Nice to see you all debating amongst yourselves. The Silver bullet has not (yet!) broken down although John has taken to covering the curtains in velcro. At least they close properly now! The downside is that the stuff keeps getting stuck in my hair.
We’re currently in Kaitaia and have just spent three nights with John’s cousin Fiona and her fella Kane. It was total luxury: real washing machines, shower and fried breakfast. We’re happy souls and have been very well looked after. John has just had all of his hair shaved off (on his head I mean). Was tempted to do the same ;).
Anyway, in the last few days we’ve managed to do quite a lot of interesting things. It’s true that we did bump into Mark and Martin and hope to meet up with them later in the trip! Small world eh? After we left Auckland we went across to the West coast and a place called Murawi beach. It has lots and lots of very tame Gannets! Yay! They were all full of character, doing a cute beak rubbing thing to greet their mate. There were some other interesting interactions too!
That evening we seemed to find a quiet camping spot. The Silver bullet has sky lights so you can see the stars! Well cool! As soon as dawn broke the place was over-run by Cockerels. One of them had a high pitched weak crow. Sounded a bit like David Beckham. At 7 am we realised we were parked in the middle of a horse tethering area for a riding school. Totally surrounded. Time to move.
Later we paid the Gannets another visit and went off on a walk. We came across some nesting Terns that dive bombed us and had some really impressive aerial battles with each other.
After that we headed north and found another nice place to camp by Pakiri beach. It was a little scary when you went to the loo in the night. Our torch isn’t all that good and there were Cows strolling around. You could hear really loud moos but not know where on earth they were!
The next day we had a good lazy day at the beach. Got told off by a few bossy shore birds but it was pretty relaxing apart from that. Our evenings in the campervan are spent listening to music (always a debate as to who’s turn it is to select it… My turn next he he!) and drinking cheap wine. The cheap wine here is still really nice, it’s not like some of that nasty cheap stuff you can get back home.
Next we decided to spend a few days in Waipoua forest. It was more like a jungle than a forest. Well cool! The evenings were a bit mozzie infested though and there were some evil little biting beetles. Mozzie death squad before bed time. John is very good at it. I have killed four so far……
We did a little walking around the next day and looked at some of the huge Kauri trees, very big but not quite as big as the Redwoods in the states. Also went for a nice walk around the Kai Iwi lakes. Very gorg, apart from one that was totally dead. You will have to see the photos to get what I mean (to follow when we can get them uploaded).
Next it was up to Kaitaia and Fiona’s. Fiona has a bonkers collie called Guiness. We have never met a dog so obsessed with sticks. He even climbs bushes trying to retrieve them. If you are trying to hang washing out he puts the stick in the washing basket for you to throw. When the doors are shut he puts the stick through the cat flap! Ha ha!
We’ve been to a couple of nice beaches around here and been wine tasting! Tops. Although the bad news it that we got a parking ticket this morning for having the van parked facing the wrong direction! We didn’t even know that was the rule. It isn’t mentioned in the highway code booklet we got. That’s seriously anal! Going off down to the Bay of Islands this afternoon. All good.
Viv & John
P.S. We’ve uploaded loads of photos – check out our photo sites – links on the right hand menu.
Comments
6 responses to “An update at last”
Sounds like you are having a great time, certainly making the most of your time out there. Do I detect a certain bird obsession? 🙂
Will take a look at the photos once I’m not at work or more likely in about 5 minutes when I get bored of coding.
Right, so… gannets, eh? Can’t have too many gannets is what I’ve always said. And now I’ve seen them all and it’s true. More gannets, let’s have more gannets.
Some lovely photos – esp the ferns – and the gannets.
Could you please upload some photos of gannets as I’d really like to know what they look like…
Nah then. Great photos, especially the birds. Did you see any gannets? Nice photos of Sheffield too. Nearly brought a tear to my eye. The Silver Bullet is well cool, much more deserving of the name than my old granny bike. V jealous. Ah, only another eight months to go… Only another week at school though with the little monsters and then I’m hitting the powder up north with my board and a beer in hand. What you two up to over the festive season? I’m going looking for the famous santa on a crucufix in Tokyo department stores (think they might be a bit confused about Christmas over here).
Urgh…. That does sound a little twiseted….
Anyway you lot. All this talk of Gannets. You are neglecting the Pied Shags!
Sorry Keith. If forgot to answer the question in your post. We’re going to John’s aunt and uncles for Christmas. That should be really nice and relaxing and it will be good to meet them. Not sure what we’re up to for new year. We are likely to join in any local celebrations wherever we happen to be.
Vx