Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 4:30 PM - Napier - It becomes a real test to find the right wi-fi access unless you don't mind paying an arm and a leg.  We are at a little cafe called "Esquires Cafe" and they seem to be a good competition for Starbucks (who charges for wi-fi here) with an offer of an hour free when you buy coffee.  They coffee is good and the staff delightful!   So here we are!   I am ready to download the last few days adventures for you.

But first, let me tell you about today.   Woke up to bright sunshine and blue skies--just lovely outside and was warm at 9 AM as we ate breakfast alfresco on the picnic table!  Geoff took me to a place he had been before on Lake Taupo called Acacia Bay and it was quiet (except for the neverending singing birds!) and just beautiful--wouldn't mind living in one of the nearby places.   It's so warm we talk about using the A/C when we drive to Napier from Taupo!!!!   Geoff makes us a cup of coffee and it is "shite"!   We laugh because it's the first time he used the water that he put in the tank in Rotorua and it has a very mineral/aluminum taste to it.  I dump mine--he suffers through his!   He will dump the tank and get fresh water here!

We head out of Taupo and the fields are rolling (and this is a route Geoff has never taken before!) and there are lots of sheep...I mean LOTS of sheep!   By the way, the grass in Taupo was browner than we have seen anywhere and along this route we notice the fields are drier and less green.   It's still lovely.   We are heading towards some mountains and over to the east coast (which seems weird since it is the Pacific Ocean) and Hawkes Bay!   It's so warm, Geoff says his shirt is wet on his back and I pin my hair up off my neck.  We see fully bloomed fields and fields of scotch broom--it is very beautiful but we all know what a pain in the ass it can be...it is growing like crazy amongst the new growth of trees.   We see acres and acres of new growth and many acres that have been logged.  The trees they plant appear to be pine trees.   We finally start seeing more of the yellow lupine flowers that are lighter than the scotch broom and a nice contrast to all the green.   As we start going up the mountain we start getting a bit of drizzle and it cools off signficantly.   We climb the mountains and the views are spectacular although a bit hampered by the clouds--at one high point we are up in a cloud and I can see the cloud down below us in a ravine--it is hard to see for just a short while and then we are down and out of the cloud and heading down the other side of these magnificent mountains!   We see lots of more tropical type of bushes as we travel down the other side.   I say to Geoff that this gray sky and scotch broom is making me think of home for sure--although the temperature is not as cold as home would be!  Geoff says the times he has been in Napier it has always been HOT--well, not this time..the sky is gray and the temperature is cool but not too cool to wear shorts!  
Napier had a major earthquake back in the early 1930s and had to rebuild the city and did a lot of art deco and that is their claim to fame (THAT and the wine country here!).  The buildings are very pretty and interesting to look at and he city is next to Hawkes Bay.   While Geoff was making us lunch, I walked to the water--it has dark grey rocks on the beach and I noticed a lot of small pieces of pumice washed up towards shore--it also has a lovely walking/jogging/bike path all along the waterfront!   I bet it is even prettier in the sunhine.   It has several little parks that are gorgeous.   The shops and streets remind me of a smaller and less busy Seattle downtown area!   Delightful!   
Okay, so you are as about as up to date as you can be with where we are except for the last couple of days, so here are my saved posts:  We will go find out campground after I get through posting!   Love, Sue & Geoff from wine country NZ!  xo

Monday, November 29, 2010 – Rotorua – 9:45 PM – I have to back track to yesterday since after I posted my blogs, Geoff and I went for a walk up Mount  Mauganui and got to see some spectacular views of the beach and there was even one place where we could see both the beach on one side and the harbor on the other—also saw paragliders come over the top of the mountain and they made perfect landings in the beach sand.   We didn’t go all the way up because we wanted to get the clothes off the line, have dinner and go to listen to the live music at the Little Black Club (LBC) that we had stopped at the day before.   So Chef Geoff made us a nice tuna/avocado salad while I took the clothes down off the lines.  We walked into town to the LBC and a singer/guitar playing, Jessica Ross, was strumming and singing folksy type songs.   She had a very nice voice and reminded me of Lisa Loeb.   When she was done, a young man known as “Deuce” came on and he also sang and played the guitar.    He sang an assortment of songs (including Bob Marley songs) and could play the guitar like nobody’s business.   We sat and listened to him for a couple hours and ended up having a late evening ”snack” of a small Mexican pizza that was spicy and very tasty plus the price was right ($5 special and ours was extra special because they lost our original order so let us have the deluxe version for the same price!).  The bartender was a young woman who I chatted with as we prepared to leave and found that she was from Kiailua, Hawaii!  As we wandered back to camp there was some light drizzle and I put the shirt I had taken for a jacket over my head and Geoff looked at me and asked me if I was Muslim since my face was sort of covered—we had a good laugh over that.   It never was cold but the drizzle got a bit heavier as we got into our campground.   We crawled into bed and slept like babies!

Today we started our third week of travel on the north Island and what a beginning it was!  We got up and left that campground by around 10 am and headed towards Rotorua, which is more inland.  I saw the first scotch broom (Geoff calls it “gorse”) I have ever seen here and  it grows prolific along the roadways!   Made me think of home although the scotch broom is certainly not in bloom at home!   We stopped in  Ngongotaha  outside Rotorua and had a cup of coffee.  I said to Geoff “I think it’s a pie and sauce kind of day, babe”, he laughed and agreed.   So we made our way to  our Top 10 Holiday Park and made camp then walked into town and Geoff sniffed out a bakery (Ronnie’s) and we walked inside and thought that all the pies were gone but the clerk had a whole cookie sheet pan full of pies.   We got two of the steak and mushroom and had a great lunch.   Geoff introduced me to a new drink, Lemon and Paeora and I liked it…the bottle says it is world known but I never heard of it before. 

We walked through town to see the steaming openings and smell the lovely sulphur smells, a lovely old bath house that is now a museum and around the grounds.   Geoff when we were driving from Mount Maunganui that “I beg my pardon, I am going to show you a rose garden” and we walked towards this beautiful rose garden—I could smell the scent of roses quite a distance before we got to the actual garden.   It was just beautiful.   A couple offered to take our picture for us and then I did the same for them and we chatted with them for a bit and found that they are from St. Louis and after 3 weeks in NZ they were heading to Australia to meet up with their son and his girlfriend.   We wished them a great journey and headed on….next stop was Rotorua Lake and Geoff wasn’t kidding when he said it was big!    Then I spotted the black swans…and then more black swans….and even more black swans!   They are very pretty.   There was a large sea plane out on the lake.   We walked on around the lake and I saw a black swan with babies and the babes were gray—they must have to grow into their black feathers!  On we walked and Geoff point to a church steeple and said that was our destination.    We walked a bit further and we were in this lovely little Maori community where there was a place they honor their dead, their “warriors”; along with a school, a church and monuments to those who lost their lives as well as a Maori burial ground.  You could see where there were hot spots in the ground and near part of the lake.   It made me think about Yellowstone National Park when I took Jon and Jordan and we saw such interesting geothermal pools, geysers, holes, etc.   Pretty interesting place.   We walked back to town and found an Italian pub and sat outside and had a drink.   Not sure if I mentioned that the weather was cooler with light rain when we started out earlier today but by the time we got to our campground in Rotorua the sky had cleared and the sun was out in full force!   Next think I know Geoff has started a conversation with a “neighbor of mine”—a young man from Vancouver, BC, who is travelling in NZ by bicycle (so Geoff gave him some ideas of things to see in the South Island, which is where he is headed).   His name was Scott and he was interesting to talk with.   He is a geochemist and works with mines way up in Saskatchewan.   We chatted with him for a while then he was headed to where he was going to camp for the night and we started our walk back towards camp.   We made one stop at the “Pig and Whistle” and then got back to camp so that Chef Geoffrey could whip up one of his magic dinners for us—which he did and it was great!   Now he is asleep after reading some of the Sunday paper while I write this!  J  

Tomorrow Geoff recommends that I go see more of the geothermal  sites and see/learn about some of the Maori culture—he’s done this a couple times already so he will let me go on my own.   It sounds like fun and I am always ready to learn more about the Maori peoples.   It’s all very interesting to me.   So I guess I will close and go wake Geoff so we can put the bed stuff together and call it a night!   Sorry I don’t have wi-fi here or I would post this and some good pictures I took—will do it as soon as I get the chance.   So, good night from down under, love from Sue & Geoff xo 

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 – 8 PM – Taupo – What a day it has been!   Before we left Rotorua we drove to the edge of town and went to a place called Te Puia—Geoff spent a few hours reading, etc., while I went inside and saw the Kiwi House, traditional Maori dancers (very entertaining and reminded me of Hawaii in many ways), a Maori art gallery, Maori wood carving school, Maori weaving school, old  Maori buildings, a long, carved Maori canoe and lots of Maori items.  I also went on a “walk on the wild side” (as Geoff calls it) and trekked up and down walkways, gravel paths and saw geysers (“gee-zers” per Geoff! J), mud pots, smelled lots of sulphur, saw boiling pools, cooking pools and bubbling mud pools!  It reminded me of Yellowstone although it is much more compact.  It was hot as blazes and I was sweating hiking uphill in the sun and then being around all those hot spots!   I learned a lot about their native plants and birds and some of the Maori customs—it was a great experience although I was “pitted out” by the time I went back to the campervan—I stopped and bought a lime milkshake to share with Geoff since when he was in Olympia and we went to Eagan’s he asked if they made Lime milkshakes and they didn’t—he said they were quite good and I agree!  I forgot to tell you that before I started the long, hot walk I went out to the campervan to get my sunhat and guess what I found?   Yup—Geoff sound asleep!  J   ZZZZZZZZZZing so I did not disturb him…left him a note and went on my way!    I really enjoyed Te Puia and would recommend it as a stop for anyone heading near Rotorua!

We started our 80 km drive to Taupo and I saw many signs of thermal activity along the way.   There is even a huge plant that harnesses the steam and uses it for power—we drove by a ton of big pipes that are being used for that purpose.   So I notice more scotch broom and then Geoff points out the yellow lupines and  they are lovely.   We see several bike campers on the road and then about 38 km from Taupo we spot our Canadian friend, Scott!   Geoff honks as we drive by!   We take a cutoff and head to Huka Falls and take a walk to look at the fall—they are pretty heavy duty rapids where we cross a foot bridge…we walk further and can actually see the falls gushing over the rocks.   The sign says the power of the water is such that it keeps fish and eels from going upstream and consequently Taupo Lake does not have any eels (good news in my book!).   It was a lovely walk and a lovely view and I couldn’t help but think of Josie and how she and her friends would love to kayak this river, rapids and falls!  (Later I see an ad for and adventure ride down those rapids and over the falls!)

We head into Taupo, stop for a few groceries at the local “Countdown” supermarket then head down through town to the Lake so I can see how big it is…it’s frigging huge!   Geoff points out in the distance the snow covered peak of Mt. Taranaki (he and his mate, Paul, hiked to the top 4 years ago).   People along with black swans and assorted ducks were all taking a dip on this warm afternoon.   Off to our Top 10 Holiday Park to make camp—Geoff checks us in and when he gets into the campervan I ask him “so what’s the skinny, babe?”—he looks at me like I am nuts and says “what skinny?”   He had NO idea what I meant—I told him it’s an old slang term for “so what’s up”…he thought it was funny and a bit odd!  Hehehe   We get  to our campsite and Chef Geoffrey outdoes himself with the best spaghetti  sauce yet!  It’s a beautiful evening and has cooled down some.  Geoff is having a beer and I am enjoying some Moscato made in NZ!   Very, very nice!   My nieces Rachel, Natalie and Katie would enjoy this stuff! 

Off to download today’s pictures (averaging around 90 per day!) and have some more wine!   Hoping to download this tomorrow when I get wi-fi access!  I can’t believe this is the end of November—just warm and beautiful here.   I am loving this adventure even though this computer is doing some squirrely things!  Ahhhh….life is good!   Love to all, Sue and Geoff xo  P.S.   I just asked Geoff for some more wine and said “pretty please with peanut butter and jelly on top” and now he really DOES think I am nuts so I say “you never heard the phrase ‘pretty please with sugar on top’?”   He says no and looks skeptically at me…I say it’s just a way to sugar coat the pretty please request and P&J is just another version!  He now thinks he has heard it all!   That crazy American woman he is travelling with is teaching him all sorts of odd  American sayings!     Cor blimey!   

OK--OK--LOTS TO TELL YOU SINCE I LAST BLOGGED!!!

Sunday afternoon, November 28, 2010 - We are camping at Mount Maunganui until tomorrow.  The wash is hanging on the clothes lines and it's a warm, sunny day--after I get this posted we are going to hike up the Mount that is next to us (it's not a huge mountain but this is a very cool location!)   Happy Birthday to my nephew, Jim--I hope you feel the "vibes" all the way from here!  Wish you were all here to enjoy this adventure--and I am only starting my 3rd week!   Enjoy these posts so you can see what Geoff & I have been up to over the last many days and miles!   Love, Sue & Geoff xo

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 – Kaitaia (the correct spelling!) – Our first order of business (after locating a campground at the “i-site”  and booking a trip for me up to Cape Reinga) was to find a bakehouse  since on our way here, Geoff said to me "Babe, I believe it is a “pie and sauce” day”—of course, we only had to walk a block to find a busy bakehouse and get two steak & mushroom pies—we took them back to the campervan and had our lunch in our wheeled restaurant.  By the way, the “sauce” is Heinz tomato ketchup!  Yum…these were flaky and messy pies but oh so good!   I see why Geoff is fond of them!  J  After updating my blog at the local library I actually got to chat with Jon via Facebook and see and chat with my sister, Jan, for a few minutes on Skype (she said they have 8 inches of snow and blizzard warnings—I showed her the blue sky here!).   It’s been a sunny, blue sky kind of day!  When I got finished on my computer Geoff had our afternoon “tea” ready in our mobile restaurant!  We sat outside the library and drank coffee/tea and ate cookies/biscuits! We drove to Ahipara to a Kiwi Campground for the evening and decided to stay Wednesday night, too, since I am booked on the all day Cape Reinga excursion.   We walked about 10 minutes from the campground and walked on the beach and I saw the Tasman Sea for the first time!   What a thrill for me!   We walked a little on the beach but the wind was picking up so we headed back to camp.   Chef Geoffrey made another great batch of spaghetti and we dined alfresco with birds singing (and begging for tidbits!).   I keep thinking each day is the best and how can it get any better but each day has its own surprises and rewards!   Today I saw Matai Bay and was blown away by its beauty and now the Tasman Sea followed by my own personal chef making a tasty dinner!   As Geoff says, “Life is good!”  It sure is!  Xo Sue & Geoff

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 – Ahipara – Had to drag my lazy self outta bed at 7:15 AM to get a shower and ready to catch the bus for my day long excursion!   Geoff made me coffee and cereal, kissed me and sent me on my way with my little supply of Jelly Bellies!   We head to a few other pick up points and at the 2^nd one, who gets on the bus?  Yes, you guessed it…Johanna and Sebastian, that cute young couple from Amsterdam!   Were they surprised to see me?   I think so.   I told them Geoff has done this trip already so sent me on my own since it is a “must see”.   (Update from Johanna and Sebastian: they did not buy a car yet and are doing some holiday travelling as they head towards the south island to look for work and they had a change of plan and now will return to Holland in April due to Johanna’s educational schedule, etc.  Also found out that Johanna and I have the same birthday—January 1—although she is only 23—and Sebastian’s birthday is June 12, he is 25—so they are “kids” to me! J).    We had a delightful day sharing all the sights, starting with the Maori cultural/blessing ceremony for our trip that was interesting and reminded me of both Hawaii and Fiji!   Must be that south Pacific influence!     We then went to the Ancient Kauri Kingdom (hard to believe how these trees have survived so many years—50,000+ in some cases).   The wood objects and art they make with them is very pretty and very pricey!  We travelled on up the road that runs parallel to the 90-mile beach and stopped at Rarawa Beach (the white silica sands that they used to mine for glass making up until about 10-15 years ago).  I found two pretty shells on the beach there.  We drove further north and went by lots of farmlands and through the towns of Te Kao and Te Paki.    The bus driver was a Maori who gave us lots of history about the whole area.  He was also pretty funny and made jokes and also sang Maori songs at times—he even taught us one but don’t ask me to repeat it!  We stopped for lunch at Tapotupotu Bay which was provided by Sand Safaris.  On we went to Cape Reinga and it was quite a thrill to see the Tasman Sea to the west, the South Pacific to the east then to walk down to the light house (what a great walkway they have) and see the two seas merge in a swirl of water!   Well worth every penny and minute to travel the day up here and back!!!   After our visit to the lighthouse we headed down and made a turn off and next thing I knew we were next to these mountains of sand!   We are travelling in a bus, mind you, and driving over little streams and next to these huge sand dunes!   The bus stops near a huge dune and we get out and they give us toboggans to hike up the hill and slide down the sand on.   I hold Sebastian’s wallet and camera and opt NOT to go up the hill (you have to get across a small stream of water and I didn’t want to get my shoes all wet).   Johanna went halfway up and slid down and Sebastian went all the way up and rode down!  I took some pictures.   It was fun to watch but looked like a heavy duty hike to get up to the top!   After we boarded the bus we started down the 90 mile beach for miles—probably 60-70 miles!  That was pretty cool.  The bus has to watch out when crossing the fresh water streams flowing into the Tasman Sea so it doesn’t get stuck and they have to watch out for waves when the tide is high—it was not high so we had no problem driving on the beach and went further than originally expected because of it.   Was a lovely ride.   Went inland and headed down the road we had driven north on and ended back at the Ancient Kaori Kingdom (that’s where the bus goes through a wash of the sea spray).  Next stop was my drop off by the campground.  I hugged Sebastian and Johanna goodbye and we promised to keep in touch and hopefully, meet up for a pint somewhere in South Island NZ after the first of the year!

I got back to camp and Geoff heard all about my day and I said “You have to see this picture of this cute Maori couple I met today>” and showed him the photo of the Dutch kids and he laughed—thinks it’s too funny that I ran into them again!  Who knows, we may see them somewhere along the adventure trail in North Island yet!   My personal chef got busy and made dinner for us…wow, it was just the best Spanish omelette I have ever had—maybe it’s the fresh air that makes food taste so good, OR maybe it’s just that Chef Ceoffrey is just one damn good cook!   Another day to write home about!   Yes, indeed, life is fantastic down under!  Love, Sue * Geoff xo      P.S. On a sad note, we have been anxiously waiting and hoping  for good news about the 29 NZ miners and heard the news today of the 2^nd explosion—our hearts and thoughts are with their families dealing with this ongoing tragedy.  We mourn along with this nation.

Thursday, November 25, 2010 = Piha – 8 PM – We got up and had showers and breakfast then headed south on the west coast of the north island!  We ended up heading east later so it’s been an all directional kind of day with roads that were windy and with lots of ups and down and down and up over and over and all I can think about is how Geoff and his wife rode loaded bicycles (with camping gear and provisions) these same roads 30 years ago!   I am very impressed.     There is NO WAY I could do what they did!   The views were not of water for the first half of the drive but of rolling hills and beautiful green pastures with either dairy cows, steers, sheep or horses.   All along the roadways since we left Auckland there have been wild flowers and the more remote we are the more prolific the wild flowers are…just makes the scenery that more picturesque!   We drive through many small “one horse” towns that may have a tavern or maybe a couple buildings.   I never get tired of looking because I never know what I will see around the next corner.   I am grateful that Geoff doesn’t seem to mind driving so I can be sightseeing!  We get to Kohukohu and wait for the car ferry across the Hokianga Harbor—it’s huge and beautiful in spite of the overcast skies!   We eat our lunch while travelling across the Harbor.   We get to a town called Opononi that is really a pretty little town near the mouth of the harbor where it meets the Tasman Sea and you can see the giant sand dunes across the water.   This town’s “claim to fame” was a dolphin they named “Opo” that stayed in the harbor for at least 6 years swimming with the boats and people of the area (Geoff thinks there was a movie made about it, too).   Nest we drove into the Waipoua Forest where the old living Kauri trees live.   This was one of my favorite places to see—we stopped to see “Tane Mahuta” the “Lord of the Forest” a humongous Kauri tree and it was mind blowing to see it/   The Forest is similar to a rain forest but with this very, very old Kauri trees here and there!   They are magnificent trees.   I took pictures of every one I saw until the battery on my camera was used up and I had to stop snapping pictures!   The trees changed as we came out of the forest and now we are driving and looking at rolling hills.   It’s getting to be late afternoon and we start seeing the dairy cows lining up and heading towards where ever they get milked…it was kind of cool to see them in long lines…sometime they had a tunnel under the road they would take to the other side… it would be sort of cool to see if the same cow is always the leader and if the last stragglers were always the same.   Not sure if cows have a hierarchy like dogs and other animals do.  Just a random though.   We continued south through Dargaville and on around the  Kaipara Harbor to Wellesford where we stopped for fuel and bought some bags of oranges, apples and tomatoes right at the gas station!    We continued on with through Helensville and continued towards our goal of Piha.   It was quite a windy road uphill then downhill to this town—at one point we could see the Sky Tower of Auckland from a view point so we aren’t far from there and Geoff says people can live here and commute into Auckkand to work,   We winded our way down the mountains and saw a spectacular view of the beach right next to this small town (it’s supposed to be a popular surf area).   We are at the Piha campground 5 minutes walk to the beach.   We got in sort of late so we went to the local RSA (Returned Soldiers Association) for dinner.   Geoff says he has eaten at several RSAs and RSLs (Australia) and the food is always good, plentiful and not too expensive.   So my sort of unofficial Thanksgiving meal was chicken snitzel, roasted baby potatoes, a lovely spinach type salad, red wine and some ice cream with chocolate sauce!   Delightful!!!   Along the roadside two times today we saw birds that looked like wild turkeys with babies!  Gobble, gobble!!!   Love, Sue & Geoff xo

Friday, November 26, 2010 – Cormamdel Town – 8 PM – We just had dinner at our campground—a lovely bbq’d steak with a mix of peppers, onions and sliced potato grilled with it, served with half a fresh avocado and some NZ wine!   My personel chef outdid himself tnight.  Oh yes, we ate fresh oranges for dessert!  So today we broke camp and visited the beach at Piha and saw a few surfers and a bunch of schoolkids wearing Santa hats on the beach!    Just a reminder that Christmas is on its way!  We left beautiful Piha and as we drove up the mountain we stopped to take a few photos looking down on it—just beautiful!    We stopped at the Arataki Visitor’s Center and looked around there, got some info about how to skirt Auckland and go south and headed on our way.   We drove through Titirangi and into some suburbs of Auckland, across a bridge and then stopped at a motorway service stop for lunch and so I could make some calls home.   While Geoff made our lunch I called and wished my Mom, daughter, son in law, niece, sisterin-law, grandson a very Happy Thanksgiving as well as to those who I didn’t chat with!   It sounds like they were having a very nice meal in spite of the cold weather.   We are in sunny and warm weather ourselves.   I ate lunch and then called my own house to wish my friend, SueB, and her son and sisters a Happy Thanksgiving, too.   Everyone sounds well and happy so all seems to be good on the homefront.   It was nice to talk to everyone that I did!  Our next stop was Thames where we replenished our supplies (the important stuff like my wine and Geoff’s beer!) J   We then drove towards the Coromandel area—around the Hauraki Gulf.   We were right on the edge of the water for many miles.  Then we turned and went up along a very curvy, winding road that has spectacular views of the bays below—just fabulous but I felt bad for Geoff having to deal with such winding roads again!    He is such a good sport about it.   We got to Coramandel Town and walked around the small town and went into a local pub and had a beer (that Monteth’s Radler is very, very good—probably my favorite!).   We walked back to the campervan and headed to the camp we are in.   After a fantastic dinner, I am just chilling out while Geoff is cleaning the bbq!   What a guy!   Tomorrow we head over the mountains and I see what is over there next!   Never a dull moment!   Love, sue & Geoff xo  P.S.   I hope everyone back in the USA had a wonderful Thanksgiving—I am thankful for all my family and friends and to be with Geoff on this incredible adventure down under!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 – 9 PM – Mount Maunganui ( next to Tauranga) – As an addition to yesterday, after I wrote my blog, Geoff and I walked into Coromandel Town to listen to some live music and at the “Admirals Arms” we listened to The Audio Smiths who played some very entertaining hard rock for a few hours.   It was a small crowd in this one horse town but all ages were enjoying the music!   We wandered back to camp around midnight and in between the bright streetlights we marveled at the bright stars that we could see—made us think of the night we met in Fiji!

So today we headed up a steep and winding road out of town across the mountains and at one point we were able to pull over and look back down at the town we just left—it was quite a view!   We drove on and now I can spot Kauri trees when I see them and same some younger skinnier versions along the road.    We crest the mountains and there is another huge body of water—known as the Bay of Plenty!   We stop  at Kuaotunu to look at the water and beach and Geoff tells me just how big the Bay is—gigantic!  It’s another gorgeous day, by the way, so the colors of the water are various shades of blue and very pretty.   We drive on to Whitiangi and enjoy the beautiful scenery—more rolling hills with little streams and Geoff says that reminds him of England.  Lots of cows, sheep and horses.   The towns we drive through are all very neat and clean looking.  There are some beautiful flowers in bloom, too.   We get to Taitua and decide to stop for lunch at a park by the bay.  After lunch Geoff goes to get a newspaper and sees a dozen or so hotrods parked on the main street—I go look at them and take pictures to share with my brother-in-law, Jim.   They seem to be all American cars.   We get back on the road after that great respite and head to Whangamata for a fuel stop.   Back on the road and heading to Waihi.  Geoff says there is an operational gold mine in the town so he drives to a spot near it and we climb some steps and next things you know, we are looking at a giant hole in the ground that is tiered down so far I can’t even see the bottom.   Since it is Saturday the mine isn’t operating but you can see the trucks, etc.   There’s also an tall old building that was used as well as a tall wooden rig that was used to mine in the “old days”.   It is poignant place since this nation just lost 29 coal miners recently.  We leave the little town and head to Waihi Beach—Geoff has never been there although he has been past the road leading there several times.   It’s a nice beach community and we stop at a public beach access point to walk out and look at the beach.   There were two boys around 10 years old laying in the sand in the sun and smoothing sand into piles.   I told Geoff that it would be nice to go back to those easy days when you could just lay in the sand enjoying the feel of it.   We bought some fresh avocados from a street seller and headed on our way.  There are lots of kiwi fields—you can see the tall windbreak bushes or screens to protect them.   I hope to get some fresh kiwi fruit very soon!   I didn’t realize Kiwi grew on trees that are sort of low to the ground like grapevines…I need to look at one up close some time!!!  We went through a town called Katikati and made our way to Tauranga then Mount Maunganui—you can’t miss it—it sticks out and is fairly high!   The town is a beautiful beach type town with lots of little shops and it seems odd to see Christmas decorations hanging up everywhere.   We passed by the first Starbucks and Burger King I have seen here!   We drove to the campground and it is huge and very nice (also very popular during the “peak” season which is Christmas, etc.).   we are on the harbor side and have a nice grassy power site.   We walked to the beach and it is very pretty—Geoff says that this a a popular surf location.   We walk the boardwalk for a ways then head over through the residential area and then we are on the main street we previously drove down.   I said Geoff deserves a night off from cooking since he has been contending with all the windy, up and down roads so treated him to a pizza at an Italian restaurant.   Afterwards, we walked through town, stopped for a drink at a trendy bar, LBC, done all in black and then walked back to camp just in time to see what sunset there was.   It’s been another wonderful day.   We are staying here tonight and Sunday night (plan to do some laundry tomorrow) and just take it easy before be head to Rotorua on Monday.   I really like this town and the look of it.   I hope to be on the beach for a while tomorrow, too!   That’s it for now…hopefully will post this tomorrow for your amusement and update!   Love, from the happy travelers, Sue & Geoff xo

If It's Tueday it must be Belgium...wrong...try Kaitia, New Zealand

Tuesday here, while Monday back in the USA (and early Tuesday morning in the UK).   We spent the night at my favorite town name, Whatuwhiwhi, an then Geoff took me to a bay that was off the beaten path and even down a gravel road but it was well worth the wiggle & jiggle of the road!  Matai Bay--I need to look up some new adjectives to describe it--wonderful, fantastic, beautiful, awesome, breath-taking, probably the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.  You are able to camp there (we would have done that last nite if we had known) although you have to been sel-sufficent--there are toilets and outdoor showers.   Too beautiful for words.   Would recommend it to anyone travelling this way!   I have booked an all day excursion by myself up the 90 mile beach to Cape Reinga (Geoff has been on the trip previously so feels no need to go again) and will get to see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean (also is where the Maori spirits enter the sea according to lore which I will learn more of), do a bit of sand tobagganing, see ancient Kaori trees and lots more--should be very interesting and fun!  So, before I use of the rest of my battery on my computer, I will add my last blog notes and, if able, a few pictures!   Love to all and hope you are staying warm if you are in the northwest!  xo Sue & Geoff

Saturday, November 20, - We spent a few hours in downtown Paihia and then drove just outside town  to our campground at Waitangi.  In the evening, we drove back into town and went to Salty’s for a drink and gee, guess what, Steve (a Scot), the bartender/manager, remembered Geoff from January when he was last here!   J  There were just a few people in there so it was a quiet night until we left and some drunken young man was trying to box with the bouncer outside!   Back to camp we went!

Sunday, November 21, - We walked past the restaurant “The Sugar Boat Bistro” that once actually hauled sugar cane and has an interesting history (it was an art gallery, a museum, too) over a bridge to the site where the treaty for Waitangi was signed.   We had a cappuccino and walked back to camp via the beach and I found a pretty shell.  Not as pretty as the one Geoff found me over at Russell (a flat fan shaped one that was kind of a burgundy color and just beautiful!).  It was a very sunny but windy day so when we got back and had some lunch, I took the bedding and other washing and did the wash and hung it out on the clotheslines there.   While the wash was drying we went to the store to pick up a couple provisions and fuel up the campervan (it took 55.5 liters—how many gallons is that?).   Then a short drive to see Haruru Falls (a smaller version of Niagara!) and then back into downtown Paihia and parked right next to the harbor.   I walked and took pictures of some of the beautiful flowers and Geoff made dinner for us!   We sat looking at the harbor and listening to the waves crash on the beach and ate spaghetti (it was terrific!,) drank wine and Chef Geoffrey’s Italian Ristorante was the best eatery in town—this is the life!   How can you beat sitting by the waterfront having a lovely meal with a wonderful man (who cooks for me!).   I didn’t think it could get any better.   After dinner we enjoyed the surroundings and every single person passing by looked into our travelling restaurant!    We finally went back to the campground, reluctantly, but needed to get out washing off the lines—which I did while Geoff did the dishes.   We got things ready for the evening and then we walked (about 25 minutes each way) into Paihia to go to the Beach House Bar and listen to music.   We were about halfway there when a couple crossed the street coming towards us and it was, surprise!, the Dutch couple (Johanna & Sebastian) who we met in Whangarei!!!   It was so cool to see them again.   They had not yet found a car and Geoff told them to check with Salty’s for work advertised there.   They had taken the “Naked Bus” to Paihia and were staying at one of the Backpacker  places.   I told them I finally got my suitcase but lost (and found) my wallet!   I gave them this blog site so they could read about our travels!  It was really fun to run into that young couple again!   After chatting on the street for a bit, we went on into town and joined the rousing crowd (of all ages) at the Beach House!    Had a drink while enjoying the real jam session.   Geoff had heard the main man, Dan, on the guitar lat New Year’s Eve but he is joined tonight by whoever has an instrument (there were 2 other guitar players, 3 or 4 bongo players, a flutist and one on a harmonica)!   Joining in were various singers including a woman who sang a very entertaining and interesting sounding Mongolian folk song!   There were lots of people dancing including the Asian man who found us stools to sit on when we first got inside—he was full on energy and could boogie with the best of them!   The music was good and it was a lot of fun.   When the jam session was over they had canned music but the crowd thinned out a bit.   We walked back to camp and the wind had died down so it was a pleasant although cool walk back to camp.   The bed with the clean sheets was ready in the campervan so it was nice to crawl into them and sleep snug like a bug in a rug!   And after that nice walk to and from town, that’s how I slept—as did Geoff!  It was just a perfect day in New Zealand—one of the best!

Monday, November 22. 2010 – We broke camp and headed north to Kerikeri—a lovely small town where we walked around and I found a book store and bought a couple small books about the trees and birds of New Zealand so I can quit asking Geoff what something is!  He knows a lot but doesn’t claim to know what every tree and bird is here!    We found a “Dollar store” but it was one of those that everything is a dollar or more (seemed to be more of a “$2.50 Store”!   We bought some local avocados they were selling inexpensively!  We went to the local library and used the free wi-fi but it was extremely sloooowww, so a bit frustrating.   SueB tried to Skype me but I couldn’t hear her—I’m sure it’s because of the slow internet!   Was able to check email but that was all.   Ate a couple f those fresh avocados for lunch at Kaeo (where I used the pay phone and called Shelley and SueB).   On we drove to Doubtless Bay and the town of Mangonui—a lovely little town that is built right on the Bay and has the best fish and chips at Mangonui Fish and Chip Restaurant that sits over the water!   We hung around the town for a few hours (even had a short nap in our bedroom on wheels) and then had our dinner of fish and chips at the best place ever!   Geoff says this was about his fourth time to eat fish and chips there and anyone ever travelling to northland New Zealand needs to make a stop there for them.   They make them out of the catch of the day and today it was red snapper.   They have other seafood, too but the fish and chips are the reason to go there!  Truly a must for visitors!    After our dinner (or “tea” as Geoff calls it!) we drove around Doubtless Bay, past  Taipa, to our campground at Whatuwhiwhi (my favorite town name ever!) and it is a beautiful area.   I think what amazes me about New Zealand is all the rolling hills and pastures of cows and sheep,  then you see lots of trees and the “bush” and it all seems to end at seaside of some sort (bay, ocean, river)—just breathtaking.   I am not sure what I thought New Zealand would look like even though I saw several pictures of it, but it is really a spectacular country and I never get tired of seeing the rolling hills, deep ravines, craggy hills, trees, interesting vegetation, vineyards, orchards, fields, mangroves, beaches, water, etc., etc….   What will tomorrow bring?  It’s been a week since we picked up the campervan and what a week it has been!   This has been the week that WAS!   Looking forward to the next week and seeing what is waiting around the next corner or over the next rise!   I sure will let you know!    Love, S&G xo   p.s. Listening to Geoff’s iPhone playing Frank Sinatra’s hits!  

It'sSaturday so it must be Paihia, New Zealand!

Saturday, November 20, 2010 - We just rode the car ferry back from Russell after looking at the views from Flagstaff Hill--just spectacular...I don't even have words for the beauty I have seen.  And I don't think I even mentioned the birds that seem to sing all the time...there is one that sound like a flute and I thought someone was playing one the first time I heard it...just lovely and especially during the night when I make my nightly "loo" run!   Love hearing the beautfiul sounds of the birds here...seem to go on all the time!   The ecological films we watched yesterday had a park ranger looking for tagged Kiwi birds (they only come out of their burrows at nighttime) and he uses a dog to track the.   He found the one he was looking for and her name was "Shelley...and isn't she a beauty?" the ranger said!   So I have seen Shelley the Kiwi bird!   And yes, she IS a beauty!!!   :)  So we just stopped in Paihia to hav Geoff's favorite meat pie:  peppersteak and we lucked out becase his favorite bakery had two left!   We sat in the park and had our lunch and the pie was sooooo good...I think it is the best one yet!   So, here are the posts I have been saving for you over the last few days (I write even when I can't post so it's fresh in my mind.)  And, today's disaster was that I could not find my wallet when I was getting ready for my shower.   We searched the campervan from stem to stern and did not find it.   Then I said the last time I saw it was in The Pub when we stopped for a drink yesterday afternoon...so while I showered, Geoff drove downtown to The Pub and YES! some honest soul that works there found it and they put into the safe and they gave it to Geoff for me.   There was nothing missing...not a red cent.   Geoff gave them a $60 NZD reward (although they did not want to accept it) for it's safe return and I was so happy to get it back!   Geez, never a dull moment with Sue Z around, is there Geoff???   What's next?   Hopefully just more fun times and  lots to see.   Okay, on to the other posts for your reading enjoyment.    Have taken over 200 photos, too!  xo Sue and Geoff

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 – 6:30 PM – Orewa Beach.  Just a note, my computer dates my posts as if it were on Pacific Daylight Time rather than the day and time it is here in New Zealand so it will always be one day wrong—we are 21 hours ahead of Washington State time!

It has been just eh most beautiful day…we have been in the general area and been to a few places Geoff has never seen, such as Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Arkles Bay, Little Manly Beach, Matakatia Bay, Tindalls Beach and Big Manly Beach as well as along the Weiti River.   I saw downtown Auckland from Matakatia Bay—could see the Sky Tower and another silver high-rise shining in the sun!   This whole area is just beautiful.   Stopped and Geoff made us a cup of coffee at Tindalls Beach.   Took a lot of pics and hope to post some with this.   Getting ready to walk from the beach to the town and have dinner at Geoff’s favorite Mexican restaurant called “Hola”!   Will check out the Tuesday evening night life of Orewa!!!   Still no word on my bag but we move on in the morning!   Nothing can hold us back while we are down under!!!!  J   Love Sue & Geoff xo  p.s I have been spelling Orewa wrong—it’s “Orewa” and the Mexican restaurant was closed so we had a fabulous dinner at the “Thai-Orewa” restaurant (chicken satay and King prawns in pepper and garlic sauce—yummy—got back from our trek to town around 11:30 PM.   xo S&G

Wednesday, November 17, 2018 – 8:00 PM – We are in Whangarei for the night.   Followed the coast line and stopped at Weiwera Beach, Mangawhai Heads, Lang’s Beach, and the scenery has been so interesting—green pastures (lots of cattle, diary cows and sheep), lots of heavy treed areas (“the bush”), and then there are the sand dunes and beach—just beautiful, beautiful country.   I am truly impressed because Geoff rode his bicycle on this route 4 years ago and it is very, very hilly so he was going uphill a LOT!   I can’t even imagine trying to ride these hilly roads!   J  The people at Auckland Airport still report there is no news about my suitcase and so I asked about filing a claim since it has been over 5 days now.    They are to call me back to let me know where I can get a claim form since we are on the road.   Geoff and I found a “Wherehouse” store here and  I bought toiletries, curling iron and blow dryer!   It cost $120 NZD (about $90 USD)!!!    And I didn’t get everything replaced but at least I don’t have to bum Geoff’s stuff from him now!    We had a nice dinner here at the campground.   We are having some issues with the electrical connection in our campervan which Geoff will get sorted out tomorrow before we head for Whangarei  Falls and further north.   It was just a beautiful day here—sunny and warm…warmer the further north we drive.   Seeing lovely islands out in the water and  lots of beautiful views along the road.   Saw an unusual tree house that was built around a tree and circular.    Didn’t get a picture—just saw it from the road as we were driving.   Took lots of pictures of the beaches we stopped at and have to say they are all just beautiful!   Some have lots of shells and some don’t.      Nice campground and in the kitchen we met a young couple from Amsterdam (Sebastian & Johanna) who just arrived a few days ago on a “working holiday” for 10 ½ months!   They both spoke English well and Geoff gave them lots of info about NZ.   They are going to go find a car to buy to get around.   They are touring north island and plan to work somewhere on the south island primarily.  We wished them well.   Our campervan neighbor, Geogre, was from Newcastle so a “Jordy” as Geoff called him…a bit hard for me to understand but a nice man.  He is leaving in morning to return campervan and fly down to Wellington.  xo S&G

November 18, 2010 Thursday – We drove the Tutukaka Coast as we left Whangarei (we bid Sebastian & Johanna goodbye as well as George who gave us his leftover provisions!).  We stopped at a beautiful place called Mangawhai Heads for lunch and to hang out my handwashed clothes (my other outfit!)  J  Had a nice walk around the area and the views were spectacular as usual!   I just can’t believe all the beautiful beaches we are seeing!   We drove into a little city called Ngungura and used the pay phone to call about my bag—I left a message for the baggage people in Auckland to call me re the status and to get a claim form.  Have decided to call Sue B tomorrow and ask her to start being the “squeaky wheel” about my bag…someone needs to track it down and I know it’s not in Auckland so must be in US or Sydney.    We drove just a while further and I got a call from “Yo” at Menzies (baggage handlers at Auckland) and she is going to email me a claim form so I can get the process started.   Just as I hung up, Kevin, also from Menzies called and said they found my bag in Sydney and it would be arriving on a later flight—if it gets here in time they will get it to me tonite!   So excited to know it is found.   Kevin says it’s been in Sydney all the time!   Geez, you’d think someone would have tripped over it!   Anyway, I am happy to know I will have my stuff soon.   Later Reggie, from Menzies called and said they would send it on the Kerikeri airport in the morning and have it delivered to me tomorrow!  So, that’s one less thing to think about but I have discovered that I can do without a whole lot of things IF I HAVE TO!  

We drove on to a town called Kawakawa and Geoff said we had to go see the public toilets in this town—it’s actually known for them!    So we stopped near the toilets and went to use them…they are quite unique in their design—designed by Freidrich Hundertwasser (an Austrian immigrant) who won an award for these bathrooms.    It is his last claim to fame since he died a few years ago and the public toilets were built in the late 1990’s.   I was quite taken with them and they style made me think of Gaudi’s artistic style in Barcelona!   They really are a “must see” and it is a cute little town, too.    We left there and just a few minutes down the road we were on a car ferry across the bay to Russell and drove to a lovely beach called “Long Beach” that is up and over the hill from where we are staying in Russell.   The weather turned from beautiful and sunny to overcast and it started to rain lightly.   It stopped and we walked into town and went to the Duke of Marborough Hotel and sat on the veranda and had a beer while watching dolphins play in the water and just enjoying the view of the sailboats in the harbor.    The foot ferry from Paihia come in and left while we were sitting ther…it was very pretty.   It’s a lovely little town.   We went back to camp for tea and Geoff made me my first “beans on toast” and I have to say they were quite tasty and I enjoyed them very much!   We sat in the campervan and listened to music until bedtime…twas wonderful;!

Friday, November 19, 2010 – 8:30 PM -  Woke up to a good downfall of rain but it turned to mist by the time I had showered and dressed.   The view is a bit clouded so we aren’t going up Flagstaff Hill since it won’t show off the views of the area like Geoff wants---we’ll wait until later today or tomorrow for that.   After we had some lunch we walked into town and spent some time looking at a few shops….there is a very nice art gallery that had lots of beautiful glass, wood and other media works.   The prices are not inexpensive!   We ended up down by the museum and library (it was closed) and then a Maori Heritage House that had a gift shop but even better was the videos we spent around a hour looking at and learning about the history of Russell (it was the first capital city before it was moved to Auckland), about some of the endangered birds, the Hector dolphins and some other interesting things about the Abell Tasman Park (South Island)—all done by the New Zealand Conservation Department!   Afterwards we walked back through town and stopped at “the Pub” and sat and enjoyed the Red Bulletine magazine articles while enjoying a drink.   We walked back to the campground and lo and behold, there was a sight for sore eyes--yes, my long, lost suitcase!!!   The ladies in the reception area said it had been delivered only 5 minutes before!  I hugged that bag!   Geoff drug it to the campervan for me (I say “drug” because it is heavy but has wheels, the road is uphill and is made of cobblestone-like rocks so not an easy feat!).   while I started unpacking my bag, Geoff started fixing our tea!   I found my tea tree oil shampoo had opened up and managed to get out of the ziplock baggie so was on a few things that I needed to rinse off (fortunately it was stored in the individual compartment of my suitcase with other toiletries and away from all clothes so not as bad a mess as it could have been)>   Stopped unpacking to go eat tea with Geoff and then finished the chores and just having a quiet evening in the campervan catching up on my laptop.   Hope  to have wi-fi  access soon to download this and maybe add some great pictures!   Off to bed soon…wonder what tomorrow will bring to us in the land down under!  Love, Sue and Geoff xo

Tuesday in Owera Beach, New Zealand

It's been quite an adventure already and I have written some posts and saved tem to my computer since I had difficulty finding wi-fi access that didn't cost an arm and a leg along the way:

Saturday, November 13, 2010 - 9:45 AM – Sydney!   Arrived just after 6 AM and have spent the last 3 hours first finding somewhere to get some Aussie dollars, drinking Australia’s answer to Starbucks “Gloria Jean’s Coffee” (very good and comparable in taste and price but they had Equal & no Splenda!), trying to find a free wi-fi  connection with NO luck, found the free internet kiosk but very limited accessibility and could NOT send a message, trying to find someone who knows anything  about my Pacific Blue gate &/or a phone number so I can call someone from the payphone and waiting in line for a surly “travel desk” women to tell me to go to the “gate” to get my boarding pass but she can’t tell me which gate…just keeps telling me to look at the reader board but if you aren’t in the right area, your flight won’t show up on it.  I was told in LAX that I would have to go to another terminal so I just want to know which gate in case I DO need to travel from one terminal to another!  There’s a list of airlines with contact numbers but when calling the Pacific Blue# it says to leave a number and they will get back to you in 24 hours—that didn’t work either!  There was no general information extension # either…ugh…what a pain.  Haven’t been able to get an answer but ran into a couple who are on the same flight and they said someone told them it’s gate 55!    Will wait for a bit and see I can find it on the reader board to verify!   It IS a nice modern airport but their information dissemination  is lacking along with their so called “wi-fi accessibility”!

To back track, I had a very decent flight from LAX to Sydney on VAustralia—the best flight I have ever been on with:  your own individual TV with touch screen and video game player (not that I used that) with lots of current movies to select, current TV programs, old movies, etc., with headset (loved this and it was FREE), they gave us all a blanket, pillow, sleep mask, and ear plugs!   Then after we were in-flight they distributed bottled water and then a full meal (3 entree choices) with free wine (which I had 1 glass of red!).   The food was pretty good, too, although couldn’t eat it all!   I slept pretty well after the dinner and wine and watching the movies “Eclipse” and “Babies”—enjoyed them both and really got a kick out of the things those babies did from different parts of the world!  The plane was very new—had a real bar with barstools by First Class and the economy area was seats of 3, 3 and 3 (3 by each side and 3 seats in the middle!).   I sat with a couple from Australia who had been in US for 3 weeks on “holiday” (NYC, Niagara Falls, Chicago, San Francisco & San Dieg0)—they were friendly seatmates.  This morning they served coffee (it was not bad but no Starbucks, Tully’s or Seattle’s Best) then a full breakfast (2 entrée choices) with yogurt, OJ, & croissant.   Way too much for me to eat but I did nibble on all of it.   Am so close to Auckland, yet so far away!   J   Looking forward to seeing Geoff in a few hours.   Gotta close for now, battery is low and my current converter for the battery pack is in my suitcase (probably already in Auckland waiting for me!)!!! xo

It get's better!   Check this out:

Sunday,  4:25 PM – November 14, 2010 – Auckland NZ…Geoff and I just came back from an hour walk around the neighborhood we are staying in (near the Skyway Lodge).   We walked down to a strawberry farm where they sell fresh strawberries (in season here right now) but they make and sell fresh strawberry ice cream in waffle cones!   Very yummy!   Then we walked the other direction to look at the houses, yards and vegetation and ran into what Geoff calls a “Dairy” and we would call a convenience or neighborhood store.   We went inside and one of the things Geoff loves here in NZ that he cannot get at home are these little meat pies that they warm up in an oven (kind of like a pot pie without the tin foil container but square).  I ate about a fourth of a steak pie (Brand is called “Big Ben”) and it was quite tasty.   Geoff said it would be better with tomato ketchup on it but he didn’t have his with him!  Geoff also said there are bakeries in some of the towns he has visited before that make their own little pies and they are even better.   I am sure we will try some more of them!  

I have quite a bit to tell you since the Sydney airport.  What an adventure that turned out to be. So I will now go back to yesterday, Sydney Airport.   I was sitting there around 10:30 AM and heard a page for those flying on Pacific Blue airline to go to the “travel Desk” (the same place that had been so unhelpful thus far).   When I arrived I waited while the young woman helped this couple and then gave her my ticket and passport.   She looked at my ticket and said to me, “Do you have a New Zealand visa?”, I said “no, I don’t  need one because I am leaving New Zealand on December 16 to fly to Australia and then back to New Zealand on January 5, 2011.”  (NOTE: The issue is that I am admitted for up to 3 months in NZ without a visa but according to my ticket I am staying 4 ½ months.  By flying to Australia for 3 weeks, my 3 months starts all over again on January 5^th…but I have to prove it!)  She said “where is that flight info?”, I said “My boyfriend booked the flights so he has it and he is already in Auckland.”  She asked me if I could produce the hard copy, I told her no, I never received a copy (I had told Geoff that I didn’t need that information).   She asked which airline and I could NOT remember which one Geoff told me.   I was getting a bit upset because I had no computer battery left and my plug converter was in my checked bag, no cell phone and as I looked through my documents, I didn’t even have the phone number of the place where Geoff is waiting for me in Auckland nor his cell phone number (I had given Shelley the only copy I apparently made of the New Zealand info—geez).   She said if I can find out which airline she would call them and get hard copy confirmation…so I headed to the nearest payphone.   Had no telephone card but I could use my credit card and call a toll free number to make a call on it.   First I called information and got the number for the Airport Skyway Lodge (sure glad I remembered the name) and then called there.   Scott, the manager, said Geoff was downtown in Auckland, I explained what I needed and why (now it is 11 AM and my flight leaves at 12:10 PM) and he said he would try to find his cell number and give him a call…I was to call Scott back in 5 minutes.  In the meantime, I tried to call Shelley to see if I could get Geoff’s number from her but she wasn’t home and dummy me didn’t bring her cell number!   I call Scott back and Scott my new “guardian angel” somehow tracked down the airline name (JetStar), flight number and confirmation code!   He said “don’t ask me how I got it” and I haven’t asked because I don’t care!   I ran back to the travel desk and there was a couple with their 20 year old daughter having a problem for the same flight (their problem was that they didn’t have the Australia ETA’s issued for their return flight to Australia from NZ—a totally different issue.   I gave them the email address to go online and get the ETA’s electronically like I did and the daughter ran off to call her boyfriend for him to take care of it so they could get on the flight as well.  So time is ticking away and I say to the young woman “I got the information you asked for and I sure want to make this flight.”   She took the info and then said, “You don’t have much time to get to JetStar and get the hard copy for me” and I reminded her that she was going to call for it for me.  She went and used another phone because by now the man of the couple was talking to someone in immigration about this whole ETA issue.    This young woman was slow as molasses…in no hurry even though by now they were boarding my flight.   She said she HAD to have hard copy and the manager at JetStar said he would bring the hard copy to me at Gate 55 (he was at Gate 30 which is at another terminal and not exactly close).   The woman issued me a boarding pass and said “Do NOT get on the plane until Frank gets there from JetStar with the hard copy of your flight!”    I said, “Okay”, grabbed my boarding pass, passport and other documents and started running toward the gate.   When I got there, they were still boarding so I stood and waited for Frank to show up.  When they made the final call for boarding, the couple and their daughter showed up (the daughter’s boyfriend got the instant confirmation of the eta’s for them) and they got on.  I got in line and asked the girl checking boarding passes if Frank ever showed up...she said no, but said she’d check on it.   She picked up a walkie talkie and asked someone about Frank.   In the meantime she was checking in the last few stragglers.   Then a female voice asked her via the walkie talkie “Does she have a boarding pass”, she looked at me and I said “Yes” and the woman said “let her board without Frank”, so she did and then I did and MADE my flight to New Zealand as planned! 

The flight was 3 hours and pleasant.  I was emotionally exhausted and fell asleep for about half of it.   The couple sitting next to me were from New York and said they were spending 3 weeks in NZ and it was their first trip.  We fly into Auckland (and the flight attendants were pretty funny) and I can see between fluffy clouds very green and lush country below, with lots of water and it looks just lovely!  I freshen my lipstick and comb my hair—want to look presentable for Geoff!!!    I get off the plane and walk to customs and the custom’s agent asks me lots of questions (wanted Geoff’s name, flight number, etc., which I happened to have a copy of, whew!), asked some things I couldn’t answer (like which company are we hiring the campervan from—told her Geoff took care of that…geez).  Finally she smiled and said that’s all, proceed.   Next step was to pick up my bag and clear the customs search area (they are very strict about bringing fruit, plants, etc., into this country).  I wait and wait and then wait some more and my bag never shows up!   Almost everyone has left the area except for about a half dozen of us who don’t have our bags.    I was the last one helped and they took down all my information to start tracking my bag and then I had to clear customs with my carry-on stuff.  I made it through there with no problem and walked around the corner and there was Geoff waiting patiently for me!   What a sight for sore eyes and he hugged and kissed me and, in spite of the trials I had been through, it was all okay.   So he called Scott to come and pick us up and I told him “Wow, do I have a story to tell you, babe”.   You see Geoff had not been in touch with Scott so he knew nothing about my problem trying to get out of Sydney!   So we walked down the airport to our arranged pickup location and sat and I started telling him the tale.   Scott came and picked us up, took us to the Lodge and I took what things I had with me into our room.  Of course I didn’t take any spare undies or any clothes with me as carryon but at least I have the 4 lb jar of jelly bellies for Geoff and all my insulin and needles!  J  So I sort of freshened up and we walked down to a local restaurant and had chicken stir fry over rice, walked back, washed out my undies and collapsed into bed!   I believe it was well before 10 PM and I slept hard and soundly—so did Geoff!   We woke up around 8 AM and I showered and am still wearing the same clothes from 2 days ago when I started this journey!   The airline called and told Scott before noon that they still had not located my bag (not good news).   We had some coffee and toast around noon, looked at brochures and started talking about where to next (Owera area north of Auckland) and then decided to walk down for strawberries/ice cream.   So here we are, waiting for my stuff and hoping to get it soon!

I don’t care about these minor hassles, I am just excited to be here in New Zealand and with Geoff!  Today was sunny and some clouds but no need for a jacket.   Just a lovely temperature!

As a side note, Geoff had a great trip on Royal Brunei Airline with no hitch (they did get delayed about 30 minutes when they had to take on some additional fuel).  He said the food was plentiful  and tasty, they provided  sleep mask, ear plugs, slipper socks, toothbrush/paste and he watched a movie with Angelina Jolie and then Mr. Bean’s Holiday (which he said had him laughing out loud.)   After resting at the Lodge, he went into Auckland and arranged to get a chip for his old cell that I will use.  So now I am in communication mode again. 

I will post these as soon as I have internet access.  Just writing this down while fresh in my mind.   Tonight we are going to an Indian restaurant.  Right now Geoff is dozing.  I keep praying for a call that my bag is located!  Xo Sue

Monday, November 15 – Still no bag but off we go!   Took a couple hours at the Maui Camper Van place to go thru the rigmarole but finally—we are off and on our way!

It started out a drizzly day and my first view of downtown Auckland was via the Harbour Bridge…the sky was overcast but how beautiful the Sky Tower and big buildings and port looks beautiful and really took m breath away to realize where I am!.   We drove north and Geoff has been to Owera several times before so knows this area fairly well.

Spent the afternoon walking around town looking for some clothes, etc., for me!  We had another of those individual meat pies but this was one from a bakery and was even better!   Went into a grocery store “Countdown” (they are owned by same folks as Woolworths!)  and bought some provisions so we are now set.   Organized our campervan and Geoff made us a nice salad for “tea” (dinner to me! J) and Geoff went for a run on the beach while I used the computer in the campground reception area to email home.   We are as close to the beach as we can get and with the sun out it is just beautiful.   We ate tea outside and the people in the next campervan (from Berlin) chatted with us and gave us their “leftovers”—foil, plastic wrap, sponge, pasta, rice, olive oil, etc., since they are returning tomorrow.  Sounds like they had a very lovely 3 weeks touring both north and south islands.

I think we were sound asleep before 10 PM  xo

P.S.  Still no bag but I am not givng up hope!   Sending our love from down under, Sue and Geoff xo