Hi to All
Sorry for the lack of news from us. No excuse, just chilling out with our new lifestyle.
From where we left off in my last update:
We headed out of Whanganui and onto Hawera…….Wayne’s old stomping ground (one of many in this area). We stayed at the MCA Camp in the township for the 4 nights. Did some visiting of Mt Egmont from the south side along with a short walk at Dawson Falls and a visit to the visitors centre. Weather not the best, so limited us to what we could do. Back at Hawera we did a catch up coffee with some of Wayne’s climbing friends ( all ladies mind you!!!) and also had a lovely evening at KD & Noleen’s with more climbing friends of Wayne’s. It was so nice for me to meet people who have played an important part in Wayne’s life. We also visited the Tawhiti Museum and Traders & Whalers Museum. Well worth the $60 to see them both and an enjoyable and informative day. As usual we did lots of walking and sight-seeing around the area.
We moved on up to New Plymouth and stayed at Warea (1/2 hour south from NP), Anne (Cousin) & Mo’s farm block. We have spent since 18 June to now between the farm (caravan stored out there) and Anne & Mo’s lovely home at Lynmouth in NP overlooking the port and coast. We are now house sitting while Anne & Mo have headed to Europe for 3 months to finish their wonderful 5 year adventures in the Northern Hemisphere.
Wayne has decided to add to the household coffers and got himself a job. He starts this Monday (he passed the drug test) working for Symons Group. A Truck and Transport Company. It is casual work for 3 months, working part time and I will tell you more about it once he has completed his induction on Monday and knows what he will be doing. We do know he has the 5am start to take the shift workers to Kupe where the oil & gas plant is, so that will be a 3 hour return trip, swapping over the workers. At this stage we are unsure of what other work they are going to give him, possibly warehouse and piloting work. It will be good for him to be doing something again and bringing that $1 or $2 back into our account.
We have caught up with Ray & Marylyn from Waikanae at the MCA camp here in NP. Was lovely to catch up with them and share a meal. Hopefully we will see them again in Alexandra next summer or at their place on our way south in the New Year. Also caught up by phone and email with Rowan and Dave & Kryssie who we meet in Alex. Dave & Kryssie, we hope that new caravan is not too far away and you enjoy it. Look forward to seeing it next time and of course you both.
Wayne has had a overnight trip to Hamilton with his brother Bryce who drives a Line-haul truck for PBT. I think the brothers had a great night and good for Bryce to have company as I am sure it is a lonely job. Bryce lives here in NP, so we will get to spend some time with him over the next 3 months.
Another dinner with Wayne’s friends here in NP was had late June. This was a special evening as the group of 4 that went climbing in Nepal 1998 were all together after 21 years. Photo’s attached…. think they have all aged just a bit.
We are settling into NP, with walks along the coastal walkway each morning if possible. Found a great coffee place 1 km away. It’s a business set up in a residential garage. They roast their own beans and make a great coffee. Called Pr%fit & Stock (Spelling is exactly like that). Wayne has found a barber that works from a caravan and I have managed to find a good hairdresser just down in the village below the house. Wayne has also had his injection while here, so another tick of the box. Joined the Library also.
The coffee and brewery journey continues, with our first deconstructed coffee, see photo, which is essentially a DIY. The Shining Peak Brewery was a good find.
We had a lovely long weekend down in Masterton recently with my sisters and families. Judith was visiting from Aussie and spent 5 days with Dianne. It’s been 3 years since we were together and so nice to share that time again. Yes I know what you are all thinking…..how were Wayne and Peters ears after we girls had taken a breath and stopped talking!!! Let’s just say, they both probably gave a sigh of relief when we parted company. Wayne and I stayed with Sheryl & Matt and can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and promise next time we will be there to have a pork roast….even if I have to cook it.
Hope all our friends and family are well and it would be great to hear what everyone has been up to.
Stay safe and warm.
North Island Gypsies