We are on the move

10 November Thursday

all my joints ache this morning, but coolest night due to fan, rice pudding for breakfast. Taxi picked us up 8.40am and it took ages to get to Port botany, eventually found Warehouse Solutions, and it is raining.

Picked up paperwork and they had to jumpstart the Landrover, Colin connected the fridge and off we went. Got through Sydney and avoided the toll roads. First stop Brookvale to pick up carnet from Jason, had a good chat with him whilst Colin talked to Steve (manager),he greeted us as "you must be scabbyrsoles". Then on to Thornleigh to a camping shop, bad news cant use our camping bottles had to buy 2 new ones which are refillable, a griddle pan and a solar shower. The 2 older women in the shop inspected the landrover and loved Mr Merzouga the bear, they were telling us about the recent visit to Oz by the queen, they gave us a free Bushmans insect repelent spray and their card incase we needed any advice. Drove 100 metres to a cafe for some massive sandwhiches (yummy). Woollies for food shopping and on to camp site at Lane Cove National Park. Found out tent was wet so put it up to dry in now sunshine,we appear to have more stuff than room,will sort it out tomorrow. We are pitched next to a familly with 4 kids so hope not too noisy tonight. Colin rang Jonny and he will see us tomorrow.Had dinner of steak and salad cooked on our new skillet. Found out familly next to us live in the tent as they are homeless. As evening went on we saw lots of parrots in the trees and wild Brush Turkeys running through the camp.

11 November Friday

Airbed went down and parrots started before 6am, lovely sunny day.

Got all the clothes on to the ground sheet and sorted into the boxes,with what we think we won't need into the suit case along with Marks rucksack. Managed to get food tins into a side locker and spare toiletrys in with the gas bottles, storage better than we thought (at the moment).

Young English couple came and borrowed some tools as they knocked a metal piece off the top of their camper van and needed to put it back on before taking van back tomorrow otherwise they lose $500 deposit.They have traveling the last 3 months with their delightfull 15 month old daughter Sophie, they then off to Thailand for 3 days before going home.

Noticed a German registerd vehicle had pulled onto site, got talking to the couple after lunch and discovered that they came into the country via Freemantle and they had been in the country 6 months. Colin had a good chat with the man who was telling him about there travels over the last 20 years or so, whilst the lady gave me some useful maps.

we went swimming in the site pool, it was cold to start with but really nice, did a few lengths before going back to tent, Johnny rangus not long after and just finished cutting Colin's hair when Johnny, Donna arrived with her brother and his partner. The 2 girls hurt themselves when they went for a walk so they left with Ash and Jonney stayed for a few tinneys and a catch up about the old biking days (Rose gave him a Scareypig hug just for Dawn),unfortunately he had to go at 7 as going out for a meal that night. It was really great to see him (LE MANS ROCKS).

Cooked at camp kitchen tonight, sausages on the barby (Marion we eat meat) with cheesey mash(lovely). Its another lovely evening just sat listening to the crickets. Feel as though we are getting organised and settling into things with our own camping stuff.Hope the airbed stays up tonight. Saw our first live possum.

12 November Saturday

Airbed went down again.

Up early but didnt manage to leave site untill 10 am, overcast morning a lot cooler. Set off up the Pacific Highway, lots of bikers on the road, can see why as roads very twisty and smooth surface, ideal for bikes with not much traffic. Stopped for lunch at the point picnic reserve at Entrance on the Central Coast Highway. There are lots of pelicans hanging around by the fish cleaning area, lots of people fishing from boats and the shore.

Colin has had 2 Landrover drivers wave at him.

We met up with the Pacific Highway at Doyalson heading towards the coast again and up past Swansea, round Newcastle and onto Hawks Nest and our campsite for the night at Myall River Camp, it is set in the Myall Lakes National Park and cover 98 acres, there are lots of campers here, it is a basic bush camp with compost toilets and water tap. Our neighbours are father from Sydney and son from Newcastle who works for ARB 4x4 accessories and has given us his card, another useful contact. Just the tent up tonight(no awning or side panels), put on insect repelant just in case.  a kookabura tried to take some food frommy plate.

Tried to ring Ricky and Emma but nobody answering,so read till bedtime.

Airbed?

13 November Sunday

Yes its gone down again

Up early again, bit of condensation in the tent, bacon butty for breakfast. Got talking to mum of the group next to us her and husband on holiday and off up the coast as well, she gave us some ideas where to get an airbed. Colin rang kids but had gone to bed so said would ring again tonight. Tried Nat and Robyn but no answer, then Robyn rang back so got her to hang up and then rang straight back, found all the girls in one room at a jewelry party so had a chat with all in one go, Natalie talking about Christmas with Sandie,Karen is just busy and Robyn is just Robyn (she had a date with Crofty at the Landrover club).
they have strange looking caravans in Oz

Left site at 10 am and drove on Mungo Bush road to a little car ferry,

followed by a dirt road to Bulahdelah

where we joined the Pacific Highway to the national motorbike museum at Nabiac, couldnt believe how many bikes they had (over 800), Colin found a few he had owned in the past.

Found a rest area towards Taree for lunch, tried to find K Mart but has been closed for 2 years. Back on to the Highway and at Kew joined Ocean Drive op to Port Macquarie where we found a Big W (they sell everthing) and bought a queen airbed . Tired so found a local camp site called Edgewater Holiday Park. Just put up tent when it started raining so put up the awning, new airbed is bigger so threw away old one (first time Colin has thrown something away for going down on him).

On way to camp site had slight problem with Landrover , second fuel tank pipes seemed to be blocked so had transfer some fuel from one tank to the other by using a plastic glass (it worked) to get us to the nearest fuel station. After dinner we rang Harry and Ellie, it was so good to hear them bought tears to our eyes. Sat in camp kitchen catching up with journal, wilst thunder lightning and raining outside. Heard grunting like a pig on the site, found out later it is a Koala.

14 November Monday

Airbed stayed up, but we are on a slight slope so spent all night rolling into the middle into Colin. As usual very noisy rainbow parrots early, it is sunny, which is drying out the tent. Whilst eating breakfast a KOALA ran across the site and up a tree,

 great to see so early in the trip. when we left the site we were given sweeties and a sticker (just for colin). Caught a ferry across the Hastings river, only 200m from campsite, to get to Point Plomer Road which is 4wheel drive only for 40 kms, it took 2 hours but was great fun (it follows the coastline even you can't see the coast) stopped at Bill Hill beach for coffee (lovely bay).

  The road had potholes in place, was sandy in places gravel and dirt but nothing difficult.

Made our way to Pacific Highway to continue north, It is already 31 degrees. Stopped at Macksville by the river for lunch where we sat in the shade surrounded by gulls waiting for food. carried on up to Coffs Harbour but couldn't find anywhere to park so didn't stop. then to Grafton and filled up with fuel (including jerry cans) as had 8cents litre off voucher (less than £1 per litre), past Maclean which advertises itself as a Scottish town, decided to camp in a rest area for the night at Tabbimoble. A bloke pulled up and got talking to Colin as he also has a series landrover and an old Triumph motorbike and he lives close to Marion and Laurie at Manly West, Brisbane. He left us his card and said should we need anything to give him a ring (getting quite a collection of cards). whilst talking a monitor lizard wandered past. Colin rang Laurie and we will drive straight through to Brisbane tomorrow via Byron Bay.

It is a bit noisy with the traffic. and lots of bites again.

15 November Tuesday

Awake early but went back to sleep again till 7.30pm, bit noisy but not too bad.
away by 8.30am on road towards ballina and found the coast road to Lennox head stopped at Sharpes Beach, it was lovely

Unfortunately the road to Lennox Head is broken so had to take a detour, back onto road to Byron Bay (most eastern point of Oz), drove up to Cape Byron, the road is slipping away so had to go through roadworks, whilst they rebuild the road. stopped in the car park for a coffess and went down to the beach,. it was a long beautiful beach with several surfers on their boards (better than bondi), it is a beach to return to.

It is getting hotter as the day goes on. Jumped back onto Pacific Highway and over the border to Queensland, we drove up the Gold Coast through Surfers Paradis- bit disappointing very touristy.

jumped onto M1 and stopped at Coombara Service station for lunch, arrived at Laurie and Marion's just after 2.30pm NSW time but 1.30pm Queensland time- work that one out they are on the same longitude but in different time zones, we surprise Laurie a bit as Colin had forgotten to ring him, we were made very welcome and didn't stop chatting till Marion got home from work (Laurie didn't get his lawn cut), which added another voice to the talk, we feel very relaxed in their company.  we get to meet Abbey Thursday (grandaughter) who is 11 days older than Harry and Ellie. eventually went to bed about 11pm, decided not to put on aircon just use fan (trying to acclimatise).

16 November Wednesday

Great nights sleep, and stayed cool. It is already hot outside at 7.30am but there is a nice breeze.  Laurie cooked breakfast on the BBQ.  Colin went man shopping with Laurie for a relay and looked a UHF CB radios which are needed here for the range. I went shopping with Marion but she showed me the coast first, it is lovely they are so close to the sea. We went to a supermarket called IGA which appears cheaper than the others, also you get money off if you produce a fuel receipt showing the litres. Back at the house put the washing in and the men managed their bits and pieces as well.  Leigh arrived and stayed for dinner (still haven't been in the pool).  Lovely day, and ithas felt cooler.

 

Backpackers Sydney

6 November Sunday

Good night's sleep bed very comfy. Tea and banana for breakfast before leaving at 8.30 to walk to Circular Quay to pick up hopon hopoff ferry, weather is hot already.

Caught ferry at 9.45, it was full fo Japanese tourists- just as you line up a photo they stand in front of you to take a photo of themselves. there is a man on the ferry giving a running commentary of the sights as we pass, as you come away from the dock you have the Harbour Bridge on the left and the Opera House on the right.

The Opera House didn't seem as impressive as thought it would be, the first stop was to Fort Denison where half a dozen got off then onto Taronga Zoo, the Japanese got off so we stayed on. we passed some very expensive boats and property overlooking the harbour (costing millions), we got off the ferry at Watsons bay, which looks very nice with a small beach. we walked up to the lookout overlooking Gulf Bay, you can see the harbour on one side and the Pacific the other

 (when the sydney to hobart race starts in January people gather at the lookout to watch the boats). as we had brought our cossies we went to the beach, had to buy suntan lotion as can't find mine. Went for a paddle but water a bit cold, boats come right up to the beach and moor, we saw families arrivingby boat rather than car. Went in for another dip and this time got to have a swim even though not that warm.

Had and ice-cream before catching ferry back, we passed some racing yachts veryimpressive seeing the crew hanging over the edge,

 there was also an sailing vessel near the Bridge. we could see people walking on top of the Bridge,

whilst near the bridge the sky got very dark and there was a streak of lightening, it seems if weather is unusually hot the day can end it a storm,then passed Luna Park (funfair)

on way to Darling Harbour. We saw several military ships and a submarine moored outside the Maritime Museum.

Lovely trip and day out.

strolled around Darling Harbour then walked back via Woolies and bought a whole cooked hot chicken for $6 and salad for dinner tonight-it was delicious.

7 November Monday

Good nights sleep after all fresh air yesterday, slow start with breakfast of cinammon doughnuts and tea. Waited till reasonalbe time and rang Karen and had a good chat, Craig started the lightweight at weekend and it is running better and had a good bonfire party at Pam and fred's.she'd been shopping with robyn and was going to help her at a jewellery party she was having later in the week. Next was Emma and Ricky, Ricky passed his forklift test and now looking for work using his licence-Colin said he sounded upbeat, I spoke to Emma and her health appears to be stable at the moment and the kids are doing great-they helped paint their rooms at the weekend!! Natalie told Colin she hasn't smoked for a months which is great news (colin told her can't afford to smoke inOz( tobacco for him costs over $21 for only 30grams)and she is moving into a new flat soone.

Nice to hear everything ok at home.

rang Jason he will check and ring back.

Walked to bank and updated phone number on account then onto Road transport authority to sort out an ETAG for the toll roads, basically we have to show proof of address, id, bank statements, the firl gave us a couple of leaflets and told us to look on the website-not very helpful, bacak at room decided to go for EPASS, which you can do online. eventually found the post office (very well hidden) and sent parcel to UK to Emma for her to distribute an few mementos and christmas cards. Stopped at McDs for toasted sandwich, they are so healthy over here.

Rang Jason again and have to tring tomorrow so keeping finger crossed. booked room for another night and did some housewifely things (washing clothes).

we think we have found work for Freddie in Oz, right outside our room there is a major building going up with lots of scaffolding

 and they seem to end work at 3pm, (this is also the view from our room,mmm nice).

it is still hot, this evening had thunder and rain.

8 November Tuesday

It is hot waking up this morning very humid, watching TV they have humidity of 100% in Melbourne. Went and sat in park for a while

 but soooo hot, spoke to Jason he is just waiting for documents to come through so paid invoice by credit car dwith him. Walked to Kings Cross carmarket and sorted out 3rd party vehicle insurance cover ($450 for both of us) but no excess to pay. Bloke was very helpful and told us how to avoid the toll roads in Sydney so don't have to get EPass, he told us how to get to NMRA (don't know what it stands for) to sort out insurance in case we hit a person-CTP, was dealt with by a very helpful man and we don't need the CTP in NSW as we have a Carnet (great saved money). Whilst there Jaaon rang and now a problem with customs they are concerned some of the spare parts are under a year old!

Picked up cold meat, coleslaw and fruit salad for dinner from Woolies again.

Checked emails and we have another invoice showing GST (goods service tax) when spoke to Jason it was for tobacco Colin had in vehicle, he now has quarantine release documents but is waiting for customs hopefully be ready tomorrow.

Booked room for another night but we have to change rooms.

It has been hot with humidity levels of 80% today, at 5.30pm the sky went black , thunder. lightening and torrential rain, hopefully will clear the air a bit.

9 November Wednesday

slept like a log seemed a bit cooler this morning, forecast 30 degrees.
Able to put luggage in room 104 before we went out, they are very accommodating.
On Marion's advice we went to the chinese garden ($11 each including tea and scones). Can't describe how lovely it is, tranquil. There are waterfalls,

 secret areas,

we saw ibis, ducks, koi carp,turtle and several different lizards, even caught a pair having a spat. 

Don't even think photos can do it justice.

when we went for tea I chose tea and scone and Colin had jasmine tea and dim sum, which he said was delicous.

Wandered up to Cockle bay wharf and just sat in the shade-it's got very humid again then strolled back to Paddy's Market before back to our new room to cool down.  Colin bagged the top bunk.

PHONE CALL FROM JASON- WE ARE GO YIPPEE.

We are going out for dinner, it cost $50 but we deserved it. It has cooled down quite a lot but we had fan on all night.

First days in Australia

3 November Thursday

First full day in Oz it is raining!!! Had breakfast as much as you can eat before walking to bus stop at Mascot, $3.30 each into the city.(taxi $30, same for train each way).Took 30 mins to central station where we picked up a street map. It is still raining, found bank it is an amazing building, they kept the old facade both inside and out, we were delt with by Paul who was extemely helpfull even giving us advice about mobile sims and dongles and the best place to buy them.Set up internet banking and even set our pin numbers in the branch for our cards.

Rang Jason and vehicle is due to be cleaned this weekend and should be ready next week,not what we wanted to here.

After that went to get our sims decided on Telstra even though they are more expensive but have a better coverage, we think salesman had Aspergers as time on it got more noticable(thought he was going to hit us ).We needed lunch by this time and went to a food court where Colin had a meat and noodle soup! and Rose had stir fry beef with noodles, they were scrummy and very filling. It is now sunny, on walk back to bus stop we stopped at Map World and bought Camp Australia Wide, it lists all sites including free ones and the maps also have all the trails.Popped into Sydney Central Hostel to find out they will charge $80 per night rather than $109 at the Formula 1. Visited train station to find out it would cost $440 return to Brisbane(overnight 14 hours). Caught bus back and went into McDs to use their WiFi. Back at hotel finally sorted out the sim and dongle. Colin rang Marion and Laurie and explained the situation to them, so we will try and get to them when vehicle picked up, Marion gave us a list of places to see in Sydney . Booked into hostel from saturday night. Tyring but full day.

4 November Friday

Better nights sleep and its not raining. Filled up with breakfast and paid for extra night and asked girl on reception if there was anywhere local to go, she suggested Bondi Beach on the bus, took bus 400 from Mascot to Bondi Jnc then 333 to Bondi beach

 it took about an hour.the weather is so sunny shame we forgot our cossies. Beach is not as big as imagined but still impressive-Colin took a photo of a VW camper parked infront of the beach for Gail.

 Had a walk around and found a fish and chip for lunch(you can even pick your own piece of fish) it was great. walked back to the beach and had a paddle before just sitting in the sun people watching, it was funny at times watching people standing on their boards

 and suddenly falling off, the waves were impressive. Just after 3 made way back to bus stop to get back to Mascot. We have found a short cut back to hotel, we had to wait at a crossing for a freight train to pass. Back to hotel and picked up computer and over to McDs again,whilst there noticed traffic at a standstill a local man told us a tanker had gone over on the Sydney Harbour Bridge causing the caos.Back to the room for the evening.

5 November Saturday

Breakfasted and booked taxi for 10, got speaking to an English family who had arrived at 6.30 this morning after travelling non stop from the UK(did they look tired).Taxi early and got to hostel 10.15 ish, left luggage as cant book in till noon,had a wander round city and found information center outside town hall where their was a demonstration going on about the freedom to be allowed to demonstrate(a big police presence but no trouble) singed their petition. We were given hints on free sight seeing and a free city circle bus by 2 very helpfull ladies. Visited a Telstra shop and they clarified a few things for us concerning the sims.Booked into hostel, it is clean but needs a bit of tlc, went out for sarnies and cold drinks before going out to Paddies market, on the edge of China town, you can buy anything there,Rose bought a hair clip.Back to hostel and finished uploading photos. Went out to Malloneys(genuine Irish bar)-beer and soft drink $10.30 ouch.Short walk back before turning in for the night, still warm.

Final days in New Zealand

30 October Sunday

Sunny/cloudy this morning, sad to leave this site, the position is fantastic with the camping just behind the dunes and short walk to the beach. Dawdly drive to Auckland

arrived at Remeura Motor Lodge just be for 1pm ($78 for 2 nights most expensive yet), for an inner city campground it is very nice even has a a swimming pool (not heated), site owner very helpful and gave us details of buses into centre. Had lunch and put in washing as weather now hot and sunny. got talking to the bloke on next but one pitch, he is off to Singapore tomorrow after 2 months in NZ following the Rugby, he had a friend who was due to travel to Oz but has had to go back to UK, spen all his money on the social side of NZ.

A few more vans have arrived and we have new neighbours from Essex- daughter backpacking and mum came to meet up with her for 2weeks, then dad flew out a week ago to finish the trip with them, they fly back tomorrow, whilst daughter continues her trip. Colin then got chatting to an Ozzie couple also flying back tomorrow, they do a lot of caravanning and told us about a book called Camp Australia Wide which lists all the free camping in the country, also gave us info about how to behave around snakes- bascially make a lot of noise and scare them away. gave us their address details should we be passing. Found out a toilet bag in Oz is called a Dilly, colin is having fun with taking the dilly to the Dunny.

really good company tonight didn't get to bed till after 10pm.

31 October Monday

sent text to Sandra as is her birthday.

Up early looks to be a hot day. Colin is wearing his cap as head burning.

Walked to local library (1.2km according to satnav), caught up with blog and had a chat on facebook with Emma and Ricky which was nice (they were up late), on way back to site stopped at a salon and got my legs waxed (whoopee-ready for shorts).

We checked Quantas again as they have been on strike, but seems they have gone back so just turn up at airport, rang hotel and they agreed we could drop off the luggage early and check in later, half packed before dinner, site isa bit quieter today.

1 November Tuesday

Rain in the night, Colin didn't have good night.

Cleared van and gave butter to French couple and left soup/oil in kitchen. Finished packing and left site just before 9am, hit traffic going to Motel, when we arrived expecting to leave luggage with reception they gave a room starightaway andtold us which bus to catch back from the city.

Drove back to city

 to drop off campervan, very straightforward and got refund of oil bought- odometer 270651 so have travelled 5291 kms this trip. Walked towards center and had drink in Burger King todecide what to do, weather brightening but still drizzley, fancied the Palantarium but not in centre so went onto Sky Tower, we were looking at the cost when a wise guide suggested if we had lunch in restaurant it might be cheaper as you get access to observation deck included. went round gift shop and tshirts for us and kids only $10 each, when we paid the saleslady also a twin gave us 2 rulers free.

Sky tower access cost $28 each, decided to have lunch in revolving retaurant minimum spend $25 each, we were booked in for 12.45 so went to observation deck first in the lift with a glass floor (floor 51), as does observation deck. It was strange moving slowly round the building whilst eating lunch, Colin had red duck breast with sliced pear and maori chips and lettuce, I had chicken linguini with spinach, they were both delicious, with drinks only $62 our first meal out this trip.

 whilst eating you could see the weather closing in and by the time we got out continuous heavy drizzle. Bought postcard for kids and posted in the Sky tower.

Walked to Britmart (bus station) and found out where to catch the bus only $5.60 each, the journey took 50 minutes and the bus driver took no prisoners. Chill out in room for rest of day. Lady brought us our breakfast at 7.30pm for tomorrow.

36 REAL LAND ROVERS SEEN.

2 November Wednesday

LAST DAY IN NEW ZEALAND.

sent text to Heather as her birthday. It rained heavily in the night, breakfast was cereal and toast took muffins with us. Taken at 9.30 to airport by free bus shuttle to airport, checked in quickly to find flight now 13.15 instead of 12.25, didn't fly till 13.25, and arrived 14.40 sydney time which is 2 hours behind NZ but 11 hours ahead of UK. Had to complete cards for Ozzie customs and as a consequence when we went through passport control I got noted on my card as had been near lake/stream whilst Colin got noted for the same but they also ringed his answer about criminal convictions. Colin got pulled over for a chat and when we showed our visas they were happy and complimented us on our preparation, then onto quarantine where they pulled us aside and just checked the soles of our boots, we were through in less than an hour-impressive. Caught shuttle bus to hotel $6 each and booked in ok. Colin rang shipping agent to be told landrover in a queue for cleaning, we have to ring back tomorrow after 10.30 to find out more. The hotel is opposite a Krispy Kreme doughtnut and coffee shop,

                                           Not the view from the bedroom window we've been used to!

but we went to Mcdonalds for food, even COLIN ATE MCDONALDS, the internet was very slow in Macs, back to hotel for early night as anticipating long day tomorrow.

Emma's birthday +1 week

24 October Monday

Labour day in NZ
Left site 9.30 going to Coromandel. Horrible drive today, twisty gravelly

and tiring for Colin, didn'teven stop for lunch. Arrived at (DOCsite) Fantail Bay aprrox 4 ish, it is a lovely spot with a pebble beach across the road, we are one of three on the site, there are even showers (cold). Walked down to the beach and had a paddle then sat in sunshine before dinner.
A damsel in distress pulled in with a flat tyre which Colin changed for her . after dinner sat on beach watching the sun go down,

lovely end to a difficult day.

25 October Tuesday

It is a beautiful start to the day opening the curtains and to see the sea through the trees,

 Colin said the 2 men and lads went out fishing at 6, on return they showed us their catch of 2 snappers, one was huge.
the sun has come out well and we put 2 mattresses outside and just laid in the sun, one of the lads came to borrow a large saucepan to boil a fish head and later they brought over the smaller fish to us for lunch, they had smoked it (Colin took the head off before eating), it was delicous.

went for a walk in afternoon and persuaded colin to go for a swim, it was chilly but not too bad, after wading up to our waists we bit the bullet and got our shoulders under and had a short swim, I went and had a cold shower to wash off the salt, which wasn't too bad.

A couple turned up in a small bus towing a trailer with a boat on top, inside the trailer was a quad bike which they used to tow boat trailer to the water. went down to the beach for a bit after dinner before sorting more photos for blog.

The most relaxing time.

26 October Wednesday

The last 2 tea bags - oh no !!

Tried to get away at 8.30 but got talking to camping neighbours, they are on a 3 week holiday, they went out fishing last night and caught enough for dinner , as a consequence left site just before 9.30 on our way to Thames. Coast is as scenic as usual, caught up on facebook then went into Emails to find Jason at Cargo Online needing Colin to fill in a Customs Clearance form urgently, printed form off in library and Colin completed it after getting all our documents from van ,then got library staff to fax it to Oz.($12) Colin rang Jason to ask him to confirm by Email that form was ok. He let us know we needed an adress in Oz, so put in hotel in Sydney, hopefully everthing now ok.(Colin checked phone,still got $14 on it, only put $20 on to start with), left library after 2 pm, eventually found somewhere to stop on way to Miranda for a bite of lunch. We decided to find campsite south of Auckland for the night. The first one we stopped at had no hot water due to a ruptured gas pipe on the North Island . As nobody in office we decide to go get some T bags and tobacco and made a decision to go to Clarks Beach Holiday Park instead. Lovely site (most expesive $36) but he gave us $1.50 for 3 showers plus half hour free internet card ,after making us promise not to feed the dog.Parked up and you can see the sea,

wonderfull.Went through photos for blog and just started dinner when Mark the site owner came over and asked if we wanted to go for a trip on his boat for half an hour Colin went with him(he needed to give his boat a test run after beeing parked up for the winter).Rose ate dinner, by the time Colin got back it was getting dark but he had a big grin on his face.Cooked his food then went off to put phots onto blog and check Emails, Jason now wants a copy of Rose's passport.(sort it out tomorrow).Late to bed tonight, been an evetfull day.

27 October Thursday.

Got talking to a lady in the kitchen this morning and she was telling us she had never been off the North Island but was going with husband to South Island in December, we told herof a couple good camp sites and some places of interest they might like to see.
THEY DO NOT PUT AWNINGS ON SIDE OF THEIR CARAVANS THEY PUT EXTENSIONS

Off to Papakura for library. Sent off fax of passport and sent Email attachment of photo of passport as well, asked Jason to ring us if anything else needed.

Decided to head for DOC site at Waipu, on coast. It made a nice change to drive on a motorway through Auckland. Avoided toll road going north and dropped onto coast road . Stopped at a town called Leigh, the beach is lovely.

 Got to site at 3.45 pmand booked in for 2 nights ($34) Uretiti Recreation Reserve - Bream Bay.They have a warden on site now over the summer (so had to pay)

NOW SEEN 28 REAL LAND ROVERS.

Sat in sunshine (getting to be quite a habit) trying not to burn. Had another lovely stir fry with Brocolli (just for Colin), but rice not noodles - scrummy.Went for a walk on the beach - proper sand, it is a long gorgeous bay(swim tomorrw)

followed by a walk around camp site,it's such a nice warm evening. Noticed it got dark later.

28 October Friday

Warm night, looks a bit cloudy first thing. Left site about 9 to go to Whangarei to use library, it seems they charge like a wounded bull,so the lady sent to the Mall where we had coffee and logged on for free.Jason received passport photos ok.We updated blog and put some more photos on, then sent Emails to kids and friends with a link to the blog. Stopped at Ruakaka and bought some fish and chips and bought back to site(they were heavenly), the batter was really light and crispy, the fish (Hoki) was really meaty, our first hot bought meal. Laid in sun and read befor going down to beach, the tide was a long way out,had a paddle then sat on the sand for an hour before going back to van, started to cloud over a bit from 4.30.still full up from fish and chips so just had tea and biscuits for dinner. Backed up photos then went back down to beach for a walk, tide now in but very windy.

29 October Saturday

Sunny one side of the van and cloudy the other. Put bedding outside to air and went for strip wash in van rather than cold shower. Had a family of quail come to visit us.

decided to stay on site another night. Colin rang Sandra and everything ok at home.

Went to Waipu Museum in the morning, it tells the story of the Scots who left Scotland for Nova Scotia but as times were just at hard there they moved to New Zealand in the 1850s, the way they worked with the maori and the community they set up at Waipu, including at the beginning of January a Highland games, we watched a short video of a bi-ennial rugby match between Waipu and a town from south island called Colco, the team from Waipu play wearing kilts-you wouldn't want to laugh at them. whilst we were out the site manager Sandy charged the computer battery for us, what nice people. Had another walk on the beach, the sun didn't properly come out till 4.30 today but still warm, it is so nice.Cooked last stir fry with brocolli (Colin will be pleased). Walked around site again before going to bed - bit chillier now in the wind.

North Island travels

15 October Saturday

What a night-rain and freight trains all night. There is a railway line on a bridge running through the site (we thought it was disused) the trains are long and go through very slowly.Apart from that a lovely sunny morning, another good chat in kitchen then left camp around 9.30 ish

IMPORTANT WE HAVE LOST WEIGHT OUR BELTS HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED.

Went into Picton after it had stopped raining and found a library, took in laptop charged it and downloaded journal into the blog-we also figured out how to insert photos into the script, by then time to leave for lunch and queue up for ferry. Ferry is quite small compared to our cross channel ferries,didnt seem to have stabilisers going across Cook Strait,other than that lovelly trip with fantastic scenery.

 About an hour before arrival at Wellington a message came over tannoy "all cakes and sandwiches $1 each" - managed to get 6 cakes and a big ciabatta for lunch tomorrow. Off ferry quite quickly and at camp Elsdon, Porirua just after 6 pm,booked in for 2 nights, only $40. Lady in the office very helpfull she gave us a timetable for trains into Wellington and a streetmap to get us to the station in the morning. It is a small site and you can just see the sea from the van.Lovely chilling evening when just before 8o'clock a family of 4 kids and 2 adults arrived in a van like ours. how they all slept in it we dont know.

16 October Sunday

Bit of rain in the night but sunny this morning -hot showers yet again.Free parking at railway station and the ticket office was closed so had to buy tickets on the train, only $10 return each, it was approximately 30 mins on the train. Weater a bit wet and overcast on walk to the Te Papa museum on Cable st. Had a coffee on arrival before starting museum, at 11 37 we went to learn how to do the Haka, you stand in front of a screen on which is your personal tuitor,after learning each move you then do the whole thing in one go(bloody laff), when you get out after 6 mins you get to see a film of yourself doing it (what pratts). It is impossible to do justice to the place in one day, there are a lot of interactive displays and even the kids areas were fun.

 By 2 30 we were knackered and had a cup of tea before the walk back to the station along the scenic waterfront.

There are a lot more people out now and the weather is glorious.

Back at camp just before 5pm-long tiring day.cooked yet another stir fry-we are so healthy.Just as going to bed the family with the 4 kids turn up again and parked right next to us (the site is bloody empty) and they have another kid with them.

17 October Monday

Left site after 9 30 and went to Pirates of the Caribean mini golf, Colin won by 2 this time and we both got a hole in one on the last hole.

Decided to make our way to New Plymouth for tonight (highway 1 is not the most scenic road), more mountains

The weather has started to turn a bit wet after Levin ,

 it got really dificult to drive as the wind got up and rain got heavier, arrived at Fitzroy campsite 5ish, its right on the beach if we could see it through the cloud and rain ($32 for one night-ouch). The kitchen has to be seen to be believed, one hot plate with only one working ring, the other is straight out of the sixties and the wiring is appalling either taped or left bare, still managed to cook yet another stir fry then ate last cake from ferry. Weather forcast not very good over the next few days.

18 October Tuesday

Very rainy and windy night. Showers ok. Toasters do not work in kitchen, took photos of wiring and state of kitchen-should be condemned.

On our way to Waitomo caves today. Rose drove for about an hour and even managed twisty bits with bends of 25 kph (pat on back).

Arrived at caves just before noon and booked in for the Glow worm caves at 12 30 and Aruni caves 2 pm. Just had time to get to first cave to be met by our guide Evelin. The caves are very different to lime stone caves in the UK, they are so creamy white in colour, we arrived at a boat then the lights were turned off and the boat slowly floated into the Glow worm cave, site was amazing ,all those glow worms lighting up the roof of the cave was like the night sky.Just had time to get back to van to drive the 3k to Aruni cave, stuffed some food down our throats before the next tour, whilst waiting for the guide the heavens opened and poured with rain. As the guide arrived the rain stopped and she led us up a track to the cave entrance, which looked like a slit in the rock. Again amazing so white and creamy in colour which the guide said was due to the lack of minerals in the soil, we were told they think the caves continue for another 20k,took loads of photos hope they turn out.

went round discovery center at ticket office before deciding to go to a DOC site at Pureora. Torrential rain

                                           COME ON YOU BOYS

 then sunshine before arriving at 5pm.(Ngaherenga). We were the only ones on the site till 7 30 when an estate car turned up. Good site and loo looks new, only cost $10 in honesty box.

19 October Wednesday

It rained all night and this morning dosn't look much better. when left site continued on Link Road throught the forest to Kakapo-26km of mostly gravel and very twisty. Now heading towards Taupo then Napier. Just before Taupo there was silver pipework following the road?? stopped at edge of lake for coffee to see a Hole in One golf challenge taking place, visibility could be better, also saw some black swans on the lake further along.

 On the Thermal Highway to Napier weather became sunny but threateneing rain, which it did when we stopped for lunch-typical. Approx 30km from Napier at Te Pohue could see the sea and coastline. Found parking on Marine parade at Napier, on the parade was a SK8 park for kids where they could hire boards or scooters, they even had a skip filled with foam blocks for the kids to jump into. Had a walk round looking at the Art Deco building,

a bit disppointing, decided to go to Mcdonalds to catch up with internet but their internet access not working. Decided to go to another DOC site at Waikare river Mouth near Putorino, arrived at 5pm with already 2 other campers at site, it is at the end of a twisty gravelly road -FREE.

Forgot that early part of today got stopped by police as tracked vehicle had fallen on railway line at side of raod, whilst waiting a car pulled alongside the police car and had to jumpstart it-photo taken.

then main road north of Napier they found a woman's body in a ditch at the side of the road, we wondered why a tent was covering the ditch when we passed this morning-now we know.

Went for a short walk after dinner, part to the track is unusable due to coastal erosion (2km walk to beach)on way back went through a rather boggy bit- good job had on boots as Rose got covered up to ankles. funny evening, trying to put bed together whilst in the van and raining outside just mentioned how could 3 men live in the van, then Colin thought he could see balloons outside when it got dark.

20 October Thursday

Woke up and decided to stay at site today, leisurely breakfast-other campervan left site then another car arrived to camp with the exisiting family of campers. sunny but windy today after a bit of rain in the night. Spent the morning reading and after lunch walked the twisty path to the beach-it was not 10 minutes as per the sign. It was very windy on the beach, there were lots of tree trunks laying around and somebody had built a shelter, it was a nice walk.

when got back played cards and read, had another stirfry. Just before bed someone arrived in a 4x4 towing a caravan and pulled up beside us - we think he left it there so we didn't have to see him reverse a caravan in long grass- there was plenty of room elsewhere on the site.

21 October Friday

Woke early today and left site by 8.30am. Stopped in Wairoa to use the library to find it shut (Hawkes Bay area having a 4 day weekend holiday). Went onto the hot springs at Morere (wellsignposted) only $8 each including towel hire, it was 39 degrees in the hot pool, heaven,actually sweating whilst swimming. Rose went into cold pool up to her knees, Colin was a wimp. What a nice interlude, after showers we were both hungry so stopped and had drink and cookies. Drove onto Gisborne to use their library, caught up with kids quickly before carrying on Highway 2 towards Wairata where we hope to camp tonight. Found the DOC site (Mangapuka) beside a river, lovely setting, we just got out the chairs and sat in the sunshine-it was hot. Had a walk down to the river which was cold,

 how the boys at the next pitch dived in I don't know.

We have had a condensation problem with the bottom of the mattresses getting wet, finally finished drying them in the sun, even remembered to put on insect repellant, nice evening.

22 October Saturday

Insect repellant didn't work , my legs and feet are so itchy with bites, Colin seems to have escaped.

left site at 8.30ish ($7 for the night), weather is brightening as we go, stopped just before 10 for coffee at a rest stop next to beach near Opotiki-lovely. Drove into Whakatane(they pronounce Wh as F) seems a nice place on the coast,before taking highway 30 to Kawera(the place where council Colin's father was exiled to after shooting a copper in Oz), not a lot there.

 Decided to stop in Rotorua for 2 nights at Redwood Holiday Park ($60),arrived early afternoon. Talking to the lady who owns the site , they have sold up and close the end of November (to a developer) she was also telling us that her and her husband are going to Bolton in April 2012 for 3 months staying with friends followed by a Mediterranean cruise.She was also telling us about going to see Te Puia which we will probably do tomorrow by ourselves. Had a walk, got as far as across the road to an Outdoorsman shop,bought some gas cans and some insect repellant patches,then went back to site to catch up with journal, and charge both phone and camera batteries. Had sausage and mash for dinner (no broccoli). Stuck insect repellant patches on curtains when went to bed.

23 October Sunday

sent text to Emma as it is her birthday.

Noisy last night with cars and doors slamming. My left foot was very itchy and sore in the night. Had egg on toast for breakfast, makes a change from cornflakes or toast.

Went to Te Puia today which is the NZ Maori Arts and crafts Institute, went for the combo of guided tour and authentic Maori concert (cost $57 each butcos paid by mastercard got 15% discount-result). we gathered at the gateof the Meeting House

 and were greeted by a gentleman who told us how to approach and behave inside the house. He then chose Colin to be our chief for the ceremony, a Maori came out of the house and did a Haka to Colin

 and laid a leaf on the ground that Colin had to pick up and then back away, he led us to the house where we had to leave our shoes outside. I was called to the front to walk in with Colin.

colin and the guide sat in the front row with me behind, as only men can sit in front seats, the performeres then gave us a son of greeting and Colin had to go up and touch noses twice with each male. the guide left and sat me in the seat next to Colin, we had to remain seated for the performance but were allowed to take photos.

I was called onto stage with other women and we were shown how to dance using a rope with a ball on the end-lost my coordination a bit but it was good fun. colin and other men were taken onto to the stage and had to do the Haka. Great show.

when we got outside an american lady asked Colin if she could take his photo-fame.

Just had to time to get to meeting area for guided tour-our guide had a good Maori name of Paul, he told us until the settlers arrived the Maori did not have a written language,and they have only 14 letters in their alphabet with no F which is why WH is the f sound, locally the site is known as Waka keeping the H silent otherwise it would be WHAKA, the real namen is Te whakarewarewa.

Paul took to the Carving School to see the work

-you can only enrol if you are male and have Maori blood with the training taking 3 years. the carving was amazing. the weaving school he showed us how flax is used to make rope and the traditional skirts.

 He asked who liked reading and I was the only one who put a hand up, he gave me what he had been making to me as a bookmark.

colin has a leaf and I have a bookmark.

Paul then took us to see the Pohutu Geyser as it was preparing to erupt (which it does 20 times a day), it was amzing watching it get bigger reaching up to 30 metres,

we then walked onto the big mudpool where the temperature is 90degrees.

Went and had a bit of lunch before the crowds and got talking to an australian couple from Victoria. John gave Colin information about maps by Hema which show the all the tracks in Oz and the CB channels to use, he also gave him his home address should we be passing-nice couple.

went back into park and had a wander by ourselves returning to the Kiwi house-they are nocturnal so no lights or camereas allowed, strange birds. Scooted round gift shop and bought another sticker before finding a supermarket and a pharmacy for anthhistamine tablets (pharmacist was telling me that studies have shown blood groups A and AB are sweeter tasting to the biting insects, great I'm A)

Back to camp to cook steak and jacket spuds, the steaks were enormous then in tv loounge sorting photos to go into blog, decided not to watch Rugby final.