New Zealand 2009-10  Page 5

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We spent 4 weeks in and around Hamilton.  The first pic is part of the lake in the middle of the city.  It's a 3 km walk round it.  The Hummer was in a car park and the lorry on a bridge a few kilometres out.  The photos don't really do justice to the size of either of the beasts.

I really should try to make a collection of 'number plate' pics.  We've just seen a gas lorry, the plate was BOOOM

A day does not seem complete without seeing at least one logging truck.  They always have a trailer which, when not loaded, is stacked on the back!

  Ray's Rest: Looks like snow?  It's sea shells.  A lovely spot.  The yellow thing is a wedge we use to get level.  Also note the weather; all 4 pics were taken within 18 hours.

Then later ... 

Oooh look ...  another gas lorry      I'd just love to drive one of those.  OK, back to the pretty bits then

Gulf Harbour, then Mahurangi Regional Park.  I think they sent the Navy in because we were making too much noise.

The next park we visited was Tawharanui.  A park that is enclosed by a predator-proof fence to protect the kiwis.  We didn't manage to see one but the herons were entertaining and what are these birds with the yellow faces?  We've seen them in lots of places.  We call them 'biddy, biddy birds' because that's the sound they make.

Back to Auckland then.  Hannah's birthday and time with our family.

Devonport on Easter Sunday   

Below; monarch caterpillars, butterfly and, right,  a stick insect on our wheel.  The meter is a requirement on our camper because it's heavy and that is before I get in, OK

Above; Pine Harbour Marina, yes, they're 3 high !!!  Outdoors !!!  Can you imagine that in the UK ?    

Isn't that a great view of the SkyTower?  Magic.

Everywhere is soooo dry, and this park is not as brown as some of the hills we've seen.  There is a very strict fire ban which means we can't even have a BBQ here even though there are super wood fuelled fireplaces.  We're in the Waharau Regional Park, which is fabulous. 

Below, the view from our window.  On the right, this house under construction, or is it a temple, is on the edge of the park.  There's a fantastic view from it, overlooking the Coromandel peninsula.  (Later, we went and had a closer look.  It is for sale.  Looks like a disaster.  One gatepost is leaning and there is a tremendous mess everywhere.  I wouldn't want it at any price.  What a shame.)

   What to do after work on a Wednesday ?  

We're on our way to Paeroa to put the van away for the winter.    I'd say, "Isn't it amazing how the wine stays in the glass when you're up-side-down", but it doesn't, it seems to evaporate very quickly.  Yum.  Although we didn't go far this trip (6800 ks) we've found some really great places and had the most fantastic weather yet.

In addition......   Thanks to the volcano in Iceland whose name escapes me this instant, but I mean this one ...

We got to stay in New Zealand an extra 9 days.  We can only add these 2 pics below. 

One day we went into a campground at Miranda to use the fabulous hot pools.  Right beside us was the tiniest caravan in New Zealand.  But by the time everything was set up, the family of 4 were camping in the typical Kiwi, impressive way.  I apologise, I was very nosy and pointed my lens into their awning.  I couldn't get over the stuff they had with them.  Not only the ubiquitous barbie, here's the full works coffee machine, oil radiator, plus, plus....

   and then John found a friend in Paeroa  

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