THOUGHTS ABPOT OUR LAST DAYS...ARE WE GONNA GET IT ALL DONE?
8.05AM...SHOWER.
8.40AM...WEETABIX/CUPPA TEA....MADE CHEESE SALAD SANDWICHES FOR JOURNEY.
9.15AM...PACKING UP.
9.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.05AM...TRYING TO FIND ROAD/WAY OUT OF AUCKLAND...THIS PLACE IS A MESS...THE ONLY THING ON THIS PLANET THAT ISN'T A MESS...IS MY HEAD!?
10.30AM...I THINK WE ARE ON THE RIGHT ROAD...WE GOING NORTH...SEEN A SIGN...THATS THE MAIN THING.
11.20AM...ON THE SCENIC ROUTE?/COASTAL ROUTE.
12.10PM...WAIWORA...TIME FOR CHEESE SALAD SANDWICH.
12.40PM...DRIVING ON.
1.30PM...GOAT ISLAND BAY...GOAT ISLAND IS ABOUT 100 YARDS OUT TO SEA...NO-ONE IS TO SURE WHY ITS CALLED GOAT ISLAND AS THERE WAS NEVER ANY GOATS THERE...SOMEONE DID PUT SOME PIGS ON THE ISLAND BUT THEY ESCAPED BY SWIMMING ASHORE...GO PIGGY GO!
2.45PM...WAIPU COVE...A SURFING PLACE/BEACH...STOPPED FOR A LEG STRETCHED.
3.20PM...WAIPU VILLAGE.
3.35PM...WAIPU WANDERERS LODGE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
4.30PM...FRY UP TIME...EGGS/BACON/MUSHROOMS/TOMATOES/FRESH BREAD...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...TV NEWS....FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION GONE WONKY,FIVE KIDS INJURED IN GISBOURNE...WILD WINDS IN CAMBRIDGE,ELDERLY FOLK EVACUATED...BIG WAREHOUSE FIRE IN PERNELL,SUBURB OF AUCKLAND...THATS WHERE WE STAYED LAST NIGHT!
7.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
7.30PM...CORONATION STREET.
8.45PM...TIME FOR BED...WELL TIRED.
18.10.08...DAY 81...
9.40AM...LAZY IS ME.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.00AM...BACON/TOMATO SANDWICH...STEVE AND ELAINE THE OWNERS OF THE LODGE HAVE JOINED US...SO I'M DOING A BACON SANDWICH FOR THEM AS WELL!
11.40AM...HAPPILY CHATTING...THEY'VE INVITED US ROUND FOR THE EVENING TO WATCH THE NZ VERSUS ENGLAND NETBALL MATCH...NETBALL IS BIG HERE!
1.00PM...WALKED INTO VILLAGE CENTRE...BUTCHERS...BOUGHT PORK STEAKS...SUPERMARKET...BOUGHT CABBAGE AND CARROTS.
2.05PM...MUSEUM...SMALL MUSEUM...NOT ALOT TO SAY...JUST HAPPY THAT IT WAS SMALL!
3.10PM...PUB.
4.25PM...BACK AT LODGE.
5.40PM...PORK/CABBAGE/CARROTS/SPUD...GREAT MEAL.
7.00PM...SITTING WITH STEVE AND ELAINE IN THERE LOUNGE...THEY ARE QUITE AN INTELLECTUAL COUPLE...I'M DOING MY BEST!
7.30PM...NZ/ENGLAND MATCH KICKS OFF.
8.15PM...THE NZ GIRLS ARE AN UGLY BUNCH...THEY ARE WINING BY A MARGIN AND A BIT!...I THINK THE REF IS NZish!
9.10PM...GAME OVER.
9.30PM...NU AND ELAINE IN SPA POOL...GLASSES OF WINE IN HAND.
11.00PM...WATCHING A VERY BRITISH FILM...'CHEERS AND TEARS'...A TOTALLY BRITISH A1 COMEDY.
1.00AM...TIME FOR BED...PHEW!
19.10.08...DAY 82....
8.00AM...MY EYELIDS ARE HEAVY.
8.15AM...SHOWER.
8.35AM...CUPPA TEA.
9.00AM...PACKING UP.
9.25AM...WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA...MADE CHEESE SALAD SANDWICHES FOR JOURNEY.
10.10AM...CLIMBING TREE FOR GRAPEFRUITS!!
10.25AM...ON OUR WAY.
10.40AM...HEADING IN THE DIRECTION FOR WHANGAREI.
11.05AM...TOOK A DIVERSION...GOT LOST IN A PLACE CALLED 'ONE TREE POINT'.
12.10PM...HEADING FOR TUTUKAKA BEACH...SUPERMARKET...COOKED CHICKEN/PEAS.
12.40PM...MATAPOURI...TIME FOR A SANDWICH.
1.30PM...FOUND OUR WAY BACK TO MAIN ROAD.
2.20PM...KAWAKAWA...THIS PLACE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS PUBLIC TOILETS...TILES OF MANY COLOURS AND ODD BALL ITEMS CEMENTED INBETWEEN THEM...OK...I SUPPOSE?
3.10PM...BACK ON THE MAIN DRAG...NEXT STOP PAIHIA.
4.00PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS AT THE 'PICKLED PARROT LODGE'...TONIGHT[MONDAY[...AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT...TUESDAY WE ARE ON A 'BAY OF ISLANDS TOUR CRUISE'...VERY POSH?
5.10PM...ROAST CHICKEN/PEAS/SPUD...OK.
6.00PM...TIRED.
7.30PM...PHONED PAULINE.
8.30PM...NOISY CROWD OF KIDS OUTSIDE OUR ROOM...NEED TO SLEEP!
20.10.08...DAT 83...
6.30AM...OH I DO LIKE TO BE UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN...HEAR THE THRILL OF TWITTY BIRDS...BREATHE THE EARLY MORNING AIR...GO TO THE LOO!
6.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
7.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
7.40AM...WEETABIX/ANOTHER CUPPA.
8.35AM...GETTING BAG READY FOR CRUISE TOUR...EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE.
9.10AM...MADE CHICKEN/LETTUCE SANDWICH FOR FOR PICNIC LUNCH.
9.40AM...WALKED TO TOWN CENTRE.
10.10AM...BOOKED CRIUSE TRIP...DEPARTS 5.00PM.
11.10AM...IN AND OUTA SHOPS.
11.40AM...FERRY TO 'RUSSELL ISLAND'...ONLY TAKES 10 MINS...10 DOLLARS RETURN.
12.10PM...ON A COACH/MINI BUS TOUR OF ISLAND...THE GUIDE IS ONLY INTERESTED IN TELLING US THE PRICE OF HOUSES!
1.20PM...SITTING ON BENCH IN BAY...SUN SHINING...CHICKEN SANDWICH/BEER.
2.10PM...BACK ON FERRY FOR RETURN TRIP TO PAIHIA...RUSSELL ISLAND?...NOT WORTH IT!
3.00PM...FISH[DORY] AND CHIPS...FISH SALTY...CHIPS UNCOOKED!
4.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...BEER.
4.40PM...WALKING TO HARBOUR FOR START OF BOAT CRUISE.
5.10PM...BOARDING.
5.30PM...THE BOATS CAPTAIN TELLING US THE DO'S AND DON'TS.
5.50PM...IN OUR CABIN...HAD TO PAY AN EXTRA 40 DOLLARS FOR AN UPGRADE TO A PRIVATE CABIN!
6.20PM...NOTICED THE CURTAINS ON THE CABINS REAR SLIDING DOORS/WINDOWS DOES NOT FIT CORRECTLY...ALSO THE LOCK DOES NOT WORK...I WANT TO GO AND COMPLAIN...NU SAYS NOT TOO.
7.30PM...FOOD...MINISCULE AMOUNTS OF MEAT/PASTA/SALAD...DRINKS HAVE TO BE PAID FOR.
8.30PM...EVERYBODY DRINKING/WAFFLING...MET SOME FOLK WHO WE HAD MET AT FRANZ JOSEF[HELIHIKE].
11.30PM...BED.
21.10.08...DAY 84...
8.15AM...SLEPT FAIRLY WELL...WINE PROBABLY HELPED!
8.35AM...NEED A SHOWER...NO WATER...HOT OR COLD!...THIS CRUISE IS POOR...GETTING POORER.
9.00AM...MENTIONED THE WATER SITUATION TO A FEW CREW MEMBERS...THEY JUST SHRUGGED THERE SHOULDERS.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...RICE CRISPIES...NOT KELLOGGS...CHEAP ONES...THEY DON'T SNAP,CRACKLE AND POP CONSISTENTLY!...COFFEE AWFUL!
10.30AM...NU SNORKELING...I'M AGITATED.
12.05PM...STOPPED AT SMALL ISLAND...NU KAYAKING...I'M AGITATED.
1.15PM...BACK ON BOAT...HEADING BACK TO HARBOUR WHERE THIS CRAP CRUISE STARTED!
3.00PM...BACK IN PAIHIA...THANK GOD...THE MONEY THAT WAS SPENT ON THAT TRIP WAS A WASTE...'ROCK THE BOAT TOURS'...FORGET IT!
3.40PM...BACK AT 'PICKLED PARROT LODGE'...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...NEED A DAY OF REST TOMORROW.
4.00PM...SORTING WASHING.
4.20PM...SHOWER...WELL NEEDED!
4.45PM...WASHING IN MACHINE.
5.10PM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO/EGG/TOAST...A LATE LATE BREAKFAST.
5.30PM...WASHING ON LINE.
7.15PM...WASHING DRY AND FOLDED.
7.35PM...TV...CORONATION STREET!
BAY OF ISLANDS IS A LET DOWN...BUT IF I HAD NEVER COME...I WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
nz continued...
7.10.08...day 70...
7.40AM...SLEPT LIKE A LOG...THE TOUR PARTY LEFT AT 7.30AM...DIDN'T HERE A THING!?
8.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.15AM...SHOWER.
8.40AM...RICE CRISPIES/CUPPA TEA...FED THE CAT SOME MILK NAMED FREE...LOVELY CAT.
9.30AM...ALL PACKED UP.
9.40AM...ON OUR WAY.
9.55AM...SUPERMARKET...PORK/CABBAGE/CARROTS/WINE.
10.30AM...ON OUR WAY AGAIN.
11.00AM...HOT WATER BEACH...APPARENTLY HERER YOU CAN DIG A HOLE IN THE SAND AND 65%[HOT] WATER WILL EMERGE...THATS HOT...UNFORTUNATELY THE TIDE IS IN AND ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN TILL LATE AFTERNOON!...OUCH!
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR.
11.55AM...RAIN FALLING...WIND KNOCKING CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE.
12.40PM...WHANGAMATA?...LETS DRIVE ON.
1.50PM...TAURANGA?...TO INDUSTRIAL...LETS DRIVE ON.
2.15PM...MOUNT MAUNGANUI?...LETS DRIVE ON...ITS THE PITS!
3.00PM...TE PUKE?...I AGREE...LETS DRIVE ON?
4.00PM...WHAKATANE?...YOU PRONOUCE THE WH LIKE AN F!
4.15PM...CARABOO LODGE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
5.10PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...CARROTS/CABBAGE/SPUDS ON BOIL.
5.35PM...OK MEAL...PORK A WEE BIT OVERDONE.
6.00PM...READING LOCAL NEWSPAPER...LAST FRIDAY A MOB OF 150 PEOPLE ATTACKED THE POLICE WHILE THEY WERE PATROLING IN THERE POLICE CARS.
6.45PM...SPEAKING WITH A WOMAN NAMED ROSE...SHE IS GOING TO A LECTURE ON BRICKLAYING/BUILDING THIS EVENING!...THE RAIN IS POURING/THE WIND IS HOWLING...SHE'S GONNA WALK THERE!...THERE ARE SOME STRANGE FOLK IN NZ!
8.00PM...PHONED PAULINE.
8.30PM...GLASS OF WINE/PEANUTS.
8.10.08...DAY 71...
9.40AM...THE SUN IS SHINING.
10.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.00AM...RICE CRISPIES...CUPPA TEA.
11.50AM...WALKED IN TO TOWN CENTRE.
12.15PM...WALKING TOWN CENTRE.
1.50PM...ITALIAN RESTAURANT...ALTHOUGH ITS AN ITALIAN FOOD SERVING RESTAURANT THE CHEF IS NOT ITALIAN...ITS BEST TO CHECK THESE THINGS OUT FIRST!...MEATBALLS IN PASTA SAUCE...LUNCHTIME SPECIAL...ONLY 8 DOLLARS...SOMETIMES PRICE WISE YOU HAVE TO TAKE RISKS IN LIFE!
3.00PM...PUB.
4.00PM...SEARCHING FOR DENTIST...NU IN PAIN...CRACKED A TOOTH...WAS IT THE ITALIAN PASTA?!!
4.30PM...AT DENTISTS...ON WAITING LIST.
4.55PM...NU IN DENTAL CHAIR...I TRYING TO STAY COOL...READING ABOUT FARRAH FAWCETT AND HER CANCER PROBLEM!?
5.30PM...NU APPEARS...HER SMILE AS RETURNED...THEY'VE VARNISHED IT?
6.10PM...BACK AT CARABOO LODGE.
6.40PM...STEAK AND MUSHROOMS FOR ME...NU CAN'T EAT FOR AWHILE.
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH TWO YOUNG TRAINEE DOCTORS FROM NOTTINGHAM.
8.30PM...NU OK TO EAT NOW...CHEESE/CUCUMBER COB EACH...I THINK THE GIN AND TONIC HELPED!
9.10.08...DAY 72...
9.05AM...0UCH ITS LATE.
9.15AM...SHOWER.
9.35AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.55AM...PACKING UP.
10.20PM...RICE CRISPIES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.50AM...OFF WE SET.
11.25AM...OHOPE BEACH?...ITS A BEACH!
11.50AM...DRIVING ON.
1.00PM...OPOTIKI...NEED PETROL.
1.30PM...NEXT STOP GISBOURNE.
1.55PM...GOING UP HILL AND DOWN HILL...WHY DIDN'T THEY JUST DRILL A HOLE STRAIGHT THRU THE HILLSIDE?
2.30PM...GISBOURNE...IT LOOKS DULL...COMPARED TO THIS BLOG IT PROBABLY MAGICAL!
3.00PM...MONUMENT AT THE PLACE THE SHIP 'ENDEAVOUR' LANDED.
3.20PM...MONUMENT/STATUE OF JAMES COOKE...THE CAPTAIN OF THE 'ENDEAVOUR'.
3.25PM...MONUMENT/STATUE OF 'YOUNG NICK' THE LAD WHO WAS THE FIRST TO SPOT THE ISLANDS THAT WERE TO BECOME NZ.
3.55PM...PAK'N'SAVE SUPERMARKET...BOUGHT LAMB/CARROTS/PARSNIP.
4.20PM...FORGET GISBOURNE...ITS THE PITS.
5.00PM...MORERE...A SMALL VILLAGE...SOMETHING IF NOT NOTHING.
6.10PM...WAIROA...HAD ENOUGH OF DRIVING TODAY...GOTTA BE A PLACE HERE TO STAY.
6.30PM...THE FIRST HOTEL WE STOP TO LOOKAT AS A SIGN THAT SAYS 'NO GANG MEMBERS ALLOWED ON THESE PREMISES'!
6.40PM...A WOMAN NOTICES WE LOOK A BIT BEWILDERED AND DIRECTS US TO A CAMP/CABIN SITE.
7.00PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN CABIN WITH KITCHEN...VERY PLEASANT PEOPLE/OWNERS.
7.35PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...VEGGIES ON BOIL.
8.05PM...PASSABLE MEAL...LAMB A BIT CHEWY.
8.40PM...IN OUR CABIN...TV ON...PLEASANT ENOUGH.
9.15PM...NU GOT BAD INDEGESTION AGAIN...I WISH I COULD HELP HER...SHE'S SUCH A SPECIAL PERSON.
10.10.08...DAY 73...
9.40AM...THESE BED NEEDS HELP...THE MATTRESS AS HAD IT'S DAY.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.20AM...SHOWER...NEED A SHAVE...CAN'T BE BOTHERED.
10.50AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.45AM...WALKING INTO TOWN CENTRE.
12.15PM...THIS IS A ONE STREET TOWN.
12.50PM...MAORI CARVINGS...I THINK THE MAORI FOLK ARE WONDERFUL...ALWAYS SMILING AND HELPFUL...BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND THERE CARVINGS...THEY PROBABLY WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND MY BLOG!...I LOVE LIFE...DON'T YOU?!
2.00PM...SUPERMARKET...YOU ARE PROBABLY WONDERING WHY WE GO TO THE SUPERMARKET EVERYDAY...THE ANSWER IS WE DON'T HAVE A FRIDGE IN OUR CAR!...ANYWAY NOT TO WORRY!...TARAKIHI FISH ON SPECIAL...IF YOU COME TO NZ...TRY TARAHIKI.
2.30PM...BACK AT OUR CABIN.
3.00PM...RELAXING IN SUN...NEARLY FINISHED NEWSPAPER.
4.30PM...FISH IN OVEN...BUTTERED AND LEMONED...PEAS AND SPUD ON BOIL.
5.00PM...FISH NOT AS TASY AS BEFORE?
6.10PM...SUN GONE IN...WATCHING TV.
6.50PM...GLASS OF WINE TIME.
7.20PM...TIME FOR A SHAVE.
11.10.08...DAY 74...
8.30AM...NU WAKE'S ME WITH A CUP OF TEA AND A BIRTHDAY CARD.
8.55AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...PATE/TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA...TEXTS MESSAGES COMING IN FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE!!
10.05AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...SAYING FAREWELLS TO OWNERS OF A LOVELY HOLIDAY PARK.
10.30AM...ON THE ROAD TO NAPIER.
11.05AM...ANOTHER BENDY HILLY ROAD...I'M LUCKY TO GET OUTA THIRD GEAR!
11.50AM...BAYVIEW...ABOUT 8K FROM NAPIER...WE THINK WE MIGHT STAY HERE...WE READ IT WAS AN OK PLACE.
12.15PM...DECIDED IT WASN'T FOR US...DIDN'T LIKE THE LOOK OF THE OWNER.
12.50PM...NAPIER...AQUA LODGE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
1.30PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER/BRANSTON PICKLE SANDWICH...CAN OF LEMONADE.
2.10PM...WALKED INTO TOWN CENTRE.
2.30PM...THIS IS A SURPRISE...THIS TOWN LOOKS CLEAN!
3.15PM...NU HAPPY TAKING PHOTO'S OF ART DECO BUILDINGS.
4.30PM...PUB...BEER A BIT WATERY.
5.35PM...INDIAN RESTAURANT.
6.10PM...I ASKED FOR MEDIUM HOT...THIS IS BORDERING ON VINDALOO...NU'S IS THE SAME!
6.40PM...PAID THE BILL...MY TONGUE IS TO NUMB TO SPEAK!
7.20PM...BACK AT AQUA LODGE.
7.40PM...CUPPA TEA.
8.20PM...ANOTHER CUPPA TEA...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEE!
12.10.08...DAY 75...
10.00AM...BETTER MOVE...FEEL HUNGRY.
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.05AM...RICE CRISPIES/TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.50AM...TWO GERMAN GIRLS HAVE JOINED US.
12.30PM...BUSILY WAFFLING ABOUT OUR TRIP...FOR SOME REASON THEY SEEM INTERESTED...ALTHOUGH A LOTTA PEOPLE ARE AMAZED WE HAVE COVERED 14 COUNTRIES.
1.00PM...BOTTLES OF BEER.
2.00PM...STILL WAFFLING.
2.40PM...IT'S 20 TO 3...AND WE HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING BUT WAFFLE TODAY!
3.05PM...WALKING TO THE MARINA AND OTHER THINGS?
3.30PM...ONLY GOT AS FAR AS THE SUPERMARKET!...HAD TO MUCH BEER!
3.55PM...DEPARTING SUPERMARKET WITH COOKED ROAST CHICKEN/SALAD/COBS.
4.15PM...BACK AT LODGE.
4.35PM...HAPPILY SCOFFING CHICKEN SALAD COB.
5.10PM...READING KEN FOLLETT NOVEL...PAPER MONEY.
6.30PM...WATCHING TV...A PROG ABOUT CLEANING BRITAIN OF LITTER.
7.40PM...BACK TO MY BOOK...ANOTHER BEER...BUSY OLD DAY!
13.10.08...DAY 76...
7.30AM...WE ARE GONNA GO AND SEE THE MARINA AND THINGS THAT WE DIDN'T SEE YESTERDAY...BEFORE WE LEAVE TOWN.
7.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.10AM...SHOWER.
8.35AM...NU DOING THE PACKING...I WON'T GET IN THE WAY.
9.10AM...WEETABIX...ANOTHER CUPPA...THERES NO RICE CRISPIES LEFT...YOU ONLY GET SIX SERVINGS TO A BOX.
9.45AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.10AM...PARKED UP ON SEA FRONT...BEACH LOOKS BLACK.
10.25AM...A WORKING CLOCK IN A FLOWER BED.
10.45AM...WALKING THE MARINE...FLOWERS IN BLOOM EVERYWHERE...NU LOVES IT...I FANCY AN ICECREAM.
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR...NU HAPPY TO SEE WHAT SHE AS SEEN...I DIDN'T GET MY ICECREAM.
11.40AM...ON THE ROAD TO TAUPO.
12.40PM...STOPPED FOR EATS...WE STILL HAVE CHICKEN AND SALAD LEFT FROM YESTERDAY.
1.10PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...TUMIES CONTENT.
2.00PM...TAUPO...RAINBOW LODGE...ONLY GOT A TWIN AVAILABLE...IT'LL DO...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
3.00PM...WALKED TO INFO CENTRE...THERE ARE A FEW THINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HERE.
3.40PM...IRISH PUB...MEAL WITH A BEER[BURGER AND CHIPS OR PASTA] FOR 10 DOLLARS...ABOUT 3.80p EACH.
5.00PM...STILL IN PUB...SUN SHINING...2 FOR 1 WHISKY MIXERS...NU ON PINTS OF LAGER.
7.00PM...SUPERMARKET...BREAD/MILK/DENTAL FLOSS.
7.40PM...BACK AT LODGE.
8.15PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH...RED WINE.
8.35PM...READING BOOK...FEEL TIRED.
PHONETICALLY IN MAORI...'KATTIE PI' MEANS THANK YOU/GOOD/YOU ALRIGHT?...WELL ITS DEFINATELY ONE OF THOSE...WELL WHO CARES?!...STILL GOT MY PONYTAIL...JUST NEED A PAIR OF JESUS BOOTS AND A PAIR OF FLARES!
BYE FOR NOWZ!
7.40AM...SLEPT LIKE A LOG...THE TOUR PARTY LEFT AT 7.30AM...DIDN'T HERE A THING!?
8.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.15AM...SHOWER.
8.40AM...RICE CRISPIES/CUPPA TEA...FED THE CAT SOME MILK NAMED FREE...LOVELY CAT.
9.30AM...ALL PACKED UP.
9.40AM...ON OUR WAY.
9.55AM...SUPERMARKET...PORK/CABBAGE/CARROTS/WINE.
10.30AM...ON OUR WAY AGAIN.
11.00AM...HOT WATER BEACH...APPARENTLY HERER YOU CAN DIG A HOLE IN THE SAND AND 65%[HOT] WATER WILL EMERGE...THATS HOT...UNFORTUNATELY THE TIDE IS IN AND ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN TILL LATE AFTERNOON!...OUCH!
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR.
11.55AM...RAIN FALLING...WIND KNOCKING CAR FROM SIDE TO SIDE.
12.40PM...WHANGAMATA?...LETS DRIVE ON.
1.50PM...TAURANGA?...TO INDUSTRIAL...LETS DRIVE ON.
2.15PM...MOUNT MAUNGANUI?...LETS DRIVE ON...ITS THE PITS!
3.00PM...TE PUKE?...I AGREE...LETS DRIVE ON?
4.00PM...WHAKATANE?...YOU PRONOUCE THE WH LIKE AN F!
4.15PM...CARABOO LODGE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
5.10PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...CARROTS/CABBAGE/SPUDS ON BOIL.
5.35PM...OK MEAL...PORK A WEE BIT OVERDONE.
6.00PM...READING LOCAL NEWSPAPER...LAST FRIDAY A MOB OF 150 PEOPLE ATTACKED THE POLICE WHILE THEY WERE PATROLING IN THERE POLICE CARS.
6.45PM...SPEAKING WITH A WOMAN NAMED ROSE...SHE IS GOING TO A LECTURE ON BRICKLAYING/BUILDING THIS EVENING!...THE RAIN IS POURING/THE WIND IS HOWLING...SHE'S GONNA WALK THERE!...THERE ARE SOME STRANGE FOLK IN NZ!
8.00PM...PHONED PAULINE.
8.30PM...GLASS OF WINE/PEANUTS.
8.10.08...DAY 71...
9.40AM...THE SUN IS SHINING.
10.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.00AM...RICE CRISPIES...CUPPA TEA.
11.50AM...WALKED IN TO TOWN CENTRE.
12.15PM...WALKING TOWN CENTRE.
1.50PM...ITALIAN RESTAURANT...ALTHOUGH ITS AN ITALIAN FOOD SERVING RESTAURANT THE CHEF IS NOT ITALIAN...ITS BEST TO CHECK THESE THINGS OUT FIRST!...MEATBALLS IN PASTA SAUCE...LUNCHTIME SPECIAL...ONLY 8 DOLLARS...SOMETIMES PRICE WISE YOU HAVE TO TAKE RISKS IN LIFE!
3.00PM...PUB.
4.00PM...SEARCHING FOR DENTIST...NU IN PAIN...CRACKED A TOOTH...WAS IT THE ITALIAN PASTA?!!
4.30PM...AT DENTISTS...ON WAITING LIST.
4.55PM...NU IN DENTAL CHAIR...I TRYING TO STAY COOL...READING ABOUT FARRAH FAWCETT AND HER CANCER PROBLEM!?
5.30PM...NU APPEARS...HER SMILE AS RETURNED...THEY'VE VARNISHED IT?
6.10PM...BACK AT CARABOO LODGE.
6.40PM...STEAK AND MUSHROOMS FOR ME...NU CAN'T EAT FOR AWHILE.
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH TWO YOUNG TRAINEE DOCTORS FROM NOTTINGHAM.
8.30PM...NU OK TO EAT NOW...CHEESE/CUCUMBER COB EACH...I THINK THE GIN AND TONIC HELPED!
9.10.08...DAY 72...
9.05AM...0UCH ITS LATE.
9.15AM...SHOWER.
9.35AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.55AM...PACKING UP.
10.20PM...RICE CRISPIES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.50AM...OFF WE SET.
11.25AM...OHOPE BEACH?...ITS A BEACH!
11.50AM...DRIVING ON.
1.00PM...OPOTIKI...NEED PETROL.
1.30PM...NEXT STOP GISBOURNE.
1.55PM...GOING UP HILL AND DOWN HILL...WHY DIDN'T THEY JUST DRILL A HOLE STRAIGHT THRU THE HILLSIDE?
2.30PM...GISBOURNE...IT LOOKS DULL...COMPARED TO THIS BLOG IT PROBABLY MAGICAL!
3.00PM...MONUMENT AT THE PLACE THE SHIP 'ENDEAVOUR' LANDED.
3.20PM...MONUMENT/STATUE OF JAMES COOKE...THE CAPTAIN OF THE 'ENDEAVOUR'.
3.25PM...MONUMENT/STATUE OF 'YOUNG NICK' THE LAD WHO WAS THE FIRST TO SPOT THE ISLANDS THAT WERE TO BECOME NZ.
3.55PM...PAK'N'SAVE SUPERMARKET...BOUGHT LAMB/CARROTS/PARSNIP.
4.20PM...FORGET GISBOURNE...ITS THE PITS.
5.00PM...MORERE...A SMALL VILLAGE...SOMETHING IF NOT NOTHING.
6.10PM...WAIROA...HAD ENOUGH OF DRIVING TODAY...GOTTA BE A PLACE HERE TO STAY.
6.30PM...THE FIRST HOTEL WE STOP TO LOOKAT AS A SIGN THAT SAYS 'NO GANG MEMBERS ALLOWED ON THESE PREMISES'!
6.40PM...A WOMAN NOTICES WE LOOK A BIT BEWILDERED AND DIRECTS US TO A CAMP/CABIN SITE.
7.00PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN CABIN WITH KITCHEN...VERY PLEASANT PEOPLE/OWNERS.
7.35PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...VEGGIES ON BOIL.
8.05PM...PASSABLE MEAL...LAMB A BIT CHEWY.
8.40PM...IN OUR CABIN...TV ON...PLEASANT ENOUGH.
9.15PM...NU GOT BAD INDEGESTION AGAIN...I WISH I COULD HELP HER...SHE'S SUCH A SPECIAL PERSON.
10.10.08...DAY 73...
9.40AM...THESE BED NEEDS HELP...THE MATTRESS AS HAD IT'S DAY.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.20AM...SHOWER...NEED A SHAVE...CAN'T BE BOTHERED.
10.50AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.45AM...WALKING INTO TOWN CENTRE.
12.15PM...THIS IS A ONE STREET TOWN.
12.50PM...MAORI CARVINGS...I THINK THE MAORI FOLK ARE WONDERFUL...ALWAYS SMILING AND HELPFUL...BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND THERE CARVINGS...THEY PROBABLY WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND MY BLOG!...I LOVE LIFE...DON'T YOU?!
2.00PM...SUPERMARKET...YOU ARE PROBABLY WONDERING WHY WE GO TO THE SUPERMARKET EVERYDAY...THE ANSWER IS WE DON'T HAVE A FRIDGE IN OUR CAR!...ANYWAY NOT TO WORRY!...TARAKIHI FISH ON SPECIAL...IF YOU COME TO NZ...TRY TARAHIKI.
2.30PM...BACK AT OUR CABIN.
3.00PM...RELAXING IN SUN...NEARLY FINISHED NEWSPAPER.
4.30PM...FISH IN OVEN...BUTTERED AND LEMONED...PEAS AND SPUD ON BOIL.
5.00PM...FISH NOT AS TASY AS BEFORE?
6.10PM...SUN GONE IN...WATCHING TV.
6.50PM...GLASS OF WINE TIME.
7.20PM...TIME FOR A SHAVE.
11.10.08...DAY 74...
8.30AM...NU WAKE'S ME WITH A CUP OF TEA AND A BIRTHDAY CARD.
8.55AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...PATE/TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA...TEXTS MESSAGES COMING IN FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE!!
10.05AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...SAYING FAREWELLS TO OWNERS OF A LOVELY HOLIDAY PARK.
10.30AM...ON THE ROAD TO NAPIER.
11.05AM...ANOTHER BENDY HILLY ROAD...I'M LUCKY TO GET OUTA THIRD GEAR!
11.50AM...BAYVIEW...ABOUT 8K FROM NAPIER...WE THINK WE MIGHT STAY HERE...WE READ IT WAS AN OK PLACE.
12.15PM...DECIDED IT WASN'T FOR US...DIDN'T LIKE THE LOOK OF THE OWNER.
12.50PM...NAPIER...AQUA LODGE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
1.30PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER/BRANSTON PICKLE SANDWICH...CAN OF LEMONADE.
2.10PM...WALKED INTO TOWN CENTRE.
2.30PM...THIS IS A SURPRISE...THIS TOWN LOOKS CLEAN!
3.15PM...NU HAPPY TAKING PHOTO'S OF ART DECO BUILDINGS.
4.30PM...PUB...BEER A BIT WATERY.
5.35PM...INDIAN RESTAURANT.
6.10PM...I ASKED FOR MEDIUM HOT...THIS IS BORDERING ON VINDALOO...NU'S IS THE SAME!
6.40PM...PAID THE BILL...MY TONGUE IS TO NUMB TO SPEAK!
7.20PM...BACK AT AQUA LODGE.
7.40PM...CUPPA TEA.
8.20PM...ANOTHER CUPPA TEA...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEE!
12.10.08...DAY 75...
10.00AM...BETTER MOVE...FEEL HUNGRY.
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.05AM...RICE CRISPIES/TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.50AM...TWO GERMAN GIRLS HAVE JOINED US.
12.30PM...BUSILY WAFFLING ABOUT OUR TRIP...FOR SOME REASON THEY SEEM INTERESTED...ALTHOUGH A LOTTA PEOPLE ARE AMAZED WE HAVE COVERED 14 COUNTRIES.
1.00PM...BOTTLES OF BEER.
2.00PM...STILL WAFFLING.
2.40PM...IT'S 20 TO 3...AND WE HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING BUT WAFFLE TODAY!
3.05PM...WALKING TO THE MARINA AND OTHER THINGS?
3.30PM...ONLY GOT AS FAR AS THE SUPERMARKET!...HAD TO MUCH BEER!
3.55PM...DEPARTING SUPERMARKET WITH COOKED ROAST CHICKEN/SALAD/COBS.
4.15PM...BACK AT LODGE.
4.35PM...HAPPILY SCOFFING CHICKEN SALAD COB.
5.10PM...READING KEN FOLLETT NOVEL...PAPER MONEY.
6.30PM...WATCHING TV...A PROG ABOUT CLEANING BRITAIN OF LITTER.
7.40PM...BACK TO MY BOOK...ANOTHER BEER...BUSY OLD DAY!
13.10.08...DAY 76...
7.30AM...WE ARE GONNA GO AND SEE THE MARINA AND THINGS THAT WE DIDN'T SEE YESTERDAY...BEFORE WE LEAVE TOWN.
7.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.10AM...SHOWER.
8.35AM...NU DOING THE PACKING...I WON'T GET IN THE WAY.
9.10AM...WEETABIX...ANOTHER CUPPA...THERES NO RICE CRISPIES LEFT...YOU ONLY GET SIX SERVINGS TO A BOX.
9.45AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.10AM...PARKED UP ON SEA FRONT...BEACH LOOKS BLACK.
10.25AM...A WORKING CLOCK IN A FLOWER BED.
10.45AM...WALKING THE MARINE...FLOWERS IN BLOOM EVERYWHERE...NU LOVES IT...I FANCY AN ICECREAM.
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR...NU HAPPY TO SEE WHAT SHE AS SEEN...I DIDN'T GET MY ICECREAM.
11.40AM...ON THE ROAD TO TAUPO.
12.40PM...STOPPED FOR EATS...WE STILL HAVE CHICKEN AND SALAD LEFT FROM YESTERDAY.
1.10PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...TUMIES CONTENT.
2.00PM...TAUPO...RAINBOW LODGE...ONLY GOT A TWIN AVAILABLE...IT'LL DO...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
3.00PM...WALKED TO INFO CENTRE...THERE ARE A FEW THINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HERE.
3.40PM...IRISH PUB...MEAL WITH A BEER[BURGER AND CHIPS OR PASTA] FOR 10 DOLLARS...ABOUT 3.80p EACH.
5.00PM...STILL IN PUB...SUN SHINING...2 FOR 1 WHISKY MIXERS...NU ON PINTS OF LAGER.
7.00PM...SUPERMARKET...BREAD/MILK/DENTAL FLOSS.
7.40PM...BACK AT LODGE.
8.15PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH...RED WINE.
8.35PM...READING BOOK...FEEL TIRED.
PHONETICALLY IN MAORI...'KATTIE PI' MEANS THANK YOU/GOOD/YOU ALRIGHT?...WELL ITS DEFINATELY ONE OF THOSE...WELL WHO CARES?!...STILL GOT MY PONYTAIL...JUST NEED A PAIR OF JESUS BOOTS AND A PAIR OF FLARES!
BYE FOR NOWZ!
Thursday, 9 October 2008
nz continued...
3.10.08...DAY 66...
9.40AM...NEEDA CUPPA...MOUTH DRY.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.15AM...STILL IN BED.
10.55AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.30AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.05PM...WAKED TO TOWN CENTRE INFO CENTRE.
12.25PM...BOOKED TRAIN TRIP INTO HILLS/MOUNTAINS.
1.15PM...DROVE TO TRAIN DEPARTURE PLACE.
1.35PM...TRYING TO LOOK INTERESTED AT GIFT SHOP OFFERINGS.
1.55PM...BOARD TRAIN[BORED TRAIN!].
2.30PM...GOING UP MOUNTAIN TRACK...THE VIEWS ARE OK.
2.40PM...TRAIN STOPPED AT 'EYEFUL TOWER'?
2.50PM...BACK ON TRAIN FOR REVERSE JOURNEY... A CHAP CALLED BARRY BRICKNELL ARRIVED HERE ABOUT FIFTY YEARS AGO TO BECOME THE LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER...BUT INSTEAD BUILT THIS RAILWAY AND SURVIVED ON SELLING POTTERY...HE'S A BIT OF AN ECCENTRIC...ALSO ANY MONEY THAT THE RAILWAY EARNS GOES BACK IN TO MAINTAINING THE UPKEEP OF THE RAILWAY...HE WISHES EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT...NICE GUY...NOT MANY PEOPLE FIND THERE TRUE WANTS IN LIFE...THIS GUY AS...I APPLAUD HIM.
3.10PM...BACK AT STARTING POINT...GIFT SHOP...STILL TRYING TO LOOK INTERESTED.
3.25PM...DRIVING TO NEAREST PUB.
3.50PM...BEER/BUTTERED CHICKEN AND RICE...NOT WORTH THE PRICE.
5.00PM...BACK AT LODGE.
6.00PM...WAFFLING WITH WELSH COUPLE.
4.10.08...DAY 67...
9.00AM...MIGHT GO FOR A WALK TODAY...PROBABLY WON'T!
9.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.50AM...SHOWER
10.30AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.10AM...ENDEVOURING TO RELAX...READING NEWSPAPER.
12.35PM...WALKED INTO VILLAGE CENTRE[THEY CALL IT A TOWN...BUT ITS REALLY A VILLAGE].
1.00PM...SUPERMARKET...BOUGHT A BAG OF FROZEN PRAWNS...WE ARE ENGLISH WE ARE ALLOWED TO BUY OUR FISH FROM SUPERMARKETS!...MOST KIWI'S DANGLE A LINE AND WISH FOR THERE SUPPER.
1.40PM...PUB.
3.00PM...BACK AT LODGE.
4.30PM...PRAWNS/PESTO/PASTA...TASTED OK.
6.00PM...FILM ON KIWI TV...NED KELLY.
7.30PM...PHONED MOTHER.
8.10PM...THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THE DAY...WELL WE DID GO FOR A WALK OF SORTS!
5.10.08...DAY 68...
5.30AM...WOKE UP...NOT FEELIN TO GOOD.
5.40AM...TOILET.
6.00AM...STILL NOT FEELING WELL...LAST TIME I HAVE FROZEN PRAWNS...GONNA GET A FISHING ROD AND SEND NUALA OUT FOR SUPPER!
8.00AM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...ALTHOUGH THERES NOT A LOT TO DO HERE...ITS A PLEASANT PLACE TO BE...APRT FROM THE FROZEN PRAWNS I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.
9.00AM...BACK IN BED.
1.30PM...WOKE...FEELING WEAK...NU OK...SHE HAD PRAWNS AS WELL...LIFES SO UNFAIR!
3.00PM...SHAVE/SHOWER...ARMPITS A BIT WHIFFY!
4.00PM...WATCHING VIDEO...BORAT/KAZAKSTAN.
5.45PM...WALKED INTO VILLAGE CENTRE...HUNGRY...DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT?
6.30PM...RESTAURANT.
6.50PM...ORDERED T-BONE STEAK/SALAD/CHIPS...NU HAD RED SNAPPER FISH.
8.00PM...THAT WAS THE WORST T-BONE I HAVE HAD IN MY EXISTANCE ON THIS PLANET!
9.00PM...BACK AT LODGE.
9.15PM...TOILET...TAKEN NEWSPAPER WITH ME...MIGHT BE A LONG HAUL!
6.10.08...DAY 69...
6.00AM...NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP...NU HAD BAD INDEGESTION.
6.10AM...WATCHING CHELSEA/VILLA MATCH LIVE ON SKY TV.
6.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
7.30AM...NOT A VERY GOOD MORNING SO FAR...VILLA 2-0 DOWN.
7.50AM...SHOWER.
8.25AM...PACKING UP.
9.05AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.50AM...ON THE ROAD OUTA CORAMANDEL ON ROUTE TO WHITIANGA.
10.15AM...HERE WE GO...UP HILL...DOWN DALE...SCENERY VERY GREEN.
11.50AM...HIGH STREET,WHITIANGA...RAIN POURING...WE ARE TIRED HAVING NOT SLEPT SO WELL.
12.30PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT THE 'TURTLE COVE' LODGE.
1.40PM...WALKED INTO TOWN CENTRE...WIND HOWLING...LEAST THE RAIN AS STOPPED.
2.20PM...PUB.
2.40PM...DECIDE WE HAD BETTER HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT.
2.45PM...OUCH!...THEY STOPPED SERVING AT 2.30PM!
3.40PM...BACK AT 'TURTLE COVE' LODGE.
4.00PM...CHEESE/BRANSTON PICKLE SANDWICH...BEER.
5.00PM...WATCHING VIDEO...'ONE LAST CHANCE'...ABOUT 4 SCOTS LADS...COMEDY.
6.10PM...BAKED SPUD/CHEESE/BUTTER.
6.20PM...COACH LOAD OF 18-21 YEAR OLDS ARRIVE.
6.55PM...THE PLACE IS SWARMING...EVERYWHERE SMELLS OF SPAG BOL...PLUS I COULDN'T HEAR THE END OF THE VIDEO I WAS WATCHING!
8.00PM...CHATTING WITH SOME OF THE LADS IN THE COACH PARTY...THEY ARE NOT A BAD LOT...JUST NOISY!
ITS TOUGH AT THE BOTTOM!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
9.40AM...NEEDA CUPPA...MOUTH DRY.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.15AM...STILL IN BED.
10.55AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.30AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.05PM...WAKED TO TOWN CENTRE INFO CENTRE.
12.25PM...BOOKED TRAIN TRIP INTO HILLS/MOUNTAINS.
1.15PM...DROVE TO TRAIN DEPARTURE PLACE.
1.35PM...TRYING TO LOOK INTERESTED AT GIFT SHOP OFFERINGS.
1.55PM...BOARD TRAIN[BORED TRAIN!].
2.30PM...GOING UP MOUNTAIN TRACK...THE VIEWS ARE OK.
2.40PM...TRAIN STOPPED AT 'EYEFUL TOWER'?
2.50PM...BACK ON TRAIN FOR REVERSE JOURNEY... A CHAP CALLED BARRY BRICKNELL ARRIVED HERE ABOUT FIFTY YEARS AGO TO BECOME THE LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER...BUT INSTEAD BUILT THIS RAILWAY AND SURVIVED ON SELLING POTTERY...HE'S A BIT OF AN ECCENTRIC...ALSO ANY MONEY THAT THE RAILWAY EARNS GOES BACK IN TO MAINTAINING THE UPKEEP OF THE RAILWAY...HE WISHES EVERYONE TO KNOW THAT...NICE GUY...NOT MANY PEOPLE FIND THERE TRUE WANTS IN LIFE...THIS GUY AS...I APPLAUD HIM.
3.10PM...BACK AT STARTING POINT...GIFT SHOP...STILL TRYING TO LOOK INTERESTED.
3.25PM...DRIVING TO NEAREST PUB.
3.50PM...BEER/BUTTERED CHICKEN AND RICE...NOT WORTH THE PRICE.
5.00PM...BACK AT LODGE.
6.00PM...WAFFLING WITH WELSH COUPLE.
4.10.08...DAY 67...
9.00AM...MIGHT GO FOR A WALK TODAY...PROBABLY WON'T!
9.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.50AM...SHOWER
10.30AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.10AM...ENDEVOURING TO RELAX...READING NEWSPAPER.
12.35PM...WALKED INTO VILLAGE CENTRE[THEY CALL IT A TOWN...BUT ITS REALLY A VILLAGE].
1.00PM...SUPERMARKET...BOUGHT A BAG OF FROZEN PRAWNS...WE ARE ENGLISH WE ARE ALLOWED TO BUY OUR FISH FROM SUPERMARKETS!...MOST KIWI'S DANGLE A LINE AND WISH FOR THERE SUPPER.
1.40PM...PUB.
3.00PM...BACK AT LODGE.
4.30PM...PRAWNS/PESTO/PASTA...TASTED OK.
6.00PM...FILM ON KIWI TV...NED KELLY.
7.30PM...PHONED MOTHER.
8.10PM...THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THE DAY...WELL WE DID GO FOR A WALK OF SORTS!
5.10.08...DAY 68...
5.30AM...WOKE UP...NOT FEELIN TO GOOD.
5.40AM...TOILET.
6.00AM...STILL NOT FEELING WELL...LAST TIME I HAVE FROZEN PRAWNS...GONNA GET A FISHING ROD AND SEND NUALA OUT FOR SUPPER!
8.00AM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...ALTHOUGH THERES NOT A LOT TO DO HERE...ITS A PLEASANT PLACE TO BE...APRT FROM THE FROZEN PRAWNS I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.
9.00AM...BACK IN BED.
1.30PM...WOKE...FEELING WEAK...NU OK...SHE HAD PRAWNS AS WELL...LIFES SO UNFAIR!
3.00PM...SHAVE/SHOWER...ARMPITS A BIT WHIFFY!
4.00PM...WATCHING VIDEO...BORAT/KAZAKSTAN.
5.45PM...WALKED INTO VILLAGE CENTRE...HUNGRY...DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT?
6.30PM...RESTAURANT.
6.50PM...ORDERED T-BONE STEAK/SALAD/CHIPS...NU HAD RED SNAPPER FISH.
8.00PM...THAT WAS THE WORST T-BONE I HAVE HAD IN MY EXISTANCE ON THIS PLANET!
9.00PM...BACK AT LODGE.
9.15PM...TOILET...TAKEN NEWSPAPER WITH ME...MIGHT BE A LONG HAUL!
6.10.08...DAY 69...
6.00AM...NOT A VERY GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP...NU HAD BAD INDEGESTION.
6.10AM...WATCHING CHELSEA/VILLA MATCH LIVE ON SKY TV.
6.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
7.30AM...NOT A VERY GOOD MORNING SO FAR...VILLA 2-0 DOWN.
7.50AM...SHOWER.
8.25AM...PACKING UP.
9.05AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.50AM...ON THE ROAD OUTA CORAMANDEL ON ROUTE TO WHITIANGA.
10.15AM...HERE WE GO...UP HILL...DOWN DALE...SCENERY VERY GREEN.
11.50AM...HIGH STREET,WHITIANGA...RAIN POURING...WE ARE TIRED HAVING NOT SLEPT SO WELL.
12.30PM...BOOKED ONE NIGHT AT THE 'TURTLE COVE' LODGE.
1.40PM...WALKED INTO TOWN CENTRE...WIND HOWLING...LEAST THE RAIN AS STOPPED.
2.20PM...PUB.
2.40PM...DECIDE WE HAD BETTER HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT.
2.45PM...OUCH!...THEY STOPPED SERVING AT 2.30PM!
3.40PM...BACK AT 'TURTLE COVE' LODGE.
4.00PM...CHEESE/BRANSTON PICKLE SANDWICH...BEER.
5.00PM...WATCHING VIDEO...'ONE LAST CHANCE'...ABOUT 4 SCOTS LADS...COMEDY.
6.10PM...BAKED SPUD/CHEESE/BUTTER.
6.20PM...COACH LOAD OF 18-21 YEAR OLDS ARRIVE.
6.55PM...THE PLACE IS SWARMING...EVERYWHERE SMELLS OF SPAG BOL...PLUS I COULDN'T HEAR THE END OF THE VIDEO I WAS WATCHING!
8.00PM...CHATTING WITH SOME OF THE LADS IN THE COACH PARTY...THEY ARE NOT A BAD LOT...JUST NOISY!
ITS TOUGH AT THE BOTTOM!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
NZ CONTINUED....
1.10.08...DAY 64...
9.40AM...NO HURRY...WHY HURRY...BE HAPPY.
10.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.30AM...SHOWER/SHAVE.
11.15AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG ON TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
12.10PM...NU SEARCHING FOR HER ANXIETY PILLS.
12.20PM...NU FOUND HER ANXIETY PILLS...SHE WAS GETTING A BIT ANXIOUS!
12.23PM...IN CAR...FOOT DOWN.
12.34PM...WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVE SEEING TOUR...IT WAS MEANT TO START AT 12.3OPM...LUCKILY THEY ARE RUNNING LATE.
12.45PM...WALKING THRU DEEP DARK CAVERNS...NO SIGN OF GLOWORMS YET.
12.55PM...BIG OLD CAVE THIS ONE...STALAGNITES AND STALAGTITES...THEY CALL THIS CAVE THE CATHEDRAL...KENNY ROGERS AND THE VIENNA VOICE CHOIR HAVE PERFORMED HERE[AMONGST OTHERS]...THE ACCOUSTICS ARE GOOD...SO WE ARE TOLD...ARE EXCEPTIONAL...SHOULD I BURST INTO SONG!?
1.05PM...WALKING FURTHER INTO CAVE[CAVES]...A FEW GLOWORMS ARE GLOWING.
1.20PM...IN A BOAT/LONG CANOE...GOING THRU CAVE WATER WAY...GLOWORMS IN ABUNDANCE...LOOKS LIKE A 1980'S DISCO!...WAITOMO MEANS WATERHOLE ON MAORI...THIS CAVE WAS FOUND BY A MAN WALKING HIS DOG IN 1910...I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE NAMED THE CAVE AFTER THE DOG...TREVOR?
1.35PM...TOUR OVER...AS WE EMERGE FROM THE CAVE THE HEAVENS OPEN.
1.45PM...IN CAR ON THE WAY TO NEXT TOUR THAT STARTS AT 2.00PM.
2.05PM...RUNIAKA CAVES...NARROW DOOR WAY...NU AND I GO IN SIDEWAYS.
2.20PM...VAST INSIDE...LIGHTS BOUNCING OF STALAGTITES/STALAGNITES...WONDER IF THE BEEGEES ARE IN RESIDENCE?
2.40PM...WELL WORTH A VISIT...BUT NOT AS GOD AS GLOWORM TOUR.
3.10PM...GIFT SHOP.
3.20PM...NU BOUGHT SHOULDER BAG AND POSTCARDS.
3.50PM...PUB...GIRL[REBECCA] WE MET IN KIWIANA,SOUTH ISLE IS THERE...SMALL WORLD.
4.20PM...PLAYING POOL WITH LOCAL.
5.00PM...LOST 2-1...LIFES UNFAIR...THE CUE WAS USELESS!
5.15PM...TWISTED SHRIMPS/SALAD/CHIPS...COULD HAVE DONE WITH AFEW MORE SHRIMPS!
6.20PM...BACK AT LODGE...I'VE ENJOYED TODAY.
2.10.08...DAY 65...
8.10AM...LONG DRIVE TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...TOAST/JAM...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...I THINK THATS EVERYTHING IN THE CAR.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.25AM...SUPERMARKET/NEWSAGENTS.
11.50AM...HAMILTON...APPARENTLY THE WORST TOWN IN NZ FOR THUGGERY...GOT LOST...GOING WRONG WAY...NZ DOESN'T DO GOOD ROAD SIGNS.
12.40PM...CORAMANDEL PENISULA...56K TO GO.
2.00PM...CORAMANDEL TOWN...LOOKS INVITING.
2.30PM...BOOKED 3 NIGHTS AT ANCHOR LODGE.
3.20PM...THEY'RE STILL BUILDING THE PLACE...SO I FAIR BIT OF BANGING GOING ON...THATS PROBABLY WHY ITS ONLY FIFTY DOLLARS A NIGHT.
4.10PM...WALKED INTO TOWN CENTRE...ONLY A STONE'S THROW.
4.50PM...NEED FOOD.
5.20PM...FISH AND CHIPS...GUANARD AND LEMON.
5.40PM...WONDERFUL FISH...CHIPS?...WELL...CHIPS ARE CHIPS.
6.30PM...BACK AT LODGE...READING NEWSPAPER...GLASS OF RED WINE.
SEE YOU SOON.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
9.40AM...NO HURRY...WHY HURRY...BE HAPPY.
10.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.30AM...SHOWER/SHAVE.
11.15AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG ON TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
12.10PM...NU SEARCHING FOR HER ANXIETY PILLS.
12.20PM...NU FOUND HER ANXIETY PILLS...SHE WAS GETTING A BIT ANXIOUS!
12.23PM...IN CAR...FOOT DOWN.
12.34PM...WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVE SEEING TOUR...IT WAS MEANT TO START AT 12.3OPM...LUCKILY THEY ARE RUNNING LATE.
12.45PM...WALKING THRU DEEP DARK CAVERNS...NO SIGN OF GLOWORMS YET.
12.55PM...BIG OLD CAVE THIS ONE...STALAGNITES AND STALAGTITES...THEY CALL THIS CAVE THE CATHEDRAL...KENNY ROGERS AND THE VIENNA VOICE CHOIR HAVE PERFORMED HERE[AMONGST OTHERS]...THE ACCOUSTICS ARE GOOD...SO WE ARE TOLD...ARE EXCEPTIONAL...SHOULD I BURST INTO SONG!?
1.05PM...WALKING FURTHER INTO CAVE[CAVES]...A FEW GLOWORMS ARE GLOWING.
1.20PM...IN A BOAT/LONG CANOE...GOING THRU CAVE WATER WAY...GLOWORMS IN ABUNDANCE...LOOKS LIKE A 1980'S DISCO!...WAITOMO MEANS WATERHOLE ON MAORI...THIS CAVE WAS FOUND BY A MAN WALKING HIS DOG IN 1910...I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE NAMED THE CAVE AFTER THE DOG...TREVOR?
1.35PM...TOUR OVER...AS WE EMERGE FROM THE CAVE THE HEAVENS OPEN.
1.45PM...IN CAR ON THE WAY TO NEXT TOUR THAT STARTS AT 2.00PM.
2.05PM...RUNIAKA CAVES...NARROW DOOR WAY...NU AND I GO IN SIDEWAYS.
2.20PM...VAST INSIDE...LIGHTS BOUNCING OF STALAGTITES/STALAGNITES...WONDER IF THE BEEGEES ARE IN RESIDENCE?
2.40PM...WELL WORTH A VISIT...BUT NOT AS GOD AS GLOWORM TOUR.
3.10PM...GIFT SHOP.
3.20PM...NU BOUGHT SHOULDER BAG AND POSTCARDS.
3.50PM...PUB...GIRL[REBECCA] WE MET IN KIWIANA,SOUTH ISLE IS THERE...SMALL WORLD.
4.20PM...PLAYING POOL WITH LOCAL.
5.00PM...LOST 2-1...LIFES UNFAIR...THE CUE WAS USELESS!
5.15PM...TWISTED SHRIMPS/SALAD/CHIPS...COULD HAVE DONE WITH AFEW MORE SHRIMPS!
6.20PM...BACK AT LODGE...I'VE ENJOYED TODAY.
2.10.08...DAY 65...
8.10AM...LONG DRIVE TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...TOAST/JAM...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...I THINK THATS EVERYTHING IN THE CAR.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.25AM...SUPERMARKET/NEWSAGENTS.
11.50AM...HAMILTON...APPARENTLY THE WORST TOWN IN NZ FOR THUGGERY...GOT LOST...GOING WRONG WAY...NZ DOESN'T DO GOOD ROAD SIGNS.
12.40PM...CORAMANDEL PENISULA...56K TO GO.
2.00PM...CORAMANDEL TOWN...LOOKS INVITING.
2.30PM...BOOKED 3 NIGHTS AT ANCHOR LODGE.
3.20PM...THEY'RE STILL BUILDING THE PLACE...SO I FAIR BIT OF BANGING GOING ON...THATS PROBABLY WHY ITS ONLY FIFTY DOLLARS A NIGHT.
4.10PM...WALKED INTO TOWN CENTRE...ONLY A STONE'S THROW.
4.50PM...NEED FOOD.
5.20PM...FISH AND CHIPS...GUANARD AND LEMON.
5.40PM...WONDERFUL FISH...CHIPS?...WELL...CHIPS ARE CHIPS.
6.30PM...BACK AT LODGE...READING NEWSPAPER...GLASS OF RED WINE.
SEE YOU SOON.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
NZ CONTINUED
26.9.08...DAY 59...
7.40AM...WE GOTTA GET OUTA THIS PLACE.
8.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.20AM...SHOWER.
8.50AM...PACKING BAGS.
9.20AM...BREAD/JAM...CUPPA.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.15AM...HEADING IN DIRECTION OF NEW PLYMOUTH.
11.35AM...HAWARA...PARKED UP.
11.55AM...WALKING TOWN CENTRE.
12.40PM...MORRISONS...NAMED AFTER A FAMOUS PERSON WHO LIVED IN THE AREA...APPARENTLY ITS A 'MUST EAT AT PLACE'!
1.05PM...ORDERED PIZZA OF SORTS...BACON/TOMATO/SALAMI ETC?
1.17PM...PIZZA ARRIVES COLD!
1.19PM...PIZZA SENT BACK!
1.25PM...PIZZA RETURNS BURNT!
1.40PM...PICKING THRU HORRIBLEY TASTING PIZZA.
2.30PM...DRIVING ONWARDS TO NEW PLYMOUTH.
4.30PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS FOR PHOTO TAKING SESSIONS...FINALLY ARRIVE IN NEW PLYMOUTH.
4.50PM...SUNFLOWER LODGE...THEY DIDN'T HAVE A DOUBLE AVAILABLE...BUT THEY HAVE A SISTER LODGE THAT DOES...THE WOMAN SAYS ITS VERY NICE?
5.20PM...SISTER LODGE...WE BOOK ONE NIGHT.
5.45PM...WISH WE HADN'T BOOKED A NIGHT...THERE'S SOME STRANGE PEOPLE WALKING AROUND.
6.10PM...I ASKED THE MANAGER IF HE KNEW HOW TO WORK THE OVEN...HE DIDN'T!...HALF THE LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK IN THE PLACE...HE WAS UNCONCERNED...A WOMAN SAT NIBBLING AT A PIZZA...LOOKING STRANGELY WEARY OF ANYBODY PASSING...THERE IS ANOTHER WOMAN WALKING AND TALKING NERVOUSLY AND ENDS EVERY SENTENCE IN THE WORD 'STRANGE...THIS PLACE WAS ONCE AN OLD PEOPLES HOME THAT AS BEEN CONVERTED INTO A HOSTEL...I THINK SOME OF THE PEOPLE FORGOT TO LEAVE!
7.15PM...I FINALLY MANAGED TO WORK OUT HOT HOW THE OVEN WORKED.
7.35PM...STEAK/MUSHROOM SANDWICH/BEER.
8.10PM...WATCHING WIERD AND WONDERFUL VIDEO CALLED SHARKS VERSUS EAGLES...ITS AN APT FILM FOR THIS PLACE.
27.9.08...DAY 60...
7.55AM...WE GOTTA GET OUTA THIS PLACE!
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.25AM...EVERYTHING PACKED UP.
9.40AM...BREAD/JAM...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...OFF WE SET FOR STRATFORD...MOST OF THE ROADS ARE NAMED AFTER PEOPLE IN SHAKESPEAREN PLAYS.
11.15AM...HOILIDAY PARK...YORKSHIRE WOMAN IN CHARGE.
11.40AM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN CABIN.
12.30PM...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA.
1.20PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
2.30PM...SUPERMARKET.
3.25PM...PUB.
4.50PM...CHINESE?...IT IS THE WORST CHINESE I HAVE EVER TASTED!
6.00PM...IN OUR CABIN...THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER!
7.00PM...LISTENING TO MY IPOD THINGY.
28.9.08...DAY 61...
10.00AM...ARE THINGS GONNA GET BETTER...NZ FOLK ARE A FUNNY LOT...I COULD NEVER LIVE HERE!
10.20AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.45AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.35AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/SCRAMBLED EGG...ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.15PM...WE ARE OFF TO SEE A MUSEUM?
12.40PM...NORMANBY...A SMALL VILLAGE ABOUT 20K OUTSIDE STRATFORD.
1.00PM...THE 'TAWHITI' MUSEUM...10 DOLLAR ENTRANCE FEE.
2.30PM...THIS IS A HERITAGE MUSEUM...MODELS OF PEOPLE FROM TWO INCHES HIGH TO A NORMAL SIZE PERSON...VERY DETAILED...VERY INTRICATE...THEY ARE IN SCENES DEPICTING LIVE AS IT WAS MANY YEARS AGO WHEN THE MAORI WERE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LAND AGAINST THE BRITISH...ITS VERY WELL TOLD THRU THE EYES OF A CHAP CALLED KIMBLE BENT...ITS WOTHWHILE TAKING A LOOK AND 10 DOLLARS IS WELL SPENT...PROBABLY THE BEST PLACE I HAVE BEEN ON THE NORTH ISLE.
4.15PM...A WELL SPENT AFTERNOON...IF YOU COME TO NZ...NOT TO BE MISSED.
5.00PM...PUB.
6.00PM...TIME TO EAT...PORK/CABBAGE/CARROT/SPUD.
7.00PM...WATCHING KIWI TV.
9.45PM...STILL WATCHING TV...WHEN A CHAP[MORON]...SAYS ITS TIME TO CLOSE THE TV ROOM...SO WE DID NOT GET TO SEE THE END OF A DRAMA CALLED 'TORN'.
9.50PM...IN CABIN...IRATE!...THERE IS DEFINATELY SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT THE KIWI'S!
29.9.08...DAY 62...
8.00AM...STILL IRATE ABOUT MISSING LAST 15 MINS OF DRAMA!
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...PACKING BAGS.
9.40AM...TOAST/PATE...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.05AM...EVERTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...HEADING FOR HORARA[INFO CENTRE].
10.50AM...HORARA...INFO CENTRE/INTERNET.
11.35AM...HEADING BACK TO STRATFORD.
12.40PM...WAITING FOR MINI LOOKING BIG BEN CLOCK TO CHIME AT 1.00PM.
1.01PM...CLOCK CHIMING.
1.03PM...FIGURES OF ROMEO AND JULIET POP OUT QUOTING SHAKESPEARE...VERY AMUSING?
1.08PM...ITS ALL OVER...WAS IT WORTH IT?...NU WAS HAPPY SNAPPING.
1.25PM...IN CAR...ON THE ROAD BACK TO NEW PLYMOUTH...THATS WHERE THE NUTTY PEOPLE HOSTEL WAS.
2.40PM...SHOESTRING BACKPACKERS...BOOK DOUBLE ROOM FOR ONE NIGHT.
3.00PM...WALKING TO 'PUKE IRIKI' MUSEUM...WEATHER WELL WINDY.
3.20PM...I'M BORED...ANOTHER BORING MUSEUM...FULL OF STUFFED ANIMALS FROM LONG AGO.
4.35PM...THANK GOD THATS OVER...HEADING BACK TO BACKPACKERS.
5.30PM...FRYING STEAK/MUSHROOMS...SPUDS IN OVEN.
6.40PM...CHATTING WITH SOME KIWI CHAPS...INTERESTING BUNCH...THEY THOUGHT I WAS OZ...BECAUSE OF MY BOOTS AND HAIR!
7.45PM...WITH NU IN ROOM...BOTTLE OF WINE x 2...TALKING SILLY THOUGHTS...WE GONNA WRITE A BOOK TOGETHER...WELL WE WANT TOO!.
30.9.08...DAY 63...
7.40AM...HAD CRAMP IN THE NIGHT...RIGHT LEG...DIDN'T SLEEP WELL.
8.05AM...BIT DRY...PINEAPPLE JUICE.
8.30AM...SHOWER.
8.55AM...DIDN'T BRING A LOT IN FROM THE CAR...SEEMS TO HAVE SPREAD IT SELF AROUND MIND.
9.30AM...KITCHEN...TWO CUPS OF TEA...I DIDN'T FEEL HUNGRY...NU HAD PATE AND TOAST.
10.10AM...SUPERMARKET...MINCE/CABBAGE/CARROT/EGGS/ENERGY DRINK/BEER/WINE...JACOBS CREEK ON OFFER!/COOKED ROAST BEEF.
10.50AM...BACK IN CAR.
11.15AM...HEADING OUT NEW PLYMOUTH.
11.40AM...NZ DRIVERS ARE CRAZY...OVERTAKING ON BENDS.
12.15PM...STOPPED AT PICNIC SITE.
12.25PM...ROAST BEEF/COLEMANS MUSTARD SANDWICH.
1.00PM...ON WE DRIVE.
2.00PM...WAITOMA CAVES...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS AT LOCAL LODGE.
3.10PM...BOOKED CAVE TOUR TRIP FOR TOMORROW.
3.40PM...BACK AT LODGE...SUN SHINING...BUT I'M COLD.
3.50PM...NU DOING MORE LAUNDRY.
4.25PM...WASHING ON LINE.
5.05PM...PUB...I'M HUNGRY.
5.45PM...DECIDED TO COME BACK TO LODGE AND COOK OUR MINCE/CABBAGE ETC.
6.20PM...HAPPILY!COOKING...NU READING.
7.05PM...A WONDERFUL MEAL.
7.25PM...I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THEY ARE A FUNNY BUCH THAT ARE STOPPING HERE...I WON'T SAY TO MUCH...I DON'T WANNA BORE YOU!
FUNNY PEOPLE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
7.40AM...WE GOTTA GET OUTA THIS PLACE.
8.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.20AM...SHOWER.
8.50AM...PACKING BAGS.
9.20AM...BREAD/JAM...CUPPA.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.15AM...HEADING IN DIRECTION OF NEW PLYMOUTH.
11.35AM...HAWARA...PARKED UP.
11.55AM...WALKING TOWN CENTRE.
12.40PM...MORRISONS...NAMED AFTER A FAMOUS PERSON WHO LIVED IN THE AREA...APPARENTLY ITS A 'MUST EAT AT PLACE'!
1.05PM...ORDERED PIZZA OF SORTS...BACON/TOMATO/SALAMI ETC?
1.17PM...PIZZA ARRIVES COLD!
1.19PM...PIZZA SENT BACK!
1.25PM...PIZZA RETURNS BURNT!
1.40PM...PICKING THRU HORRIBLEY TASTING PIZZA.
2.30PM...DRIVING ONWARDS TO NEW PLYMOUTH.
4.30PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS FOR PHOTO TAKING SESSIONS...FINALLY ARRIVE IN NEW PLYMOUTH.
4.50PM...SUNFLOWER LODGE...THEY DIDN'T HAVE A DOUBLE AVAILABLE...BUT THEY HAVE A SISTER LODGE THAT DOES...THE WOMAN SAYS ITS VERY NICE?
5.20PM...SISTER LODGE...WE BOOK ONE NIGHT.
5.45PM...WISH WE HADN'T BOOKED A NIGHT...THERE'S SOME STRANGE PEOPLE WALKING AROUND.
6.10PM...I ASKED THE MANAGER IF HE KNEW HOW TO WORK THE OVEN...HE DIDN'T!...HALF THE LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK IN THE PLACE...HE WAS UNCONCERNED...A WOMAN SAT NIBBLING AT A PIZZA...LOOKING STRANGELY WEARY OF ANYBODY PASSING...THERE IS ANOTHER WOMAN WALKING AND TALKING NERVOUSLY AND ENDS EVERY SENTENCE IN THE WORD 'STRANGE...THIS PLACE WAS ONCE AN OLD PEOPLES HOME THAT AS BEEN CONVERTED INTO A HOSTEL...I THINK SOME OF THE PEOPLE FORGOT TO LEAVE!
7.15PM...I FINALLY MANAGED TO WORK OUT HOT HOW THE OVEN WORKED.
7.35PM...STEAK/MUSHROOM SANDWICH/BEER.
8.10PM...WATCHING WIERD AND WONDERFUL VIDEO CALLED SHARKS VERSUS EAGLES...ITS AN APT FILM FOR THIS PLACE.
27.9.08...DAY 60...
7.55AM...WE GOTTA GET OUTA THIS PLACE!
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.25AM...EVERYTHING PACKED UP.
9.40AM...BREAD/JAM...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...OFF WE SET FOR STRATFORD...MOST OF THE ROADS ARE NAMED AFTER PEOPLE IN SHAKESPEAREN PLAYS.
11.15AM...HOILIDAY PARK...YORKSHIRE WOMAN IN CHARGE.
11.40AM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN CABIN.
12.30PM...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA.
1.20PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
2.30PM...SUPERMARKET.
3.25PM...PUB.
4.50PM...CHINESE?...IT IS THE WORST CHINESE I HAVE EVER TASTED!
6.00PM...IN OUR CABIN...THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER!
7.00PM...LISTENING TO MY IPOD THINGY.
28.9.08...DAY 61...
10.00AM...ARE THINGS GONNA GET BETTER...NZ FOLK ARE A FUNNY LOT...I COULD NEVER LIVE HERE!
10.20AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.45AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.35AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/SCRAMBLED EGG...ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.15PM...WE ARE OFF TO SEE A MUSEUM?
12.40PM...NORMANBY...A SMALL VILLAGE ABOUT 20K OUTSIDE STRATFORD.
1.00PM...THE 'TAWHITI' MUSEUM...10 DOLLAR ENTRANCE FEE.
2.30PM...THIS IS A HERITAGE MUSEUM...MODELS OF PEOPLE FROM TWO INCHES HIGH TO A NORMAL SIZE PERSON...VERY DETAILED...VERY INTRICATE...THEY ARE IN SCENES DEPICTING LIVE AS IT WAS MANY YEARS AGO WHEN THE MAORI WERE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LAND AGAINST THE BRITISH...ITS VERY WELL TOLD THRU THE EYES OF A CHAP CALLED KIMBLE BENT...ITS WOTHWHILE TAKING A LOOK AND 10 DOLLARS IS WELL SPENT...PROBABLY THE BEST PLACE I HAVE BEEN ON THE NORTH ISLE.
4.15PM...A WELL SPENT AFTERNOON...IF YOU COME TO NZ...NOT TO BE MISSED.
5.00PM...PUB.
6.00PM...TIME TO EAT...PORK/CABBAGE/CARROT/SPUD.
7.00PM...WATCHING KIWI TV.
9.45PM...STILL WATCHING TV...WHEN A CHAP[MORON]...SAYS ITS TIME TO CLOSE THE TV ROOM...SO WE DID NOT GET TO SEE THE END OF A DRAMA CALLED 'TORN'.
9.50PM...IN CABIN...IRATE!...THERE IS DEFINATELY SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT THE KIWI'S!
29.9.08...DAY 62...
8.00AM...STILL IRATE ABOUT MISSING LAST 15 MINS OF DRAMA!
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...PACKING BAGS.
9.40AM...TOAST/PATE...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.05AM...EVERTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...HEADING FOR HORARA[INFO CENTRE].
10.50AM...HORARA...INFO CENTRE/INTERNET.
11.35AM...HEADING BACK TO STRATFORD.
12.40PM...WAITING FOR MINI LOOKING BIG BEN CLOCK TO CHIME AT 1.00PM.
1.01PM...CLOCK CHIMING.
1.03PM...FIGURES OF ROMEO AND JULIET POP OUT QUOTING SHAKESPEARE...VERY AMUSING?
1.08PM...ITS ALL OVER...WAS IT WORTH IT?...NU WAS HAPPY SNAPPING.
1.25PM...IN CAR...ON THE ROAD BACK TO NEW PLYMOUTH...THATS WHERE THE NUTTY PEOPLE HOSTEL WAS.
2.40PM...SHOESTRING BACKPACKERS...BOOK DOUBLE ROOM FOR ONE NIGHT.
3.00PM...WALKING TO 'PUKE IRIKI' MUSEUM...WEATHER WELL WINDY.
3.20PM...I'M BORED...ANOTHER BORING MUSEUM...FULL OF STUFFED ANIMALS FROM LONG AGO.
4.35PM...THANK GOD THATS OVER...HEADING BACK TO BACKPACKERS.
5.30PM...FRYING STEAK/MUSHROOMS...SPUDS IN OVEN.
6.40PM...CHATTING WITH SOME KIWI CHAPS...INTERESTING BUNCH...THEY THOUGHT I WAS OZ...BECAUSE OF MY BOOTS AND HAIR!
7.45PM...WITH NU IN ROOM...BOTTLE OF WINE x 2...TALKING SILLY THOUGHTS...WE GONNA WRITE A BOOK TOGETHER...WELL WE WANT TOO!.
30.9.08...DAY 63...
7.40AM...HAD CRAMP IN THE NIGHT...RIGHT LEG...DIDN'T SLEEP WELL.
8.05AM...BIT DRY...PINEAPPLE JUICE.
8.30AM...SHOWER.
8.55AM...DIDN'T BRING A LOT IN FROM THE CAR...SEEMS TO HAVE SPREAD IT SELF AROUND MIND.
9.30AM...KITCHEN...TWO CUPS OF TEA...I DIDN'T FEEL HUNGRY...NU HAD PATE AND TOAST.
10.10AM...SUPERMARKET...MINCE/CABBAGE/CARROT/EGGS/ENERGY DRINK/BEER/WINE...JACOBS CREEK ON OFFER!/COOKED ROAST BEEF.
10.50AM...BACK IN CAR.
11.15AM...HEADING OUT NEW PLYMOUTH.
11.40AM...NZ DRIVERS ARE CRAZY...OVERTAKING ON BENDS.
12.15PM...STOPPED AT PICNIC SITE.
12.25PM...ROAST BEEF/COLEMANS MUSTARD SANDWICH.
1.00PM...ON WE DRIVE.
2.00PM...WAITOMA CAVES...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS AT LOCAL LODGE.
3.10PM...BOOKED CAVE TOUR TRIP FOR TOMORROW.
3.40PM...BACK AT LODGE...SUN SHINING...BUT I'M COLD.
3.50PM...NU DOING MORE LAUNDRY.
4.25PM...WASHING ON LINE.
5.05PM...PUB...I'M HUNGRY.
5.45PM...DECIDED TO COME BACK TO LODGE AND COOK OUR MINCE/CABBAGE ETC.
6.20PM...HAPPILY!COOKING...NU READING.
7.05PM...A WONDERFUL MEAL.
7.25PM...I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THEY ARE A FUNNY BUCH THAT ARE STOPPING HERE...I WON'T SAY TO MUCH...I DON'T WANNA BORE YOU!
FUNNY PEOPLE.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
NZ CONTINUED...
19.9.08...DAY 52...
9.20AM...NO HURRY TODAY...LITERALLY ZILCH TO DO...WE ARE ON OUR WAY BACK DOWN TO PICTON...WE HAVE A FEW DAYS TO KILL.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...ONE FOR MY LOVELY.
10.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.15AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
12.30PM...BACK IN OUR ROOM.
1.05PM...DISCUSSING OUR NEXT DESTINATION...THE NORTH ISLAND...NOT BEING FUNNY[THOUGH I DO TRY]...IT ALL SEEMS THE SAME...WE'VE GOT FIVE WEEKS THERE...TO KILL?
2.30PM...WATCHING VIDEO...BLIND DATE STARRING BRUCE WILLIS.
4.00PM...VIDEO FINISHED...MEDIOCRE.
5.00PM...HUNGER KICKS IN.
5.20PM...FRYING MINCE/ONION...SPUD/CABBAGE/CARROT ON BOIL
6.00PM...THIS IS ONE OF THE CHEAPEST MEALS WE DO...AND ITS WELL TASTY!
7.20PM...WATCHING RUBBISH KIWI TV.
8.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...WHISKEY IN HAND.
9.15PM...NU WANTS TO GO ON THE WHALE TOUR AGAIN TOMORROW...SO WE'VE GOT TO BE UP EARLY...GOES AT 10.30AM...OUCH.
20.9.08...DAY 53...
8.00AM...UP I GET.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...TOGS ON.
9.00AM...NU AS WEETABIX...I DON'T FEEL HUNGRY.
9.40AM...WALKING TO WHALE TOUR OFFICE.
10.10AM...NU NOT HAPPY...THE TOUR IS PACKED...THERE IS A PLACE FOR HER...BUT TO MANY PEOPLE...TO MANY FORIEGNERS.
10.40AM...AFTER A LONG THOUGHT...NU DECIDES NOT TO GO.
11.00AM...WALKING BEACH?...I WOULDN'T CALL IT A BEACH...ITS GREY PEBBLED.
12.10PM...BACK AT THE ADELPHI.
12.50PM...TIME FOR A LATE,LATE SHOWER.
1.20PM...WALKING TO PUB...WET HAIR DRYING IN THE WIND.
1.50PM...PUB...FEEL HUNGRY...DIDN'T HAVE BREAKFAST.
2.00PM...ORDERED PORTERHOUSE STEAK/CHIPS/SALAD...NU'S HAVING GAMMON.
3.00PM...WELL FED...WELL COOKED.
5.00PM...WALKING BACK TO THE ADELPHI.
6.00PM...ANOTHER VIDEO[YAWN]...THE DEVILS OWN...ABOUT THE IRA.
7.40PM...VIDEO OVER...ANOTHER MEDIOCRE.
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...THE LIGHTS POOR...STRUGGERLING.
8.30PM...MORE RUBBISH KIWI TV...JAPANESE GAMESHOW!
11.00PM...TRYING TO SLEEP...KIDS RUNNING RIOT IN HALLWAY.
21.9.08...DAY 54...
7.50AM...I HARDLY SLEPT...KIDS/NOISE/MUSIC...TILL ABOUT 3.00AM.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.55AM...PACKING...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.20AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...HAPPILY LEAVING...NEXT STOP PICTON.
12.20PM...THE 'VILLA HOTEL' PICTON...BOOKED IN.
12.40PM...EVERYTHING OUTA CAR.
1.15PM...RETURNED RENTAL VEHICLE...NU WORRIED ABOUT CHIP ON WINDSCREEN...DON'T SAY ANYTHING!
2.10PM...SPUDS IN OVEN.
2.30PM...TRYING TO CONDENSE ALL OUR'BITS' INTO FOUR BAGS FOR FERRY TRIP TOMORROW.
3.05PM...WONDEFUL BUTTERED BAKED SPUDS.
4.00PM...BAGS STRAINED TO THE LIMIT...BUT I THINK WE HAVE SUCCEEDED...THROWN A FEW THINGS.
4.20PM...BEER.
5.25PM...DECIDED WE NEED FOOD.
6.00PM...IRISH BAR...SEAMUS....WELLINGTON STREET.
6.15PM...ORDERED T-BONE/CHIPS/SALAD x 2.
7.00PM...I HAVE JUST HAD A WONDERFUL MEAL...I RECCOMMEND THIS PLACE.
8.00PM...BACK AT OUR ACCOMADATION.
8.10PM...KIWI TV...GAMESHOW...MAD PEOPLE DOING MAD THINGS...SOMEHOW I CAN RELATE TO THEM!
22.9.08...DAY 55...
6.00AM...ALARM...I DON'T FEEL I'VE SLEPT MUCH.
6.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
6.40AM...SHOWER.
7.05AM...ANOTHER CUPPA...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY.
7.50AM...ALL PACKED UP.
8.05AM...WALKING TO FERRY PORT...ARMS STRAINING.
8.30AM...CHECKING IN...ITS LIKE AN AIRPORT...THEY TAKE THE BAGS OF YOU TO PUT IN THE HOLD.
9.20AM...BOARDING SHIP.
9.40AM...CUPPA COFFEE...HOT DOG!?
9.55AM...GOODBYE SOUTH ISLAND.
10.20AM...TIME TO SLEEP.
12.10PM...WOKE UP...NEED LOO.
12.25PM...ANOTHER CUPPA COFFEE.
1.00PM...SHIP DOCKING AT WELLINGTON,NORTH ISLAND.
1.30PM...COLLECTED BAGS FROM CAROUSEL.
1.40PM...PHONED 'ACE?CAR RENTAL.
2.05PM...ACE?CAR RENTAL PICK US UP...THEY'RE A BIT SLOW IF YOU ASK ME!
3.10PM...AT LAST WE ARE SORTED WITH A NEW RENTAL CAR...TO BE HONEST 'ACE RENTAL CARS'ARE A SHAMBLES.
3.20PM...SEARCHING FOR ACCOMADATION WITH CARPARKING FACILITIES...NOT EASY!
3.45PM...ROBYNS LODGE...DON'T BOTHER...WHAT A DIVE...ACTUALLY MY FIRST THOUGHTS OF WELLINGTON WERE THE SAME.
4.00PM...'MAPLE GROVE HOSTEL'...NO ONE HOME...THATS A GODSEND...LETS GET OUTA TOWN!
4.20PM...HEADING OUTA THE CITY TO A SMALL PLACE CALLED 'MANA'...ITS RUSH HOUR...ROADS PACKED...POLICE CARS ZOOMING EVERYWHERE...THE ROAD WE WANT IS CORDONED OFF...MUST'VE BEEN AN ACCIDENT...THE WAY KIWI'S DRIVE...NO SURPRISE!
5.15PM...STILLWATER LODGE,MANA...WITH ROCKY THE DOG.
5.25PM...BOOK TWO NIGHTS...THERES A TRAIN STATIN NEARBY...15mins TO WELLINGTON CITY CENTRE.
6.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE...CUPPA TEA x 2.
7.10PM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.30PM...HEAD ON PILLOW.
23.9.08...DAY 56...
9.15AM...TIME TO...WELL...TIME TO GET UP I GUESS.
9.30AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.05AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.20AM...WALKING TO TRAIN STATION...WELL WINDY.
11.35AM...TRAIN WAS MEANT TO BE HERE AT 11.32AM...ITS OBVIOUSLY TRUE...NZ IS LIKE ENGLAND!
11.41AM...ON TRAIN.
12.10PM...WELLINGTON CENTRAL STATION.
12.15PM...WALKING TO CABLE CAR.
12.30PM...ON CABLE CAR TO BOTANICAL GARDEN WALK AND CARTER OBSEVATORY.
12.50PM...CARTER OBSERVATORY CLOSED!...WHY DIDN'T THEY TELL US THAT!?
1.10PM...WALKING BOTANICAL GARDENS...TULIPS AND OTHER FLOWERS EVERYWHERE...ABUNDANCE OF TREE'S...LARGE AND NOT SO TALL...TALL AND NOT SO LARGE?
1.55PM...WALKING 'TINAKORI SREET'...THIS IS WHERE THE PRIME MINISTER...HELEN CLARKE RESIDES...SURPRISELY ITS A RATHER SHABBY STREET.
2.20PM..'THE ROSE GARDENS'...BUT THERES NO ROSES...THEY HAVEN'T BLOOMED YET!
3.05PM...'KATHERINE MANSFIELD' HOUSE...ONE OF NZ MOST FAMOUS WRITERS...SHE HAD AN INTERESTING 34 YEARS ON THIS PLANET.
4.30PM...WALKING BACK TO THE TRAIN STATION VIA THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
5.05PM...ON TRAIN.
5.30PM...BACK IN MANA...WHER WE ARE STAYING.
5.40PM...SUPERMARKET...LIVER/ONOINS TONIGHT.
6.40PM...LIVER/ONION/CARROTS/CAULI/MASHED SPUD...AWESOME.
7.10PM...GIN AND TONIC/ORANGE?
24.9.08...DAY 57...
8.30AM...GIVE ME STRENGTH...CAN'T I STAY IN BED TODAY?
9.00AM...NEED MY CUP OF TEA TO SHAKE ME INTO LIFE.
9.20AM...SHOWER.
10.00AM...BACON/MUSHROOM SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.40AM...WALKING TO TRAIN STATION...SUN SHINING...WIND HOWLING.
11.10AM...ON TRAIN...WELLINGTON CITY...HERE WE COME...AGAIN!
11.50AM...WALKING DOCKSIDE TO 'TAPAPA' MUSEUM...NZ NATIONAL MUSEUM.
2.10PM...I'VE SEEN TO MANY MUSEUMS ON THIS TRIP...EVOLUTION/ANIMALS STUFFED/ANIMAL SKELETONS/BIRDS STUFFED/BIRD SKELETONS/INSECTS PINNED TO BOARDS/ODD SHAPED FISH/LOADS OF DIGITAL STUFF/LOADS OF WHATEVER...I THINK I'VE/WE'VE BEEN TRAVELLING TO LONG TO APPRECIATE ANYTHING!
2.30PM...'MACS BREWERY'...SIX BEERS TO TASTE...WHY?...I KNOW I WON'T LIKE THEM...THEY'RE NOT BRITISH!
3.00PM...FISH AND CHIPS WITH COLESLAW SALAD...WAREHOU IS THE FISH...OK/UNSURE...SALAD AND CHIPS OK.
4.15PM...WALKING CITY CENTRE...NU NEEDS PHARMACY.
5.20PM...BACK ON TRAIN.
6.00PM...BACK AT OUR ABODE.
7.00PM...CHEESE/ONION SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
25.9.08...DAY 58...
8.00AM...THAT TIME AGAIN!
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.45AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BAGS PACKED.
9.50AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATOS ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.15AM...PHONED WILLIAM.
10.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...SUN SHINING.
10.55AM...ON ROUTE TO WANGANUI.
11.50AM...FOXTO TOWN...THERES A WINDMILL TO SEE...OK ITS A WINDMILL?
12.25PM...TIME TO DRIVE ON.
1.10PM...BULL TOWN...NU NEEDS A BEER...THIS TOWN FINDS IT AMUSING TO HAVE SIGNS EVERYWHER LIKE...SOCIALI'BULL'...BEAUTI'BULL'...INCREDI'BULL!ETC...WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT!
2.15PM...DRIVING ON.
3.00PM...WANGANUI...TAMARA LODGE...BOOKED ONE NIGHT...DIDN'T LIKE THE OWNER...PRATT WITH PRATTLE...NICE DOG CALLED SPUD.
4.10PM...LAMB/CARROTS/PEA'S/SPUD.
4.30PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
5.05PM...RELAXING IN OUR EN-SUITE ROOM.
6.00PM...READING...BEER IN HAND.
7.00PM...ANOTHER FULFILLING DAY?
9.20PM...GOODNIGHT.
TIRED.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
9.20AM...NO HURRY TODAY...LITERALLY ZILCH TO DO...WE ARE ON OUR WAY BACK DOWN TO PICTON...WE HAVE A FEW DAYS TO KILL.
9.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...ONE FOR MY LOVELY.
10.30AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.15AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
12.30PM...BACK IN OUR ROOM.
1.05PM...DISCUSSING OUR NEXT DESTINATION...THE NORTH ISLAND...NOT BEING FUNNY[THOUGH I DO TRY]...IT ALL SEEMS THE SAME...WE'VE GOT FIVE WEEKS THERE...TO KILL?
2.30PM...WATCHING VIDEO...BLIND DATE STARRING BRUCE WILLIS.
4.00PM...VIDEO FINISHED...MEDIOCRE.
5.00PM...HUNGER KICKS IN.
5.20PM...FRYING MINCE/ONION...SPUD/CABBAGE/CARROT ON BOIL
6.00PM...THIS IS ONE OF THE CHEAPEST MEALS WE DO...AND ITS WELL TASTY!
7.20PM...WATCHING RUBBISH KIWI TV.
8.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...WHISKEY IN HAND.
9.15PM...NU WANTS TO GO ON THE WHALE TOUR AGAIN TOMORROW...SO WE'VE GOT TO BE UP EARLY...GOES AT 10.30AM...OUCH.
20.9.08...DAY 53...
8.00AM...UP I GET.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...TOGS ON.
9.00AM...NU AS WEETABIX...I DON'T FEEL HUNGRY.
9.40AM...WALKING TO WHALE TOUR OFFICE.
10.10AM...NU NOT HAPPY...THE TOUR IS PACKED...THERE IS A PLACE FOR HER...BUT TO MANY PEOPLE...TO MANY FORIEGNERS.
10.40AM...AFTER A LONG THOUGHT...NU DECIDES NOT TO GO.
11.00AM...WALKING BEACH?...I WOULDN'T CALL IT A BEACH...ITS GREY PEBBLED.
12.10PM...BACK AT THE ADELPHI.
12.50PM...TIME FOR A LATE,LATE SHOWER.
1.20PM...WALKING TO PUB...WET HAIR DRYING IN THE WIND.
1.50PM...PUB...FEEL HUNGRY...DIDN'T HAVE BREAKFAST.
2.00PM...ORDERED PORTERHOUSE STEAK/CHIPS/SALAD...NU'S HAVING GAMMON.
3.00PM...WELL FED...WELL COOKED.
5.00PM...WALKING BACK TO THE ADELPHI.
6.00PM...ANOTHER VIDEO[YAWN]...THE DEVILS OWN...ABOUT THE IRA.
7.40PM...VIDEO OVER...ANOTHER MEDIOCRE.
8.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER...THE LIGHTS POOR...STRUGGERLING.
8.30PM...MORE RUBBISH KIWI TV...JAPANESE GAMESHOW!
11.00PM...TRYING TO SLEEP...KIDS RUNNING RIOT IN HALLWAY.
21.9.08...DAY 54...
7.50AM...I HARDLY SLEPT...KIDS/NOISE/MUSIC...TILL ABOUT 3.00AM.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.55AM...PACKING...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.20AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...HAPPILY LEAVING...NEXT STOP PICTON.
12.20PM...THE 'VILLA HOTEL' PICTON...BOOKED IN.
12.40PM...EVERYTHING OUTA CAR.
1.15PM...RETURNED RENTAL VEHICLE...NU WORRIED ABOUT CHIP ON WINDSCREEN...DON'T SAY ANYTHING!
2.10PM...SPUDS IN OVEN.
2.30PM...TRYING TO CONDENSE ALL OUR'BITS' INTO FOUR BAGS FOR FERRY TRIP TOMORROW.
3.05PM...WONDEFUL BUTTERED BAKED SPUDS.
4.00PM...BAGS STRAINED TO THE LIMIT...BUT I THINK WE HAVE SUCCEEDED...THROWN A FEW THINGS.
4.20PM...BEER.
5.25PM...DECIDED WE NEED FOOD.
6.00PM...IRISH BAR...SEAMUS....WELLINGTON STREET.
6.15PM...ORDERED T-BONE/CHIPS/SALAD x 2.
7.00PM...I HAVE JUST HAD A WONDERFUL MEAL...I RECCOMMEND THIS PLACE.
8.00PM...BACK AT OUR ACCOMADATION.
8.10PM...KIWI TV...GAMESHOW...MAD PEOPLE DOING MAD THINGS...SOMEHOW I CAN RELATE TO THEM!
22.9.08...DAY 55...
6.00AM...ALARM...I DON'T FEEL I'VE SLEPT MUCH.
6.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
6.40AM...SHOWER.
7.05AM...ANOTHER CUPPA...DON'T FEEL HUNGRY.
7.50AM...ALL PACKED UP.
8.05AM...WALKING TO FERRY PORT...ARMS STRAINING.
8.30AM...CHECKING IN...ITS LIKE AN AIRPORT...THEY TAKE THE BAGS OF YOU TO PUT IN THE HOLD.
9.20AM...BOARDING SHIP.
9.40AM...CUPPA COFFEE...HOT DOG!?
9.55AM...GOODBYE SOUTH ISLAND.
10.20AM...TIME TO SLEEP.
12.10PM...WOKE UP...NEED LOO.
12.25PM...ANOTHER CUPPA COFFEE.
1.00PM...SHIP DOCKING AT WELLINGTON,NORTH ISLAND.
1.30PM...COLLECTED BAGS FROM CAROUSEL.
1.40PM...PHONED 'ACE?CAR RENTAL.
2.05PM...ACE?CAR RENTAL PICK US UP...THEY'RE A BIT SLOW IF YOU ASK ME!
3.10PM...AT LAST WE ARE SORTED WITH A NEW RENTAL CAR...TO BE HONEST 'ACE RENTAL CARS'ARE A SHAMBLES.
3.20PM...SEARCHING FOR ACCOMADATION WITH CARPARKING FACILITIES...NOT EASY!
3.45PM...ROBYNS LODGE...DON'T BOTHER...WHAT A DIVE...ACTUALLY MY FIRST THOUGHTS OF WELLINGTON WERE THE SAME.
4.00PM...'MAPLE GROVE HOSTEL'...NO ONE HOME...THATS A GODSEND...LETS GET OUTA TOWN!
4.20PM...HEADING OUTA THE CITY TO A SMALL PLACE CALLED 'MANA'...ITS RUSH HOUR...ROADS PACKED...POLICE CARS ZOOMING EVERYWHERE...THE ROAD WE WANT IS CORDONED OFF...MUST'VE BEEN AN ACCIDENT...THE WAY KIWI'S DRIVE...NO SURPRISE!
5.15PM...STILLWATER LODGE,MANA...WITH ROCKY THE DOG.
5.25PM...BOOK TWO NIGHTS...THERES A TRAIN STATIN NEARBY...15mins TO WELLINGTON CITY CENTRE.
6.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE...CUPPA TEA x 2.
7.10PM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.30PM...HEAD ON PILLOW.
23.9.08...DAY 56...
9.15AM...TIME TO...WELL...TIME TO GET UP I GUESS.
9.30AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.05AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...BACON/EGG SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
11.20AM...WALKING TO TRAIN STATION...WELL WINDY.
11.35AM...TRAIN WAS MEANT TO BE HERE AT 11.32AM...ITS OBVIOUSLY TRUE...NZ IS LIKE ENGLAND!
11.41AM...ON TRAIN.
12.10PM...WELLINGTON CENTRAL STATION.
12.15PM...WALKING TO CABLE CAR.
12.30PM...ON CABLE CAR TO BOTANICAL GARDEN WALK AND CARTER OBSEVATORY.
12.50PM...CARTER OBSERVATORY CLOSED!...WHY DIDN'T THEY TELL US THAT!?
1.10PM...WALKING BOTANICAL GARDENS...TULIPS AND OTHER FLOWERS EVERYWHERE...ABUNDANCE OF TREE'S...LARGE AND NOT SO TALL...TALL AND NOT SO LARGE?
1.55PM...WALKING 'TINAKORI SREET'...THIS IS WHERE THE PRIME MINISTER...HELEN CLARKE RESIDES...SURPRISELY ITS A RATHER SHABBY STREET.
2.20PM..'THE ROSE GARDENS'...BUT THERES NO ROSES...THEY HAVEN'T BLOOMED YET!
3.05PM...'KATHERINE MANSFIELD' HOUSE...ONE OF NZ MOST FAMOUS WRITERS...SHE HAD AN INTERESTING 34 YEARS ON THIS PLANET.
4.30PM...WALKING BACK TO THE TRAIN STATION VIA THE PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS.
5.05PM...ON TRAIN.
5.30PM...BACK IN MANA...WHER WE ARE STAYING.
5.40PM...SUPERMARKET...LIVER/ONOINS TONIGHT.
6.40PM...LIVER/ONION/CARROTS/CAULI/MASHED SPUD...AWESOME.
7.10PM...GIN AND TONIC/ORANGE?
24.9.08...DAY 57...
8.30AM...GIVE ME STRENGTH...CAN'T I STAY IN BED TODAY?
9.00AM...NEED MY CUP OF TEA TO SHAKE ME INTO LIFE.
9.20AM...SHOWER.
10.00AM...BACON/MUSHROOM SANDWICH...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.40AM...WALKING TO TRAIN STATION...SUN SHINING...WIND HOWLING.
11.10AM...ON TRAIN...WELLINGTON CITY...HERE WE COME...AGAIN!
11.50AM...WALKING DOCKSIDE TO 'TAPAPA' MUSEUM...NZ NATIONAL MUSEUM.
2.10PM...I'VE SEEN TO MANY MUSEUMS ON THIS TRIP...EVOLUTION/ANIMALS STUFFED/ANIMAL SKELETONS/BIRDS STUFFED/BIRD SKELETONS/INSECTS PINNED TO BOARDS/ODD SHAPED FISH/LOADS OF DIGITAL STUFF/LOADS OF WHATEVER...I THINK I'VE/WE'VE BEEN TRAVELLING TO LONG TO APPRECIATE ANYTHING!
2.30PM...'MACS BREWERY'...SIX BEERS TO TASTE...WHY?...I KNOW I WON'T LIKE THEM...THEY'RE NOT BRITISH!
3.00PM...FISH AND CHIPS WITH COLESLAW SALAD...WAREHOU IS THE FISH...OK/UNSURE...SALAD AND CHIPS OK.
4.15PM...WALKING CITY CENTRE...NU NEEDS PHARMACY.
5.20PM...BACK ON TRAIN.
6.00PM...BACK AT OUR ABODE.
7.00PM...CHEESE/ONION SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
25.9.08...DAY 58...
8.00AM...THAT TIME AGAIN!
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.45AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.20AM...BAGS PACKED.
9.50AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATOS ON TOAST...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.15AM...PHONED WILLIAM.
10.40AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...SUN SHINING.
10.55AM...ON ROUTE TO WANGANUI.
11.50AM...FOXTO TOWN...THERES A WINDMILL TO SEE...OK ITS A WINDMILL?
12.25PM...TIME TO DRIVE ON.
1.10PM...BULL TOWN...NU NEEDS A BEER...THIS TOWN FINDS IT AMUSING TO HAVE SIGNS EVERYWHER LIKE...SOCIALI'BULL'...BEAUTI'BULL'...INCREDI'BULL!ETC...WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT!
2.15PM...DRIVING ON.
3.00PM...WANGANUI...TAMARA LODGE...BOOKED ONE NIGHT...DIDN'T LIKE THE OWNER...PRATT WITH PRATTLE...NICE DOG CALLED SPUD.
4.10PM...LAMB/CARROTS/PEA'S/SPUD.
4.30PM...NU DOING LAUNDRY.
5.05PM...RELAXING IN OUR EN-SUITE ROOM.
6.00PM...READING...BEER IN HAND.
7.00PM...ANOTHER FULFILLING DAY?
9.20PM...GOODNIGHT.
TIRED.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Thursday, 18 September 2008
NZ CONTINUED....
12.9.08....DAY 45...
8.00AM...SLEPT WELL...COMFY BED...ITS OUR ANNIVERSAIRY TODAY...12 MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ADVENTURE...LIVING THIS DREAM?
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR THE PERSON THE WHOLE WORLD LOVES AND ONE FOR MY NUMBER ONE GIRLIE!
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...CARRYING ALL OUR GOODS TO THE CAR.
9.40AM...WEETABIX/TOAST WITH LEMON CURD/CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...NU TAKING PICTURES OF PLANTS AND THINGS.
10.35AM...CHEERIO MOO...WOOF WOOF!
10.45AM...ON THE ROAD BACK TO WESTPORT...RAINING HEAVILY.
11.55AM...WESTPORT AT LAST...IT WAS A BENDY SLOW ROAD.
12.15PM...SUPERMARKET/PETROL STATION.
1.00PM...NEXT STOP PUNAKAIKI.
2.35PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS FOR CAMERA HAPPY NU...WE ARRIVE AT OUR DESTINATION.
3.00PM...BEACH HOSTEL...LOOKS CLEAN/TIDY...BOOKED 3 NIGHTS.
4.10PM...PANCAKE ROCKS...ROCKS THAT LOOK LIKE PANCAKES PILED UP ONE ON TOP OF ANOTHER...IE...TAKE A 100 PANCAKES AND STACK THEM UP...YOU'LL GET THE PICTURE...PLUS THERE WERE BLOWHOLES...THE SEA LASHING THRU HUGE HOLES IN THE ROCKS...EXCITING HEY?!
5.40PM...PUB...JUGS OF BEER...PIE AND CHIPS...EXCITING HEY?!
7.30PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...BETTER HAVE A BRANDY...EXCITING HEY?!
13.9.08....DAY 46...
9.15AM...COME ON WILLIS...MOVE IT...DO I HAVE TOO?...I ENJOY SPEAKING TO MYSELF...I GET ALL THE WRONG ANSWERS...BUT IT ALWAYS TURNS OUT RIGHT.
9.35AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR NU AND ONE FOR ME!
10.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...RAZOR BLUNT...OUCH.
10.50AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.30AM...IN CAR...NEXT STOP CHARLESTONE...TRAIN TO CATCH!.
12.10PM...CHARLESTONE...WE HAVE TRAIN TICKETS.
12.40PM...IN A TRAIN POWERED BY A MORRIS MINOR ENGINE?
1.05PM...HEADING 'DEEP' INTO THE 'JUNGLE'...THIS IS WHERE THE DOCUMENTARY 'LOST WORLD' WAS FILMED...LETS HOPE THE ONLY DINOSAURS HERE ARE NU AND ME!
1.30PM...NU AND I ON FOOT WALKING JUNGLE[FOREST] TRACK.
1.50PM...ROPE BRIDGE...SIGN SAYS 'USE AT YOUR OWN RISK'.
2.00PM...ROPE BRIDGE SURVIVED NU AND I.
2.30PM...TIME TO WALK BACK.
3.10PM...TRAIN JOURNEY OVER...BIT BORING ON THE RETURN JOURNEY.
3.30PM...CAFE...NU HAVING WHITE BAIT SANDWICH.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
5.30PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/PARSNIP/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL.
6.15PM...WONDERFUL MEAL.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH GERMANY GIRLS.
7.15PM...I THINK SOME ITALIANS HAVE JUST TURNED UP.
7.20PM...ITS OK...THEY ARE FRENCH...PHEW!
7.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...EXCITING WHAT!
7.35PM...ACTUALLY I DO ENJOY IT ALL...THE PEOPLE WE MEET AND HOW IT ALL GOES...I WOULDN'T SWOP WITH ANYONE...ITS A TRULY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
14.9.08...DAY 47....
9.00AM...I THINK I DRANK TO MUCH WHISKEY LAST NIGHT.
9.20AM...NU AS BOUGHT ME A CUP OF TEA...RECIEVED GRATEFULLY.
9.35AM...NU'S OFF TO SEE EARLY MORNING BLOWHOLES.
9.40AM...I'LL LAY HERE A LITTLE LONGER.
10.10AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...GETTING ALL THINGS READY FOR BREAKFAST FOR WHEN NU RETURNS.
11.15AM...HI NU...I'LL MAKE YOU A COFFEE.
11.25AM...COOKING BREAKFAST...FAT SPITTING.
11.45AM...SCOFFING BREAKFAST...FAT ARE WE.
12.35PM...WALKING TO CAVES.
12.45PM...CAVES...DARK AND GREY.
1.20PM...WALKING BEACH...COLOURFUL PEBBLES.
1.55PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
2.10PM...CUPPA TEA...WISH I'D STAYED IN BED.
2,25PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
3.30PM...OFF WE SET...THERES A WALK 'WE ?' WISH TO DO.
3.55PM...WALKING NARROW PATH BY RIVER...INTERESTING?
4.25PM...BACK IN CAR.
4.40PM...ANOTHER WALK WAY...ARE WE OVER DOING THE WALKING BIT??
5.30PM...PUB...BEER...FISH AND CHIPS.
6.40PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...SHOULD'VE STAYED IN BED!
15.9.08...DAY 48...
8.00AM...BACK I THE DRIVING SEAT AGAIN TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...YAWN!
8.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.35AM...BREAKFAST TIME...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG/TOMATO...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.20AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.30AM...FOOT ON ACCELERATOR.
10.40AM...ANOTHER BENDY ROAD AHEAD.
11.55AM...GREYMOUTH...AND IT IS GREY...ITS NAMED AFTER A RIVER WHICH WAS NAMED AFTER A CHAPPIE CALLED GREY...VERY APT!
12.40PM...AFTER A SEARCH...FOUND A HOTEL WITH SKY SPORTS 2...BOOKED A NIGHT.
1.30PM...WAS GONNA GO TO SHANTY TOWN...A MODEL TOWN OF HOW LIFE USED TO BE IN THE EARLY MINING DAYS...BUT THE HEAVENS HAVE OPENED...OUCH.
2.30PM...STILL DO NOTHING...APART FROM WATCHING RUBBISH KIWI TV.
4.00PM...RAIN AS CEASED...ONE OF NU'S SHOE LACES AS SNAPPED...WE ARE OFF TO FIND A SHOE/LACE SHOP.
5.10PM...FANCY AN INDIAN.
5.25PM...MADRAS/RICE/NAAN BREAD ORDERED.
5.45PM...SMELLS GOOD.
6.05PM...THERES SMOKE COMING OUTA MY EARS...THE AFTERMATH OF A GOOD INDIAN!
7.00PM...BACK AT NOAHS[HOTEL].
7.30PM...BOTTLE OF WINE.
16.9.08...DAY 49...
7.00AM...ALARM...VILLA ARE ON SKY 2 SPORTS...PLAYING SPURS...THATS WHY WE WANTED A PLACE WITH SKY TELE...NU REALLY HAPPY!
7.06AM...VILLA ONE UP!
7.15AM...NU GONE FOR CUPS OF TEA...I'M HAPPY BENEATH THE SHEETS...EYES ON TV.
7.25AM...NU BACK WITH CUPS OF TEA...VILLA STILL ONE UP.
7.50AM...HALF TIME...SCORE STILL IN VILLA'S FAVOUR.
8.05AM...STAR OF SECOND HALF...NU GONE FOR SHOWER...FUNNY WOMAN...WE PAY 200 QUID FOR A ROOM WITH SKY TELE TO WATCH THE VILLA...AND SHE GOES FOR A SHOWER!
8.29AM...VILLA TWO UP.
8.50AM...SPURS HAVE ACCIDENTLY SCORED!
8.57AM...FULL TIME...VILLA HAVE THREE POINTS IN THE BAG!
9.10AM...SHOWER.
9.40AM...TOAST WITH LEMON CURD...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...PHONED MY SON TOM IN ENGLAND...HE'S ABOUT TO START UNIVERSITY...THE ONLY PERSON SO FAR IN THE WILLIS CLAN TO DO SO...I'M PROUD OF THE GUY...WISHED HIM ALL THE BEST.
10.50AM...ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
11.00AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED MILK ETC.
12.40PM...DRIVING ALONG 'ARTHURS PASS'...SEVERAL STOPS FOR PHOTO TAKING.
12.55PM...'ARTHURS PASS' VILLAGE.
1.05PM...BEEF/MUSTARD SANDWICH.
1.30PM...DRIVING ONWARDS TO 'HAMNER SPRINGS'.
2.30PM...THIS IS ONE LONG DULL DRIVE...OCCASSIONAL BURSTS OF RAIN.
4.20PM...'HAMNER SPRINGS'.
4.35PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN HOSTEL.
5.10PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/PARSNIPS/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL.
6.00PM...TUMMY FULL...GOOD MEAL.
7.00PM...WALKING VILLAGE CENTRE...IS THIS THE VILLAGE OF THE DEAD?
7.40PM...ICECREAM...WALNUT MAPLE.
8.25PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...CHATTING WITH OTHER HOSTELITES.
17.9.09...DAY 50...
9.15AM...THE SUN IS SHINING.
9.30AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.55AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.30AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...CHATTING WITH OWNER OF HOSTEL...SHE WANTS TO SELL...FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
12.10PM...WALKING TO HOT SPRINGS.
12.35PM...NU'S GOING IN...WANTS TO GET WET AND HOT!...ITS NOT MY CUPPA TEA.
12.50PM...BAKERY.
1.10PM...DROPPED BREAD BACK AT HOSTEL.
1.30PM...PUB.
2.45PM...NU JOINS ME...THE SPRINGS WEREN'T THAT HOT APPARENTLY.
4.00PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
4.30PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH.
5.30PM...THOUGHTFUL...LOTS OF 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT'?
18.9.08...DAY 51...
7.50AM...HERE WE GO AGAIN.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...CARRYING EVERYTHING TO CAR.
9.35AM...BACON SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...CHATTING WITH OWNER?
10.40AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY.
11.00AM...TALKING ABOUT INS/OUTS OF BUYING A BUSINESS IN NZ.
11.15AM...WE REALISE WE HAVE LEFT OUR FOOD BOX AT HOSTEL...TURN CAR AROUND.
11.50AM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
12.15PM...CHATTING SOME MORE WITH HOSTEL OWNER...IF WE ARE STILL INTERESTED WHEN WE GET BACK TO ENGLAND...WE WILL EMAIL HER.
12.25PM...BACK ON THE ROAD.
2.15PM...WE EVENTUALLY ARRIVE IN KIAKORA...WE HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE...NU WANTS TO GO ON THE WHALE WATCH TOUR AGAIN...WE BOOK THREE NIGHTS AT THE SAME HOTEL...ADELPHI...THE MUSTY SMELLING ONE...THE PRICE IS RIGHT!YOU TEND TO GET USED TO THE SMELL!...AND THE STAFF ARE FRIENDLY.
4.00PM...FISH AND CHIPS...ELEPHANT FISH...WHICH IS ACTUAL SHARK...BAFFLING!
6.00PM...TV NEWS.
7.30PM...CORONATION STREET...TROUBLE IS THEY ARE ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEHIND!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...SLEPT WELL...COMFY BED...ITS OUR ANNIVERSAIRY TODAY...12 MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ADVENTURE...LIVING THIS DREAM?
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR THE PERSON THE WHOLE WORLD LOVES AND ONE FOR MY NUMBER ONE GIRLIE!
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...CARRYING ALL OUR GOODS TO THE CAR.
9.40AM...WEETABIX/TOAST WITH LEMON CURD/CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...NU TAKING PICTURES OF PLANTS AND THINGS.
10.35AM...CHEERIO MOO...WOOF WOOF!
10.45AM...ON THE ROAD BACK TO WESTPORT...RAINING HEAVILY.
11.55AM...WESTPORT AT LAST...IT WAS A BENDY SLOW ROAD.
12.15PM...SUPERMARKET/PETROL STATION.
1.00PM...NEXT STOP PUNAKAIKI.
2.35PM...AFTER SEVERAL STOPS FOR CAMERA HAPPY NU...WE ARRIVE AT OUR DESTINATION.
3.00PM...BEACH HOSTEL...LOOKS CLEAN/TIDY...BOOKED 3 NIGHTS.
4.10PM...PANCAKE ROCKS...ROCKS THAT LOOK LIKE PANCAKES PILED UP ONE ON TOP OF ANOTHER...IE...TAKE A 100 PANCAKES AND STACK THEM UP...YOU'LL GET THE PICTURE...PLUS THERE WERE BLOWHOLES...THE SEA LASHING THRU HUGE HOLES IN THE ROCKS...EXCITING HEY?!
5.40PM...PUB...JUGS OF BEER...PIE AND CHIPS...EXCITING HEY?!
7.30PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...BETTER HAVE A BRANDY...EXCITING HEY?!
13.9.08....DAY 46...
9.15AM...COME ON WILLIS...MOVE IT...DO I HAVE TOO?...I ENJOY SPEAKING TO MYSELF...I GET ALL THE WRONG ANSWERS...BUT IT ALWAYS TURNS OUT RIGHT.
9.35AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR NU AND ONE FOR ME!
10.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...RAZOR BLUNT...OUCH.
10.50AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.30AM...IN CAR...NEXT STOP CHARLESTONE...TRAIN TO CATCH!.
12.10PM...CHARLESTONE...WE HAVE TRAIN TICKETS.
12.40PM...IN A TRAIN POWERED BY A MORRIS MINOR ENGINE?
1.05PM...HEADING 'DEEP' INTO THE 'JUNGLE'...THIS IS WHERE THE DOCUMENTARY 'LOST WORLD' WAS FILMED...LETS HOPE THE ONLY DINOSAURS HERE ARE NU AND ME!
1.30PM...NU AND I ON FOOT WALKING JUNGLE[FOREST] TRACK.
1.50PM...ROPE BRIDGE...SIGN SAYS 'USE AT YOUR OWN RISK'.
2.00PM...ROPE BRIDGE SURVIVED NU AND I.
2.30PM...TIME TO WALK BACK.
3.10PM...TRAIN JOURNEY OVER...BIT BORING ON THE RETURN JOURNEY.
3.30PM...CAFE...NU HAVING WHITE BAIT SANDWICH.
5.00PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
5.30PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/PARSNIP/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL.
6.15PM...WONDERFUL MEAL.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH GERMANY GIRLS.
7.15PM...I THINK SOME ITALIANS HAVE JUST TURNED UP.
7.20PM...ITS OK...THEY ARE FRENCH...PHEW!
7.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...EXCITING WHAT!
7.35PM...ACTUALLY I DO ENJOY IT ALL...THE PEOPLE WE MEET AND HOW IT ALL GOES...I WOULDN'T SWOP WITH ANYONE...ITS A TRULY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
14.9.08...DAY 47....
9.00AM...I THINK I DRANK TO MUCH WHISKEY LAST NIGHT.
9.20AM...NU AS BOUGHT ME A CUP OF TEA...RECIEVED GRATEFULLY.
9.35AM...NU'S OFF TO SEE EARLY MORNING BLOWHOLES.
9.40AM...I'LL LAY HERE A LITTLE LONGER.
10.10AM...SHOWER.
10.40AM...GETTING ALL THINGS READY FOR BREAKFAST FOR WHEN NU RETURNS.
11.15AM...HI NU...I'LL MAKE YOU A COFFEE.
11.25AM...COOKING BREAKFAST...FAT SPITTING.
11.45AM...SCOFFING BREAKFAST...FAT ARE WE.
12.35PM...WALKING TO CAVES.
12.45PM...CAVES...DARK AND GREY.
1.20PM...WALKING BEACH...COLOURFUL PEBBLES.
1.55PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
2.10PM...CUPPA TEA...WISH I'D STAYED IN BED.
2,25PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
3.30PM...OFF WE SET...THERES A WALK 'WE ?' WISH TO DO.
3.55PM...WALKING NARROW PATH BY RIVER...INTERESTING?
4.25PM...BACK IN CAR.
4.40PM...ANOTHER WALK WAY...ARE WE OVER DOING THE WALKING BIT??
5.30PM...PUB...BEER...FISH AND CHIPS.
6.40PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...SHOULD'VE STAYED IN BED!
15.9.08...DAY 48...
8.00AM...BACK I THE DRIVING SEAT AGAIN TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...YAWN!
8.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.35AM...BREAKFAST TIME...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG/TOMATO...ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.20AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.30AM...FOOT ON ACCELERATOR.
10.40AM...ANOTHER BENDY ROAD AHEAD.
11.55AM...GREYMOUTH...AND IT IS GREY...ITS NAMED AFTER A RIVER WHICH WAS NAMED AFTER A CHAPPIE CALLED GREY...VERY APT!
12.40PM...AFTER A SEARCH...FOUND A HOTEL WITH SKY SPORTS 2...BOOKED A NIGHT.
1.30PM...WAS GONNA GO TO SHANTY TOWN...A MODEL TOWN OF HOW LIFE USED TO BE IN THE EARLY MINING DAYS...BUT THE HEAVENS HAVE OPENED...OUCH.
2.30PM...STILL DO NOTHING...APART FROM WATCHING RUBBISH KIWI TV.
4.00PM...RAIN AS CEASED...ONE OF NU'S SHOE LACES AS SNAPPED...WE ARE OFF TO FIND A SHOE/LACE SHOP.
5.10PM...FANCY AN INDIAN.
5.25PM...MADRAS/RICE/NAAN BREAD ORDERED.
5.45PM...SMELLS GOOD.
6.05PM...THERES SMOKE COMING OUTA MY EARS...THE AFTERMATH OF A GOOD INDIAN!
7.00PM...BACK AT NOAHS[HOTEL].
7.30PM...BOTTLE OF WINE.
16.9.08...DAY 49...
7.00AM...ALARM...VILLA ARE ON SKY 2 SPORTS...PLAYING SPURS...THATS WHY WE WANTED A PLACE WITH SKY TELE...NU REALLY HAPPY!
7.06AM...VILLA ONE UP!
7.15AM...NU GONE FOR CUPS OF TEA...I'M HAPPY BENEATH THE SHEETS...EYES ON TV.
7.25AM...NU BACK WITH CUPS OF TEA...VILLA STILL ONE UP.
7.50AM...HALF TIME...SCORE STILL IN VILLA'S FAVOUR.
8.05AM...STAR OF SECOND HALF...NU GONE FOR SHOWER...FUNNY WOMAN...WE PAY 200 QUID FOR A ROOM WITH SKY TELE TO WATCH THE VILLA...AND SHE GOES FOR A SHOWER!
8.29AM...VILLA TWO UP.
8.50AM...SPURS HAVE ACCIDENTLY SCORED!
8.57AM...FULL TIME...VILLA HAVE THREE POINTS IN THE BAG!
9.10AM...SHOWER.
9.40AM...TOAST WITH LEMON CURD...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
10.20AM...PHONED MY SON TOM IN ENGLAND...HE'S ABOUT TO START UNIVERSITY...THE ONLY PERSON SO FAR IN THE WILLIS CLAN TO DO SO...I'M PROUD OF THE GUY...WISHED HIM ALL THE BEST.
10.50AM...ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
11.00AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED MILK ETC.
12.40PM...DRIVING ALONG 'ARTHURS PASS'...SEVERAL STOPS FOR PHOTO TAKING.
12.55PM...'ARTHURS PASS' VILLAGE.
1.05PM...BEEF/MUSTARD SANDWICH.
1.30PM...DRIVING ONWARDS TO 'HAMNER SPRINGS'.
2.30PM...THIS IS ONE LONG DULL DRIVE...OCCASSIONAL BURSTS OF RAIN.
4.20PM...'HAMNER SPRINGS'.
4.35PM...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS IN HOSTEL.
5.10PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/PARSNIPS/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL.
6.00PM...TUMMY FULL...GOOD MEAL.
7.00PM...WALKING VILLAGE CENTRE...IS THIS THE VILLAGE OF THE DEAD?
7.40PM...ICECREAM...WALNUT MAPLE.
8.25PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...CHATTING WITH OTHER HOSTELITES.
17.9.09...DAY 50...
9.15AM...THE SUN IS SHINING.
9.30AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.55AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.30AM...BACON/MUSHROOM/TOMATO/EGG SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...CHATTING WITH OWNER OF HOSTEL...SHE WANTS TO SELL...FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
12.10PM...WALKING TO HOT SPRINGS.
12.35PM...NU'S GOING IN...WANTS TO GET WET AND HOT!...ITS NOT MY CUPPA TEA.
12.50PM...BAKERY.
1.10PM...DROPPED BREAD BACK AT HOSTEL.
1.30PM...PUB.
2.45PM...NU JOINS ME...THE SPRINGS WEREN'T THAT HOT APPARENTLY.
4.00PM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
4.30PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH.
5.30PM...THOUGHTFUL...LOTS OF 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT'?
18.9.08...DAY 51...
7.50AM...HERE WE GO AGAIN.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.10AM...CARRYING EVERYTHING TO CAR.
9.35AM...BACON SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...CHATTING WITH OWNER?
10.40AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY.
11.00AM...TALKING ABOUT INS/OUTS OF BUYING A BUSINESS IN NZ.
11.15AM...WE REALISE WE HAVE LEFT OUR FOOD BOX AT HOSTEL...TURN CAR AROUND.
11.50AM...BACK AT HOSTEL.
12.15PM...CHATTING SOME MORE WITH HOSTEL OWNER...IF WE ARE STILL INTERESTED WHEN WE GET BACK TO ENGLAND...WE WILL EMAIL HER.
12.25PM...BACK ON THE ROAD.
2.15PM...WE EVENTUALLY ARRIVE IN KIAKORA...WE HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE...NU WANTS TO GO ON THE WHALE WATCH TOUR AGAIN...WE BOOK THREE NIGHTS AT THE SAME HOTEL...ADELPHI...THE MUSTY SMELLING ONE...THE PRICE IS RIGHT!YOU TEND TO GET USED TO THE SMELL!...AND THE STAFF ARE FRIENDLY.
4.00PM...FISH AND CHIPS...ELEPHANT FISH...WHICH IS ACTUAL SHARK...BAFFLING!
6.00PM...TV NEWS.
7.30PM...CORONATION STREET...TROUBLE IS THEY ARE ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEHIND!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
NZ CONTINUED....
5.9.08....DAY 38
10.00AM...WOKE WITH SORE HEAD...I WOKE AT 5.00AM AND IT HAD TAKEN 2 HOURS FOR ME TO FALL ASLEEP AGAIN...HEAD AND NOSE IN TURMOIL...PARACETAMOL AND LEMONADE.
10.14AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.35AM...RICE CRISPIES.
11.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.30AM...ANOTHER CUPPA/PARACETAMOL.
11.50AM...WALKING INTO TOWN.
12.20PM...BOUGHT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER.
1.00PM...CLOTHING SHOP...NU NEEDS TROUSERS.
1.20PM...NU NOT TOTALLY HAPPY WITH TROUSERS...BUT SHE STILL BOUGHT THEM?!
2.10PM...PUB.
3.20PM...FISH[GUENARD] AND CHIPS...NOT BAD...NOT BAD AT ALL...FISH TASTY...NOT EXPENSIVE EITHER.
4.10PM...WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET...NEED MEAT FOR TOMORROW.
5.05PM...BACK AT ROOM.
5.20PM...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...NU SEARCHING EVERYWHERE FOR OUR PHOTO DISC!...I'M GLAD HER HEAD IS SCREWED ON!
6.25PM...PHONED LAST PLACE WE STAYED...HPOEFUL DISC WILL TURN UP.
8.00PM...FEELING WEAK AND LISTLESS...NEED SYMPATHY 24/7...NU JUST BATS HER EYELIDS...SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING I'M GOING THRU...I'M A VERY DELICATE CHAP!
6.9.08...DAY 39...
8.10AM...DETERMINED TO DO SOMETHING TODAY...I'M NOT ONE TO SIT AND MOAN!
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...RICE CRISPIES...THEY SNAP AND CRACKLE...NOT SURE ABOUT TASTE...MY TASTE BUDS ARE NOT THE BEST...OH WOE IS ME!
9.20AM...SHOWER...FUNNY REALLY...WHEN YOU ARE IN THE SHOWER YOUR NOSE SEEMS OK...PERHAPS I SHOULD STAY HERE ALL DAY?...FUNNY HEY?...MAYBE NOT?
10.10AM...WALKING TO TOWN CENTRE.
10.50AM...SATURDAY MARKET.
11.30AM...NU BOUGHT TWO BOOKS AND A CARD FOR TOMS BIRTHDAY...MINES ON OCT 11TH...JUST INCASE ANYBODY FORGOTTEN!
12.20PM...SHOP DISPLAYING ACTUAL RINGS THAT WERE USED IN THE FILM 'LORD OF THE RINGS'.
1.00PM...PUB...JUG OF BEER...CHEESE AND TOM TOASTIE.
2.20PM...WALKING BACK TO ACCOMADATION...SUNSHINING,BUT A LITTLE COLD...LIMBS ACHING...BODY ACHING.
3.00PM...LULLING ON BED.
4.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
5.00PM...NU GONE TO DO DINNER...I USUALLY COOK...BUT SHE'S SHOWING SOME SYMPATHY...BLESS!
5.40PM...DINNER READY...DO I FEEL HUNGRY?
6.30PM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...SO WILL DEPART MONDAY.
7.20PM...LISTENING TO WORLD SERVICE ON RADIO...HAITI STORMS...AMERICAN ELECTION...ANGOLA GOES TO THE POLLS...FISH PEDICURE?!
8.00PM...CHOC PUD AND ICECREAM...JUST TESTING MY TASTE BUDS.
8.30PM...NU DRINKING BRANDY...ORANGE JUICE FOR ME.
7.9.08...DAY 40...
9.00AM...THIS IS GONNA BE A SLOW DAY.
9.34AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...BACK IN BED...I'M HUNGRY...GUESS I'LL SURVIVE!
11.30AM...STILL IN BED.
12.05PM...SHOWER.
1.00PM...COOKING/FRYING BEANS/SAUSAGE/MUSHROOMS/EGGS.
1.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...SAUSAGES WELL BURNT!...WELL,I'LL EXPLAIN...THE GRILL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY...SO I DID THEM IN THE PAN...BY THE TIME I REALISED THE GRILL WAS NOT WORKING...AND HAD TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHY...THE BEANS HAD STUCK TO THE PAN...THE MUSHROOMS?...WELL,THE MUSHROOMS...AND THE EGGS HAD SHRIVELLED...PLUS THE TOAST HAD NOT TOASTED DUE TO THE TOASTER NOT TOASTING...ALL IN ALL IT WAS A HORRIBLE MESS!...AND THE SAUSAGES GOT WELL BURNT DOWN ONE SIDE 'CAUSE I WAS TRYING TO RESCUE IT ALL!
1.35PM...BINNED SAUSAGES!...FORCED EVERYTHING ELSE IN...I WAS HUNGRY!...GUESS I SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN BED!
3.00PM...RINGING[WITH HARDSHIP...WELL EVERYTHING SEEMS 10 TIMES HARDER WHEN YOU'VE GOT A STUFFED UP NOSE!]...ALL THE PLACES WE HAVE STAYED IN THE LAST WEEK...STILL ON THE TRAIL OF OUR PRECIOUS LOST DISC...THERES SOME GREAT PHOTO'S OF ME THAT I KNOW AN AWFUL LOTTA PEOPLE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!
4.00PM...NO LUCK AS YET...PERHAPS THE PAPPARAZZI HAVE GOT HOLD OF THE DISC AND I'LL BE IN THE 'NEWS OF THE WORLD' COME SUNDAY?
6.00PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH.
8.00PM...PHONED MOTHER AND PAULINE.
9.00PM...VODKA AND COKE/PEANUTS.
8.9.08...DAY 41...
7.55AM...TIME TO MOVE.
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY BABE...ONE FOR ME!
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.20AM...CARRYING BAGS TO CAR...STILL FEEL FEEL...BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN ONE TO SHIRK MY RESPONSIBILITIES!?!
9.45AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.15AM...PHONING SOME PLACE WE STAYED THAT ASKED US TO PHONE BACK IN CONNECTION WITH LOST DISC.
10.40AM...STILL NO LUCK IN SEARCH FOR OUR LOST DISC.
11.05AM...OFF WE SET.
11.10AM...PETROL STATION.
11.20AM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...I WONDER HOW LONG A PERSON USES OF THERE LIFESPAN PUTTING PETROL IN THERE CARS?
11.50AM...RICHMOND...SMALL TOWN...DROVE ON.
12.20PM...ON A RIDICULOUSLY BENDY ROAD GOING UP A MOUNTAIN SIDE.
12.40PM...STILL ON A RIDICULOUSLY BENDY ROAD GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN SIDE.
1.15PM...TAKAKA...ANOTHER SMALL TOWN...DROVE ON.
1.50PM...COLLINGSWOOD...THIS IS THE PLACE WE THOUGHT WE MAY STAY FOR A NIGHT.
2.05PM...DISCUSSING WHAT TO DO...CHEESE AND BREAD.
2.25PM...DECIDED TO DRIVE BACK TO TAKAKA.
3.10PM...BACK IN TAKAKA...KIWIANA HOSTEL...ONLY TWO GERMANY GIRLS AND A CANADIAN STAYING THERE...SUITS US...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
3.35PM...SUPERMARKET.
3.50PM...GUESS WHAT I'VE FOUND...IT HAD BEN IN THE FRONT CAR TRAY ALL ALONG...NU AND I ARE GOING BLIND...ALL SMILES...DISC FOUND!
4.10PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/SPUD ON BOIL.
5.30PM...PLAYING POOL WITH CANADIAN CHAP...HE CAN'T PLAY POOL TO SAVE HIS LIFE!
6.30PM...BORED...NOSE IS GETTING BETTER.
9.9.08...DAY 42...
9.00AM...FEEL/WISH I COULD FLY HOME TO ENGLAND TODAY.
9.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY NAUGHTY GIRL...ONE FOR ME!
9.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.30AM...TOASTED MUFFINS/CUPPA COFFEE.
11.50AM...WALKING IN TO TOWN/VILLAGE CENTRE.
12.15PM...WALKING SHOPS SLOWLY...THERES NOT THAT MANY...HOPING TIME WILL PASS QUICKLY.
1.05PM...PUB...BEER.
1.25PM...TOASTED SANDWICH...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE FILLING...NICE TOAST!
3.30PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...LOADS OF PEOPLE HAVE ARRIVED...I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY HAVE TO CHOOSE THE SAME PLACE WE ARE STAYING!?
4.10PM...TIME TO COOK...TUMMY HUNGRY...GONNA MAKE COTTAGE PIE...THE WILLIS WAY!...KITCHEN PACKED...BUT NOTHING/NO ONE GETS IN MY WAY...ACTUALLY EVERYBODY SEEMS TO GET OUTA MY WAY.
5.10PM...GLORIOUS...GLORIOUS COTTAGE PIE...NO-BODY...BUT NO-BODY MAKES COTTAGE PIE LIKE ME...I COULD SEE 'OTHERS' LOOKING ON ENVIOUSLY!
6.30PM...PLAYING POOL WITH A DANISH CHAP...HE CAN'T PLAY POOL TO SAVE HIS BACON[HA-HA].
7.30PM...BORED.
9.00PM...IN BED...NOT SO BORED?!
10.9.08...DAY 43...
7.50AM...TIME TO STAGGER TO LIFE.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY NUMBER ONE GIRLIE...AND ONE FOR ME!
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.15AM...EVERYTHING IN BAGS...EVERYTHING IN A MESS.
9.25AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.40AM...TOASTED MUFFINS/COFFEE.
10.15AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY...NEXT STOP UNSURE...KINDA MEANDERING.
11.10AM...STOPPED IN TARRAKAWA...I THINK THATS THE SPELLING?
11.15AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED CHEESE...HATE BEING WITHOUT CHEESE...DON'T YOU?
11.20AM...THEY DON'T HAVE 'MAINLAND VINTAGE'...ITS AN EXPENSIVE CHEESE...BUTS ITS THE CLOSED TASTING TO ENLISH MATURED YOU'LL GET HERE...OUCH!
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR.
1.20PM...MURCHISON...THEY CALL IT A TOWN...WE WOULD CALL IT A VILLAGE.
1.45PM...BOOKED INTO 'THE LAZY COW HOSTEL'...ITS MANAGED BY A COUPLE OF 60 YEAR OLDS FROM SOMERSET,ENGLAND.
2.40PM...WALKED THE SIX SHOPS IN ABOUT 4 MINS.
2.44PM...PUB.
3.00PM...CHATTING WITH RETIRED KIWI COUPLE...PLEASANT ENOUGH.
3.30PM...CHALLENGED A LOCAL [NAMED LEE] TO A GAME OF POOL...ALSO PLAYED HIS MATE TIM...WASTE OF TIME...THEY'RE HOPELESS...OR AM I TOO GOOD?
5.30PM...BACK AT 'THE LAZY COW'.
6.10PM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH SOMERSET COUPLE...HAVING A BEER.
11.9.08...DAY 44...
8.00AM...ANOTHER DAY OF MEANDERING...I GUESS.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...AND ONE FOR MISSY!
8.40M...SHOWER.
9.10AM...WE HADN'T BOUGHT MUCH IN...SO THERE WASN'T MUCH TO TAKE BACK TO THE CAR...EVERTHING STILL A MESS!
9.35AM...WEETABIX/CUPPA TEA.
9.55AM...TIME TO MOVE...GONNA DRIVE IN THE DIRECTION OF WESTPORT.
10.30AM...THE SUN WAS OUT...BUT NOW THE RAIN AS ARRIVED.
11.40AM...WESTPORT...SUPERMARKET...THEY HAVE THE CHEESE TO PLEASE...ALSO BOUGHT BREAD AND COOKED BEEF.
12.05PM...ON CARPARK...SCOFFING BEEF SANDWICH WITH COLEMANS MUSTARD...DO YOU KNOW...YOU PROPERLY DO...BUT I DON'T WANT YOU FORGETTING!...ITS ONLY ONE MONTH TO MY NEXT BIRTHDAY WHEN I'LL BE 42!
12.35PM...DRIVING TO KARAMEA...ALONG BEACH ROAD...VERY SCENIC...WAVES CRASHING.
2.00PM...KARAMEA...IF THE LAST PLACE WAS A TOWN...THIS PLACE IS A HAMLET...RONGO'S HOSTEL...WITH A DOG NAMED MOO...HE'S NOT SURE ABOUT US...BETTER FIND THE DIGESTIVES!
2.15PM...BOOKED A NIGHT...ATTEMPTING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH MOO.
2.50PM...EVERYTHING COMING OUTA CAR...NEEDA SORT...NEEDS A TIDY.
4.00PM...STEAK UNDER GRILL...CAULI/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL...WE'VE GOTTA ENOUGH STEAK TO FILL THREE...SO WE'VE ASKED BRIAN TO JOIN US...WE ARE THE ONLY ONES STAYING HERE...AND HE'S ON HIS OWN RUNNING THE PLACE...KINDA FELT IT WAS RIGHT?
4.30PM...THOUGHT I'D OVER COOKED THE STEAK...BUT IT TASTED OK.
5.00PM...WASHING UP.
5.30PM...MADE FRIENDS WITH MOO...DON'T KNOW WHETHER IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CHEWY BIT OF STEAK I GAVE HIM?
6.20PM...BOTTLE O'WINE...BREAD AND BUTTER PUD/CUSTARD?
7.30PM...MOO WANTS MORE FUSS[TUMMY RUB]...I'M MOO'S BEST FRIEND NOW!
YOU'RE NEVER TO OLD TO LIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
10.00AM...WOKE WITH SORE HEAD...I WOKE AT 5.00AM AND IT HAD TAKEN 2 HOURS FOR ME TO FALL ASLEEP AGAIN...HEAD AND NOSE IN TURMOIL...PARACETAMOL AND LEMONADE.
10.14AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.35AM...RICE CRISPIES.
11.00AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.30AM...ANOTHER CUPPA/PARACETAMOL.
11.50AM...WALKING INTO TOWN.
12.20PM...BOUGHT ENGLISH NEWSPAPER.
1.00PM...CLOTHING SHOP...NU NEEDS TROUSERS.
1.20PM...NU NOT TOTALLY HAPPY WITH TROUSERS...BUT SHE STILL BOUGHT THEM?!
2.10PM...PUB.
3.20PM...FISH[GUENARD] AND CHIPS...NOT BAD...NOT BAD AT ALL...FISH TASTY...NOT EXPENSIVE EITHER.
4.10PM...WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET...NEED MEAT FOR TOMORROW.
5.05PM...BACK AT ROOM.
5.20PM...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...NU SEARCHING EVERYWHERE FOR OUR PHOTO DISC!...I'M GLAD HER HEAD IS SCREWED ON!
6.25PM...PHONED LAST PLACE WE STAYED...HPOEFUL DISC WILL TURN UP.
8.00PM...FEELING WEAK AND LISTLESS...NEED SYMPATHY 24/7...NU JUST BATS HER EYELIDS...SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING I'M GOING THRU...I'M A VERY DELICATE CHAP!
6.9.08...DAY 39...
8.10AM...DETERMINED TO DO SOMETHING TODAY...I'M NOT ONE TO SIT AND MOAN!
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...RICE CRISPIES...THEY SNAP AND CRACKLE...NOT SURE ABOUT TASTE...MY TASTE BUDS ARE NOT THE BEST...OH WOE IS ME!
9.20AM...SHOWER...FUNNY REALLY...WHEN YOU ARE IN THE SHOWER YOUR NOSE SEEMS OK...PERHAPS I SHOULD STAY HERE ALL DAY?...FUNNY HEY?...MAYBE NOT?
10.10AM...WALKING TO TOWN CENTRE.
10.50AM...SATURDAY MARKET.
11.30AM...NU BOUGHT TWO BOOKS AND A CARD FOR TOMS BIRTHDAY...MINES ON OCT 11TH...JUST INCASE ANYBODY FORGOTTEN!
12.20PM...SHOP DISPLAYING ACTUAL RINGS THAT WERE USED IN THE FILM 'LORD OF THE RINGS'.
1.00PM...PUB...JUG OF BEER...CHEESE AND TOM TOASTIE.
2.20PM...WALKING BACK TO ACCOMADATION...SUNSHINING,BUT A LITTLE COLD...LIMBS ACHING...BODY ACHING.
3.00PM...LULLING ON BED.
4.00PM...READING NEWSPAPER.
5.00PM...NU GONE TO DO DINNER...I USUALLY COOK...BUT SHE'S SHOWING SOME SYMPATHY...BLESS!
5.40PM...DINNER READY...DO I FEEL HUNGRY?
6.30PM...BOOKED ANOTHER NIGHT...SO WILL DEPART MONDAY.
7.20PM...LISTENING TO WORLD SERVICE ON RADIO...HAITI STORMS...AMERICAN ELECTION...ANGOLA GOES TO THE POLLS...FISH PEDICURE?!
8.00PM...CHOC PUD AND ICECREAM...JUST TESTING MY TASTE BUDS.
8.30PM...NU DRINKING BRANDY...ORANGE JUICE FOR ME.
7.9.08...DAY 40...
9.00AM...THIS IS GONNA BE A SLOW DAY.
9.34AM...CUPPA TEA.
10.10AM...BACK IN BED...I'M HUNGRY...GUESS I'LL SURVIVE!
11.30AM...STILL IN BED.
12.05PM...SHOWER.
1.00PM...COOKING/FRYING BEANS/SAUSAGE/MUSHROOMS/EGGS.
1.25PM...WISH I HADN'T BOTHERED...SAUSAGES WELL BURNT!...WELL,I'LL EXPLAIN...THE GRILL IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY...SO I DID THEM IN THE PAN...BY THE TIME I REALISED THE GRILL WAS NOT WORKING...AND HAD TRIED TO FIGURE OUT WHY...THE BEANS HAD STUCK TO THE PAN...THE MUSHROOMS?...WELL,THE MUSHROOMS...AND THE EGGS HAD SHRIVELLED...PLUS THE TOAST HAD NOT TOASTED DUE TO THE TOASTER NOT TOASTING...ALL IN ALL IT WAS A HORRIBLE MESS!...AND THE SAUSAGES GOT WELL BURNT DOWN ONE SIDE 'CAUSE I WAS TRYING TO RESCUE IT ALL!
1.35PM...BINNED SAUSAGES!...FORCED EVERYTHING ELSE IN...I WAS HUNGRY!...GUESS I SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN BED!
3.00PM...RINGING[WITH HARDSHIP...WELL EVERYTHING SEEMS 10 TIMES HARDER WHEN YOU'VE GOT A STUFFED UP NOSE!]...ALL THE PLACES WE HAVE STAYED IN THE LAST WEEK...STILL ON THE TRAIL OF OUR PRECIOUS LOST DISC...THERES SOME GREAT PHOTO'S OF ME THAT I KNOW AN AWFUL LOTTA PEOPLE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE!
4.00PM...NO LUCK AS YET...PERHAPS THE PAPPARAZZI HAVE GOT HOLD OF THE DISC AND I'LL BE IN THE 'NEWS OF THE WORLD' COME SUNDAY?
6.00PM...CHEESE/CUCUMBER SANDWICH.
8.00PM...PHONED MOTHER AND PAULINE.
9.00PM...VODKA AND COKE/PEANUTS.
8.9.08...DAY 41...
7.55AM...TIME TO MOVE.
8.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY BABE...ONE FOR ME!
8.40AM...SHOWER.
9.20AM...CARRYING BAGS TO CAR...STILL FEEL FEEL...BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN ONE TO SHIRK MY RESPONSIBILITIES!?!
9.45AM...RICE CRISPIES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
10.15AM...PHONING SOME PLACE WE STAYED THAT ASKED US TO PHONE BACK IN CONNECTION WITH LOST DISC.
10.40AM...STILL NO LUCK IN SEARCH FOR OUR LOST DISC.
11.05AM...OFF WE SET.
11.10AM...PETROL STATION.
11.20AM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...I WONDER HOW LONG A PERSON USES OF THERE LIFESPAN PUTTING PETROL IN THERE CARS?
11.50AM...RICHMOND...SMALL TOWN...DROVE ON.
12.20PM...ON A RIDICULOUSLY BENDY ROAD GOING UP A MOUNTAIN SIDE.
12.40PM...STILL ON A RIDICULOUSLY BENDY ROAD GOING DOWN A MOUNTAIN SIDE.
1.15PM...TAKAKA...ANOTHER SMALL TOWN...DROVE ON.
1.50PM...COLLINGSWOOD...THIS IS THE PLACE WE THOUGHT WE MAY STAY FOR A NIGHT.
2.05PM...DISCUSSING WHAT TO DO...CHEESE AND BREAD.
2.25PM...DECIDED TO DRIVE BACK TO TAKAKA.
3.10PM...BACK IN TAKAKA...KIWIANA HOSTEL...ONLY TWO GERMANY GIRLS AND A CANADIAN STAYING THERE...SUITS US...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
3.35PM...SUPERMARKET.
3.50PM...GUESS WHAT I'VE FOUND...IT HAD BEN IN THE FRONT CAR TRAY ALL ALONG...NU AND I ARE GOING BLIND...ALL SMILES...DISC FOUND!
4.10PM...LAMB UNDER GRILL...CABBAGE/SPUD ON BOIL.
5.30PM...PLAYING POOL WITH CANADIAN CHAP...HE CAN'T PLAY POOL TO SAVE HIS LIFE!
6.30PM...BORED...NOSE IS GETTING BETTER.
9.9.08...DAY 42...
9.00AM...FEEL/WISH I COULD FLY HOME TO ENGLAND TODAY.
9.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY NAUGHTY GIRL...ONE FOR ME!
9.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.30AM...TOASTED MUFFINS/CUPPA COFFEE.
11.50AM...WALKING IN TO TOWN/VILLAGE CENTRE.
12.15PM...WALKING SHOPS SLOWLY...THERES NOT THAT MANY...HOPING TIME WILL PASS QUICKLY.
1.05PM...PUB...BEER.
1.25PM...TOASTED SANDWICH...I THINK THEY FORGOT THE FILLING...NICE TOAST!
3.30PM...BACK AT HOSTEL...LOADS OF PEOPLE HAVE ARRIVED...I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY HAVE TO CHOOSE THE SAME PLACE WE ARE STAYING!?
4.10PM...TIME TO COOK...TUMMY HUNGRY...GONNA MAKE COTTAGE PIE...THE WILLIS WAY!...KITCHEN PACKED...BUT NOTHING/NO ONE GETS IN MY WAY...ACTUALLY EVERYBODY SEEMS TO GET OUTA MY WAY.
5.10PM...GLORIOUS...GLORIOUS COTTAGE PIE...NO-BODY...BUT NO-BODY MAKES COTTAGE PIE LIKE ME...I COULD SEE 'OTHERS' LOOKING ON ENVIOUSLY!
6.30PM...PLAYING POOL WITH A DANISH CHAP...HE CAN'T PLAY POOL TO SAVE HIS BACON[HA-HA].
7.30PM...BORED.
9.00PM...IN BED...NOT SO BORED?!
10.9.08...DAY 43...
7.50AM...TIME TO STAGGER TO LIFE.
8.10AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY NUMBER ONE GIRLIE...AND ONE FOR ME!
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.15AM...EVERYTHING IN BAGS...EVERYTHING IN A MESS.
9.25AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.40AM...TOASTED MUFFINS/COFFEE.
10.15AM...WE ARE ON OUR WAY...NEXT STOP UNSURE...KINDA MEANDERING.
11.10AM...STOPPED IN TARRAKAWA...I THINK THATS THE SPELLING?
11.15AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED CHEESE...HATE BEING WITHOUT CHEESE...DON'T YOU?
11.20AM...THEY DON'T HAVE 'MAINLAND VINTAGE'...ITS AN EXPENSIVE CHEESE...BUTS ITS THE CLOSED TASTING TO ENLISH MATURED YOU'LL GET HERE...OUCH!
11.30AM...BACK IN CAR.
1.20PM...MURCHISON...THEY CALL IT A TOWN...WE WOULD CALL IT A VILLAGE.
1.45PM...BOOKED INTO 'THE LAZY COW HOSTEL'...ITS MANAGED BY A COUPLE OF 60 YEAR OLDS FROM SOMERSET,ENGLAND.
2.40PM...WALKED THE SIX SHOPS IN ABOUT 4 MINS.
2.44PM...PUB.
3.00PM...CHATTING WITH RETIRED KIWI COUPLE...PLEASANT ENOUGH.
3.30PM...CHALLENGED A LOCAL [NAMED LEE] TO A GAME OF POOL...ALSO PLAYED HIS MATE TIM...WASTE OF TIME...THEY'RE HOPELESS...OR AM I TOO GOOD?
5.30PM...BACK AT 'THE LAZY COW'.
6.10PM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH SOMERSET COUPLE...HAVING A BEER.
11.9.08...DAY 44...
8.00AM...ANOTHER DAY OF MEANDERING...I GUESS.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...AND ONE FOR MISSY!
8.40M...SHOWER.
9.10AM...WE HADN'T BOUGHT MUCH IN...SO THERE WASN'T MUCH TO TAKE BACK TO THE CAR...EVERTHING STILL A MESS!
9.35AM...WEETABIX/CUPPA TEA.
9.55AM...TIME TO MOVE...GONNA DRIVE IN THE DIRECTION OF WESTPORT.
10.30AM...THE SUN WAS OUT...BUT NOW THE RAIN AS ARRIVED.
11.40AM...WESTPORT...SUPERMARKET...THEY HAVE THE CHEESE TO PLEASE...ALSO BOUGHT BREAD AND COOKED BEEF.
12.05PM...ON CARPARK...SCOFFING BEEF SANDWICH WITH COLEMANS MUSTARD...DO YOU KNOW...YOU PROPERLY DO...BUT I DON'T WANT YOU FORGETTING!...ITS ONLY ONE MONTH TO MY NEXT BIRTHDAY WHEN I'LL BE 42!
12.35PM...DRIVING TO KARAMEA...ALONG BEACH ROAD...VERY SCENIC...WAVES CRASHING.
2.00PM...KARAMEA...IF THE LAST PLACE WAS A TOWN...THIS PLACE IS A HAMLET...RONGO'S HOSTEL...WITH A DOG NAMED MOO...HE'S NOT SURE ABOUT US...BETTER FIND THE DIGESTIVES!
2.15PM...BOOKED A NIGHT...ATTEMPTING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH MOO.
2.50PM...EVERYTHING COMING OUTA CAR...NEEDA SORT...NEEDS A TIDY.
4.00PM...STEAK UNDER GRILL...CAULI/CARROT/SPUD ON BOIL...WE'VE GOTTA ENOUGH STEAK TO FILL THREE...SO WE'VE ASKED BRIAN TO JOIN US...WE ARE THE ONLY ONES STAYING HERE...AND HE'S ON HIS OWN RUNNING THE PLACE...KINDA FELT IT WAS RIGHT?
4.30PM...THOUGHT I'D OVER COOKED THE STEAK...BUT IT TASTED OK.
5.00PM...WASHING UP.
5.30PM...MADE FRIENDS WITH MOO...DON'T KNOW WHETHER IT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CHEWY BIT OF STEAK I GAVE HIM?
6.20PM...BOTTLE O'WINE...BREAD AND BUTTER PUD/CUSTARD?
7.30PM...MOO WANTS MORE FUSS[TUMMY RUB]...I'M MOO'S BEST FRIEND NOW!
YOU'RE NEVER TO OLD TO LIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Monday, 8 September 2008
NZ CONTINUED....
29.8.08....DAY 31....
7.40AM...FEEL DRY...NEED MY CUPPA.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR NU...ONE FOE ME!
8.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.55AM...CARRYING OUR WARES TO THE CAR.
9.30AM...NU HAVING WEETABIX...I'M NOT HUNGRY...A CUPPA IS ALL I NEED.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.05AM...NEWSAGENTS...THEY HAVE MY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER!
10.20AM...WE CAME IN ON THE HIGH ROAD...WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE LOW ROAD OUT.
10.40AM...THE ROAD IS PLEASANT ENOUGH.
11.00AM...BLUE DUCK CAFE...MUFFIN AND COFFEE.
11.40AM...BACK IN CAR...HEADING FOR CHRISTCHURCH...GOTTA FIND THE BY-PASS ROAD...AND THEN PICK UP THE ROAD FOR KAIKOURA.
12.20PM...ANOTHER BENDY ROAD.
1.00PM...BY PASSED CHRISTCHURCH...ONLY 140K TO GO...LEAST THIS ROAD IS SOMEWHAT STRAIGHTER.
2.40PM...TURNED OFF MAIN HIGHWAY...ABOUT 40K TO GO TO KIAKOURA...ANOTHER BENDY HILLY ROAD.
3.15PM...ADELPHI LODGE,KIOKOURA...BOOKED THREE NIGHTS...ALSO BOOKED WHALE WATCHING TOUR FOR TOMORROW...FOR 12.45PM.
4.00PM...IN ROOM...SMELLS MUSTY...CUPPA TEA.
5.00PM...WALKED TO THE STRAWBERRY TREE PUB.
5.25PM...BEER AWFUL...COULDN'T DRINK IT...NU HAD A COCKTAIL...JAPANESE TYPHOON...SHE COULDN'T DRINK IT...AWFUL.
6.00PM...FISH/CHIP SHOP/RESTAURANT.
6.25PM...ELEPHANT FISH...BEST FISH I HAVE HAD IN NZ SO FAR...CHIPS NOT SO GOOD.
7.10PM...BACK IN OUR MUSTY SMELLING ROOM...TIRED...DON'T KNOW WHY...HAVEN'T DONE ALOT.
30.8.08....DAY 32...
8.40AM...SLEPT WELL.
9.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY EVERTHING...AND ONE FOR LITTLE ME!
9.30AM...SHOWER.
10.15AM...BOILED EGG/TOAST...CUPPA COFFEE.
11.00AM...LAUNDRY IN WASHING MACHINE.
11.40AM...LAUNDRY IN DRYING MACHINE[I'M JUST SITTING...WATCHING MY WORLD GO ROUND AND ROUND!].
12.30PM...WALKING TO WHALE WATCHING TOUR OFFICE.
12.45PM...BOUGHT TICKETS FOR WHALE WATCH.
1.15PM...BOARDING BOAT.
1.35PM...THIS IS ONE ROCKY RIDE.
1.50PM...SPERM-WHALE SPOTTED...BOAT COMES TO A HALT...ALL EYES AGOG!
1.55PM...ALL EYES ON MOHU THE SPERM WHALE...13 METRES OF HIM...I'M NOT GONNA GO TO CLOSE...DON'T FANCY HIS SPRAY!
2.20PM...LOTS OF 'ROAMING GIBSON ALBATROSS' FLYING AROUD BOAT.
2.35PM...A SEAL SWIMS BY...LOOKING A BIT LOST.
2.40PM...SECOND SPERM WHALE SPOTTED...NAMES MOAU DOH.
3.00PM...LOOKING AROUND THE BOAT...A FAIR FEW PEOPLE ARE CLUTCHING SICK BAGS.
3.20PM...THIRD SPERM WHALE SPOTTED...THIS ONE IS CALLED 'LITTLE NICK'...ALL THE SPERM WHALES LOOK THE SAME TO ME...I DON'T KNOW HOW THESE GUIDE FOLK TELL THE DIFFERENCE...STRANGE!...THESE WHALES FEED HERE IN THESE WATERS THEN GO OFF TO TROPICAL SHORES TO SORT THE WOMEN WHALES...SOUNDS A PRETTY GOOD LIFE TO ME!
3.35PM...HEADING BACK TO LAND...PHEW!
4.10PM...DRY LAND...ITS COLD...ITS BEEN COLD ALL DAY.
4.30PM...SUPERMARKET...PORK FOR TODAY...LAMB FOR TOMORROW?
5.30PM...PORK/CAULI/SPUD...WONDERFUL.
6.10PM...WATCHING THE LATTER PART OF SOME RUBBISH FILM ON TV IN TV LOUNGE.
7.00PM...IN OUR MUSTY ROOM...HEATER ON.
7.30PM...VIDEO...7 YEARS IN TIBET.
9.30PM...GOOD FILM...GOODNIGHT.
31.8.08...DAY 33...
10.00AM...ITS 10AM!...WE ARE STILL IN BED!
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY GIRLIE...ONE FOR LITTLE OLD ME!
10.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.15AM...CORNFLAKES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.30PM...NOT REALLY DOING ALOT...CHATTING BETWEEN OURSELVES...WE HAVE THESE MOMENTS...I USUALLY DO MOST OF THE CHAT AND NU LISTENS!
3.30PM...NU JUST WOKEN UP!
4.00PM...THINK WE'LL GO FOR AN INDIAN MEAL TONIGHT...LEAVE THE LAMB FOR TOMORROW.
4.30PM...ON THE BOARD IN THE LOBBY...THERE IS AN ADVERT FOR THE 'INDIA PLAZA'.
4.50PM...OFF WE STROLL.
5.15PM...AT 'INDIA PLAZA'DOOR...NOT OPENING TO 5.30PM...OK.
5.20PM...WE STROLL ON A BIT FURTHER...WE NOTICE A FRESH FISH SELLING OUTLET...ITS SUNDAY...BUT ITS OPEN.
5.40PM...HAVING CHATTED WITH CHAPPIE BEHIND COUNTER...WE PURCHASER 4 PIECES OF FISH...TARAKIHI...INDIAN MEAL WILL HAVE TO WAIT.
6.10PM...FISH IN OVEN...BUTTERED...WRAPPED IN FOIL...SPUD ON BOIL...PEA'S ON BOIL.
6.35PM...EATING A SPLENDID MEAL...BEST FISH WE HAVE EATEN IN NZ.
7.50PM...BACK IN OUR MUSTY ROOM...KINDA GETTYING USED TO SMELL NOW...WATCHING ANOTHER VIDEO...CAST AWAY...STARRING TOM HANKS.
1.9.08...DAY 34...
8.00AM...NU HAS TOLD ME ITS TIME TO GET UP.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR YOU KNOW WHO...AND ONE FOR ME.
8.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...CORNFLAKES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...CARRYING BAGS TO CAR.
10.15AM...IN CAMERA SHOP...NU'S CAMERA NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.
10.25AM...FOUND OUT IT WAS ON VIDEO SHOOT...NOT STILL SHOT.
11.00AM...NEW WORLD SUPERMARKET...NEED MILK ETC.
11.30AM...NU IN HAIRDRESSER'S.
12.05PM...NU LOOKS LIKE A NEW WOMAN!
12.20PM...ON THE ROAD TO BLENHEIM.
1.10PM...BIT OF A BORING JOURNEY...NZ STARTING TO LOOK SAMEY.
1.30PM...BLENHEIM...WAS GONNA BOOK A NIGHT AT THE 'HONEY-BEE'...THEY HAD NO ROOM...I WAS CHUFFED...DIDN'T LIKE THE LOOK OF THE PLACE.
1.55PM...DRIVING ON TO PICTON...PICKED UP AN AMERICAN MUSICIAN HITCHHIKING...WELL HE SAID HE WAS A MUSICIAN...I DIDN'T SEE AN INSTRUMENT...ITS LIKE ME SAYING I'M A WRITER...THOUGH I DO ALWAYS HAVE PEN AND PAPER...SO...!...!...SO I GUESS...WELL I DON'T WISH TO BLOW MY OWN TRUMPET!...BUT NO DOUBT YOU GET MY DRIFT!
2.45PM...'THE VILLA'!HOSTEL,PICTON...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS...FREE APPLE CRUMBLE!?
3.25PM...EVERYTHING IN OR ROOM...THIS ONE SMELLS BETTER.
4.00PM...WALKING TO PUB...NU INSISTED!
4.25PM...'TOOT AND WHISTLE'...ITS A CONVERTED TRAIN TICKET OFFICE.
6.00PM...BACK AT OUR NEW ABODE...LAMB UNDER GRILL...SPUD AND CABBAGE ON BOIL.
6.55PM...ALL SORTED...WE ARE FAT AGAIN.
8.00PM...FREE APPLE CRUMBLE...DOUBLEY FAT AGAIN!
2.9.08...DAY 35....
9.30AM...NU WAKES ME WITH CUPPA TEA/TOAST.
10.10AM...STILL IN BED...FEEL LAZE...GETTING LAZIER.
10.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.40AM...WALKING TO PORT[10 MINS AWAY]...4.9.08 THE CAR RENTAL IS UP...BUT WE WANNA RENT ANOTHER...BUT GONNA SHOP AROUND...MAYBE GET A BETTER DEAL.
12.30PM...ACE CAR RENTAL...CAR WITH FULL COMP INSURANCE FOR 30 DOLLAR A DAY[12 QUID]...WE ARE PAYING 25 DOLLAR A DAY...BUT THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE...SOUNDS GOOD...NU WANTS TO HAVE A THINK...STEADY!
1.10PM...PUB...NU THINKING!
1.30PM...BEER...CHICKEN KEBAB WITH RICE FOR ME...NU HAD A CHEESE/TOMATO TOASTIE.
3.20PM...DEPARTING PUB...THINKING TIME OVER.
3.40PM...BACK IN OUR ROOM.
4.00PM...WE HAVEN'T HAD CURRY BOG FOR AWHILE...SO TASTE BUDS TINGLING.
4.45PM...IT WAS OK...BIT DRIER THAN USUAL.
6.00PM...CHATTING WITH OTHER ROAMERS.
8.00PM...APPLE PIE AND ICECREAM.
9.00PM...WATCHING RUBBISH TV IN OUR ROOM.
3.9.08...DAY 36...
10.05AM...AM I GETTING LAZIER OR AM I JUST BIRED?
10.20AM...MARMALADED TOAST/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...SHOWER.
12.05PM...ACE CAR RENTAL OFFICE...TOD LADY WE WISH TO RENT VEHICLE...TOLD US TO RETURN IN ONE HOUR...SHE WAS BUSY WITH OTHERS...NO PROBLEM.
12.15PM...WALKING TO BEACH.
1.00PM...ACCIDENTLY FOUND 'IRISH BAR'?...THERE KITCHENS WERE OUTA ACTION...BUT THE LADY SAID WE COULD BRING FOOD IN.
1.10PM...NU SENDS ME ON MISSION TO FIND FOOD.
1.35PM...I RETURN WITH CHICKEN/MUSHROOM PIZZA...BIT SALTY!
2.10PM...DEPART PUB.
2.30PM...ACE CAR RENTAL OFFICE.
3.35PM...BIT SLOW GOING...BUT ALL SORTED NOW...WE HAVE RENTED CAR FOR 17 DAYS ON THIS ISLAND...THEN PICK UP ANOTHER ON THE SOUTH ISLAND ON THE 22.9.08.
4.10PM...VIDEO SHOP...RENTING 'LARS AND THE REAL GIRL'.
4.30PM...LIQUOR STORE...NU NEEDS BRANDY...VODKA ON OFFER?
5.10PM...IN OUR ROOM.
6.00PM...FINISHING OFF YESTERDAYS LEFTOVER CURRY BOG.
6.50PM...NU LOAFING ON BED...ME FIDGETTING IN CHAIR...VIDEO ABOUT TO START.
8.30PM...VIDEO FINISHED...WATCHABLE...BUT NOT AS GOOD AS I WISHED.
8.45PM...VODKA/LEMONADE...PEANUTS.
4.9.08....DAY 37...
7.50AM...NOT HUNGRY...NEED A CUPPA.
8.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA... MADE MY LITLE ME!
8.25AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...ONE ROUND OF TOAT/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.25AM...LOADING EVERTHING INTO CAR.
10.00AM...RETURNING RENTAL CAR TO BUDGET.
10.15AM...THROWING EVERTHING INTO OUR NEW 'ACE RENTAL CAR'...RAIN POURING DOWN.
10.50AM...OFF WE SET...ON THE WAY YO NELSON...GONNA TAKE SCENIC ROUTE VIA HAVELOCK.
11.20AM...THE ROAD IS WINDING AND NOT VERY SCENIC...RAIN NOT HELPING.
11.40AM...HAVELOCK...AT LAST...SEEMED AN ETERNITY...NU NOT FEELING WELL...TO MANY BENDS.
12.05PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...NOT ENJOYING THIS DRIVE IN THE HEAVING RAIN.
1.10PM...ARRIVE IN NELSON.
1.35PM...THIS PLACE IS PACKED...THERES SEVERAL CONFERENCES GOING ON...PLUS AN AMATEUR WOMANS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HAPPENING!
1.55PM...TRIED MANY PLACES FOR ACCOMADATION...NOT HAVING MUCH LUCK.
2.05PM...'SHORTBREAD COTTAGE'...THEY HAVE NO SPARE ROOMS...BUT GUY THERE SAYS HE'LL RING ROUND FOR US.
2.25PM...'THE TASMAN' AS A ROOM AVAILABLE...MORE THAN WE WISH TO PAY...BUT IT'LL HAVE TO DO.
3.10PM...'THE TASMAN'...FULL OF GIRL FOOTIE PLAYERS...WHAT A NOISE!...PLUS I HAVE GOT A COLD COMING ON...I DON'T FEEL GOOD.
3.30PM...IN ROOM...ON BED...FELL ASLEEP.
6.10PM...AWOKE...HUNGRY.
6.45PM...PORK/CAULI/SPUD/CARROT...WONDERFUL MEAL...THE NOISE IS HORRENDOUS...I DON'T LIKE YOUNG GIRLS!!!
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH OZ GIRL WE HAVE BUMPED INTO A FEW TIMES ALONG THE WAY.
9.00PM...IN BED...HANDKERCHIEF AT THE READY...BODY WEAK...BRAIN UNHAPPY.
HIBERNATION?...JUST A THOUGHT!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
7.40AM...FEEL DRY...NEED MY CUPPA.
7.55AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR NU...ONE FOE ME!
8.20AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.55AM...CARRYING OUR WARES TO THE CAR.
9.30AM...NU HAVING WEETABIX...I'M NOT HUNGRY...A CUPPA IS ALL I NEED.
9.55AM...OFF WE SET.
10.05AM...NEWSAGENTS...THEY HAVE MY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER!
10.20AM...WE CAME IN ON THE HIGH ROAD...WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE LOW ROAD OUT.
10.40AM...THE ROAD IS PLEASANT ENOUGH.
11.00AM...BLUE DUCK CAFE...MUFFIN AND COFFEE.
11.40AM...BACK IN CAR...HEADING FOR CHRISTCHURCH...GOTTA FIND THE BY-PASS ROAD...AND THEN PICK UP THE ROAD FOR KAIKOURA.
12.20PM...ANOTHER BENDY ROAD.
1.00PM...BY PASSED CHRISTCHURCH...ONLY 140K TO GO...LEAST THIS ROAD IS SOMEWHAT STRAIGHTER.
2.40PM...TURNED OFF MAIN HIGHWAY...ABOUT 40K TO GO TO KIAKOURA...ANOTHER BENDY HILLY ROAD.
3.15PM...ADELPHI LODGE,KIOKOURA...BOOKED THREE NIGHTS...ALSO BOOKED WHALE WATCHING TOUR FOR TOMORROW...FOR 12.45PM.
4.00PM...IN ROOM...SMELLS MUSTY...CUPPA TEA.
5.00PM...WALKED TO THE STRAWBERRY TREE PUB.
5.25PM...BEER AWFUL...COULDN'T DRINK IT...NU HAD A COCKTAIL...JAPANESE TYPHOON...SHE COULDN'T DRINK IT...AWFUL.
6.00PM...FISH/CHIP SHOP/RESTAURANT.
6.25PM...ELEPHANT FISH...BEST FISH I HAVE HAD IN NZ SO FAR...CHIPS NOT SO GOOD.
7.10PM...BACK IN OUR MUSTY SMELLING ROOM...TIRED...DON'T KNOW WHY...HAVEN'T DONE ALOT.
30.8.08....DAY 32...
8.40AM...SLEPT WELL.
9.00AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY EVERTHING...AND ONE FOR LITTLE ME!
9.30AM...SHOWER.
10.15AM...BOILED EGG/TOAST...CUPPA COFFEE.
11.00AM...LAUNDRY IN WASHING MACHINE.
11.40AM...LAUNDRY IN DRYING MACHINE[I'M JUST SITTING...WATCHING MY WORLD GO ROUND AND ROUND!].
12.30PM...WALKING TO WHALE WATCHING TOUR OFFICE.
12.45PM...BOUGHT TICKETS FOR WHALE WATCH.
1.15PM...BOARDING BOAT.
1.35PM...THIS IS ONE ROCKY RIDE.
1.50PM...SPERM-WHALE SPOTTED...BOAT COMES TO A HALT...ALL EYES AGOG!
1.55PM...ALL EYES ON MOHU THE SPERM WHALE...13 METRES OF HIM...I'M NOT GONNA GO TO CLOSE...DON'T FANCY HIS SPRAY!
2.20PM...LOTS OF 'ROAMING GIBSON ALBATROSS' FLYING AROUD BOAT.
2.35PM...A SEAL SWIMS BY...LOOKING A BIT LOST.
2.40PM...SECOND SPERM WHALE SPOTTED...NAMES MOAU DOH.
3.00PM...LOOKING AROUND THE BOAT...A FAIR FEW PEOPLE ARE CLUTCHING SICK BAGS.
3.20PM...THIRD SPERM WHALE SPOTTED...THIS ONE IS CALLED 'LITTLE NICK'...ALL THE SPERM WHALES LOOK THE SAME TO ME...I DON'T KNOW HOW THESE GUIDE FOLK TELL THE DIFFERENCE...STRANGE!...THESE WHALES FEED HERE IN THESE WATERS THEN GO OFF TO TROPICAL SHORES TO SORT THE WOMEN WHALES...SOUNDS A PRETTY GOOD LIFE TO ME!
3.35PM...HEADING BACK TO LAND...PHEW!
4.10PM...DRY LAND...ITS COLD...ITS BEEN COLD ALL DAY.
4.30PM...SUPERMARKET...PORK FOR TODAY...LAMB FOR TOMORROW?
5.30PM...PORK/CAULI/SPUD...WONDERFUL.
6.10PM...WATCHING THE LATTER PART OF SOME RUBBISH FILM ON TV IN TV LOUNGE.
7.00PM...IN OUR MUSTY ROOM...HEATER ON.
7.30PM...VIDEO...7 YEARS IN TIBET.
9.30PM...GOOD FILM...GOODNIGHT.
31.8.08...DAY 33...
10.00AM...ITS 10AM!...WE ARE STILL IN BED!
10.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR MY GIRLIE...ONE FOR LITTLE OLD ME!
10.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.15AM...CORNFLAKES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
12.30PM...NOT REALLY DOING ALOT...CHATTING BETWEEN OURSELVES...WE HAVE THESE MOMENTS...I USUALLY DO MOST OF THE CHAT AND NU LISTENS!
3.30PM...NU JUST WOKEN UP!
4.00PM...THINK WE'LL GO FOR AN INDIAN MEAL TONIGHT...LEAVE THE LAMB FOR TOMORROW.
4.30PM...ON THE BOARD IN THE LOBBY...THERE IS AN ADVERT FOR THE 'INDIA PLAZA'.
4.50PM...OFF WE STROLL.
5.15PM...AT 'INDIA PLAZA'DOOR...NOT OPENING TO 5.30PM...OK.
5.20PM...WE STROLL ON A BIT FURTHER...WE NOTICE A FRESH FISH SELLING OUTLET...ITS SUNDAY...BUT ITS OPEN.
5.40PM...HAVING CHATTED WITH CHAPPIE BEHIND COUNTER...WE PURCHASER 4 PIECES OF FISH...TARAKIHI...INDIAN MEAL WILL HAVE TO WAIT.
6.10PM...FISH IN OVEN...BUTTERED...WRAPPED IN FOIL...SPUD ON BOIL...PEA'S ON BOIL.
6.35PM...EATING A SPLENDID MEAL...BEST FISH WE HAVE EATEN IN NZ.
7.50PM...BACK IN OUR MUSTY ROOM...KINDA GETTYING USED TO SMELL NOW...WATCHING ANOTHER VIDEO...CAST AWAY...STARRING TOM HANKS.
1.9.08...DAY 34...
8.00AM...NU HAS TOLD ME ITS TIME TO GET UP.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR YOU KNOW WHO...AND ONE FOR ME.
8.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...CORNFLAKES/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...CARRYING BAGS TO CAR.
10.15AM...IN CAMERA SHOP...NU'S CAMERA NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.
10.25AM...FOUND OUT IT WAS ON VIDEO SHOOT...NOT STILL SHOT.
11.00AM...NEW WORLD SUPERMARKET...NEED MILK ETC.
11.30AM...NU IN HAIRDRESSER'S.
12.05PM...NU LOOKS LIKE A NEW WOMAN!
12.20PM...ON THE ROAD TO BLENHEIM.
1.10PM...BIT OF A BORING JOURNEY...NZ STARTING TO LOOK SAMEY.
1.30PM...BLENHEIM...WAS GONNA BOOK A NIGHT AT THE 'HONEY-BEE'...THEY HAD NO ROOM...I WAS CHUFFED...DIDN'T LIKE THE LOOK OF THE PLACE.
1.55PM...DRIVING ON TO PICTON...PICKED UP AN AMERICAN MUSICIAN HITCHHIKING...WELL HE SAID HE WAS A MUSICIAN...I DIDN'T SEE AN INSTRUMENT...ITS LIKE ME SAYING I'M A WRITER...THOUGH I DO ALWAYS HAVE PEN AND PAPER...SO...!...!...SO I GUESS...WELL I DON'T WISH TO BLOW MY OWN TRUMPET!...BUT NO DOUBT YOU GET MY DRIFT!
2.45PM...'THE VILLA'!HOSTEL,PICTON...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS...FREE APPLE CRUMBLE!?
3.25PM...EVERYTHING IN OR ROOM...THIS ONE SMELLS BETTER.
4.00PM...WALKING TO PUB...NU INSISTED!
4.25PM...'TOOT AND WHISTLE'...ITS A CONVERTED TRAIN TICKET OFFICE.
6.00PM...BACK AT OUR NEW ABODE...LAMB UNDER GRILL...SPUD AND CABBAGE ON BOIL.
6.55PM...ALL SORTED...WE ARE FAT AGAIN.
8.00PM...FREE APPLE CRUMBLE...DOUBLEY FAT AGAIN!
2.9.08...DAY 35....
9.30AM...NU WAKES ME WITH CUPPA TEA/TOAST.
10.10AM...STILL IN BED...FEEL LAZE...GETTING LAZIER.
10.50AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
11.40AM...WALKING TO PORT[10 MINS AWAY]...4.9.08 THE CAR RENTAL IS UP...BUT WE WANNA RENT ANOTHER...BUT GONNA SHOP AROUND...MAYBE GET A BETTER DEAL.
12.30PM...ACE CAR RENTAL...CAR WITH FULL COMP INSURANCE FOR 30 DOLLAR A DAY[12 QUID]...WE ARE PAYING 25 DOLLAR A DAY...BUT THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE...SOUNDS GOOD...NU WANTS TO HAVE A THINK...STEADY!
1.10PM...PUB...NU THINKING!
1.30PM...BEER...CHICKEN KEBAB WITH RICE FOR ME...NU HAD A CHEESE/TOMATO TOASTIE.
3.20PM...DEPARTING PUB...THINKING TIME OVER.
3.40PM...BACK IN OUR ROOM.
4.00PM...WE HAVEN'T HAD CURRY BOG FOR AWHILE...SO TASTE BUDS TINGLING.
4.45PM...IT WAS OK...BIT DRIER THAN USUAL.
6.00PM...CHATTING WITH OTHER ROAMERS.
8.00PM...APPLE PIE AND ICECREAM.
9.00PM...WATCHING RUBBISH TV IN OUR ROOM.
3.9.08...DAY 36...
10.05AM...AM I GETTING LAZIER OR AM I JUST BIRED?
10.20AM...MARMALADED TOAST/CUPPA TEA.
11.00AM...SHOWER.
12.05PM...ACE CAR RENTAL OFFICE...TOD LADY WE WISH TO RENT VEHICLE...TOLD US TO RETURN IN ONE HOUR...SHE WAS BUSY WITH OTHERS...NO PROBLEM.
12.15PM...WALKING TO BEACH.
1.00PM...ACCIDENTLY FOUND 'IRISH BAR'?...THERE KITCHENS WERE OUTA ACTION...BUT THE LADY SAID WE COULD BRING FOOD IN.
1.10PM...NU SENDS ME ON MISSION TO FIND FOOD.
1.35PM...I RETURN WITH CHICKEN/MUSHROOM PIZZA...BIT SALTY!
2.10PM...DEPART PUB.
2.30PM...ACE CAR RENTAL OFFICE.
3.35PM...BIT SLOW GOING...BUT ALL SORTED NOW...WE HAVE RENTED CAR FOR 17 DAYS ON THIS ISLAND...THEN PICK UP ANOTHER ON THE SOUTH ISLAND ON THE 22.9.08.
4.10PM...VIDEO SHOP...RENTING 'LARS AND THE REAL GIRL'.
4.30PM...LIQUOR STORE...NU NEEDS BRANDY...VODKA ON OFFER?
5.10PM...IN OUR ROOM.
6.00PM...FINISHING OFF YESTERDAYS LEFTOVER CURRY BOG.
6.50PM...NU LOAFING ON BED...ME FIDGETTING IN CHAIR...VIDEO ABOUT TO START.
8.30PM...VIDEO FINISHED...WATCHABLE...BUT NOT AS GOOD AS I WISHED.
8.45PM...VODKA/LEMONADE...PEANUTS.
4.9.08....DAY 37...
7.50AM...NOT HUNGRY...NEED A CUPPA.
8.05AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA... MADE MY LITLE ME!
8.25AM...SHOWER.
9.00AM...ONE ROUND OF TOAT/ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.25AM...LOADING EVERTHING INTO CAR.
10.00AM...RETURNING RENTAL CAR TO BUDGET.
10.15AM...THROWING EVERTHING INTO OUR NEW 'ACE RENTAL CAR'...RAIN POURING DOWN.
10.50AM...OFF WE SET...ON THE WAY YO NELSON...GONNA TAKE SCENIC ROUTE VIA HAVELOCK.
11.20AM...THE ROAD IS WINDING AND NOT VERY SCENIC...RAIN NOT HELPING.
11.40AM...HAVELOCK...AT LAST...SEEMED AN ETERNITY...NU NOT FEELING WELL...TO MANY BENDS.
12.05PM...OFF WE SET AGAIN...NOT ENJOYING THIS DRIVE IN THE HEAVING RAIN.
1.10PM...ARRIVE IN NELSON.
1.35PM...THIS PLACE IS PACKED...THERES SEVERAL CONFERENCES GOING ON...PLUS AN AMATEUR WOMANS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT HAPPENING!
1.55PM...TRIED MANY PLACES FOR ACCOMADATION...NOT HAVING MUCH LUCK.
2.05PM...'SHORTBREAD COTTAGE'...THEY HAVE NO SPARE ROOMS...BUT GUY THERE SAYS HE'LL RING ROUND FOR US.
2.25PM...'THE TASMAN' AS A ROOM AVAILABLE...MORE THAN WE WISH TO PAY...BUT IT'LL HAVE TO DO.
3.10PM...'THE TASMAN'...FULL OF GIRL FOOTIE PLAYERS...WHAT A NOISE!...PLUS I HAVE GOT A COLD COMING ON...I DON'T FEEL GOOD.
3.30PM...IN ROOM...ON BED...FELL ASLEEP.
6.10PM...AWOKE...HUNGRY.
6.45PM...PORK/CAULI/SPUD/CARROT...WONDERFUL MEAL...THE NOISE IS HORRENDOUS...I DON'T LIKE YOUNG GIRLS!!!
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH OZ GIRL WE HAVE BUMPED INTO A FEW TIMES ALONG THE WAY.
9.00PM...IN BED...HANDKERCHIEF AT THE READY...BODY WEAK...BRAIN UNHAPPY.
HIBERNATION?...JUST A THOUGHT!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
NZ CONTINUED....
24.8.08...DAY 26
12.45AM...UP I GET.
1.00AM...READING NEWSPAPER.
1.40AM...TV LOUNGE.
2.05AM...STOKE CITY-ASTON VILLA LIVE ON SKY TELE...LETS HOPE ITS WORTH STAYING UP FOR?
4.00AM...STOKE 3-VILLA 2...A RUBBISH MATCH...SHOULD'VE STAYED IN BED!
4.15AM...BACK BENEATH THE SHEETS WITH MY BELOVED...TRIED TO TELL HER ABOUT THE MATCH...SHE WASN'T INTERESTED!...SO INCONSIDERATE!
10.30AM...WOKEN BY NU AND HAIRDRYER!...SO INCONSIDERATE!
11.00AM...CUPPA TEA...HAD TO MAKE IT MYSELF...SO INCONSIDERATE!
11.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
1.00PM...BACON/SCRAMBLED EGG...CUPPA COFFEE.
1.30PM...THINK I'LL GO BACK TO BED.
4.00PM...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...I'M NOT TO ENTHUISIASTIC...BUT WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE GLO-WORMS...I'M HUNGRY...BUT NOT SURE WHAT I WANT...TASTE BUDS ARE NOT GIVING ME ANY CLUES..
7.50PM...SEEN ENOUGH GLO-WORMS...IT WAS DARK...DIDN'T LIKE IT...NU FELL OVER A TREE STUMP AND LAUGHED...I WAS WORRIED!
8.05PM...PHONED MOTHER AND AUNTIE.
8.40PM...PUB/RESTAURANT...MEXICAN ESPLANADA'S?...WITH CHIPS AND SALAD...THE MEXICANS CAN KEEP THERE ESPLANADA'S...TASTED AWFUL...NOT ENOUGH FILLING...CHIPS AND SALAD PASSABLE.
9.30PM...FOUR WHISKEY AND COKES LATER...TIME TO HEAD BACK TO OUR DIGS.
25.8.08...DAY 27.
8.00AM...ALARM...WHY DID WE SET THE ALARM?...HORRIBLE NOISE!
8.15AM...KETTLE ON.
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...BOILED EGG ON TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...ALL PACKED UP...SAYING OUR FAREWELLS...MET SOME NICE OK PEOPLE.
10.15AM...DEPARTING FRANZ JOSEF...ON OUR WAY TO HOKITIKI...ABOUT 130K.
11.00AM...PICKED UP TWO HITCH-HIKERS...COUPLE OF ARGENTINIAN GIRLS...BETTER NOT MENTION THE FALKLANDS!
11.55AM...HOKITIKI...DROPPED OFF THE ARGIES.
12.30PM...ECO-CENTRE...WE HAVE COME TO SEE PERCY...THE ONE LEGGED KIWI BIRD.
12.40PM...WE ARE TOLD PERCY AS GONE TO HEAVEN TWO MONTHS AGO...OH!...ACTUAL HE'S IN THE DEEP-FREEZE...WAITING TO BE STUFFED...OUCH!
1.00PM...ECO-CENTRE WAS NOTHING TO SHOUT ABOUT...IT WAS DARK AND GLOOMY...WITH FEW BIRDS AND FISH WE HADN'T ALREADY SEEN.
1.50PM...SUPERMARKET...NEED LOADS.
2.35PM...PETROL STATION...ONLY 1.99 DOLLAR A LITRE...IT WAS 2.24 IN FRANZ JOSEF.
2.45PM...HEAD OUT OF HOKITIKI.
3.10PM...TURN OFF MAIN HIGHWAY FOR BLACKBALL...WE MET A CHAP IN FRANZ JOSEF WHO TOLD US TO GO THERE TO TRY THE SAUSAGES...APPARENTLY THEY ARE WELL FAMOUS?...THIS IS ALSO THE PLACE WHERE THE LABOUR PARTY STARTED...IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE SAYING 'YOU'VE BEEN BLACKBALLED'...YOU'LL GET MY DRIFT?
3.25PM...BLACKBALL HILTON[HOTEL]...LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING OUTA OF A WILD WEST MOVIE.
3.35PM...THE PLACE WAS EMPTY...ORDERED OUR SAUSAGES.
3.55PM...OK SAUSAGES...NOTHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT.
4.20PM...BACK IN OUR RENTED CAR...NEXT STOP REEFTON.
5.00PM...REEFTON...'OLD NURSES HOME' CONVERTED INTO A HOSTEL...50 DOLLAR FOR A DOUBLE ROOM...IT'LL DO.
5.40PM...NU IN BATH...I'M PREPARING VEGGIES.
6.15PM...STEAK/CARROTS/PARSNIPS/CABBAGE/SPUD.
6.45PM...I'M FULL...WE'RE FULL.
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH A GIRL FROM BRADFORD WHO IS TRAINING OUT HERE TO BECOME A DIGGER DRIVE...WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT!
26.8.08...DAY 28
7.50AM...THIS PLACE SMELLS LIKE A HOSPITAL!...LIKE A NURSE...LIKE AN OLD NURSE...WHATS AN OLD NURSE SMELL LIKE?...CAN'T REMEMBER!
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.15AM...EVERTHING PACKED UP...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.25AM...IN THE KITCHEN...CORNFLAKES...CUPPA TEA.
10.00AM...WHEELS IN MOTION...RAIN POURING.
10.10AM...REEFTON TOWN CENTRE...FOODSTORE...NU NEEDS ENERGY DRINK...GUESS I'M WEARING HER OUT!
10.25AM...WHEELS IN MOTION...NEXT STOP HAMNER SPRINGS...NU ALREADY AS SWIM COSTUME ON.
11.30AM...ROAD TO HAMNER SPRINGS CLOSED...THERE'S BEEN AN AVALANCHE...OUCH!
11.40AM...WE DRIVE ON THRU FLOODED ROADS/BIG PUDDLES.
12.50PM...TURNED ONTO ROAD FOR KAIKORA...ITS ALSO CLOSED!...MORE AVALANCHIES...DOUBLE OUCH!
1.00PM...GOT NO CHOICE...GOTTA HEAD FOR CHRISTCHURCH.
3.00PM...WOOLWORTHS FOOD STORE,CHRISTCHURCH...NEED A FEW ITEMS.
4.20PM...WE HAVE BEEN HETRE BEFORE...ITS ACTUALLY WHERE WE KICKED OFF OUR NZ TOUR.
4.50PM...FINALLY FOUND THE 'STONEHURST'...OUR ACCOMADATION PLACE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
5.30PM...SHOWER...WELL NEEDED...WASH AWAY THE SMELL OF THAT NURSES HOME.
6.30PM...STEAK AND VEG...CUPPA TEA x 2.
7.30PM...IN OR ROOM...WATCHING TELE...TIRED...NOT FEELING TOO GOOD.
27.8.08...DAY 29.
9.50AM...FEEL WEAK.
10.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.50AM...SHOWER.
11.30AM...BACON SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
12.30PM...WE WERE GONNA GO ON A CITY TOUR...BUT I'M NOT FEELING TO GOOD.
1.00PM...BACK IN BED...DON'T FEEL RIGHT.
4.00PM...WOKE...THIRSTY/HUNGRY.
4.50PM...CHEESE/BRANSTON PICKLE SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
5.40PM...WALKED TO CHEMIST...NEED PAIN KILLERS FOR BACK.
6.50PM...BACK AT 'STONEHURST'...MUSHROOM SOUP/CUPPA TEA.
8.00PM...STRAIGHT WHISKEY.
9.00PM...HUGH GRANT FILM ON TV.
10.30PM...FEELING BETTER?...UNSURE.
28.8.08...DAY 30.
7.30AM...THIS ROOM LOOKS TRASHED...EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE.
7.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...ONE FOR NU.
8.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.50AM...CORNFLAKES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.20AM...CARRYING EVERTHING TO CAR...WE WERE ON THE THIRD FLOOR...BACK ACHING.
10.10AM...OFF WE SET...SEARCHING FOR ROAD TO AKAROA...WANT THE SCENIC ROUTE...VIA GOVERMENT BAY.
10.50AM...HAD TO STOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR NU TO PLAY THE HAPPY SNAPPER.
11.00AM...VERY SLOW ROAD...VERY BENDY.
12.05PM...'HILL TOP HOTEL'/CAFE.
12.15PM...ALTHOUGH IT AS GONE NOON...THEY ARE STILL HAPPY TO DO ME A FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST.
12.50PM...THAT WAS A EXTREMELY WONDERFUL BREAKFAST...IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA...WELL RECOMMENDED!...BETSY THE BLACK WOOLY HAIRED SPANIEL HAD ONE EYE ON US...BUT WE HAD NO FOOD TO SPARE.
1.15PM...BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN...WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE HIGH ROAD...MANT YEARS AGO THIS CRATER WAS FORMED...WE ARE GONNA GO ROUND THE RIM AND THEN HEAD DOWNWARDS TO THE CENTRE...DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
1.40PM...MANY STOPS...NU HAPPY SNAPPING...GREEN FIELD UPON GREEN FIELD...MOUNTAINS ALL AROUND...IT IS KINDA SPECIAL...ITS ALL SO CLEAN AND TIDY.
2.10PM...AKAROA AT LAST...AN ENJOYABLE DRIVE...THE SCENERY WAS WORTH IT.
2.30PM...CHECKED IN AT 'THE CHEZ LA MAR'...[THERES A LOTTA THINGS FRENCH HERE]
3.00PM...SITTING IN COURTYARD OF PUB...SUN SHINING.
4.00PM...WALKING MAIN HIGH STREET...VERY QUIET.
5.05PM...STEAK/SPUD/CAULI IN ONION GRAVY.
6.30PM...WATCHING TV...NOT FEELING GOOD AGAIN...GUESS I'VE PICKED UP A BUG SOMEWHERE.
FEEL WEAK.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
12.45AM...UP I GET.
1.00AM...READING NEWSPAPER.
1.40AM...TV LOUNGE.
2.05AM...STOKE CITY-ASTON VILLA LIVE ON SKY TELE...LETS HOPE ITS WORTH STAYING UP FOR?
4.00AM...STOKE 3-VILLA 2...A RUBBISH MATCH...SHOULD'VE STAYED IN BED!
4.15AM...BACK BENEATH THE SHEETS WITH MY BELOVED...TRIED TO TELL HER ABOUT THE MATCH...SHE WASN'T INTERESTED!...SO INCONSIDERATE!
10.30AM...WOKEN BY NU AND HAIRDRYER!...SO INCONSIDERATE!
11.00AM...CUPPA TEA...HAD TO MAKE IT MYSELF...SO INCONSIDERATE!
11.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
1.00PM...BACON/SCRAMBLED EGG...CUPPA COFFEE.
1.30PM...THINK I'LL GO BACK TO BED.
4.00PM...CUPPA TEA.
6.00PM...I'M NOT TO ENTHUISIASTIC...BUT WE ARE OFF TO SEE THE GLO-WORMS...I'M HUNGRY...BUT NOT SURE WHAT I WANT...TASTE BUDS ARE NOT GIVING ME ANY CLUES..
7.50PM...SEEN ENOUGH GLO-WORMS...IT WAS DARK...DIDN'T LIKE IT...NU FELL OVER A TREE STUMP AND LAUGHED...I WAS WORRIED!
8.05PM...PHONED MOTHER AND AUNTIE.
8.40PM...PUB/RESTAURANT...MEXICAN ESPLANADA'S?...WITH CHIPS AND SALAD...THE MEXICANS CAN KEEP THERE ESPLANADA'S...TASTED AWFUL...NOT ENOUGH FILLING...CHIPS AND SALAD PASSABLE.
9.30PM...FOUR WHISKEY AND COKES LATER...TIME TO HEAD BACK TO OUR DIGS.
25.8.08...DAY 27.
8.00AM...ALARM...WHY DID WE SET THE ALARM?...HORRIBLE NOISE!
8.15AM...KETTLE ON.
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...SHOWER.
9.30AM...BOILED EGG ON TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
10.05AM...ALL PACKED UP...SAYING OUR FAREWELLS...MET SOME NICE OK PEOPLE.
10.15AM...DEPARTING FRANZ JOSEF...ON OUR WAY TO HOKITIKI...ABOUT 130K.
11.00AM...PICKED UP TWO HITCH-HIKERS...COUPLE OF ARGENTINIAN GIRLS...BETTER NOT MENTION THE FALKLANDS!
11.55AM...HOKITIKI...DROPPED OFF THE ARGIES.
12.30PM...ECO-CENTRE...WE HAVE COME TO SEE PERCY...THE ONE LEGGED KIWI BIRD.
12.40PM...WE ARE TOLD PERCY AS GONE TO HEAVEN TWO MONTHS AGO...OH!...ACTUAL HE'S IN THE DEEP-FREEZE...WAITING TO BE STUFFED...OUCH!
1.00PM...ECO-CENTRE WAS NOTHING TO SHOUT ABOUT...IT WAS DARK AND GLOOMY...WITH FEW BIRDS AND FISH WE HADN'T ALREADY SEEN.
1.50PM...SUPERMARKET...NEED LOADS.
2.35PM...PETROL STATION...ONLY 1.99 DOLLAR A LITRE...IT WAS 2.24 IN FRANZ JOSEF.
2.45PM...HEAD OUT OF HOKITIKI.
3.10PM...TURN OFF MAIN HIGHWAY FOR BLACKBALL...WE MET A CHAP IN FRANZ JOSEF WHO TOLD US TO GO THERE TO TRY THE SAUSAGES...APPARENTLY THEY ARE WELL FAMOUS?...THIS IS ALSO THE PLACE WHERE THE LABOUR PARTY STARTED...IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE SAYING 'YOU'VE BEEN BLACKBALLED'...YOU'LL GET MY DRIFT?
3.25PM...BLACKBALL HILTON[HOTEL]...LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING OUTA OF A WILD WEST MOVIE.
3.35PM...THE PLACE WAS EMPTY...ORDERED OUR SAUSAGES.
3.55PM...OK SAUSAGES...NOTHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT.
4.20PM...BACK IN OUR RENTED CAR...NEXT STOP REEFTON.
5.00PM...REEFTON...'OLD NURSES HOME' CONVERTED INTO A HOSTEL...50 DOLLAR FOR A DOUBLE ROOM...IT'LL DO.
5.40PM...NU IN BATH...I'M PREPARING VEGGIES.
6.15PM...STEAK/CARROTS/PARSNIPS/CABBAGE/SPUD.
6.45PM...I'M FULL...WE'RE FULL.
7.15PM...CHATTING WITH A GIRL FROM BRADFORD WHO IS TRAINING OUT HERE TO BECOME A DIGGER DRIVE...WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT!
26.8.08...DAY 28
7.50AM...THIS PLACE SMELLS LIKE A HOSPITAL!...LIKE A NURSE...LIKE AN OLD NURSE...WHATS AN OLD NURSE SMELL LIKE?...CAN'T REMEMBER!
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.15AM...EVERTHING PACKED UP...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.25AM...IN THE KITCHEN...CORNFLAKES...CUPPA TEA.
10.00AM...WHEELS IN MOTION...RAIN POURING.
10.10AM...REEFTON TOWN CENTRE...FOODSTORE...NU NEEDS ENERGY DRINK...GUESS I'M WEARING HER OUT!
10.25AM...WHEELS IN MOTION...NEXT STOP HAMNER SPRINGS...NU ALREADY AS SWIM COSTUME ON.
11.30AM...ROAD TO HAMNER SPRINGS CLOSED...THERE'S BEEN AN AVALANCHE...OUCH!
11.40AM...WE DRIVE ON THRU FLOODED ROADS/BIG PUDDLES.
12.50PM...TURNED ONTO ROAD FOR KAIKORA...ITS ALSO CLOSED!...MORE AVALANCHIES...DOUBLE OUCH!
1.00PM...GOT NO CHOICE...GOTTA HEAD FOR CHRISTCHURCH.
3.00PM...WOOLWORTHS FOOD STORE,CHRISTCHURCH...NEED A FEW ITEMS.
4.20PM...WE HAVE BEEN HETRE BEFORE...ITS ACTUALLY WHERE WE KICKED OFF OUR NZ TOUR.
4.50PM...FINALLY FOUND THE 'STONEHURST'...OUR ACCOMADATION PLACE...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
5.30PM...SHOWER...WELL NEEDED...WASH AWAY THE SMELL OF THAT NURSES HOME.
6.30PM...STEAK AND VEG...CUPPA TEA x 2.
7.30PM...IN OR ROOM...WATCHING TELE...TIRED...NOT FEELING TOO GOOD.
27.8.08...DAY 29.
9.50AM...FEEL WEAK.
10.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
10.50AM...SHOWER.
11.30AM...BACON SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
12.30PM...WE WERE GONNA GO ON A CITY TOUR...BUT I'M NOT FEELING TO GOOD.
1.00PM...BACK IN BED...DON'T FEEL RIGHT.
4.00PM...WOKE...THIRSTY/HUNGRY.
4.50PM...CHEESE/BRANSTON PICKLE SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
5.40PM...WALKED TO CHEMIST...NEED PAIN KILLERS FOR BACK.
6.50PM...BACK AT 'STONEHURST'...MUSHROOM SOUP/CUPPA TEA.
8.00PM...STRAIGHT WHISKEY.
9.00PM...HUGH GRANT FILM ON TV.
10.30PM...FEELING BETTER?...UNSURE.
28.8.08...DAY 30.
7.30AM...THIS ROOM LOOKS TRASHED...EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE.
7.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA...ONE FOR ME...ONE FOR NU.
8.15AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
8.50AM...CORNFLAKES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.20AM...CARRYING EVERTHING TO CAR...WE WERE ON THE THIRD FLOOR...BACK ACHING.
10.10AM...OFF WE SET...SEARCHING FOR ROAD TO AKAROA...WANT THE SCENIC ROUTE...VIA GOVERMENT BAY.
10.50AM...HAD TO STOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR NU TO PLAY THE HAPPY SNAPPER.
11.00AM...VERY SLOW ROAD...VERY BENDY.
12.05PM...'HILL TOP HOTEL'/CAFE.
12.15PM...ALTHOUGH IT AS GONE NOON...THEY ARE STILL HAPPY TO DO ME A FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST.
12.50PM...THAT WAS A EXTREMELY WONDERFUL BREAKFAST...IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA...WELL RECOMMENDED!...BETSY THE BLACK WOOLY HAIRED SPANIEL HAD ONE EYE ON US...BUT WE HAD NO FOOD TO SPARE.
1.15PM...BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN...WE ARE GONNA TAKE THE HIGH ROAD...MANT YEARS AGO THIS CRATER WAS FORMED...WE ARE GONNA GO ROUND THE RIM AND THEN HEAD DOWNWARDS TO THE CENTRE...DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
1.40PM...MANY STOPS...NU HAPPY SNAPPING...GREEN FIELD UPON GREEN FIELD...MOUNTAINS ALL AROUND...IT IS KINDA SPECIAL...ITS ALL SO CLEAN AND TIDY.
2.10PM...AKAROA AT LAST...AN ENJOYABLE DRIVE...THE SCENERY WAS WORTH IT.
2.30PM...CHECKED IN AT 'THE CHEZ LA MAR'...[THERES A LOTTA THINGS FRENCH HERE]
3.00PM...SITTING IN COURTYARD OF PUB...SUN SHINING.
4.00PM...WALKING MAIN HIGH STREET...VERY QUIET.
5.05PM...STEAK/SPUD/CAULI IN ONION GRAVY.
6.30PM...WATCHING TV...NOT FEELING GOOD AGAIN...GUESS I'VE PICKED UP A BUG SOMEWHERE.
FEEL WEAK.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Saturday, 23 August 2008
NZ....CONTINUED
20.8.08....DAY 22
8.30AM...ARE WE DOING SOMETHING TODAY?...CAN'T REMEMBER.
8.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.00AM...BACK IN BED...IT WAS TO COLD OUT THERE!
9.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.25AM...BACON/MUSHROOM SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.15AM...SEARCHING FOR BOOKSHOP IN TOWN CENTRE...NEED A CERTAIN BOOK...GUESS I'LL BE LUCKY TO FIND A COPY...IT'S WANNA THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ.
11.40AM...CLOTHING SHOP...BOUGHT TWO T-SHIRTS.
12.10PM...BOOKSHOP...THEY HAVE A COPY OF THAT CERTAIN BOOK!
12.45PM...SUPERMARKET...FANCY PORK.
1.20PM...POSTOFFICE...THINGS TO SEND.
2.00PM...ALI BABA...NEED A HAIR CUT.
2.20PM...I HATE HAVING MY HAIR CUT...BUT IT'S DONE NOW...THINK I'LL BUY A HAT.
3.00PM...BACK AT OUR CHALET.
3.20PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...SPUDS AND CANNED PEAS ON THE BOIL.
3.55PM...ENJOYABLE MEAL...BREAD WITH GRAVY TO FINISH.
4.30PM...SINCE WE ARE HEADING OUT TOMORROW...TRYING TO PACK EVERYTHING IN A ORDERLY FASHION.
5.05PM...IN CAR...ON THE WAY TO THE CINEMA.
5.15PM...PARADISO...A CINEMA WITH A DIFFERENCE.
5.30PM...NU ORDERS THE MOST EXPENSIVE BOTTLE OF WINE...PLUS AT THE INTERVAL WE HAVE A CHICKEN,BRIE AND CRANBERRY PIZZA!...50 QUID SPEND...THIS IS ONE EXPENSIVE MOVIE!
6.00PM...THE PLACE IS PACKED...EVERYBODIES SEATED ON THERE SETTEE'S...YES SETTEE'S!
6.10PM...FILM ROLLING...A YOUNG GIRL STARTS SINGING'I HAVE A DREAM'.
6.35PM...THE MEN ARE OUT NUMBERED BY ABOUT 10 TO 1...THE WOMAN SEEM TO GIGGLE AT THE MOST UNGIGGLISH OF THINGS.
7.20PM...INTERVAL TIME...OUR PIZZA AWAITS.
7.30PM...THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE PIZZA...IT WAS OK...BUT I WOULDN'T HAVE SECONDS...EVER!
7.40PM...SECOND HALF OF FILM...JULIE WALTERS IS SUPERB...ABBA SONGS ARE SO SINGALONGABLE.
8.20PM...FILM FINISHED...AND A DELIGHTFUL FILM IT WAS TOO...MAMMA MIA IS WELL WORTH A LOOK.
8.40PM...DROPPED CAR BACK AT CHALET.
8.50PM...WALKED BACK INTO TOWN.
9.10PM...THERE'S A PUB HAVING A PUNK NIGHT...NU CAN'T WAIT!
9.50PM...LEAVING PUB...PUNK IN NZ IS NOT PROPER PUNK...NU SEEMS UNCONCERNED!
10.20PM...BACK AT CHALET...BETTER HAVE A BRANDY.
21.8.08...DAY 23...
8.00AM...GOT A LONG DRIVE TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.20AM...ALL PACKED UP...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.40AM...CORNFLAKES...CUPPA TEA.
10.20AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED BREAD AND CHEESE...WHERE WE ARE HEADING IS QUITE REMOTE...AND IN THESE AREAS FOOD TENDS TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE.
10.55AM...220K TO GO TO FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER.
12.30PM...HAUUST...SMALL TOWN...HAVING MADE SEVERAL STOPS FOR HAPPY SNAPPER NU!
3.00PM...FRANZ JOSEF AT LAST...THE ROAD AS BEEN SLOW...SNOW PILED UP.
3.30PM...ENQUIRING ABOUT HELIHIKE AT HELIHIKE CENTRE[WELL YOU WOULDN'T ENQUIRE AT A SWIMMING POOL CENTRE WOULD YOU?]...ANYWAY...YOU BASICALLY GO UP IN A HELICOPTOR TO THE TOP OF THE GLACIER AND THEN HIKE FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS...THEY DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A HIKE TOMORROW...DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER...WON'T KNOW TILL 10.00AM TOMORROW.
4.20PM...BOOKED OUR ROOM AT LOCAL HOSTEL...THE GLOWORM.
5.10PM...BAKED SPUD WITH CHEESE AND BUTTER.
6.00PM...FREE VEGGIE SOUP.
6.30PM...BOTTLE OF WINE.
8.00PM...PHONED TOM.
22.8.08...DAY 24...
8.00AM...RAIN LASHING DOWN.
8.15AM...KETTLE ON.
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...CORNFLAKES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.30AM...WALKING THRU THE RAIN TO HELIHIKE CENTRE.
10.00AM...WOMAN ON DESK RECKONS TOUR IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN TODAY...WEATHER POOR.
10.25AM...FOR CERTAIN...THERES GONNA BE NO CHANGE IN THE WEATHER...SO NO TRIP TO FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER TODAY.
11.00AM...EVEN IN THIS REMOTE LITTLE VILLAGE THEY HAVE MY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER...NEED IT...TODAY IS GONNA BE BORING.
12.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...BREAD AND CHEESE.
1.30PM...WATCHING 'UNOFFICIAL SPICE GIRL DOCUMENTARY' VIDEO...HOW BAD CAN IT GET?
2.30PM...RETURN TO READING MY NEWSPAPER.
3.20PM...SHOWER...DIDN'T HAVE ONE THIS MORNING...SO I GUESS I BETTER HAVE ONE NOW!
4.30PM...WATCHING OLYMPICS...ENGLAND HAVE DONE ALRIGHT WITH MEDALS...RAIN RELENTLESS.
7.00PM...PUB RESTAURANT...FISH[OCKY] WITH CHIPS/SALAD...THE FISH IN NZ CANNOT COMPETE WITH OZ.
8.15PM...CHATTING WITH ZEALANDERS.
9.30PM...BACK AT OUR ENSUITE ROOM.
10.00PM...IS THERE A FILM WORTH WATCHING ON SKY?
23.8.08...DAY 25...
8.00AM...POPPED HEAD ROUND CURTAINS...IS FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER GONNA HAPPEN TODAY?
8.20AM...KETTLE ON.
8.25AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.40AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...CORNFLAKES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...WALKING TO HELIHIKE CENTRE...NOT RAINING...WEATHER LOOKING GOOD.
10.05AM...YES ITS ON!...WE GONNA CONQUER FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER...BIT NERVOUS.
10.30AM...LISTENING TO INSTRUCTIONS.
10.50AM...GETTING TOGGED UP...BOOTS ARE A LITTLE TIGHT.
11.10AM...IN HELICOPTOR.
11.30AM...ON GLACIER...ITS NOT SO COLD.
11.45AM...WALKING GLACIER...TRAMPING THRU SNOW...ITS TOUGH...NEED TO GET FIT.
12.30PM...STILL TRAMPING...FALLEN A FEW TIMES...NU DOING WELL...THE GROUP OF YOUNGSTERS WE ARE WITH ARE SECOND TO NON...THEY HELP US...ITS KINDA COMICAL...ITS A TOGETHERNESS...THERES SOME HAIRY MOMENTS...GOING THRU NARROW GORGES...NU AND I ARE NOT SO NARROW!...SOMEHOW WE SUCCEED...I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS EXPERIENCE...I'M SO,SO LUCKY...AMAZING TIME...AMAZING SCENERY...AMAZING TO THINK I'VE DONE IT...THE GUIDE WAS WONDERFUL[DAN]...THE GROUP WAS PATIENT WITH US...AND A GIRL CALLED MEGAN HELPED NU A LOT...THANKS TO EVERYONE!
2.00PM...WAITING FOR HELICOPTOR FOR OUR RETURN TO EARTH.
2.20PM...WE ARE IN THE AIR AGAIN...NO WORRIES...PINCH OF SALT!!!!
2.40PM...TOUCH DOWN...TOUR COMPLETED...NU AND I RULE OK!
3.05PM...SUPERMARKET...NEED BEER.
3.35PM...SHOWER...MY BACK IS SOAKED VIA SWEAT.
4.00PM...SPUDS IN MICROWAVE.
4.15PM...SEMI BAKED SPUDS IN OVEN...NEED JACKETS TO CRISP.
5.00PM...BAKED SPUDS TO DIE FOR...BUTTERED AND CHEESED.
5.40PM...BED...LIMBS ACHING.
8.30PM...UP WE GET...I THINK I SLEPT.
9.05PM...PUB RESTAURANT.
9.20PM...MUSHROOM/CHICKEN ETC PIZZA...BEER.
9.55PM...PLAYING POOL WITH A CHAP FROM CUMBRIA.
10.40PM...THREE GAMES LATER...I CAN'T PLAY THIS GAME ANYMORE...RECKON THIS POOL CUE IS BENT!
10.50PM...WALKING BACK TO HOSTEL.
11.30PM...IN BED...BUT CAN'T SLEEP.
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME/DANCING QUEEN/DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW ETC.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.30AM...ARE WE DOING SOMETHING TODAY?...CAN'T REMEMBER.
8.50AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.00AM...BACK IN BED...IT WAS TO COLD OUT THERE!
9.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
10.25AM...BACON/MUSHROOM SANDWICH...CUPPA TEA.
11.15AM...SEARCHING FOR BOOKSHOP IN TOWN CENTRE...NEED A CERTAIN BOOK...GUESS I'LL BE LUCKY TO FIND A COPY...IT'S WANNA THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ.
11.40AM...CLOTHING SHOP...BOUGHT TWO T-SHIRTS.
12.10PM...BOOKSHOP...THEY HAVE A COPY OF THAT CERTAIN BOOK!
12.45PM...SUPERMARKET...FANCY PORK.
1.20PM...POSTOFFICE...THINGS TO SEND.
2.00PM...ALI BABA...NEED A HAIR CUT.
2.20PM...I HATE HAVING MY HAIR CUT...BUT IT'S DONE NOW...THINK I'LL BUY A HAT.
3.00PM...BACK AT OUR CHALET.
3.20PM...PORK UNDER GRILL...SPUDS AND CANNED PEAS ON THE BOIL.
3.55PM...ENJOYABLE MEAL...BREAD WITH GRAVY TO FINISH.
4.30PM...SINCE WE ARE HEADING OUT TOMORROW...TRYING TO PACK EVERYTHING IN A ORDERLY FASHION.
5.05PM...IN CAR...ON THE WAY TO THE CINEMA.
5.15PM...PARADISO...A CINEMA WITH A DIFFERENCE.
5.30PM...NU ORDERS THE MOST EXPENSIVE BOTTLE OF WINE...PLUS AT THE INTERVAL WE HAVE A CHICKEN,BRIE AND CRANBERRY PIZZA!...50 QUID SPEND...THIS IS ONE EXPENSIVE MOVIE!
6.00PM...THE PLACE IS PACKED...EVERYBODIES SEATED ON THERE SETTEE'S...YES SETTEE'S!
6.10PM...FILM ROLLING...A YOUNG GIRL STARTS SINGING'I HAVE A DREAM'.
6.35PM...THE MEN ARE OUT NUMBERED BY ABOUT 10 TO 1...THE WOMAN SEEM TO GIGGLE AT THE MOST UNGIGGLISH OF THINGS.
7.20PM...INTERVAL TIME...OUR PIZZA AWAITS.
7.30PM...THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE PIZZA...IT WAS OK...BUT I WOULDN'T HAVE SECONDS...EVER!
7.40PM...SECOND HALF OF FILM...JULIE WALTERS IS SUPERB...ABBA SONGS ARE SO SINGALONGABLE.
8.20PM...FILM FINISHED...AND A DELIGHTFUL FILM IT WAS TOO...MAMMA MIA IS WELL WORTH A LOOK.
8.40PM...DROPPED CAR BACK AT CHALET.
8.50PM...WALKED BACK INTO TOWN.
9.10PM...THERE'S A PUB HAVING A PUNK NIGHT...NU CAN'T WAIT!
9.50PM...LEAVING PUB...PUNK IN NZ IS NOT PROPER PUNK...NU SEEMS UNCONCERNED!
10.20PM...BACK AT CHALET...BETTER HAVE A BRANDY.
21.8.08...DAY 23...
8.00AM...GOT A LONG DRIVE TODAY.
8.20AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
8.35AM...SHOWER.
9.20AM...ALL PACKED UP...EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.40AM...CORNFLAKES...CUPPA TEA.
10.20AM...SUPERMARKET...NEED BREAD AND CHEESE...WHERE WE ARE HEADING IS QUITE REMOTE...AND IN THESE AREAS FOOD TENDS TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE.
10.55AM...220K TO GO TO FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER.
12.30PM...HAUUST...SMALL TOWN...HAVING MADE SEVERAL STOPS FOR HAPPY SNAPPER NU!
3.00PM...FRANZ JOSEF AT LAST...THE ROAD AS BEEN SLOW...SNOW PILED UP.
3.30PM...ENQUIRING ABOUT HELIHIKE AT HELIHIKE CENTRE[WELL YOU WOULDN'T ENQUIRE AT A SWIMMING POOL CENTRE WOULD YOU?]...ANYWAY...YOU BASICALLY GO UP IN A HELICOPTOR TO THE TOP OF THE GLACIER AND THEN HIKE FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS...THEY DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A HIKE TOMORROW...DEPENDS ON THE WEATHER...WON'T KNOW TILL 10.00AM TOMORROW.
4.20PM...BOOKED OUR ROOM AT LOCAL HOSTEL...THE GLOWORM.
5.10PM...BAKED SPUD WITH CHEESE AND BUTTER.
6.00PM...FREE VEGGIE SOUP.
6.30PM...BOTTLE OF WINE.
8.00PM...PHONED TOM.
22.8.08...DAY 24...
8.00AM...RAIN LASHING DOWN.
8.15AM...KETTLE ON.
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...CORNFLAKES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.30AM...WALKING THRU THE RAIN TO HELIHIKE CENTRE.
10.00AM...WOMAN ON DESK RECKONS TOUR IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN TODAY...WEATHER POOR.
10.25AM...FOR CERTAIN...THERES GONNA BE NO CHANGE IN THE WEATHER...SO NO TRIP TO FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER TODAY.
11.00AM...EVEN IN THIS REMOTE LITTLE VILLAGE THEY HAVE MY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER...NEED IT...TODAY IS GONNA BE BORING.
12.30PM...READING NEWSPAPER...BREAD AND CHEESE.
1.30PM...WATCHING 'UNOFFICIAL SPICE GIRL DOCUMENTARY' VIDEO...HOW BAD CAN IT GET?
2.30PM...RETURN TO READING MY NEWSPAPER.
3.20PM...SHOWER...DIDN'T HAVE ONE THIS MORNING...SO I GUESS I BETTER HAVE ONE NOW!
4.30PM...WATCHING OLYMPICS...ENGLAND HAVE DONE ALRIGHT WITH MEDALS...RAIN RELENTLESS.
7.00PM...PUB RESTAURANT...FISH[OCKY] WITH CHIPS/SALAD...THE FISH IN NZ CANNOT COMPETE WITH OZ.
8.15PM...CHATTING WITH ZEALANDERS.
9.30PM...BACK AT OUR ENSUITE ROOM.
10.00PM...IS THERE A FILM WORTH WATCHING ON SKY?
23.8.08...DAY 25...
8.00AM...POPPED HEAD ROUND CURTAINS...IS FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER GONNA HAPPEN TODAY?
8.20AM...KETTLE ON.
8.25AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.40AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...CORNFLAKES...ANOTHER CUPPA.
9.40AM...WALKING TO HELIHIKE CENTRE...NOT RAINING...WEATHER LOOKING GOOD.
10.05AM...YES ITS ON!...WE GONNA CONQUER FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER...BIT NERVOUS.
10.30AM...LISTENING TO INSTRUCTIONS.
10.50AM...GETTING TOGGED UP...BOOTS ARE A LITTLE TIGHT.
11.10AM...IN HELICOPTOR.
11.30AM...ON GLACIER...ITS NOT SO COLD.
11.45AM...WALKING GLACIER...TRAMPING THRU SNOW...ITS TOUGH...NEED TO GET FIT.
12.30PM...STILL TRAMPING...FALLEN A FEW TIMES...NU DOING WELL...THE GROUP OF YOUNGSTERS WE ARE WITH ARE SECOND TO NON...THEY HELP US...ITS KINDA COMICAL...ITS A TOGETHERNESS...THERES SOME HAIRY MOMENTS...GOING THRU NARROW GORGES...NU AND I ARE NOT SO NARROW!...SOMEHOW WE SUCCEED...I'LL NEVER FORGET THIS EXPERIENCE...I'M SO,SO LUCKY...AMAZING TIME...AMAZING SCENERY...AMAZING TO THINK I'VE DONE IT...THE GUIDE WAS WONDERFUL[DAN]...THE GROUP WAS PATIENT WITH US...AND A GIRL CALLED MEGAN HELPED NU A LOT...THANKS TO EVERYONE!
2.00PM...WAITING FOR HELICOPTOR FOR OUR RETURN TO EARTH.
2.20PM...WE ARE IN THE AIR AGAIN...NO WORRIES...PINCH OF SALT!!!!
2.40PM...TOUCH DOWN...TOUR COMPLETED...NU AND I RULE OK!
3.05PM...SUPERMARKET...NEED BEER.
3.35PM...SHOWER...MY BACK IS SOAKED VIA SWEAT.
4.00PM...SPUDS IN MICROWAVE.
4.15PM...SEMI BAKED SPUDS IN OVEN...NEED JACKETS TO CRISP.
5.00PM...BAKED SPUDS TO DIE FOR...BUTTERED AND CHEESED.
5.40PM...BED...LIMBS ACHING.
8.30PM...UP WE GET...I THINK I SLEPT.
9.05PM...PUB RESTAURANT.
9.20PM...MUSHROOM/CHICKEN ETC PIZZA...BEER.
9.55PM...PLAYING POOL WITH A CHAP FROM CUMBRIA.
10.40PM...THREE GAMES LATER...I CAN'T PLAY THIS GAME ANYMORE...RECKON THIS POOL CUE IS BENT!
10.50PM...WALKING BACK TO HOSTEL.
11.30PM...IN BED...BUT CAN'T SLEEP.
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME/DANCING QUEEN/DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW ETC.
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Thursday, 21 August 2008
nz continued....day 17
15.8.08....DAY 17
8.00AM...TURNED ON MY MOBILE...LOADS OF INBOX TEXT MESSAGES COMING THRU.
8.05AM...ITS MICHAELA...SHE'S SENT ME FOUR TEXTS...EVERY TIME VILLA SCORED...4-1 ON THE NIGHT.
8.15AM...KETTLE ON.
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...SHOWER.
9.25AM...CORNFLAKES...CUPPA TEA.
9.55AM...ALL PACKED UP.
10.00AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...HYUNDA GETZ.
10.25AM...PARKED UP ON SUPERMARKET CARPARK.
10.40AM...IMMAGRATION OFFICE...ITS GOOD NEWS...WE CAN GO TO FIJI AND COME BACK TO NZ...AND OUR VISA'S ARE UNEFFECTED.
11.05AM...DRIVING TOWARDS THE OTAGA PENISULA...ON A WELL BENDY ROAD.
11.50AM...ALBATROSS CENTRE.
12.05PM...ALBATROSS CENTRE TOUR.
1.00PM...WE WATCHED A FILM THAT WAS INTERESTING...BUT WE ONLY SAW HALF A HEAD OF A BABY ALBATROSS IN THE WILD...BIT DISAPPOINTING.
1.25PM...DRIVING BACK TO DUNEDIN.
1.50PM...ON THE HIGHWAY TO PALMERSTONE.
2.20PM...PALMERSTONE...LETS DRIVE ON...NOTHING WORTH VIEWING HERE.
2.50PM...MOERAKI BOULDERS...HUGE MARBLE SHAPED ROCKS ON A DIRTY BEACH.
3.20PM...DRIVING ON THRU HAMPTON...LOOKS A BIT POSH HERE.
3.35PM...OLIVE GROVE HOSTEL...BIG SIGN ON GATE READS 'CLOSED'...OUCH!
4.30PM...OAMARA...A LARGE TOWN.
4.55PM...EMPIRE HOTEL...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
6.00PM...TIME TO EAT...CURRT BOG LEFTOVERS...TASTY OK...NEED TO CALM DOWN...TOO MUCH EXCITEMENY!
6.25PM...BOTTLE OF WINE...AFRICAN...TASTED GOOD.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH YOUNGSTERS...A PLEASANT GROUP OF PEOPLE.
9.00PM...AN ENJOYABLE EVENING.
16.8.08...DAY 18...
8.30AM...GOTTA PHONE TOM AT 9.00AM...IT'LL BE 10.00PM IN ENGLAND.
8.40AM...KETTLE ON.
8.50AM...CUPPA TEA.
9.10AM...PHONED TOM...TWO B's AND ONE C...HE'S OF TO LIVERPOOL UNI...WELL DONE TOM...I'M PROUD OF YOU...[CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK!]
9.50AM...SHOWER.
10.25AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...OFF TO MUSEUM.
11.35AM...MUSEUM CLOSED AT WEEKENDS...OUCH.
12.10PM...WALKING THE SHOPS.
12.20PM...NU'S IN KODAK CAMERA SHOP HAVING PHOTO'S PUT ON DISC.
12.40PM...SUPERMARKET...MILK/BREAD/FRUITCAKE!
1.30PM...BACK AY HOTEL...FRUIT CAKE AND COFFEE.
2.10PM...WATCHING 'SNATCH'...A GUY RITCHIE FILM.
3.40PM...FILM FINISHED...IF I HADN'T SEEN IT...I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED IT.
4.10PM...PREPARING VEG.
4.35PM...VEG ON BOIL...PORK UNDER GRILL.
5.00PM...EATING...PORK SLIGHTLY CHARRED...YOU CAN'T TRUST FORIEGN GRILLS!
6.00PM...PLAYING SOLO POOL...NU WATCHING ANOTHER FILM.
7.00PM...ANOTHER BOTTLE OF AFRICAN WINE...NZ WINE NOT THE GOOD.
7.45PM...WINE FINISHED...SOME PEOPLE HAVE A LIFE...SOME PEOPLE LIVE A WHOLE LOTTA LIFE...I THINK I DO BOTH...BUT THE LATTER ESPECIALLY!...NU SAYS I'M UP MY OWN BACKSIDE...THATS INTERESTING...I'VE BEEN AND SEEN MANY PLACES...TO MANY TO MENTION...BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN THERE!...INTERESTING?
17.8.08...DAY 19...
7.30AM...GOTTA A PHONE CALL TO MAKE.
7.40AM...KETTLE ON.
7.55AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.00AM...PHONED WILLIAM...[9.00PM IN ENGLAND]
8.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...PACKED EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS HAVE STUCK TO THE PAN...MUSHROOMS AND BACON OK.
10.00AM...OFF WE SET.
10.30AM...THIS GONNA BE SLOW...ITS WELL COLD AND THERES SNOW IN THE AIR.
11.20AM...GOTTA GO BACK THRU PALMERSTONE AND TAKE THE HIGHWAY FOR RANFURLY.
12.30PM...RANFURLY HOTEL...THEY'VE GOT SKY TELE...ENGLISH FOOTIE ON AT MIDNIGHT...OK IF YOU INSIST DEAR!
1.15PM...SETTLED IN OUR EN-SUITE ROOM...AFTER VAN IN OZ...WE'RE DOING NZ POSH!
2.30PM...HOTEL BAR...JUGS OF BEER ON SPECIAL.
4.30PM...BACK IN ROOM...SHOWER.
5.30PM...HOTEL RESTAURANT...MIXED GRILL FOR ME...NU HAD BLUE COD AND VEGGIES.
7.00PM...BACK IN ROOM.
7.30PM...WATCHING SPIDER MAN FILM ON TELE.
9.30PM...SET ALARM FOR 12.30AM...GONNA TRY AND SLEEP AND GET UP FOR FOOTIE LATER.
18.8.08...DAY 20...
12.30AM...WOKE AT 12.23AM.
12.40AM...TELE ON...SOUND DOWN.
1.00AM...CHELSEA-PORTSMOUTH...I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD HAVE VILLA ON.
3.00AM...4-0 TO CHELSEA...PORTSMOUTH WERE POOR...MADE CHELSEA LOOK GOOD.
3.05AM...MAN UTD-NEWCASTLE.
4.50AM...1-1 DRAW...NEWCASTLE DESERVED TO WIN.
5.00AM...BACK IN BED.
9.20AM...NU WAKES ME...CUPPA TEA...WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT HER!...SHE'S THE BEST.
9.35AM...SHOWER...TRYING TO WAKE UP.
10.10AM...ALL PACKED UP AND READY TO ROLL.
11.00AM...TAKING IT SLOW...THE ROADS LOOK ICY.
11.10AM...CROMWELL...BEEN HERE BEFORE...WE ARE KINDA ZIG ZAGGING NZ AT THE MOMENT.
11.20AM...ONWARD WE DRIVE TO WANAKA.
12.30PM...THE TOWN OF WANIKA...RENTED A CHALET OVERLOOKING THE LAKE FOR THREE NIGHTS...WANAKA IS A SKI RESORT...AND I FEEL A FAKE...I DON'T SKI AND I DON'T SNOWBOARD...WHAT AM I DOING HERE?
1.00PM...NU WANTS EVERYTHING OUT OF THE CAR...SHE WANTS TO HAVE A SORT.
2.30PM...WALKING MAIN SHOPPING MALL...ART DECO OUTLETS EVERYWHERE...YAWN.
3.40PM...PUB...STEAK PIE...WONDERFUL...BEST I'VE HAD IN A LONG TIME...BETTER HAVE ANOTHER!
4.50PM...WALKING BACK TO OUR CHALET...SCENERY BREATHTAKING...SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS[HILLS] SURRROUND WANAKA.
5.35PM...SEMI MICROWAVED SPUDS IN OVEN...WANT THE JACKETS TO CRISP.
6.15PM...JACKET SPUDS/BAKE BEANS/CHEESE...NOT BAD.
6.20PM...IF THIS BLOG EVER GETS TO EXCITING...YOU WILL LET ME KNOW...PLEASE!!!
19.8.08...DAY 21...
9.00AM...SHALL WE SKI OR SNOWBOARD TODAY?
9.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...THE SHOWER IS WELL SLOW WARMING UP.
10.30AM...BREAKIE TIME...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...LAUNDRY...BIGGISH LOAD...NEED TO MACHINES.
11.40AM...WASHING DONE...NU SAYS WE'LL DRY IT LATER.
12.10PM...PUZZLE WORLD...A CENTRE FULL OF OPTICAL ILLUSIONS...YOU LOOK THRU LENSES AT CERTAIN ANGLES AND OBJECTS LOOK AS IF THEY ARE IN YOUR FACE...LOOK AT ANOTHER ANGLE AND THEY APPEAR DIFFERENT...GO INTO ANOTHER ROOM...AND YOU THINK YOU ARE LEANING BACK...ABOUT TO FALL OVER...WATER AND BALLS ARE ROLLING UP HILL...MADE ME FEEL A BIT FUNNY...THERE ARE PICTURES OF FAMOUS PEOPLE...MANDELA/CHURCHHILL ETC...AND THERE HEADS AND EYES TURN AND FOLLOW YOU AS YOU MOVE/TURN...THERE IS A ROOM THAT MAKES YOU LOOK SMALL...WALK TO ANOTHER CORNER AND YOU APPEAR TALL...THERE IS A MAZE WITH FOUR CORNER TOWERS...AND YOU HAVE TO FIND YOUR WAY TO EACH...THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT ONE AND HALF HOURS...NU AND I DID IT IN ABOUT 40 MINS...GUESS WE GOT LUCKY!
3.00PM...SUPERMARKET...NU WANTS TACO'S WITH LAMB AND SALAD ETC.
3.50PM...PUB.
5.00PM...ATTEMPTING MEXICAN TACO RECIPE.
5.35PM...EATING BOG AWFUL TACO'S WITH LAMB.
5.45PM...TACO'S AND INNEREDS IN BIN.
6.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE/BOTTLE OF WINE[SPANISH]...THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE ARE THE BEST...LIKE ME!?
BOTTOMS TO EVERYBODY!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
8.00AM...TURNED ON MY MOBILE...LOADS OF INBOX TEXT MESSAGES COMING THRU.
8.05AM...ITS MICHAELA...SHE'S SENT ME FOUR TEXTS...EVERY TIME VILLA SCORED...4-1 ON THE NIGHT.
8.15AM...KETTLE ON.
8.30AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.50AM...SHOWER.
9.25AM...CORNFLAKES...CUPPA TEA.
9.55AM...ALL PACKED UP.
10.00AM...EVERYTHING IN CAR...HYUNDA GETZ.
10.25AM...PARKED UP ON SUPERMARKET CARPARK.
10.40AM...IMMAGRATION OFFICE...ITS GOOD NEWS...WE CAN GO TO FIJI AND COME BACK TO NZ...AND OUR VISA'S ARE UNEFFECTED.
11.05AM...DRIVING TOWARDS THE OTAGA PENISULA...ON A WELL BENDY ROAD.
11.50AM...ALBATROSS CENTRE.
12.05PM...ALBATROSS CENTRE TOUR.
1.00PM...WE WATCHED A FILM THAT WAS INTERESTING...BUT WE ONLY SAW HALF A HEAD OF A BABY ALBATROSS IN THE WILD...BIT DISAPPOINTING.
1.25PM...DRIVING BACK TO DUNEDIN.
1.50PM...ON THE HIGHWAY TO PALMERSTONE.
2.20PM...PALMERSTONE...LETS DRIVE ON...NOTHING WORTH VIEWING HERE.
2.50PM...MOERAKI BOULDERS...HUGE MARBLE SHAPED ROCKS ON A DIRTY BEACH.
3.20PM...DRIVING ON THRU HAMPTON...LOOKS A BIT POSH HERE.
3.35PM...OLIVE GROVE HOSTEL...BIG SIGN ON GATE READS 'CLOSED'...OUCH!
4.30PM...OAMARA...A LARGE TOWN.
4.55PM...EMPIRE HOTEL...BOOKED TWO NIGHTS.
6.00PM...TIME TO EAT...CURRT BOG LEFTOVERS...TASTY OK...NEED TO CALM DOWN...TOO MUCH EXCITEMENY!
6.25PM...BOTTLE OF WINE...AFRICAN...TASTED GOOD.
7.00PM...CHATTING WITH YOUNGSTERS...A PLEASANT GROUP OF PEOPLE.
9.00PM...AN ENJOYABLE EVENING.
16.8.08...DAY 18...
8.30AM...GOTTA PHONE TOM AT 9.00AM...IT'LL BE 10.00PM IN ENGLAND.
8.40AM...KETTLE ON.
8.50AM...CUPPA TEA.
9.10AM...PHONED TOM...TWO B's AND ONE C...HE'S OF TO LIVERPOOL UNI...WELL DONE TOM...I'M PROUD OF YOU...[CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK!]
9.50AM...SHOWER.
10.25AM...SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...OFF TO MUSEUM.
11.35AM...MUSEUM CLOSED AT WEEKENDS...OUCH.
12.10PM...WALKING THE SHOPS.
12.20PM...NU'S IN KODAK CAMERA SHOP HAVING PHOTO'S PUT ON DISC.
12.40PM...SUPERMARKET...MILK/BREAD/FRUITCAKE!
1.30PM...BACK AY HOTEL...FRUIT CAKE AND COFFEE.
2.10PM...WATCHING 'SNATCH'...A GUY RITCHIE FILM.
3.40PM...FILM FINISHED...IF I HADN'T SEEN IT...I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED IT.
4.10PM...PREPARING VEG.
4.35PM...VEG ON BOIL...PORK UNDER GRILL.
5.00PM...EATING...PORK SLIGHTLY CHARRED...YOU CAN'T TRUST FORIEGN GRILLS!
6.00PM...PLAYING SOLO POOL...NU WATCHING ANOTHER FILM.
7.00PM...ANOTHER BOTTLE OF AFRICAN WINE...NZ WINE NOT THE GOOD.
7.45PM...WINE FINISHED...SOME PEOPLE HAVE A LIFE...SOME PEOPLE LIVE A WHOLE LOTTA LIFE...I THINK I DO BOTH...BUT THE LATTER ESPECIALLY!...NU SAYS I'M UP MY OWN BACKSIDE...THATS INTERESTING...I'VE BEEN AND SEEN MANY PLACES...TO MANY TO MENTION...BUT I'VE NEVER BEEN THERE!...INTERESTING?
17.8.08...DAY 19...
7.30AM...GOTTA A PHONE CALL TO MAKE.
7.40AM...KETTLE ON.
7.55AM...CUPPA TEA.
8.00AM...PHONED WILLIAM...[9.00PM IN ENGLAND]
8.25AM...SHAVE/SHOWER.
9.00AM...PACKED EVERYTHING IN CAR.
9.25AM...BREAKFAST...EGGS HAVE STUCK TO THE PAN...MUSHROOMS AND BACON OK.
10.00AM...OFF WE SET.
10.30AM...THIS GONNA BE SLOW...ITS WELL COLD AND THERES SNOW IN THE AIR.
11.20AM...GOTTA GO BACK THRU PALMERSTONE AND TAKE THE HIGHWAY FOR RANFURLY.
12.30PM...RANFURLY HOTEL...THEY'VE GOT SKY TELE...ENGLISH FOOTIE ON AT MIDNIGHT...OK IF YOU INSIST DEAR!
1.15PM...SETTLED IN OUR EN-SUITE ROOM...AFTER VAN IN OZ...WE'RE DOING NZ POSH!
2.30PM...HOTEL BAR...JUGS OF BEER ON SPECIAL.
4.30PM...BACK IN ROOM...SHOWER.
5.30PM...HOTEL RESTAURANT...MIXED GRILL FOR ME...NU HAD BLUE COD AND VEGGIES.
7.00PM...BACK IN ROOM.
7.30PM...WATCHING SPIDER MAN FILM ON TELE.
9.30PM...SET ALARM FOR 12.30AM...GONNA TRY AND SLEEP AND GET UP FOR FOOTIE LATER.
18.8.08...DAY 20...
12.30AM...WOKE AT 12.23AM.
12.40AM...TELE ON...SOUND DOWN.
1.00AM...CHELSEA-PORTSMOUTH...I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD HAVE VILLA ON.
3.00AM...4-0 TO CHELSEA...PORTSMOUTH WERE POOR...MADE CHELSEA LOOK GOOD.
3.05AM...MAN UTD-NEWCASTLE.
4.50AM...1-1 DRAW...NEWCASTLE DESERVED TO WIN.
5.00AM...BACK IN BED.
9.20AM...NU WAKES ME...CUPPA TEA...WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT HER!...SHE'S THE BEST.
9.35AM...SHOWER...TRYING TO WAKE UP.
10.10AM...ALL PACKED UP AND READY TO ROLL.
11.00AM...TAKING IT SLOW...THE ROADS LOOK ICY.
11.10AM...CROMWELL...BEEN HERE BEFORE...WE ARE KINDA ZIG ZAGGING NZ AT THE MOMENT.
11.20AM...ONWARD WE DRIVE TO WANAKA.
12.30PM...THE TOWN OF WANIKA...RENTED A CHALET OVERLOOKING THE LAKE FOR THREE NIGHTS...WANAKA IS A SKI RESORT...AND I FEEL A FAKE...I DON'T SKI AND I DON'T SNOWBOARD...WHAT AM I DOING HERE?
1.00PM...NU WANTS EVERYTHING OUT OF THE CAR...SHE WANTS TO HAVE A SORT.
2.30PM...WALKING MAIN SHOPPING MALL...ART DECO OUTLETS EVERYWHERE...YAWN.
3.40PM...PUB...STEAK PIE...WONDERFUL...BEST I'VE HAD IN A LONG TIME...BETTER HAVE ANOTHER!
4.50PM...WALKING BACK TO OUR CHALET...SCENERY BREATHTAKING...SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS[HILLS] SURRROUND WANAKA.
5.35PM...SEMI MICROWAVED SPUDS IN OVEN...WANT THE JACKETS TO CRISP.
6.15PM...JACKET SPUDS/BAKE BEANS/CHEESE...NOT BAD.
6.20PM...IF THIS BLOG EVER GETS TO EXCITING...YOU WILL LET ME KNOW...PLEASE!!!
19.8.08...DAY 21...
9.00AM...SHALL WE SKI OR SNOWBOARD TODAY?
9.15AM...TWO CUPS OF TEA.
9.35AM...SHAVE/SHOWER...THE SHOWER IS WELL SLOW WARMING UP.
10.30AM...BREAKIE TIME...BACON/MUSHROOM/EGG...CUPPA TEA.
11.10AM...LAUNDRY...BIGGISH LOAD...NEED TO MACHINES.
11.40AM...WASHING DONE...NU SAYS WE'LL DRY IT LATER.
12.10PM...PUZZLE WORLD...A CENTRE FULL OF OPTICAL ILLUSIONS...YOU LOOK THRU LENSES AT CERTAIN ANGLES AND OBJECTS LOOK AS IF THEY ARE IN YOUR FACE...LOOK AT ANOTHER ANGLE AND THEY APPEAR DIFFERENT...GO INTO ANOTHER ROOM...AND YOU THINK YOU ARE LEANING BACK...ABOUT TO FALL OVER...WATER AND BALLS ARE ROLLING UP HILL...MADE ME FEEL A BIT FUNNY...THERE ARE PICTURES OF FAMOUS PEOPLE...MANDELA/CHURCHHILL ETC...AND THERE HEADS AND EYES TURN AND FOLLOW YOU AS YOU MOVE/TURN...THERE IS A ROOM THAT MAKES YOU LOOK SMALL...WALK TO ANOTHER CORNER AND YOU APPEAR TALL...THERE IS A MAZE WITH FOUR CORNER TOWERS...AND YOU HAVE TO FIND YOUR WAY TO EACH...THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT ONE AND HALF HOURS...NU AND I DID IT IN ABOUT 40 MINS...GUESS WE GOT LUCKY!
3.00PM...SUPERMARKET...NU WANTS TACO'S WITH LAMB AND SALAD ETC.
3.50PM...PUB.
5.00PM...ATTEMPTING MEXICAN TACO RECIPE.
5.35PM...EATING BOG AWFUL TACO'S WITH LAMB.
5.45PM...TACO'S AND INNEREDS IN BIN.
6.00PM...BREAD AND CHEESE/BOTTLE OF WINE[SPANISH]...THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE ARE THE BEST...LIKE ME!?
BOTTOMS TO EVERYBODY!
BYE FOR NOWZ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)