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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