joburt

Tomorrow we set sail for the south island, but as the north has given us so much, it feels good to share a few more memories of the past couple of weeks, and bid our farewells for now to all the people we have met. We shall see you again for sure.

Im beginning to think that Lee was a mole in a past life, we all know he loves caving but did you know how much joy he gets from digging soil. With a blocked toilet situation, he was straight out there to source the problem, shovel in hand, i was standing near with some soap. Unfortunately the fence was not finished at Ben and Sarah’s, but Lee managed to set another few more posts when we popped out for a visit. I was inside tucking into the best iced coffee ever (coffee with ice cream) and trying to understand the rules of a board game when we noticed he was gone, there isn’t many people who would disappear off to dig holes in the hot sun. Then lastly how happy can you imagine he was at the mention of a 100m trench being dug at Prabh and Emma’s whilst we house sat.

So happy in fact that we had the trencher hired out the second day we were there, expecting to need it for the day, but in actual fact all done and dug within two hours. He managed to draw out the process of filling the hole in again throughout the day, but did a fantastic job and even connected all the wires back up again.

I couldn’t complain whilst he enjoyed having a lie in, i was delighted to be up seeing to all the animals, checking they were happy with food and water before setting the bread maker into action. What a treat to have a kitchen, not once did i resent doing all the cooking as i whizzled and sizzled with every appliance i could find. The blender came in particular use for fruit smoothies to cool us down in the incredible heat we had. When the sun did dip down a little i was out grooming the horses, taking the ponies for a walk, and Lee and I even managed to take the horses out for a ride together. Going out by myself was becoming difficult as Nippy and Lucky were having issues with separation. Whizzy the golden lab was my little shadow, and for his companionship i felt it was only right to visit the stream everyday, he was in heaven fetching a stick and he cooled me off as he splashed by.

When the Mokha’s arrived back from Wellington we enjoyed being around for a few more days, more horse riding, having fun with the girls and visiting an axeman and horse show. Prabh, i have mastered the art of making Roti in the van although the skill is more to not get flour everywhere.

More chilling out was had at Jimmy and Iva’s, with a cheese fondue experience one night. The boys erected a wood shed in the garden and Iva and I went on some more bike rides, being joined by Julia when we visited Kai iwi for a picnic and a swim.

Our last evening was spent at the new Indian restaurant in town, Fliss, Iva and myself visited the beach for a final swim before joining the others for some yummy curry. It was really nice to have a treat with some of our friends from Wanga we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Passing through Palmy we stopped to see Josie, wishing her well at the new house but leaving with a bag of oranges picked from her old garden. Waikanae beach was home for a night, and after a refreshing morning swim we made for Wellington.

Life in the capital has been a little windy, but that is what is expected dimly. The pour down kept us hidden away in Te Papa and having an early night with a film and looking at the mapa. The sun however draws the city alive, with concerts in the gardens and people dancing the jive. We are sure there is much more to explore, but parking on the streets is getting tough, and we want to be out in the wilderness rough.

Lots of love to many people we know, looking forward to the future flow.

Lee and Em xXx

Hey MERRY CHRISTMAS, hope you all had a good one and enjoyed the festivities. We thought of you all and look forward to hearing what you got up to.

Our day was spent with friends in Wanganui, and after carving the roast beef and putting finishing touches to the mince pies we opened up some presents with Jimmy, Iva, Josie and Chendi with some classic cheesy christmas songs playing in the background, Lee searched out a woolly jumper, scarf and hat to bring an essence of home, and we started to finally feel the christmas spirit.

The rest of the day was spent at Ben and Sarah’s, where everybody enjoyed the warm sunshine with a feast of salads, meats and sweets, watered down with cheers and bubbles. It was a fantastic day with Perudo being played continuously and even though we missed our family we felt surrounded by friends.

Leading upto christmas, before heading over to Wanganui, we spent a few more days on the surf highway, where we last left you. We really got into the swing of things in New Plymouth, enjoying our days on the beaches catching rays and waves but something was inevitable, we were to buy a surfboard. With christmas around the corner we assured ourselves it would be worth it, why lie on water, when you can walk on it like Jesus. I still need to build up confidence but Lee as always is getting the hang of it with ease.

When the desire to get in the water has been forfilled, the pleasure from catching fish has taken hold. In New Plymouth on the docks a four hour wait was made worth it when a snapper finally took a bite. With decisions made of calling it a night, we saw the pull of the rod, full credit to Lee in dealing with the kill, preparation and cooking, it was awesome. Then recently in Wangi he managed it again and on a trip out with some friends he was the only one to catch a kawai and also an eel. It was all grilled and served up to share, never thought I’d ever eat eel but cut it into little steaks with a dap of curry powder it tastes great, really meaty.

Being back in Wanganui has been really good for us, as it has allowed us to live here and feel more connected with New Zealand, Jimmy and Iva have been amazing letting us stay for so long, but also so many other people who have invited us in to stay or have diner, we have loved it, and will always be grateful.

With Iva keen to get out on her new bike, we were more than happy to have a personal tour guide, cycling to Paloma Gardens, Kai iwi (Food People) beach and more, clocking up over 100km in two days at one point. Us girls also hit some yoga classes, and to cool down we visited Mosquito Point on the Wanganui River which is a great spot for a swim, chill or (dog) cliff jump.

The reason for getting a part time job was simply because I thought why not, not because the surfboard had caused a pinch, honest. The day I went looking I got asked back to start that night and so my three weeks at Angora, the mediterranean, turkish restaurant began. In the hectic, busy, hot environment I was once again reminded about the joys of hospitality, the great thing is New Zealand customers never complain, the bad thing is, they never tip. Lee helped in the kitchen for two nights but I couldn’t blame him for calling quits, I was delighted too when christmas eve arrived and my final shift was finished, pheww back to living a holiday. Lee also got stuck in with some manual labour, pruning Jimmy’s Eucalyptus and helping to build a fence at Ben’s, he has more offers on the way.

We also tried our luck at having a stall on the local market, the week before christmas. Iva and I spent the week creating lavender stuffed soft toys, using locally grown lavender from Ben. The freshly cut bunches sold a treat and Iva also gained interest in her art work. Even though Lee and Jimmy had enjoyed the week relaxing at Ben’s bach fly fishing, they encouraged us on throughout market day as the rain poured down. We made a good $60 each and enjoyed the experience immensely, and even though the toys didn’t all sell they were accepted in a shop on the high street, where two more have already been sold.

We knew coming to Wanganui would mean having good times with awesome people and thats just what we have had. A place so far from home, yet somewhere we can always come back too and feel welcomed. Plans are to be here for a couple more weeks, house sit for the Mokha family and look after all the animals, I cant wait to get out on Nippy again. Then our journey to the south shall begin, I will feel sad to leave here but excited for the lands ahead.

Happy New Year to you, with lots of love Lee and Em xxx

We hope you enjoyed our previous blog about our tramp along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it comes highly recommended.

After a few more days of relaxing and enjoying the bach in Taupo we made plans to leave, and at the same time the news about the Pike River mine explosion came to a tragic conclusion.  As with the rest of the country we had been watching in hope over the previous few days.

Leaving Kuratau we headed west once more towards the Taranaki District, but this time we took the Forgotten World highway (SH43), New Zealand’s oldest touring route. A Rugged 155km 3hr journey between Taumarunui and Stratford, which twists through hills and steep bushy draped cliffs of the Tangarakau Gorge. There are several sights to see through this rural part of NZ, the highlight being the Gorge itself as well as driving through a tunnel called ‘Hobbits Hole’  Along the way we stopped off at Damper Falls, at 85m it is the second highest waterfall on the North Island. Surrounded by native bush, the falls spill over a papa bluff but unfortunately due to the dry weather it was a mere trickle, but we still got a sense of its size.

Toward the end of the highway we passed through the unusual town on Whangamomona once a bustling frontier town, with up to 300 residents providing service to hardy farmers trying to wrestle a living from the nearby bush. But in 1924 the town suffered from a great flood, since then the population has diminished and now only 30 residents live in the town. Whangamomona declared itself a republic in 1989 due to past political headache, and you can now get your passport stamped or even buy a Whangamomonian version.

After the days drive we arrive in familiar territory, New Plymouth. We had arranged to meet up with Vicky and Shaun, friends of Emma’s auntie and uncle Vicky and John. We arrived at a pub called Fredericks, not knowing who we were looking for we rang Vicky’s number and gazed around at the table seeing who was picking up a phone, there they were, “Hello,” joining them for a refreshing beer we caught up and swapped stories.

The past few nights we have stayed at their house and enjoyed numerous BBQ’s, beers, sunshine and  showers as well as meeting a number of their friends along the way. During our time here the weather has been outstanding, the best November for years as Shaun stated. So we made the most of it and hit the beaches.

Back Beach close to town gave us opportunities to go surfing, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing, and really just to get a taste of what life by the sea can have to offer. I am even more tempted to purchase a surfboard, but the body boards are fun and helping us learn in the mean time.

As well as the beaches we have enjoyed a number of other places such as Lake Mangamahoe, a beautiful spot which sets itself in the foreground of Mt Taranaki, which still has a fair amount of snow on it. I was also lucky enough to head out to sea with Shaun on his boat to try our luck at fishing. We headed a good Km or two from Port and got our rods out, but unfortunately the wind and swell got up so we eventually had to call it a day, and with no catch we headed back to port with some speed and air.

The past couple of nights we decided to head out in the camper, it has been a while since we last slept in it. We spent the nights at a ‘secret’ location where we are lucky enough to have the entire beach to ourselves, cooking delicious foods upon the open fire, its hard to believe we are now only weeks away from christmas.

Lee & Em

In the cover of darkness a journey begins, four beings gathered from far away lands known as Czech and England. Emma, Lee, Petra and Sarka join to complete their quest of walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

In recent years the battle against the evil thieves who target cars, motorhomes, and other modes of transport in the car parks have left people with little choice but to succumb to the call of the shuttle bus companies, or to be in anguish and worry during the day.

Sharing in the experience of paying $40 we joined the bus with more and more people following, eventually outnumbering the amount of seats. Beating the crowds on the earliest of the shuttles at 6am was not looking hopeful.

Low level mist surrounded the bus, only to clear upon arrival amongst the shadow of Mt Ngauruhoe or Mt Doom as some may know it. A miraculous plan to hold back for ten or so minutes adjusting straps, slapping on the sun cream saw the crowds disappear.

Setting off we began by following the Mangatepopo Stream and soon approached the soda springs, which gives a final glance at lush greenery, as the scene from now on would consist of black lava flows, dusty crater floors, snow, and all colours of rock.

With the path steepening at the Mangatepopo Saddle, the shadow of Mt Tongariro appears, huge, bulky and covered in snow it marks the direction of the crossing to continue. Looking right however the challenge to climb Mt Doom shouts out.

Petra and Sarka decided to remain on the trail to enjoy the scenery, and take the day at their own pace wishing us good luck and encouragement for the climb ahead we said goodbye for now. Knowing we would have alot of time to catch up we fuelled up with bananas and water.

Mt Ngauruhoe is a classic cone shaped volcano of 2km 600m detour with an average time to complete of three hours. Steep, and covered in scree it is known as a two steps up and one step back experience. But something I’m glad not to have missed, to follow in the footsteps of hobbits.

Getting into a rhythm quickly helped to save energy and I was delighted to have chosen to wear my huge boots, as they gave more grip. Kicking steps in the snow also helped ascend the steep slopes. A fair few people had decided to tackle the slope, opting for the direct path up the mountain. It was soon apparent of the dangers of the scree, large rocks started to tumble down the hill side “Below, Below” began to sound amongst the crowds as the people above unshifted lose rocks. There was a shoot out “Over here” it was Lee who had traversed over to the solid ridge, he had found the proper accent route, rather than the decent route everyone was tackling, I soon crossed over as did many others.

The rest of the climb was a breeze and before we knew it we were on the summit looking down into the huge crater below. We caught our breathe and had a nibble, but couldn’t hang around for long due to the swam of flies that clung to you once you stopped. We traversed around the crater taking in the view over to the mountains of Taranaki, Ruapehu, and Tongariro. Here we were at the height of Mordor, any Lord of the Rings fan would be proud. The decent was fun, scree running down the mountain took no time at all, and since everyone was ascending up the ridge there was no danger. Also by our shock and surprise we were joined by a German lad who had tackled the whole climb in mere converse!

Emptying my shoes of dirt and stones, I became aware of somebody sneaking around behind some boulders, this creature knew my name and was calling. Slowly I approached although the voice was anxious for me to be quick, I grabbed the camera and to my surprise I saw him, Gollum’lee.

The trek continued across a hot dusty plateau, heading towards the south crater, a steep ridge then brought us upto red crater, which was a spectacle of all shades. Continuing up a little furthar and then the descent was insight, but not truly before we passed by the beautiful Emerald lakes. The weather had turned out to be perfect as the sun wasn’t too hot but shined enough to really make the colours vibrant, no wonder this walk is regarded as one of the most spectacular.

As energy was draining we kept moving, the urge to sit down was not worth the effort it would take to get up again. The wind had picked up when we arrived at blue lake and Lee suggested that we get to the Keteahi hut, before digging into more egg butties, I agreed not realising how much further that still was. However the only way was down now, so a little jog brought those delicious sandwiches that much closer.

Leaving the hut, the descent continues, at first along knee height bush, getting higher the lower you go, but as the path is well marked it doesn’t take too much effort. Jumping down steps also helped with our progress as we were aiming to get the 4 o’clock shuttle. Nearing the end the walk brings you deep into the bush, with a river running alongside hidden in the trees, rounding the corner and our nine hour tramp was over.

Hoping to tempt some of you out here with this incredible tramp, for others we just wanted to share it with you.

Lots of Love

Em and Gollum’lee xxx

With plans for being back in Wanganui for bonfire night we hit the road and enjoyed a couple of days travelling. Discovering the sites on the central west side. Visiting beaches, Waitomo Caves and more beautiful waterfalls. We soon arrived at Raglan, a surfing community which is known for some of the best left hand breaks in the world only to discover the sea was as flat as a pancake!

Te Waihou Walkway felt like a hidden wonderland, and as the sun shone we were amazed by the the blue spring, and the crystal clear water which is taken further up stream and used by a water company. Lee couldn’t resist a quick dip even though the stream maintains a temperature of 10°C come summer and winter. The local thought he was crazy to be in there this time of the year, I agreed and kept him talking as Lee retrieved his clothes.

Laster in the day we arrived at Wharepapa South and enjoyed our first proper rock climbing venture in NZ at a crag called Froggatt Edge. Without a guide book we just attempted what looked good and as it was bolted we just relaxed and enjoyed the climbs. Lee missed the little nest in a crack of the wall, however I was delighted to spot some chirpy little chicks but moved on quickly as they looked hungry.

The drive back to Wanganui took us alongside the Rangitikei River, which carves through the land. We stopped off at a golf course in an attempt to get access to the river and the owner was more than happy for us to wonder around the green and do just so. As his front room view he also explained the change in the rivers path over the years.

Bonfire night turned into a good party at Ben and Sarah’s, with many of the friends we have already met turning up. The fire was an impressive size and Maxine couldn’t control her excitement and started the fireworks whilst it was light, but there was more than enough to keep them going on through the night.

The celebrations continued on throughout the weekend with an art exhibition being held for the 2010 graduates from the local art college, ‘A Bourgeous Spectacle’ which included the work of Iva Leonard. Rumours spread that it was an occasion to dress up for, and even though traveling can usually excuse your appearance on a daily basis we couldn’t let the side down. Much thanks to Maxine who whipped a little number out from somewhere, and giving Lee a few options, even though he did opt out of wearing them. It was my fault I couldn’t stop laughing at seeing him in a tight purple top with a funky waistcoat, i’m sorry there is no photo. The Japanese drumming was an incredible opening, and the work was impressive. Our evening finished off with kebabs and the Wanganui firework display, which we had the best view of from Libby’s back garden.

The following week we were welcomed in by the Mokha family, who moved over from England to enjoy life in the countryside and develop a small hold. Prabh, Emma and the two girls Katja and Yelena made us feel very welcome. Along with Nippy and Lucky the horses, Rocky the Pony, Whizzy the golden lab, Pixie the sheep who thinks he’s a dog, Lottie the blind chicken and the cats O’Marly and Shelly. As a first for them and us we arranged to be there as woofers as well as friends. Being fed well and being given the opportunity to go horse riding we were delighted to be there and help out with some light decorating.

After developing some trust with Nippy over the week, I was so happy to of saddled her up and headed out for a ride alone, its a first and as a horse lover, a dream come true. It was really cool seeing Lee up there and enjoying it too, although he was glad to get stuck in with some jobs and even went over to Ben’s to help with some fencing.  As our relations have developed with so many people in Wanganui it has become a home from home, and invitations to go back are sure to be followed up.

We have now gone on holiday, to stay at Ben’s Bach. A lovely holiday home hidden away on the side of Lake Taupo in a place called Kuratau. The sun has been shining and it has been such a relaxing few days. The garden was a bit of a jungle and with garden tools collecting webs, Lee was eager to get them out. Grass cutting, tree trimming, wood chopping and brash burning has kept him sneezing with his heyfever, but he loves it, and when it gets cooler in the afternoons we have been out in the canadian canoe on the lake. Whilst we are here we hope to do the Tongariro Crossing and visit the North Islands top climbing venue, but for now we are content to just be.

Thinking of our family and friends at the moment and just send lots of love and thanks for reading.

xxxx