A place in the country called Stan

A moment of madness or a very wise move, time will tell but.... its happened!
During a trip south in our faithful caravan we volunteered to look after several of the grandchildren. Not all at once but a dribble of one-at-a-time followed by swift changeovers of child and their baggage. It proved to be the undoing as we enjoyed it so much we felt a need to base ourselves occasionally,further south. So, park the caravan in a field for an extended stay? That would have been cheaper, but no, we fell for a static white box parked in a tranquil park under a particularly pretty part of the South-downs.

New Car or repair...........

It had been anticipated after minor thingy went on the front drive widget and a less than chearful Landy specialist's estimate of the replacement of the Freelander's weakness, somewhere whining, at the rear-end!
Booked it in after picking up our rental Fiat 500 that turned out to be a Renault Clio (why do you never get the car you booked)? On the way to pick-up eldest grandchild for a few days sabbatical following exams, the phoned estimate came through at £1500.00, this included a new expensive auto-wing mirror, so not bad and of course included VAT? Reminiscing, I could have bought all the cars I owned from the age of 17 to 25, that include a nearly new Ford Anglia 105e (£250), a yellow Morris 1100 (£350), a classic Morris Oxford (£50), a leaky windows Morris Mini Countryman (£300) and a nice metallic Ford Escort (£550). I suppose I was earning about £12.10s at 17 and about £20.00 after my apprenticeship and VAT had yet to be invented by Lord Barber in the Ted Heath government! Still, keeping the car was on our retirement list of "things we are not going to do" Changing cars, new caravan, new kitchen, new bathroom....the list goes on! Looking forward now to getting on with not doing things.

Back from the West

Penmarlan farm was also close to Polperro and the coast path that wends it way up and down to it. Parking at yet another Nation Trust carpark we discovered a peaceful campsite well worth remembering. Only drawback is the approach lane with a width approximately the same as our caravan. Path down to Lansallos beach was lined with activity logs, swing and see-saw, tempting the fool hardy (Lesley) to take part. This time we turned right and followed the coast path for several miles before taking a circular route back to our car. The next day we turned right to take the coast path all the way to Polperro where a few grockles were milling in the now, heavy rain. Sheltered in an excellent cafe for dinner before walking around the harbour and back to the coast path before retracing our steps.

Despite a little mizzel on the way back the path was beautiful with wild flowers in abundance. Well earned stop and a cold paddle at the secluded Lansallos beach before finding the car and back to Penmarlen Farm.
Next day was an awning down before a drive back half way to Somerset, avoiding the mass exodus from Glastonbury. Strange little site in the middle of nowhere but just 6 miles from the A303. This was our route back home in the morning, ensuring we get back in time for football.............!

Go West to find the weather!

Wrong! Caravan hitched and off the Stowford Farm near Ilfracombe for a few days stopover on our way down to Cornwall.  Lovely site , facilities and views. Beds DA had a field for a few weeks and we joined a nice crowd on their first visit but our 2nd. This was our first venue with little Ethel, our first baby caravan where we quickly learned the ropes on a gusty night when our "free deal " awning parted company from the caravan at circa 3am. All was not lost as it was soon replaced by the dealer for a better quality, 3 season awning, rather than the 1 season we were given! This awning lasted us unit our caravan and all the contents were stolen a few years later........but that's another story for sometime soon!
Back to the holiday, the weather was a real mixed bag but never bad enough to be a washout, however my togs stayed in the drawer with just a few paddles with the inevitable pain from the sea that had no where near started to warm up above 10C.

Plenty of walks and plenty of breaks in the dullness to get out along the coast path near to Woolacombe.  Bracing air and stunning views with long sandy beaches and a surfer's paradise who unsurprisingly all wore wetsuits.
Leaving Devon behind for a 3 hour drive south to Falmouth,  or a small village just south of the harbour town. Met up with cousins in their caravan who had already  pitched on a somewhat steep slope with our slot reserved next to them on an even steeper slope. No problem though after the farmer bought us 2 concrete blocks in his tractor to level us up. With the nose scarily in the air and the rear buried in the bank, this was home for the week. New awning up and all was good. Plenty  to do as this was the week of the International Shanty Festival which we joined in on the Sunday.
Rain joined us too and apart from the those happy shanty singers on stage everyone was given a good old fashioned West Country ......soaking!

Being British, it didn't dampen spirits and we all enjoyed it more than we thought we would. Falmouth is a pleasant place with too many eating places and grockle shops for my liking and that in turn, attracts too many people. But... we found an excellent coast path walk via beaches and coffee n cake  stops to get it out of our system

Being this far west gave us the opportunity to head to The Lizard via the 6ft wide lanes where the rugged coast should have looked spectacular if only the sea fog would clear. National Trust owned, so free parking, we ventured out on another coast path walk to Marconi's communications hut  just 3 miles away, however.......closed Tuesdays of all things. Fog bound, we strained to imagine the scene below, crashing waves, seabirds swooping by, ships rounding  the treacherous headlands;but no, we couldn't see a thing but at least it was peaceful?.......no, not even that, foghorns were blaring out at all too regular intervals until, it suddenly lifted and they suddenly stopped !

A wonderful cliff-side cafe was waiting for us to take refreshments and take in the stunning vistas all around us.
We then moved on to the next National Trust bay at Kineance Cove, more free parking and a long walk down to the beach. Not content with this walk we took to the rugged coast path once again and a steep assent to get the best view back over the most southerly part of GB, fabulous!
Another cliff hugging cafe for coffee followed by a leisurely drive back to Falmouth.

Scrabble in the evening and Lesley almost won but for some reason the cousins dismissed her word "busty", not found in their 50 year old Oxford pocket dictionary. Day before departure "awnings down the day before" ready for the off back to Boddinick on the other-side of the Fowey esturary but still in Cornwall. Cousins parted 1st for Newquay and we followed to the superb site at Penharlen Farm. Nice facilities and a flat ground for pitching, just a few hundred yards from the small village centre, the Old Ferry Inn pub and a frequent ferry to Fowey. It was a really great location, steep hill back to the site excepted. A walk was needed on the first full day and took the Hall Path round to Pollruin. This fishing village looks a short distance away but by the time the path runs inland, due to an estuary, it was about 4 hilly miles. Another ferry over to the town of Fowey for a browse and a bite to eat before taking the Bodinick ferry back home.

Flight and arrival

Next leg was the worst as usual. Umpteen hours , a full 380 and off to Dubai.  Not much sleep and poor service from a crew that seem to be either new or cheesed off over something. Worst we have had from Emirates.  Food poor, service slow and courtesy missing.
Landing was very heavy with a big wheelie bang!
Dubai busy and just a 2 hour stretch before we took off for Heathrow. 380 full as usual and a 7 hour flight in daylight. Crew and plane change, much nicer , more efficient and seemed to enjoy their jobs!
Flight smooth no bumps and glad to get over all the middle east scary bits , via Iran, Turkey, Hungary,  Germany and Belgium.
Rained just as approaching Blighty! Typical.
Heavy landing and at an angle threw loads of stuff over at the back of our compartment! What is it with 380s?
Never mind, back in one piece, no dramas, loads of memories, not a day sick, just a twinge back and knee day, blocked ear and that was that!
Stuart there to pick us up and back home.
Flat looked very small but cosy. Good to go but good to be back home.

Walk in the Domain, take Hettie back and fly

Nice morning walk in the Domain with Brian. Stopped at the hot house and did a city bush walk. Coffee in the National Museum before back to pack and say our farewell.
Drove Hettie back to her home! 92 days and she performed great for us. Just petrol and a rear light bulb. No more dents and just hand the keys back before Snap Rental gave us a lift to the airport.
Clever packing meant the 2 cases each weighed 29.11kgs a smidgen under the Emirates 30kgs.
A380 on time and a smooth flight to our first stop at Melbourne. I say smooth,  it was until landing, the giant was bumped around by what the pilot apologised for later, 4 wind directions shifted and gusted so we almost touched down but had to do a hasty lift off and go around again. Fine second attempt.  These in flight cameras are great to judge how well the pilot is doing!

Morning house hunt, beach afternoon and bizarre flat auction!

Farmers market for brunch and look a bout a new retirement home complex.

Very nice!

Weather 26C so straight to the beach for a swim this afternoon. Lots of peeps doing beach things as usual even though it's autumn and we changed clocks last night.

Tea time with Brian to an auction of a newish  apartment he liked the look of. Highest bid was $750,000 which was below reserved price. 20 minutes of negotiations with seller and purchaser in separate rooms led to an agreed purchase/ sale at $950,000! How did that happen?  Prices here in Auckland are off the scale of sensibleness! I can't tally their income with the house prices. It could all end up in a mess.

Roast dinner for supper 

Packing tomorrow ☺

North Shore looking at apartments

No not us!
But beautiful apartments, close to shops and beach. Prices are certainly on the steep side for us but appear to be affordable for Aucklanders.

Park run for Lesley first thing, missed the overnight storm as it just stopped raining as we entered Cornwall Park. Poor time was blamed on the lack of gym and 4kgs excess she appears to be carrying. I thought she did quite well. Coffee and cake afterwards with Brian and Noel made it all worth the effort of getting up early.

Beach at Orewa, North Shore.

Day 2 of DIY SOS!

In need of a little spruce-up we continued our quest to make the kitchen at chez Brian & Mary a little livelier.
Blue was the chosen colour of the "wall" and B&Q lookalike mixed a nice "coastal blue". It needs a little getting used to but it has had the desired effect!

A day in Rangitoto Island

Last day of weather so took the train downtown and 1st ferry out to Rangitoto. We have walked half of the island paths in a past trip and the ferry docking at Islington wharf this time gave us an unexpected oportunity to walk the other half. We have no idea why they chose to use another wharf but hey-ho! 2 hours on the coastal track was tough on the feet a's it is a volcano island with regeneration bush . Arrived at Rangitoto wharf midday for a bite to eat before the 1 hour ascent to the top of the volcano. Decided against Wilson path spur as this added an hour to walk. 360 views at the top after a toughish climb. 90 min walk back to ferry port. Enough time before departure to take a short walk via a causeway to Mototua Island for a brief look around and a refreshing paddle to ease our tired feet. Back for the 15.30 ferry to Auckland harbour.  Long day but nice!

Auckland in the autumn sun.

Settled now for the last few days. Routine run/walk but along our familiar waterfront. Easter is a busy time for the waterfront with runners, walkers and cyclists dodging people and kids just ambling along! Cafes full of coffee drinkers and parking a little difficult.
Today we all went to Mission Bay for beachy things and Charlotte had a good paddle, close to walking on her own. Fish and chips and icecream for afters.
Evening saw Lucy, Anthony and Charlotte leave to go back to Macau,  late night flight.

Last full day in Whitianga

Awoke to the prospect of a nice busy day, kicked off with the usual 5kms beachfront, breakfast and a last bit of shopping.
Down town for beach day and last swim. Easter Saturday and it's busier on the beach and in town. Waves good for boarding today and tide is high. Rain shower from nowhere but just got warmer!
Back to start packing , not nice , cleaned all the sand out of Hettie before evening meal and stroll into the nightlife tonight. Really lively so we watched the  antics on the harbour  before the pub to finish off the day.  Dark walk back as lighting of the roads are only just OK.
Been a nice day and looking forward  to 1/2 day before our long drive back

Sun is back, Cooks Beach by bike.

Usual 5kms walk along the waterfront,  but now being Good Friday, the rest of fit or trying to be fit Whitianga were doing it as well. Certainly  a holiday spirit,  both houses beside ours are now occupyed and the harbour is bussing.  Bikes out and another look at outlying property,  making us even more jealous of this chilled out lifestyle.  Lunch in the Harbour Cafe and over the ferry to cycle down to Cooks Beach.
Very nice afternoon paddling a watching the world go by!  Cook landed here and took on fresh water and firewood.  Named all the streets after him or his crew or the transit of Mercury or his boat or maybe  the ship's cat! It's a bit like Tintagel, where King Authur did the same! We even saw Cook's lawn mowing service,  so what a legacy!

On the way back the whole town seemed to have turned out to see a 87kgs yellow tuna being shown off

Wet.......but my ear is sorted!

Forecast was right for us but underestimated for some. Floods in Franz Joseph and massive amount of rain fell.
Winds and heavy  rain kept Lesley awake all night but not me as I layed on my good ear with my other ear still blocked. Ventured out in the deluge this morning to the "emergency nurse" but despite a verbal appointment,  I couldn't get past the receptionist who seemed to be on a different mission and sent me packing. Apologies all round and I got called back where a very nice nurse removed the remaining offending lug hole wax. I could now hear again in stereo, well enough to hear it was another $30 ! The price goes up nearly double as I am a walk in casual  (foreign ). Take note NHS and start installing credit card machines for casuals! (perhaps they have already )
Rain is still falling which has cheared up the busy-lizzies. Weatherman says back to 25C tomorrow and looking OK for rest of Easter.

Batten down the hatches!

5k walk this morning before breakfast, wind and waves were pretty rough. Still incredibly warm, waiting for the forecast rain and storm. Just wind so far , the rain has held off. Abi came to see us as she has for the 3 weeks we have been here. Despite telling her to go home she just sits until we take her back!
Booked to do the Lost Springs hot pools today with their special dip and dine this evening. It's set in ten acres in town with pools, waterfalls, caves and bush. Really nice experience,  34-40C water and lots of people chilling out. It was typical NZ charm, all could be a bit  crass but it was really nice. Seat for an excellent dinner was in front of the cool pool and waterfall, bottle of wine to accompany as the lights came on , illumination in various ever changing colours. In a different setting it could be tacky, but here they seem to get away with it..........just.
Walk back in strengthening wind and sat on the veranda watching the trees bend in the balmy night.

Abi ( or maybe Abbey) a lovely friendly pup labrador that should live next door!

Our seat for dinner

A day in Whitianga

                                        No one near us on the beach so took a selfie

After a full on day yesterday we decided on a staycation day. Domestics to be done like a pile of washing! Set off for our waterfront fitness programme 1st thing with both of us walking. By the time we reached our return mark the heavens opened and we sheltered under a tree until the worst over. That kind of day but it wasn't.  Sun came out with clouds rushing across the sky, perfect drying on the line weather. Stayed like this all day and took to the beach in the afternoon.  Shopping and book reading, watched the telly to get the (not nice Thursday ) weather. Left telly on as you do, unbelievable programmes inluding a long suffering do-up programme where no opportunity is missed to blatantly get an advertisor sponsor in the frame! Missing BBC.

Thames via Coramandle, back to the east for afternoon

Rain was promised and that's what we woke up to. Cunning plan was to go over to the west side of the peninsula where the weather man said it would clear up. The twisty road and peaks were not really visible in the persistent deluge! Good news was the duff ear popped on the ups but blocked on the downs.......at least I felt the blocking lump of wax was on the move! A view from the top looked like the plan worked as sunshine was out over the sea. Coast road to Thames was lovely with mill pond stillness on the water and views towards Auckland, we thought? Thames for coffee and snack was not one of our favourite towns, some nice old buildings but looked as if it had had some tough times. Had McDonald's and KFC, Pack n save, so was quite large! Afternoon and 25C we chanced back to the east side with a drive over the top on the SH25A to Tairua. Nice seaside town and we drove round the bay in warm sunshine to the harbour where the bay meets the ocean. Big rollers again and lots of nicely perched houses on the steep banks, with views. Nice cliff walk and paddle before cake and drink in the Harbour Kitchen, cafe just before they shut.
Time to drive back to Cathedral Cove that was closed when we last went. Kiwi Experience bus was just about to collect it's passengers and we parked easily. ...all good for the 45mins walk down. Well worth it, the tide was just filling the arch up. People swimming the other side in the big surf, looked fun?
Walk back to Stingray Bay, Gemstone Bay in the sunshine. Short drive back to batch in the darkning sky when it started to rain again! Nice day and New World pizza for dinner, what more?

Visit the doc's

My ear had been blocked since buying a boogie board. Tried potions and suggested cures but last night it began to throb. Weighted up the choices and went for a walk in visit to Mercury Bay practice. Doctor was an eccentric ex Brit who asked if I was flying soon and if I wear stockings. ? The flying question may have been relevant  but my home life was none of his business! Discussion then involved my age and that I should take an aspirin to stop DVT.........still no nearer fixing my ear!
2 nurses, a gallon of water and a soaking wet T-shirt , I still have a blocked ear........oh and $170 less to spend on nicer things! There seems to be a stubborn bit of the waxy stuff deep down. They did show me what came out of my good ear and what they managed to remove from the deaf one. Anyway,  over to the farmers market and back to breakfast. Down to the waterfront and one of those long canoe with one stabliser , rowing events were taking place in fairy rough seas. About  8 boats paddle out until they are no longer visible, which is about 5 minutes,  and then after nearly an hour they come back in . It's only a spectator sport when they try to beach in the big breakers. Obviously they are very knackered and capsizing is inevitable.  Sun popped back out and I did a walk and  Lesley ran. Both feeling as if the Gymn must be joined as soon as we get back!
Steak for dinner, after a beer and accompanied with red wine! That'll help.

Weather clearing up day

Fine weather greeted us for our exercise waterfront walk this morning. Decidedly warm , streams along the seafront still full the only remains of wet wet and more wet, yesterday. We did the town museum but not before a coffee and cake in the Harbour front Cafe.
Mostly about the indigenous landings and wars, Captain Cook landings and history of the settlers , their work and schooling. Family trees from the Dutch through to today and the wild life and fishing that has a big influence on this lively town. Afternoon chill and out to the Enigma restaurant this evening for one of our few meals out! Fish and chips, brandy in Mallone''s on the way back. We know how to live it up!

Museum piece was a school dental surgery, still brings fear into you?

 Good looking nurse though, not very chatty! 

A month's rain in a day!

Rain on the tin roof woke us early but we still resisted  getting up too early. Cats and dogs with no hills visible when the mob rung. Brian said had we heard the news? Whitianga  was cut off by road as bridges at both ends of town were flooded! Then the sirens went off which seem to mean anything from a sunami to world war 111!
Just the call for volunteer fire and rescue to get out the pumps we think.
The day didn't improve with no let up, so the drought ended. Watched the news , or tried, as the telly and free view boxes seem to have a mind of their own in NZ. Nothing about us on the Godtv which is all I could get! Weather  man seem pleased, when we found him, to say a high pressure had squeezed a big lump of rain onto Whitianga and it would last until tomorrow,  then back to normal late Friday.
Put our mackintosh on for a walk to the new canal development where everyone has a water front and boat by the looks of it! Prices are still ridiculous compared with blighty!

Our view this afternoon from just over the road, normally a nice blue and pleasantly tranquil river!

Tried doing the puzzle last time we were here in 2009, no success still this time!

Rain came to Whitanga. ..........

Tin roof on the Bach made night time  rain sound the same as rain on our caravan. Poked our heads outside in the morning and all looked fresh again. Blue sky and feeling warm still so a waterfront run/walk was on the agenda before breakfast. Back to the bach for breakfast and essential clothes  washing then chill, this was a do not much day! Lunch and off to the beach for a swim as temperature was starting to rise (warmest place in NZ at 27C the weatherman said later) . Tide in so not far to get in the waves. Lesley ventured in as well. Clouds started roll in so a quick panic to get back and get the washing off the line. Sat and watched a heavy shower, dinner and good read after a burst of TV news and as much as we could take of their awful telly!
Looks like a rainy day tomorrow but despite the previous forecasts,  things could get warm again on Friday.

New Chums beach

After rave reviews we thought we better try this shortish drive and the beach walk to New Chums beach. We were not alone as a few vehicle had already parked up. The sandy beach and board giving directions didn't mention it became more exciting at or around high tide! Cross the stream was mentioned first and a deep fast flowing river was found. Safely across it was a rocky wet walk over logs roots and up the saddle through some lovely bush to a pretty stunning beach. Just a few bathers but it failed the Lesley rough surf test and we didnt bring our stuff, however walking along the white sand we passed a couple that had also forgotten their togs........very forgetful!
Short stay before the same challege walk back but the river was just a tad deeper !
Drove back to one of our fave shaded beaches near Kuaotuna for swim and packed lunch. Our first encounter this trip with a fabulous large ray, sweeping along in the shallow and surfing. 2 more folks just up the way also seemed to have forgotten  their togs but still went in for a swim ! What's going on in NZ?
Couldn't pass Lukes Kitchen without a hippy flat white coffee, no blue hair girl today serving!
Evening chilling waiting for the expected rain, but wall to wall blue sky today, we don't really mind now!

Morning run/walk and drive to Opito Bay

A perfect 26C predicted today but weather breaking up for Autumn Wednesday......perhaps!
Early waterfront again but knee not so good today, did fast walk and seemed OK.
Breakfast and off to Opito Bay for chilling, reading , swimming, whatever.
Road as far as Kuaotuna was fine but it got better when we turned off! Hetti became very dusty again and the sheer drop roads over the hills were something special. It's all worth it as the bay is stunning and very peaceful. We took chairs and parked our selves in the shade of the Pohutukawa trees that grow by the beach. Tide was right up and splashed our toes sitting on the beach. Water was totally Lesley proof, clear , warm, gently sloping and gentle waves. Boogie board stayed in the car! Late afternoon drove back to Kuaotuna for coffee and cake at Lukes Kitchen, a chilled and laid back hippy shack. Walked the rock pools and paddle to finish the long day. Warm evening again on the deck!

Fried brecky, ferry, bush walk, beach, swim, beach, swim again.

Sun shining again and a warm almost windless day.
A promised 1st fry-up with most of the trimmings but can't bring myself to the NZ sausages. They are tube shaped and aenimic.
Full bellies and off for one of the i-site suggested walks. Take the tourist brochure and off you go!
Ferry over to ferry landing and off on a bush walk following the dots on my sheet. These failed to  reveal the path obstruction of the tide in Back Bay with a 'marked' detour scrambling over roots and rocks. Back on the real path that looked flat on the page but climbed up over a rocky headland with occasional steps, ocassionally not and spectacular  views of down below! Back on track we walked past Front bay, FlaxMill bay and up to Shakespeare cliffs. Views everywhere followed a downward path to Lonely Bay that had just a few other ventureres. Couldn't resist a swim in the near perfect bay. Back up and along to Cooks beach ( yes he had been in all these bays) and on to the Eggcentric cafe for coffee and cake. Weird place but very genuinely eccentric!
Front bay for another swim in a beach that again scores very high on my top ten list!
Ferry back and a pint in the beach bar Enigma! Tough old day again in NZ!

Sort of Park Run, market day, chill and out for an Irish stew

Chill out day in Whitianga . Doing things Whitiangans do!
Near 5 kms for Lesley run along the waterfront and me a walk.
Quaint  market with mostly home produce inluding a big cake that we bought.
It was going to be one of our rare eat-outs so we saved ourselves for 'Salt' , a swishy looking place overlooking the harbour.
Sign said "closed for private functions" so not to be we went to o'Malleys or something, Irish pub for a stew.......really good it was too!