Day Three. The Best day of 2014

Given some of the news I have had over this year I would say the best day is every day I have been alive and upright. The question though, at a time when I am underpar  thoughtful and contemplative was a good one. I considered looking back over my blog, my flickr photos or even (heaven forgive) actually sorting my photos into some semblance of order and getting organised to make the calendars for christmas presents. None of that happened, my cold, my body and my mind told me to sit and read and that actually I already know the answer. 

Me and my mum at Cathedral Cove

As I walk up from the beach after our trip to Cathedral Cove, this was the view.
Happiness beyond belief. 

1st

Not from today, but as the power goes in my phone, and I realise that after an amazingly pumping week at work it is the 1st of August. So searching my photos and thanking the universe for the prompt. Lunch. This was earlier this year. One of those happy places we return to time after time but this photo was extra special. My mum was there, sharing lunch with me. A happy happy time. Her friend and my close family down under is there is the background. Thank you for the happy lunch memories.

Walk 36 - Hahei

They were two autumn beach days. A crystal clear sea that we swam in, a warm sun that we slept in and a walk.

On the southern end of the beach is Te Pare Historic Reserve, which was once the site of two māori pā, Hereheretaura Pā and Hahei Pā.

You can take the route through an ancient pohutukawa grove to the pa sites or as we did and stroll along the beach and up the steps onto the hill. It was a warm afternoon and we sat taking in the views all around, allowing our minds to wander as we watch the sea and the clouds.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Hahei

Walk 31 - Cathedral Cove

I inadvertently called this post 'Walk 41' oh that wishful thinking first draft of mine. It's been a busy little time of late but I was excited to realise that I have been walking without even thinking about it. A dear friend (or old boss depending on how you look at it) has been for a visit and I played host for a little time at the end of their trip. Travelling with a friend of hers we met them in the Coromandel (tragic suggestion of mine). A sunny Saturday, what to do. Now I know Hot Water Beach is supposed to be 'the thing to do', but I favour Cathedral Cove and that means a walk.

2.5km return with DOC allowing you a generous one and half hours we walked a little further by starting at Hahei Beach. It is a stunning place that we have seen a different times of the year. This day was clear skies, even clearer sea and we had no swim stuff. Tragedy, but still so lovely. The tide was in so we got wet walking through the Cathedral part. It also served as a research trip for my mothers upcoming visit.

At the lookout point - and the start of the walk if you can get parked in the car park.
We did't so headed down to Hahei Beach and walked from there. More exercise and the great views of Hahei beach on the way. 

On the walk back 

Walk 13 - Karangahake Gorge

An escape from the city, a good run in the new car and exploring Indiana Jones style. Boy do I love my weekends. Winter has given us another blue sky kind of day and it's Karangahake Gorge. This is a seriously interesting place. An historic walkway, a cycle track, loads of tunnels to explore, bridges and  ruins of the old mine. I should also mention the free parking. We completed the tunnels walk and had come equipped with better torches than last time so could have a really good look. My mind jumped from Harry Potter (chamber of secrets), Alien, Lord of the Rings (they call it a mine) and then any scary movie in the dark. Then of course I started on what action to take if an earthquake were to hit while we were inside the mountain/mine tunnels. Of course none of this actually detracts from a fabulous day out and a wee walk. Really do need to be a bit more energetic but still so exhausted after work can't really find the energy for much more.

Our Van

Let me re-introduce you to the our VW van. It's been part of out family for probably 15 years now and we get more fond of her each time we take her out (the van has suddenly become female). It's had its time of trouble and went through years of neglect and I've mentioned before the trauma of bringing her to New Zealand.
She has two seats at the front and a bench seat in the back that two consenting adults can sit on. I say consenting as there are no seat belts in the back, so if its a cup of tea and slice of cake your after then all well and good, but if you want to join us for a ride, then it's your choice but certainly not an option for kiddies. It's too tall to get into most carparks so no good for going to work!
We may get round to putting seat belts in the back, as she is a life long project (and our retirement plan). There is always a little this or that to be done, added, taken away or changed. There are frequent conversations about the plans for an upgraded interior.
She is a simple soul though and Adam loves fixing things, servicing and the like, not to mention a rather long problem with the starting up that he is determined to solve. She can be interesting temperamental though and loves a little attention. The two times I've needed the AA while in New Zealand have been in the van in the Coromandel (in fact I may pre warn the AA when we plan our next trip). The blessing has been that she has chosen her moments well - while driving into a town, rather than on a sharp bend going up (or down) a stupidly steep hill with a  rather long drop (well I guess we'd roll) down into the trees. So while she's temperamental I think she has our safety (and lives) in mind.
Our last AA encounter (with a huge thank you to the man at the Birdwood Mini Putt for use of phone and finding the number for me) was at the end of a great long weekend which had started with the VW Bulli run at Flaxmill Bay.

So about 22 VWs met at the Flaxmill Bay campsite for a chilled out weekend of eating drinking, catching up, talking vans, comparing stories and so on. I was told (while chatting to a man with a very yellow van) that it always rains at the Bulli Run. Well it did, but kept the hayfever symptoms to a minimum. Friday night was spent saying hello, chatting and generally agreeing that the compliance testing when you import a VW van is a right rip off.

It did rain, but the Saturday morning tried it's best, we didn't join the walk and boat ride to Whitianga, we stayed at the camp and ate the largest cooked breakfast we possibly could, then rested after our efforts reading and admiring the scenery. It was quiet, pleasant, rural, lovely. Then the noise of a Beetle getting into line for the convoy run to Hot Water Beach, had us packing up, downing the pop up roof and joining the gang. There is a strange but definite joy in taking part in a VW convoy run. This was only my second but it gives you a warm feeling inside. The sun was trying it's best and the parking all worked out, so a great afternoon of doing whatever we fancied really. There happens to be a rather great arty shop so I managed to get 4 Christmas presents - Jane, Em, Sharon and Annmarie sorted (thankfully, last posting day is the 1st Dec).

More food and drink for us back at camp, on one of those perfect camping evenings. Thank you VW campervan cookbook for the monkfish kebabs reciepe. We didn't join the evening party but it certainly sounded like a good time was had by all.

It rained again that night and Sunday morning was really not pleasant at all. Feeling slightly smug and not having to be back at work on the Monday, we waited, then the rain stopped, so we trundled into Whitianga, via the ferry and the aptly named Ferry Landing. Headed back for the van at lunch time and then took the short drive to Haehi for another couple of nights camping. This campsite is right on one of my fave beaches, so it was straight into the sea (that's us, not the van).

It was a windy but sunny afternoon, the sea was clear, crystal clear but a bit chilly. We do however have a technique; go in, come out, then go in again and it really doesn't seem that bad.

Monday was a 'sunny as' day. We really had a day of laying on the beach, swimming in the sea, walking round to the few shops for coffee (and yes a couple more Christmas presents) then resting in the shade with lunch, then back to the beach - you get the picture. Really was a rather lovely day, finished off with a grand BBQ. We wisely packed quite a few things away that night, cos did it rain. Oh yes the sun is hotter and stronger but the rain is very much wetter. I felt snug and warm, despite the force of the rain coming in through some tiny holes in our pop up roof. I did feel for those in tents, been there, it's not the most pleasant sensation as the rain seeps up from underneath your tent.
Well it eased in the morning, but it didn't look great and the group set for kayaking didn't look too thrilled at it all really! We have to head for home via Coromandel Town, so off  we go. It's fairly soon into our drive - heading into Whitianga for a coffee that the accelerator cable goes! Quite interesting, so after a wee delay and a few games of card, we fixed up ready to continue. It's up and over those roads that could quite easily kill us, but the rain is easing a wee bit and it's all good. We rather love Coromandel Town and first stop is the Driving Creek Cafe. I would happily die in this place. End of story really.

After pottery purchases we head into town for a wee stroll (one more Christmas present - Em - you'll love this one!) then back to Auckland it is. We may have brought back a collection of sandflies that chose to attack once we get back home, but heh ho, that's what you have to put up with I guess.

Camping Cancelled

We had an overnight camping trip arranged, but it was dashed when Adam realised that his WOF (Warrant of Fitness - NZs MOT). I was mad, and the funny thing was I found out when I was driving back from collecting my keys and coat I'd left at work, cos I'm a scatty forgetful thing. So there I was mad at Adam for forgetting the warrant! So now I've confessed to the double standards and the hissy fit I threw I can continue. He was sorrowful but still laughed at me having my hissy fit. So a day out had to be planned. Somewhere new, a scouting trip for summer camping adventures....we headed to our favourite place the Coromandel, but this time headed up the Kauaeranga Valley. 

There are several DOC campsites up this great track and we'll be back for sure. We checked out the model dam and then took the nature walk to Hoffmans Pool. My book says a great spot for swimming and a picnic. The water was freezing - twas sunny but still winter remember. I took my jeans off and paddled in, only to loose the feeling in my feet and have trouble walking. So picnic and stone gathering it was. A beautiful spot and we will return to swim when the water warms up.

We then headed to the nearby town of Thames for the daily coffee fix and then while both wanting to run away to Coromandel township, we headed south onto new roads. We found ourselves in the antique town of New Zealand - Paeroa - also famous for the L&P drink. We found the large bottle eventually. An odd town, but clearly the place to buy gum boots, as I've had no luck finding proper gum boots in Auckland (I ask you, how hard can it be to find a decent welly boot - especially in a country as wet as this one - but I digress).

From Paeroa, we drove along the rather lush Kauaeranga Gorge, another spot to come back to for the gorge walkway and the waterfalls, but for now we headed for Waihi beach and sunset looking at the Pacific Ocean, having a rather interesting conversation about which coast we would rather live on. Are you a sunset or sunrise person, surf and black sand or gentle sea and golden sand, it was all rather difficult to decide.

Van in the garage today, so hoping for camping at the weekend.

Getting there.....Coromandel catch up

So all the way back in February, we headed off for a week in one of our fave places. Now the lead up to this trip was quite an event. We wanted to take the van, but the van needed new breaks, said breaks ordered from the UK and imported (strange but true - tis cheaper to do it this way than buy here!) Breaks fitted and all good..the day we are due to leave, Adam has to fit a panel underneath the van (I'm lost at this point) anyhoo he notices leakage - oh my - the break hose from the reservoir, this becomes a major thingy and even I try to help and get covered in break fluid. Thankfully a new bit of this hose can be obtained here so the next day Adam has it all sorted (secretly I think he likes it when things go wrong, as he loves to fix them). Off we go.

The Coromandel Peninsular is where we head, we spend our first night in Thames, one of the largest towns there. A small but just fine campsite slightly out of town - with the best recycling facilities I've come across yet. We have our bikes, so a trip round the town it is. To be honest this stop is all because there is a shop here we both love, we spend money, we have coffee we cycle back and relax. The next day before heading onto Coromandel Township we tour the goldmine and have a bash at gold panning as well as being generally fascinated by the whole tour.

Coromandel town is a fave spot. We again camp out of the town, at an end of the road campsite, which is quite full. The Kiwis love to camp. We're right by the water and can watch the comings and goings of the boats. We read, we eat, we relax. Adam tries to teach me to fish!!! Again we cycle into the town and onto the Driving Creek Railway. All quite busy, summer tourists everywhere. We take a repeat spot photo and spend more time at the cafe of joy just down the road.

The van gives us more challenge and several garages our visited and a call to the AA. In the end Adam fixes the problem - at least to make driving on these roads safe - with a bit of plastic pen. I'm not really sure what was happening, something to do with idle spend. Heh ho, we're safe and off we go. Over the mountains, round the bends......

Arrive at Hahei campsite, pick a spot (ooh quite busy here too) get changed jump in the sea. I love a campsite by the beach and a great beach to boot. We snorkel at gemstone bay, walk with the crowds to Cathedral Cove (must come back again out of season). Eat lots, drink lots, read lots.....heaven

This trip marked us sleeping in van for the first time in years. Our VW is an ever ongoing project and has been curtainless for some time. Curiously I forgot some of the curtains but we made do and all was good. I had some initial 'oh boy I'm in a coffin' moment but actually it was all fine, we slept well. The trick being no sleeping bags, just sheets, so you do have more room to move.

Sadly we head home after a week of sun, sea, wonderful beach, reading, eating. All the joy that a holiday should bring. As in the UK, we usually travel out of season and although the school holidays were over it was still summer and still 'busy'. This gave us a different feel and we chatted to loads of people - everyone wants to talk about the van. I sent loads of postcards and as ever wished I could share it with friends and family, this little post will have to do......

Happy Campers

Happy Campers, originally uploaded by KTandCoffee.

Well we're feeling rather good. We've just had a 4 night trip to the Coromandel Peninsular. Went further north than our last trip - in fact to the end of the road and we could drive no further. We actually had to go through a gate (yes opening it first). The campsite was run by DOC and was basic and beautiful. So long drop toilets, cold showers that you can look up into the sun while you shower. There was a tap for water so that made life easy. Oh and lots of ducks that we sort of adopted, named and fed.
Having not actually recovered from my trip back to the UK, I was looking forward to relaxing, fresh air and good food and that is certainly what happened. It was a perfect trip full of happy moments. We swam in the rather rereshing (cold) sea, walked, beach combed, wondered at rock pools, read books and slept in the shade.
We were a good way from anywhere so I had enjoyed the planning to make sure we had enough to eat and tried a couple of receipes from a camping cookbook my mum had sent me.
To make you all feel better, there was rain, wind and mist and a long long uphill walk that made me feel quite unwell, which resulted in us trying to descend in rather terrible weather!
I hope my flickr pictures do this wonderful place some justice and spread some of the joy we've had.