Rain and more rain!

We stayed at Rotorua for two nights and then travelled to a wonderful freedom camping spot (our favourite so far) called Lake Whakamaru Reserve.  It was a stunning spot and the rain held off for enough time for us to get a small bike ride in... well small for me, Stu rode to the Dam and back and got drenched! We will certainly go back to that spot sometime - there was loads of room and clean toilets as well!

From there we went to a DOC camp but it was just too secluded for us, especially as the forecast was awful so we travelled on to Otorohanga NZMCA camp for the night.  After that we went to the Little Waipa Freedom camp but ended up not staying due to an really inconsiderate camper who had her stereo on full blast, clearly to annoy us.  We then moved on the the Horahora Domain where we had a lovely afternoon/evening.  

Today we are back at Te Aroha as the weather is good and we got a bit of a bike ride in on the Hauraki Bike Trail. Now trust me, I am a LEARNER with regard to riding.  Yes, I rode a mountain bike years ago and had no fear but now I'm nearly 66 (next week) and ebikes are a whole new ball game for me.  I love that I can power off easily and ride places I would normally struggle with but I'm so conscious of falling off or not getting around a corner etc.  I completely gave up on riding across a narrow pathway over a bridge but hey, I'll get there.  

We still love our motorhome and will probably head up north for our next adventure.  We have a few things to do before then though so home tomorrow.

~ Lynda

Lake Whakamaru Reserve

Our bed in the down, sleeping position.  It's very comfortable and I'm sleeping like a baby in it. We put that big squab behind us when we sit in bed reading or watching TV etc but it goes away when we sleep.

Stu on breakfast duties

Horahora Domain

Te Aroha bike trail

Shopping and rain

We've had a few things to do so didn't get away until Saturday after a lovely lunch out with some friends. 

We travelled to the Te Aroha NZMCA park for the night.  The next morning we met up with Peter from OCD Bike covers in Matamata who fitted a high quality (ie, very expensive) bike cover for us.  He went out of his way on a Sunday to do this as the business is closed normally.  

From there we drove to Tirau where we bought two sheepskin covers for the cab seats.  The shop had come highly recommended by others.  We are extremely happy with our purchases although the bank is just a tad depleted!

We enjoyed our little stay in Te Aroha and will be back.  The rain set in on Sunday afternoon and the forecast was for severe rain the coming week so we headed for the NZMCA park in Ngongotaha (Rotorua).  Thankfully the rain stayed away on Monday so that we could have a little explore around and a delicious lunch at the Pig and Whistle pub.  The set in late afternoon and was torrential all night long... so much fun sleeping with rain on the roof :)

From here we think we'll move on to some freedom camps in the Mangakino region.  

We've had no issues at all with the motorhome and we are both enjoying the lifestyle immensely.

One thing happened the other night though, a fellow Benimar owner knocked on our door at the camp for a chat.  It turned out she was alone and had a very bad victim/persecution complex and was telling us how everyone is unkind to her, everyone is too noisy, everyone has been mean etc etc.  When you hear one story you feel sorry but then it became clear there was one common person involved.  Very sad.  She is living in her near brand new motorhome but was out of her depth with the knowledge needed to manage.  I hope her fortunes improve... we were very kind and she stayed and chatted for a long time.  I hope we helped just a little. 

Onwards...

~ Lynda

The last of the blue sky for awhile

Getting the cover fitted

The final look - we are very happy with it.

Our new comfortable covers.

The obligatory look at the bubbling hot pools at Rotorua 

We did it :)

Yes, we survived two nights and three days with the boys.  It was touch and go there for awhile when Cole got a bit out of hand from time to time but I'm glad we did it and I know the boys had fun.

First day we drove to Waitomo Caves via Hamilton where we stopped at the shops (lunch supplies etc).  The boys really enjoyed the caves and then a swim at the camp after (heated pool).  Yesterday we drove to the Arapuni Suspension bridge, the Firth Tower and finally Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park.  

We had walked the Arapuni suspension bridge before and thought it would be a great experience for the boy... Charlie LOVED it and had no fear but poor Cole was really scared.  We let him walk it at his own pace and after he'd finished I know he was very proud of himself.  The bridge is 52m high and over 150m long and has fast rushing water below.  

After that we stopped off at the Firth Tower in Matamata.  It is a tower built my a Mr Firth in the 1880s so that he could look at his land from up high.  The boys really enjoyed climbing to the top and then we had a look at the other historic buildings on site.  

Finally to the hot pools and we all went swimming.  The main pool wasn't hot but more like getting into a normal pool.  I stayed in until I knew the boys were safe (the water was very deep but Stu was there too) and then I went and relaxed in the hot mineral pools. A good time was had by all :)

Sleeping in the motorhome wasn't an issue and although we had to make up the bed below, it wasn't too difficult.  I don't think we'll be rushing to take them away soon but I'm sure we will in the future.

~ Lynda

On our way :)

First camp, a swim in the heated pool

Cole being helped by Stu... he was a very scared boy on that bridge but did it anyway.

Group shot on the bridge

Two very proud boys after crossing the bridge

Up the top of the Firth Tower. 

The Firth Tower (top not in the photo)

At the hotpools... that's Cole going down the slide

and Charlie.  Stu went down too but I didn't get a photo.

This morning, breakfast in bed.  The boys slept up top and we were down below.

Waitomo Caves: There's no photography inside so we bought the 'touristy' ones.

We're off!

First thing tomorrow morning we are picking up the boys are we're off to Waitomo Caves.  We have booked in already as it's the school holidays.  We are staying the night at Waitomo and then the following day we are going to Matamata to stay at the Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park.  The boys will love that!  On the way we have a few things planned.  The weather for those two days looks fantastic.  We may extend the holiday by a day but we'll see how it goes with the boys.

Today we picked up the motorhome (again) after getting the bike rack installed and then we went and picked up our new ebikes.  I had ordered an orange bike but on the way to picking it up I saw a purple one and commented to Stu about how lovely it looked.  When I saw the orange bike I didn't like it and then it turned out the bike shop had prepped a red bike for me!  I didn't like the red bike but there was a purple one all ready to go so you guessed it... I got the purple one!

It took us ages to figure out the bike rack and how to get two bikes on properly but it's all sorted now.  We aren't taking the bikes on the trip with the boys but will take them later in the week on a trip up north.

I had Cole and Charlie all week last week while my daughter worked and Stu was on jury service.  I love that I can help my daughter out and the boys seem to like being here :) Stu completed his jury service and they found the guy guilty of rape.  There seemed to be no doubt of his guilt and he put up no defence.  

F got his learner's driving licence last week and Stu has been out giving him driving lessons.  He is doing really well and it's just so lovely that Stu and him get that time together as well. 

Well that's my lot, holiday with the boys here we come!

~ Lynda

Charlie helped me make pikelets last week... he did well.

He flipped them all himself too!

The bikes loaded up on the motorhome.  We still need a cover and locks. 

Oh dear...

So Stu went off to his jury duty yesterday -- there was a trial going for three weeks and thankfully he didn't get picked for that but he is on a five day trial.  Obviously I'm not allowed to talk about it (nor is he) but I do know that it is a historical rape case.  Stu has always tried to shelter himself from any story like this.  When I've ever read anything out to him he shuts off and tells me that I'm 'going to the dark side'.  

Well Stu, there will be a dark side this week for you my dear, sadly.  

On a positive side he will be finished by Friday so we can make some plans to take the boys away for a night or two in the motorhome.  It will be a squeeze and we'll only go if the weather report is fine!  At the moment we're thinking of taking them down to the Waitomo Caves (glow worm caves) as it will be such a great treat for them.

The weather is foul so we are all tucked up at home nice and warm and dry.  I'll keep the boys here for another night then give them back to the mother for a night then have them again on Thursday. 

Roll on next week :)

~ Lynda

A week at home

We've had a week at home and will be at home for awhile until Stu finishes his jury duty.  We have no idea if he'll be selected or for how long he'll be having to serve so we are kind of in limbo.  

We took the motorhome to the dealer yesterday so that it can get the bike rack fitted and a couple of other things done.  We will pick it up next Saturday (or earlier if Stu gets off jury service early).  

Yesterday we went to the movies to see "Elvis".  I went through a massive Elvis phase many years ago after reading "Elvis and Me" by Prescilla Prestley.  Love the guy or hate him, there's no denying he could sing!  Austin Butler did an outstanding job playing the role and we thoroughly enjoyed the movie.  It's so long since we'd actually gone to the movies - probably over two years now.  I really enjoyed it though, especially at our local theatre "The Lido".  We will go more often I think, especially now that I get senior rates :)

Today we went and bought our two ebikes!!  OMG, the money is just flowing out of our bank accounts.  Yes, it's all been budgeted but holy moly... this year alone:  a brand new Tesla, a brand new motorhome and two ebikes.  Not to mention all the 'extras' that each has had added.  The total makes my eyes water but then isn't that why we spend out life working?  You can't take it with you and life is to be enjoyed.  

We didn't get overly expensive bikes and they are not the best looking bikes around. We researched quite a bit and looked at many options but finally went with bikes that were tried and tested by other motorhome friends. These bikes can be charged using our 12v system or on normal power.  They are fairly rugged, have all the options we wanted and have good backup service etc.  We are happy with our choice and will pick them up next week.  I've yet to ride mine, I will practice on our driveway until I'm confident enough.

For those who don't know, New Zealand is full of amazing bike tracks.  We can't wait to get out and ride them!

I have the boys this week as it's school holidays.  F is sitting his learner's driving test tomorrow so I'm taking him to that.  It will be a full on week but fun.

~ Lynda

My bike - I chose the orange colour as it was a bit of fun.  

Stu's bike, a lovely blue.  

A lovely little holiday

We have had a wonderful few nights away - two nights at Whitianga, and then one night each at some other places.  Whitianga was to see Stu's father then on to a night at his sister's holiday park (where she works), then Hahai and finally Onemana.  We were going to stay another night but decided to come home due to a few things we need to get done.

The highlight of the trip was our visit to Cathedral Cove!!  We had meant to go before (many times) but with one thing and another we never did.  Mainly my knee (before surgery) prevented such a big walk in but this time was fine.  I won't pretend the walk was easy because it was quite steep plus lots of steps which I find difficult but hey, I did it!  

We chose the most spectacular day... just like summer.  There were even people swimming in the sea and girls sunbathing in bikinis!

We won't be going away now for awhile until Stu does his jury service.  It's school holidays though I'll be looking after the boys a lot of the time.  

~ Lynda

Whitianga NZMCA park... Stu's Dad's place is directly across the waterway.

Night time view of the lights on the waterway.  It was so pretty.

Daytime... lunch in the sunlight.  

Sunrise the next morning.

On the walk to Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

I made it!!!

Such a beautiful place and well worth the walk in.

Hahei Beach where we stayed a night at the camp.

.

The freedom camp at Onemana Beach.