Monday morning and I was on the motorway heading down to Antony’s as the following day he was off on holiday and I had volunteered to take him to the airport. But first a couple of stops to get some gifts to add to Antony’s luggage before I was at his place. Then it was off out shopping with him to get new shoes and some warm clothes for him to pack.
The following morning we were off to the airport ready for him to check in but first he had to find which checkin area he needed to get to.
His flight is somewhere on that board
Finding where he had to go, next it was to join the queue for check in, he was flying with an American Airline which requires you to have a security check before you join the queue for check in and luggage drop off.
He’s in that queue somewhere, and this is over 4 hours before departure!!
It took him nearly an hour and a half to get through that process and he was probably the 10th in the lineup so goodness knows how long those at the end of the very, very, long line had to wait.
We went and had a drink and a bite to eat before he decided he might as well head though to departures. Have a great time in the UK with Alex, Ian and Callum and we will see you when you return early next year.
That’s him, mid photo, heading off on holiday
I was staying down at Antony’s place for another night as I had an appointment in town the next morning. But it was back to Shakespear Wednesday afternoon in time to greet Marilyn & David who were coming to stay on their return from the Far North.
Bernice, David and Roy in his hi vis vest ….dubbed the orange man by some!
We spent the next couple of days sharing meals, playing games and generally relaxing. The day that Marilyn & David arrived just so happened to be their 49th Wedding anniversary, so a bit of a celebration was had.
49 years! Cheers!
Marilyn was very good and remembered to take the odd photo or two, on the other hand I was my usual self, forgetting to take too many photos …if any!! we had to evict Marilyn & David for a day to the Self Contained parking area as a school had booked out the camp. We are allowed to remain in camp as we have Police clearance plus we are the camp hosts!! The school were only in for one night so the following day our guests returned.
We went “out for lunch”……to the SCC parking area
Back in camp and we made the most of their last night with us, another shared dinner before they left early the next day.
A couple of days later Wade & Lindsay came to visit for the morning, yeah you know I didn’t take any photos, but it’s always great to just pick up where we left off.
Antony arrived safe and well in London albeit very tired after a loooooong wait in LAX. He was having a great time from what we hear with trips out and about, shows to see, football matches to attend and plenty of other things to see and do. There’s nothing quite like a winter Christmas, we must plan another one!
Time to leave Uretiti and head south, not too far though, just to Ardmore on the southern side of Auckland as we have a few appointments and other things to do. We needed to get a COF sorted for the van as well as a COF for ourselves!!
We stay at Ardmore purely because it’s convenient, close to Antony, and close to our chosen garage etc if issues arise for the van. We had a lovely time getting things done and enjoying some catching up time with friends and family, time seems to slip away so quickly these days.
With trips out and about to get things done, train trips (see previous blog entry), visiting friends and family there is always plenty to do and to keep us busy. Fellow full-timers Carol & Glen came over to visit one day, it was lovely to catch up with them and all their news and we always manage a laugh or two.
We had to get a COF for the van and after a few days of sorting out bits and pieces it was all done.
Waiting in the queue
Time to head off again, this time to friends Peter & Wendy for a couple of nights for a breather before we make our way to Shakespear for the summer. Peter was having some concreting done, which was fun watching all the activity of trucks coming and going.
Peter on his tractor moving a bit of metal in front of the barn.
Soon it was time to leave and head to Shakespear and set ourselves up for the summer.
The entrance way into the camp with the Pohutakawas putting on a great show this yearAll set for the summer
With fewer people camping during the week we thought it would be a great opportunity to get the main camping area tidied up which basically means getting the grass mown. Contractors are supposed to do it but what with the weather, pressure to do other areas, and camp being full with students the last time they attempted to mow, it’s been a while since the grass was cut.
Emma delivered the small ride-on mower as well as a fuel container for us to use. Roy set off mowing the main camping area.
Can you see where he’s mown?
After about an hour of mowing, it was my turn to have a go for an hour.
Of course I had to have my turn!
The main area was finally finished, just a couple of spots where people are camped which we can do once they leave.
Look at all that lovely mown grass….and yes, the whole park was empty apart from one family who decided they had to camp right next to us 🤦♀️
The areas that are still out of bounds are still waiting for the contractors to come in and mow as it’s far too long plus it’s also very wet in places and the ground too rough for us to attempt to mow with the small mower.
Can you see where we’ve been?Small ponds still evident in the long grass.
Roy reckons we have both earned our lawn mowing proficiency badge plus our mower repair badge (yes, a spring and belt occasionally have to be put back on the mower if we get too close to flax) or if not a badge at least a certificate of proficiency.
We have had lots of messages and phone calls from friends and family checking to see if we were ok which has been really lovely and we do appreciate the calls and messages. We are just fine and have come through it all without any issues. But who else jumps out of their skin when that awful, blaring, warning siren suddenly goes off on your phone with a Civil Defence alert? It certainly gives me a wake up!
We had been warned of the path of Cyclone Gabrielle and the projected rainfall and winds we could expect so we were well informed and prepared. We tend to watch the weather patterns and forecasts probably a little more closely than most folks and take appropriate precautions to keep ourselves safe. With the next storm warning issued, we made sure that if we have to move from our current parking spot we can a) make the move quickly and b) know where to move to.
After the last storm we are still parked on hard ground (a concrete pad) on the highest point on the camp and have taken on advise from those in the know that we are in a safe place. We checked the topography, geography, and the direction of projected winds. We also formulated plan B, C and D should the need arise.
Sunday 12th February, we had a bit of a break in the weather early in the day so headed out in the car with the portable waste tank to empty, we then topped up with fresh water, checked supplies and hunkered down for however long it may be. Mind you, I bet we looked like right Wally’s as we were walking around and around the van with compasses in hand figuring out if we were parked in the right position to be head on into the wind so as not get buffeted around too much. So far so good. But we know that the worst is yet to come.
The view out of the back window before the wind really started!!!
We also waited and waited to see if Alex & co would be able to fly out of Auckland to Christchurch early afternoon after spending a few days around Tauranga and Rotorua. After a few delays they finally got away and we were relieved to hear from them when they landed safely in Christchurch. Shortly afterwards we heard that they closed Auckland Airport for all domestic flights then subsequently International flights.
Monday 13th. We were buffeted quite a bit by the winds last night and I have to admit not much sleep was had. Before darkness fell we walked around and made sure everything was either stowed away or lashed down and we could move if we needed to quickly. Should we reposition the van to be head on into the wind? After much discussion we decided to stay where we were even though we knew that we would be slightly side on into the winds for the first part of the night but then the wind direction was due to change and we would be head on into the wind. And indeed that is what exactly happened and it was much more comfortable without the rocking and rolling. However we woke to find that our hot water wasn’t working, we trust that it is due to the fact that the gas water heater is on the side of the van that is facing directly into the wind and rain. Fortunately we can make use of a hot shower on site so we won’t be too smelly!! But we do have to get through the flooded road out of the camp.
Top: Roy testing the depth of the water before Bottom: Bruce came along to lead us throughThe “road” leading back into the camp
Tuesday 14th.We now wait for the full impact of Gabrielle to bring more rain and wind over the next 24 hours. The news around the country is not great with major slips and flooding everywhere. We woke to find that although we had lots of rain, we did not get the intense flooding we had a few weeks ago. Yes, we still have flooding but it has been the ferocity of the winds that has been the real issue with giant swells and rough seas carving away at the beach and sand dunes, as well as bringing down trees and branches everywhere. We can now hardly see out of any of the windows due to the salt spray. Once the worst is past we shall have to wash the van.
Debris covered beach
Wednesday 15th. The worst is over, hopefully the winds will die down shortly and we can take stock. We have come through all this very very well and we thank our lucky stars that we have no damage, we are warm and dry, we can get on and do things. The park has been closed since Monday so everything can be assessed with access, tracks, trees and livestock to be checked as well as the flooding everywhere.
We washed the van of all the salt that had been deposited by the strong winds, what a difference, we can see out of the windows now, the salt was so thick on the windows that it looked like we were in the midst of a great fog!!
Desalinated van and car
We then ventured out to the dump station and the laundromat to get all the washing done, two necessary jobs that can be done just 5 minutes from the park. On our return we tried the hot water again to see if we could get it to work, lo and behold, it works!! Amazing what no rain and less wind will do.
Later, we had another job to do, put up tape on now dangerous access points to the beach which have been seriously eroded and undercut by the seas. Roy had checked out all the usual access points on his walk along the beach earlier in the day and he offered to put up the warning tape, to remove one more job that the already very busy Rangers had to do.
Eroded beach front access and undercut sandbanks.
Wednesday evening, and the wind has dissipated to a slight breeze. It is so quiet without the roar of the winds, the crashing seas and the sound of branches breaking and trees creaking & groaning in the wind.
Our hearts go out to all those people and communities who have lost loved ones, homes, possessions, access to power, communications and roading. I don’t know how they cope with the devastation both physically and emotionally. This storm has been unprecedented and will have a lasting affect on us all. Stay safe everyone, and look out for each other.
Wednesday 1 February 2023….woke this morning to find the van surrounded by water, not just ponding water but a raging torrent of water, the whole campground was under water. I shall let the pictures tell the story….
6am, what a wake up call!!An hour later and the water is starting to go down The shower tent thinks it’s now a bath! And the garden is getting well wateredLakesThe creek overflowed a little….just as well we cleared out both ends of the culvert yesterdayLooking toward the back of the camp with the gate through to Pink BeachThe road out of the camp looking toward the main gateBefore and during…now already just 4hours later it’s back to the before picture.Now safely parked on solid high ground. Although I have to admit that we did need some assistance in getting out, one rear wheel could not gain any traction even after I put the rubber mats by the tyres. I didn’t take any pictures of the tractor pulling us out,in fact I didn’t even watch!!
And now, just 8 hours after being woken to floods we have brilliant sunshine and blue skies.
Parked in our new safe spot, with our usual place in the background on the right.
Long may the blue skies remain, we need a break. However, we got off lightly, the shower tent and pump is damaged beyond repair and I lost a Croc (shoe) but that is all. We are safe and dry as is our home, we are very lucky. Our thoughts are with all those people who have damaged homes and livelihoods, some have lost everything including loved ones, our heart goes out to them all and we wish everyone all the best.
Many of you will have heard or read in he news about the State of Emergency that was declared in Auckland overnight, Friday 27th January, with the heavy and relentless downpours and strong winds. You will be pleased to hear that we fared very well, although the same cannot be said for other campers. Most left or did not come on Thursday and Friday before the rain started, we had had plenty of warning form the weather office so we were somewhat prepared.
However, we were not prepared for the amount of rain we had, it just kept on coming. Most campers abandoned wet tents and went home but there were the odd few who stayed on.
Roy and I spent most of Friday keeping everyone updated with reports, and helping people when they needed assistance. Of course that meant getting very, very wet, raincoats just didn’t cut it, we got soaked through our coats and ended up changing clothes three times before we figured we should just put the wet clothes back on to go outside.
This is the view to the back of our site, the top picture is the creek overflowing it’s banks and rising quickly, it got much higher than this, but this morning it looked like to bottom picture. At the base of the bottom picture you can see a couple of stakes, the first one nearest the fence line is where the water came up to, the second stake was our ‘let’s watch carefully’ indicator, and then there was a third stake closer to the van which was the ‘let’s get out of here quick’ sign.
Water started pooling quickly, and people decided to either move or leave.
Lakeside view. The tents you can see in the background were abandoned and left to fill with water.There’s a road under there somewhere!!
I couldn’t take too many photos as my hands and phone became too wet, besides we were busy helping people.
We helped a lady in her pop top caravan out of the raging torrent that was the creek which couldn’t be contained in the underground culvert with the water heading overland instead. We pushed her wee caravan to safety out of the water which I must say was a rather nerve wracking affair as the water was knee deep and a very strong current, fortunately a strapping young man came to assist. Another caravan owner returned to find their caravan surrounded by a strong torrent of water, they got to move it just in time before any damage was done. By this time it was dusk and the rain had finally stopped. Our water level markers were telling us the water levels were dropping, so we could comfortably go to sleep.
This was the creek after it had become a torrent overland, at this stage it was the next morning when I took the picture and it had receded by at least 50%. These hardy campers stayed on the higher ground. We moved our vehicle out ready for a quick getaway if we needed to.The creek which is usually nothing more than a trickle, blew out a new exit to cope with the copious amount of water.
Saturday dawned with heavy rain falling again but by mid morning it had stopped, the clouds made way for blue skies and the sun shone. Campers returned to collect their sodden tents, the other campers slowly packed up allowing tents to dry in the lovely sunshine. By late afternoon we were all alone in camp.
We feel very fortunate that we were safe during the rain event, our hearts go out to all those people who have been flooded, lost their homes, cars and possessions and some people have lost their lives. Stay safe everyone, take heed of the forecasts and warnings with none of that “she’ll be right” attitude.
The forecast isn’t looking great for the next few days but we have our fingers crossed it will all be over mid week and the sun will shine for our UK family to arrive next weekend. Stay safe everyone.
We left Uretiti before 9am, I know, an early start for this usually late riser but we had packed most things away the previous day and so it was just breakfast then a quick tidy, hook up the car and we were off.
We had a good run down through the never ending lines of road cones, there are road works everywhere!
Road conesMore cones
Just a slight diversion to Dairy Flat to fill with LPG. We have a large inbuilt tank so we need to find petrol stations that have auto LPG and we know that there is an easily accessible one at Dairy Flat. But there was a slight glitch, it seemed that they had run out of LPG but we were told that delivery would be before lunchtime so if we were happy to wait we could park up at the back of the garage. After waiting for what seemed like hours, Roy went back into the garage to ask if there was any news on when delivery would take place, just a minute said the other attendant, let me check the tank. She came back and said, there’s plenty in there, come back round and we will try again. Guess what? it worked this time so with tank filled we were on our way.
We rolled into the park and we’re warmly greeted by staff, and we are told it’s perfect timing as our favourite spot is vacant plus tomorrow evening is the volunteer park BBQ.
We were soon parked up, fortunately they rain held off until we were settled but it soon started to rain, and rain and rain some more. It seems as though there has been very little respite from the damp conditions.
Raining again, fortunately the pukekos don’t seems to mind.
Over the winter months the toilet block has been seriously upgraded and rebuilt.
Toilet blockTiled interior
We wake each morning to the dawn chorus of the tuis although I am not sure why the6 call it the dawn chorus as they start at 3.30am and by the time dawn does break the rest of the birds have joined in. Not that I am complaining, it’s a lovely comforting sound to be woken to.
The swans are back with this years brood
Other bird life is prolific and we were delighted to see that Jonathon is still here. I have written about this seagull previously, you can read about him here.
Jonathan is back!
Our first week back was filled with school groups in camp, for many of the schools this is the first camp that they have had for a couple of years so it was all rather new and exciting for many of the children.
Learning how to put up their tents.
Schools came and went, some cancelled as the weather was appalling, other campers came and went. But the overriding effect on everyone has been the constant rain, over half the camp is already roped off due to very wet and boggy ground, and we have had to rope off another couple of smaller areas as people got stuck.
As the time creeps closer to Christmas the rain hasn’t stopped, the grounds are sodden, camping conditions aren’t good, lots of people are cancelling their bookings and at the moment it’s going to take a long time for the ground to dry out. Measures are in place to try and ensure that those who do want to continue with their plans can do so,so long as they come prepared. Let’s hope that summer will arrive soon.
We left Auckland and headed northwards for a week or two before we get back into the groove at Shakespear for the summer. We decided to head to Te Arai, another one of the Auckland Regional Parks just south of Mangawhai.
The days drive, but of course it took us much longer than what Mr Google says.
The last few kms to Te Arai are on gravel road, which is usually not a bother for us but this road is probably the worst road we have ever been on, potholes like we’ve never seen before and in between corrugations that shook us to the bone. I think the last 10kms took us at least 30minutes. But once we got there, we relished the fact that we were once again by the sea.
Aaah, the view from the bedroom window. It’s so nice to be back by the sea.Another view from the bedroom window The path to the beachA panoramic view of the beach
We settled ourselves in and relaxed for the rest of the day being entertained by the large number of surfers trying their luck in the rolling surf. The following day Garry came down to have a fish with us, as he lives not too far away on the outskirts of Mangawhai.
Roy and Garry contemplating the intricacies of fishingDeep in conversationMy view, watching the rod!Setting out the line
A couple of fish were caught but so was a lot of weed, so much so that after a couple of days we decided to hightail it out of there and head further north. On our last evening at Te Arai we could not believe the number of vans trying to get into the parking area, we have never seen it this popular before. On speaking to the others we discovered that most of them were German tourists. Ahhh, that makes sense of course, we’ve had two summers without tourists and they are now back to experience a kiwi holiday.
Our last night, when it seemed everyone wanted to be here….we’ve never seen it so busy here.
Off to try our luck further north, but where is summer? Hopefully it will turn up soon.
With the first job completed on the van we headed out to stay at Omana, another one of Auckland’s stunning Regional Parks. We were looking for a bit of quietness in lovely surrounds not too far away as we had to be in close proximity to Roy’s specialist in case of any dramas arising from the kidney stone procedure. We found exactly what we were looking for at Omana.
We were the only ones in the campground so we took our time to find the perfect place to park. Ok, I may be exaggerating a bit there, it seemed to take ages….it was a bit like “park here”, ‘no that’s not very level’, or “no that’s too close to the road” or ‘no, it’s the wrong angle’, or “we need to turn around to get the sun” or….well, you get the picture. I don’t think we’ve been that indecisive since we first started this adventure.
Will this be ok?Yes, this will do nicely
We spent a lovely few days here relaxing and exploring. Carol & Glen came to visit one day as they were kindly delivering some forgotten items to us. We spent the day talking, and talking, eating lunch, and talking some more and not a picture was taken!!
View across the park to RangitotoFrom the lookout Rangitoto (the cone shaped island) on the horizon
We also caught up with Erica who is the Ranger here at Oamana. Erica was the summer Ranger at Shakespear 3 years ago so it was really lovely to catch up with her and to hear what she has been up to.
But all too soon it was time for us to leave as the van was due at the garage for its final job to be done.
Driving through Maraetai village, and the beautiful sandy beachThe drive along what is called the Pohutakawa Coastal Drive, which would be spectacular when the trees are flowering
The the van was delivered to AD Motors in Takanini for the last bit of work to be completed. We had a few wee chores to attend to whilst we waited, one of which was for us both to get our flu shots. That was quickly done and later that afternoon the garage rang to say the van was ready to be picked up. Hooray, that meant we could then go and get the recheck completed for the COF but to our surprise the garage had already taken it for its recheck and we were good to go. Excellent service and we can highly recommend them.
We stayed a couple of nights at Bruce Pulman Park so we could get a WOF for the RAV and do the final few bits and pieces and catch up with Antony before heading away for a few weeks. But where are we going? Oh, you’ll soon find out.
Every year for the past few years I have had a little garden that the Rangers deliver to our parking spot at the start of our Camp Hosting stint for the summer which keeps us in produce whilst we are here.
Pukeko proof portable garden.Basil, multiplying onions, tomatoes, silverbeet and rhubarb make up this part of the garden. The other side contains more tomatoes, capsicums, lettuces, rocket, mint, parsley and coriander.
The Basil has gone gang busters so I picked a huge bunch to make pesto.
Pesto makings and final product.
I also seemed to have a few too many zucchini’s so they were quickly sliced up ready to make pickle, a favourite condiment of a certain daughter.
Vegetables chopped ready to brine overnight.
I prefer to use a good knife to slice all the veg, as I have a terrible fear of mandolins, those of the slicing kind not the musical instrument! You see I had a scary accident with one once where I sliced into my thumb knuckle and the blade became wedged into the bone 😱. No, it wasn’t much fun and as a result I have a very odd misshapen thumb for my woes. Besides, I can slice things much quicker with my good knives and good knife skills plus it’s less washing up to do as well.
Pickle was made, just a small batch this time but enough to keep us going for a while. We are waiting for the tomatoes to really come into their own so lots of tomato pickles, sauces, passata et all can be made ready for future use.
A few jars to keep us going.
Roy had a physio appointment in town last week and we came home to find the fairies had been at work.
Freshly mown lawn, complete with ‘nature strip’ between the fences.
Bruce, Emma and Georgia made such a fabulous job of mowing the lawn, trimming edges and generally tidying up around our patch.
The back lawn! And if you were wondering why we have a tent up, that is our guest accommodation.
And they even brought us a new table and bench seats to replace the wonky wooden one we had. It’s very comfy and under the shade of the gazebo it is the place to be during the heat of the day.
The Vanninis' Manoeuvres 