Solar power and the meeting of special friends.

 31st October

 It rained almost all night and stupidly we had parked under a tree. You can imagine the annoying drips as the leaves shook off their moisture in the breeze. Anyway we won't do that again in a hurry nor will we park right by a road if possible. The lorries here all seem to have large trailers hitched up on tow and what with the wet road noise, well we were awake earlier than expected.

7.30 am Ian discovered the café to be open when he walked to the loo. A must-go to for the first cup of tea of the day and a discussion on what to do. Plans to first find an outlet to buy a solar panel. Bunnings here is like our B&Q so that was the first port of call. Unfortunately none to be had, but we were pointed in the direction of Super Cheap Autos where we were assured they were sold. And they were not wrong. A ridged panel was out of the question because of the camper being a pop top but solar blankets seemed the way to go. A bit expensive but when we were told that joining Super Cheap Autos would give us a very good discount, well no contest really. The blanket folds really small when not in use, goes over the front windscreen and convenient loops situated along the sides mean we can secure it to the inside as well as outside. With a 120W output, Ian feels this sufficient to keep the fridge going, charge phones and laptops when parked for long periods.

This is a piece of stuff that Ian loves - it's called a controller - what man wouldn't love it? Can you tell this  wasn't added by me? A certain person not a million miles away (Marilyn) hijacked my computor!

 

Today was also the day we were to travel South to Waikanae to meet up with Marilyn and David. On route the weather turned nasty again and some hefty showers had to be driven through. 

 

Marilyn was at work (What's that all about? Retirement women!!! ) and David came out to greet us with hugs and "Ah, now I know who you are"! "Thames....moving boats and haircuts." Yep he remembered it well. Click HERE to see the post

Marilyn returned a couple of hours later complete with cheese scones. Anyone who has ever met Marilyn will have had one of her homemade cheese scones, never to be forgotten, there is nothing quite like them.

We would have played cards after dinner, nattering got in the way though so that would do for the 'morrow. It was an early night for us all.

And wildlife

13 ducklings. Not bad.