tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74244754541810608812024-03-14T07:19:03.070-07:00Riches Have WingsJackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-66797596503507514482019-12-12T16:23:00.003-08:002019-12-12T16:30:05.920-08:00A different view of freedom camping<br />
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
had a request earlier this week to write about some of the 'wonderful
weirdos' I've met who are on the same path as us. At first I couldn't
think of any, but then Gareth reminded me of a few! Alas, they will have
to wait until I can find a way to write about them in a way which
protects their privacy (not to mention their modesty!) </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the meantime however, there's been a bit of discussion this week
about freedom camping. Now, I know a lot of people don't like freedom
camping. Jings, I should know - every time I get asked to write an
article on the subject I hold my breath and wait for the inevitable
backlash. I kid you not, many people don't even bother to read the
article before going off on a keyboard rant about how we should all
stop using the countryside as a toilet and go and get jobs. Just to
see the words 'freedom camping' in the title is enough, they're like
a red rag to a bull. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Freedom camping is banned at Lake Hayes, with good reason</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
I get it. If I paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home in a
nice, peaceful, scenic location, I wouldn't want it turned into a
carpark full of van dwellers hanging their socks and undies out to
dry and twanging away on guitars either. Last year we visited Lake
Hayes in Queenstown, which had recently banned all freedom camping.
It's a beautiful but very urban area, surrounded by multi-million
dollar homes which directly overlook the lake. The sheer number of
visitors there swimming, kayaking and having picnics was bad enough,
and I shuddered to think how horrendous it must have been when
camping was still permitted. Before I went there, I used to think
the mayor, Jim Boult was a mean, grumpy bloke for not wanting nice
people like us in his precious city. That visit however instantly
changed my mind and if I met him now I'd shake his hand for
protecting his district and in particular Lake Hayes, an area he has
personally gone out of his way to invest in from his own pocket.
That's how much he loves the place. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>A secret 'village' lies beyond</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
we first hit the road, I was terrified of freedom camping. Honestly,
I was – which sounds really stupid for someone who was planning to
do a lot of it. I thought everyone we met would be weirdos or losers
and would probably be drunk and offer us drugs. And do you know
what? The first one we met was indeed pissed as a newt and kept
trying to give us marijuana. However, he wasn't a young European,
but a Kiwi who looked to be somewhere around his forties or fifties,
it was hard to tell. His name was Billy and he worked on the oyster
boats. He and the rest of the crew worked hard and played harder.
All day he would be out on the boat, then come in at the end of the
day, get completely wasted and sleep in his car at the freedom camp
before heading off again before dawn. The day before we arrived,
he'd been so drunk the boat ran out of petrol and he was marooned at
sea and had to go and be rescued! Still, he was harmless. Even so,
it didn't do much to fill me with confidence. As yet, freedom
camping was everything I had feared it would be. But there were two
other vehicles there at the same camp. One belonged to Larry and
Margaret, the other to Colin and Mara. Those of you who have read
'My Van, My Castle' will know they are to this day, very dear friends
of ours. They restored my faith in people, and in freedom camping.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People of ALL kinds use freedom camps</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
think it may have been Jim Mora who said after interviewing me, 'You
guys are the real deal, aren't you? You're not like all these young
people who come out here for a couple of months, blast around and go
bungy jumping and then go back home to their parents and nice,
comfortable houses. You're actually out there doing it, ALL the
time'. From what we've seen, this sector makes up around half of the
freedom campers in NZ. Hence it's hardly surprising that the general
public assumes everyone who freedom camps is a foreign holiday maker.
The rest however, are Kiwis and in our experience they fall into
three sectors:</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">1. </span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
retirees, or 'grey nomads'.</span></b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> Let's get one thing straight.
Almost every Kiwi traveller or motorhomer uses paid campgrounds at
some stage, many of us regularly. But unless you're a squillionaire
nobody can afford to stay in a commercial campground all the time.
When we first hit the road we used them all the time and it was a
great way to get the hang of things and gain confidence. However
after three or four weeks of spending between $40 and $50 a night,
we soon realised we weren't going to be able to keep that up. Over
a month, that worked out to only slightly less than the mortgage I'd
just done away with! Retired motorhomers have worked hard all their
lives and have more than paid their way. Often we meet people on
the road who have had heart attacks or beaten cancer and want to
make the most of every day they have left on this earth. They are a
joy to meet, an absolute joy and they have earned every bit of their
freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>2. </b></span><b style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
work/life balancers. </b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> People like Gareth and I, Colin and Mara
and many more. We combine work with travel, so we can support our
lifestyle. Like I said, even with the benefits of free camping
options, this way of life is still far from free. Granted, the cost
of living is still a heck of a lot less than most people's but it's
definitely not free. A good number of us work from home, like we
do, running businesses or doing freelance work. It's funny and a bit
annoying that people often assume we don't do anything but it's a
fair enough assumption seeing as we don't have to physically go to
an office each morning and come home again each day. I mean, it's
not as though we need to dress up or anything! More often though,
people travel around, working in different locations, doing casual
or fixed contract work for a period of weeks or months. If I was to
run out of work tomorrow, I'd head to Central Otago or the Bay of
Plenty and pick fruit. As long as it's not blueberries, I'm really
bad at picking those. But seriously, if you see Kiwi travellers
using freedom camps and they're not of obvious retirement age, it's
pretty safe to assuming they are working and are paying bills and
taxes just like everyone else.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>3. </b></span><b style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
battlers. </b><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I think it was
the late Robin Williams who said 'Everyone is fighting a battle you
know nothing about. Be kind, always'. Not everyone is lucky enough
to be using freedom camps out of choice. There are people who live
in their cars and vans because they have to. We have met a lot of
them and that's why I refer to them as battlers, rather than
losers, lowlifes and other judgemental and unfortunate names. Do
not assume these people are living this way because they want to, or
that they are lazy. I mean think about it, given the choice, would
you want to live in your car? Sometimes yes, their circumstances
have come about through their own poor choices. But they're trying to fix them. It could also just as
easily be the result of a relationship break-up, lack of work or
lack of housing. Whatever the reason, these people are doing their
best to survive each day and sort themselves out, and shouldn't be
just written off.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
lot of people have to sleep in their cars when they are trying to
find work in a new area, or starting a new job. You can tell them
by their clothes hanging up in their cars. Not everyone can pull
bond money out of the sky for a rental deposit. One example which
springs to mind is a young chap who came down to the Deep South from
Auckland to try and make something of himself. He was so quietly
spoken, none of us knew what his actual name was, we'd all misheard
it differently! Anyway, he was getting into trouble in the city, so
was sent to live with family at the other end of the country. He
still wasn't pulling his weight and paying his rent however, so he
got told to leave. From now on, he was on his own, with nothing but
his car and a tent. He got a job and was hoping to rent a place but
first he needed to save enough of his pay to afford a bond, so he
did what he had to. He worked long hours doing shifts, and would
crawl into his tent to get some sleep just as everyone else was
waking up. Of course all the other campers were oblivious and I
used to feel so sorry for him, trying to sleep in his tent when
everyone else was talking and banging and crashing about right
outside. I didn't expect him to stick it out, I really didn't. But
he did, and around 4 – 6 weeks later, he moved into a rental house
of his own. One of our friends saw him just a few months ago and
he's still there, still working and doing really well. Sometimes
people are just doing what they need to. It's their stepping stone
to a more secure future and without freedom camps to help pave the
way, they would quite frankly be stuffed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
number of homeless people sleeping in cars or vans is growing at a
frightening rate because there aren't enough houses for the low income
bracket to live in. Even when we lived in Whangamata, it made me so
angry at the number of my friends, lovely people with young families,
who were constantly being given two or three week's notice to vacate
long-term rental properties to make room for higher paying holiday
makers. It was so heartbreaking to see them fighting desperately to
be able to find somewhere in the area so they could keep their jobs,
and their children in school with their friends. They rarely
succeeded. In my first home at Whangamata, there were 25 houses in
our cul-de-sac, yet only five of them were lived in. The rest were
all holiday homes, which sat empty for all but a few weeks of the
year. Even trained and qualified people such as teachers and
tradesmen had to live at campgrounds for years at a time because the
waiting list for rentals to become vacant was so impossibly long. If
only people realised how much their empty houses could help good
people who are desperately in need, perhaps these type of 'freedom
campers' wouldn't be such a blot on the landscape. </span></span></span></span>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Freedom camps aren't just free, they're priceless</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
lot of people who pay to live in houses feel that freedom campers are
bludgers who take advantage and are a drain on the economy. Consider
this, however. Would you rather a person slept in their vehicle at a
freedom camp while trying to get by and find work, or would you
rather Work and Income NZ paid $1250 a WEEK for someone who doesn't
work and has no intention of doing so, to stay in a motel? Because
this is what is happening, right now, due to the shortage of rental
homes available. I know for sure, if I were ever in that position, I
would much rather rough it and rely on myself. I would think that
would make me far less of a bludger.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm
not saying everyone who freedom camps is an angel. Some are indeed hideous and a prize pain in the bum. And as I said at
the start, I wouldn't want it constantly on my doorstep either. But freedom camps do
have their place, a very valuable place which many Kiwis are lucky to
have and can attribute their very survival to. Done properly and
done well, they are a huge asset to our unique melting pot of a
country. </span></span></span></span></div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-22892006691566262782019-10-21T17:29:00.002-07:002019-10-21T17:29:57.390-07:00Treasured times, precious peopleIt's a beautiful morning in Titahi Bay, in Porirua. If you haven't guessed already by all the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/richeshavewheels/" target="_blank">Facebook posts</a> lately, I LOVE the Wellington region, really love it. Our time here has been so enriching, not just due to the seemingly never-ending amount of beautiful walks and places, but the people. With the exception of a couple, all the amazing folk we have been spending time with lately are people we would never have met if it wasn't for our quirky way of life. We have been shown such incredible kindness and are privileged to have made some treasured new friends. More about them soon.<br />
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<b><i>Loving the van life again!</i></b></div>
<br />
Being back in the van has been wonderful. I had forgotten how well I sleep, tucked up in our cosy cocoon! It still feels strange not to have Minnie's weighty warmth alongside me and hear her comforting snores but she is very much still with us wherever we go. Her collar with its little bandana hangs behind us as we drive, a little canvas of her paw prints is on the wall of the van and a wee pouch of her fur sits in the front with us. Bless her heart, we still miss her so much.<br />
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The other big difference is that at the moment, the van is not really set up for living in. All the time we have been house sitting our way up the country for work, Ken has been packed to the rafters with food, kitchen props for the cookbook, enough 'good' clothes for all our media appointments and Gareth's computer and camera gear. We've been constantly downsizing and decluttering as we go and by the time we needed to spend a week in the van we finally got to the stage where there was just about room for us to use the bed. Even so, many of the things we needed, such as something to cook <i>on</i> and things to cook <i>with</i> had been left down at the caravan in Gore. I was excited at the prospect of living in the van and being off grid again but also had my reservations as to how comfortable we would actually be, and whether we would have enough of everything to get by.<br />
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We spent our first night in the Kapiti Coast with some fellow motorhoming friends of ours, who kindly gave us a place to sleep and have a much-needed shower after an all-day drive from the Waikato. We had met Stewart and Aileen about 18 months before in Gore and had kept in touch ever since. There's nothing more enjoyable than conversing with other travellers, sharing anecdotes and swapping stories, it's a whole different and vibrant level of conversation. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find a couple more interesting than these two. They have travelled all over the world for years in vans and motorhomes and have such a wealth of experience and information. Even though we have travelled almost the whole of NZ twice now, in comparison to them we are still newbies! We have so much yet to see, to learn. As we sat in the garden the following morning, enjoying breakfast in the sunshine and listening to the birds, I felt completely content and so immensely fortunate to have met these wonderful people. <br />
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<b><i>I felt so free walking along this beach! A golden moment indeed</i></b></div>
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The next night we parked up at a freedom camping spot at Waikanae River Mouth. We were right next to the water and I felt that familiar smile spread across my face. Just look at where we were, for goodness sake! We could see the ocean, the beach, the sunset all from our window. I never, ever forget how lucky we are when staying at a free camp, it just fills me with gratitude to be able to eat, sleep and breathe in such an amazing location for no cost. There were four vehicles there that night, with couples and families in and we all felt the same. I hopped out of the van and went for a walk on the beach and as my feet touched the sand I had the exact same feeling I did almost three years ago, when I stood at Matauri Bay in the Far North. I felt completely unburdened and so free! It's hard to describe but there's no feeling like it in the world.<br />
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<b><i>Peace, stunning scenery... and a musical toilet!</i></b></div>
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What I love most about van life is being so close to nature, being close to everything. It felt so wonderful to be out here and really living the van life again. We couldn't so much as boil water for a cup of tea or heat a tin of beans! It made life pretty interesting for a few days and everything we ate was cold, raw or both but it was still delicious and we managed to eat well. The other campers we encountered were mainly from overseas and I found it hilarious that despite our magical surroundings, the thing they were all excited about was that the public toilet 50 metres away played music while they did their morning ablutions. In our case however, we had heard it all before. 'I wonder, if Burt Bacharach imagined when he wrote "What the World Needs Now, Is Love Sweet Love" that his masterpiece would be played in public toilets all over New Zealand?' laughed Gareth.<br />
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<b><i>Us with Anita and Mark. Awesome hosts and treasured friends</i></b></div>
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The Kapiti Coast is so well set up and welcoming for motorhomers of all size vehicles but with the exception of one site, you can only spend a maximum of 24 hours in each spot as they are so sought after. We were busy trying to decide where we would spend the next night when we received a message from a lovely lady called Anita, who had seen we were in the Kapiti Coast and offered us a place to stay for the night and to share a meal. Accepting such kindness is often hard for us, I think because we feel as though we cannot offer anything in return. It's not as though we can return the favour, there's no room for anyone else in the van! But seeing as Anita and her partner Mark were fellow travel enthusiasts and Mark was also a photographer, we were excited at the prospect of meeting new like minded people and gratefully accepted their offer. Immediately upon arriving the conversation was bubbling over as we swapped tales of our adventures. When it comes to adventuring however, Mark was next level. He loved paragliding and had ridden all over America on his motorbike. He loved to experience everything life had to offer and we were mesmerised by his images of El Capitan and he and Anita's incredible rock climbing footage in Yosemite National Park. His excitement about life was infectious and for the first time since being on the road, I realised that there was a far bigger world out there than the one we were currently exploring. I wanted to get out and see it. If you would like to see some of Mark's stunning images, you can check out his photography page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/taureauglobal/" target="_blank">here</a>, as well as his book <a href="https://www.facebook.com/commerce/products/872228346213826/" target="_blank">Taureau Global</a>, which is his 25,000 mile photographic odyssey around America.<br />
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After dinner we walked down to Raumati beach to watch the sunset, which was lovely. We had already been talking for hours when I asked Anita how she came to hear of us and were amazed to hear that she was not a long time reader but had listened to my <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-sunday-session/audio/my-van-my-castle-life-on-the-road-with-jackie-norman/" target="_blank">Radio NZ interview with Jim Mora</a> a couple of weeks earlier and loved what we were doing. Even more amazing however, is that this gorgeous lady is battling breast cancer and is currently waiting to start radiotherapy having already completed a course of chemotherapy. I couldn't believe these wonderful, kind people opened up their home to us and made us so welcome despite everything they have going on in their lives. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with them and now count them as treasured friends. Now, every night we can, we make sure we get down to whichever beach we are at to watch the sun sink in the sky, in a glorious display of fire. <br />
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<b><i>We've seen many Kapiti sunsets and we love them all!</i></b></div>
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We have also made some wonderful friends in some of the people we have been house sitting for, such as Liz and Brent, whose energetic dog Reggie had us walking hundreds of kilometres around Paraparaumu a couple of months earlier! We spent several nights there, cooking and sharing meals together (after all, we already knew where everything was in the kitchen!) and stayed up late sharing stories and listening to their recent experience of Woodstock's 50th anniversary.<br />
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<b><i>The Otaihanga Domain is a spacious and peaceful place to relax in</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve is one of many enjoyable walks</i></b></div>
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We interspersed our time with some more freedom camping, travelling around the Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Otaki areas and doing some of the many walks on offer. The Otaihanga Domain is a lovely place to park up on a sunny day and we enjoyed many picnics and leisurely strolls along the river. Even the council inspector who came every morning to check everyone at the freedom camping spots was self-contained in conjunction with the rules became like a friend! She was always so happy to see us and gave us a heap of information about camping and facilities in the area. 'You will write about us, won't you?' she always asked. 'We really want to encourage more visitors to the area!' I assured her I would, and I will. <br />
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It was such a pleasure getting out and about and meeting so many new people again. One couple we met, Paul and Christine were simply sitting on a bench as we were walking past. 'Whereabouts are you guys from?' Paul asked. 'Well...' we began, as we launched into the usual tale of how we came to be there. We'd only been in conversation for 10 minutes when they asked us to join them at the pub down the road for a drink! That's what motorhomers are like, we love to share stories and talk to other people like us. It turned out they were from Hunterville and contemplating upsizing their motorhome to a bus. The only thing was, the bus was in Invercargill. 'Well if it's still there in a month or so, let us know, we'll be down that way too!' we laughed.<br />
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<b><i>Gaylene and Ray, with Ayla and their bus, 'Ruby'</i></b></div>
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One of our favourite encounters however was with Gaylene and Ray, who were parked up in their seven-metre bus, 'Ruby' at the Waikanae River Mouth with their gorgeous German Shepherd, Ayla. We got talking, as you do and before we knew it, they were welcoming us into their bus. We spent most of the morning in their company and Gareth and I both felt as though we had found kindred spirits. It was as though we had discovered future versions of ourselves! Everything we loved, many of the experiences we had shared, everything we wanted in life was exactly the same. Some people you just know you are going to stay in touch with and these two free spirits are pretty special. Already we are looking forward to visiting Hokianga next year so we can catch up with them again!<br />
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<b><i>Gareth with one of his wriggly wee film subjects, 'Teapot'!</i></b></div>
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Despite being off grid a lot of the time, we have been getting a lot of work done, Gareth in particular. His latest big project is visiting animal sanctuaries all over NZ as we travel, filming the animal rescue stories and promoting the work they do. We spent a day at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Black-Sheep-Animal-Sanctuary-%C5%8Ctaki-168073479885928/" target="_blank">Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary</a> in Otaki, meeting the 200 or so rescue animals they currently care for, from Casper the cockatoo to Doris the ex-factory farm pig and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/veganfta/videos/763925637379418/" target="_blank">Toffee</a>, the tiny goat kid who it was feared would never walk again after he was found paralysed. It's pretty humbling being around a group of such amazing and dedicated people and it's great to be able to do our bit to help the animals in need and the people who care for them and keep them safe. Best of all though, at least for me, is to see Gareth in his absolute element. It's as though he was born to do this stuff and it's a joy to see him so happy. Living the way we do has really enabled him to find his passion, his purpose. That's pretty cool, don't you think? :-)Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-56731575368179887392019-06-20T19:16:00.001-07:002019-06-20T19:16:37.707-07:00Inspirational Beings & Kindred Spirits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you might imagine, living this life among the varied, the weird and wonderful, I get inspired a lot, both as a writer and as a human being. A complete stranger can totally make your day, and transform it from ordinary to extraordinary. But when they turn out to be kindred spirits, well that's just marvellous! We don't meet many 'people like us' outside of campground or motorhoming life, but the other day we had the pleasure of meeting Guy and Olive Lloyd, the new managers of Gore Motor Camp. I was interviewing them for Stuff and felt a little bad for not confessing I was staying at a rival campground but I wanted them to see me simply as a writer, not sussing out the competition or clouding their judgement.</div>
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<b><i>This big, beautiful world and its people inspire me every day!</i></b></div>
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Besides, the sole reason I was there was to raise awareness of their business and who they are. You see, until Guy and Olive took over in April, the Motor Camp had been managed by someone who wasn't really all that well suited to the hospitality business. As a result, Gore Motor Camp had hit the news for all the wrong reasons. Having heard of their recent replacement, I knew whoever took over the place would have a big job on their hands trying to give the place and its reputation an overhaul and wanted to help get the word out there that guests would now be assured of a warm welcome.</div>
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Guy, the new manager is larger than life in every sense of the word - in the best possible way. Huge in stature, with an equally huge personality and laugh and an easy smile that spreads across his entire face. You simply can't help instantly liking him and his petite wife, Olive. They are an open book and what you see is what you get. So refreshing! What we didn't realise, as they invited us into their lounge and we all settled into comfy chairs, was that they were just like us - except on a much bigger scale! Originally from the UK, Guy spent 15 years as a primary school teacher in Indonesia, where he met Olive, also a teacher. He also previously managed a camp in Iraq in 2006, looking after 250 people. No wonder he felt more than capable of being able to run the Motor Camp! </div>
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'I've been to 86 - no, 87 countries', he smiled. 'I'd urge everyone to travel. You learn so much about the world, about <i>life</i>. Honestly, I'm like a little boy when I go to a new place. It makes me feel alive again'. 'You should be the one writing the books, not me!' I laughed. 'I've had a lot of amazing adventures, for sure', Guy replied. 'One of the most memorable however was when I had an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTmLIzz7jUU" target="_blank">encounter with a sea turtle</a> whilst scuba diving. That was a really beautiful experience'. 'We love scuba diving! We do it a lot in Bali', smiles Olive. Ah, that explained the big yellow scuba diving tank in the corner of the lounge. </div>
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As we talked, for well over an hour, Gareth and I were in no doubt these were the perfect people to manage the Motor Camp and turn its reputation around. 'Our travel experience really helps in the hospitality industry. You get so accustomed to communicating with all kinds of people. We get such a huge cross section here. You never know who's going to turn up at the reception desk. We love having a chat and a laugh with people and take each person as we find them. I'll admit, we do struggle with having a routine now, after living without one for so long. And the house is too big, we only live in this one room', Guy said, pointing out the bed in the corner. Gareth and I couldn't believe it. Here were people just like us! People who live in a house always laugh at us when we go house sitting and only ever end up living in one room, camped out in the lounge by the fire. It just feels foreign and unnecessary to us to be floating around in so much space. 'We don't need it', agreed Guy. 'Right here, in this room is everything we own. It's more than enough for us. We've got a little plaque outside the back door which has a quote on it by Ghandi. It says "Live simply, so that others can simply live". I look at it every day and remember it'.</div>
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We could have happily stayed all afternoon in the Lloyd's interesting and jovial company and listen to all their tales from around the world! But it was time to go and visit our friends who we are house and pet sitting for next week, so they could show us the ropes. We met Mike and Irene quite by chance one day when we were still in the van. We got talking and to my complete amazement they were not only originally from Thames, where I used to live years ago, but they actually used to live on the exact same road as I did, when I very first arrived in New Zealand! I arrived in April and they left in October of the same year. To our knowledge, we had never crossed paths but knew a lot of the same people. 'We're getting married in a couple of days! Want to come?' we asked. They did indeed and ever since we have stayed in touch.</div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cmy89aPytLTuw0cB1kjtGaw4gl3B7WOGoX-0gTmjJmVs9SCBgyb-CFLszmfAhJuJyIlG7faXLkDhS0ZR2mzAgZrK_qd4pSldmJD4jCqY2AVUv_QLG896SCAJSxfZ1-UqZu95BHTzBre3/s1600/20180206_111029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4cmy89aPytLTuw0cB1kjtGaw4gl3B7WOGoX-0gTmjJmVs9SCBgyb-CFLszmfAhJuJyIlG7faXLkDhS0ZR2mzAgZrK_qd4pSldmJD4jCqY2AVUv_QLG896SCAJSxfZ1-UqZu95BHTzBre3/s400/20180206_111029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Me with my eldest, Liam. Nothing beats special times with family!</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It had been a while since we had a good catch up and the four of us were having a good chinwag around the dining table. I'd forgotten the reason for the house sit but soon remembered it was Mike's 60th birthday and a huge crowd of them were celebrating it by enjoying a holiday together in Rarotonga. All the family, their children, grandchildren, friends - I thought it sounded absolutely wonderful. To be so loved and to have such a huge network of people who loved one another to celebrate with all together and enjoy such a special time. 'Life's too short', Mike said in his usual matter-of-fact way. 'We're losing friends now, at our age! You never know when your time is up. Gotta make the most of it. I saw a mate just the other week in the supermarket who I hadn't seen for a while. We got talking and I told him of our holiday plans. He'd lost a couple of his friends too and by the time we'd finished the conversation he'd decided he would book an overseas holiday for him and his wife next year. You've got to do these things while you can'. He's so right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw_huflESRt4-zugmecBGD3I5JD0FXDvBgK8AStBacFgJAYEUyihvaucp3GQeoXiBDkX8JYavpnYVcLKMp7B7Bh24uyLpw8DnVFOErUs4WpqliXqKloq2ZNjP80wS8eW5JVTPUCOjt01l/s1600/20180908_131352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw_huflESRt4-zugmecBGD3I5JD0FXDvBgK8AStBacFgJAYEUyihvaucp3GQeoXiBDkX8JYavpnYVcLKMp7B7Bh24uyLpw8DnVFOErUs4WpqliXqKloq2ZNjP80wS8eW5JVTPUCOjt01l/s400/20180908_131352.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Life is one big adventure, if you let it be so!</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Gareth and I felt truly inspired and full of warm fuzzies after spending the day in the company of these four warm, wonderful people. As different as chalk and cheese, yet so alike in their outlook and philosophy on life. We can't take any of it with us when we go, but whether you go to Rarotonga or Rotorua, Bali or Balclutha, we can all experience and love as much of it as we possibly can while we're here. That's what this brilliant thing called life - this amazing gift we are given - is all about.</div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-34401495427740417092019-05-19T20:08:00.004-07:002019-05-19T20:29:25.042-07:00Meet TravellingK!<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hard to believe we're almost half way through the year already! A few months back, we were fortunate to have the delightful Karen Nisbet - aka TravellingK - as a neighbour for a few days. At 36, Karen is one of a growing number of young motorhomers who are taking to the road and finding creative and effective ways to support themselves in their chosen lifestyle. Currently busy planning a trip to the UK, we managed to catch up with her for an interview recently before heading off:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmVYVsQcyEyBP9O55T7P6Iolttf6GQYK-6MiJ4qvHwSpNzvHqu2Sf3e9E9MQr3aGiOnuJYqNTZ53A_ZOeuRx7cVCCkw_cJlCjYdtY5G0aWlWAQFNbe_dMd-lQUZbMBfqxtqkajTNFbwUI/s1600/Karen+Nisbet+Outside+Caravan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmVYVsQcyEyBP9O55T7P6Iolttf6GQYK-6MiJ4qvHwSpNzvHqu2Sf3e9E9MQr3aGiOnuJYqNTZ53A_ZOeuRx7cVCCkw_cJlCjYdtY5G0aWlWAQFNbe_dMd-lQUZbMBfqxtqkajTNFbwUI/s400/Karen+Nisbet+Outside+Caravan+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Karen Nisbet - aka TravellingK</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">After two-and-a-half years on the road, you must be an old hand at the lifestyle! In
what ways do you support yourself?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
worked as a graphic designer for over 10 years and have been
freelancing since I started caravanning. Sometimes it's just a short
contract in an office and sometimes it's online while I travel around New
Zealand. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’ve
started earning with my TravellingK brand, mainly through Patreon
where people who like my YouTube videos can contribute monthly.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
been earning a tiny amount through YouTube ads, selling photos on
Shutterstock and selling branded merchandise.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlly6g-5uz2wtgEtQKuAzNabtUeZdBQMNZN2ciASEvIf5Z_N5ol3vkl3T6eqDjLHBke0bJOq16I6zqQgeBSk7pvJGR1EgbCInaJ4GeqfAjg0BZW-0Q3zuRIjQJHf8i18hzDP1v-Q5hshv/s1600/Karen+Nisbet+Inside+Caravan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlly6g-5uz2wtgEtQKuAzNabtUeZdBQMNZN2ciASEvIf5Z_N5ol3vkl3T6eqDjLHBke0bJOq16I6zqQgeBSk7pvJGR1EgbCInaJ4GeqfAjg0BZW-0Q3zuRIjQJHf8i18hzDP1v-Q5hshv/s400/Karen+Nisbet+Inside+Caravan+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Like us, Karen's home on wheels doubles as an office</i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Why
motorhoming? Was it something you had experience of before?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
stayed in a stationery Kiwi caravan </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>once</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
for a family holiday where I was sick the whole time, but apart from
that, I had no previous experience at all. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
was saving for a house in Auckland and eventually realised that
wasn’t going to happen. I was watching a lot of vanlife and
tiny house YouTube videos and started seriously considering this as an
option. The more I looked into it, the more a second</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">hand UK caravan seemed my best solution. It looked like a little
apartment on wheels, and had a decent amount of space. I could easily
stay at campgrounds or on some land and move around until I found a
nice place to base myself. Except I’ve enjoyed travelling so much,
I have no plans to stop.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Were
you aware of the 'usual' age demographic associated with motorhoming
before you started doing it?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
didn’t know a whole lot about the lifestyle before I started. It
was just what I saw on YouTube and while wandering around at the Covi
Supershow. I was aware that I didn’t know anyone my own age doing
this in New Zealand.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMBm6sfjK5QO6J5oYI-DI3VqkJwLLx-Uf7FzTUbMg_Tr9OFRlYn6IbzW9k3WSo-OFWY-OwRkCq6jJ95rjEOpm5qVCQf5mvpXlHGtWPP3PSywZC5-E8Hs194Fd6x68o_if-56BMvwI8gH3/s1600/caravan+Milford+Sounds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMBm6sfjK5QO6J5oYI-DI3VqkJwLLx-Uf7FzTUbMg_Tr9OFRlYn6IbzW9k3WSo-OFWY-OwRkCq6jJ95rjEOpm5qVCQf5mvpXlHGtWPP3PSywZC5-E8Hs194Fd6x68o_if-56BMvwI8gH3/s400/caravan+Milford+Sounds.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Taking in the view at Milford Sound</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Do
you think there is a stereotype of sorts regarding motorhomers?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, I think there is. It’s generally thought to be the thing you do
when you retire or if you are a hippy. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Do
you find because of your age that other motorhomers interact with you
differently?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Sometimes, yes.</span> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’ve
had a few older members assume that I need help because I’m a
younger female on my own… but I soon show my competence. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There
have been a few surprised faces when I first turn up for campground
group drinks, but people are welcoming and soon I’m in the thick of
things talking about motorhoming issues! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’m
currently at a campground with a great community which never happened
when I lived in a city. I’m the youngest by far, but made to feel
welcomed.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYawuKLS16LCT6RfENPZiXsunm-VyWwCkd61_VdRCXTvB_0GN9os-xL1BLIy8jWv0uQCJZmJXbtPMQ3J_D8j_DdGT7mDYLv4YVCMvZbBUntymU_lof-16eAGSNSeFftFr-0M42XARqFhg/s1600/Castlepoint+-+Wellington+YT+V2.00_06_36_04.Still001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYawuKLS16LCT6RfENPZiXsunm-VyWwCkd61_VdRCXTvB_0GN9os-xL1BLIy8jWv0uQCJZmJXbtPMQ3J_D8j_DdGT7mDYLv4YVCMvZbBUntymU_lof-16eAGSNSeFftFr-0M42XARqFhg/s400/Castlepoint+-+Wellington+YT+V2.00_06_36_04.Still001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Karen loves chatting with the people she meets, both in person and through her</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>online following</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Do
you wish there were more people around your age on the road?</b></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes.
But I’ve started a Facebook group called ‘Young RVing Kiwis’ and
the numbers are growing. A lot of people are either weekend warriors
or are strongly considering this lifestyle themselves. I know there
is a lot of interest and as house prices increase and make it harder
for people to get onto the property ladder, more will start this
lifestyle. There </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">is
a movement in America where it’s becoming more common for people my
age to have a home on wheels and I’m hopefully more in New Zealand
will decide to join. There is a great group of Americans sharing
their permanent RVing experience on social media.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">How
do your family and friends view your choice to live in a) a caravan
and b) a life on the move?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Most
of my friends and family weren’t surprised at my choice to live in a caravan and thought it suited me
better than a mortgage in Auckland. I’ve done quite a lot of
overseas travelling and have lived in London and Melbourne. I think
they could more easily imagine me in a caravan than with a mortgage
in Auckland.</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">My
father was imagining a run down caravan that would devalue quickly
like a car. He also wasn’t keen on it sitting in his driveway. But
once he actually saw the caravan, he’s changed his mind and is
proud of what I’m sharing on YouTube.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As for living my life on the move, I
was working, saving and travelling solidly for eight years to places like
Europe, Russia, India, Iran and South America, so the idea of
travelling around NZ in a caravan was actually a little tamer. My
parents were wanting me to settle down and buying some land or a
property instead of travelling overseas and I’m not ruling that
out… I just need to figure out where!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WKpsagfXQwGW7F-Z24QnQYRZ572wuBodZD-VoInKbsgSdjSfNw55jWENDoE68MTFkJSSHrrvk2DePoS88j8mFp50AC8vjmljgixQqGmflbBriq8AKTYJTMmrt_9HFmfRXDtvP40Vk7Ku/s1600/Matata+View+from+inside+caravan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WKpsagfXQwGW7F-Z24QnQYRZ572wuBodZD-VoInKbsgSdjSfNw55jWENDoE68MTFkJSSHrrvk2DePoS88j8mFp50AC8vjmljgixQqGmflbBriq8AKTYJTMmrt_9HFmfRXDtvP40Vk7Ku/s400/Matata+View+from+inside+caravan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Wherever she goes, Karen has a window on the world</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Would you encourage others to take up the lifestyle?</b></span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
many New Zealanders haven’t even seen their own country. There’s
still plenty for me to explore, but I feel like I know the different
parts of our country now. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I enjoy being at a great location
and experiencing the different light and weather throughout the day
from the comfort of home. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It’s also a good idea if you want
to lower your costs and try a new business or finally have the time
to write that book. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’m now more aware of my water and power usage and how much stuff I actually need. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel the need for a large house after living in my small caravan. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A caravan is a
comfortable home and is affordable. It gives me a lot of flexibility
with my location and is perfect for slow travel.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDoGjiX0KLcoFSgBYvoAtwH62TB6nbAct-SKAHncoxJmoIU00vRJabgg-Qjg3g4NGzbSgGHNl2fQI16jvZyNYAnxUPxuiM7zYF637duuCfV1cc_vQbbrAitWUAGMbExtMdtAjA-MEF_wJ/s1600/Hawkes+Bay+from+Broken+Video.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDoGjiX0KLcoFSgBYvoAtwH62TB6nbAct-SKAHncoxJmoIU00vRJabgg-Qjg3g4NGzbSgGHNl2fQI16jvZyNYAnxUPxuiM7zYF637duuCfV1cc_vQbbrAitWUAGMbExtMdtAjA-MEF_wJ/s400/Hawkes+Bay+from+Broken+Video.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Can she fix it? Yes, she can!</i></b></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">What
do you like best about the lifestyle?</b><br />
<div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Always
doing something new and learning new skills. I can’t believe how
much I’ve learnt about maintaining the caravan and giving it a go
when something breaks.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Seeing our beautiful country and being more aware of my surrounds. I find
when you’re in a house, you don’t experience sunrises and sunsets
as much as when you’re in a caravan out in nature. You just close
the curtains and turn on the TV. I find when I am living in one
place, I stop noticing my surroundings, but moving locations all the
time makes me more aware.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meeting
different people and the sense of community. Before this, I always
lived in a city. There are some campgrounds that have a great sense
of community. This current campground, people keep an eye on things
and I comfortably leave my windows open. I’ve met so many different
people as well, that I would not have talked to while living in a
city.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Freedom
to develop a business. Because my expenses have dropped, I’m able
to work part-time and have the time to focus on my ‘passion
project’ – TravellingK. I don’t think I would have progressed
this far if I was still living in Auckland.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN_O5rV_fKXWg09fFamytHHALHkbLjjukO0IGAlG6PAbTnfJuT9JdYE4I5cpr6yOI4qp5-C24tWigaJgs1Xc-x6ioYVIA5IuI-u5ZF8aKXpepn_vz9aej2_JGPiPkJJWZSMzC7C9Tu7OR/s1600/travellingK-In-Caravan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN_O5rV_fKXWg09fFamytHHALHkbLjjukO0IGAlG6PAbTnfJuT9JdYE4I5cpr6yOI4qp5-C24tWigaJgs1Xc-x6ioYVIA5IuI-u5ZF8aKXpepn_vz9aej2_JGPiPkJJWZSMzC7C9Tu7OR/s400/travellingK-In-Caravan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Where to go, what to do? Decisions, decisions!</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Are
there any downsides to living this way?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m
not a huge fan of my combination toilet / shower. The shower just
isn’t the same as a house shower. And emptying the toilet is a new
chore that I’d happily avoid! </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I’ve
also learnt that if something breaking in the caravan, it’s not
always easy to fix because the parts come from the UK.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
was travelling intensely for a while and that can become tiring. The
continuous decision making with finding shops and facilities in your
area. But the great thing is, you have control and can decide when to
stay in one place for a while.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes
I’ll suddenly want a garden or wish I had a large work area with a
sewing machine or an arts and craft cupboard. With a caravan, you’re
always aware of the weight limit and lack of space which can be
restrictive with some hobbies.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Do
you have a best and worst campground which stand out from all your
travels?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
best have either been the most welcoming community or the most scenic
location:</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Gore
A&P Showgrounds</b> with its sense of community, very relaxed
atmosphere and easy facilities.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Glendhu
Bay Motor Camp.</b> I’ve already stayed twice and sure to be back. It’s
a huge campground outside of Wanaka. The best views out onto the
water, an easy drive into town but plenty of impressive hikes and
views nearby.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
a couple of POPs (Park Over Properties) that I might keep to myself!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My
two worst are both in larger towns with semi-permanent RVers.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Beach
Road Holiday Park</b> just outside on Invercargill. There were a lot of
run down vehicles that had obviously been there a while and it didn’t
have a friendly feel.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also <b>Beach
Grove Holiday Park</b> in Tauranga. Lots of permanent caravans, also with a run
down feel. I felt trapped in my caravan.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Can
you imagine going back to a house?</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe
more of a tiny house rather than a traditional house. I daydream
about having a little cabin next to my caravan with an amazing
bathroom / laundry and an office with a bit of storage space.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQcyDk2btpscjRssJh7lKwzZ34eAsbKBbTnEo1DKSpEIdveuO9KviBtNm30dbVAD2t93pGCp4E8Ge00JOteLkE563kLFOtCGL2x3i3Nr8vEFUA0oFAKkEd365JmOCYWB6Pm9iHRnWIvnF/s1600/MtBruceMe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQcyDk2btpscjRssJh7lKwzZ34eAsbKBbTnEo1DKSpEIdveuO9KviBtNm30dbVAD2t93pGCp4E8Ge00JOteLkE563kLFOtCGL2x3i3Nr8vEFUA0oFAKkEd365JmOCYWB6Pm9iHRnWIvnF/s400/MtBruceMe2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>It's a wonderful life</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Do
you have a favourite tip you've learned in your time on the road?</b></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
something goes wrong, you can deal with it. I think I’ve personally
become more self-confident. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">And
that we live in a beautiful country.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">What
advice would you give to others considering making the switch to a
mobile life?</b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do
it. Don’t overthink it. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwK_S79TBUVYTbzfQJyH9cqpOJqbjD1BhvGNh0rdQD9Or3ZvdW5mgmHdJY6cpfVlk2IDARj-5TqlUp4g7DOV6LF6tM7-eHGMoYmbbDOatZnlRG3TAOrAQBMgJEpZDUAMCfbUFhoTkKEh1/s1600/TravellingK-Gisborne-Region.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCwK_S79TBUVYTbzfQJyH9cqpOJqbjD1BhvGNh0rdQD9Or3ZvdW5mgmHdJY6cpfVlk2IDARj-5TqlUp4g7DOV6LF6tM7-eHGMoYmbbDOatZnlRG3TAOrAQBMgJEpZDUAMCfbUFhoTkKEh1/s400/TravellingK-Gisborne-Region.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">To follow Karen's adventures, check out her regular blog posts and videos at:</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><a href="http://travellingk.com/">http://travellingk.com</a></u></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/travellingk"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>https://www.youtube.com/travellingk</u></span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/travellingk/">https://www.facebook.com/travellingk/</a></u></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-23830775571455284422018-11-28T15:47:00.001-08:002018-11-28T15:54:52.897-08:00Marjorie Jean - A Proper IntroductionAs I sit here this morning, in what is fast taking shape as our new office, it's still a wonderful novelty to be sitting on a proper chair, on a proper table, looking out of the window at the sunshine. Minnie is also content, sleeping on the cool vinyl floor. She loves having so much room and even has a whole couch to herself to sleep on at night! Although we have to make it into a sort of playpen for her as she's not used to having so much room and has rolled off a few times in the middle of the night. Gives us a heck of a fright, I can tell you! But I'm rambling as usual, let's go back to the beginning. I can't believe it, but I haven't even told you the full story behind Marjorie Jean!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Qax8sJi-vwRsnpjVpdatK2AA_YsQMN3GHkVp7cc-HzOIAWmFvMMiHCU1WJGEvYLq-MmHcpsW6dScE7Y_-veWnW0YuXkSGKkRqqrrjzhmuxlAOHaG3Zdw9wOdfmFbyCi1M7m6yCONZs0/s1600/bloggy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Qax8sJi-vwRsnpjVpdatK2AA_YsQMN3GHkVp7cc-HzOIAWmFvMMiHCU1WJGEvYLq-MmHcpsW6dScE7Y_-veWnW0YuXkSGKkRqqrrjzhmuxlAOHaG3Zdw9wOdfmFbyCi1M7m6yCONZs0/s400/bloggy6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Our wee Marjorie Jean, out in the sunshine</i></b></div>
<br />
My last operation (no point sugar coating it, was a hysterectomy) was a success, although it turned out to be a much bigger deal recovery wise than I thought it was. As someone who was back on the farm feeding calves 10 days after my youngest was born by caesarean, I envisaged a similar scenario this time around. Boy was I wrong! Going back to the van was terrifying, I didn't think I was ready, or would ever be. Whereas poor Gareth couldn't wait to get back to the van, I never wanted to leave the motel and cried a LOT. How would we possibly cope in such a tiny space? I really don't know how my long suffering hubby managed to get through the first week post surgery without throttling me, but as it turned out, we coped amazingly well. It didn't take long to settle back in and it was a brilliant feeling to be able to get through something so major in our beloved van. I felt as though if we could make it through that, we could handle anything. So it came as a major fright to discover that once the pain from surgery had subsided, there was still something very wrong. To say I wasn't in a good head space during that time would be the understatement of the century. It took numerous visits to the doctors with no success until three of them put their heads together and diagnosed me with something called pudendal neuralgia. A flash term for what basically means quite literally, a pain in the bum! As soon as they passed me the literature I knew they had hit the nail on the head. 'That's it! That's me!' At last we had the final piece of the puzzle. However the more I learned about the condition, the more I realised that we were now in a right old predicament.<br />
<br />
Pudendal neuralgia is a condition which is most commonly suffered by cyclists, in particular spin cyclists, as they are sitting in the same position for long periods of time. Just like I had been doing all these months in the van, because let's face it, it's all I could do. As a writer I sat to work and because it was impossible to stand up in the van, I also did everything else from cooking to brushing my teeth in a sitting position. And therein lay the problem. Sitting is the worst thing you can do for pudendal neuralgia. The more you do it, the more you aggravate it. To my horror, I realised that all the while we continued living in the van, I wasn't going to get better. Excuse the pun, but this really was a bummer. I mean, we <i>loved</i> our van! It was perfect for us, it was home and despite copping heaps of flack over the past two years from fellow motorhomers saying 'You'll be wanting something bigger soon, won't you?' and failing to see how we could possibly be happy living full time in such a small vehicle, we really were ridiculously happy. If we had had the choice, we would have continued just as we were, for as long as we could.<br />
<br />
But now that choice was being taken away from us. Gareth, in typical laid back style took it all in his stride. 'We'll look for something bigger then', he shrugged, and that was that. We didn't know exactly what we wanted but were leaning towards a caravan, maybe a retro one? Whatever it was, we wanted something with plenty of character, yet was still enough of a blank canvas that we could make our own. The only other condition was that while we were now on the lookout for a new home, we wouldn't look <i>too</i> hard. The right one would come to us, just as Batty and Ken had. We didn't know how long it would take for that to happen, but we would wait as long as it took.<br />
<br />
The very next evening, our friend Margaret called out as she was walking past. 'There's a caravan for sale just around the corner', she said. 'Go and have a look, it could be just what you're after!' With a budget as tiny as ours, I very much doubted we would be able to afford it. But after more than 22 years on the road Margaret knew her stuff, so instead of procrastinating like usual, we forced ourselves to go for a stroll and have a look. Margaret was right, the dear little 1970's green and white caravan was <i>exactly</i> what we were after - and to my amazement and delight, the price was right in our bracket too! As we peered through the window we saw that with the exception of a double bed and two couches, the interior was also just waiting for someone like us to transform it into a cosy home. We knew we had no time to waste, so texted the owner and he arranged to meet us the next day. As Steven, the owner gave us a tour, with his young daughter looking on, we could see how very well loved and looked after this little caravan was. The family of five had enjoyed many summer holidays and getaways in it together, before recently upsizing to a larger, newer model to accommodate the now teenage children. Even the original ownership papers had been kept in pristine condition, showing its very first registration in 1975.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDsPuHiQrQG5hOeP2viSDellmOJRq2IHcmgIjcLZ5HwGuC2oMii-v4P1AEBwDPxYJAym-3q3P0Tm3LNXlmHCl32fN151GfgOvexoAztSbgPuDwWFLWGVNwKWHvyXTrFDmX4boSecO6q73/s1600/bloggy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDsPuHiQrQG5hOeP2viSDellmOJRq2IHcmgIjcLZ5HwGuC2oMii-v4P1AEBwDPxYJAym-3q3P0Tm3LNXlmHCl32fN151GfgOvexoAztSbgPuDwWFLWGVNwKWHvyXTrFDmX4boSecO6q73/s400/bloggy3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>We keep Marjorie's original papers in a little frame on the wall!</i></b></div>
<br />
'We love it!', we told Steven. 'I knew they would!' grinned his daughter. There was just one thing stopping us from snapping it up right on the spot. We needed to sell Batty, our first van, before we could afford the caravan. Luckily for us, a long weekend was just beginning and Steven and his family were going away for a few days in their new caravan. Even so, the pressure was still on, Steven had already had other enquiries from people wanting to come and view. While Gareth was unphased, I was panicking. There was no way we would be able to find a buyer for Batty in just a few days! But just as had happened for us with the caravan, everything just fell in to place, right when we needed it to. A chap from Invercargill had been looking for a van exactly like Batty for some time, and having spotted our For Sale notice on Facebook, came and picked it up just like that. I couldn't believe everything had happened so easily. After so many months of disasters and dramas, I had almost stopped believing that good things happened to us any more! But despite me still panicking and anticipating all kinds of last minute problems, everything went through without a hitch and just six days after we first saw her, Steven delivered Marjorie Jean to her new spot in our campground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDqcmMXzB2w2p4UmozBm7d8yOfu0zsAMhyphenhyphenk69zZ4hQvna10ixjORjY4UoI-loC0K0uWiJXnGoJbb2rB9bmD3_zRnA4DMR6XFlxKCyuG4y7w5HliKiurRV_6cNld0ON0Ym-yFPV_eGsLIi/s1600/bloggy+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDqcmMXzB2w2p4UmozBm7d8yOfu0zsAMhyphenhyphenk69zZ4hQvna10ixjORjY4UoI-loC0K0uWiJXnGoJbb2rB9bmD3_zRnA4DMR6XFlxKCyuG4y7w5HliKiurRV_6cNld0ON0Ym-yFPV_eGsLIi/s400/bloggy+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>We could hardly believe Marjorie Jean was ours!</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSMPAoS0MTHklmMKwauYMVxcqbxVBlWO1wi50QXJQxYxIB1r0auVynBXxH90NrTiiabjupgGOzPvQF7Lb5jCDa-mAtjFAD1m1R7pQbJ8uGQ2pbgEmjkvN-49Xa-tS8C89qAy8Ak-LXvCw/s1600/bloggy11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSMPAoS0MTHklmMKwauYMVxcqbxVBlWO1wi50QXJQxYxIB1r0auVynBXxH90NrTiiabjupgGOzPvQF7Lb5jCDa-mAtjFAD1m1R7pQbJ8uGQ2pbgEmjkvN-49Xa-tS8C89qAy8Ak-LXvCw/s400/bloggy11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>As if upsizing to a caravan wasn't enough, we also have a huge awning which is almost as big again as the caravan and divides into two rooms!</i></b></div>
<br />
It probably sounds funny but I felt dreadfully guilty to be moving out of Ken. After all, he wasn't just a car, he had been our <i>home</i> and everything we had in the world for so long. Living in Ken had been wonderful, it wasn't his fault that we had to leave. It's just as well everything happened so fast, as I would no doubt have found the whole moving out experience to have been far more difficult and emotional. As it was, we had only a few hours between periods of heavy rain to transfer everything out of Ken into our new home. Being in Marjorie Jean felt right straight away. As I busied myself with playing house and finding the perfect place for everything, I had to chuckle when Gareth gently chided me. 'Just because we have more room now, doesn't mean we have to go and fill it with a load more stuff', he reminded me. 'Look around at all this already!' 'What do you mean? I haven't bought any more stuff! All this was in the van! It's just we couldn't see it before', I laughed, looking around at our tiny array of ornaments; the bride and groom from our wedding cake, a seashell from Whangamata beach and the little jade Buddha my mum had brought me back from Asia.<br />
<br />
Admittedly I did end up treating myself to one small folly the very next day. I spent a whole $4 at The Warehouse on a battery operated light up cactus. I figured everyone needs one of those. At least, everyone needs to remember the words on it.<br />
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<b><i>A little reminder, just in case we ever forget!</i></b></div>
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We lost count of new joys and differences we noticed in the caravan that day. For starters, it was quite a sight to see Gareth get out of bed, STAND up and WALK over to the fridge to get a drink. For the past two years all he had been able to do was roll over and perch on the edge of the bed! Although we didn't even have a kitchen yet, it was an immediate joy to sit at the table to cook and to eat together. When we were in the van, we could only sit facing one another at meal times when the weather was nice enough to sit outside. When it wasn't, one of us had to sit at the back of the van on one end of the bed, while the other perched on the other end with their back to them, preparing the evening meal. Much as we loved Ken, we quickly began to wonder, how in heaven's name had we managed to live that way for so long?!<br />
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<b><i>We still love you Ken! Even if you do smell...</i></b></div>
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Talking of Ken, I never realised how God awful he smelled all the while we had been living in him. Upon leaving the caravan the next day to drive Ken into town, I opened the door and was immediately hit with the stench of 1000 dinners. That, and the indescribable scent of an unwashed couple and a dog, who had occupied it almost constantly for the last 700 odd days. Thank goodness we had never had room for visitors in there! So many new things to delight in that almost anyone else would take for granted. I will think of more as we go along; even now, weeks later I still smile at the simple act of turning the key in the lock and quietly opening and closing the little hinge door, rather than cringe at the earth shattering SCREEEEK Ken would make whenever we used the sliding door. At least now we're up to date on how Marjorie came about and how we found her. We adore our little home and have been busy bees renovating the inside so that she has the kitchen and office that we so desperately need. I can't wait to show you some of our finds! Gareth has been doing an awesome job of transforming objects and giving them a new purpose and lease of life. To be honest, after such a dreadful few months, I think our Marjorie Jean has given us a new lease of life too!<br />
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<b><i>Our adorable new home, with its super quiet door!</i></b></div>
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Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-64102332873310444902018-09-30T15:33:00.004-07:002018-09-30T15:44:02.196-07:00Silver SpoonsI may not be able to travel too far myself right now, but it's given me the ideal opportunity to tell you about some of the wonderful people we have met on the road. Today's blog is well overdue! We met Tony Hamilton back at the start of the year. He and his wife, Beth parked next to us for several days in their adorable gypsy style house truck. Every morning, Tony would unload boxes and boxes onto a large table and would spend most of the day working with various pieces of machinery. I didn't like to be too nosey, he was obviously busy but one of the boxes looked as though they contained spoons. I couldn't imagine why anyone would want so many spoons, let alone living in a mobile home but I figured there must be a good reason!<br />
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<b><i>When is a spoon not a spoon? When it's in the hands of Tony Hamilton!</i></b></div>
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The following day we got talking, as we campers do, and after the usual sort of chat he said 'Ah well, I'd better get back to work. I've got some bracelets to make'. Instantly my curiosity was piqued. 'Bracelets? Ooh lovely!' I said. 'Come and have a look if you like', he said, leading me over to the table. And I learned what the spoons were for. Pretty much anything except to eat with! Where most people see cutlery as something purely plain and functional, Tony sees countless opportunities to turn them into something precious and beautiful.<br />
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As Tony set about his work, he was kind enough to let Gareth and I watch. Born in Christchurch and raised in Upper Hutt, he and Beth have been living on the road for 16 years. Before then, the couple were mortgage free with no kids. For some that may sound the perfect scenario, but Tony hated his job. 'Why were we slogging our guts out full time, for only three weeks off a year? We knew it was time to change'. That change came when they purchased their first house truck, back in 1995. 'It came up on Trade Me and we bought it unseen, apart from a mechanic check', Tony says of their leap of faith. 'We knew who built it and it was his third build, so we had a pretty good idea what we were getting'.<br />
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'The best advice we were given was that the first year would be the hardest, and it was', Tony said, remembering when they first started out. 'When your dream becomes a reality, you lose the dream. You need some sort of plan, or every beach starts to look the same'. Fortunately Beth and Tony had no shortage of skills between them and were soon able to find plenty of work to keep them busy and support their new lifestyle.<br />
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<b><i>Silver cutlery makes ornate and surprisingly effective windchimes!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>One of Tony's delightfully unique oil burners</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Even the coat hooks have character!</i></b></div>
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Tony's first foray into silverware art and crafts was in 2004. 'I made six windchimes', he smiled at the memory. 'I took them along to markets but wasn't having much luck selling them, so I made more while I was sitting there to pass the time. I ended up with 74!' From there he started making oil burners, coat hooks, cell phone stands - you wouldn't believe what this guy can make out of silver spoons! And then there is the jewellery. It turns out that spoons really do make beautiful bracelets! I loved looking at the huge array and began to see the ornate knives, forks and spoons I remembered as a little girl in a completely different way. How I wish I had kept them! They don't make them like that any more, I frowned, thinking of the bland, mass produced stuff from Kmart or The Warehouse we all tend to eat with these days.<br />
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<b><i>Just some of the huge array of hand made rings</i></b></div>
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<b><i>They don't make cutlery like this any more! </i></b></div>
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'No two pieces of anything I make are the same', Tony told me. 'I come up with new ideas all the time. You get to know what people want'. Honestly, you have no idea how gorgeous jewellery made from cutlery can be, you have to see it to believe it. But when you think about it, it makes perfect sense; after all, it is silver! While we were talking, a lady came along to pick up a ring which had caught her eye and Tony was adjusting to fit her. I asked to see more of the rings and was instantly charmed by an adorable ring made from a fork and shaped to look like a tiny elephant. I'd never seen anything like it! Needless to say, it was on my finger that afternoon and I haven't taken it off since.<br />
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<b><i>Tony can make anything from pendants to bangles and rings to earrings</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Every piece Tony makes undergoes a painstaking and careful process to restore the silver to its former beauty</i></b></div>
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'Do you do online orders, or have a website?' I asked. 'Nope, we only sell in person or at markets. Summer is an incredibly busy time for us, travelling around the market circuit. You get to know where people go on holiday and which are the best ones to go to'. Indeed, that was how Beth and Tony came to be parked next to us, in preparation for one of Gore's biggest events of the year, the annual A & P Show. In addition to Tony's amazing silverware skills, Beth also makes a staggering range of beautiful dreamcatchers. What struck me most about this lovely couple however, was how incredibly content they are. And how could they not be? What nicer way is there to live than travelling around this wonderful country of ours, making beautiful things and bringing happiness to others? It was a pleasure getting to know this lovely couple. Hopefully one of these days our paths will cross again!<br />
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<b><i>Look out for Beth's bright and beautiful dreamcatchers at a market near you!</i></b></div>
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Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-50198347561932350602018-09-27T17:07:00.000-07:002018-09-27T17:07:03.557-07:00Parsley Day at Lake MonowaiNow we're back home and on the way to recovery, I need to back up the van a few weeks so I can tell you all about a lovely day out we recently had! September 8th is Parsley Day, which is our affectionate term for the day Gareth and I met. We wanted to do something nice, and the weather looked promising so we decided to pay a visit to Lake Monowai. This beautiful place marks the gateway to Fiordland, coming from the Southern end but is more off the beaten track than its touristy counterparts, Te Anau and Manapouri. <div>
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<b><i>Am thoroughly enjoying being a passenger!</i></b></div>
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For new driver Gareth, it was going to be a great chance for him to experience a wide variety of roads and conditions, the first of which was fog. Fortunately it wasn't long before the sun decided to make an appearance, by which time we were well on our way. The only downside to Lake Monowai is that dogs aren't allowed there, so we softened the blow for poor Minnie by first taking her to one of her favourite places, Fraser's Beach at Manapouri. I have to say, it's one of my favourite places too and Gareth always has quite a job trying to prise both Minnie and I away from there!</div>
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<b><i>Minnie in her happy place</i></b></div>
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But there were new places to explore today and so we enjoyed a spot of lunch and then continued on. For me, being a passenger is still quite a novelty and I really enjoyed looking at everything with fresh, new eyes along the way. There had been a heavy snowfall the night before and there was plenty of snow on the mountains. Eventually we turned off to Lake Monowai and proceeded along the next six kilometres of gravel road. The further we went along, the more it felt as though we were really out in the middle of nowhere, there was nothing around for miles! But at last we arrived and I was surprised to see not the usual tourists, but half a dozen boat trailers parked at the ramp. Years before now, this had been a common sight for me in the North Island and I would have been in a boat just like them. It made me realise how much my life had changed and how many more lakes I see these days, just for fun, to simply enjoy their beauty. </div>
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<b><i>The long, gravel road to Lake Monowai</i></b></div>
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There is heaps to do at Lake Monowai and indeed the whole Borland area. You can explore it by boat, kayak, mountain bike or on foot. The Borland Road provides access to trampers, hunters,
mountain bikers and other recreational users of Fiordland
National Park, passing through beech forest to the Borland
Saddle and further on to the Grebe Valley and Lake Manapouri. If you enjoy hiking, you're spoilt for choice, with options to suit everyone, from a 30 minute stroll to a full day tramp. There are also plenty of places to camp, courtesy of several Department of Conservation huts, or the freedom camp at Lake Monowai itself. On this day it was quiet but we have it on good authority from others who have stayed there that tourists are packed in like sardines in the summer! While there are toilets there, making it suitable for both self contained and non-self contained vehicles, there is no water available for miles, so if planning to stay, make sure you've got plenty on board.</div>
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<b><i>The Lake Monowai forest walk is so soft and fluffy!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>You'll probably want to spend more than 30 minutes here!</i></b></div>
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While I would have loved to do the six-hour hike to Green Lake, my body was far from up to anything of the sort! Besides, we had Minnie with us, so we had to keep the schedule simple and content ourselves with the 30 minute nature walk to the Lake Monowai lookout. This gorgeous and well maintained track starts at the main carpark and while I had been looking forward to it, it was even better than we both expected. You may remember me mentioning Lake Gunn before now. It's one of our favourite places on the road to Milford Sound. The forest walk at Lake Monowai put us very much in mind of that incredible place. The bonus to Monowai however, is that you don't have to drive for hours on the Milford Road, crawling along like ants and shuffling for space among thousands of tourists. Here, you get to enjoy all the amazing otherworld-liness the easy way! Both Gareth and I were enchanted with the fairy-like forest, all soft spongy moss and winding trees and grottos and consequently spent closer to two hours there, rather than the estimated 30 minutes!</div>
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<b><i>A peek at Lake Monowai from the boat ramp</i></b></div>
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<b><i>No amount of photography can do this place justice!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Gareth doing his best to get close to the action!</i></b></div>
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Lake Monowai looks beautiful enough from the carpark and we were impressed enough with the view simply standing on the bridge next to the boat ramp. However nothing could have prepared us for the view from the lookout. You know that feeling when you just <i>know</i> that you're going to see something spectacular, but when you get there, you couldn't possibly have imagined just how much? That. As we emerged through the trees and on to the lakefront, we were both just gobsmacked. Talk about ethereal. Everything was completely silent, except for the gentle trickle of the water. We climbed onto the rocks and just stood and looked at it for ages. You can never see enough of a view like that. Every time we do something like this, it makes me so very glad I changed my life! You just can't put a price on this stuff. Once upon a time the giant moa used to inhabit this very forest, and you can just imagine it looking around. Indeed the area is rich in cultural history and was very important to the indigenous Māori, who
frequented it on food gathering expeditions, hunting the poor old moa and
kakapo and fishing for eels.
Lake Monowai itself also powers one of the South Island's oldest hydroelectric
stations, which opened in 1925. We went to take a look before returning back to the car, stopping every now and then to chat to the friendly anglers returning back from a day's trout fishing in the sunshine. </div>
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<b><i>The hydro station is one of the country's oldest</i></b></div>
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By the time we got home it was well after dark. We were both beyond wanting to cook dinner - besides, it was Parsley Day! But there wasn't much open at that time of night, especially for a couple of picky vegans! Fortunately we found a fish and chip shop still open. '$10 chips? Are you sure that's all you want?' the owner said at the other end of the phone. 'Yes, that's right!' I replied. It was all we could have from the menu, and besides we were starving! Years ago, $10 chips would have fed a kids' rugby team and $2 chips would have bought you a feast, but not any more. We knew we were going to need more than a dozen fries each! What we didn't know was that this takeaway was a family business, ran by people who knew what $10 chips <i>used</i> to look like. As I handed over my $10 I was presented with two enormous paper wrapped parcels, enough to feed an army! We didn't have a hope of being able to eat even half of them, and Gareth enjoyed another three feeds out of them over the next couple of days! It made us smile to see such good old fashioned value. All in all, it was a wonderful day. I'm not sure how different Lake Monowai may be in the height of summer, but I have no desire to find out. As far as we're concerned, it's perfect right now, just as it is.</div>
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<b><i>We had a wonderful Parsley Day!</i></b></div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-56035195736228700432018-08-24T20:39:00.004-07:002018-08-24T20:51:44.511-07:00The Last Hurrah<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Firstly,
thank you so much once again for your kind messages and words of
support. I am one lucky lady to have so many wonderful caring
friends, even though I have never met many of you! And I
apologise that so many of my posts have been health related lately on
what is supposed to be a travel blog. But we are real people,
still living a real life. Packing up one lifestyle and
exchanging it for another, albeit simpler one doesn't stop things
from happening or prevent fate from stepping in every now and then.
Anyone who lives on the road will tell you it's not perfect all the
time. But I reckon it's pretty bloody close. Even with
all its challenges, we live a truly blessed life.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Looking quite chuffed to be driving this beasty!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">And one of the most brilliant things about living a mobile life is that
even when the chips are down, you don't have to stop the adventures.
As long as you can still drive, or have someone to drive you, there
is still no end to the exciting new places and beautiful views you
can still visit and appreciate. It doesn't matter if you have
to stop and have a rest or a snooze if you feel a bit pooped, even
for several days, when you have your whole house with you! So
when I got the chance recently to take a beautiful big </span></span></span><a href="https://www.southerncampers.co.nz/our-campers.html" target="_blank">motorhome</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"> for
a whole day out, courtesy of our friend Murray at </span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/southerncampersnz/" target="_blank">Southern
Campers</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">,
I jumped at the opportunity. My mission was simple, yet very
enjoyable. All I had to do was drive us around as much
beautiful scenery as I could manage in a day, while Gareth
concentrated on getting as much glorious footage as possible to make
Murray some promotional videos. That much I could do!
Even if it meant strapping my ever-present hot water bottle in
tightly under my seatbelt with the rest of me. It worked a
treat and we set off excitedly.</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Our
route was all planned out. We would head off along the </span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.southernscenicroute.co.nz/" target="_blank">Southern
Scenic Route</a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
and explore Western Southland, ticking off several as yet unseen
destinations along the way, then make our way up to one of our
favourite parts of the country, Fiordland! Western Southland is
host to some of the most popular and well known freedom camping spots
in the south and I couldn't wait to check them out. All these
months we had farewelled many a traveller off to the likes of Cosy
Nook, Colac Bay and Monkey Island and at last it was our turn to
follow in their footsteps. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>We travelled in style all across Western Southland</i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
road to Invercargill was characteristically grey as we set out, but
the weather promised to improve and by the time we reached Riverton,
known as the 'Riviera of the South', the sun was poking out from
behind the clouds. For me, driving a vehicle of this size was a
big thing and it felt great to be finally facing one of my fears.
I had never driven anything bigger than Ken, and at 3.3 metres high
and over 7 metres long, this four-berth motorhome was a heck of a lot
bigger! My newfound height was one of the first important things I was to become aware of when I casually went to park outside the local petrol station to get
some supplies. '<i>Trees!</i>' Gareth made me almost jump
out of my skin, mercifully in the nick of time! Crikey, I
wasn't used to having to worry about things like tree branches
sticking out, or whether I could fit my vehicle underneath them!
After that I was incredibly mindful of every single twig that
threatened to invade my precious aura. And as a complete newbie at
driving such a large vehicle, I could see at last why it is that
motorhomers often don't pull over; even when they have queues of
angry drivers behind them, who have been following them
for miles. You're so conscious of how much room you take up on
the road and so busy making sure you're not too far over to the left,
or to the right and that you're not going to hit anything sticking
out of the roadside, you can become completely oblivious of the poor
souls behind you, desperately wishing you would move over! But
once I realised I became more mindful of it, and determined not to be
one of 'those' motorhomers, did my best to pull over and let others
pass, earning myself many grateful beeps and waves as a result.
Not that I was going slow mind, as it turns out, motorhomes of this
size are surprisingly grunty and I had no problem maintaining the
speed limit! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Colac Bay. Sort of.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Driving
a motorhome really is just like driving a car and I was chuffed to
bits with myself for taking to it like a duck to water. At
least when it came to driving forwards! However I was soon
thrown when I steered us expertly down the first road to Colac Bay
and discovered too late that the road was closed. I had no
choice but to try out my first three-point turn, on an incredibly
narrow road, with the tide fully in just a few feet behind me!
Fortunately, with the help of Gareth yelling instructions behind me
and my reversing camera, we were soon on our way again, but there were
several more times in the course of the day where we both agreed a
co-driver was incredibly helpful, and for the first time I could see
why so many motorhoming couples often joke about bickering when it
comes to parking and other manoeuvres!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
the tide being so far in, our ideas of a leisurely stroll along the
renowned surf beach were quashed. Sadly it was the same when we
went to turn off to Cosy Nook. Again the road was closed and I was sad to be unable to visit the
adorable little settlement I had heard so much about. Our run
of luck continued when we arrived at Gemstone Beach. As the
name suggests, this beach is really quite stunning and semi-precious
gems such as quartz, jasper, garnet and nephrite are commonly found
when walking along the sand But once again the tide was against
us and the only thing we were going to get from our visit was wet
feet. Still, it didn't really worry us. We just made a
note to go back and enjoy them all again another time - and this time
we would check the tides first!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0ahG_rrreYpSU_-EfO6KSPxN5cSUj16N6ThMtpylpKpwZqyFRdSisF8qazGLlpMD17JTlPjvDALUcittG4cpPK6X6h9UX3Ygxyxrn-FmEbKgvSVETGrgiXxXx-zUux1z7LUFSpD81lMX/s1600/southlannnnd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0ahG_rrreYpSU_-EfO6KSPxN5cSUj16N6ThMtpylpKpwZqyFRdSisF8qazGLlpMD17JTlPjvDALUcittG4cpPK6X6h9UX3Ygxyxrn-FmEbKgvSVETGrgiXxXx-zUux1z7LUFSpD81lMX/s400/southlannnnd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I love the Southland landscape!</i></b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Besides,
we still had plenty more places to visit, and the stunning landscape
which was accompanying us the whole way was only reigniting our love
for Southland even more. There really is nothing like the
mountains of the Deep South, at least not to us. The absolute
freaking hugeness of them is just mindblowing and it just makes me so
glad to be in this beautiful part of the world. Sometimes
they're dark and brooding, other times warm and welcoming. But
on any given day they're spectacular and before long we could my
favourite kind of mountains of all - snowy ones!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Nothing makes me smile like the sight of snow!</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before
long we had reached our next stop, Monkey Island. To date I had heard
only two things about the place; one that it was full to capacity
with cars, vans and motorhomes of every description, every night
during the tourist season. Two, that it is incredibly windy and
exposed all year round! While I had no desire to stay there for
both reasons, I was keen to check out this freedom camping Mecca.
As I parked the motorhome at the edge of the beach and looked out at
the little island a short way out to sea, I could definitely see the
appeal. The beach was stunning and for once it wasn't even that
windy! Monkey Island got its name from the fact you can climb
up it, which a lot of people do, just like monkeys. There is
even a staircase leading up to the top, which is accessible at low
tide, however once again we had timed it wrong. It really
didn't matter though, the view in itself was enough, with the ocean
in the foreground and the snowy mountains behind. We were
pretty much the only monkeys there too, and it was awesome to see
this gorgeous spot at this time of year in all its glory, before the
hordes would soon descend for the summer months.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<b><i>Winter is the perfect time to visit Monkey Island!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG12uDEznXg3PgpIa-0HJgpdfDfaiMAne30mj5_jOlGviXQQMwqa342zkMLNnN6z4fvI-KVcYJFGAc5SV9ql3sRucZm6W8gHLZi368jufujH6xftYtl9xm1HayYd9njOhL4bcOlAwgNtyx/s1600/monkey+and+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG12uDEznXg3PgpIa-0HJgpdfDfaiMAne30mj5_jOlGviXQQMwqa342zkMLNnN6z4fvI-KVcYJFGAc5SV9ql3sRucZm6W8gHLZi368jufujH6xftYtl9xm1HayYd9njOhL4bcOlAwgNtyx/s400/monkey+and+snow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Sea and snow in the same view? Where else but Southland!</i></b></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Monkey Island. If you look closely you can see the steps up to the top</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we
pulled back out onto the main road, Gareth wound down the window.
'Ugh, silage!' he said as he sniffed the air. 'Where else but
Southland do you get sea, snow AND silage!' I laughed. A short
distance down the road I pulled in at the Clifden Suspension Bridge.
This historic structure was built in 1899 and given my fear of both
heights and suspension bridges I didn't plan to set foot on it!
However I was pleasantly surprised at the workmanship of this old
relic and we took a pleasant stroll both on the bridge and around the
reserve. Definitely worth the stop! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="western">
</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Minnie and me on the Clifden Bridge. She had a great day out too!</i></b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
were getting some serious kilometres under our belt now and I was
enjoying the journey immensely. It felt so good to be out and
about! We laughed and sang as we went along and as we made our
way to Fiordland and more and more motorhomes and campervans began to
appear, we were surprised to see how many tourists were already about
for the time of year. I was even more surprised when another
rental motorhome drove towards us, with two young girls sitting in
the front. 'They're giving me the finger!' I said to Gareth,
shocked. 'Oh hang on, no they're not, they're <i>waving</i>!'
I laughed, waving back enthusiastically in the nick of time.
The next motorhome waved at us too, and the next. 'They think
we're overseas tourists, like them!' we giggled. From then on I
waved at every motorhome and campervan we encountered. But you
know what? Of all the travellers we waved at, not one NZMCA
member waved back. Come on Kiwis, lift your game!</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Fraser's Beach, Lake Manapouri</i></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGq8yfMk7H3HjYil7EIH8G4hUSlAenge0EMUHtVNSVenVn0Iw6UsHBRKXGti_51xmbde1HWNBrqCkxNjbAMT-g1uPR0wK1xtO1xnmDn9IjNtIhMrTgJ-GCaOpXYpjew9sNQ-MFpRydBFG/s1600/lake+mannas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGq8yfMk7H3HjYil7EIH8G4hUSlAenge0EMUHtVNSVenVn0Iw6UsHBRKXGti_51xmbde1HWNBrqCkxNjbAMT-g1uPR0wK1xtO1xnmDn9IjNtIhMrTgJ-GCaOpXYpjew9sNQ-MFpRydBFG/s400/lake+mannas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Lake Manapouri, Fiordland</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
visit to Fiordland wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of my
favourite places, Lake Manapouri. Time was getting on now but
we managed to fit in a walk at Fraser's Beach before we moved on to
Te Anau. We'd never been to Te Anau out of peak season and it
was lovely to see the little town so quiet. By now I'd become
well used to parking my lovely big motorhome and was particularly
impressed at how well I had positioned it into a parking space in the
Subway carpark. I even asked Gareth to take a photo, but he
refused me bragging rights, pointing out that, with the exception of
us, the carpark was in fact completely empty. </span></span></span></div>
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<b><i>I've got enough memories to last this passenger for quite a while!</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
there we headed home, still singing all the way. It was the
best day I'd had in a long time and we so much appreciated Murray's
kindness in trusting me with his motorhome! I guess you could
say it was just what the doctor ordered and it made me realise I
wasn't quite as useless as I thought I was. After all, I'd just
driven hundreds of kilometres! What I didn't realise at the
time was that would be the last time I was allowed to drive, at least
for the foreseeable future. The very next day I was put on a
bunch of pain medication which no longer allows me behind the wheel.
That was something I could never have predicted - but what a last
hurrah!</span></span></span></div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-36455265544535240212018-08-19T19:15:00.001-07:002018-08-19T19:51:35.764-07:00The Waiting Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Crikey, it's been a while, hasn't it? I'd like to say the absence of blogs has been due to the fact we've been having so much fun, going all over the place and having all kinds of jolly adventures, but in reality the last few months have been one long string of medical appointments. I'm surprised the local doctors haven't offered us one of their parking spaces as a freedom camp, it would save a lot of to-ing and fro-ing! If you haven't seen the full explanation already, you can catch up <a href="https://www.facebook.com/richeshavewheels/posts/1739888919456911?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDRaNK5LjjouuIMehqAipcya556-D7-gTa3l-jyZjwXN29fNJfUq14Ocyo5CPu8BRFZL-0-AICA4hmoXvQZAm1WXdVudFCwm6xdQlZFYW1KVgXEo_WIt-M-ZkyNDyy23NV9vpywdExV&__tn__=K-R" target="_blank">here</a> but to cut a long story short(ish), I'm not currently feeling the flashest and haven't been for quite some time. We left our house for a life on the road in November 2016 and my symptoms first began eight weeks later so it's been hanging around for quite a while! The worst part was not knowing what the heck was wrong with me and I lost a lot of sleep worrying about what it could possibly be. I was tested for a lot of gnarly things too, which didn't help! But after more than six months of tests we finally have a diagnosis. I have a severe case of something called adenomyosis. I'd never heard of it before, most people haven't and I won't go into details but it can be cured with a hysterectomy. The downside is, it could be up to a year before I get the operation. In the meantime, the condition has progressed to the stage where I can no longer stand or walk more than a few steps. It sucks, but as the saying goes there is always someone worse off and I consider myself very lucky, at least I have something that is curable. </div>
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<b><i>When I took this silly selfie, showing off my stylish hospital gown to Gareth,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>I had no idea that half an hour later I would be undergoing a biopsy!</i></b></div>
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To top it all off, next Tuesday I am booked in for breast surgery to have a load of naughty cells removed. I'm not scared, I'm just grateful, I had no idea they were even there! It doesn't matter what sort of home you have or where, it's still vital you keep up with things like mammograms, blood tests and the like and even though I wasn't anticipating any problems and we already had quite enough tests going on, I made a point of popping into the mobile 'boob bus' when it was in town. Ironically, the very next day I saw a bunch of posts on Facebook, saying that mammograms weren't even effective and could actually <i>give</i> you cancer. I'm really glad I didn't see those posts until I had already been, or it could have swayed my judgement. As it was, that 'ineffective' mammogram saved my life. So apologies for sharing so much personal information today, but if there's one thing I've learned you can't stick your head in the sand when it comes to these things. You only get one body, one life and we should all make the most of every opportunity we are given to check that everything is as it should be. The day I went for my mammogram a fellow friend who lives on the road said to me 'Oh I don't bother with those, I know my own body!' Well there you go. I thought I did too.<br />
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<b><i>I'm blessed every morning, waking up to a view like this!</i></b></div>
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But enough of the anatomy lessons already! I've always considered myself to be quite a positive person - at least, I try, and I've learned to be grateful for so many more things during this time. The friends we have here at the campground are all so wonderful and supportive, and the health care we have received here in Southland is truly outstanding. I'm grateful for everything from the little fat sparrows which come right up to our door in the van to the noisy wee lambs which are starting to make an appearance in the field behind us. Most of all I am grateful for my long suffering husband, who feeds me (seriously, he makes the bestest most comforting food ever), keeps me constantly supplied with hot water bottles and hugs, walks alongside me at a snail's pace on days I can manage it and is just all round amazing.<br />
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I'm also glad that my symptoms didn't start to show before we sold the house and set out on the road. If I had known what the future held less than two years down the track, I would no doubt have imagined my health and limited mobility would have made travelling impossible and our lives could have gone down a very different path. Which would have been an incredible shame! It's only natural for people to make such an assumption, that living in a house must surely be easier, more convenient and more comfortable. However, both Gareth and I (and indeed every other person we speak to who has dealt with health issues on the road) have found that on the contrary, managing an illness or disability in a small space is far easier. Seriously, not having a whole flipping great house to keep on top of at a time like this is an absolute blessing. As for getting to appointments, all the travelling and waiting around is a lot easier when you can take your whole house with you! And ironically, this condition has led me to being otherwise in the best health of my life. All the months of not knowing what was wrong with me, and wondering whether it was something I was inadvertently doing to myself caused me to gradually eliminate absolutely everything which was potentially harmful or unhealthy from my diet. In many ways I've never felt better! Even when I do eventually get my operation, there's no way I'll ever return to any of my previous habits.<br />
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I'm not the most patient person in the world (Gareth always bursts out laughing when I say that, I have no idea why!) but the great thing about living on the road is that plans can change and it really doesn't matter if they do. We have all the time in the world to get where we're going and are looking forward to so many adventures. The last couple of weeks I was feeling really down. REALLY down. Down dooby doo down down. I miss my boys so much. It's been six months since I last saw Liam and 19 months since I saw Ali! All I wanted to do was see my family and I had been promising Ali for so long that we would come back to the North Island for a while to spend some time with him. I was sick of my health woes constantly getting in the way and it felt as though I was letting everyone down. But Ali had a way of making me see things differently, the way he always has. 'I'm alright Mum, I'll still be here. There's so many cool things to do and see up here, I want to be able to do them with you. There's no point you coming up if you can't do anything!' he told me. Point taken kiddo. And so we wait.<br />
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<b><i>The first signs of spring are everywhere</i></b></div>
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Winter is almost done and dusted for another year and we have to say, it was a breeze. Despite being dogged with health problems the whole way through, and the weather gurus telling us we were in for a shocker of a season, after starting off with a hiss and a roar back in early June, the frosts have been few and far between and on the whole it's been so mild. There's nothing we love more than being in our toasty van during winter. Even though it gets down to -4 degrees some nights, we're so warm we're literally throwing the blankets off! Two things we found made a big difference this year; first we parked up on the hard ground this winter. Last year we parked on the grass and it was so darn messy, particularly when Minnie would come inside with her wet and muddy Ewok feet! This year all that has been really kept to a minimum and it has made things so much easier.<br />
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<b><i>Still happy as ever after surviving our second winter!</i></b></div>
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Secondly, we did it - we beat the van damp and put an end to our mattress woes! I'm almost too scared to say it in case I jinx us but seeing as there are only 10 days left in winter hopefully it's safe to now. The answer in the end was incredibly simple. You may remember us drilling holes in the wooden bed base last year, to allow air to flow, particularly in our underbed storage area. Sadly this didn't work. Then in autumn this year we used plastic pallets to elevate our mattress, creating space between the foam squabs and the wooden base. This worked fairly well but still wasn't perfect. In a last ditch attempt, and on the advice of our neighbour Wayne, we got a small fan heater, which either blows cold or warm air as we choose and tucked it into the now large space under the bed. The result has been a bone dry mattress, all winter! We don't even need to have it running constantly, we just pop it on morning and night for a bit, or when we're out. Such an easy solution after all that hassle!Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-54568466427731926152018-06-04T19:36:00.001-07:002018-06-04T19:36:19.793-07:00Cold Noses, Warm Fuzzies and a Walk in Narnia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>It might be cold down here - but it sure is beautiful!</i></b></div>
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I'm not sure if I said this last winter or not - I probably did - but I don't think I have ever been so cold in my life! I knew we got away lightly last year, but already this winter is proving to be next level. I'm really interested to see just how cold it's going to get. But don't worry! We are fine and toasty in the van. How can we not be? We have a fan heater, an oil heater and a dehumidifier all crammed into a 4.6 x 1.6 metre space! It's only outside that's a little more challenging. However in typical style we're like a couple of big kids, sliding around on the ice and 'skating' in the supermarket carpark. It's awesome! Although you do get the odd sharp reminder of how hazardous it can be, poor Gareth was lucky he didn't break his arm at the weekend when he came a cropper only a few metres away from the van. Even something as simple as getting to the loo can be a challenge when it's really icy and I've been having a right old giggle every time I see the toilets frozen over every morning and full of icicles!<br />
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<b><i>Spaces at our campground get booked out for the annual Gold Guitars up to a year in advance!</i></b></div>
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The icy blast would have certainly made it a memorable stay for the couple of hundred motorhomers who were in residence last week for the Gold Guitars. Almost none of them imagined how cold it was going to be and it came as a real shock to the system! It also came as a shock to their motorhomes, with many campers experiencing frozen and burst pipes for the duration of their stay. To make it even more challenging, most of the campground water pipes were frozen for the majority of every day, making it impossible to fill up water tanks or do even the most basic things! You just have to laugh and go with the flow when it's like that; there's nothing you can do. But freezing as it was, it did nothing to dampen the enjoyment or enthusiasm of the country music enthusiasts. They came, they saw, they sang and danced and every one we spoke to vowed they would be back again. I have no doubt they will too; we saw quite a few faces from last year and it was lovely that they remembered us. We even saw a couple of people we used to know from our old home town of Whangamata! Such a neat surprise to see them.<br />
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<b><i>Wayne and Leanne's log fire is a gorgeous addition to their bus!</i></b></div>
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And now that's pretty much the last hurrah for our campground for the next little while. Just a few of us residents hunkering down for the winter. At this stage there are just 11 of us and we love it. Us two in our van, Wayne and Leanne, Kevin and Raewyn, who live in their buses, Dan and Glenn in their caravans, Debra in her car, also for her second winter like us, and Margaret and Ivan in their fifth wheeler. We're all different but we all get along great guns. Last weekend, when the country music fans were kicking up their heels at the Gold Guitar awards, we were enjoying a peaceful cosy evening in Wayne and Leanne's bus, sitting by the log fire and enjoying delicious home made soup. It was so nice and relaxed, even the dogs Minnie and Milo were sleeping contentedly. Times like these make me so very glad that we live this way and have had the opportunity to make such wonderful friends. Whatever the cold, wet months ahead may bring, we're all here for each other.<br />
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<b><i>Dolamore Park is a great place to go for a short walk or a long hike.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>You can camp there too!</i></b></div>
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With so much ice and snow on the roads, the weather has made driving a bit hazardous lately and put the cobblers on some of our plans for a road trip. However it still hasn't stopped us going out adventuring! Yesterday was one of the most special days I've had in a long time. Just a few kilometres out of Gore township is Dolamore Park. It's a beautiful place at any time of year; 95 hectares of native forest and plantings and has something for everyone. There are various hiking tracks to choose from for all ages and capabilities, ranging from 10 minutes to four hours and a mountain bike track too. With its parklike setting it's also a perfect place for families, with a brilliant playground and BBQ area. To top it off, it's also a campground, with powered and unpowered sites, kitchen and showers available. Unfortunately for us, it's owned by the Department of Conservation and, as with most DoC sites dogs are not permitted. Such a shame, as Minnie would love it there! The good thing about this time of year however is that we can leave her in the van safely without worrying about her overheating (no chance of that!) so we can make plans for the odd 'child free' adventure.<br />
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<b><i>Frosty stalacmites stick up from the ground...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>...And on anything else it can cling to!</i></b></div>
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With the day dawning gloriously frosty and clear, we seized our chance. Our mission was to head to Dolamore Park and climb to the top of Poppelwell's Lookout; which has stunning views right across Southland, as far as Bluff and even Stewart Island. We were never going to get a better day than this one! So off we set, past farmland and mountains along the short drive to Dolamore Park. We were the only ones there, with the exception of a woman and her three children, who were laughing noisily and lying on the ground making snow angels. Except it wasn't snow they were rolling around in, it was ice! We had never seen a frost like it; not here in NZ anyway. Spiky stalactites at least an inch high clung to every leaf, every blade of grass and every available surface and even the tiniest leaves hung with icicles. It felt as though we were in Narnia and I could hardly contain my excitement. <br />
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<b><i>A frosty white path leads the way to the top</i></b></div>
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We made our way through the bush, with the sun streaming through the trees and melting the ice. Up and up we climbed, until we finally came upon the frost again, forming a white path leading to the top. While we had been here once before, the view was just as breathtaking as it had been the first time and we smiled in satisfaction at the sight of Southland, stretching out before us for miles and miles. We took heaps of photos, as well as the obligatory selfies, before reluctantly making our way down again. We wanted to stay longer but a) we needed to keep moving before the air started to freeze and the roads got icy again and b) the bench we sat on last time was covered in frost a couple of inches thick! <br />
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<b><i>The view from Poppelwell's Lookout stretches for miles</i></b></div>
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Besides, we still had more we wanted to see, like the Whisky Creek Falls. We slid and crunched our way back down until we came to another small track which was barely visible. No wonder we missed it last time! We scrambled our way down, Gareth with a good deal more grace than I, and there it was, a beautiful three-tiered waterfall. There are so many gorgeous wee gems hiding in Gore, you never know what surprising things you are going to find! Best of all, it was strung all the way across with a necklace of icicles! How often do you see something like that? <br />
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<b><i>Whisky Creek Falls</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Out of the track and back into 'Narnia'</i></b></div>
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We found our way back onto the main track and as late afternoon approached we could feel the temperature really starting to drop. Before we knew it, we found ourselves in an even more incredible part of Narnia. With the sun on the mountains giving off a warm glow and the ground below and trees around us sparkling white and shin deep in frost, it really did make for the most awesome spectacle. Gareth was going mad filming and taking photos of everything and I felt almost like a child again, skating over frozen ponds and puddles and licking icicles off the trees with my tongue. We didn't want to leave, it was all so magical but we still had one thing left to see. There really is no sky like a Southland sky and in Gore we are regularly treated to the most amazing sunsets. The only problem is, being surrounded by farmland there are always buildings and trees blocking the view! I had always dreamed of seeing it in its entirety, without obstacles and on the way home I finally got my chance. We parked along the side of the road and stood there for ages, shivering like a couple of mad people, watching the sun go down. Well, almost. In the end the cold got the better of us and we had to make a bolt for the van! But we saw the best bits - and as we stood and watched, a car drew up alongside us and Bevin's son, David wound down the window. 'My house is just up here!' he gestured to the next driveway. 'It's got the best view of the sunset in the valley! Come and see it any time you like', he grinned. Now I never have to miss another amazing skyshow!<br />
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<b><i>The mindblowing power of Mother Nature!</i></b></div>
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All in all, it was a perfect day and the best thing about it was I got to enjoy it with my best friend and favourite person. We have the best times together just doing the simplest things. That's what this life is all about!Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-22608846126052066922018-05-21T19:00:00.003-07:002018-05-21T19:00:58.731-07:00Whales, Wars and Cool Pointy Things<br />
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<b><i>Welcome to an area steeped in history!</i></b></div>
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I might be from England originally, but there are times when I feel incredibly proud to be a Kiwi. Although a young country in comparison to many, we've had more than our fair share of historical dramas and have our own unique culture. Watching a Haka - a real one, with every ounce of heart and soul put into it - never fails to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end! I got the same feeling recently when we visited the little fishing settlement of Karitane. It was about time we got along there, Dunedin locals had been telling us about the place for long enough, so one warm and sunny afternoon we thought 'why not?' We were very glad we did too, as I think this would easily be one of my most favourite walks we have done so far.<br />
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<b><i>The Waikouaiti River is peaceful now - but it didn't used to be!</i></b></div>
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Like many places on the Otago Peninsula, the narrow, winding road seemed to go on forever and I wondered where the hell we were going, but eventually we descended into the sleepy little village and pulled into the small carpark at the edge of the Waikouaiti River. It was very peaceful and quaint, and felt very much as though we had gone back in time; but there didn't seem to be an awful lot to <i>do</i> there unless you had a fishing boat. However there was a sign which pointed to a Department of Conservation walkway to Huriawa Pā. We had no idea what lay ahead but thought we may as well follow the track, so we set off, in all honesty with not too much in the way of expectations.<br />
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<b><i>A different stunning view awaits you round every corner</i></b></div>
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How wrong we were. It wasn't long before we were climbing up through the grassy tracks and out onto a cliff side walk. The view was absolutely stunning, it was hard to know where to look first! We could see out to Taiaroa Heads to the south and Matanaka and Butterfly Bay to the north. With every step, every corner we were treated to something different. Here an archway, there a blowhole, and even the odd pointy pinnacle thingy. What made this place extra special however was the spiritual air which surrounded it. I haven't encountered a place like it since Cape Reinga. You could almost smell the history and the sadness in the air. As it turned out, there was good reason for this. <br />
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<b><i>The Huriawa Peninsula</i></b></div>
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The land at Huriawa is considered sacred, and was once the site of the fortress of a great Maori Chief, Te Wera. In the 1700's, Te Wera and his people were held under siege there by another Chief, his cousin Taoka. The siege lasted for six months, with Taoka convinced he would starve Te Wera and his people out. What Taoka didn't know was that a freshwater spring occurred naturally inside the fortress, enabling Te Wera and his people to survive. They may have been starving, but they didn't die of thirst and in the end, having depleted the area surrounding the fortress of food, Taoka and his men were themselves starving and had no choice but to give up and move on. In addition to being a significant battle site, by 1837 Huriawa had also become a whaling station and the area was now such a hotbed of violence and immorality, well meaning early European settlers couldn't bring themselves to stay there. As if that wasn't enough, it is said that two of the three blowholes came about due to a doomed romance. A young couple dared to elope and upon their return were hoping for forgiveness. Unfortunately for them, they got quite the opposite and their irate families hurled the pair from the cliffs with such forced, they each made a hole right through the rocks. Apparently the wife was the heavier of the two and created the bigger hole!<br />
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<b><i>The blowholes of (so it is said) an ill fated romance.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Am guessing the wife made this one!</i></b></div>
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But all death and disaster aside, there is still no denying that Karitane and its surrounding area is a truly beautiful spot. The track is well maintained and not too steep, and although there are hazard warnings everywhere not to walk too close to the cliff edge, as long as you abide by them it's not at all dangerous. I loved the diversity of the landscape, it was a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon and I didn't want it to end, I would have happily done it all over again! But eventually we made our way down the slope and onto Karitane beach, with its gorgeous views and golden sand. We didn't see any seals there that day, but like many places on the Otago Peninsula, they are frequent visitors to the area. And the history isn't all bad. For all the Kiwis reading this and yelling 'What about Plunket! Don't forget Plunket!' Karitane was indeed also the home of Sir Truby King, who founded the Plunket Society (named after the Governor General at the time) in the early 20th century. Thanks to him and his dedication in educating mothers in child care, infant mortality rates dropped by two-thirds during his lifetime and to this day, nurses known as Karitane nurses help mothers with their new babies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNATJUtY6aPoi1bG_m3m7gVsf0kPqMdYMJY3XOnmuM_JUbypdmjv_R1EI5z5Kw76yLjX_y3703k1fiaSwLZqxs0W50iCkldfkPyWzxLrf32au3ka-5eZZnuHgDPFqHuZkXmhzjVmOqX2M/s1600/kari8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNATJUtY6aPoi1bG_m3m7gVsf0kPqMdYMJY3XOnmuM_JUbypdmjv_R1EI5z5Kw76yLjX_y3703k1fiaSwLZqxs0W50iCkldfkPyWzxLrf32au3ka-5eZZnuHgDPFqHuZkXmhzjVmOqX2M/s400/kari8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Making the descent down to Karitane Beach</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHh-_eNvCb3B8CAwZktR6-jdMUrnFb1Y_qZqWE3VtLqP215SG9TVLiKnw_VbH-q3CEKkS2785ffRkYnSNmEPkj_R6cry-mxGZOdq9Zl43ailJHS4VRu1MPdrlPXsDRsdJOXGEC8m5rhpY/s1600/kari7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHh-_eNvCb3B8CAwZktR6-jdMUrnFb1Y_qZqWE3VtLqP215SG9TVLiKnw_VbH-q3CEKkS2785ffRkYnSNmEPkj_R6cry-mxGZOdq9Zl43ailJHS4VRu1MPdrlPXsDRsdJOXGEC8m5rhpY/s400/kari7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>This place has everything - including cool pointy things!</i></b></div>
<br />
Whether you enjoy learning about different cultures and history, or just enjoy a invigorating and spectacular walk, Karitane has it all. Bring a picnic and stay as long as you like, as you won't want to leave! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJUL9W-kADEKtXITNQXwaSXop2m0JeURIGtEX1zP1mMwj2tXuuEKoOcJwwFD7Fqz6tj5gN2VjFDZibzCbFXCp3v9unkvHydZIpOV1_h7zK8UXI_V7U9MfxJcYboowxHZhHZmMj8kQ4IJB/s1600/kari9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJUL9W-kADEKtXITNQXwaSXop2m0JeURIGtEX1zP1mMwj2tXuuEKoOcJwwFD7Fqz6tj5gN2VjFDZibzCbFXCp3v9unkvHydZIpOV1_h7zK8UXI_V7U9MfxJcYboowxHZhHZmMj8kQ4IJB/s400/kari9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>We loved it at Karitane!</i></b></div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-14308297811542992202018-05-16T21:31:00.002-07:002018-05-16T21:40:32.489-07:00Questions and Answers Part 5 - More 'how to's' and 'what do I do's?'<div class="western">
Today's post pretty much wraps up the rest of the questions we most frequently get asked, or people's biggest fears and worries. For those of you who have asked about travelling with pets, I will write a post all about that soon! For now I just need to take a break for a few days as I'm going into hospital next week but I'll be back on deck as soon as I can. Here we go:</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<b>What about mail? How can I still get mail when I don't have an address?</b></div>
<div class="western">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="western">
A good question indeed and makes perfect sense, how on earth are you supposed to receive and retrieve mail when you're constantly on the move? There's no denying, it can be a bit more of a pain. Let's just say I don't bother with magazine subscriptions any more! Although a lot of people still do, they just have a whole lot to catch up on when they eventually get to receive them! But there are definitely ways and means. For example, you can -</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
* Have a PO Box. Many people use this option, however it only really works if you choose to have it in a town or area you know you are going to be passing through regularly, or can have someone empty it and hold on to your mail for you.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
* Use a friend or family member's address. A lot of my mail gets sent to my mum's house in the North Island. I just give her authority to open everything and she lets me know about anything I need to such as when the van's Warrant of Fitness or registration is coming up.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
* Have it sent to the campground. If you are going to be in one place for a while, you can have your mail sent to the campground. Our caretaker is kind enough to let us use his address for important things and he brings them in to us. Legend! </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
* Have it sent to your nearest Post Office. This is a handy option whether you are already in a location, or planning your next stop. You can arrange to have things sent to the Post Office and the staff will keep it behind the counter for you and you can pick it up at your convenience. You just address it in the following way - </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Your Name</div>
<div class="western">
c/o Counter Staff</div>
<div class="western">
Your Post Office branch name</div>
<div class="western">
Your Post Office address</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
That's it! You just pop in and check and the staff will hand it over to you when it arrives. </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
* Use a mail opening and forwarding service. This is a paid service but is pretty cool! You get companies like <a href="https://www.privatebox.co.nz/" target="_blank">this one</a> to handle all your mail and they can open it, scan it and email it to you, or just forward it to wherever you are. Where there's a will, there's a way!</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_AJCgORFqPJng3H4lac8NVZLUpyb2yOVAdcpaqL8cnGdB2prjX3CF3qzANP2nRGI-jIgF1-V9k0-SZAY-6RPZOnWfbBziQtS8-NnUeT-MtvP1QZ0gkWp6mYILj6-0Q3lxhgKthhCUPUJ/s1600/mermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_AJCgORFqPJng3H4lac8NVZLUpyb2yOVAdcpaqL8cnGdB2prjX3CF3qzANP2nRGI-jIgF1-V9k0-SZAY-6RPZOnWfbBziQtS8-NnUeT-MtvP1QZ0gkWp6mYILj6-0Q3lxhgKthhCUPUJ/s400/mermaid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>There are a lot of clever and crafty people living on the road!</i></b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<b>How will I keep busy on the road? What if I get bored?</b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Most people on the road have some kind of hobby. It might be something as simple as reading, but a lot of folk are into their crafts. Knitting, cardmaking, sewing, cross stitch, some people like to make jewellery or even build and upcycle small pieces of furniture. Just like in a house, everyone needs a little down time or something to while away cold and rainy days. </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Writing is my work but I also do it for fun, just for the love of it. It takes up so much of my time that I don't have the time or inclination to take up any other hobbies. I do like to walk though, I make it my aim to go for a good long walk every day. Not only is it good for the mind and soul, it's so important for the body too, especially when living in such a small space. In the winter particularly, you can be stuck inside for days if the weather is bad. If you don't get out and move whenever you can, your joints and muscles can really seize up and become sore from being confined and squashed up. In June, when the shortest day is, the hours of light can be very few - sometimes the sun doesn't make it out from behind the clouds at all! So it's also really important to get outside and get your dose of Vitamin D whenever you can, even if it means being wrapped up like an Eskimo.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Gareth on the other hand has heaps of hobbies. He loves making videos and animations and he also loves to draw and create storyboards. He enjoys computer games and his most favourite hobby of all is building and painting painstakingly detailed miniature figures such as Warhammer. Unfortunately for him, tiny as those figures may be, when you have whole armies of them they can take up an awful lot of room. Not the most suitable pastime for someone who lives in a tiny van but that doesn't stop him! On the whole though, we don't really get bored at all. There's always places to go, things to see, people to talk to. It's one of the best things about living on the road. Things never get stale - but if they ever do, you can just move to somewhere new and start exploring all over again!</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<b>What if I give everything up and then find I
don't like it?</b></div>
<div class="western">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="western">
Another very good and valid question! I've kind of touched on this before so hopefully I don't repeat myself too much but on the whole, people who live on the road have either a) sold their houses or b) have held on to their houses and have either kept them empty or rented them out. The people who sell their houses don't look back. They've made their decision and get on with adjusting and acclimatising to their new life. In all the time we've been on the road, I've only ever heard of one person who hasn't loved it. It was her husband's dream, not hers and she pined constantly for the house she insisted they keep. While I guess it was a good idea they did keep it, at the same time it was as though she never really tried to make things work on the road, as she knew she had her house still waiting for her to go back to. In the end, after nine months they sold their motorhome and went back to the house. But that's literally the only case I've ever heard of, and it was something she never really wanted in the first place. If you envisage this being a problem and don't have to sell your house, then don't sell it until you're sure. </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
We meet couples all the time who are on the road 'practising', with the aim of living on the road permanently. They keep their houses and go away for several months at a time. First two or three months, then five or six and so on. They know they can return to their houses at any time and have the security and comfort of having a base they can rely on until they are financially able, or personally ready to make the move permanently. They are made up of all ages and walks of life, and come from all over NZ but they all have one thing in common. They are always incredibly happy and with every stint they spend travelling, they never want it to end! </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
At the end of the day though, whatever happens, nothing is impossible. Sure, maybe if you sold your house and things didn't work out on the road you might not be able to afford to own your own home again - but does that really matter? What matters is that you have a roof over your head and if there's one thing you learn when you live on the road, it's to appreciate whatever roof you are lucky enough to have. If the proverbial wheels fell off and Gareth and I had to stop living this way tomorrow, it wouldn't be a big deal. We would have to rent a house, which I have never had to do in my life, and we would hate it - but not because the house wouldn't be ours. We'd hate it because we would have to go back to paying things like power bills again and buying and owning 'stuff' so that our house wouldn't look silly and empty. And you can bet we'd spend as much time as we could away from that house, even if it meant going camping in a tent, so we could still feel free. Everyone is different though. We probably sound like a right couple of weirdos! But we're very happy weirdos.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
I hope you have found this series of Q & A blogs helpful. We're always happy to answer any queries you have! </div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-64211814886292868342018-05-15T19:38:00.004-07:002018-05-15T20:09:10.198-07:00Questions and Answers Part 4 - FamilyFamilies are like fudge, so they say - sweet, with
a few nuts. And there's none too much nuttier in many families' eyes
than a parent or grandparent who decides to throw caution to the wind
and swap their nice, secure, respectable house for something a
fraction of the size on wheels! It can come as a surprise, a huge
shock even, and it doesn't always go down well, but as with most
things, everyone accepts it and gets used to it in time.<br />
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
I've deliberately left this question until now to
answer, as it's the one closest to my heart and the thing I
definitely struggle with the most:</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<b>How will I cope being far away from my family,
especially my children and grandchildren? What if I miss them too
much or they forget me?</b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Those of you who have followed me and my family
for years will know I'm the mum of two boys - well, young men now. I
don't write about them much any more as they are adults with their
own houses, jobs and lives and I don't think I need to embarrass them
by dragging them into my rambles, but here they are. Liam (left) is
21 and Alistair (right) is 19.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8HB7BncmWi8Wxa2ZOtuvViNfRK_5TlgavTmq5GU4osjMKg5fZbEu6cXfv2t5011d6uHqwVzdJIB7JeQVjPAZgIjO-5AFTaYgWB6_eIxO_SxdjRKGn4HKX0SrdLbuoG4zWLLx2tSTq1l/s1600/da+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8HB7BncmWi8Wxa2ZOtuvViNfRK_5TlgavTmq5GU4osjMKg5fZbEu6cXfv2t5011d6uHqwVzdJIB7JeQVjPAZgIjO-5AFTaYgWB6_eIxO_SxdjRKGn4HKX0SrdLbuoG4zWLLx2tSTq1l/s400/da+boys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>My boys <3</i></b></div>
<br />
My family is the one thing which make me wish I
was 'normal'. It tugs at my heart a lot. My eldest had already left
home when I sold the house and was happily settled further down the
country so we were used to being apart, but my youngest was still
living with me and selling the house meant an enormous change for
both of us. Our house sold in just nine hours and five weeks later we
were going our separate ways. Most people have considerably more time
to prepare and get used to the idea of such a monumental change!
Leaving my boy in his home town, where he wanted to stay with his job
and his friends was incredibly hard. Looking back now I think I
probably got slapped with a hefty dose of 'empty nest syndrome', as
well as the upheaval of undergoing such a huge and scary lifestyle
change. As Gareth will vouch, there has been a LOT of tears. You
should have seen me on Mother's Day, I was a wreck! I miss them both
terribly, if anything it gets worse the more time goes on. But it
doesn't mean I'm not happy; quite the contrary. I live an amazing,
adventurous and very blessed life. I see so many incredible things
living this way and meet so many wonderful people. I just wish more
than anything I could share it all with them.<br />
<div class="western">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Whether you're a mother, father, daughter or son
choosing to make this lifestyle change, I think it's normal to feel a
fair amount of guilt. I feel bad for not being a 'normal' mother,
sitting at home watching My Kitchen Rules in my pyjamas and fussing
around the boys the way I used to. I feel bad for not having a
conventional house that they can come and visit or stay any time they
want. I feel bad that I'm no longer instantly available for
everyone. But that's the thing, I still <i>am</i> available for them,
through Skype, Facebook and on the phone. We talk pretty much every
day in some way, even if it's just a few words. This morning I
talked to Liam on the phone for half an hour and discussed his next
visit (a 60km four-day hike together in Fiordland), while his younger brother and I had already had a spontaneous
Facebook chat at 5am as both of us couldn't sleep!</div>
<div class="western">
<br />
Just because I'm not physically present,
doesn't mean I'm not there for them. They still come to me with
their problems, just as they always have and there's nothing we
haven't been able to work out together these past 18 months, whether
it's how long they should cook a roast in the oven, how to get stains
out of clothes or bigger things such as car repairs and maintenance.
I've still sat up all night in the van talking with them when they've
needed me to. I can talk them through pretty much anything they need
to do or figure out, but at the end of the day they have to do it all
for themselves, and I think that is a good thing, a valuable thing.
If I was still in the house, I would still have been falling over
myself trying to do everything for them and that doesn't do anyone
any good. Being away from me has taught them how to stand on their
own two feet. They both work incredibly hard and I couldn't be
prouder of them. It also helps put things into perspective when I
meet so many young people their age in campgrounds, living simply in
vans and cars, picking fruit to support their travels and having a
blast. It reminds me of just how grown up my boys actually are and
what they are capable of. After all, I was the same age as my
youngest is now when I took off to the other side of the world by
myself and never came back! When I think of it like that, I guess I
always was a bit of an adventurous sort.</div>
<div class="western">
<br />
As time has gone on and I've learned so much more
about life and different ways to live it, I've realised that there is
no such thing as a conventional family any more. Families where both
parents have stayed together are rare, most are scattered around
these days. When I think about how many people I know whose children
or parents live overseas, me being down the far end of the country is
really nothing and not unusual at all! I just don't have a stationary
house, mine is one which moves. At the end of the day, you have to do
what works for you. I could stay in the same house my whole life to
be close to them, only to have them both take off to the other side
of the world, just like I did to my parents! In fact, I would love
for them to do just that. That's another thing I've learned since
living on the road. Before, I would have wanted my children to always
be living close to me and no doubt have been devastated if they moved
far away, or chose to live overseas. But I would never wish that for
them now. On the contrary I want nothing more for them than to be
able to experience everything this wonderful world has to offer, as
fully as they can, and take every opportunity for adventure that
comes their way. I'm not sure I'll ever stop feeling guilty for no
longer being the traditional stay-at-home-mum they grew up with. But
at the same time I'm proud of myself for grabbing life by the balls
and having the courage to make a change. If there's one thing I've
always tried to teach them it's that the most important thing is to
be happy.</div>
<div class="western">
<br />
When it comes to making what is seen as a
'radical' lifestyle change like living on the road, a little support
from other family members goes an awfully long way. You spend enough
time questioning and asking yourself whether you're doing the right
thing without anyone else throwing in seeds of doubt! Some families
are right behind you and couldn't be more excited for you, others
think you're mad and will try and be the voice of impending doom.
Frustrating as it is, you can't expect everyone to understand. To be
honest, I think my family definitely thought I was mad! They probably
still think so, especially when it's 18 degrees where they are and 4
degrees where I am. It's a very different lifestyle. But as yet, I
don't think any of the family members who have seen me think I'm any
the worse for it. They haven't said I look terrible, or I'm fading
away (chance would be a fine thing!) or that they're worried about
me. What they do see is that I'm happy.</div>
<div class="western">
<br />
When I moved to the other side of the world from
the UK, I left my parents without their only child. None of us had
any way of knowing that just five years later my father would be
diagnosed with terminal cancer. Fortunately he had the opportunity
to visit me here in NZ several times before he became ill. I still
remember the last conversation we ever had. He told me that my
moving over here had enriched his life and opened up a whole new
world to him. It had enabled him to travel and see things and places
he had never heard of, or dreamed he would see. And that's the best
thing of all about living on the road. I may not get to see my
family very often; sometimes it's only once or twice a year, if that,
but when we do get together I get to show them some amazing things
and take them on wonderful adventures, which just like my dad, they
may never get to see otherwise. My travelling ways have inspired and
ignited a spark in both my boys to go and explore their home country
and far beyond and see what's out there. I'm pretty sure they still
think I'm mad - but as time has gone on, I hope it's more of a brave
and slightly cool kind of mad. And don't forget! One definite bonus
of being a nomad is that we're not tied to anywhere, we don't have to
have a plan all of the time and can be as flexible as required. If
ever our family really needs us, we can be wherever we need to be.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<b>What about taking my kids on the road? Will they
miss out not being with their peers?</b></div>
<div class="western">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="western">
This is one question I'm not really qualified to
answer, seeing as I've never done it! However knowing what I know
now, if I had my time again I would have absolutely loved to take my
boys on the road growing up. I'm sure it's a lot more challenging
travelling with kids than without! But what an incredible adventure
and experience as a family. I know it's a cliche but there really is
no better school than the school of life, and what a wonderful way to
learn. I might not have any inside knowledge to impart myself, but I
do have a few links to those who are out there doing it!</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<a href="https://buslifenz.com/" target="_blank">Bus Life NZ</a>- check out their YouTube channel too!</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<a href="http://thebus.nz/" target="_blank">The Bus</a></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
<a href="http://usinabus.nz/act-one" target="_blank">Us-in-a-bus</a></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
I think that's enough to be going on with for one
post today. Tomorrow I'll aim to answer the last few of your
questions, such as 'what do I do about mail?' If anyone else has any
more they would like to add to the list, just drop us a line through
our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/richeshavewheels/" target="_blank">Riches Have Wheels Facebook page</a>!</div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-9696550174505067282018-05-13T17:41:00.001-07:002018-05-13T17:52:49.801-07:00Questions and Answers Part 3 - Living without StuffToday's 'question and answer' post focuses largely around 'stuff', which is another one of the main fears people have when considering a life on the road. How on earth does a person live with such a small amount of possessions, or without many of their favourites? As usual, I can only really share my own experiences here, but talking to other travellers I think the feeling is pretty much the same. So let's get to it!<br />
<br />
<b>How would I live without all my stuff? I'm not sure I could cope with so little.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Oh, but you can! You would be amazed at how little you can cope with, and quite happily too. Think about it:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>* You didn't start your life with all this stuff.</b> It takes years, decades, a lifetime to fill a home with all the things you own. Some of them are important; a lot of them aren't. Many of them are just space fillers, shelf fillers, wall fillers, random objects we've picked up, things we've been given. Organisers and display units for stuff we like the look of but doesn't actually do anything. We all have items we consider precious, and Gareth and I are no different in that respect, but most precious or sentimental items are not things which we use every day, or indeed not even useful at all. They can invoke different emotions, make us smile, bring back memories, perhaps they make us feel closer to the person who gave them to us - but they don't help us to survive. We don't need them to get through everyday life. By the same token, people don't develop emotional attachments to household appliances and convenience gadgets. We might joke that we do - or maybe even think we do - but as soon as we are away from them and in a different environment, we quickly forget all about them. When you go away on holiday, do you talk about how much you miss your possessions? No, you miss people, not things, and living on the road is the same.<br />
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<b>* What would you save in a fire? </b>This old chestnut, along with 'what would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?' are both simple but effective exercises. When you live on the road, you only take the items you really can't live without, along with perhaps a few luxury items or sentimental things you might have room for. If your house was on fire, you don't race to save your lounge suite, or your 50 inch flat screen TV. You save the things that can't be replaced. Some people have more room than others obviously, depending on the size of their home on wheels. To give you an idea of the things we consider precious and want to have around us all the time, in our van we have four of our wedding photos on the wall (that's all we have room for). On a tiny shelf we have the bride and groom ornament from our wedding cake, a tiny house ornament I bought in Corfu on a family holiday when I was 13, which I keep my rings in. My most precious item of all is a bright green soft bendy flower with a smiley face. My youngest son Ali won it for me in a toy machine when he was little. He still remembers it was the night we could see the planet Mars when we stood outside. I just Googled it and it was 2003, so there you go, my flower is 15 years old and he would have been just four. Everywhere we go, that flower is with me, smiling across at me in the driver's seat. I'm getting sentimental now, but you get what I mean? It's the small things which are important, not the biggest or most expensive.<br />
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<b>* Ask yourself, is there an alternative? </b> Most of the time, there are other ways to get by without owning a lot of the things you used to. You don't need to own a washing machine on the road when you can wash by hand or use a laundromat. You don't need to own a TV if you have a laptop to watch programmes on. Some people on the road have vacuum cleaners and even irons, it all depends on the size of the vehicle how feasible it is. Although people with irons are generally considered mad because most of us have far more exciting things to do on the road than iron and really don't care about a few wrinkles any more!<br />
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On the whole, I've found that people who live on the road who still own conventional houses back home tend to miss things more, because they know they have them to go back to, and there's always that pull. Saying that, there are just as many who don't miss them at all and would rather not have them! But when a home on wheels is the only home you have, you don't worry about that stuff any more, you just get on with it.<br />
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<b>How will I know what I need? What if I get rid of too much stuff and then discover I need it and no longer have the money to buy it back again? </b><br />
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With regard to what you need, I have this really annoying saying which goes 'All you need is all you need'. And you won't believe how incredibly little that is. It's really just the essentials. For example we have two complete changes of bedding, one on and one clean, you don't need more than that. We have around four changes of clothes each (plus extra socks and undies), a hairbrush and basic toiletry items. The first week we were in the van I decluttered my clothes twice more, as I soon realised I just wasn't going to need them. I brought all my creams and moisturisers with me when we left the house but once they ran out I didn't bother replacing them. We have two large and two smaller towels each and 'dog towels' for Minnie. The kitchen is probably the most important as you're going to use that stuff the most. We have several large and small plates, one big frying pan, one small (which we've used once so was a daft idea really), one medium sized saucepan and one smaller, plus a crock pot, which is downright luxurious for a van. Four knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons and a couple of sharp knives, wooden spoons and spatulas, tin opener... It really depends on how large your vehicle is as to what you already have and what you are going to need. People who live in a van really don't have much, to be honest I think we have a lot more than most! But hey, most people don't live in a van as long as we do, we managed for five months quite happily without a kettle, toaster or fridge. Even when we did get a fridge, it was three months before we used it, as we were so used to living without one, we forgot we even had it! If you ever want me to do a full inventory, let me know. Just not when it's only two degrees outside like it is right now!<br />
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As for 'what if I get rid of too much stuff and then want it back again?' I doubt very much that will happen. Hand on heart. If anything, it will most likely be the other way round and you'll be turfing more stuff out. We still have a decluttering session every few months, usually with the change of each season and even we can't believe the crap we manage to accumulate and hang on to. But, in the event that did happen, as I said earlier, most things are replaceable. If I ever went back into a house again, I would have absolutely no problem furnishing it completely with second hand and op shop items. After living in a van, anything would be luxurious! But when you live with so little it doesn't take long to learn and appreciate the true value of something. I would much rather pay a couple of dollars for something second hand which is well made and has stood the test of time than pay a fortune for most of today's modern rubbish which is designed to fall apart. Jeez, listen to me, I must be getting old!<br />
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Seriously though, the biggest regret we have is putting some of our items into storage. Like most people on the road, we don't have a crystal ball and never envisaged how things were going to go and what we would or wouldn't need. By the six month mark we realised that we were never going to want or need any of it again, yet here we are 18 months down the track still paying $30 a week for stuff we don't want and trying to work out the most cost effective way of getting it down the country to us so we can sort through it and get rid of it once and for all. My advice to anyone who wants or needs items stored, is try and find a way you can do it for free. Ask around friends or family to see if they have any shed space or anywhere you could store your things until you know whether your new lifestyle is going to be for you. We can't even tell you what the heck is in our storage any more, but there are some things which are too expensive to just be given away or dumped, as well as irreplaceable family photos and such. Even so, $120 a month to keep them locked up in a box is really not ideal - and that's cheap for storage! Take it from us, if there is any way you can avoid paying for someone to look after your stuff, do it.<br />
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<b>How will I cope living in such a confined space? </b><br />
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Trust me, the thought of this totally freaked me out too, particularly as someone who had absolutely no previous experience of being in a caravan, motorhome or anything remotely small. The last three homes I lived in were all enormous two-storey buildings, with huge gardens. Seriously, if I had spent too long thinking about living in a van I probably would have had a panic attack. Fortunately for me, everything happened so fast I didn't really have time to think about it! What can I say, it comes down to the old 'home is what you make it' scenario. You make your space your own, however small that may be. You do that by putting your stuff in it, cooking and eating in it, sleeping in it and relaxing and watching Netflix in it, just like you do in a house. Everyone is different. Gareth doesn't get cabin fever, ever! I don't know how he does it, but he's just content in his own little space. He has a lot of hobbies too which are all indoors, so whatever the weather he is always occupied and happily busy. Me on the other hand, I get dreadful cabin fever. If I don't go for a walk every day I get grumpy. It's really important for me to keep active for my health, not to mention my sanity. I find particularly in the winter when we can't be outside so much, your joints and muscles can really seize up and get sore, so it's always important to move when you can. I have a pedometer thingy on my phone and I try and do 10,000 steps a day. The thing is, just because you live in a small space, it doesn't mean you have to be stuck in it 24/7. Most travellers have awnings or gazebos to create extra space or their own outdoor area. All you have to do is open the door and the whole country is your backyard!<br />
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<b><i>Just because we live in a van, doesn't mean we spend every second in it! For example, we quite enjoyed our 'dining room' at Lake Hawea</i></b></div>
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<b>Should I sell my house, or rent it out? What if I get bad tenants and they don't look after the place?</b><br />
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This is one question I would never dare answer as everyone is different. For me, renting our house out wasn't an option, it was sell or nothing. And the 'nothing' option had already been done to death. For those who do have the choice though, there are two general schools of thought. The first just want to get right away from their old life; away from the rat race and slogging their guts out to pay bills. They've had enough and they know they never want to go back to it, so they sell up everything and don't look back. The other want more from the life they currently have, but they're not entirely sure if living on the road full time is for them - and even if it is, they can't bear the thought of not having somewhere of their own to go back to in their old age. So they keep their house and either rent it out or leave it empty. Obviously finances play a big part in this, as you need to be able to afford both your new mobile lifestyle and the responsibilities and costs of your old one. Which is why a lot of people rent their houses out indefinitely, or at least long term. I don't have any experience of this whatsoever, and I haven't really heard of any 'bad tenants' as such but I have heard of quite a few travellers who have had tenants commit to renting their houses from them long term, only to let them down and bail out unexpectedly. This can throw quite a spanner in the works when you're halfway down the country, merrily enjoying your travels and all of a sudden you have to go back home and check the house is OK and find some new tenants. It's not the end of the world, but it can be a big inconvenience. And once you stop for any real length of time, it can be hard to get going again. All I can say I think is trust your gut instinct. If you don't have to sell and you're not 100% sure you won't want to come back to it one day, then don't do it. You can always sell later, once you know for sure.<br />
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Remember, when it comes to all these questions, you don't have to go in to living on the road blindly. We didn't have the option, our house sold in nine hours and five weeks later we were out! However most people mercifully have the time to do things at a slightly more comfortable pace. Practise is the key. Practise living in a small space; hire a camper van for a long weekend, then a week, then two weeks. It doesn't have to be expensive; besides think of it as a long term investment. If it means you can going into your new life feeling comfortable, capable and confident rather than a nervous wreck, it's worth the expense. As a rule of thumb, I reckon if you can manage two weeks in a van without going mad or killing each other, you've cracked it.<br />
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One thing I did have a lot of time to practise with however, was living with less stuff. I downsized and decluttered, and downsized and decluttered some more, over months and years, until there was nothing left I could possibly get rid of. I should probably write a proper blog about that one day, it's one thing I definitely am an expert on! But as a starting point, if you haven't seen it yet, you're welcome to check out the video I made a little while back <a href="https://www.facebook.com/richeshavewheels/videos/1475698325875973/" target="_blank">here</a>. I hope you find it helpful!<br />
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We've just got a few more questions to get through, which I'll aim to get to tomorrow. In the meantime, if you have any more to add to the list, please drop us a line!Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-54067524471100630492018-05-11T17:44:00.003-07:002018-05-11T17:55:59.541-07:00Questions and Answers Part 2 (b) - Working on the RoadAs promised, today's post is about some of the jobs people can do when living on the road and how to go about getting them. Obviously I don't have ALL the answers, but if nothing else I hope it gets people's brains ticking as to some of the options and opportunities that are out there. I know it might sound like I have it easy, being able to work from my van all the time, but honestly, I have found work opportunities of <i>all</i> kinds are so much more plentiful on the road. We see them everywhere we go. Sometimes I feel bad that I don't go out to work, as a lot of the jobs sound like a lot of fun and something I would love to do! However, Gareth and I already work four or five jobs as it is, all from our little van. We are busier now than we have ever been in our lives. Which wasn't the plan when we set off in search of the 'easy life!' But we love what we're doing so much, most of the time it doesn't even seem like work.<br />
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Job hunting on the road isn't the same as in conventional life. When you live in a house, you are so much more limited. On the whole, you look for work which will enable you to stay in the same house, in the same town, or at least pretty close to it. Consequently your options are pretty few, especially when it comes to finding a job you actually like or are qualified or experienced in. However when you live on the road, you can just go wherever the work is. Some people have a specific are in mind (e.g. a lot of people head to Central Otago in spring and summer as it has some of the highest temperatures in the country and there is so much work available in the orchards). Others just find a job they like the sound of, hop behind the wheel and go wherever it may be! It's no big drama when you already have your whole house with you.<br />
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<b><i>We learned heaps about working on the road from our friends, Steve and Fiona!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>When it comes to making new contacts and knowing where the work is, fellow travellers are worth their weight in gold and always happy to help.</i></b></div>
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<b>WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN I DO?</b><br />
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So what sort of jobs can you do on the road? Pretty much anything you like really. That's not trying to be a fob off but think about it, your mobile home is just the same as a regular house in that you can lock it behind you when you go to work and come home, eat dinner and sleep. It all depends on your circumstances (e.g. for us we couldn't go out to work eight hours a day and leave our dog in a tiny van, especially over summer) and what you are willing to do. The most common line of work for full time road dwellers without a doubt is in orchards and vineyards. There's a heap of work available fruit picking and in packhouses and such and you can pretty much follow the picking season all around the country for most of the year. It's something anyone can learn to do and as an added bonus you are often able to park up for free on site. As for winter, there is plenty of work to be found at the ski fields. If you're not too flash on the slopes there is cafe and bar work available, or helping out with hire gear.<br />
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Some people are happy to do anything, others are a bit more picky. Instead of thinking about all the things you can't do, or don't want to do, think instead of all the things you CAN do. What sort of skills and experience do you have? Make a list. Can you drive a tractor or a forklift? Do you have an HT license? If you have an HT license or have any experience in farming, such as calf rearing or relief milking you'll never have trouble finding work. Good relief milkers are hard to find. If you don't have any farm experience, consider a stint <a href="https://wwoof.nz/" target="_blank">'Wwoofing'!</a> This is hugely popular (I'd do it like a shot if I ever needed to!) and while you don't get paid as a rule, it's a great way to gain some valuable experience while enjoying free accommodation. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a writer and would like to be able to work from your vehicle, check out <a href="https://www.upwork.com/">Upwork.</a> It's a global site which you sign up for and gain instant access to all kinds of writing jobs all over the world, big and small. In this day and age location is no barrier. Over the years I've worked for companies in the UK and Australia and have just started a new job in PR for an organisation in the US! Anything is possible these days.<br />
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Do you have cleaning references? What past jobs have you had? Many people can carry their existing skills with them to help them find new work, which is great news if you're a former mechanic, engineer or builder. Another popular choice is house sitting. While it may not pay, it can save you an absolute fortune on campground fees and facilities and keep your living costs super low. I know people who have done housesitting continuously for years! You get to look after some beautiful homes and often some adorable pets too. It's up to you whether you choose to stay in the house or not; many motorhomers prefer just to park on the property and stay in their own mobile homes. If you want to find out more information about house sitting and how it works, check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kiwihousesitters/" target="_blank">Kiwi House Sitters</a> on Facebook. I know a lot of people who do house sitting through them and have heard nothing but good reports. It's something I would definitely do myself should the need ever arise!<br />
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<b>HOW DO I GO ABOUT FINDING WORK?</b><br />
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If nothing I've mentioned so far is jumping out at you, don't panic. It's one of those things you really need to look into yourself to get an idea of what you can do and want to do. Who knows, something may well just fall into your lap! Living on the road opens so many new doors. I think it's just because you go to so many places and meet so many people, it's amazing how many contacts you develop. A lot of opportunities come from word of mouth. You might not know anybody when you set out on the road but it doesn't take long and most people have a real and genuine desire to help. We've just made a new friend called Alison, from the US who has been on the road for a year or more and is staying here for the winter. She never planned to, she only intended to be in town for a few hours! All it took was a visit to the ice skating rink and next thing she knew, she had a job at one of the local cafes.<br />
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A couple we met at our very first freedom camp had been living and working on the road for six years and gave us a spreadsheet they had made, which listed all the places they had worked, what time of year, for how long and had all the addresses and contact numbers. It was so very much appreciated and made us realise what was out there. While we've never had to use it to find work ourselves, we have shared it with at least half a dozen other couples looking for work and they have been so glad of it. As the saying goes, it's often not what you know but who you know. To date we've also been offered three jobs working at or managing different campgrounds we have stayed at. Campground owners need a break just like anybody else and are happy to have full time motorhomers caring for the grounds in their absence as they are reliable and understand the lifestyle.<br />
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When looking for work, you can still go through all the traditional avenues such as Trade Me, Seek and local newspapers but there are other avenues too, which are tailored specifically for those living on the road. The NZMCA regularly notify members of available or upcoming vacancies through their Motorhomer magazine, on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NZMCAInc/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2446073678950464/" target="_blank">Wings Member Only group</a>. NZMCA members look after each other and it's a great way of keeping informed of some really good opportunities. There is also a general Facebook page called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/515610295271243/" target="_blank">NZ paid work for people who live on the road. </a> If you are in a specific area, or planning to be, you can also use Facebook to see what work is available, or let people know that you're looking. Almost every town has some kind of community or Buy and Sell page where all the local happenings are posted. For example I belong to a couple in Southland, there is Southland Jobs NZ and just Southland Jobs. If you're on the hunt for farm work there is even a Southland Dairy Farm Jobs NZ page too. Yet another fantastic resource is a website called <a href="http://ssco.co.nz/" target="_blank">Seasonal Solutions</a>, which sets up both Kiwis and overseas visitors with permanent or seasonal job opportunities in the horticulture and viticulture industries. Being a bit of a wine afficionado myself, I rather like the thought of working somewhere which produces my favourite tipple! You get the idea, it's just a question of letting your fingers doing the walking and seeing whats around.<br />
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Talking of doing some walking, don't forget you can do things the old fashioned way! Often this can be the most effective. Go for a walk and check out shop windows and ask local shop assistants if they know of any work opportunities. If you're wanting orchard or vineyard work, do a Google search for all of them in the area, then pick up the phone or pay them a visit. Many people living on the road don't have a recent CV, being the mature bunch we are, so spend a little time getting your CV up to date so you can hand copies to people and they have something to remember you by. If you're too shy to go bowling up to potential employers on the doorstep, pop your CV in their mail box along with a covering letter! You never know what may eventuate, you could be just what they're looking for. It's certainly not uncommon to drive past farms, orchards and vineyards in the South Island and see signs advertising for Staff Wanted at the gate. Don't worry if this all sounds a bit daunting to start off with. Living on the road makes people very resourceful and creative. It doesn't take long to drum up the courage to get out there and introduce yourself to people and sell yourself. If you have a useful skill or talent, it's well worth advertising it in the window of your mobile home. For example our friend Steve does knife sharpening and another friend, Sally cuts hair. It's an easy way to make some extra cash (often it will pay for your campground fee at least) and you have a large and receptive audience in your fellow campers! Motorhomers love to support one another and would much rather purchase from another merry wanderer than a commercial business.<br />
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One of the greatest things about working on the road is that you can be your own boss. You can work as little or as much as you want, depending on the kind of income you need. Some people go out and work a full day every day, others can work full or part time from their mobile homes, like me and our friend Dan, who is an architect and draughtsman and works flat out from his caravan. If you're a crafty type you can indulge your passion while making an income. How much you make depends on how far you want to go, both distance and effort wise. Some people are happy advertising and selling their wares from their motorhome, like our lovely friend Leanne, who does the most beautiful knitting and card making. Others go flat out through the busy summer months, travelling around markets and gypsy fairs, selling everything from baby clothes to hand made silver jewellery and amazing artworks. I'll talk more about those in future blogs as some of them really have to be seen to be believed! There are some very clever people out there, and they learned how to do it all while on the road.<br />
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I know I said yesterday that people on the road are happy to do anything, and we are. But that certainly doesn't mean you can't get your dream job! Who knows, you may not even know what your dream job is yet, you just have to get out there and see what comes up. As the saying goes, you never know what you're capable of until you try.Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-44364241007239348352018-05-10T18:25:00.002-07:002018-05-11T17:56:17.601-07:00Questions & Answers Part 2 (a) - Working on the RoadI swear, if I had a dollar for every time someone said to me 'I'd love to do what you're doing, but I don't know how I would support myself', I would have upgraded our van to something a lot bigger a long time ago! I'm quite accustomed to getting snarky comments from people who read my articles on Stuff too, and say huffily, 'Well it's alright for <i>you</i>, we can't all work from home. What are the rest of us supposed to do?' Annoying as it is, their scepticism is totally understandable. Living on the road is such an unknown, foreign world. Most people naturally assume you can't (or don't want to) work. How can you hold down a job when you're always on the move? It's just impossible. Except it isn't, not at all.<br />
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<b><i>Would you rather work to pay bills, or work to travel?</i></b></div>
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It was fear of not being able to support ourselves on the road which initially stopped Gareth and I from taking the plunge. We both thought it was a brilliant idea and agreed it would be something we would definitely like to do in the future, but we didn't think we would be able to do it now. Like many people, we thought it was only people who were retired who could afford a mobile home and for us that was still a heck of a long way off. Fortunately for us, by some amazing stroke of luck it was literally only a couple of days later that we read an article in That's Life! magazine about a woman called Vicky White who had bought a bus and was travelling around NZ. A year or more on, she was having no problem finding work and supporting herself and was loving every minute of it. Gareth and I looked at each other. If Vicky could do it, so could we! That was all we needed to hear. I think that's all a lot of people need to hear, that it's possible. In our case, we were just super lucky that we hadn't spent years thinking it wasn't.<br />
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In my experience so far, around 50% of people we meet on the road work, maybe even more. Which would surprise a lot of people who assume very wrongly that people who live in vehicles are in it for a free ride and contribute nothing to society! As for what those 50% of us do for a job? There are far too many to list, but I'll talk about some of them in the next blog, Part 2 (b), which I'll aim to upload tomorrow, along with tried and true ways to find work.<br />
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The purpose of today's post however, is to get the 'Working on the Road' ball rolling by talking about two very important things that people living a conventional life don't consider. They're really important and once you realise these two things, the thought of supporting yourself becomes a lot less daunting.<br />
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<b>1. When you live on the road, your living costs are going to get a LOT less.</b><br />
This is a no-brainer, but a lot of people are too busy worrying about how they're going to make money to pay much mind as to how much less they are going to be spending. I can't even remember what bills I used to have back when I lived in a house but I know they were just endless and so many. In comparison these are the monthly costs I have now:<br />
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* Campground Fees. This depends on where we stay and what type of place we are staying in. Some are free, some cost $3 per night, or $5 or $10, some are $20, although I can't remember the last time we paid that much, it was over a year ago) Most people I know pay between $35 and $70 a week, which is a hell of a lot less than the $1500 a month I used to shell out for a mortgage! However many people who live on the road spend nothing at all on camping fees - ever! It depends on what kind of set up you have, but if your home on wheels is big enough and you are self-contained, you can definitely freedom camp it all the way.<br />
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* Mobile and Internet. I probably pay a lot more for these than most people, as I need to be online pretty much all the time for work. Your phone doesn't need to be flash, just something reliable for safety and security. Most people on the road have at least some Internet access; it's how we communicate with other travellers, find out where good camping spots are, learn new tips. A lot of us have Netflix and the like too. Hey, everybody likes a little luxury!<br />
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* Life & Vehicle Insurance. No house or contents cover for me any more! Our vehicle insurance with Camper Care covers us for $3000 worth of contents insurance should anything in our van get stolen or damaged. When you live in a little van like us, you don't need more than that! I was amazed to find that it also costs much less to insure our van than it ever did to insure any of my cars!<br />
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* Petrol. Most people would naturally assume that this would be the biggest cost, and indeed petrol is currently the most expensive we've ever known it. It's enough to put you off going too far! But in reality you only go through a lot of petrol when you're travelling. We went through tons in the beginning because in our naivety we thought we had to keep moving constantly! However this isn't the case. When you live on the road full time, especially when you're working you can be parked up for weeks or even months at a time and barely spend anything. Crazy as it sounds, we have done less than half the number of kilometres in a van than I did in a year in my car when I lived back at the house - and I worked from home! The difference is, when you travel on the road, you travel with purpose and with a planned route. None of this wasting money and wear and tear on your vehicle whizzing off to the shop for a bottle of milk every five minutes. Nobody wants to bother moving their whole house just for something like that! We have two legs or bicycles for that stuff.<br />
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* Food. This is our biggest expense by a long way. It doesn't matter whether you live in a house or a van, food in NZ is horrendously expensive. It's really important to eat well when you live this way. If you don't you just get sick more often and will end up spending any money you save scrimping on food at the doctor or chemist. I guess one positive is that we waste a lot less now. We plan our food shops to get maximum value and use out of the things we buy and because our fridge and food storage space is so small, we can always see what we have so it gets used up rather than forgotten about and thrown away.<br />
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I think that's about it. Sure, we have some of the other circumstantial costs just the same as anyone else when they crop up. Dr's appointments for us, vet bills for Minnie, vehicle warrant and servicing; but apart from that there really isn't much else. No power, no crippling rates. A lot of people who live on the road still own houses as they like the security, but just as many don't. The ones who do still have the costs associated with owning and maintaining a house, usually rent it out to help cover those costs. No doubt I've forgotten something but all I know is there are hardly any transactions each month when I check my bank account.<br />
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Still, no matter how little you spend, it's always nice to have money in the kitty! Which brings me to important point Number 2:<br />
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<b>2. When it comes to work, people on the road are happy to give anything a go.</b><br />
For some, working on the road is their bread and butter; for others it's the jam. Many people take on seasonal jobs and work for three months or so, e.g. picking fruit. This enables them to get enough money behind them to then go travelling for another three months or however long. Think about it, what other lifestyle can you afford to take months off work at a time to go on holiday! Most travellers are not at all fussy what they do and are happy to give anything a go.<br />
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When people tell us they're looking for work and we ask 'what kind of thing are you looking for?' the answer is the same every single time - 'Anything!' They're not worried about finding the perfect job or doing anything highly skilled. You see, there isn't the pressure of a 'normal' job when you live on the road. It doesn't matter if it's something a bit boring or repetitive because it's not going to be permanent. If you start a new job and don't like it, or it's not your forte, it's not the end of the world because it's not like you're stuck there forever. Before too long you can move on to somewhere else and go off adventuring with the money you've made. I'm rubbish at waitressing and don't particularly like it but I'd happily do it for three months if it meant I could afford to go travelling for the next six. On the whole, people on the road have a good reputation for being hard and capable workers. Age is no barrier, it's not uncommon to see 20 year olds and 60 year olds or older doing the same job. Another bonus of many seasonal and temporary work places is that you can park up and stay on site for free, saving you a nice tidy sum in campground fees.<br />
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I think that's enough ramble for one blog, but hopefully it's provided a little food for thought. Tomorrow I'll get down to the nitty gritty of the kind of work you can do and how to go about getting it!Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-8972699660173246472018-05-09T20:24:00.002-07:002018-05-09T21:31:49.087-07:00Questions & Answers - Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Eighteen months on the road today! 546 days living in a tiny tin can on wheels. Neither of us ever imagined we would be doing this more than a few months, but it's amazing how adaptable us humans can be. A van may not be everyone's - or anyone's! - idea of a flash home and indeed I always envisaged myself in something a little more respectable and ladylike but as the saying goes, size doesn't matter. You don't need something big to create your own sacred space. It's our nest, our cosy nook, our bolthole. Our little cocoon away from the rest of the world. Even so, we still laugh at ourselves all the time, because while it's completely normal to us now, it still seems such a bizarre thing to be doing.<br />
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I still remember the day I left our house, eighteen months ago today. I had never been so terrified in my life and wondered what the hell I was doing, what the future held. I was worried - about <i>everything. </i>I had no one really to talk to about it either. I had never met anyone who had done anything like what I was about to do and I certainly wasn't going to confide in anyone I knew, for fear of looking silly or that I didn't have my life together. All I could do was find out for myself - and hope. At the end of the day that's all any of us can do and none of us will have the exact same experience, but little did I know I was about to become part of a huge community and support network. Whatever the problem, whatever the worry or issue, there is someone out there who can and will help you. These days I don't worry about a thing!<br />
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But there are a huge number of people out there who dream of a life on the road and imagine all kinds of obstacles that stop them from doing it. For a long time I've wanted to write about some of the fears people come to me with. There are so many and they are all valid - but there's pretty much none which can't be overcome. Some of them, such as how to make an income on the road and support yourself are going to need a whole blog to themselves as there is so much information and opportunity out there. So forgive me if that's the one you're waiting on! I promise to write that one tomorrow; in the meantime to give you an idea, please take a look at this article I recently wrote for Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations magazine. It features some of the wonderful people we have met and some of the different things they do to support themselves while living a nomadic life. You can check it out <a href="https://www.nzmcd.co.nz/features/1803/tips-on-working-while-travelling" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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For now, I will do my best to address some of the easier ones. It's just my experience, but I hope it helps someone! We'll start with a nice easy one :-)<br />
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<b>How will I feel not being part of a community any more?</b><br />
This occurred to me too. I lived in a small town where everybody knew everybody, I always knew what was going on and was involved in a whole heap of things. It can be pretty daunting leaving everything and everyone you know behind! But here's the thing nobody realises. When you become the owner of a home on wheels, you instantly become part of <i>another</i> community - an enormous one of thousands! Bigger, busier and friendlier than anything you can possibly imagine. And let me tell you, there is nothing more awesome than being part of such a big group of likeminded people. Nobody back home will understand this new way of life and its joys and challenges the way you do; you can't expect them to, it's just so completely foreign. But it doesn't matter, because from now on you will have a constant support network of people who love to talk, socialise and help one another however they can, while still respecting each other's space. Which is more than can be said of a lot of communities!<br />
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<b>What if I get lonely? </b><br />
Even though there were two of us, I still thought we would get lonely. However I can honestly say I have never once felt lonely, quite the opposite! I know this isn't always the case though for people who are travelling on their own. The thing is, you can be as lonely as you want to be. Some people travelling alone like to keep to themselves and are completely happy in their own company. In fact they thrive on it, like our friend Debra. She is completely at peace just reading, painting and playing her guitar. Others, like our new friend Dan, go out of their way to actively seek company and make an effort to throw themselves into whatever the area they're in has to offer. You can often choose your camping spot to suit how you're feeling. If you want to be around people, choose somewhere which is popular. If you don't, pick somewhere quieter. You soon get to work out which places are busy or quiet from other motorhomers, either in person, in Facebook groups or from reviews on apps such as CamperMate. You can also greatly increase your chance of meeting people by joining the <a href="https://www.nzmca.org.nz/" target="_blank">NZMCA</a> which has its own member only campgrounds all over the country and organises a whole heap of events all year round. However, campers will often invite one another for drinkies, or dinner, or just a cup of tea. It doesn't matter if you don't know each other before, you will now! <br />
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If you have access to Facebook, which most of us do, there are brilliant groups tailored towards people looking for work on the road, motorhomers travelling with pets, women travelling solo - you name it. You don't have to wait until you actually live on the road to join either; people are always happy to answer any questions you have and it's a great way to learn and get some insight before you set off.<br />
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<b>What will I do about showers and toilets? I hate the thought of using public facilities!</b><br />
You know what? We all do! Let's face it, we all much prefer being able to go to the loo or take a shower without having people in the stalls next to us. There are two ways you can deal with this. The first one is to resign yourself to the fact that you just have to get used to it. We're all in the same boat after all. Saying that, I have still been known to go well out of my way just to get a toilet to myself! The other thing you can do is buy a vehicle with a toilet and shower already in it - or at least one of them. Our van for example is certified self-contained and has a portable cassette toilet. A lot of vans do - but I have to admit we've never used it, we always prefer to stay at campgrounds which have a proper toilet. Caravans, motorhomes and buses usually have both toilets and showers and it's nice to have the luxury of having your own. It definitely makes you a lot more independent and self-sufficient when freedom camping too, as you can park up for days at places other people can't; however many people still prefer to use public facilities if they are available, as it saves your water supply and reduces the need to empty the waste tank, which is nobody's idea of fun!<br />
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<b>I'm worried about safety. What if I get hassled, or encounter violence on the road? What if the freedom camps are scary, or full of 'bad people?'</b><br />
This was without a doubt my biggest fear. It took me a good few weeks to make the step out of a commercial campground to brave my first freedom camp. I was convinced they were going to be full of hoons, glue sniffers and all sorts of scary types, all banging on my window in the middle of the night and doing skids outside the van! While this has never happened to us, nothing of the sort ever has, we have heard of other campers having these kind of incidents, though mercifully they are very rare. However, again this is something you can control by being mindful and selective about where you stay. Before we stay anywhere, we check the CamperMate app and see what other campers have to say about the place. If the reviews are bad, we don't stay there. They will soon tell you if a place is creepy, or is frequented by undesirables. Some people love isolated places and go out of their way to choose a spot nobody else goes, but I don't. The only intimidating behaviour I've ever heard about has been from locals, usually youths or people who are against freedom camping. As a result, I tend to be warier around freedom camps, as they are public areas where anyone can go. Saying that, there is safety in numbers and most freedom camps in the summer have a LOT of people. If you are an NZMCA member you can ensure your safety further by staying at either one of their secure member only campgrounds, or a POP, which stands for 'park over property'. These are usually owned by fellow NZMCA members, who allow others to park on their land in exchange for a small fee. Members enjoy the peace and safety of using these and they are a great low cost option.<br />
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<b>What if I fall ill?</b><br />
It's kind of a good time to be answering this one as this is something we've been dealing with recently, and still are. Obviously there is a big difference between being ill as in having a cold, and <i>really</i> ill, with something serious. I have actually found my immune system is a million times better since living on the road, maybe living in a van has hardened me up or something! But on the rare occasion I am unwell, I've been surprised to find it is actually much easier being ill in the van. Don't get me wrong, it's never fun but I find I recover from things a lot quicker and I think a big part of that is because when you live in a small space you rest up more. There's nothing you really have to be doing and you can just focus on getting better and looking after yourself, whereas in a house you still tend to drag yourself around trying to look after everyone else and keep on top of everything. As for <i>really</i> ill? I can only give so much insight but I've met many people on the road who have had cancer, heart attacks and other game changer illnesses while on the road and are still out there fighting fit. What you need to remember is, if you fall ill, you already have your whole house with you. It's a lot less to look after and organise than a regular house too! If something was to happen to me and I had to go to hospital (which indeed I do soon), Gareth has everything he needs right there in the van, which he can stay in either on site at the hospital or at a campground in the area. He can be wherever he needs to be, and it would be the same for me if he was the one who was unwell. In that respect, it's actually easier than living in a house!<br />
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<b>What about health care? How would I manage if I needed regular treatment and check-ups?</b><br />
As just mentioned above, one of the great things about living a mobile life is that you can be wherever you need to be and plan your parking and campsites accordingly. For example, I currently need two medical tests, which can take between three to nine months. As it turns out, the first one is already scheduled and only took three weeks! But we resigned ourselves to the fact that we were going to have to stay in the area until both tests had been completed and I had been given the all clear. In cases like this, if you know you are going to have to stay in an area for any length of time, it's best to enrol at the local medical centre. Doing this means my appointments cost me $30 each instead of $80. Considering I had 10 appointments in April alone, that's a saving of $500 straight off! Whether you live in a house, or a van, nobody really knows how they are going to handle these things until they happen. But if they do, you will handle it.<br />
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<b>What happens when I get old, or am not so mobile?</b><br />
This is understandably one of the biggest fears people have. Maybe I'm the wrong person to ask as I like to think I'm a little way off being 'old' yet, but I think a lot of it is to do with state of mind. You can laugh if you want but I swear living this way keeps you young. How do I know? Because I've met a lot of people on the road of retirement age or beyond - in fact most people we meet are - and they don't look or act anywhere near it. In fact, getting 'old' is one of the main reasons people do hit the road, because they have seen too many of their friends leave this earth without getting to enjoy their retirement, or have had a health scare of their own and realised there's still a lot they want to do while they still can. Getting old is just a birthday, it doesn't mean you have to stop living! Many of today's caravans and motorhomes are just as comfortable as any house - and just like a house they can be adapted to make mobility easier. I know of amazing people who can't walk any more but they can drive a bus and can glide from one end of it to the other in their customised chair. Trust me, you see a heck of a lot more in a mobile home that you ever will in a house. If my body ever fails me and I have the choice of living out the rest of my days in the same four walls, or still being able to travel to beautiful new places - even if I could only look out the window - I know which one I would choose. That's not meant to sound judgemental or condescending. I think maybe that's something you can only understand when you live this way. But I have heard that when the time comes, and you really can't travel any more, there is always somewhere you can park up for as long as you need.<br />
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<b>I don't know enough about maintenance or mechanics to live in a mobile home. What if I don't know how to work everything? </b><br />
Nobody goes out on the road an instant expert. Some of us have an added advantage in being a bit 'handier' than others, or have mechanic or engineering knowledge, but just as many of us don't. It's like anything. A lot of people don't know the first thing about computers, or what all the buttons on their microwave do, but does that stop them using them? No, you learn as you go and motorhoming is just the same. We meet people all the time who don't know how to operate their camping toilet, or how to change a tyre, or tune in their TV. But there is always someone out there to help you. You can ask on Facebook, ask another motorhomer (who will be more than happy to help) or call out an appropriate tradesman, just as you would if you lived in a house. If there's something you need to know, just ask!<br />
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<b>What if I break down, or get stranded in a scary place? </b><br />
This is another area where people forget a motorhome is like anything else. Having your motorhome break down or getting a flat tyre, or being stranded in a scary place is no different to the same thing happening in a car. There's never a good time to have something like this happen! You still need to call for a mechanic or the AA or someone to come and help you. The bonus is, unlike a car, when you're in a motorhome you already have everything you need with you! You can go and make yourself some food, or watch TV until help comes, whatever you like! Before we go anywhere off the beaten track I always check the oil and water, make sure my Warrant of Fitness and servicing is up to date and let someone know where I'm going, especially if it is in an area unlikely to have cellphone reception. If your whole life is on the road, it's definitely worth being a member of the AA, or having some type of insurance which offers a 24 hour callout service. We are insured through Camper Care, and while we haven't needed rescuing yet, have found them to be brilliant. Another popular motorhome insurance company is Covi.<br />
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I think that's probably enough for one blog, I hope my ramble is helpful to someone! Will answer more of your questions tomorrow, but before I go I must answer just one more quick one. It's the easiest one to answer but is probably one of the most important:<br />
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<b>What if I fail? </b><br />
Three little words I want you to remember. You can't fail. It's YOUR life, you are in charge of it! There is no test you have to pass. Forgive me for sounding all Disney Fairy Godmother-ish but all you need to do is believe in yourself. And even if you don't yet, once you get out there, you will.Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-79957153692636831132018-04-29T16:08:00.002-07:002018-04-29T16:08:47.786-07:00Kayaking among legends <br />
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First things first, a
huge thank you to everyone who has sent messages and well wishes
lately! I'm doing pretty good and trying to keep as active as I can.
We're planning a trip to Arrowtown in the next week or two which
we're both really excited about, as well as walking the Lake Hayes
circuit. They both look so beautiful at this time of year and the
leaves are falling fast, so we need to get a wriggle on!</div>
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<b><i>Kayaking in 50,000 year old water. As you do...</i></b></div>
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However, before I
waffle on about any new adventures I really need to bring you up to
date on the last couple of months as we've seen and done heaps. I
haven't even finished telling you about Liam's visit back in
February, shocking! I really need to do that because in just a few short days
we managed to experience some truly amazing things, which all of us
will remember forever. One of the highlights was definitely kayaking
at Milford Sound. Kayaking is one of my favourite things to do. I
would happily do it all day, every day and over the years Liam and I
have been lucky enough to do it everywhere from Rotorua and Taupo to
Kuaotunu and Tokaanui, as well as many an excursion down the estuary
and across the sea to Donut Island (official name Whenuakura) in our
old home town of Whangamata. They are all awesome in their own way,
but none have come close to Milford Sound. Without a doubt, this was
one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. </div>
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<b><i>On a wet day there are so many waterfalls the mountains look as though they are covered in spider webs!</i></b></div>
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There's no such
thing as Milford Sound on a bad day (which is just as well, seeing as
it rains there 250 days of the year) but conditions couldn't have
been more perfect for our tour. Having rained on and off all morning,
the mountains streamed with dozens of waterfalls and combined with
the dark and brooding landscape it couldn't have looked or felt any
more ethereal.</div>
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<b><i>Just the three of us, with our guide, Tiger </i></b></div>
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Our kayaking experience
began at Harrison Cove, which is only accessible by boat and is also
home to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. We were lucky
enough to have just three in our group; Gareth, myself and Liam, ably led by our tour guide, Tiger. We glided gently into the
water and set off at a leisurely pace around the fiord. Our first
stop was at an inlet, where Tiger encouraged us to taste the water.
'This is the best water you will ever get', he said. 'It's glacial
water. Until around 4 – 5 hours ago, this water had been frozen for
over 50,000 years'. He was right, it tasted better than any water
we'd ever had!</div>
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<b><i>Where else in the world can you go kayaking in cold tea?!</i></b></div>
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One of the things which
makes Milford Sound so otherworldly is the colour of the water. It's
actually sort of tea coloured but looks black. This is caused by
something called deep water emergence. The water in the fiord is salt
water; however due to the result of the high annual rainfall in
Fiordland, there is a layer of fresh water overlaying it and the
light is not allowed to penetrate past that layer. This is just one
of the many things we learned from our friendly and informative
guide. We also learned all about tree avalanche scars and I learned more
about Maori legends and our nation's history than I had done in 26
years of living in New Zealand! I can't resist sharing a couple so please indulge me...</div>
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<b><i>The poor wee lonely Piopio. Rather like a thrush, this native bird was sadly declared extinct in the early 1900's.</i></b></div>
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The Maori name for
Milford Sound is Piopiotahi, which means 'the lonely Piopio', and the
story behind the name goes a bit like this. One day, a chap called
Maui - a Polynesian demigod and one of the most famous identities in
Maori legends – set out on a quest to try and make humans immortal.
He was accompanied in his mission by a small bird known as a Piopio,
which sadly is now extinct. Unfortunately for Maui, he failed in his
quest and was killed. The poor wee Piopio was so heartbroken, he
flew to Milford Sound to mourn his friend's death and lived out the
rest of his days alone. As for the sandflies the area is also
notorious for? They were released by the goddess of the underworld,
Hine-nui-te-po, to prevent humans from lingering too long in such a
beautiful place. It certainly did the trick! Despite receiving more
than half a million visitors every year, the mystical place now more
commonly known as Milford Sound remains pure and unspoilt.
</div>
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<b><i>The tui is still my favourite bird, despite being a scaredy-cat!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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My favourite story
however, as we sat there bobbing about in the silent water, was how
some of our native birds came to look the way they are. Tane Mahuta,
the god of the forest called all the birds together and asked if they
would please come down from the tree tops to help clean up the bugs
on the forest floor, as they were eating the trees and making them
sick. None of them offered, so Tane Mahuta asked each one in turn.
The tui refused, saying he was scared of the dark and was too afraid
to come down to the ground, away from the sun. The pukeko also
refused, claiming the forest floor was too cold and the earth was too
damp. As for the shining cuckoo, he was too busy building his nest
to come and help.
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<b><i>The pukeko is a common sight in swampy, boggy areas. Now you know why!</i></b></div>
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But the kiwi agreed,
even though it meant leaving his family. Tane Mahuta was overjoyed,
but warned the kiwi what lay ahead. 'My friend, you will have to
grow thick, strong legs so that you can rip apart logs on the ground.
And you will lose your beautiful coloured feathers and wings so that
you will never be able to return to the forest roof. You will never
see the light of day again'. Still the kiwi agreed. Just as he
promised, Tane Mahuta bestowed him with thick, strong legs to suit
his habitat. However life was also never the same for the birds who
refused to help. From that day on, the tui has worn two white
feathers at his throat, the mark of a coward. Pukeko has lived
forever in a swamp, with wet feet, and the shining cuckoo never got
to build another nest, instead she always lays her eggs in other
birds' nests. But because of the kiwi's great sacrifice, he went on
to become the most well-known and most loved bird of all.</div>
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<b><i>Looking towards Harrison Cove, home of the Underwater Observatory</i></b></div>
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True or not, I've
always loved myths and legends and the fact we were out on the water,
being treated to the most incredible display from Mother Nature made
them even more magical. While we weren't lucky enough to see
penguins, they are frequently sighted by kayakers. I could have
happily stayed there out on the water; surrounded by the mountains
and waterfalls forever but Tiger promised there was still a heap more
to see at the Underwater Observatory. The kayak station is
conveniently located in the same building, so we glided gracefully
into the dock and climbed out. We then headed inside, where Tiger
led us 10 metres down into the viewing area. It was amazing to see
all the marine life which had been swimming right underneath us as we
had been kayaking. Who would ever have known that the sea bed was
covered in delicate looking black coral? Unlike most aquariums, <i>you
</i>are the ones in the tank
and the fish swim around freely outside. As a result, you never
know what you might see! Enormous starfish, marble fish, spotty's
and varieties types of wrasse are commonplace, along with John Dory
and kingfish, but it isn't unheard of for the odd shark to make an
appearance. I'm glad I learned that <i>after</i> we got out of the
kayaks!</div>
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<b><i>There's no place in the world like Milford Sound!</i></b></div>
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Cruising Milford Sound
in a kayak was an experience that is hard to put into words but I
don't think I have ever felt luckier, or more awestruck by anything
in my life. A big thank you to Southern Discoveries
(<a href="http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/">www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz</a>)
for giving us the opportunity. Not only is the tour excellent value
and reasonably priced, some things really are priceless. If it's not
already on your bucket list, be sure to add it!</div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-84158796334943143692018-04-20T21:21:00.002-07:002018-04-20T21:21:29.566-07:00Preparing for hibernationIt may be a good while yet until winter but already many people are hunkering down for the colder months and getting ready to hibernate. Things are much quieter around here these days and I'm looking forward to having a little winter 'village' again, just us and a handful of other nomads who park up here until things have warmed up enough to move on. We've moved to a much quieter spot and I have to admit, after the hustle and bustle of many hundreds of campers over the past few months it's absolute bliss to be just a few of us all quiet and cosy. We've made many wonderful friends over the summer and look forward to doing it all over again later in the year - but for now, it's time to just enjoy this quiet time and get through the winter. After months of 'happy hours', sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and socialising, all of a sudden we're all tucked away for the night by 6.30! <br />
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<b><i>We get to wake up to this view every morning from our new spot!</i></b></div>
<br />
For a lot of permanent road dwellers, choosing where to 'winter' can be quite stressful. It's a bit of a dilemma. Where it will be the warmest, or the quietest, or the most economical? It's an area where you need to be pretty organised and plan ahead if you want to be ready and sorted when the time comes. Whatever the weather, at the end of the day it really just comes down to personal choice. Some people make a beeline for the Far North, where it's said to be winterless, others favour the top of the South Island, with popular choices being Nelson and Motueka. But for us, there's nowhere else we would rather be in the winter than Southland. Let's face it, anywhere is crap when it rains, doesn't matter where you are! The Deep South is just so beautiful in autumn and winter, I can't imagine being anywhere else at this time of year now. <br />
<br />
Which is just as well because we have no choice but to sit tight at the moment! I've been having a few health issues for some time now and although we are hopefully getting to the bottom of it, for the past couple of months it has really been quite debilitating. It's been a pain - literally - and we're just in the process of ruling a few things out, meaning we can't go travelling until the necessary tests are done, the doctors are satisfied (and me too) and I'm on the mend. It's OK, it's good timing really, I mean it's not exactly going to be the best time to do much travelling over the next few months anyway! But that's where we're at, and why I haven't been doing much blogging lately. Life has been one continuous string of appointments lately, I've had 10 in the last three weeks alone! But I'm fine. I was pretty down in the dumps for a while but I'm doing much better now. <br />
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<b><i>Life on the road isn't always perfect - but it's pretty darn close!</i></b></div>
<br />
Just because you're 'living the dream' doesn't mean life is always going to be perfect. Getting sick on the road is a big fear for a lot of people - big enough to put them off ever doing it. But the thing is, life on the road is like any other in that if that happens, you just deal with it, same as you would anywhere else. To be honest I find it far easier being in the van when I'm unwell than I ever did living in a house. In the van you just get comfy and rest up until you're better, without having to worry about things not getting done and the house falling down around you. Instead of forcing myself to drag a vacuum cleaner around I'm snug and warm, smiling at the blackbirds bathing in the puddles on the other side of the window. There's the added bonus too of being able to take your house wherever you need to when it comes to hospitals and treatments and such too! You can't put your dreams on hold because of what 'might happen'. If we all did that, none of us would ever do anything! Quite the contrary, we have come across countless people who live on the road BECAUSE of their health issues; people who have survived heart attacks and cancer or who have other disabilities. Rather than letting it stop them, they embrace everything life has to offer and get on with making the most of it. Just like we all should.<br />
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<b><i>I love this picture of Casper (Now Llewelyn) eyeing us up when we came to say goodbye. It's as if he's saying 'You're not taking me away again are you? I like it here!'</i></b></div>
<br />
We might not be venturing too far in the foreseeable future but we've still managed to do a fair bit of adventuring lately - enough for me to fill my blogs for quite a while yet! You may have seen our Facebook videos of transporting our wee lamb to his new home in the van but I'm looking forward to being able to share the full story and telling you all about the beautiful and very special place he now lives and will spend the rest of his days. He's a lucky lad indeed. Another highlight was having a very special lady join us for a few days of sightseeing - my mum! It had been 18 months since we had seen each other and it was an emotional reunion at the airport to say the least! Spending a few precious days together really brought it home to me what a different life we lead and I struggled for quite a while at the realisation that I had not physically been there for my little mum all this time. After surviving bowel cancer, a knee replacement and a stroke all in the last two years, she really is quite amazing and I was so proud of her as we strolled along the beach at Moeraki and wended our way around the Otago Peninsula. It was a really special time and it was nice to be able to look after her the way she deserves and show her some of the area we love so much. Lots more to come about her visit too!<br />
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<b><i>Mum and me exploring the sights of Dunedin</i></b></div>
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For now, that brings us up to date as to where we're at. Sometimes it's nice to just stop and smell the soup. I say 'soup' because there's no chance of having roses in a van where you're going to knock them over in five minutes flat! But our little van never smells more homely than at this time of year, where there's always something warm and comforting in the crockpot or on the stove. And, following on from my previous blog, which seems forever ago now, the new damp-busting bed arrangement is working extremely well! The temperature has already hit below freezing but all is well. Over the next few days we'll be transforming Ken back into a spaceship with our annual bubble-wrap-athon and with a bit of luck (I'm touching every bit of wood here) that will see us through the winter comfortably and without too much grief and hassle. Whatever happens, whatever life throws at us, we will be OK! Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-69122465262053156452018-03-25T17:46:00.002-07:002018-03-25T17:46:42.836-07:00Going up in the world!Ah, it's that time of year again. It hardly feels as though there has been a respite from it, yet here we are already, dealing with our favourite nightmare - the dreaded Van Damp. What made it all the more distressing was that we weren't even out of February yet when we first started getting damp and mould in the mattress. At least last year it wasn't a problem until April or May, but come on, give us a break universe, this was still summer! <br />
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The only good thing about us noticing it so early was that it gave us time to do something about it before things got REALLY bad. We discussed all sorts of solutions, from installing vents in the roof (both an expensive and daunting thought at the prospect of cutting holes in the roof of our 'house') to installing a fan in the base of the bed, to provide continuous air circulation and keep the mattress dry. 'What we really need is something with lots of holes in, that we can put between the mattress and the timber, so that we're not sleeping on a solid surface. Something like a plastic pallet', I said wistfully. But where were we going to find one of those? There was nothing for it but to keep racking our brains for ideas and try to come up with a possible solution. <br />
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<b><i>Recycled plastic pallets - just what we need!</i></b></div>
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Just two days later however, the universe provided. Or to be specific, a very helpful bloke called Dave. 'Bevin says we can have one of these', grinned Gareth, heaving something over to the van and plonking it down in front of the door. Many motorhomers use wooden or plastic pallets, or indeed whatever else they can find that will do the job as a front door step. It stops the ground by the door getting trampled and muddy and prevents dirt and grass from getting traipsed inside. Our wooden step had recently given up the ghost and in its replacement we had just been given a large, square plastic pallet. <br />
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Immediately my eyes lit up. 'Are there any more?' I asked, hopefully. 'Yeah, there's a whole stack of them, Dave brought them home from work', Gareth said. Dave was Bevin's son, who when he wasn't working could often be found at the campground, renovating his bus. 'Ohh, you're thinking we could use them on the bed?' Gareth said as I nodded enthusiastically. 'Good idea, I'll go and ask!' I couldn't believe our luck. Here was exactly what we needed, right when we needed it - and for free!<br />
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<b><i>Trimming the pallets to size</i></b></div>
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We waited impatiently over the next few days for the weather to be fine and dry enough to turf everything out of the van, then Gareth set about measuring and trimming the pallets using a handsaw to make them fit. It took three pallets in the end, which we fitted together like a jigsaw until they covered the entire base of the bed. Then we made up the bed as usual and admired our handiwork. As an added bonus, we now had some handy storage space in the pallet to pop our shoes and other bits and pieces in!<br />
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<b><i>The jigsaw is complete</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Our new, very comfortable and totally free bed frame!</i></b></div>
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'You've gone up in the world!' laughed Bevin, when he saw the finished project. He wasn't wrong there. Having the pallet as an extra layer had elevated us up a good few inches! On the plus side, we were now closer to the insulated ceiling, so as long as we didn't bang our heads getting in and out of bed we would be warmer! I was worried about how comfortable it was going to be, sleeping on top of the plastic pallets but to my surprise we were way comfier than we had ever been sleeping on the timber. I feel like the Princess and the Pea, tucked up snug as a bug in our big bed of layers! Only time will tell as the air gets colder, whether we have finally beaten the demon damp but for now things are looking quite literally, up! Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-81328899838064219802018-03-20T13:41:00.001-07:002018-03-20T13:41:48.420-07:00All work and no play? Not quite!Who in their right mind would try and write an entire book during the height of summer, in a campground crawling with people? As it turns out, me and is the main reason there haven't been any blogs for a while. Let me tell you, it's not easy writing to write uninterrupted for eight or nine hours a day in a tin can on wheels when you have to keep stopping at what seems like five minute intervals and showing campers where to pay, how to use the laundry and direct them to the dump station! But I thought it would be good to follow Marian Keyes' example. She writes all her books in bed so I figured if I wrote mine in the same way (well - sitting on the bed, not in it!) then it might bring me luck.<br />
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<b><i>First draft of the book! I felt the title was appropriate :)</i></b></div>
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I couldn't have done it without Gareth; for weeks he took care of almost everything from looking after campers and doing all the cooking, to trying to fit in his own work too. It was hard to stay on task and watch him rush around like a mad thing, doing all the jobs we normally shared together single handedly. But we got there and the result is a 300-page book, which hopefully people will enjoy reading. The feedback I've had from our proofreaders so far is that it has made them all cry! I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not! But it's made them laugh too, which is a good sign. Hopefully it will invoke a similar response in the publishing houses we have sent it to and one of them will like it enough to print it. If not, well we'll have to come up with another way to get it out there! For now, we have to play the waiting game, which can take up to four months just to see if it gets accepted or not. And we already have a second book planned to get written over the winter! But for now, I'm enjoying having my life back for a bit and enjoying what's left of the golden weather.<br />
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<b><i>We still get out there adventuring!</i></b></div>
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Today's blog is just a bit of a catch up. We still have heaps to share from our travels with Liam, which was a crazy six weeks ago now. I have no idea where the year is going! We've also managed the odd day trip, which has been lovely and I look forward to telling you about them. It amazes me how much there is to learn about our beautiful country. We've visited some places with wonderful, intriguing and often sad history and I've learned more about Maori tales and legends in the past two months than in my whole 26 years in New Zealand! Some of the stories are truly beautiful and really make you think, I look forward to sharing those as best I can too.<br />
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<b><i>Milford Sound is steeped in history and legend</i></b></div>
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You may have seen from our Facebook page that I've been doing a lot of writing about freedom camping too, mainly for news website Stuff. It seems the media can't get enough of freedom camping at the moment and I'm not sure whether that's a good thing or not. There's so much propaganda, the whole issue and the public's perceived scale of freedom camping - what it is and their imagined idea of how bad it is, compared to the reality - has been blown way out of proportion. All I can do, both as a writer and a responsible camping individual as try to counteract each negative story with a positive one and use our experiences of life on the road to show how things really are. To date, in 18 months on the road we have never witnessed any campers using the outdoors as a public toilet or intentionally dumping rubbish. The only people we ever have to clean up after are locals.<br />
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People think of freedom campers as being only young travellers from overseas. If they knew how many pensioners were also out there living the lifestyle, they may not be quite so quick to accuse us all of making a mess and leaving nasty presents in the bushes! Just the thought of it makes me laugh. I'm not saying it doesn't have its problems, there are always a few bad apples in every box but it is just a few, not every one. It's one of those subjects that nobody will ever agree on. The only thing they all agree on is that the current system needs to change in order to work for everyone and allow the thousands of us who live on the road to preserve and continue to enjoy the lifestyle we love. I've written about it so much lately I'm even dreaming about it, so that's all I'm going to say on the subject here!<br />
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It may have been almost 'all work and no play' around here lately, but fortunately not quite. When we haven't been working we've been having a very sociable time of things! Once the school holidays are over it was time for the Kiwi motorhomers to come out and play, and what a lovely, friendly bunch they are too. The last few weeks have been a neverending stream of invitations, happy hours and pot luck dinners and we have had the pleasure of making many new friends from all over NZ, as well as more far flung places like the US, UK and Germany. Some afternoons there will be just four of us for drinkies, others you can find 16 or even more of us sitting out in the sunshine sharing stories. We have a lot of laughs and it's such a great way to learn about different parts of the country or indeed the world, places to visit (or not to visit!) and generally just be around good people. I can't think of any other way of life where you get to socialise with a whole bunch of new and likeminded people every day. So to finish today on a warm, fuzzy note, here are just a handful of the new friends we've made lately. If you've met us recently and there isn't a photo of you here, you'll just have to come back and see us again so we can take one!<br />
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<b><i>Blowing the 'bad freedom camper' reputation out of the water, we had the pleasure of the company of these awesome Americans for several days. Left to right we have Madi, TJ, Greg and Haydn</i></b></div>
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<b><i>We had a wonderful afternoon of laughs with these travelling Kiwis!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Left to right: Corrine, John, Brent, Sue, Barbara and Wayne</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Us dressed up for a change, celebrating the wedding of fellow road dwellers</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Fiona and Steve, along with new friends Andrew and Annie</i></b></div>
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<b><i>When John and Lynette came round for a coffee, we didn't have enough mugs or </i></b></div>
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<b><i>chairs in our van, so they brought their whole bus with them!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>It's Happy Hour again! With John, Wayne, Leanne, Lynne</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Ross, Mark, Toni, Clive, Yvonne and Jan</i></b></div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-78414887464817799592018-02-09T15:49:00.002-08:002018-02-09T16:00:15.932-08:00No Filter RequiredBefore we lived on the road I had never seen most of the picture postcard places NZ is so famous for; the Lord of the Rings country and all that. To be honest, I'd never even seen the Lord of the Rings movies until Gareth insisted I had to and by then we were already in the van! Once I saw them, I could understand instantly why visitors flock here in their tens of thousands every year. Who wouldn't want to? But until I saw them in person with my own eyes, I honestly believed that the stunning images in all the tourist guides and social media weren't quite real. I mean, nowhere could possibly be THAT perfect; they had to have been doctored or Photoshopped in some way, surely? After all, I'd never seen any places like that in 25 years of living here! Like many people though, before embarking on our journey I had never really travelled far from my own backyard. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and so much more convenient just to not go anywhere! But boy, do you miss out on a lot.<br />
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<b><i>The Homer Tunnel is 1.2km of hand carved access through the mountain</i></b></div>
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As it turns out however, I wasn't alone in thinking all those flashy images were too good to be true. Fortunately, Liam was to learn the truth far sooner than I did. We left our little cabins at Manapouri early to beat the traffic and were soon on our way. 'This is the end of civilisation as we know it', I smiled to Liam as we headed out of Te Anau and onto the only road which leads to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park is the largest of NZ's 14 national parks and until 1953 Milford Sound was inaccessible by road. Fortunately a couple of enterprising and rather helpful chaps, one of whom was named William H. Homer, thought it would be rather a good idea to build a tunnel through the saddle they had recently discovered. This commenced literally with five men using picks and wheelbarrows and thanks to avalanches and other disasters, the project took 18 years to finish. You only have to drive through the Homer Tunnel today to see what a monumental achievement it was, and as a result well over half a million people now visit Milford Sound every year. </div>
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<b><i>Milford Sound on a typically broody day</i></b></div>
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<b><i>You don't get waterfalls like these on a fine day!</i></b></div>
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There was just one thing which put a dampener on our day - literally - and that was the rain, which whilst it wasn't torrential, was pretty much incessant. Despite people telling us that the rain was actually a GOOD thing, we found it hard to believe. Last time Gareth and I had visited, it had been clear and sunny and we couldn't have hoped for better. Still, seeing as it rains in Milford Sound around 250 days of the year we couldn't be picky and besides, we had a boat to jump both on and in, with wet weather gear assured. Two hours later, we arrived at Milford Sound and I could see Liam was impressed as Mitre Peak loomed massively in front of us, all dark and brooding and shrouded in mist. Rain or shine, it's impossible <i>not</i> to be blown away and for what was going to be many times that day, I was very grateful to that nice man Mr Homer for his tunnel.</div>
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<b><i>The dainty looking but drenching Fairy Falls!</i></b></div>
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The rain kindly stopped as we boarded our Southern Discoveries vessel, the Lady Bowen for our Encounter Nature cruise and as we sailed out of the dock I was immediately impressed both with the ship and our friendly and informative skipper. Our vessel was busy but not overly crowded and Gareth, Liam and I were able to secure a prime spot at the front of the ship. As soon as we hit the water I had to eat my words about 'touristy things being overhyped and not worth it'. Already this was better than anything we had managed to see in our last visit! Seriously, you just can't compare standing on the shore admiring from a distance to literally being close enough to touch it. There is so much more to Milford Sound than we realised, so much more depth and sheer size that you simply won't see any other way. We passed colonies of fur seals, lounging on the rocks, who waved lazily at us with their flippers and got very wet at Fairy Falls, which is one of the few permanent waterfalls at Milford Sound which actually has a name. The reason that so few of them have names is because whilst there are literally thousands of waterfalls streaming down the mountains on a wet day, they quite literally disappear half an hour after the rain stops. This means that you will never see Milford Sound looking the same two days in a row as most of these waterfalls are completely unique. Cool, huh? It also meant that once again I had to eat my words, as the whole place takes on a completely new dimension when it rains that you don't get treated to on a sunny day. It's true what people say, Milford Sound really IS better on a wet day!</div>
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<b><i>Looking glamorous after stopping at Fairy Falls!</i></b></div>
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Which is just as well because we were getting incredibly wet on our cruise, even with our raincoats. You didn't have to - the boat was incredibly comfortable and well equipped if you wanted to sit inside but we didn't want to miss a thing! The Fairy Falls was one of my favourite stops, not only for its beauty but also for the story behind its name. It got its name from a group of sailors who had been away at sea for a very long time. Upon seeing land for the first time in months, they were so delighted they hit the whiskey big time and went on a bender for three days, by the end of which the captain was convinced he could see fairies dancing at the foot of the waterfall! Our own skipper also delighted here in being able to guide the front of the boat actually into the waterfall, drenching unsuspecting passengers as they prepared to take the obligatory selfies! </div>
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<b><i>Where the fiord meets the Tasman Sea</i></b> </div>
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<b><i>It's not surprising Captain Cook sailed past here twice!</i></b></div>
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On we cruised, marvelling at our surroundings with each second that passed. Liam isn't a fella who says much as a rule, he's not one to gush or enthuse about things but you know he likes something when he starts taking photos and he took a LOT of photos! 'So this is where the cool stuff is', he grinned, looking around. 'Honestly, you see all these videos on TV and the likes of Unilad and I always thought "Where the hell are these places? Are they even really in NZ, 'cos I've sure as hell never seen them?!" but now I know they're real. Now I know where they are'. 'Yep, this is where the cool stuff is hiding!' I laughed. Eventually the water started to get a little more choppy and we reached the watery gateway to the Tasman Sea, where it was time for us to turn around and head back. From this direction it is actually very hard to see the entrance to Milford Sound and Captain James Cook, when exploring the area in his ship the <i>Resolution</i> and compiling his map of NZ actually sailed past it twice, completely missing it! The man responsible for first discovering the Sound by sea was actually a Welsh chap by the name of Captain John Grono. He named Milford Sound after Milford Haven in Wales, although it should technically be called Milford Fiord, as it's not actually a Sound at all! Sound or not, Grono's arrival was very bad news for the native fur seals. Over the 20 or so years which followed, seal numbers in the area went from two million to less than 50,000; until the government discovered what was going on and seal hunting was banned nationwide, along with Grono and his men.</div>
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<b><i>You just don't see any of this from the shore!</i></b></div>
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As we passed Seal Rock, where seal numbers today thankfully flourish, the view was quite possibly even more spectacular heading in the other direction. The rain may have eased but our drenchings were still not finished, as we sailed into the final two permanent waterfalls - the 146 metre-high Stirling Falls and the landmark one which can be seen from the shore, the 160 metre Lady Bowen Falls. This was first named after one of NZ's first governors, Sir George Bowen, who declared it to be one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen upon laying eyes on it for the first time and decided to earn some serious brownie points with his wife (who was standing on the deck next to him at the time) by naming it after her. </div>
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<b><i>The spectacular Lady Bowen Falls</i></b></div>
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So how did our taste of commercial tourism compare with doing Milford Sound under our own steam, as we had done the previous year? Quite simply, you cannot compare the two, the cruise wins hands down. The experience and value we got from <a href="http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/" target="_blank">Southern Discoveries</a> far outweighs anything we were able to see previously and we learned so much along the way, none of which any of us knew before. Seriously, I could keep talking all day about the things we learned - and our adventure wasn't even over yet, we still had to go kayaking! Our advice to anyone thinking of seeing Milford Sound by boat? Just do it, you won't be disappointed; in our opinion it is some of the best money you can spend on a tourist activity and is worth every cent. Huge thanks must go to the team and crew at <a href="http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/" target="_blank">Southern Discoveries</a> for taking us out and showing us such an incredible time! These guys are super professional, their gear and facilities are great and we would recommend them to anyone. But don't stop there - wait until we tell you about the kayaking!</div>
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<b><i>Thanks for an awesome cruise Southern Discoveries!</i></b></div>
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Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-42621853871157249242018-02-08T20:14:00.003-08:002018-02-08T20:34:23.863-08:00A Spontaneous AdventureMy goodness, what an amazing week of adventuring it's been. In four days alone we drove 18 hours and almost 1500km! Was totally pooped by the end of it but it was so worth it. And the best thing of all was that I was able to share every bit of the awesomeness with my eldest, Liam. The timing couldn't have been better as I had been feeling a bit blue up until then. It's been over a year now since Gareth and I have seen either of our mums, or Ali my youngest and I had been struggling with both the guilt of not seeing them, as well as missing them dreadfully. Liam's spontaneous visit and the change of scenery was just what the travel doctor ordered!<br />
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<b><i>Liam at Devil's Staircase lookout</i></b></div>
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Last time Liam came to visit was back in September and seeing as it was still pretty chilly we stayed in a motel in Dunedin. This time I was looking forward to finally being able to give him an insight to life on the road and why his crazy mother loved living in a van! The adventure started the moment I picked him up from Queenstown airport. The drive from Gore to Queenstown is one of my favourites, as it winds past one of our most memorable freedom camps at Kingston and the mighty Lake Wakatipu. As soon as the lake comes into view it makes me smile and I couldn't have wished for a better day to share it with Liam as the sun shone on the crystal clear water. I could tell instantly that he was just as impressed as he took in the view from Devil's Staircase. We stopped at Kingston and ate sandwiches at the little beach. Liam is a champion at skimming stones and he paddled in the water for ages, sending stones skipping across the water. Eventually we made our way back to Gore, where Liam was in for a very colourful welcome! Unbeknown to him, he had arrived on the busiest day of the year at our campground, the A & P Show. Far from the peaceful, pastoral scene I had described, he was greeted by hordes of people, fairground rides and enormous inflatables; not to mention goats, donkeys and even a few Clydesdales!</div>
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<b><i>Skimming stones in Lake Wakatipu</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>So happy to share this special place with my boy!</i></b></div>
<br />
Being Liam, he took it all in his stride and once everyone had packed up and gone, sat happily in his camping chair with a beer as we cooked dinner outside. Several other campers stopped for a chat before we went for a walk around the grounds and to see Casper, our foster lamb who is now very much a sheep rather than human and hangs out with his flock but still knows who his mum and dad are! Minnie loved having Liam around again and was most upset the next morning when she got taken to boarding kennels but no dogs are permitted in Fiordland National Park and that was where we were headed. Milford Sound is a place which should be on EVERYONE'S bucket list and I had been watching the weather forecast incessantly leading up to Liam's arrival. It wasn't looking the flashest but we decided we would bite the bullet and go. Besides, everyone assured me that the rain didn't matter up there, in fact quite the contrary. I failed to see how it could possibly be any more spectacular than it had been a year ago, when the sun had shone and we could see for miles, but one thing I knew for sure, you don't miss ANY opportunity to go to the Sound!<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Walking the Kepler Track</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Walking out of the bush into a rainbow</i></b></div>
<br />
We arrived a couple of hours later in Te Anau, which was bustling with people as always. The weather as predicted was drizzly and none too warm but we still had time to fit in a walk so parked at the Control Gates by the lake. There are heaps of good walks of varying distances in the Te Anau area - in fact you can walk for days if you want to do the whole 60km long Kepler Track! I would certainly love to do that one day but for today we contented ourselves with just a short walk to Dock Bay. After our obstacle course hike at Piano Flat a few weeks earlier, this track was a dream! So enjoyable and well maintained. The many trees provided shelter from much of the rain and grey as it was, the lake still was broodingly beautiful. As we emerged out of the bush on our way back, the sun came out and a gorgeous rainbow stretched out in front of us. As the saying goes, you can't have a rainbow without a little rain!<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Our cute little cabin</i></b></div>
<br />
Whilst Te Anau is a nice little town, I really like Manapouri just down the road as it is quieter and in my opinion even more beautiful. I knew just where I wanted to stay too! The Manapouri Motels & Holiday Park looks out right opposite the lake and although we had two vans I decided to book us cabins, so that we could all travel together and Liam could just relax and enjoy the views. As it turned out, this was definitely a smart option, as the prices were so reasonable it worked out cheaper for us to stay this way than it would have cost to fill the other van with petrol! This quaint wee place is rather like going back in time but that is all part of its charm. The cabins are very basic (the lady on the phone wanted to make sure I was very clear of that when I booked as many people think they are getting a motel) but are adorable and very cosy. I slept better that first night in our cabin that I have in a long time! 'If this is what a tiny house is like, we could definitely live in one of these!' we smiled.<br />
<br />
One thing I would definitely recommend however when visiting Te Anau is to bring your own food. Whilst we brought enough with us for breakfasts and lunches, we had forgotten how expensive it is to eat there, not just to dine out but also in the town's only supermarket. We managed to get through a couple of hundred dollars in restaurants on what was frankly some seriously mediocre food. Next time we won't forget to bring the camping fridge with us! Much better to spend a little time making decent food to take with us beforehand, even if it seems like a hassle at the time. Despite the age and quirkiness of the campground at Manapouri, we all agreed that both the communal kitchen and the bathroom and shower facilities were some of the best we had come across. It was funny for us being back at a regular campground after all this time, especially during peak season. Our campground in Gore is so relaxed and spacious, there is plenty of room for everyone and you never have to worry about not being able to get in the showers or toilets. Here however there was a queue! In fact there was a queue for everything from the kettle to the toaster and I remembered gratefully that this was why we had decided to stay put in our peaceful Southland paradise for the summer, rather than join the merry throng of overseas tourists.<br />
<br />
Still, it was good for Liam, who aspires to do some travelling of his own to see what it was all about and to realise the sheer extent of people touring the South Island under their own steam. I say 'the South Island' rather than NZ as a whole because despite being from the Coromandel Peninsula, which is in itself a tourist hotspot, the number of travellers and people living the van life is nothing in the North Island compared to the South, where it's really next level. This became even more apparent the next day when we set off for Milford Sound and every single vehicle we encountered was either a camper van, tourist bus or rental car. The road to Milford Sound is notorious and has a reputation for being dangerous but it really isn't. I'm the biggest wuss on the planet when it comes to challenging roads and I find it a pleasure to drive, it's easier than driving from Thames to Whangamata! It's not the road which is the problem; it's the <i>drivers.</i> We saw two accidents on the road and in both cases there were no other vehicles involved, both were Asian tourists and occurred on straight roads. It seemed as though they were simply distracted by the scenery and veered off the road, quite spectacularly. I guess it is pretty easy to do when the scenery is that incredible! But in case you have also heard horror stories about the road, don't stress about it. The main thing to remember is to use your lower gears, even in an automatic because it is very easy to 'cook' your brakes, particularly on the last 30km or so and trust me, you don't want to be out on that road needing a mechanic with no cellphone reception for 140km!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Last year's trip to Milford Sound was spectacular. Could we possibly top it this time?</i></b></div>
<br />
Last time Gareth and I visited Milford Sound we had no idea what to expect, just like Liam didn't now. But this time was going to be just as different for us as the first time, and not just because of the weather. On our previous visit we scoffed at all the touristy things, preferring to 'do' the Sound for free. Us, pay for a swanky cruise or a helicopter flight? No thank you very much! We'd rather do things under our own steam. Besides, there was so much to see along the way, the journey itself was just as good as the destination! That's what we believed anyway; after all, we had already seen some incredible sights just from the roadside. This time however we were going the whole hog. Thanks to the team at <a href="http://www.southerndiscoveries.co.nz/" target="_blank">Southern Discoveries</a>, the three of us were going on a cruise through the Sound, and not only that, we would be kayaking too! It goes without saying we were excited to say the least. But how different was it going to be? How much better was the touristy experience really going to be, compared to our previous el cheapo one? All will be revealed in the next blog!Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-297662782425285792018-01-27T19:52:00.000-08:002018-01-27T20:04:51.903-08:00Bad Apples, Sneaky Silverbeet & Good EggsIt's taken me a couple
of weeks to write today's post, because I don't like writing about
negative things as a rule, not unless there's a positive to go with
it anyway. But I've decided that I will for several reasons. The main
one is that, one of the things people tell me when they read accounts
of life on the road is that you never hear about the bad stuff, only
the perfect and idyllic. I agree and think it's important to keep it
real. The other reasons are that 1) I believe that SOMEBODY needs to
speak out about this issue because it happens to too many people far
too often and 2) I was actually really deeply affected by these
experiences, surprisingly so. Which is pretty ironic because in my
last blog I was only just saying how I felt I had grown in confidence
and was a lot more comfortable in my own skin. Still, I guess none of
us are bullet proof.<br />
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<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b><i>You don't need a big flash motorhome to be happy!</i></b></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
As I have previously said, no doubt to the point
of boring you all silly, the majority of people we meet on the road
are absolutely lovely. We have made so many dear friends, of all ages
and from all countries. On the whole, the people you meet in
motorhomes are a lot like us - friendly, relaxed and will do anything
for anyone. But like most things in life, you only need a few bad
apples to spoil the barrel - or at least make it taste a bit sour for
a while - and I had the misfortune recently to encounter some two
days in a row. Why? For one reason only. I choose to live in a
smaller vehicle than they do. In their eyes this naturally makes me
poor, quite probably European and most definitely a lesser mortal.
It's not the first time we have encountered this treatment and I'm
sure it won't be the last, but I need to get this written down and
out of my head so that I can hold it up again and move on.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
The first instance was when a jaunty lady came
marching up to Gareth and I as we pottered outside our van. 'My
goodness, you have wings!' she said, referring to the NZMCA sticker
which identifies us as being members of the national Motorhoming
association. 'Yes, yes we do', we replied. 'We've been living on the
road permanently for the past 15 months'. 'In this thing?' she said,
'You know, where we come from, people call them sliders', she nodded
wryly towards the van. 'Yes, we know', we said, having heard the term
many a time before, due to our vehicle having sliding doors.
'Normally we try to stay as far away as possible from people like
you!' she smirked. 'Well we've been here a while now and we help out
around the place', we said, smiling through gritted teeth. At this,
she burst into peals of hysterical laughter. 'REALLY? You? Oh that's
hilarious!' she said, barely able to contain herself, before carrying
on her merry way. Gareth and I looked at each other and raised our
eyebrows. We had no idea what was so funny, but it seemed we had
encountered our first real snob. Still, at least she was a friendly
snob.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
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<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I'm proud of my little garden!</i></b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
The next day however I looked out of the window to
see a large caravan had pulled up next to the water tap and a couple
had got out. I had seen them a few minutes earlier and said hello but
they didn't reply. The woman appeared to be very interested in my
flourishing vegetable garden and walked around it repeatedly before
helping herself to some parsley and returning to her car. I chuckled
to myself at the sight of it but didn't really mind. Since taking
over care of the vegie patch I've taken a real pride in looking after
it and it does get a lot of comments. I'm happy to share our
abundance of vegies with anyone if they're going to be here for a few
days. However a few minutes later she got out of her vehicle again
and started thumbing through my carrots, before then grabbing hold of
my silverbeet and was about to pull some out. Bloody cheek of it! I
hopped out of the van and strode over to the woman. 'Excuse me, do
you want something?' I said, heart pounding. It's not like me to be
assertive you see. 'No!' she replied glaring at me, dropping the
silverbeet as if it burned her. 'It's OK, you can have some if you
like. It's just mine after all', I shrugged. 'This is yours?' she
replied, gesturing to the garden. 'How did <i>you</i> get <i>this?'</i> she asked, looking at
me as if I was something nasty she'd just found under her shoe.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
'I live here', I said. 'I'm an assistant
caretaker. I help to look after the place'. 'That's a lie', she
immediately jumped down my throat. 'The caretaker died a few days
ago!' 'I assure you he's very much alive and well!' I replied. 'You
are thinking of the caretaker at Mosgiel who did indeed recently pass
away'. Who knows, maybe she thought the garden had been the deceased
caretaker's and that it was perfectly acceptable to steal the poor
man's vegetables!</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
At this point, the woman's husband joined in the
conversation and thankfully he was friendly enough. 'What's all the
writing on your van?' he asked. I explained that I was a writer for
Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine and that often
campers know who we are and go out of their way to introduce
themselves. He shook my hand, introduced himself and his wife and she
also grudgingly shook my hand before asking me, 'So how long have you
had your wings?' From here I then had to explain that yes, these WERE
my wings, they WERE the real thing, not pinched from anyone else, and
I had been an NZMCA member the entire time I had owned this van and
lived on the road. To end with, I asked if they had been to stay here
before and on hearing they hadn't, told them where they could park
and where to find everything, just as I do with all the other
campers. The man thanked me and as they left I said to the woman,
'Honestly, feel free to take some lettuces or silverbeet before you
go, there really is only so much we can eat ourselves!' 'No. No thank
you', she replied loftily, before driving off to the other side of
the ground. There she stayed and I never saw her again. She sure as
heck didn't go anywhere near the garden after that either!</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Now it may sound like a petty gripe to you but
this nasty attitude regarding both young people and people who do not
have $200,000 motor homes and CHOOSE to live in smaller vehicles
quite happily, needs to stop. My case is a classic example of why you
should never judge a book by its cover. In both cases Gareth and I
were treated like dirt, yet we were the ones responsible for helping
them to enjoy their stay. They were just lucky I was too embarrassed
and shaken to ask them to leave. They were also extremely lucky in
the second scenario that Gareth was not there to witness their
treatment of me! Even so, it has affected me to the point that, even
a couple of weeks later, I am still very wary of meeting and greeting
people who display that same sticker. Fortunately everybody since has
been lovely and have gone out of their way to introduce themselves
first.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
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<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Us with John and Lynette. Hooray for good people!</i></b></div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
As I said at the start of my post, I don't like
writing about anything negative unless I have a positive to follow on
with. And as luck would have it, around the same time we bumped into
John and Lynette. When I say bumped into I mean quite literally! We
were out for a walk and got talking, as happens a lot. Most people
always want to know your story; where you come from, how long you've
been on the road and what you do and I mentioned I was a writer for
Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine. 'I got an message
the other day from someone called Jackie about an article she's
writing', the woman said. 'That's me!' I said in disbelief. 'No way!
I'm Lynette!' we both burst out laughing. I had no idea where she
was when I contacted her, she could have been anywhere and she didn't
know where I was either! We chatted for a while and then they said
'We're going across the road to the Town & Country Club a bit
later, feel free to join us!' So we did, and the warmth of these
lovely people, not to mention Lynette's infectious laugh really
restored my faith in humanity.</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
A few days later I received a message from her.
We're moving on today. Will be pop in for a coffee after lunch before
we go'. 'Lynette and John are coming over soon', I smiled to Gareth.
'Oh heck, hang on!' I quickly messaged back. 'Be great to see you -
but we don't have any mugs or milk as we don't drink coffee!' 'No
problem, we'll bring our house to yours!' came the reply. And sure
enough, their 9 metre bus rolled alongside us shortly after. They've
got that same sticker too; as do many of our favourite people who
we've met on the road. And as they say, just because you find one bad
apple doesn't mean you should give up the whole tree. I just
appreciate the good ones I meet even more now!</div>
Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424475454181060881.post-19235879775473608942018-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:002018-01-19T17:22:23.658-08:00The Myths & Reality of Freedom CampingTourist season is in full swing and with it comes the inevitable media coverage of hordes of freedom campers descending on some of our nation's prized beauty spots and turning them into a giant rubbish dump and public toilet. It's a frustrating time because, as with most things in life, the reality is it is usually just a small few disrespecting our country and the privilege of being able to see and experience it at minimum cost. Unfortunately we all unavoidably get tarred with the same brush, which we <i>hate.</i> Retired Kiwi couples in $250,000 motor homes are looked upon with the same disdain and negativity by those who read the stories as a group of European teenagers in a tent. To their mind, we're all the same. Which technically we are. Everybody loves something for nothing after all, and some of the most incredible camping spots in the country are free. We've stayed at them, they remain some of my favourites - often no paid campsite could possibly compare for the views and location - and I never feel luckier than when we get to stay in a place for free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtiNt1br2_Y1iW8DpuTjH1r2zGYFZzQRaLyARg-Cr1TM8QEGGmozCAKdl4i4xOmOxB80-Rx3NuAXNsxfJv9c6kf1NMkbp5Y4bj7t7_UF31Lc1KolxqkPxn0LrKnYPGGyfbfJaTXwkopHd/s1600/freedom2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtiNt1br2_Y1iW8DpuTjH1r2zGYFZzQRaLyARg-Cr1TM8QEGGmozCAKdl4i4xOmOxB80-Rx3NuAXNsxfJv9c6kf1NMkbp5Y4bj7t7_UF31Lc1KolxqkPxn0LrKnYPGGyfbfJaTXwkopHd/s400/freedom2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>People picture freedom camping in NZ like this...</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PUWEpX_ky7bpU3PDzM52hMOD-eMf1HFk1ob8TCeZzaDc5OSuyK4gIQJu-a0IEPvoY4GPBFOc-pta-tjj_gJLzUFAH1bf6lyeCC3Oyo5eAdFRYeYsCBuB4E-TbDHOhFXElCS_ibytLQz8/s1600/freedom+campers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="619" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5PUWEpX_ky7bpU3PDzM52hMOD-eMf1HFk1ob8TCeZzaDc5OSuyK4gIQJu-a0IEPvoY4GPBFOc-pta-tjj_gJLzUFAH1bf6lyeCC3Oyo5eAdFRYeYsCBuB4E-TbDHOhFXElCS_ibytLQz8/s400/freedom+campers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>When the reality is more like this...</i></b></div>
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Even so, you wouldn't catch us dead in most of them at this time of year. We don't need to limit our 'Kiwi experience' to the summer months, we get to enjoy it all the time! We're happy to wait until the rest of the world has gone home and we can take advantage of these beautiful free spots in relative peace and quiet. And beautiful or not, in summer at least many freedom camps ARE eyesores. Imagine between 80 and 140 vehicles packed like sardines into the one space every single day and night; everyone hanging out washing, airing bedding, washing dishes, clothes and bodies in rivers and lakes or in buckets. They're all just doing what they need to do, getting back to basics, like in the good old camping days. But unlike the 'good old camping days' these places aren't in picturesque fields, tucked away from the rest of the world. They're in public cark parks and prominent surf and dog walking spots, on waterfronts, in front of people's houses. They look like shanty towns or a giant hippy gathering and many people find them intimidating. It doesn't matter how lovely the people are on the inside; from the outside it looks bad and that's why freedom camping is so often in the news.<br />
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I'm not sure whether other countries use the term 'freedom camping' as much as we do here. But when it comes to this country at least, I'm not alone in feeling that the term 'freedom camping' gives off the wrong connotations. What sounds very idyllic in theory is misinterpreted widely, giving overseas visitors and Kiwis alike the impression that here in jolly old Lord of the Rings land you can STAY for free, LIVE for free and all in all BE free. Even Gareth and I thought this was the case when we first talked about living on the road and thought we would never have to pay a cent to stay anywhere again! Lovely as that sounds, it simply isn't true. A couple of years ago it was, but not any more. You can indeed stay for free at a lot of places <i>if you have the right set-up</i> - in other words a certified self-contained vehicle, with a toilet on board which can be used at all times, as well as adequate water and waste disposal facilities. However most overseas visitors do not have the money to afford a self contained vehicle. It's cheap enough to buy a vehicle big enough to sleep and cook in - but if you don't have that all important self-contained status, your options for getting around New Zealand cheaply and easily become a lot more limited.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdEavPI-CRVq-NrCxcQ3FlJeJ7JNfosne1GJ3QHwsfhqjkQCkihgI-lRnXwsW6NNp-CrJdEFCcfqQpu52hPiactYsG8HC7hxYkkLkrzhmdT8WmkcC3ZGnYpnxSTUCfyK-DpJWyJsK7ivu/s1600/sc+cert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdEavPI-CRVq-NrCxcQ3FlJeJ7JNfosne1GJ3QHwsfhqjkQCkihgI-lRnXwsW6NNp-CrJdEFCcfqQpu52hPiactYsG8HC7hxYkkLkrzhmdT8WmkcC3ZGnYpnxSTUCfyK-DpJWyJsK7ivu/s320/sc+cert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>If you don't have one of these, your freedom camping spots are a lot fewer and farther between!</i></b></div>
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This is where the problem starts. Our excited young tourists arrive in the country, hop off the plane and buy or rent a non-self contained vehicle, only to find to their horror that they cannot park in a lot of places after all, at least not without risking a $200 fine for not being self-contained. Ironically a lot of freedom camps DO have public toilets, but still do not permit non-self contained vehicles to stay there, so they still get fined, as happened to a friend of ours who was woken at three o'clock in the morning by a warden issuing her with a sticker. This leaves them with two options - the first of which is to stay at a paid campground or holiday park, which at this time of year will cost them between $20 and $60 per night. In all honesty, this is the way it should be - but as we found in our first few weeks of living on the road, nobody can keep that up. Most freedom campers have very little money. Spending even $20 a night to stay anywhere is not an option for them because they simply don't have it. Which sounds crazy, why would you purposely travel to a country on the other side of the world for a holiday with no money? Simple - they have been led to believe they can stay anywhere they like for free, so they arrive here without enough funds to be able to afford anything else. So their only other option is to park up wherever the hell they can, often en masse, as long as they can get away with it. This of course pisses off the locals no end and they kick up a stink. The tourist industry likes to argue that they spend a lot of money in our country, but this isn't true. Most of them have bugger all money, and the money they do have they will save for once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as bungy jumping in Queenstown, even if it means they have to live on two-minute noodles and thin air for weeks at a time to do so.<br />
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Forgive me here if that paints these poor young people in a negative light. I'm trying to explain the situation, not the people. We have made a lot of wonderful friends from all over the world, who rely almost totally on freedom camping to be able to fulfil their dreams. They live on a miniscule amount of money and struggle every day to a) make ends meet and b) find the next place they can stay safely and legally. One couple we met had managed to survive for six months with just $1200. That's just $6.60 per day. Most of them work to supplement their travels, picking fruit or whatever they can find, working long hours for minimum wage. I admire the heck out of them, they are all lovely people who are not scared to work hard; they learn very fast that they have to. It is wrong and inaccurate to call them bludgers for being 'too stingy' or 'lazy' to pay for accommodation; in the majority of cases they are simply trying to survive. The hardest hit places are the popular tourist centres such as Wanaka, Golden Bay and New Plymouth - places with amazing lake or ocean views. And what tourist wouldn't want to stay in a place like that for free if they could?<br />
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Still, as any New Zealander living on the road will tell you, Kiwis are just as bad as overseas visitors when it comes to flouting the rules. In fact they're probably worse as for some reason they seem to feel that the rules and laws don't apply to locals. Which is very poor because we have no excuse. We have the time, the money and the facilities to all be able to achieve certified self-contained vehicles. In addition, we also have a nationwide motorhoming association, the NZMCA which makes it super cheap and easy to stay all over the country for next to nothing in their 'member only' camping grounds. These grounds are increasing in number all the time and cost as little as $3 a night for a safe and pleasant place to stay at anywhere from Kerikeri to Whitianga, Waihi Beach, Fiordland and everywhere else in between. It costs around $90 a year for our membership and you get a heap of awesome discounts to boot, from the Bluebridge and Interislander ferries, to insurance, Department of Conservation camps - even Specsavers! If you're planning to travel between the North and South Islands even once a year the discount more than covers the cost of the membership. We Kiwis are incredibly lucky and well provided for. For overseas campers in search of freedom however, unfortunately it is only going to get harder, as more and more councils and communities are cracking down and putting new laws and boundaries in place; going as far as to literally lock campers out. It's a huge shame, but to my mind, it seems our country has become a victim of its own misleading marketing and reputation.<br />
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<b><i>Watch out! Gareth is on the warpath :-D</i></b></div>
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No matter what though, you always get a few dishonest people who no matter what, try and pull the wool over your eyes. We've learned that well and truly these past couple of weeks helping to look after the campground. Our campground is a public domain, with several entrances, meaning that anyone can come in and use the showers or stay for one night or more if they want - for a small fee. It seems however that for some people even $3 for a shower or $5 for a campsite is more than they are willing to pay and will go to extreme and often amusing lengths to get out of doing so. Unfortunately for them, they haven't banked on a big hairy Welshman! The other day Gareth saw a family of Asian motorhomers acting strangely and being deliberately elusive. Sure enough, his instincts were correct, and despite having brand new signs up, specifically telling campers that washing clothes and dishes in the showers is not permitted, Bevin went and confronted them and discovered that they had paid just $3 (the price of one shower) for four people, and washed around five bags of clothes in the shower! For starters we have laundry facilities available, as well as water sources all around the campground for washing clothes and dishes, but the biggest problem is the cost of using all the hot water meant for showering.<br />
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<b><i>We ALL need to look after places like this</i></b></div>
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We've also had to get wise to several people in rental vehicles who like to try and sneak out without paying. They typically like to slip in late at night, try and park as snugly alongside a fenceline or close to an exit as possible, then leave early in the morning before everyone else is up, so that nobody realises they have even been there. What they don't realise is that Gareth already has their number plate and we simply ring the rental companies! If people don't even have $5 to spend, or <i>want</i> to spend at a beautiful campground, surrounded by mountains and some of the most spectacular countryside they can ever hope to see, well then they shouldn't be travelling. Places like ours are truly unique and precious; we should treasure and respect them, no matter where in the world we come from. Or as Bevin so rightly sums up. 'If you want to have a great time travelling in New Zealand, don't take the piss!'Jackie Normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15097198737808210436noreply@blogger.com1