6 weeks on the road…..

Wayne roxburgh
Wayne – Roxbury river walk
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Sue – Roxburgh river trail
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Ovation of the Seas
Alex
Snow on Old Man Range, Alexandra
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Wayne -Fraser Dam Alexandra

Well folks it’s time for a catch up from the Holtham Gypsy Wagon.

I suppose, I need to start with the dilemma department from last post!! THE FRIDGE……it is all fixed & going fine. We headed to Dunedin on the planned Tuesday. They took one look at the fridge & diagnosed immediately. A good clean out of the build up of crud  & an added an extension onto the flue and we were systems all go. Freezer freezing & fridge cooling. Stayed in the yard for an hour to make sure all would continue & then we headed back to Alexandra. I think the tank of fuel for the 5 hour return trip cost more than the repairs!!! Now, we solved the toothbrush charger by buying a new electric toothbrush. That was easy & painless. We have bought a new 1000w inverter, so our problems to charge laptops etc is now solved. To finish off the Ranger had a flat type the morning after returning from Dunedin. A trip to Tyreland and all fixed.  Our 1st world problems are now behind us, we hope. Well maybe not……batteries in caravan not holding their charge…..will continue that sago next time!!

Wayne can now look for a job…….yippee.   He has approached the 3 Rail Trail providers here in Alex & Clyde.  Two have said they are fully staffed. Rail Journey have a bike mechanic position & Wayne has been down to talk to them. They are based at the beginning of the rail trail at Clyde……only a 5km bike ride from home. Unfortunately, the boss is in Cambodia and not back until 11th March, so at the moment Wayne remains jobless. He would like the Rail Journey job so he gets a foot in the door and it may get him a shuttle driver or even tour guide position next year when we come down. He is not going to look at any other jobs as yet & will continue to be my ‘Domestic Goddess’ for a little while longer.  Have an update on that………He headed to Wanaka at 7.am Friday morning to do two days shuttle, bus and taxi driving for Yello. AMP show weekend in Wanaka. At last he is earning a crust………………..now I have to do the washing.!!! He is staying the night, so a first for me to be on my own in the caravan.

Wayne has had his first injection while we have been away. It went quite smoothly, although he ended up seeing the Dr first for all of 30 seconds before the nurse gave him the injection. His next one will be with the same surgery so should be all smooth sailing in 2 weeks time…..it will be for me anyway, I go shopping while he bares his left cheek 😂😉.

We have moved camp  or should I say site.  We are now on the other side of the camp and feel a bit like the ‘Gate Keepers’ as we are opposite the entrance to the camp site. Nice to be on our own and have a bit more space.

We have attended our first ‘out of town’ Rock N Roll Club night. It is based in Lowburn just outside Cormwell.  Small country Hall and all of 8 of us there.  A big change to Top of The South Club, but we were made to feel very welcome.  This club is sericing Akex, Clyde & outlying areas. They have a local dance on tonight and we were going, but unfortunately Wayne will not be back from Wanaka in time for us to go. Hopefully we can support them again in the coming weeks.

We have walked part of the Roxburgh River Trail but decided to turn back about 3 kms in as the track was poorly maintained and it was difficult walking through the tall weeds. As you can see by the photo, there were in places weeds taller than me. Not sure if the whinging & moaning from me was a deciding factor on turning round!!!!  Drowned our sorrows in not completing the walk by having a beer at the Ferry Road Brewery in Alexandra. Have been out and about sight seeing in the area also, (it’s not all about biking, walking and swimming) driving areas of the rail trail and looking at the dams. Have been to Falls Dam, Eweburn Dam and Fraser Dam. Walked into the Golden Progress Gold Mine area and amazing what harsh conditions the men worked in from 1880’s onwards. Makes me appreciate what luxuries we have.  Re-visited St Bathans and Naseby and was surprised everything was closed and not many people about. We believe these places survive on tourists in the height of the summer season. A couple of pubs on the market in these areas for anyone interested in a change of life!!! A few places we will go back to, to maybe do a walk or bike.

I have finally started swimming at the local pool. Been 3 times this week and loving it. Wayne came with me twice, but we will need to work on his technique I think. He has never been a swimmer, so it’s nice to be able to teach him something for a change. See he doesn’t know everything… Still biking daily to the cafe and of course town and the pool etc.  Been for a 6km walk this morning with Annette (property owner) for a coffee at another cafe on the rail trail.  Nothing changes, there must always be a coffee or wine at the end!

Weather has been great, but the nights are closing in and it’s dark around 8.30 – 9pm now. Mornings have been cold and dew on the ground so Autumn is here. We are avoiding winter clothes, but the Jersey has come out of storage. Had some good rain a couple of days ago, which is badly needed here. Hope everyone got a share of that weather pattern with the rain.

It has been wonderful to catch up with some of you in the past few weeks. We went to Dunedin  last Saturday (this time without the caravan) for the day to have lunch with John & Elspeth Beattie and Terry & Sheila Cattle who were attending the Eagles concert. Sorry Sue & Dave, that we didn’t get to see you. We had a wonderful time over a leisurely lunch and then afterwards we took a look around Dunedin and out to the Port. There were 2 cruise boats in and ‘Ovation of the Seas’ was amazing to see. It was 9 story’s high. I believe it does come into Picton also, well worth taking a look at.  Elspeth also called into our humble abode yesterday on her trip back from Queenstown, with her sister & brother-in-law. It was lovely to see them and have another catch up with Elspeth. Thanks for taking the time to drop in Elspeth.

Not so many happy hours now, with the weather changing and that is a good thing for the waist line……………too much drinking on school nights!! Wayne may argue that he has no school nights at the moment. Have visited one winery (boutique – Grey Ridge) and of course had to buy two bottles to add to our collection.  They did tell Wayne to phone them at end of March as they will be hand picking their vineyard, so there is a job if he misses out on Trail Journey!!!

I hope I have not bored you all with my rambles. Having a fabulous time and loving the life.  Until next time……..keep safe and love to all.

Wayne (Bus Driver) & Sue (Office Gypsy)