As close as that!

Sunset over the South Island as seen from Otaki Beach last evening.

Beachcombing.

As Geoff had to take his caravan out to to Paremata for repairs we had to move Gypsy Rover. We opted to head down to Otaki beach for the day until we knew the outcome of Geoff’s dilemma. We stopped off at the Otaki dump point to empty our tanks and then call into Countdown for some groceries.

Once in the car park opposite Byron’s Resort campsite we found ourselves among some English travellers over here for up to 3 months. One couple had bought a cheap camper and already had a buyer lined up for it once they reach Christchurch. From there they head off to Norway for 3 months and then back to the UK where they have a 3 axle Swift motorhome. The other couple are Irish but live in the UK and have done a motorhome swap here. We had a long chat with them over what to see and do down south.

Gypsy Rover at Otaki Beach with Kapiti Island in the background

After lunch Geoff and Eileen arrived to say that there caravan was fixed and back in the yard so we can return whenever we like. As we have already made an arrangement to meet Jean and Tom here this evening we will probably stay here overnight and return tomorrow. I have surveyed the area with a view to doing some surf casting but there appears to be insufficient depth of water for a long way out so I won’t bother.

Heading north (for a while).

Going back to the previous blog and my joining the PWMC,this came about because I had tried to join the Returned Serviceman's Association having served in the Army in the days of National Military Service. Due to the lack of members probably because of there being no WW I veterans alive and WW II veterans now reaching the 80+ age group, these clubs are dis-appearing at an alarming rate.I have since found that the RSA has amalgamated with the PWMC in Lower Hutt and hold a weekly meeting in the club rooms so joining the PWMC has sort of had the same result.

After a reasonable night’s stay at Ngatitoa Domain where we enjoyed the company of other NZ Motor Caravan Association member’s it was time to travel a bit further North back to Geoff and Eileen’s at Otaki where I was told the gardens required my attention once more.

Having arrived back in Otaki we got ourselves organised and while shuffling around in the cab I twisted around and got a searing pain through my pelvis and up my back. It was excruciatingly painful and it was all I could do to get out of the motorhome. Walking around didn’t help so I dragged myself back into the motorhome and collapsed on my bed where I spent the next 24 hours trying as best I could to relieve the pain and get mobile again.

I have since managed to regain my feet and I am actually better off walking around than sitting. I have managed to do some gardening in the built up gardens so it’s not a total disaster.

Last night we went out to visit an old friend, Jean and partner, Tom. Tom put on a great BBQ and over a few beer’s we caught up with all the news over the last 6 years or more.

Roaming once more.

After our week-end away it was time to head back to the Hutt Valley where appointments were made with our Chiropractor and I had a special meeting to attend at the Petone Club. I had applied for membership and had been accepted and Tuesday night was to be the mass induction of about 100 new members.

The meeting was hosted by the Club President who outlined the club rules and introduced the various members responsible for running various adjuncts within the club. Dancing, Darts, Snooker, Billiards, Soccer, Rugby, Indoor and Outdoor Bowls, Golf, Diving and Cards are all on offer but my interest when we finally cease roaming was fishing. The club owns a bach or lodge in Makara where fisherman can rent it for a week-end. It comes fully equipped with boat, nets and other paraphernalia.

The club which was started in 1878 also boasts the largest private library in the country which came about from early days when members wanted to improve the education of their families. After presentation of membership cards there was an ample supply of supper and drinks for the new members to savour whilst chatting with other members, new and old.

Ngatitoa on a beautiful day, view from Gypsy Rover’s window.

Wednesday morning and it was time to hit the road once more. This time via Porirua to visit my mother. As it was such a lovely day we decided to give Ngatitoa Domain another try. Last time we were here it was extremely windy and not a pleasant stay. Time will tell. Arriving on site we found 4 other motorhomes and a caravan already in residence with another 3 arriving later.

4zzzz's at Ngatitoa Domain 9 Motorhomes and 1 caravan

Anniversary Week-end.

Last week-end (21st – 23rd Jan) was Wellington Anniversary and we trotted off over the Rimutaka Hill to Opaki which is just North of Masterton. The reason for this was the Caravan & Camping NZ’s regional rally being held by the Wairarapa club.

Stop for lunch at Henley Lake in Masterton

The venue was the Opaki school which in association with the Miki Miki school date back to 1878. The latter was closed in 2003 and amalgamated with Opaki. The school was suitably equipped with a shower each for the men and ladies and adequate toilet blocks. The school hall was utilised during the evenings and only once had to be used on Sunday afternoon due to inclement weather. The remainder of our time was spent outside in the glorious sunshine.

Popular place for lunch with several other vans in attendance

Black and white swans together.

The week-end passed only too quickly with games, quizzes, raffles, a blind auction where bids were placed on unknown objects  and plenty of socialising with friends not seen very often. For those people so disposed, visits to the local wineries were arranged to taste the local fare and purchase some for later consumption. All in all a fun week-end.

Peter and Elaine checking out another erection, we were trying out our new awning tie down strap.

Yep that looks right!

The next Regional rally will be in 2014 and our club (Heretaunga) is the host so we will have to get our thinking caps on for a venue and organise some entertainment for the week-end.

Happy 21st Birthday John

Geez, I’m Knackered.

I have been busy catching up on many small chores at Kathryn's house and have made a start on repainting window cills.  On Saturday I took a break and Dot and I went up to our own house to swap some gear over in the lock up. I also wanted to find the remainder of my fishing equipment of which there is plenty.

A friendly Tui in our Flax bushes looking for nectar in the flowers.

While there Eagle eye’s Dot spotted a rotted barge board on the back corner of the garage. Later that day I sorted out a piece from the wood store left by Graeme. On Monday I went back to the house toolbox in hand to make a start. Taking the barge board down it was found that the weather board moulding was also passed it’s best so that was going to need replacing. Upon checking the remaining barge board it was also found to have some rot at the bottom so while I was at it I decided to replace the whole lot.

Derek preparing to replace the corner barge board.

We had to fit a wider board to cover some of the damage to the weather boards.

This meant a trip to Bunning's in Naenae for 3 lengths of timber and other bit’s and bob’s to complete the job. I managed to get all the boards up and a coat of undercoat on Monday. Today we went back with the intention of putting on a couple of top coats. This was completed and between coats I went down the bank at the rear of the house to cut down some Gorse bushes. Now as we all know that in the UK Gorse isn’t too much of a problem as cold weather keeps it under control. Here it’s a different story with very healthy growth’s of over 6 feet high and nearly as much circumference. Luckily it hasn’t started to flower yet.

Two boards up now comes the weatherboard moulding which has to be cut by hand.

I spent the best part of an hour cutting out half a dozen bushes and chopping it up small to slide beneath the healthy top growth of  native bush. Long may it rot. Once the painting was finished I cleaned one brush out in Turpentine and then poured this over the root stumps to hopefully kill off any further regrowth.

The offending Gorse in the centre of the picture.

Now you see it, now you don't. Farewell Gorse.