river – The Vanninis' Manoeuvres

Cyclone Gabrielle

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 through

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!!

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.

A state of emergency

Real time update:

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.

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.

Here, there and everywhere

We’ve been to playgrounds, parks, markets and woods, here, there and everywhere it seems. The week starts with Monday Club – Callum goes to Ian’s parents on a Monday, as well, Ian’s brother Hen goes along with his youngest Beth for the days outing and now we tag along as well.

Callum at the playground at Danson Park on an outing with the Monday Club

Looking out across Danson Park from the main house and café.

Alex and I went out one afternoon and we left Callum at home with Grandad, we came back to find them having a lot of fun with grandad having sorted out some paints and doing a bit of artwork.

Callum and Grandad showing off their art work

One late afternoon after Ian & Alex finished work we all headed off to the local playground to give Callum a run around before dinner.

Alex and Callum at the playground near their home

Another day and it was sports day at Callum’s nursery so we went along to watch the teachers trying to ~~herd kittens~~ organise the children into some semblance of order.

Callum after receiving his certificate and medal at his nursery’s sports day.

Monday Club rolled around again, this time both Alex and Ian joined in as they both had the day off work. We met up with Chris & Barry, Hen & Beth for a walk, play and picnic at Shorne Park which is about a 25 minute drive away .

Roy and Alex help Beth on the agility course

Ian supervising with the rest of the family in the background

Someone thought this machinery in the car park was the best

A few more projects have been completed around the house with shelving units built for the garden shed along with wardrobe shelves being built and installed and the under-stairs shelving also completed.

Helping granddad and mum make shelving units for the storage shed

We have managed to keep an eye on what’s happening back in NZ and even watched the All Blacks play Ireland.

Watching the All Blacks play Ireland….this was the first game, less said about the second game the better!

Bedside tables have been installed on the wall in Alex & Ian’s room and other little jobs are done so we decided it was time to head out for a bit. Alex, Roy and I went out for a nice lunch in Eynsford to a lovely pub which looked out over a small stream. We had lunchtime entertainment provided by a group of school children out for a picnic beside the stream.

This was my pathetic attempt at a selfie!! Sorry about the blurriness….or maybe it’s just your eyesight 😜.

Sunday rolled around and another market, this time at Lesnes Abbey just a short bus ride from here.

Seen at the market, a black cab converted to become a stall selling pie, mash and liquor.

I hope you have noticed the abundance of clear blue skies in the photos? I must say that it’s very warm which is reminiscent of our last visit in 2019 when temperatures again soared. Do you think we can claim that we bring the hot weather with us?

Now it’s time to spread our wings a little and travel further afield but that’s a subject for another blog.

Welshpool & Shrewsbury

We set our next destination as Welshpool which is near the border with England.

We both agreed that we would take a route less travelled rather than sticking to major motorways and A roads, so with this programmed into the sat nav, off we went. Initially it went well, we were quietly enjoying the scenery and countryside when all of a sudden we were on what I could only describe as a track/lane.

It was definitely becoming more and more narrow the further along we went with the hedge rows and trees becoming closer and closer the further we travelled. With absolutely no opportunity to turn around, we continued on with thoughts of should we have a hedge trimmer with us? Should we pull the side mirrors in?

That was until we met a car coming in the opposite direction. Luckily for us, they reversed along the road until we had the opportunity to inch past each other at snails pace.

We were soon back on slightly wider roads/lanes but when “she” – the Sat Nav – told us to turn off again, we ignored her and continued on until she had worked out a new route on a major road.

All was back on track, until we came to the brow of a hill, we had obviously climbed up a lot higher than we initially thought and spectacular views down over the valleys. However, the navigator decided this wasn’t the best place for him to be and he just wanted it over with as quickly as possible, we were in fact going over the hills of Snowdonia. Due to the photographers lack of desire to take pictures, these few are from later on and will have to suffice.

Our arrival into the outskirts of Welshpool was a welcoming sight, now we started to look for somewhere to stay. Our first choice of hotel was unfortunately it was fully booked but the very helpful receptionist rang a couple of other places for us and we were soon booked into a lovely B& B a few hundred metres up the road.

Buildings across the street from the B&B dating from around the 16th Century.

These circles are called Gorstedd Stones and used for the celebration of Eisteddfod, a welsh tradition of celebrating literature, music and performance. Some stone circles are very old, dating back centuries, but we suspect this may be a later one, dating from when there was a revival of the celebrations in the 1800’s.

The Mermaid Inn was just a few doors away from our B&B

The Stone House B&B where we were staying had parts of its building dating back to the 1200’s, amazing stuff.

We had a little time to explore the town and get some washing done before we went back to our original choice of lodgings, the Royal Oak Hotel, where we had a wonderful evening meal.

Again we had great service from the friendly staff, before we returned to our B&B for a good nights sleep.

The following morning we decided to have a day off driving, instead taking the train into Shrewsbury. We had read about a scenic boat trip on the River Severn which we thought would be a fun way to see the sights.

The train trip was quick and pleasant, and we were there in no time at all. It was a short walk to the river where we were told the boats would be leaving. However, in usual fashion our luck was not on our side and we were greeted with this sign.

The sign says it all

Oh never mind, instead, we found a very nice looking pub across the road that looked very busy with lots of happy punters, so we headed off to drown our sorrows. The food looked fabulous too so instead of a boat trip we stayed on for a late lunch, which again was amazingly good fare.

The following are a few sights from around Shrewsbury.

This sculpture, named Quantum Leap, was erected on the banks of the Severn to celebrate the the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin, who was born in the town in 1809. It also celebrates Shropshire’s diverse geological history which covers 10 of the 12 geological eras. Soon it was time to retrace our steps and return to Welshpool.

Allotments along the train tracks, on the return journey

Our time in Welshpool was coming to and end, but the next adventure is all rather exciting!!

Dam Dam Dam

And no, that is not a spelling mistake in the title…as if!! Read on, readers, read on!

We tossed a coin and decided we would head straight to Taupo, and again to try somewhere new to park we thought we would try the Equestrian Centre.

With just one other bus here, we pretty much have the place to ourselves.

The Equestrian Centre is located across the Waikato River over the Aratiatia Dam, our third dam stay in succession. This dam is the first dam on the Waikato river just 13km downstream from Lake Taupo. Before construction of the dam and hydro station, the Aratiatia Rapids were a prominent feature on the Waikato River; a scenic reserve from 1906. The dam construction meant that no water flowed over the rapids. However, several times a day, the Aratiatia dam gates of the Waikato River are opened, which restores the rapids to their normal output. There are several public lookout points on the high rock bluffs that dominate this turbulent stretch of Aratiatia Rapids.

We do the touristy thing and go and watch the opening of the gates and the turbulent flow of the rapids is restored for a short period of time. We watch from the safety of the bridge over the river. Sirens sound to give plenty of warning of the impending opening of the gates, at 8 minutes, 4 minutes, 2 minutes and then a continuous fluctuating siren once the gates start to be raised.

From one side of the bridge are the gates

the glassy, still waters are gradually disturbed by one gate being opened, soon followed by the second. It does not take long for the waters to become a raging torrent.

On the opposite side of the bridge,the start of the rapids.

again, the glassy waters are still and slowly become churned by the rushing torrent of water. You can see how high the water levels are to rise from the staining on the surrounding rocks.

it’s not long before the basin is flooded and water is rushing down the rapids.

This is the view from the other end of the rapids (thanks a Gary for the pictures)

Enough of being tourists, time to catch up with family and friends.

Over the next three days we caught up with my sister Hilary, my nephew Jason (Sue’s eldest) and his twins Caleb & Greer, and friends Barry & Sandra. And on each of these days I did not take one picture – old habits die hard!! But we did manage to spend time with each of them and catch up on news so that was good.

The weather turned a little damp to say the least so we extended our stay here for another couple of days in the hope that it will clear away, besides we have a few errands to attend to.

The rain only lasted a day and we are back to sunshine,however, it seems as though the temperature has taken a definite drop and a very autumnal feel, the slippers may have to get dusted off and brought out shortly.

Gary & Marg joined us for a couple of nights on their way back northwards to their home in Waipu,

We really enjoyed their company and particularly enjoyed playing Kiwi Quiz with them. It such a shame Gary lost so badly!!! And we did not rub it in at all 😂.

and us? Well, we are on our way toward the Bay of Plenty.

Horahora

We spent a glorious week at Horahora at AJ’s Park for Self Contained vehicles.

Horahora is just south of Cambridge on Lake Karapiro, one of the many hydro lakes formed along the Waikato River.

The privately owned Park is right next door to the Domain which is also a parking area, the only difference is that the Domain is free and AJ’s has a nominal fee of $5 and has a few facilities. There is a ski club on the boundary of the Park between the two parking areas with a boat ramp at the Domain which makes for busy weekends and provides much entertainment for us to watch.

With Lake front parking and views, you can see why we went from our original plans of staying a couple of nights, to staying over a week.

the view through the front windscreen.

Particularly over the weekends there is plenty of activity, with water skiing through slaloms, there is ski jumping, barefoot skiing and as well lots of families out enjoying themselves with kids being towed behind boats on various items. As well, there were rowing teams being put through their paces going up and down the lake.

We did a little bit of exploring, however this region was my childhood stomping ground so I know the area reasonably well, and Roy is no stranger to these parts either having spent 20 years in Tokoroa. We did check out a few other potential parking areas but with dodgy phone reception we decided to give them a miss.

Lake Karapiro is formed between two hydro electric dams, Karapiro and Arapuni. The formation of the Lake in 1947 at the completion of the building of the Karapiro dam submerged the Horahora Dam – the country’s first large-scale hydro plant built in 1913. Horahora was a privately owned power station with Arapuni the first government built station being finally commissioned to generate power in 1929.

Dams on the river

Karapiro Dam (photo borrowed from the internet)

Probably the most memorable thing about Arapuni Dam is the swing bridge that crosses the river. I have vivid memories of my mean older brothers jumping up and down on it, making it swing and lurch, not a nice thing to do to their much younger sister!

the swing bridge

We spent just over a week at Horahora, a quick trip into Cambridge one day for groceries, and into Putaruru other days to spend time with Sue & Jeff. We will definitely be returning here.