November 2nd
Suddenly realised I have been sadly lacking in taking photos. This will be rectified as soon as our travels begin. Of course, we have stayed with Marilyn and David and amazing hosts they were too. I have to say that because Marilyn reads this blog but between you and me, when the guests have to cook their own dinner, and on the pretext of teaching me how to make the Thai Green Curry, well I ask you!!! Joking aside the few days with them went like a flash. Lots done on the camper van (yet to decide on her name) including fixing the awning legs. Everything works like a treat now so two very happy campers.
A new card came was introduced. Quiddler, it's a word game and the rules are very easy. The object is to get points by making words. All words must be at least two letters long, and be in the dictionary. The cards have a point value and using the letters gains the player points. Starting with just three cards, each round another card is added until the 10th round when scores are added up and a winner declared. So simple, and we may well purchase the game to keep ourselves occupied over a glass or two of vino.
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| This photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiddler |
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| Note Marilyn's empty glass! Caught her swigging out of the bottle! Shame no photo as proof! |
November 3rd.
The morning brought with it rain. It was also the day to say farewell and to head East. Never done that part of NZ before and last night was spent pouring over maps with instructions of where we must go. So after breakfast and with Marilyn insisting I take a rice salad for dinner tonight (Thank you, Marilyn, it was delicious, and we have enough for tomorrow as well) we were all ready to go, David suddenly pointed to our number plate and decided it stood for something to do with men's bottoms. Men of a certain age may get the meaning and if enough of my readers asks for an explanation I may give one but see if you can work it out for yourselves first. The clue is in the old age and frequency of going to the toilet.
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| DRE?? |
It was hugs all round and a cheery wave from them both (hmm...may well have been a good riddance wave) we backed out onto the road and headed off.
Destination was Featherston. First stop was Super Cheap Autos to buy a hammer for the awning pegs and bungees for securing the solar blanket to the window. We had a credit of 15 dollars to come so instead of paying $21 it came to just $6. Bargain!
We are always on the lookout for things to do and see on route, and we came across a signpost for Rivendell at Wellington's Kaitoke Regional Park. Any Lord of the Rings fans will know all about Rivendell so there was no contest, we had to stop for a look. It would be great if we could interpret the information boards correctly, you may have guessed we headed off in the wrong direction by crossing a swing bridge and taking the right-hand path. 10 minutes of walking and we were sure this wasn't the way, We then met another couple. What is it about men and asking directions? Ian was all for just walking past without saying a word. I took the initiative to see if we were heading in the right direction. Of course, we weren't! Why would I think we were! Turns out this was a track that led to nowhere, construction work blocked its route so about turn to give those boards another try.
We drove to Featherston on the Interstate 2, a great road with little traffic, but not knowing these parts we were unaware that a mountain range (Marilyn was very quick to correct me that this was a hill not a mountain!) had to be crossed, OMG I wish I had been prepared! Warning boards had been put up about strong winds on the Remutaka crossing. To say I was not a happy bunny was an understatement. We seemed to be climbing forever and the Toy (Yep I have named her that because she is a TOYota) kept changing down to compensate the steep climb (She is automatic) In fact going down was even more hazardous than the climb. Ian loved it. Well he would, what man doesn't enjoy frightening the Mrs! Those twists and turns, hairpin bends and gusts which pushed the van off its course had me gripping the seat for dear life. And the drop on the passenger side was terrifying! The grin on Ian's face said it all. Gosh was I relieved to finally reach the bottom.
We did make Featherston and found a wonderful free camping site at Lake Domain Reserve. Chairs came out, coffee made and solar blanket deployed. There are even toilets, very basic and what is know in these parts as the 'long drop'!
And wildlife
4 comments:
Sorry about the hammer! We had one in there but it must have made its way inside in the past 2 years. You obviously found the awning pegs.
No problem Mary. I did mention using a hefty stone and David was all for giving one of his except he couldn't remember where he had stored them! I must just say we are very happy with the van. Everything works a treat and the bed is so very comfy. Thank you again for letting us have her.
I&I
Xxx
OK, just so we are clear - the Remutaka is a HILL; it is NOT a mountain. People talk about going over the Remutaka Hill. They don't talk about going over the mountain. Why would they? Its summit is only 600 or so metres, and you don't get anywhere near the top on the road. (And even in the UK, the land of mountains that are actually just quite low hills, the Remutakas would not qualify as a mountain),
I grant you the drop offs are spectacular - but given how intrepid you are about fly by wires and swing bridges etc, I am amazed that the hill road spooked you ... See, you are a wuss, really, sweetheart! To be fair, you'd probably have enjoyed it more if you were driving instead of Ian...
The solar blanket looks very cool and very effective!
We cleared out the back shed today - found the nail punch and lots of paint brushes but still no hammers!
Keep adventuring!
M&Dxox
It felt like a mountain, but I stand corrected, and as you know heights don't faze me one bit, but I was NOT in control of how near to the edge Ian was getting! You are quite right. I should have been at the wheel and then Ian would have been the one clinging on for dear life :)
Xxx
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