So there we were, our first day with the beast (that from now on shall be referred to as "WALUT"...not because she costs us a lot but because she reminds us of another holiday vessel that those of you who know us well can figure out), lost in Auckland and trying to wend our way to highway north when we encounter a San Francisco type hill where there was a traffic jam.
This is a wonderful standard transmission Mercedez van with lots of weight so you can imagine the challenge for Bob; creeping forward and attempting to keep moving forward while using the hand brake (left side), gears (left side) plus clutch and brake. Yiikes!!! We both white-knuckled as we crept forward and discovered that the hold up was due to a city bus that had broken down. This meant that once we reached the bus we had to then poke our nose out into oncoming traffic to get around the darn thing. Nice introduction to N.Z. driving. I must say that Bob was fantastic and managed it all very well.
For the first couple of days and prior to take off each morning we have our little meditation, chanting "left side, left side" for a few moments before heading into traffic.
The first night with WALUT was spent in a town called Orewa in a Top 10 camp right on the beach. It was fantastic! We became members of Top 10 which gives us a discount and we can use the campgrounds and the discount all over N.Z. and Australia. The facilities are beyond anything we've seen (kitchens where you can cook and store your food, stainless appliances, outdoor grills, laundry, hair dryers and all stainless sinks). Lovely people who run the places.
We celebrated Guy Fawkes with the locals who had set up fireworks on the beaches so we were surrounded by displays of colour no matter where we looked.
The next morning we headed up the west coast to Matakohe and Trounson Park, stopping at the Kauri Museum to see the history of logging of the Kauri tree. It was almost wiped out before the Kiwi government clamped down on the logging. These trees are ancient with shallow roots and can be destroyed by people touching and tramping on the compost that feeds the trees. The wood is magnificent and the furniture and boats built from the trees has a wonderful grain and is extremely heavy.
We moved on to our next Top 10 camp site beside a river and in a forest. We booked a night walk to try to find the shy Kiwi bird and to see the flora and fauna in the forest. Left at 8:30 and returned at 10:30 p.m. The Kiwi is nocturnal and extremely difficult to spot. Our guide asked us to stop walking from time to time and listen for the cry and tromping (yes, it tromps!) of the bird. We heard it so very close and it's cry shocked us because it seemed to be right beside us however no luck. Not to be seen this night. We did learn so much about the Kauri tree and saw insects called "weta" that have not changed since prehistoric times.
Nov 6: Continued driving up the west coast and stopped in a huge old growth forest to see "Tane Mahuta" (God of the Forest). This fabulous tree is 2000 years old and is enormous. We knew we were in the presence of God as we gazed at the most beautiful of trees. Imagine a tree that was standing since the time of Jesus. We were in awe and everyone who was there, gazed silently...honoring this beautiful tree.
Off again up the most twisting, turning road we have ever encountered. We met a gentleman last year who told us that he'd visited N.Z. and thought there was a law written when the roads were built that there MUST be a hairpin turn every 500 feet. He wasn't kidding! Lots of fun.
We stopped at a fabulous lookout overlooking the Tasman Sea and where the waves crashed in with a roar. We watched a power boat ride the crest of what appeared to be a 20 foot wave...right in to the harbour below us.
Onward to 90 Mile beach where we spent the night last night. This beach at low tide is hard packed and vehicles drive at allowable speeds up to 100 km per hour. They actually post the speed limit on the beach. The surf is huge and this is considered to be a very dangerous beach..surfers and divers are warned that they are on their own.
We reconnected with the young couple we met at the rental office in Auckland. They sensed they would see us today and when they pulled in to the camp site, there I was, walking back to the van. I heard someone honking and lo and behold, there were Jen, Mark, Juliette and Luke.
Beautiful family! We are certain to spend more time together.
Weather has ranged between 22C on the up side and 5C at night. Continuing sunshine.
We are blessed!
Today (Nov 7) we are heading to Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific; the most northerly tip of N.Z. Then we are off to Bay of Islands on the East coast.
Sorry we haven't been able to share photo's with you yet. The internet providers have not allowed us to do so. A bit disappointing.
Catch ya on the flip!
Love to all.
Sharon
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