2020 a year to smell the roses.

Well to say coronavirus has changed our plans a little is an understatement! In theory at this point we would have been planning our adventure into Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia etc. But no! We could get all maudlin about it, our dream year turned upside down, but there are people a lot worse off than us. So we just need to pull our socks up put on a smile enjoy what we have and keep washing our hands.

We are lucky we live in a beautiful part of the world and currently are still able to enjoy it. Every other day practically we walk to the Mount, go around or up it, and sometimes enjoy a coffee. With cruise ships no longer in our shores it’s important to buy local. And we are blessed with great coffee outlets with views that are worth millions!

If we can, in weeks to come we hope to keep exploring our neck of the woods. The Tongario Crossing is a walk that Wayne has never done so we are setting ourselves the goal to try and do it soon! Both of us have dodgy knees so it may be a quest too far, 19kms over volcanoes, but it’s good to have a goal! We probably have the distance in our legs and the fitness to do the ups, it will be the downs that scupper us! So we have started to include more hills in our training and variety beyond our locals!

Today’s adventure took us to Otanewainuku track. Not a huge walk but some good ups and downs and some incredible native trees. One of the fallen Rimu thought to be over 500 years old. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, we met no-one else on the track- the beauty of being mid week walkers- puts a smile on your dial for a while.

The trig at the top opportunity for the selfie and the panorama! Both photos a bit odd Wayne decapitated in the panoramic view!

When you are quietly strolling through the trees the birds seem happy to be with you and up close. Fantails, Tui, Kereru and a very friendly Robin. Not the red breast I am used to in the UK.

Even in the lush tranquility there is always an idiot prepared to disturb the peace! Tarzan McCready.. Not sure he’ll make it in the movies…

My mum would ofter say at some antics or other ‘you gotta laugh or you’ ll cry’, I laughed so hard at this video I did cry!

Keep smiling, have fun when you can, look after yourself and each other.. Peace out for now.

Taking a train in NZ is a novelty as there are very few other than commuter trains around cities. The Coastal Explorer took us from Christchurch to Picton. Wow and wow describes the journey. A very early start for us saw us leaving on the train at 7am. It was so worth it, catching the sunrise and the mist in the valleys added to the spectacular scenery.

The commentary was informative and amusing at times. Many places are named after former prime ministers of NZ although my favourite was Scargill Point. Another was a little hamlet that was to be named after some dignatry of the time; however, when asked if he would name the place his humble response was no not I. The hamlet is now called Nonoti!

When the train hit the coast the excitement intensified and we left the comfort of our seats to stand and ride in the open air carriage. It was so worth it. We were treated to pods of dolphins jumping and playing, a hump back whale showing off his tail and of course the seemingly ubiquitous seals sunning themselves on the rocks. You will have to take my word for it as no photos captured the wildlife at sea just those of us in the carriage!

Added entertainment was supplied by a Toronto film crew who were filming for Canada’s discovery channel. In about a year we may be in the background of the programme-fame at last!

The Kaikoura earthquake had a dramatic effect on both the land and sea. The white rocks in the pictures used to be under the sea.

The road is still going through major construction to repair the damage. Single file traffic in many places resulting in long traffic jams but if you have to stop on a journey it’s good to have a view!

And so ended our journey in the South. There are differences especially in the deep south. People seem to have more time for you. When they ask ‘how’s your day been’ or ‘how are you’ they expect a conversation to contiue not just the cursory ‘good’ that we in the North use. Consequently I know more about some of the shop keepers and their families from places I visited once compared to those I see every week at New World.

And on to Wellington a city we have visited numerous times. A brief visit but we discovered new places and decided to sample some local craft brews and the best ever salted caramel cookie- apparently world famous in NZ. Was pretty good though!

Wellington has some cool art too.

And sculptures based on other famous people…

Great adventure, great company, loves NZ 😘

I’ve been to Christchurch a number of times, but not since the earthquake, so was interested to see how the city was faring 9 years on.

The major earthquake struck on Wayne’s birthday, it was the first year of Papamoa College and we were at Thornton Beach on the first school camp. We all gathered around a small TV in disbelief, with one of our teachers desperate for news as her parents were trapped in a hotel. Fortunately her parents escaped unharmed but not so 185 others who lost their lives and thousands of others whose lives were changed forever.

So many buildings damaged and 9 years on the evidence is still apparent. So many car parks where once there were buildings, so much steel holding things up and every new building with the criss-cross steel. There are areas where the grief penetrates the soul but also areas of real beauty and creativity that have sprung up. As we walked around we were struck by the sadness and inspired by the desire to rebuild, and not just the buildings. Kia kaha Christchurch.

Art is a great way to create interest and inspire or just to make you smile.

Before we ventured into town we went to Antarctica! A great centre. The highlights were the immersion in the – 18 snow storm, the haggland ride and of course the puppies. Although not really dressed for the snow, it was 31° outside hence the shorts, you really get an appreciation for those explorers who ventured and still do into the crazy cold. Still makes me ask why….

Bizarre but unreal experiences can happen at anytime. We decided to take up a recommendation for dinner from a lady at the campground. A little lost wandering around a shopping centre carpark I hear a voice saying ‘it is her’. The next minute I am hugging one of my ex students who is in Christchurch at uni. We spent a short time catching up before heading our separate ways. NZ, sometimes it is a joy that you are so small!

To complete our Christchurch experience we undertook the duty of testing some of the local craft brews. Wayne has now developed a taste for stouts! There are side effects!

I am always impressed by a good invention especially when it helps save the planet too.

Next, back to the North Island via the train and ferry.

We decided with time being short just to hire bikes for a day- gillies! Not the most manoeuvrable or well geared which added to the entertainment! We did a bit of the Otago rail trail and part of the Roxborough trail- 46kms not a bad effort. After the event the camp ground lady recommended Wayne try bubble wrap in his shorts next time… Not sure what he told her! The scenery was awesome sadly didn’t manage to get the ‘off’ trail moments.

Tiny homes are the buzz now but they have been around for years.!

The washing facilities in the campground were quirky!

Although staying in cabins can be a pain we were rewarded the night we had to make a dash to the loo by a magnificent night sky. Little light pollution and clear skies means starry starry nights.

People came here to seek their fortunes in gold, we tried lotto but alas no! Cromwell has recreated an old town, all a bit lifeless…

A trip over the Lindis Pass with views of more big sky and with the perfect lunch stop at the salmon farm, made a good days drive.

Tonights pit stop is Timaru before hitting Christchurch tomorrow. A great walk down to Caroline Bay to see the sights and make more friends. Wayne remembers coming here 55+ years ago on a family holiday. Such an adventure then, especially when the car engine seized and they were flown back to the North Island car and all.

Not sure Wayne will win any trampoline prizes, this was his best jump!

So we came down here, we think 10+ years ago. We did the drive through but thought it deserved another look. We stayed 2 nights in Owaka in a converted hospital, still had that hospital smell or maybe that was from the dudes who were staying there and working at the local meat works! The scenery pretty cool though.

Of course the obligatory water falls..

And the oddness that crops up in all places, but makes you smile.

Cathedral caves was an amazing stop off, even though it cost us $10 each for the privilege. Made a bit more exciting by the wind blowing the waves in a little unexpectedly!

Our next overnights was 2 nights on a farmstay on slope point.. The very end of the south island. On a windy day, and we had one, it is incredible! You could literally lean into the wind I tried to take a video but got blown over.

We also revisited Curio Bay where we watched the Hector dolphins perform for over an hour, surfing, jumping and being magnificent. We thought this was normal as we had seen them on our previous visit, apparently though we are pretty lucky on the wildlife front! No pictures as they are quick, some lovely pics of waves! Less elusive are the trees they were so scared they are petrified!!!

The farm stay was cool we made new friends.

Waipapa point though a highlight for me. A cool lighthouse, sadly built after 131 souls went down, but the place for sea lions. What a buzz!

Next onto the big sky of Central Otago..

Ah the desert… Oh no just the top of the South Island so dry but some fancy fields and irrigation.

Started in Auckland with a great evening with Elise before we took the flight to Christchurch and she had to go to work.

We are saving Christchurch for later and grabbed a car and headed to Oamaru. Plan to get to the Catlins then do Central Otago and head back to Canterbury. We have travelled this way before but not spent time doing things. Oamaru was cool. A brew at the local brewery and then the visit to the steam punk hq.

And on to Owaka via some great scenery. Seen so many seals already, nearly as common as sheep 😁

Apparently they have had a terrible wet summer here so we will see what walks are open in the next few days.

When you work 9-5, in my case 7:30-5:30ish in one place, every day you have no idea about what goes on elsewhere! The last few weeks, with the kids now back at school, we really have settled into our temporary retirement!

It’s official too, Wayne now has his gold card although we haven’t made much use of it yet!

So what do you do when you have time… You mulch! Probably should have done it before the drought but better late than never!

The reason we are not travelling yet is our subdivision is still not through–the firewall and now the movement of the electric meter holding up proceedings! Hopefully all will be finished next week!

So what to do… The grandie took part in her first ever tryathlon so why not go and support? An amazing trip to and from Gizzy with beautiful weather and time… The trip to see the family has frequently been a Friday night dash after a week of work and the journey just a pain as you just want to be there! Travelling mid week is a pleasure, little traffic, not tired and day light!

Gizzy put on a pearler! Dinner at the beach on arrival set the tone.

Surf was definitely up!

Weetbix tryathlon what a great feat of organisation! Over a 1000 primary age kids giving it a go. Surf was too big so into the pool.

The cycle only 4km but long and lonely when you are little!

And so to the run.. The grandie and her bestie went out holding hands and finished in the same fashion

The best part though, the spray tent and of course the medal. All winners!

Wayne made friends with the neighbour!

After a lovely time with the family the journey home was relaxing. The jeep has been causing issues so ‘little greenie’ got the run out- much cheaper on gas.

Waioeka Gorge a great place to cool the toes.

And amazingly beautiful.

Fish and chips on the beach at Ohope and ice-cream from blueberry corner, the journey is the holiday!

The weekend brought more gardening, in Rotorua this time, and time to catch up with old mates at ‘Pete’s bar’.

I also got to see the girls, no photo, too much chatting 😂.

Every other day we do our big walk, about 12km’s which includes the Mount base track and we already have the return of our mates, this is Sally!

Next adventure is looming, we head to the South Island on Monday.. Only the flight and car are booked let’s see where we end up!

The last few years we have spent some time in January out of NZ with our grandie and other family members. Of course when you live at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world you go on holiday to other beaches, Rarotonga, Noumea and this year Surfers Paradise! The choice of destination this year was partially influenced by a mate of Wayne’s who lives in striking distance to the Goldie who is grappling with cancer. A morning visit for two chums who met as ‘primas’ 60 years ago to chew the fat, discuss ailments, but mostly to have a laugh and reconnect in person. The human connection, so important.

The other attraction of the Goldie is its close and easy, with enough difference to NZ to entertain the grandie with some new experiences. Travelling with a gluten and dairy intolerant child can be challenging, but not in oz they have got it going on! With bread that tastes ‘like sponge cake’ and ‘really cheesy’ vegan cheese, vegan and gluten free ice creams, eating became a pleasure.

We chose to stay where we had an amazing pool so that every day we could have at least a couple of hours in the pool. To cool off, 30+ all week, to exercise and to perfect our synchro routines devised by our 8 year old.

We did venture out to the beach to be knocked around by the big messy swell, to be buried in sand and to be stung by blue jellies! We didn’t try the apparently well-known cure for stingers of peeing on each other, although it was painful enough to pretty much try anything!

We also had a couple of trips out to Movie World and Currumbin wildlife park. The latter was certainly my fav and the grandie’s too, although she did like seeing all the ‘famous’ people/characters particularly the Disney’s – Tweetie, Tom and Jerry, Scoobie etc. I was fascinated though by the number of adults who were desperate and pushy to have their photos taken with these ‘pretend’ movie stars, Batman, Wonder women and to hug a person in a big fluffy costume in 35degree heat, bizarre!

We unwittingly timed our trip with Australia Day. A free concert to celebrate and one of the best fireworks displays I’ve ever seen, and a chance to try out my new cameras night function. Ozzies really do enjoy their day and this was a family event, no booze!

We finished off the week with a smorgasbord meal with seafood too. Prawns, mussels, oysters etc to please the big McCready and desserts a plenty for the little McCready. What a week, fun family times.

Being a teacher in the southern hemisphere January is always holiday time so things were pretty normal. Pay still coming in, festivities and family activities.

A few days at home with the grandie always fun. Lego is such a winner as are selfies and making yourself look an idiot.

Trip to Auckland to catch up with Garrick and Elise meant a lovely family dinner sooo much food.

Day out at the ASB Tennis open. Some great tennis but my goodness it was so cold! Is this really summer?

In Auckland we have stayed at the same hotel a couple of times, over the road from the rose garden but never been around it until now! Time to smell the roses.

So what next, time to spread our wings a little, a trip to the Goldie with the grandie whilst my colleagues go back to work and my replacement is hard at it. Beginning to get real now, relax, relax, relax…. Oh no that’s right more sub division dramas!

So here we are! It’s already Feb and I have recorded nothing of my year away from work. Not strictly true I started a blog but hated the site so trying this for size.

After 31 years of teaching, with the last few being part of the slt, it was a no brainer to take a break at the same time as my husband started retirement. It will be fun, we can go places and do stuff together. I can stop having sleepless nights and take time to smell the roses. But how to afford it?

Sub divide our property, we own 2 adjoining units, sell the front and rent out our house to fund the travels… Simple! 8 months into the process the end is in sight, well in the next couple of months anyway. I know more about building, compliance, council regulations than I really wanted to, although I wish I had the knowledge 8 months ago may have saved us some time and a few thousand $!

The great news is the house is sold and when the sub division is finally sorted we will be mortgage free and ready to spread our wings.