tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325025232024-03-08T08:06:36.273+13:00The Travels of Gypsy RoverWe are a retired couple who after living abroad for 5 years are now living in Levin, New Zealand.
From October 2006 we cruised the inland waterways of Britain. We sold Narrowboat Gypsy Rover in July 2010 and continued our travels around the UK in our new Motorhome. In August 2011 we returned to New Zealand ahead of our motorhome which arrived in October. Although now land based we will be continuing our travels throughout New Zealand when time allows. Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.comBlogger2024125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-32982946636922428812017-08-08T15:47:00.001+12:002017-08-08T15:47:02.268+12:00The River Thames in London.<p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9nptFMebuLk/WYky7SR77GI/AAAAAAAChH0/enH3ATf8T50gaTwkhclafUEO-mx7dEI4wCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_171323%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_171323" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_171323" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qyau85LgRNc/WYky-dYUuBI/AAAAAAAChH4/pyp4q7WErFkymY5s7_3SdACrU_XnIm7kACHMYCw/20170730_171323_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>St Pauls Cathedral sitting in the sunshine.</p><p align="left">Our plan had been to spend my last day in London going down to Greenwich to see the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emirates_Air_Line_(cable_car)" target="_blank"><font color="#c0504d"><u><strong>Emirates Air Line</strong></u></font></a> (Cable car) across the Thames. The weather was willing but an unscheduled visit by ambulance to hospital at 10.30pm the previous evening put paid to that. Fortunately I was discharged around 4am in the morning, catching a cab home Tracey and I were soon asleep. Due to us getting to bed so late neither of us rose until around 11am. A quick skype call to Derek put him in the picture and we headed to Wimbledon for lunch. Paul was working up until 1pm so we managed to all catch lunch together before heading into London Waterloo on the train.</p><p align="center"><img width="320" height="420" title="20170730_150204" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_150204" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K1fPvihEP44/WYkzAy1SViI/AAAAAAAChH8/p3X_iHwyxLMbsgwXZPwZffx7lt-71CpzQCHMYCw/20170730_150204_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0">“Geoffs” all day breakfast for me. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g5AtPGlxflc/WYkzDzOvvRI/AAAAAAAChIA/Xngi3cqEsOITeGHqOv5J7y5QPyRACrr0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_150221%255B5%255D"><img width="320" height="420" title="20170730_150221" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_150221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YHRi_8QyXY/WYkzG2W5III/AAAAAAAChIE/_QvhIiznWCw1Z82g8d7pxsNqQKcw1ZWdgCHMYCw/20170730_150221_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Roast of the day for Paul.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTbD1wE5-e0/WYkzJMghyAI/AAAAAAAChII/Xp78HO-DWg4JjNCansGt39izhVKG9DLXQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_150233%25281%2529%255B5%255D"><img width="320" height="420" title="20170730_150233(1)" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_150233(1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SaIokB5WQwM/WYkzLlLHBvI/AAAAAAAChIM/OLCODzpUXu4LomD09bFhv0lWcZg2h3GsgCHMYCw/20170730_150233%25281%2529_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>And a half empty plate for Tracey.</p><p align="left">Never mind she ate half of mine anyway. On our arrival London was still very busy from the <a href="http://www.sportive.com/events/prudential-ridelondon-surrey-100-2017/2017-uk/2076/cycling" target="_blank"><font color="#c0504d"><strong><u>RideLondon</u></strong></font></a> Charity Bicycle ride which had been held earlier in the day. A lot of cyclists were still waking around with their bikes and tell tale red framed sunglasses with the event printed on the frames.</p><p align="left">We headed down the Thames along the Thames Path towards Tower Bridge but gave up at London Bridge where the latest terror attack had been. My legs don't carry me so far these days although I had done a lot of walking whilst in the country.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hSPxdyw0mJw/WYkzOJ_eRzI/AAAAAAAChIQ/N2eWCwBXMdQoA0GOHurlqUflqwi9CWQsACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_163843%255B5%255D"><img width="320" height="420" title="20170730_163843" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_163843" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iS3FhQ0l0K4/WYkzRbWImOI/AAAAAAAChIU/rnj8ilKKLb0fBBiFxu869JBIPwM31SB1ACHMYCw/20170730_163843_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Tell tale statue commemorating Nelson Mandela close to Waterloo Station.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-snZR_ges1eM/WYkzUEYsZUI/AAAAAAAChIY/yk754e5fPnIakuBhC6Z7vQjqBjzhaJYnQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_193042%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_193042" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_193042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EV9exlQgcZA/WYkzXH5rSLI/AAAAAAAChIc/lJEC5ofNxj8lwLJUTEpXiRcXEehUTiyhgCHMYCw/20170730_193042_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The cranes of London. Building never ceases.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_miDI9XO8Ok/WYkzaZlKoiI/AAAAAAAChIg/vZZhELTJUuE3VM01dn84oqT6OpqF-2hSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_164608%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_164608" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_164608" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IApN72s-Lbg/WYkzdWKLdzI/AAAAAAAChIk/MISSgKG3gYcUI5EHm0OaAZZ96WCnrvxiQCHMYCw/20170730_164608_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The Millenium Bridge.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WQuzbONZ84k/WYkzhLSzq1I/AAAAAAAChIo/sbOYrUGQl78kFoQKHGerCbh-MpDGxFEqACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_172223%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_172223" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_172223" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ENnXDtbOUvc/WYkzjsdxoaI/AAAAAAAChIs/-70Yv9d0jF8kqUMJ230T39snprEzESL3gCHMYCw/20170730_172223_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Smurf Tower on the Thames Beach. Wont last long the tides coming in.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZISKBOIKliE/WYkzm2qrRrI/AAAAAAAChIw/Wd5TDn4Nz4QVIteH313LtmVgp2ASQZAwgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_171542%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_171542" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_171542" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rWB7X36Bh9w/WYkzpgHSyWI/AAAAAAAChI0/b2gZTGzwqwcWN2V4xK8WPKQ0uxNSx5arACHMYCw/20170730_171542_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Looking down the River Thames.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pmOI37tXIFQ/WYkzshn1BRI/AAAAAAAChI4/GrA_Jn2sawI3ltELM9kTrMSFzvgVG6N_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_174153%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_174153" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_174153" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GrQkVCNSV8U/WYkzv5wIPtI/AAAAAAAChI8/HAoiISCP1KcQmbiDLxVDshKed1N5GpUcACHMYCw/20170730_174153_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfriars_Bridge_railway_station" target="_blank"><font color="#c0504d"><strong><u>Blackfriars</u></strong></font></a> Bridge Train Station.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hnwOR8UqkUA/WYkzyh7HqJI/AAAAAAAChJA/1UzhUk3KmOIX8jbBKAYUmm9eQuK1s85oQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_175444%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_175444" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_175444" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bLIh83SNTSk/WYkz1h0hwPI/AAAAAAAChJE/_sBTSyVxAjEby1edZgSVOO4UHBRjIFNeQCHMYCw/20170730_175444_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The Globe – Shakespeare Theatre.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TIlcCWzn3N0/WYkz4oCFYfI/AAAAAAAChJI/ZzZix0UHJnQIIoEesndi30J6oNPnt3rygCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_175731%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_175731" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_175731" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wmEMt_QNN8o/WYkz7vu9rMI/AAAAAAAChJM/sQRrI9OSGAkcFLwGV5VUFn9_jWwW1a9gwCHMYCw/20170730_175731_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Je_1ujW0vYc/WYkz_OvWkTI/AAAAAAAChJQ/kO2gtVo44oIiI1HWnq__xchSrdh6qQWNgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_180634%255B5%255D"><img width="320" height="420" title="20170730_180634" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_180634" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UHYnTbv7mp0/WYk0BtSROPI/AAAAAAAChJU/rQfQo7lUgZ4kSQIaJaC41eU8U_bkcWG2ACHMYCw/20170730_180634_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Clink Prison Museum at London Bridge,</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RnpEOMVkZiU/WYk0E7o4QeI/AAAAAAAChJY/AprgwmMgtWIx4ZTDNhJNM1Altig_aUL9gCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_181154%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="20170730_181154" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_181154" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tUoY2q--kT0/WYk0HXZbLSI/AAAAAAAChJc/dWA0COkH648oYU5d0tCvuJaQUKtsH0VyACHMYCw/20170730_181154_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Remains of Winchester Palace at London Bridge.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WkES5rbARxA/WYk0KZqTX9I/AAAAAAAChJg/NpOBIGIug-EKmSeW3ZeTl8hUebY8019CgCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170730_181216%255B5%255D"><img width="320" height="420" title="20170730_181216" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20170730_181216" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nh7ur7EWjZc/WYk0M2NhFlI/AAAAAAAChJk/jVmqoHOSFpUMq6XUIEWaVQC6jxhS0xjSQCHMYCw/20170730_181216_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="left">As it was now getting late and we still had a train and two buses to catch we headed home. It is still late until well after 9pm at the moment in mid summer.</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-47651864445883782872017-07-30T07:41:00.000+12:002017-07-31T08:20:56.806+12:00The Naked Kiwi! <div class="blogaway-section"><p><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMNqxTvdQkg/WX4_gotRH7I/AAAAAAACgUM/duXlgvv8kBgdDP2xJcPyehxRitARiXqnACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LMNqxTvdQkg/WX4_gotRH7I/AAAAAAACgUM/duXlgvv8kBgdDP2xJcPyehxRitARiXqnACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Naked kiwi burger and L & P</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>We had planned to visit Greenwich to visit the new Emirates Airline Cable Car over the Thames. The weather had other ideas so we decided to visit Gourmet Burger Kitchen for a piece of very real kiwiana. <br/>
<br/>A couple of buses later and we arrived in a very wet Wimbledon. After looking through the menu, I chose a kiwi burger with all the trimmings, beetroot and pineapple included together with a can of my favourite L & P. Lemon and Paeroa to the unitiated (World Famous in New Zealand) is on the can.  Tracey tried to educate me, "you will want a naked burger won't you?" she said. How was I to know that naked meant without the bun. Yes it was delicious. <br/></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oj4kw9oUALU/WX4_i1vtrnI/AAAAAAACgUQ/uYMyXVh85psugroJpk0Lw99kCiwJPdqgwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oj4kw9oUALU/WX4_i1vtrnI/AAAAAAACgUQ/uYMyXVh85psugroJpk0Lw99kCiwJPdqgwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grade 11 New Wimbledon Theatre</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>The New Wimbledon Theatre still stands on the corner opposite the restaurant. Bit of a misnomer as it is actually an old grade 11 listed Georgian theatre. <br/></div></p></div><br/>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.348393 -0.1665168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-48139138676275314002017-07-29T19:13:00.001+12:002017-07-29T19:15:35.125+12:00Mayfield Lavender Fields<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S6PtxpUDmH8/WXw1eqyiCTI/AAAAAAACgSE/m8_T8GpwGew_BwqDb0y-avjfXzCW7vXdwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S6PtxpUDmH8/WXw1eqyiCTI/AAAAAAACgSE/m8_T8GpwGew_BwqDb0y-avjfXzCW7vXdwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Across the fields to Mayfield</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I never realised how close to the country was Tracey's home. Carshalton in Surrey is very close to the Mayfield Lavender fields says Tracey. Well I know I used to walk a lot further but my knees complain a lot now. Boy have I done a lot of walking in the last few weeks, seen some wonderful places but I will need to go home for a rest. The Lavender fields were a walk across some lovely countryside, up and down hills. Eventually we arrived there.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vtjSAQ27fZw/WXw1kOXuJrI/AAAAAAACgSM/VhMxBP6THGg4kbRpa84oJcQnxk5w4UwrQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vtjSAQ27fZw/WXw1kOXuJrI/AAAAAAACgSM/VhMxBP6THGg4kbRpa84oJcQnxk5w4UwrQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tracey amongst the lavendar</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xKUUI-msZ7A/WXw1mjjHyyI/AAAAAAACgSQ/l_3LEOUesBURcdZb0O9rs-OIzEToGq1cACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xKUUI-msZ7A/WXw1mjjHyyI/AAAAAAACgSQ/l_3LEOUesBURcdZb0O9rs-OIzEToGq1cACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tractor and trailer giving rides around Lavender. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>The place was very busy and we wandered through the Lavender for an hour or so before having quick luncheon.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLOs7CCHgIs/WXw1gmIFLtI/AAAAAAACgSI/NH7gUCsCQOo79U9MbeTeeDfQsZoYg1kHQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YLOs7CCHgIs/WXw1gmIFLtI/AAAAAAACgSI/NH7gUCsCQOo79U9MbeTeeDfQsZoYg1kHQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luncheon with Lavender lemonade. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>We had to try out the Lavender lemonade which was served with a scone, strawberry jam and clotted cream.<br>
After our long walk we decided to catch a bus or buses around the villages on our way back.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com2Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3485467 -0.1664377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-86570546445454679432017-07-29T11:04:00.001+12:002017-07-31T10:53:47.585+12:00Sutton Buggy Transport<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4RSI4IR0FpM/WXvDAXIAyBI/AAAAAAACgRo/X1u4smceWnwlmFsQ6mHoLDVLz52dCi7uACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4RSI4IR0FpM/WXvDAXIAyBI/AAAAAAACgRo/X1u4smceWnwlmFsQ6mHoLDVLz52dCi7uACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sutton buggy in Sutton High Street. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Something that has amused me when in the main street of Sutton. I have seen this buggy several times when in town but by the time I have got my phone out it has been too late. There is a gentle climb from the bottom to the top of Sutton High Street. Consequently there is this buggy that seats seven persons continually driving from top to bottom. <br>
<br>It has been operating for the last four years and has carried around 76,000 people in this time. Operating Monday to Saturday it is sponsored by the local council. </p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.348393 -0.1665168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-80927279655629037002017-07-29T10:21:00.001+12:002017-07-29T21:06:30.117+12:00Not in New Zealand! <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJ_iA7dlygg/WXu4xEbOxqI/AAAAAAACgRE/KBom5caooaUinlWV_JILJgOuTlpGTLMywCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qJ_iA7dlygg/WXu4xEbOxqI/AAAAAAACgRE/KBom5caooaUinlWV_JILJgOuTlpGTLMywCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Car parking outside Tracey's. Front to front. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I have been flabbergasted at the parking here in the United Kingdom. This photo taken with Tracey's home in the background shows how the cars park whichever which way they feel like it.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yIj1lVzY3XA/WXu40hNVt4I/AAAAAAACgRI/cYO5FEOvSh0JDScO8KKiCPT6LS7XfUrwQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yIj1lVzY3XA/WXu40hNVt4I/AAAAAAACgRI/cYO5FEOvSh0JDScO8KKiCPT6LS7XfUrwQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Just along the road back to back. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Now don't get me wrong I have seen some amazing driving in the narrow roads, despite cars parked on corners as well. <br>
<br>Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe that this is illegal in New Zealand and you would be ticketed from parking like this. Obviously not a problem here.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com2Carshalton, United Kingdom51.348393 -0.1665168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-91354104208561918332017-07-27T09:05:00.001+12:002017-07-27T09:07:27.748+12:00A Canterbury night out<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5b0oJ7cVb4/WXkEEL7hW5I/AAAAAAACgNg/SNbg-NIYMAw_b7Ix_IUqVssTee40WTlfQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5b0oJ7cVb4/WXkEEL7hW5I/AAAAAAACgNg/SNbg-NIYMAw_b7Ix_IUqVssTee40WTlfQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The huge mask is called the Bulkhead. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>A night out in Canterbury was organised by Carrie to an outdoor show organised by Marlowe Theatre. The theatre was named after Christopher Marlowe a playright who was a contemporary of William's Shakespeare and he attended school in Canterbury. The face mask was the work of a Sculptor Rick Kirkby which was bought by the council. It was originally in the old theatre then replaced in the outside seating area when the theatre was rebuilt. <br>
After a lovely evening meal at a local restaurant in the city we made our way to the theatre. </p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7Ob8BEvEuU/WXkEFXQFt9I/AAAAAAACgNk/nZQfQLKpHw4ZLuOxIR5mGS87iqqG6NQ4QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7Ob8BEvEuU/WXkEFXQFt9I/AAAAAAACgNk/nZQfQLKpHw4ZLuOxIR5mGS87iqqG6NQ4QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Assembling for the production. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jv9Fg7JE6c/WXkEHtNfenI/AAAAAAACgNo/EsR5dIiYXOkCrmmkeiEPrl6WESPTZD3FQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jv9Fg7JE6c/WXkEHtNfenI/AAAAAAACgNo/EsR5dIiYXOkCrmmkeiEPrl6WESPTZD3FQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ready for the show. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6LApimwtjWw/WXkEJ4U5AsI/AAAAAAACgNs/TARYMnDYXe8Zvq_6xSEowg9rf7D8PWGcQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6LApimwtjWw/WXkEJ4U5AsI/AAAAAAACgNs/TARYMnDYXe8Zvq_6xSEowg9rf7D8PWGcQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>All the actors all robed up. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I must admit I was not exactly sure of the storyline as we followed the cast around the centre of Canterbury. Each scene was in a different part of the city and we had to hurry up not to miss the next scene. We received a few strange looks from members of the public as we all streamed through the city.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-re84TPVQjqo/WXkD-tZ0IKI/AAAAAAACgNM/M3dIYylIjWs-I4Koa6cCUQQ9gSidg3F8wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-re84TPVQjqo/WXkD-tZ0IKI/AAAAAAACgNM/M3dIYylIjWs-I4Koa6cCUQQ9gSidg3F8wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A watch tower where one of the scenes were acted. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgbNE8GnWwQ/WXkD_dJtPdI/AAAAAAACgNQ/txKTlwDpNFwvgdDqYebDgARXAf_w8_8bACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xgbNE8GnWwQ/WXkD_dJtPdI/AAAAAAACgNQ/txKTlwDpNFwvgdDqYebDgARXAf_w8_8bACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Quick photo on the way past. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0bHXaq7iQI/WXkD_0jP3fI/AAAAAAACgNU/LpRNeBxZPWYi79bJMPCm2eDPZeuXVdYRQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0bHXaq7iQI/WXkD_0jP3fI/AAAAAAACgNU/LpRNeBxZPWYi79bJMPCm2eDPZeuXVdYRQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Canterbury Cathedral in the distance. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXHs9zKJ0YM/WXkEBHX2FoI/AAAAAAACgNY/-CrvpwvEvYUNp1Zy8RcCm-U4Ibv7NYJJwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uXHs9zKJ0YM/WXkEBHX2FoI/AAAAAAACgNY/-CrvpwvEvYUNp1Zy8RcCm-U4Ibv7NYJJwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>River Stour wanders through the town. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Although Derek and I had visited Canterbury before I was unaware that the River Stour runs right through the city centre. This provides some wonderful photo opportunities, to an ex boatie anyway.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRZTmbo7ZxI/WXkEDZJCYjI/AAAAAAACgNc/dMovroMJotUewDHdqtItfDhnJRaaxeAqQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRZTmbo7ZxI/WXkEDZJCYjI/AAAAAAACgNc/dMovroMJotUewDHdqtItfDhnJRaaxeAqQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>River Stour just before nightfall. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Wandering through the city after nightfall was a little disconcerting to someone like me. It was very hard to see the difference in the surface of the terrain in the dark. <br>
A great evening was had by all as we drove back to Fabersham.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3485123 -0.1665671tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-2483507834643965362017-07-24T09:29:00.001+12:002017-07-24T19:33:46.291+12:00Faversham, Medieval Market town, Open Homes. <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-udQo_8m7uiM/WXUU9Zb6aCI/AAAAAAACgHU/S0lyTdEB_DE49NP4uorh7sNNVxE-QnpbACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-udQo_8m7uiM/WXUU9Zb6aCI/AAAAAAACgHU/S0lyTdEB_DE49NP4uorh7sNNVxE-QnpbACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking along the verandah of the Almshouses. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>The Faversham Society was celebrating it's 48th year when it was holding this event opening some of the historical buildings in the area this weekend. The current owners of some of these historical homes open their houses to raise funds for the Society. </p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-beYFsRcE6WQ/WXUU_wpD7XI/AAAAAAACgHY/ygMDgJ2TIlE2rp1RZAKEhZFM0hAFL3dEQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-beYFsRcE6WQ/WXUU_wpD7XI/AAAAAAACgHY/ygMDgJ2TIlE2rp1RZAKEhZFM0hAFL3dEQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Almshouse Chapel looking towards the altar. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>The almshouses, are one of the largest and finest groups of their kind in the United Kingdom. They were completed in 1863 after a generous bequest from a local solicitor. Linking the north and south wings is the Chapel which is built of Bath stone unlike the brick almshouses. <br>
The stained glass windows were installed in 1895 representing New Testament scenes. The centre one depicting the Last Supper.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8i6giLKOHH8/WXUVHb7rSPI/AAAAAAACgHo/3gjtM2NBbrQzobwhl8EHO-7ZNcNPZElhgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8i6giLKOHH8/WXUVHb7rSPI/AAAAAAACgHo/3gjtM2NBbrQzobwhl8EHO-7ZNcNPZElhgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>St Mary of Charity Church</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Dedicated to St Mary of Charity it is believed to be the only church in England with such a dedication. The Parish boundaries were established as far back as 636AD and we are assuming there has been a church on these grounds since then. Very hard to photograph now as the town has been built around it. The church as it stands now dates back to the 14th Century. Much older than New Zealand itself. The central tower fell victim to the local Gunpowder works back in 1755. The crown spire is supposedly inspired by the tower of Christopher Wren's St Dunstan in the city of London.</p></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>The exterior of the church was resurfaced in flint and stone towards the end of the 19th century. At this time the five windows behind the altar were made to look gothic from the outside. <br>
At least twice in its history the church has seen violence and damage and the town was ordered to restore the damage. <br>
</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kLOu7Ax1WiM/WXUVFCnV59I/AAAAAAACgHk/9ojpXUcJ4UY1kaee4VKiUf-9vS9i-7g4wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kLOu7Ax1WiM/WXUVFCnV59I/AAAAAAACgHk/9ojpXUcJ4UY1kaee4VKiUf-9vS9i-7g4wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>St Peter's Church, Oare</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>This is a 13th Century Church a little way out of town close to the banks of the Swale. Although this is a river it has just been known for centuries by the locals as "The Swale."</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2UahlB9qI4/WXUVCpS3HII/AAAAAAACgHg/9tHzHnJiKZYUhQJfzdSy1wAjrU4PG2vbgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2UahlB9qI4/WXUVCpS3HII/AAAAAAACgHg/9tHzHnJiKZYUhQJfzdSy1wAjrU4PG2vbgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Allan Beckett Memorial window. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>The interior has a beautiful stained window that was only installed in 2011 depicting a Mulberry Tree it commemorates Allan Beckett who designed and oversaw the installation of the floating roadways at the Normandy invasion. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. </p></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>As you can see I have a real soft spot for churches. We also visited several other beautiful properties that I hadn't photographed. </p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com2Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3484852 -0.1664602tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-35441684495588387792017-07-22T01:31:00.001+12:002017-07-22T08:37:33.114+12:00Faversham in Kent.<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1g17CMYegJ0/WXICOKGFxxI/AAAAAAACgAU/kWofMhKjY2IwZrQcP-ZAskvnsrk6Tz7lACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1g17CMYegJ0/WXICOKGFxxI/AAAAAAACgAU/kWofMhKjY2IwZrQcP-ZAskvnsrk6Tz7lACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Faversham Almshouses</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>On Friday I caught the train into Victoria Station before changing onto South East trains to Dover. I wasn't heading this far but to the old market town of Faversham. With a population of 20,000 it is almost the same size as my hometown of Levin, New Zealand.<br>
<br>The purpose of my visit was to visit our friends Derek and Carrie previous owners of Narrowboat Uccello. We had spent several months travelling together when we were living on Narrowboat Gypsy Rover prior to us returning to New Zealand in 2011.<br>
The almshouses are directly across the road from their home in Faversham.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i35M_mDG5fY/WXICFghbgdI/AAAAAAACgAA/vB8s7k6p6Gs4104YT5K9IVcuXY8jzNyvgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i35M_mDG5fY/WXICFghbgdI/AAAAAAACgAA/vB8s7k6p6Gs4104YT5K9IVcuXY8jzNyvgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Looking under the verandahs from the Chapel</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lfWiPLPy7hM/WXICIFlGZOI/AAAAAAACgAE/cYkAPPnGapwXmw0IMAS6yTg0MZKVlPK1QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lfWiPLPy7hM/WXICIFlGZOI/AAAAAAACgAE/cYkAPPnGapwXmw0IMAS6yTg0MZKVlPK1QCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Abbey has a lovely altar and window.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3f9TpYgOgw/WXICJwBLtUI/AAAAAAACgAM/in-xnEHAFJYNBzMldXbBvjvwGbxfvMDigCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3f9TpYgOgw/WXICJwBLtUI/AAAAAAACgAM/in-xnEHAFJYNBzMldXbBvjvwGbxfvMDigCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Faversham Market</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vy0U35nGC-w/WXICLwd7ehI/AAAAAAACgAQ/IVy8jHKhrTQe_N-WelmHubBpHfVTKdKXgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vy0U35nGC-w/WXICLwd7ehI/AAAAAAACgAQ/IVy8jHKhrTQe_N-WelmHubBpHfVTKdKXgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Beautiful building dated 1887</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p> Tomorrow Carrie and I intend to visit several open homes, but not anything like the open homes in New Zealand.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3484238 -0.1664598tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-31470270444936416222017-07-10T22:04:00.001+12:002017-07-11T10:17:36.037+12:00New Zealand Pavlova<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yceCvzd4Heg/WWNRIc_iKhI/AAAAAAACftU/wQZima7A6Q0oKQNiiDZACMwEXQTvGJ-pACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yceCvzd4Heg/WWNRIc_iKhI/AAAAAAACftU/wQZima7A6Q0oKQNiiDZACMwEXQTvGJ-pACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Homemade Cowell's Pavlova. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Yesterday I was coerced into baking a Pavlova for a street party in Tracey's complex. No problem as I have all my recipes available online through Dropbox. With all the ingredients readily available, I must admit it looked and tasted pretty good. Certainly disappeared and Tracey had to rescue the last piece for Paul who arrived later. <br>
Must admit I haven't made a pavlova for years, but it certainly was a success. <br>
The dessert is supposedly named after the Russian Ballerina Anna Pavlova during her visit to New Zealand in 1926.<br>
</p></div><br>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com1Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3484237 -0.1665055tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-43738689415823565452017-07-08T11:53:00.001+12:002017-07-08T12:02:36.146+12:00The Mighty Thames<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73oiYGXjGj8/WWAevEnDqjI/AAAAAAACe2I/Ql-wbyPoKR40z3W377Qx8sxTK1NVaUo-gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73oiYGXjGj8/WWAevEnDqjI/AAAAAAACe2I/Ql-wbyPoKR40z3W377Qx8sxTK1NVaUo-gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kingston Bridge over the River Thames. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Being so close to one of my favourite spots on the River Thames I just had to spend a day here. Maybe some of the friends we made while living on the narrow boat were around! <br>
<br>A bit of research was required to find which bus route was the best for me to remember. It's surprising what the brain can remember when it has to. An hour or so later and I recognised the bus stop in Kingston close to the river where I alighted. <br>
<br>I headed directly for the river and it was exactly as <u>I</u> remembered. The spot where we had moored whilst viewing Hampton Court Palace here nearly ten years ago now. <br></p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjvZ57y9Ow8/WWAewdN0T8I/AAAAAAACe2M/tJn3NtYmu_EogTwhcdLDEF1bxHAqBevZQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjvZ57y9Ow8/WWAewdN0T8I/AAAAAAACe2M/tJn3NtYmu_EogTwhcdLDEF1bxHAqBevZQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mooring where we were years ago. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I stood and watched as a narrow boat came downstream and turning around and moored where we had previously. Just along the river bank through Bushey Park is Hampton Court Palace. Former home of Henry the VIII.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhQ74P2jrx8/WWAexeHsQ_I/AAAAAAACe2Q/MBbMXtHWJ-8wM6XLOPBV9Eb5j1YAgr1iQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhQ74P2jrx8/WWAexeHsQ_I/AAAAAAACe2Q/MBbMXtHWJ-8wM6XLOPBV9Eb5j1YAgr1iQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The swans are still here. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnn_PdQJsts/WWAezbNXnkI/AAAAAAACe2U/L1ZTYEMm1NIUiM3IL472Ug-Rl9HE_SWtwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnn_PdQJsts/WWAezbNXnkI/AAAAAAACe2U/L1ZTYEMm1NIUiM3IL472Ug-Rl9HE_SWtwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Going for a cruise on the Thames. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65TPpkwsWsU/WWAe0QVh5fI/AAAAAAACe2Y/fV0B8Gxl4I8HBh0eOcQ0Aj8zSMiwTSCAgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65TPpkwsWsU/WWAe0QVh5fI/AAAAAAACe2Y/fV0B8Gxl4I8HBh0eOcQ0Aj8zSMiwTSCAgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Unusual colouring here. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I wandered along the river bank towards Hampton Court Palace before retracing my steps towards Kingston.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z66KQxfDRdg/WWAe16yVZaI/AAAAAAACe2c/rzVId_LQv6o1TDp05mAjR3K4YKOBhXE_gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z66KQxfDRdg/WWAe16yVZaI/AAAAAAACe2c/rzVId_LQv6o1TDp05mAjR3K4YKOBhXE_gCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It looks a long way when I look back. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I noticed a very interesting roof of a boat moored alongside the path. The roof was lined with artificial grass and a small diarama was placed on top, very well done.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UUa0-yUtX4I/WWAe3EH0f_I/AAAAAAACe2g/w8js7741R9w3C6c_kLYKfyLV1smaP3zKQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UUa0-yUtX4I/WWAe3EH0f_I/AAAAAAACe2g/w8js7741R9w3C6c_kLYKfyLV1smaP3zKQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Looks beautiful. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vkYJVPHXcDA/WWAe4LeKB6I/AAAAAAACe2k/oPZGJ5sY-ksTpYVBgXtjHyN_gvMaSk2YQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vkYJVPHXcDA/WWAe4LeKB6I/AAAAAAACe2k/oPZGJ5sY-ksTpYVBgXtjHyN_gvMaSk2YQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brings back memories. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Walking underneath the bridge leading to the horse fair.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKsIcCNBZho/WWAe6dym9QI/AAAAAAACe2s/NguDcYXIanM5b2qyqZPUGHZ3H8V7wlElgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKsIcCNBZho/WWAe6dym9QI/AAAAAAACe2s/NguDcYXIanM5b2qyqZPUGHZ3H8V7wlElgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I assume this is some sort of boat. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I went looking through the town for the following telephone boxes. I knew I had seen them before but couldn't remember where. My memory is not as bad as I thought it was.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlYwn9tvG9PSuZquaMgso2_PQRxwXkN8BjCOKRNwbitLSYU-BlPfF1qJ1jz-rMuDLVXIlX9qFG0TKrH3hBP5hIoHWKky5aLPyN0JWp-O-Zl7AIy1_ECJAnxo7GAMyMpi8aOLB/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlYwn9tvG9PSuZquaMgso2_PQRxwXkN8BjCOKRNwbitLSYU-BlPfF1qJ1jz-rMuDLVXIlX9qFG0TKrH3hBP5hIoHWKky5aLPyN0JWp-O-Zl7AIy1_ECJAnxo7GAMyMpi8aOLB/ cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A row of telephone boxes in Kingston. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Heading in search of my bus stop back to Carshalton I wandered through this alleyway.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SUi9WNDFkt4/WWAe8DlcGEI/AAAAAAACe24/2291d68Pf2QCWSDPzWEEKDVZLodUJRjSQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SUi9WNDFkt4/WWAe8DlcGEI/AAAAAAACe24/2291d68Pf2QCWSDPzWEEKDVZLodUJRjSQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>You should stay dry in this alley. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3483827 -0.1665281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-76661775218696528952017-07-05T03:25:00.001+12:002017-07-05T03:28:09.890+12:00Now that's Nifty. <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KyJ9IiiRBb8/WVuzaJV-VuI/AAAAAAACen0/h3nBR0BlUCYCKEFC1pBNVDs3SB6W5tONwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KyJ9IiiRBb8/WVuzaJV-VuI/AAAAAAACen0/h3nBR0BlUCYCKEFC1pBNVDs3SB6W5tONwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Short of garden space? </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqH4-TW8SvI/WVuzdCu1W9I/AAAAAAACen4/CZZUc2mzs9Yu1Yf18sTJ_WpGOg9DNtgygCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KqH4-TW8SvI/WVuzdCu1W9I/AAAAAAACen4/CZZUc2mzs9Yu1Yf18sTJ_WpGOg9DNtgygCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Grow it on the wall</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Whilst wandering through the town of Sutton just a short bus ride from Tracey's home in Carshalton Beeches, I spotted this above the shop. Adds a bit of greenery to the town centre.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3483827 -0.1665281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-27766388664458840202017-06-30T09:07:00.001+12:002017-07-09T10:49:34.335+12:00Epsom Surrey. <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTKeFt7M_i0/WVVsKcwFmzI/AAAAAAACem4/isiwVSNxb4A1INTbq6aqWG8NM1rAeGMsgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTKeFt7M_i0/WVVsKcwFmzI/AAAAAAACem4/isiwVSNxb4A1INTbq6aqWG8NM1rAeGMsgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Epsom clock tower. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Yesterday I decided to get brave and head off alone towards Epsom in Surrey. Not the namesake Epsom in Auckland. <br>
The reason was I wanted to visit Lakeland for a couple of items on my shopping list from home. Success with the tap adaptor I wanted, it was reduced because of damaged packaging. No problem as it would be coming out of the packaging to be packed in my suitcase anyway. <br>
<br>I also wanted to check out the New Zealand Easiyo sachets that I was aware they stocked. At home I always make my own yoghurt and planned on doing the same here. Unfortunately they were all in boxes of 5 of the same flavour. So back to the drawing board at Holland and Barrett where I can buy individual sachets. The flavours are the same as at home and the price is similar (if I was earning GB£'s instead of NZ$' S). Something I haven't seen at home are the choice of making smaller containers in the same Easily maker. Must look for those. <br>
<br>Wandering around this country village, I even shouted myself to a panini and coffee, before finding the place to catch my bus back to Tracey's.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3483827 -0.1665281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-80675827322561065992017-06-29T08:36:00.001+12:002017-06-29T23:07:43.217+12:00Nonsuch Country Fair. <div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9QTFGEDST80/WVQTFiXKiVI/AAAAAAACemI/fxMkYqalVjgNf_kKQwNIdb-iDBLfVMwgACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9QTFGEDST80/WVQTFiXKiVI/AAAAAAACemI/fxMkYqalVjgNf_kKQwNIdb-iDBLfVMwgACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Believe it or not we're in London. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Sunday and Tracey and I decided to catch a couple of buses and visit the lovely village of Cheam. Our plan was to visit the local country fair. First we wandered through the lovely Nonsuch Park, where lots of the locals were picnicking in the grounds. </p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjFWg3WjF6U/WVQS-_fydVI/AAAAAAACemA/OrKd68pxsOMWZAMYRfubWhWm-kmAZCCYgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vjFWg3WjF6U/WVQS-_fydVI/AAAAAAACemA/OrKd68pxsOMWZAMYRfubWhWm-kmAZCCYgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Nonsuch Mansion House has links to Henry VIII</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dg5REpX7QN0/WVQTCDyqOjI/AAAAAAACemE/7PQeTuhV-eAH3uL9DTqFH4cEgmeFmI8ZACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dg5REpX7QN0/WVQTCDyqOjI/AAAAAAACemE/7PQeTuhV-eAH3uL9DTqFH4cEgmeFmI8ZACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tracey at the entrance to the garden. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>We made the most of the lovely afternoon and wandered through the park to the fair. </p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gF1fZdjkTeo/WVQTLUNEVdI/AAAAAAACemQ/2NvjImO9GNcaQ9pt1zoUm-rY_EykJRaoQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gF1fZdjkTeo/WVQTLUNEVdI/AAAAAAACemQ/2NvjImO9GNcaQ9pt1zoUm-rY_EykJRaoQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Every fair needs a Merry Go Round</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JgcXMfMPj7Y/WVQTNf82F8I/AAAAAAACemU/DBkcldkTDBMQmzsnBD6PoWJCfai2lk7xACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JgcXMfMPj7Y/WVQTNf82F8I/AAAAAAACemU/DBkcldkTDBMQmzsnBD6PoWJCfai2lk7xACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Giant Zorb balls are fun in the pool. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bMdq8i10w0/WVQTQR2csYI/AAAAAAACemY/EwH__ekkVpc2BBIVJCH0VV37UUmfJiOLQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8bMdq8i10w0/WVQTQR2csYI/AAAAAAACemY/EwH__ekkVpc2BBIVJCH0VV37UUmfJiOLQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>What? Pink coloured from beetroot juice. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>We spent some time wandering around and taking it all in. You do get to see some sights at these places. We decided to treat ourselves to lunch and I had my first pork pie in seven years. Don't fret Derek was not one of the best. <br/>
</p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWQzhUQy7E0/WVQTIrZrd_I/AAAAAAACemM/mIfzY6OxpQIkhyqlgkLkPLhXV_VXS93nACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWQzhUQy7E0/WVQTIrZrd_I/AAAAAAACemM/mIfzY6OxpQIkhyqlgkLkPLhXV_VXS93nACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not your usual colour for a UK postbox. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Heading back to Cheam we passed this gold coloured postbox painted to commemorate a gold medal won by a local athlete at the Olympic Games 2012. </p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFPEVEIw_cA/WVQTSUWrnsI/AAAAAAACemc/HHkefcYluYAj2we0hV3b1SmfeQd0Qa9IgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFPEVEIw_cA/WVQTSUWrnsI/AAAAAAACemc/HHkefcYluYAj2we0hV3b1SmfeQd0Qa9IgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Harrow the local public house in Cheam. </b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p></p></div><br/>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3483827 -0.1665281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-29722065858000947412017-06-28T00:26:00.000+12:002017-06-28T00:26:56.727+12:00Friendly March! <div class="blogaway-section">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JvRp4LwJpbI/WU2KfI1WbcI/AAAAAAACegc/X1Agik0CH1IaXpFWxbX2JtHGbgRibY-pACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JvRp4LwJpbI/WU2KfI1WbcI/AAAAAAACegc/X1Agik0CH1IaXpFWxbX2JtHGbgRibY-pACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><b>From left Julie, Dot and Mick</b><br />
<br />I recently spent a wonderful few days with Julie, Mick and Pam in March, Cambridgeshire. It was hard to believe that nearly six years have passed since Derek and I rented the apartment off them after selling Narrow boat Gypsy Rover and waiting for our Autotrail motor home to be built. <br />
Doesn't time fly? <br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jqkt0oaE5vs/WU2KeojX1bI/AAAAAAACegY/4HGVIDhY5kUFJjvT5IOfgaYiqFpwBDrqACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jqkt0oaE5vs/WU2KeojX1bI/AAAAAAACegY/4HGVIDhY5kUFJjvT5IOfgaYiqFpwBDrqACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><b>Gypsy Rover at Mick and Julie's March 2011</b><br />
<br />Our apartment where we lived for nearly a year is to the right of the picture. We enjoyed our time in the area and it hasn't changed a bit. Except for the addition on a beautiful set of gates across the driveway for added security and I needed a code to enter. <br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yabYp4B9Am0/WU2Khdoe1SI/AAAAAAACegg/-Ha2QGuA-xo4X0IKQx1WYgYS5S0RzO0IwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yabYp4B9Am0/WU2Khdoe1SI/AAAAAAACegg/-Ha2QGuA-xo4X0IKQx1WYgYS5S0RzO0IwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><b>2017 Mustang! Is that me behind the Wheel? </b><br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5Lwy-XiWX8/WU2KjNWQEgI/AAAAAAACegk/7HSsAwH2sFgkrg7OIcFrD_EFD_jOVypRgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x5Lwy-XiWX8/WU2KjNWQEgI/AAAAAAACegk/7HSsAwH2sFgkrg7OIcFrD_EFD_jOVypRgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><b>Once in a lifetime for me! </b><br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wD1jgSulPs/WU2KlqgAPOI/AAAAAAACego/TzstDRdQP2YDep5ZOE_qNXCTH5ebJf76ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8wD1jgSulPs/WU2KlqgAPOI/AAAAAAACego/TzstDRdQP2YDep5ZOE_qNXCTH5ebJf76ACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><b>Mustang steering wheel</b><br />
<br />Julie and Mick have just had their 30th Wedding Anniversary and confirmation of their vows. Unfortunately although invited it was a couple of weeks prior to my arrival. What did Mick give Julie as a wedding anniversary present? None less than a 2017 Mustang. Scarce as hens teeth. Now, how could I turn down an offer to sit behind the steering wheel? I would never again get the opportunity. I'm sure my husband won't be buying me one for our anniversary in a couple of months. <br />
After a great visit Mick and Julie drove me to Cambridge in his new electric/diesel Mercedes to catch the bus back to London. Might as well see the countryside from a different angle. <br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B-yS9bOyP5c/WU2Km9r5SRI/AAAAAAACegs/hRVnYoxPDyAKfTxxL-KEiJbkamAurCdQwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B-yS9bOyP5c/WU2Km9r5SRI/AAAAAAACegs/hRVnYoxPDyAKfTxxL-KEiJbkamAurCdQwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><b>Across the field from Cambridge bus stop. </b><br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNUcgO80EOc/WU2KpHpvsNI/AAAAAAACegw/WfAMOVn4lCEeMDZSw-4fnaQEAUPF1fqUQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wNUcgO80EOc/WU2KpHpvsNI/AAAAAAACegw/WfAMOVn4lCEeMDZSw-4fnaQEAUPF1fqUQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><br />
<br />2 hours later and I was back in London. The photos are only taken from the bus but give you an idea. <br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrmlez5KJws/WU2KsYsEYTI/AAAAAAACeg0/VxQCB830qMwKCNHCdoPam59qslaqDcTYwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrmlez5KJws/WU2KsYsEYTI/AAAAAAACeg0/VxQCB830qMwKCNHCdoPam59qslaqDcTYwCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ARt9jFqpOyk/WU2Kuxzb2NI/AAAAAAACeg8/VAblgQkNYJgp3BA-E1BThyLngzFJzUJtgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ARt9jFqpOyk/WU2Kuxzb2NI/AAAAAAACeg8/VAblgQkNYJgp3BA-E1BThyLngzFJzUJtgCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><br />
<br /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_giuzVch1e0/WU2KwmC5fLI/AAAAAAACehA/ypqQXWRu4CQW15Du76IE7vKwyeVViHD5wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_giuzVch1e0/WU2KwmC5fLI/AAAAAAACehA/ypqQXWRu4CQW15Du76IE7vKwyeVViHD5wCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D"></a><br />
<br />Unfortunately the light as we passed Big Ben was wrong but never mind there will be another day. <br /><br /><br /></div>
<br />Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3484033 -0.1664826tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-7626034485378352202017-06-17T21:40:00.000+12:002017-06-18T02:18:06.312+12:00London and beyond!<div class="blogaway-section"><p></p><div class="blogaway-section"><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTZ5QnDpStM/WUT5ItSatEI/AAAAAAACec4/Cr6_-54cSi0UufElP04c9FUlZGqcO9ePACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><b>Not what it looks like! But Tracey's dining room blind.</b></p><p>
<br>I felt quite proud of myself on Thursday travelling from Tracey's home in Carshalton Beeches to March, a total of about 4 hours by bus and train.<br>
First a 5 minute walk around the corner to hail a bus to take me to Sutton Railway Station. <br>
As the bus pulled into the station I received a text from Tracey as to whether I was on the bus. Texting a reply I spotted her across the road, she had popped out of work for a couple of minutes for a breather just to make sure I found the right platform for my train journey on the Thames Link into St Pancras International. </p><p><br>
Here it was time to cross the road to King's Cross Station for my next leg of the journey to Peterborough. Unable to spot my Virgin train on the display board I had to ask at the help desk to discover the train was bound for Harrogate. How was I to know that Peterborough was an intermediary stop on that line? <br>
Travelling north I saw several fields with rows upon rows of solar panels. Hundreds of them. I must do some research and find out what they are.</p><p><br>
Twenty five minutes later and we arrived in Peterborough where I had another twenty minute wait for my train to March.<br>
Now I knew March reasonably well from living here for about 9 months a few years ago when we sold Nb Gypsy Rover so I knew my last leg of the journey on shanks pony would take me about 40 minutes. Brilliant hot sunshine with a temperature of about 24 degrees made the journey hard going. It's going to be worse on Sunday with temperatures forecast to be in the 30's. Who says it doesn't get hot in the UK? <br>I had a great welcome at Mick and Julies, our landlords for 9 months in 2010 -2011 before taking delivery of our Motorhome Gypsy Rover.<br>
<br><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2G16jKbfhmE/WUT5HxqywQI/AAAAAAACec0/Ym25ZsSLG_QwkWNvblnx2oKNmOx5VOEkQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><b>Lovely welcome at Julie and Mick's home.</b></p></div></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com2March, United Kingdom52.54727 0.0915077tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-48243914351537174382017-06-08T23:43:00.000+12:002017-06-09T04:57:42.895+12:00Auckland and on to London<div class="blogaway-section"><p>Mary and Tony dropped me at the airport for my evening flight to Singapore. All checked in with a lovely surprise at my seat.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FwkWOz8Vkbs/WTl_qEYU0VI/AAAAAAACeaE/ZTTzjXThq4s_dESqi-UJaBisY1C3TZ30QCHM/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FwkWOz8Vkbs/WTl_qEYU0VI/AAAAAAACeaE/ZTTzjXThq4s_dESqi-UJaBisY1C3TZ30QCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lovely welcome from Air New Zealand.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Travelling on the new Dreamliner aircraft I was most impressed with the service, comfort and food. I can see why Air New Zealand won the coveted Best Airline award this week for the 9th consecutive year. I had a great window seat with an empty seat alongside and a beautiful new aircraft.<br>
<br>Arriving early morning in Singapore I had 6 hours to fill in before my flight to London Heathrow. Plenty of walking and window shopping in the meantime.</p></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1YofMK7tztg/WTl_rH2KjDI/AAAAAAACeaI/Ls9LZD1M6Pgd-t0AOhYN5oy14HQwdcragCHM/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1YofMK7tztg/WTl_rH2KjDI/AAAAAAACeaI/Ls9LZD1M6Pgd-t0AOhYN5oy14HQwdcragCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>No sign what this symbolised at the airport.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><table class="tr-caption-container" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGPxci__DEw/WTl_sgQ_ApI/AAAAAAACeaM/S0ldnuBERfU-1vEPhT5eatkU-eRPJBgBwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eGPxci__DEw/WTl_sgQ_ApI/AAAAAAACeaM/S0ldnuBERfU-1vEPhT5eatkU-eRPJBgBwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px "></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Changi Airport looked empty but it was deceiving.</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Leaving almost on time my flight on Singapore Airlines was no comparison with Air New Zealand. Admittedly I was unable to select my seat and ended up in the second to last row. <br>
<br>The flight was the most turbulent I have ever travelled on and the Captain had to ask the cabin crew to be seated a couple of times until it settled down. I believe the back of a plane is not the best place to be in these circumstances and would have been much better over the wing where I am normally seated.<br>
I was most disappointed with Singapore Airlines, the service, food and comfort were no comparison with Air New Zealand. I don't think I am being biased either. Thirteen and a half hours later I arrived at Heathrow absolutely shattered after having no sleep.</p></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I was pleased to find Tracey and Paul at the airport to meet me. A coffee was on the cards, thanks Paul, before we drove the half hour to Carshalton on the Hill where Tracey lives.<br>
Emptying my suitcase I was rapped to find the two glass breakables I had taken over to Tracey had remained intact. Thank you for the great packaging Derek.<br>
<br>A great sleep followed and I am now ready for my new adventure.</p></div>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.348393 -0.1665168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-89859683743557518942017-06-05T20:53:00.000+12:002017-06-09T03:09:47.355+12:00London here I come!<div class="blogaway-section"><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDsC4PtX3B4/WTUcnpPP7yI/AAAAAAACeY8/NN14hMAgbR4-1-_UZ2nMBCMnfkDFyb7ewCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><b>Muriwai Gannet Colony.</b><br/>
<br/>Yesterday morning Robin and Jenny kindly took Derek and I to Palmerston North for my flight to Auckland and then on to London.<br/>
<br/>I will be staying with my sister Mary for a couple of days before flying out to Singapore tomorrow evening. Today being a nice day my sister suggested we do out to the Gannet colony north of Auckland out by Murawai beach.<br/>
<br/>A lovely drive followed and we spent a couple of hours at the beach despite only a few gannets in residence.<br/>
<br/><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kmc1_QX_57g/WTUcdjh3jCI/AAAAAAACeYw/rffkz2fkFOsNYmf4G1ZETiW_Y8kDMIAxQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><br/>
<b>A few Gannets only here.</b><br/>
<br/><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iIsMzHBAuiI/WTUchLlKDjI/AAAAAAACeY0/ld53g7sD_5AZochhR9W24aP4izrjvKLbQCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><br/>
<b>You can spot the nesting sites of the birds.</b><br/>
<br/>On our way back to the car we spotted these men flying off the side of the hill and trying to catch the wind. They would run down the steep slope on the cliffs overlooking the beach and just launch themselves into space.<br/>
<br/><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iBNcY1Tb2ps/WTUcqvUCp_I/AAAAAAACeZE/iEPqEZ6J95AeHbDuPbnWNzXhJMrqKDu6QCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><br/>
<b>Launched into space.</b><br/>
<br/><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p_6S02y4v4E/WTUcrIXhLTI/AAAAAAACeZI/HczuG4InTvo3j4bymIBRbwaLpjoDbbbTwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D cursor: pointer;"><br/>
<b>Heading for the beach.</b><br/>
</p></div><br/>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0Carshalton, United Kingdom51.3483827 -0.1665281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-10220338713994359942017-05-17T10:50:00.000+12:002017-05-31T13:27:19.248+12:00Back across Cook Strait<p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-138RFCqiLig/WS4F7eXC_wI/AAAAAAACeP0/5_wIl7knIFUq-WwFj0FZOsxJ-2aaTX6swCHM/s1600-h/Picton%255B3%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="Picton" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Picton" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O3HSWduOOxM/WS4F-GLORmI/AAAAAAACeP4/snITfCAqMGg7a1wXWgnMI4OVQyUyslJ3ACHM/Picton_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Picton Marina, looks like a calm crossing.</p><p align="left">Heading north after 3 months down south we travelled on the Interislander this time so Honey and Gypsy Rover were inside all locked up. No problems and no photos.</p><p align="left">We had planned to stay in Lower Hutt for a couple of nights to catch up with relatives and friends. We arrived at the Petone Working Mans Club after 7pm (our planned stop) and were lucky to get a parking spot on power. </p><p align="left">In the morning it was over the hill to Wainuiomata to visit my Dads final resting place before heading up to Maungaraki for lunch with rellies. Back to the club for the night as we were having morning tea with fellow Heretaunga Club members Pam and Don, before heading for Carterton over the Rimutaka hill on Friday to join the rest of the club for the weekend.</p><p align="left">Next day home for a couple of weeks for me before flying to the UK. The boss is staying home to look after Honey.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p3avxhEnB3M/WS4GAtbxAKI/AAAAAAACeP8/4-gW8iTrac88x6kGJh6HfIGFwDcYjxFGQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_0772%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="335" title="IMG_0772" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0772" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IDh_lmwcw8k/WS4GCuw0qtI/AAAAAAACeQA/YBFv2YrU5bgq_esUxuFuxahBDSURO-lxQCHM/IMG_0772_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Honey was so good during our travels and I will miss them both while I'm away.</p><p align="center"></p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-82782177543564234492017-05-09T22:45:00.000+12:002017-05-09T22:45:53.847+12:00Yealands Winery for lunch<div align="left">
As we had a lovely fine day again today, and the laundry all up to date, John and Elizabeth suggested we have a picnic for lunch. We headed south towards Seddon on the now closed SH 1, although it is still open as far as Clarence more than 50 km’s south. Arriving at the huge Yealands Winery, we registered at the reception and viewed an introductory video from Peter Yealand on the history of the world award winning winery.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tAOwCzpwW2E/WRGcT35UcpI/AAAAAAACdoU/-hz1dVcA408nlu5QdjU9D8T5TXnYijXAACHM/s1600-h/IMG_1999%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_1999" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwzIQF_FsT8/WRGcXtTIxEI/AAAAAAACdoY/7KjNw_A2dfoLrO4YPvmtx5ciADR0EtSrACHM/IMG_1999_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1999" width="440" /></a>Views south overlooking the ocean from the top of the winery.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nsA1X8CmgAE/WRGccIsMXJI/AAAAAAACdoc/xlVL33hfWKw_iyMGekBI66AVx2YNgPSlQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_2002%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_2002" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G6OugVtenVU/WRGcfu05PXI/AAAAAAACdog/67Z_UbsvH5kGFLXhBgw2EDJXOtQjh2S4gCHM/IMG_2002_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2002" width="440" /></a>Looking north towards the north island.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H24H8mcx_Ec/WRGcj89GiSI/AAAAAAACdok/RtkrlR44FAY06c-6qSCpScO027NocdYfgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_2004%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_2004" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XzE5Qmg_Xq0/WRGcm_GplJI/AAAAAAACdoo/T1XJzIsNXCg0ZBqqTowsFd_mt3H1qlrDACHM/IMG_2004_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2004" width="440" /></a>Looking down the steep cliff towards the beach.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6vOEjSyqhtE/WRGcq2hnYHI/AAAAAAACdos/hCTfYqW2tnYUF5N5yNzURa6_uGfqf3WNgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_2006%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_2006" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2oCQbeB_p0Q/WRGcuOcNv6I/AAAAAAACdow/yba2czlV32YneZrb2OhUa9q7aF93LjrlgCHM/IMG_2006_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2006" width="440" /></a>Grapevines for miles beautiful straight lines.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g_C_dCvBGV8/WRGcx8cSTsI/AAAAAAACdo0/nkeMNlUtJY8GG6G6vHDy0SIRj5R7ANMKwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_2009%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_2009" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LwyXoVwt8wg/WRGc15N0NPI/AAAAAAACdo4/5uw6_ExKnPcZJ22n-GbzCwW0xYi0-BBsACHM/IMG_2009_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2009" width="440" /></a>Lunch in the grounds alongside the lake.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OFrga6zKlLc/WRGc9WTTr9I/AAAAAAACdo8/UyOIaymmXEAYsk4_8NFhIYy5_iDaCdO7ACHM/s1600-h/IMG_2011%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_2011" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P4UwDO7lmSc/WRGdBaHAPoI/AAAAAAACdpA/QCoDEv4K3zA3i5s3GlFk0NLEK3aKCkpPQCHM/IMG_2011_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2011" width="440" /></a>Driving down into Seddon with Awatere Valley views.</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QVQBKHBcqo/WRGdFzlJ4II/AAAAAAACdpE/YsUHOFAIheMhBApxQP0q9XG1LS4E6_qAgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_2015%255B4%255D"><img alt="IMG_2015" border="0" height="335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5iS_gT__sok/WRGdKYLNDVI/AAAAAAACdpI/ThFH8MrAEkUit0Ned1r41GtMly8eaSOmACHM/IMG_2015_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_2015" width="440" /></a>Ward Beach where the land rose 2 metres in the 18th November 2016 Earthquake</div>
Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-41532996715767432232017-05-09T21:35:00.000+12:002017-05-09T21:45:32.075+12:00Lake Rotoiti–Nelson Lakes<p>Leaving Wakefield yesterday morning we travelled on a back country road towards Lake Rotoiti for lunch, before carrying on to Blenheim for a couple of nights.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eqep0W8tgUg/WRGOu34zxRI/AAAAAAACdnI/jcjacYitoQQO8uzq2PMqxNxBwHfq5mZSgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1973%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1973" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1973" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-md5ERde07fo/WRGO2zk5BKI/AAAAAAACdnM/MtxCt2BWzdQAvQ9du0wN_seOomvu8jbTwCHM/IMG_1973_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Lovely autumn colourings lining the route.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sbUgB65Ursk/WRGO6mu6esI/AAAAAAACdnQ/G4g0BdmuRAMJ3vzu76ANnULM6X3dRZSegCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1974%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1974" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1974" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcNGjyhEZYA/WRGO-5NQCiI/AAAAAAACdnU/q4QD8GB2LbIlvEdaIHj5Rg_pYrCmnX2gQCHM/IMG_1974_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>The camera doesn't do the leaves justice.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IEMSP8uj_4Y/WRGPCq6Z_GI/AAAAAAACdnY/pSqB2_zCnck7cZOpDaIw9xVW-DDrLCJFQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1978%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOjwpxPHkkY/WRGPGanrCVI/AAAAAAACdnc/jrXyuYlyq8kn4n9XiPr63zZK_Y7JVPkqQCHM/IMG_1978_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Tree felling above the road we were held up as some of the trees landed on the road. Dangerous if you were travelling underneath.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vImOhRvPrgk/WRGPKSAEGqI/AAAAAAACdng/dT6RyQRUO2A5WFqDOz7piYlOUKMuyhhGACHM/s1600-h/IMG_1980%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1980" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1980" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dnp9pkwwMXk/WRGPOGBHZKI/AAAAAAACdnk/myrcE8cHTtQ4y7tCDrBwBv0FUk2dOQOTwCHM/IMG_1980_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Beautiful Lake Rotoiti on a lovely calm day.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7_U23y-vpM/WRGPR_MExSI/AAAAAAACdno/xdmYIYdeBTknFak7gGig8is2fahI89Z1gCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1984%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1984" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1984" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7oi24robnA/WRGPWHhwTgI/AAAAAAACdns/JkBeOxE-gbcfMoesfRjBZhoPRBjnnE9XACHM/IMG_1984_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>A black swan and several ducks enjoying the sunshine.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkFhZIX3wo8/WRGPZ8diWHI/AAAAAAACdnw/OPGXbm8UhnIeMeJk7lBxH834YcRSINpUQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1988%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1988" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1988" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ljfVrd24tw/WRGPdkowWQI/AAAAAAACdn0/Xm1TJ1oT_3Ui6Ws8InJ8tf-SdKvp8cUVgCHM/IMG_1988_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Underneath the jetty we were very surprised to see several eels in the water.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2D31jQZgiAo/WRGPiLHA9QI/AAAAAAACdn4/rhxiz-1ivBIyFPHbJ8ACWYdvJv17YAX9QCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1987%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1987" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1987" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PMj48ncP45Y/WRGPl1wk10I/AAAAAAACdn8/IbN_SWYiXZ41Il5nqmI-Q7aPPreQXZzHwCHM/IMG_1987_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Hard to photograph but one ventured out into the sunshine.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ID_-9-o5oEA/WRGPqdNrKpI/AAAAAAACdoA/1OmUE7sfwu8LJesIECrdAMweKlnsQ3bGwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1990%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1990" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1990" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pn_uImWtRfc/WRGPuy9E4RI/AAAAAAACdoE/c3AgiI_ZRqUhTb9Xi4FlLPf6TERMBuHlgCHM/IMG_1990_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>A fisherman arriving back at the jetty as we left.</p> <p align="left">With such a wonderful view we sat and enjoyed our lunch, accompanied by the local policeman in his patrol car beside us having his. This is a lovely doc site with lovely clean toilets alongside the lake. There were several tourists in their small vans enjoying the view but there were signs prohibiting freedom camping in the area.</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-77197009374169009702017-05-08T20:02:00.000+12:002017-05-09T21:02:52.659+12:00Higgins Heritage Park!<p>It was time to meet up with our travelling companions from Blenheim again and attend a Nelson and Tasman NZMCA rally. John and Derek are both keen steam enthusiasts and as the rally was at a steam museum, how could we resist? John and Elizabeth arrived at Spring Grove on Thursday night all ready to drive a few km’s to Wakefield on Friday morning. We were made most welcome by Doreen and Phil who we had met out at Pohara a couple of weeks ago. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bmn-Ew7rqdM/WRGEhLEP-yI/AAAAAAACdlk/s3bbjWPvO-oLnuPHmefJQyAnn4tprgwqgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1972%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1972" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1972" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZaApgA2_qrY/WRGEk8Jc5SI/AAAAAAACdlo/S_1LlnHFIvAB1Tn7b9CTK2oTvn0PhAOtQCHM/IMG_1972_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Higgins Heritage Park, Wakefield. A hidden gem off the beaten track.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73CK3-oY2ow/WRGEpL_BnGI/AAAAAAACdls/9SGhBf5he90a90TBZdWn91utNfhGOUmEgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1950%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1950" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1950" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lywKQGRQZ0w/WRGEs9dAcJI/AAAAAAACdlw/OR0FKni6xT8edPH3gjJoHf8MR_jx_8JewCHM/IMG_1950_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>They have two of these in working order.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X68XPfbh9Wc/WRGEwCLoY4I/AAAAAAACdl0/hd_uB9n8G1Ak--unhhdC-e5EmH3_NRqEwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1938%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1938" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1938" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EVar7pMh1qo/WRGE0mm8LMI/AAAAAAACdl4/T0_8Aj7l0-YqEa2q-JqriUViVXSLq9YnQCHM/IMG_1938_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Fifty seven vans attending the week-end with about half staying over an extra night on Sunday.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMiD8hKro9U/WRGE372wQEI/AAAAAAACdl8/Fnh9-jpoAfwR1dPgh4C-cPakaRFmaXeUQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1905%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1905" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1905" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QMYLMResWgY/WRGE63aWOoI/AAAAAAACdmA/SuJ4HH3kPsMNEWTu-8wX3lo8mziZm-4UQCHM/IMG_1905_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>This plank cutter could cut up to 8 planks out of a trimmed log.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cJy5nROCD2c/WRGE-3jiDcI/AAAAAAACdmE/AloS_1Dki5o349T8FO3ScOBk1h5nR6onwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1913%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1913" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vT5HB19dwGo/WRGFC2kJoyI/AAAAAAACdmI/4a5fMEEvwoADRo64mPaEsMRUMYXtr1DcACHM/IMG_1913_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>The vintage truck museum is one of six organisations within Higgins Heritage Park. All of the trucks had a history in and around Nelson.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PFpbB682Pc/WRGFHn6TUPI/AAAAAAACdmM/rIEmGqDbdKc6HOTHq-w_LaZhK4ueeFPwwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1942%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1942" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1942" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4oGYnBIeA0Q/WRGFLGGfUtI/AAAAAAACdmQ/CUg1AJloVSgPntWPloqmEpIskMoeTujngCHM/IMG_1942_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>It was the steam machinery’s open week-end so the boiler was fired up to run most of the machine’s.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bgWI_3C0L-Q/WRGFOgZ6qBI/AAAAAAACdmU/n66aMLsbRzM3bnvriVGiWZ_0GFNlEr0JACHM/s1600-h/IMG_1914%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1914" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1914" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7yYX1NEl0Ms/WRGFSMhqOTI/AAAAAAACdmY/A-Dar9ut9Ow-JhuU0fs1jMsS4SCd2-ZWwCHM/IMG_1914_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>This is a replica horse drawn ambulance capable of carrying 3 patients and a nurse.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LY2n9xrjMmQ/WRGFUhG3Y9I/AAAAAAACdmc/5LwzNeYj9kIdf5JN_FPeQYOHNn9Bv5gVgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1921%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1921" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1921" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSHFolR72Es/WRGFYbqIoiI/AAAAAAACdmg/FJz5F05fVYQOplEa59HKFvuSQ1JlZXQ7gCHM/IMG_1921_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>The stretchers in the back of the ambulance.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DxI8fksvKO8/WRGFcDJ0P-I/AAAAAAACdmk/fLOaMIwzXaM6W75Uy1yMwggGfDXbB8DXwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1909%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1909" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1909" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Je-qcpSw0nc/WRGFf8H-7zI/AAAAAAACdmo/e92t3OZFhRYn_fMuD8BgZ4l_PfYj9KVmgCHM/IMG_1909_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Austin’s, Ford’s, Chevrolet’s and International’s were all in the line up in the truck museum. <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hFc1Q1vsiJo/WRGFjVgg3aI/AAAAAAACdms/3IRo6BzmVcUvD_VPpFxeSgynltIiCkL4ACHM/s1600-h/IMG_1945%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1945" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1945" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eiEKuGNn0jY/WRGFnNjptHI/AAAAAAACdmw/llNS0pC8MnYYkgBOcwOU4-dPvHNJ5V7sACHM/IMG_1945_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Another steam machine in great working condition.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-17IWrSgHhRg/WRGFq_axZ9I/AAAAAAACdm0/dB30XBsyVvk3PclZPsCMw0jaGF_Wu4LdACHM/s1600-h/IMG_1968%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1968" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1968" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHdNPuE7vV0/WRGFuy-e9VI/AAAAAAACdm4/_QqxADWdASA5MzVwQeu-J7osfabcNUSbwCHM/IMG_1968_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>The main boiler supplying the steam for all the machines.</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-13894543457618729712017-05-02T18:32:00.000+12:002017-05-09T19:50:18.991+12:00Back to Motueka!<p align="left">With the weekend over and fine weather forecast for the next couple of days we opted to head back to Mot to let the boss have a play with his fishing rod again.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GhJUhByGWm8/WRF0EF0qu9I/AAAAAAACdko/9lTR8LKZlZYIcYXFY2mTdwW3Qubu3pjOwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_18344"><img title="IMG_1834" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1834" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUyQ7cc6PUw/WRF0IBmmdII/AAAAAAACdks/KYXtwD1P03otr5lkWG1y43HPX1o3hLNHACHM/IMG_1834_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Sea shuttle coming into at high tide to go on the dry dock for work. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-39-6S49KUYU/WRF0MHFMSmI/AAAAAAACdkw/9E8G0ya7Xk4ga3qWdghSvVHZpDYtbnsSACHM/s1600-h/IMG_18434"><img title="IMG_1843" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1843" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n0bhWcXsWS4/WRF0P3MsL7I/AAAAAAACdk0/5u0FteeZv6AMLeRDnD-fKlp-aBA6FjIYwCHM/IMG_1843_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Saltwater baths on the foreshore at Motueka, often under water at high tide.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5lSk4XMfyUk/WRF0TlmJN0I/AAAAAAACdk4/7h3Aqew-QUcz1kZVAueM-vj_Bh67-txyACHM/s1600-h/IMG_18424"><img title="IMG_1842" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1842" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TPtzXDTEPy4/WRF0XOLMOgI/AAAAAAACdk8/oznto1d0XFUJOv5dL6ppNp4jI0grf5nkACHM/IMG_1842_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Almost high tide, we didn't feel like a swim.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FH2e0VZqK0U/WRF0an_yMCI/AAAAAAACdlA/4zRTT35DqNgUcB4BphR1xD2ZtchnzwWVwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_18464"><img title="IMG_1846" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1846" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HhSj1hVHNZI/WRF0elOxevI/AAAAAAACdlE/-OC279zwFkQ1_bYheWeC0pAzBZFAvhthwCHM/IMG_1846_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Pink colouring of the sunset reflected in the Motueka estuary.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rw1nrKnfb8E/WRF0ixBW6qI/AAAAAAACdlI/BDen8xK5mnogjyQLDRKC1bi-9At5yqm5wCHM/s1600-h/IMG_18474"><img title="IMG_1847" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1847" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C7Mi2xbRFfA/WRF0m6cUIKI/AAAAAAACdlM/lpf33MEAdacQ0MFDZ0E326Ry8m-GFJ0EACHM/IMG_1847_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Another shuttle heading in on high tide for the dry dock.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v__JSVE0TBQ/WRF0q8_nUzI/AAAAAAACdlQ/sOBPwRSVdY4RJOun3gLK2p74VvY6_IVswCHM/s1600-h/IMG_18495"><img title="IMG_1849" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1849" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FApIGgpTWF4/WRF0uQU8uFI/AAAAAAACdlU/AT0g-9H3TAo5Rt7P-7zAdCvATrc-HTLzQCHM/IMG_1849_thumb2?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Dinner for Honey again! Where’s mine?</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-10949799502597265922017-04-29T19:24:00.000+12:002017-05-09T19:31:31.409+12:00Richmond Nelson<p>With rain in the forecast we spent the weekend at Richmond relaxing and catching up with the laundry.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XPMk1e1iX8E/WRFwQGHxchI/AAAAAAACdkY/WTemNQqlqnEfsT6qrzkCChAbk99Tt1kOwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1832%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1832" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1832" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lz-p6HKGTo8/WRFwUOVFmKI/AAAAAAACdkc/3ckCND03gr4DnweB8rqW9cPgi9acPA36wCHM/IMG_1832_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Richmond Sundial in the square in Richmond. Very accurate according to the shadow showing on the dial.</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-66116352122511352272017-04-26T20:16:00.000+12:002017-04-26T21:01:00.714+12:00The locals call it Mot!<p align="left">But we call it Motueka. We had been told about a wonderful place to freedom camp close to the Motueka Estuary. So we set out to find it, wow what a view. Honey was lucky enough to have fresh fish for dinner as well, unfortunately there was not enough for us. Good excuse to go back next week weather permitting.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aNWH7TpSxuM/WQBhJRDK6UI/AAAAAAACdio/tZR0IsAIsoMkWf4JIZ_hMXzjH6dRvKVPQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1819%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1819" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1819" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nlsRXIp4F9U/WQBhNUy1GNI/AAAAAAACdis/hei5S5wkxo0lEUhKzcwkgvrf-Q-U1Y4yQCHM/IMG_1819_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="320"></a>Great little 8 wheeler amphibian craft.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2JY7JS1KwKU/WQBhQ0nEOCI/AAAAAAACdiw/TV8LIyNtHscElLJV62kUXN9J6fd-I_HxgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1821%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1821" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1821" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lPVNJJc3MH0/WQBhT4lfhfI/AAAAAAACdi0/zoQcU5O9FCMVLQgx2z3QjF0yoXOUUfIzgCHM/IMG_1821_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>In and out of the water.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OJOzzxH1K2Y/WQBhXVz0TJI/AAAAAAACdi4/QCTdV1laBQgrwA-i10H_oD1IlG49cuiAQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1820%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1820" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1820" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s9VOD6rTh7M/WQBhbqftMqI/AAAAAAACdi8/7gX3m52DqsU_APzjqoldSCYrZrseyEojgCHM/IMG_1820_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Low tide at Motueka Estuary.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Otr9nOospw0/WQBhfsmujPI/AAAAAAACdjA/c58W0Gz3DRogXSjekyg93xApBqXutxWaACHM/s1600-h/IMG_1823%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1823" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1823" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_jNRqo2kuWo/WQBhjSV9mOI/AAAAAAACdjE/zUdHUhOGT5cR5MIjLXdHgFnNicAPxDKMwCHM/IMG_1823_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>This is a really nifty trailer/amphibian. Tow it with a quad bike on land and then load the quad on deck, start the outboard and away you go across the inlet.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULJ3drc09Ts/WQBhn58FfzI/AAAAAAACdjI/1VvZxUaMTQE5Sz17M0ayehUJQnS7S8axwCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1824%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1824" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1824" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVm0EcN5Ttc/WQBhrWVLdvI/AAAAAAACdjM/4n53FEKA9K8yfOqf3lnvNFQhlMyW_rBYwCHM/IMG_1824_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="312"></a>Have wheels will travel.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJHedbJDAt8/WQBhvLftEqI/AAAAAAACdjQ/uAvVRTEBlK0yVsavLSdJBxoHkPgVaSI7gCHM/s1600-h/IMG_1830%255B4%255D"><img title="IMG_1830" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1830" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KPqbLqMX-nI/WQBhy5-cobI/AAAAAAACdjU/irM3EgRbCZAJOkXYHNsa9tTbt3pBzOiFQCHM/IMG_1830_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Heading to Richmond to catch up with family.</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32502523.post-69460990917496101812017-04-25T19:50:00.000+12:002017-04-26T20:56:39.716+12:00On the road to Kaiteriteri!<p>We headed back over the Takaka Hill towards Motueka. We decided to find a nice spot on the coast for lunch.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bQbXFDnAf0/WQBgWEeC_9I/AAAAAAACdiI/5i6K6jkChEoHsy050VpPaCAODb-3o40vACHM/s1600-h/IMG_18154"><img title="IMG_1815" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1815" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X5yVmhkkGrE/WQBgaapj7-I/AAAAAAACdiM/9ZEWG_TFLW0YLK0fnFGZhlJBXBLYw7U6wCHM/IMG_1815_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Great view from the front window.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EexNEi3UDx0/WQBgdobD4bI/AAAAAAACdiQ/d4DiqtjGMbEjDtKuACRNiwMQgxpA2GFdgCHM/s1600-h/IMG_18164"><img title="IMG_1816" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1816" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eahYTadfCQA/WQBgh2IXbFI/AAAAAAACdiU/50HdridqLAM-HLbMFBx3R6D2_9ulRIoCgCHM/IMG_1816_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>The plaque reads “ In grateful memory of Captain Arthur Wakefield, the founder of Nelson who landed here in October 1841”. The two circles are milling stones made around circa 1845.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KK4ewBeWdDo/WQBglgNyL_I/AAAAAAACdiY/FaUfoyWGvo8JAX3RSCBYRGW2-mQMn-qxQCHM/s1600-h/IMG_18174"><img title="IMG_1817" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1817" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttj9WX3fzTo/WQBgpn5E4KI/AAAAAAACdic/ziZ7En2extUyVTvBibjQNyTnF7ClY87yACHM/IMG_1817_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>Tides out and it’s a long way off.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LUjsi3hYQ_Y/WQBgtLv5A_I/AAAAAAACdig/A0ipH9qu8yM_2R5s9Djm_Jtr5UuGa6ydACHM/s1600-h/IMG_18184"><img title="IMG_1818" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1818" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B_SYygYcCd4/WQBgxvZZSpI/AAAAAAACdik/LSu4OQodDsYYlw5sudaQk8eU6Th1HVNLACHM/IMG_1818_thumb1?imgmax=800" width="440" height="335"></a>The high water mark is close to the log in the foreground. It’s got a long way to go.</p>Derek and Dothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05535441662037100577noreply@blogger.com0