To continue with the Jameisons miseries, we were
Food shop and dump were done ultra-quick and because we had lost another two days decided not to go another two hundred kilometres across the Lewis pass. So much to do and now panicking that we will have to forgo some of it. 18 days will fly by.
Travelling the same route but the reverse of the 2016 trip, showed what was done in the three years since the earthquake. Check out the before and now
These are the big bu**ers that we had to contend with when broken down on Highway 1 |
Work still in progress |
Wonderful coastline complete with a seal or two. Nowhere to stop and take photos, mores the pity so all taken on the move.
Took longer than expected to reach our overnight stop. Uphill, downhill, S bends and a truck pulling a trailer applying the brakes at every opportunity. We eventually reached a place called Ashley and as time was now getting on it was decided to stop at the park next to the Rakahuri River.
And this put a smile on my face
And wildlife by the river
6 comments:
Glad to know you are on the move again, I&I. Such a bugger! You may have been better off to have the company bring you a replacement van from CHCH - a three hour drive for them and no waiting around for you...
Anyway, you are back on the move again, which is good.
I see the photo of that pesky wasp - I hope you killed it after photographing it?! Please whack any future specimens into oblivion - they are a right pain, to people and to the environment.
Remember Doubtful Sound - get booking it immediately!
And also remember that you will be back again before too long, so take your time and enjoy it all at a leisurely pace.
Big hugs to you both, Mxxoo
Called into Hokitika i site this morning and found out the best bus & cruise to use for both Milford and Doubtful Sound. As soon as we know when we hope to arrive in Te Anau both will be booked. Xxx I didn't kill that wasp. Didn't know what it was so for all I knew it could have been one of your endangered species. ):
It appears your motorhome company has the same preventative maintenance strategy as narrowboat hire companies. Fix on failure! Obviously the cheapest option and the company isn't worried about reputational damage because for most hirers it's a "one off" occurrence!
All wasps are only endangered because they deserve to die for stealing bees' habitats and feeding voraciously off the mast.
Not sure if you are still in Hokitika, but if you are, please call in to Heritage Highway Motel and give Vicki a big hug from me.
I LOVE Hokitika.
Do call in to Lake Mahinapua about 10kms south of Hoki - a most beautiful spot to go for a walk and/or stay overnight.
If the Red Peril is up to it, do a self drive down to Milford - you will love the freedom of stopping at all the brown signs to explore at your leisure and being able to stop around every corner to take photos of mountains, mountains and more mountains - real ones ;-). And you'll be able to view the keas' gym on the other side of Homer Tunnel ...
For Doubtful Sound, you can easily drive to Lake Manapouri and park the van for the day (or night if you decide on an overnight launch on the Sound).
More big hugs, Mxx
PS NZ tv is truly diabolical with far too many ads - we almost never watch it hence we have no TV in the motorhome; and we love UK tv (and we do have a TV on the boat - however we do tend to be Netflix and Acorn TV watchers via the laptops.
I agree Tom, We will be seeking compensation for all the hassle
Sorry, Marilyn, we are now at Franz Josef. As for driving Milford Sound, yes it is on our todo list. Xx
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