Wednesday 27th March

Had meal soon after take off, quite a lot of turbulence so busy making sure didn’t spill anything!
I managed to sleep, fitfully, for about 4 hours and then doze on and off till breakfast was served a ccouple off hours before we landed. We had to have the Malayan option as the scrambled eggs had run out. Not a great problem as I remember the scrambled eggs on the flight there were inedible!
We landed in Kuala Lumpur on time 111/2 hours later at 5.30am local time. There was someone there waiting for me with wheelchair and we were soon through immigration and picked up our bags. Through customs and picked up taxi voucher and we were soon on our way to our hotel.

https://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/gb/en/kuala-lumpur/kulhi/hoteldetail?newRedirect=true&qSrt=sBR&qIta=99636806&icdv=99636806&glat=SEAR&qSlH=KULHI&setPMCookies=true&qDest=1%20Jalan%20Usahawan%20U1/8,%20Shah%20Alam,%20SE,%20MY&dp=true&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqe6kuo6i4QIVy46PCh0KCwWmEAAYASAAEgLsVvD_BwE&cid=131069&srb_u=1
The hotel is set in beautiful grounds adjacent to a golf club. Nice view from our room of the hotel gardens and pool.Sadly the pool is closed for maintenance which was a bit of a disappointment for me.
We showered and then slept for a couple of hours and went down for lunch.
Both of us feeling pretty shattered so no plans to go anywhere.
It’s not possible to walk very far as it is so very hot and humid.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon.
In the evening we walked a short way to a Japanese restaurant and had a very nice meal.

Tuesday 26th March.

 Busy morning packing and tidying up . Anne and Tony went out at midday and popped in to say goodbye. Really nice people and they have been so helpful.
Took a few photos for my memory bank!
Finally, 3pm and time to leave.
Last trip on the car ferry and off to Kaikohe where Rob was waiting. Said goodbye to Richard and thanked him for use of the car.
Into Robs car and off to the airport at Kerikeri.
Was in tears when we arrived so once Rob had got our luggage out of the car and into the terminal we had a big hug and I sent him on his way. I can never bear long farewells.
Uneventful flight, 5.45 to 6.30, down to Auckland. Dannimwas there to meet us and we had a snack and a drink. She was able to stay for an hour, so pleased she came to see us.
Then transferred to the international,terminal and checked in. Not very helpful there, N got a wheelchair but he had to push me, no help as is usual at airports.
Anyway we made it through security and immigration and settled down to wait for our flight.
Flight was on time and took off at 11.40pm.

Monday 25th March

Our last full day here.
Went into Russell at 9pm as N not been feeling great for the ,ast few days. Got appointment with doc at 11.15. Went back then and he got a prescription for his meds.
Late pm we went down to Russell for our last stroll and sit on the waterfront.
Sad to have our last apéro on the terrace but a beautiful evening for it.

Sunday 24th March

I went to church, 10.30am sung Eucharist. Such an atmospheric church despite its small size.
Back home and out again for our last Sunday lunch at the RSA.
The kitchen ladies kindly agreed to be in a photo for us. Happy memories!
Back home for a lazy afternoon.
Rob and I walked down to Boundary Waters at the bottom of the road. A house with a history.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/bay-islands-mansion-built-drug-dealer-mr-asia-market-again?variant=tb_v_

Saturday March 23rd

Rob and Anne from upstairs’ brother,from Queensland, went out fishing .
N and Jonny opted to stay here so Danni and I had a morning together, a rare and special treat.
We went for breakfast t the York Street

cafe and then for a look around the churchyard. Then to Long Beach for a walk along the shoreline.Danni didn’t want to get her feet wet, she said it was too cold. C She had said previously that she wanted to swim but sadly she chickened out.
Back home and she and Jonny left shortly afterwards.
Rob and Anne’s brother then back with 4 snapper and a Kowhai after what had been an enjoyable mornings outing.
N and I went down to Russell and then came home to the usual Saturday steak BbQ.

Friday 22nd March.

Afternoon in Russell and I had a swim. A bit disappointing as the tide was well out and it was rather muddy underfoot once a few metres from the shore. Still it was very refreshing, water is still 23C.
Back home and early evening a colourful flotilla of yachts sailed by.
Danni and Jonny arrived at 7.30pm. Always pleased when they arrive safely,I’m sure she’s a good driver but can’t help worrying!

Thursday 21st March.

A day at home.
Trip to Longbeach for  a walk along the shore and then into Russell for the rest of the afternoon.

Wednesday 20th March

I decreed that we would have a drive to Rawhiti and a picnic on arrival there. Now I have to explain that I have never been a picnic person. The idea is always good but somehow it never equates with the reality. The weather can deteriorate rapidly, we can get lost or there is never just the right place to have this idyllic « fête champêtre «.

Sadly this prived to be the case once again! The scenery was beautiful and the skies were blue but Rawhiti proved an elusive place to find.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rāwhiti
We came to a junction signed Rawhiti Road north and Rawhiti Road south. The way north was unsealed so we took the way south. Unfortunately this seemed to take us further away from our destination so we turned back. The sat nav told us to go on the unsealed road so I said I thought we should go back the way we had come. Plan B was to stop off at Paroha Bay but once again the road became unsealed. I’ve driven on plenty of unsealed roads in the past but, not knowing either of these and coming to the end of our stay without any car/driving problems, I was loath to venture into the unknown. We ended up having our delayed picnic at a very windy Long Beach!

Tuesday 19th March

A trip out to Kaikohe and the Pioneer Village.
https://pioneervillage.org.nz
A little difficult to find as there was no signage. When I mentioned this in the reception area I was shown the new sign which hasn’t yet been erected!
It seems that the village is rather like the town of Kaikohe which was once a very prosperous area but has rapidly declinedhttp://www.kaikohe.co.nz/OurTown.cfm
The Pioneer village was nonetheless well worth a visit and one can only hope that they will receive enough funding to keep it going and improve it.
After our visit we returned to Paihia for lunch. On the way back we went down to have a look at English bay which is over the bay from our house. Probably our last visit to the other side until we leave next week. On one of the photos, looking over to this side, our house is the one with the blue roof, easy to spot!

Monday 18th March

We went down to Long Beach in the afternoon and had a walk and a paddle along the beach before going back via Russell and a walk on the waterfront before returning home.

Sunday 17th March

Usual Sunday lunch at the RSA.
Rob caught the foot ferry into Paihia afterwards and we went down to the waterfront.
There was a bench in front of us where a rather dodgy looking, loud voiced chap sitting along with a woman who we felt quite sorry for as he never shut up! He was drinking rum and coke, despite it being a non alcohol area,  and she was dipping crisps into what looked like to be a jar of chutney, bizarre! It got too much for us eventually so we moved a bit further along the waterfront before returning home.
I went back to pick Rob up later.

Saturday 16th March

I was first up and made tea for myself and N and went back to bed as the others were catching up on sleep. When they eventually woke I cooked a big breakfast for us all. I managed to get everyone together for a family photo. Difficult to get Jonny to smile but did manage to sneak one of him laughing as he tried to escape from me and the camera! Danni and Jonny left about 1.30pm. Very much a flying visit but they will be back next weekend.
N and I went down to Russell and returned home for our Saturday BBQ.

Friaday 15th March

I went to Russell in the morning called in the recycling centre on the way, amazing how it all mounts up!
I had a walk round the churchyard before walking along the waterfront and sitting for a while before returning home.
Danni and Jonny left Auckland at 3pm and were here at 6.30.

Thursday 14th March

Last trip to The Warehouse and then to New World. Had lunch at Santee’z again.

Wednesday 13th March.

Russell in the afternoon. Had another swim, sea still warm.

Tuesday 12th March

We went into Russell to catch the 12 o clock ferry across to Paihia. There were 2 cruise ships in the bay so the ferry was very busy and we were lucky to get on as the ferry filled up and prospective passengers were left behind.
Paihia was busier than I had ever seen it which is good for all the businesses there. Good for Russell too as many of the passengers visit there also.
We had a look round the market, set up especially for the cruise passengers, and then went to the second hand book store where I got a book and another jigsaw!
We had lunch at the Japanese cafe and then had a take away coffe and sat by the wharf for a while before catching the 2.30 ferry back to Russell.

Monday 11th March

Housework morning!
Afternoon down to Russell for a walk and a relax on the waterfront.

Sunday 10th March

Feeling somewhat restored after yesterday’s adventure we eased into a relaxing Sunday with lunch as usual at the RSA followed by an afternoon snooze!

Saturday 9th March

Definate,y one of the highlights of our trip as we had booked a day at sea on the Spirit of New Zealand.
https://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz/voyages/voyage/public-full-day-sail
Yesterday’s rain had cleared and although it was cloudy it was quite warm.
We had to report on the quay between 9 and 9.30am so we took the car down to the ferry landing and
parked it and went over, on foot, on the 9am ferry.
Quite a crowd was gathering and we soon boarded the ship. We stowed our belongings down below in one of the cabins that would normally be sleeping quarters for the long stay passengers. This cabin was adjacent to the washrooms and toilets and further down was the kitchen and eating space.
 After a briefing by the crew we set out at 10am. Not too much wind but as we motored past Russell the crew put up some of the sails, helped by some of the passengers, and we set sail around the bay. It’s so confusing out there, so many islands both large and small and it’s difficult to know which is the mainland. I did chat to a couple who live locally and they were able to tell me the names of some of the islands and show me the mainland in the distance. Everyone on board, both crew and passengers, was very chatty and helpful.
Shortly after midday the sails came down and we anchored up, a view of Long Beach in the distance, giving those who wished the chance to have a swim. This involved jumping off a pontoon and then climbing back up a ladder fixed to the ships side. I would dearly have loved to have a go but I soon realised that I was not going to be able to get back onboard without a lot of difficulty and certainly not with any elegance!
Then we had lunch before raising the anchor and putting up the sails and sailing back towards Russell. By now the sun had been out for quite some time but we could see some black clouds in the distance. The clouds approached and there was an extremely heavy downpour. By the time a lot of us had been down below to put on our rain gear it had virtually stopped! The sails then came down, with a bit of help from me lettingout a rope!, and we were soon sailing back towards the wharf at Opua.
We both agreed that it had certainly been a day to remember and were sad to get back on dry land.
Our usual Saturday BBQ finished off a perfect day and we certainly weren’t late to bed!

Friday 8th March

A windy wet day so a day at home.
In the afternoon watched Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear on TV playback. It’s difficult to find anything that all three of us will watch. I have to confess that I did find it quite entertaining on a wet afternoon!

Thursday 7th March

Shopping day again! We were off earlier than usual so shopped before having lunch.
Had lunch at Santee’z cafe where we ate last week. It has become our favourite place to eat in Kerikeri and the service was much quicker this week. We had a chat with the owner who is an Israeli lady married to a Kiwi. Very pleasant and chatty.
In the early evening we saw the Spirit of New Zealand arrive in Opua.https://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz

Wednesday 6th March

I was pretty shattered last night and had a good 10 hours sleep.
N and I went to Russell in the pm. I had intended having a swim but didn’t have the energy!!

Tuesday 5th March

A red letter day for me this time as I had a day out fishing with Rob.

He had the boat hitched up last night and ready to go this morning. 

We picked up fuel, bait and ice on the way into Russell.

I’m not as agile as I once was so getting on and off the boat had to be carefully planned. Rob backed the trailer down the ramp and hopped onto the boat. I put the car and trailer in the park and walked down to the wharf where I was to board. Unfortunately there was a large boat there blocking my access. I walked back along the waterfront but Rob said we would just have to wait till the boat moved. So back I went and asked how long they would be. He was waiting for 6 ladies who were busy taking photos so he tried to hurry them up. Eventually they boarded and off they went. Rob came up alongside and it was easy for me to get onboard.

Finally I’m out at sea again! I do so love it.

We rounded the headland and saw quite a few tour boats slowing down as they had spotted a pod of dolphins. Rob decided we couldn’t get any closer as there was quite a swell and he wanted to get nearer shore. Once we were out of the swell he anchored the boat and we started to fish. The dolphins were moving to our left and we were able to watch them put on a show for us and the tour boats before they moved away. Perhaps as well as there weren’t many fish around whilst they were there. It was a bit of a quiet day fishing wise, I caught the first one, a small snapper which wasn’t big enough to keep. Then I caught a fair size Kowhai a fish that is often used for bait but we kept it as it’s a good eating fish as well. Another few small snapper were caught and returned to the sea and we were beginning to think about calling a day. Suddenly Rob said I’ve got a big one here. A mighty struggle and he landed a huge snapper, about 20lbs he thought.

So after that we decided to return to Russell.

Once again there was a big boat at the wharf so he beached the boat and I hopped off onto the shore. A young guy had his trailer parked on the ramp and explained that he would be a few minutes as he was taking the boat to its mooring. He then jumped off the boat and swam to shore where he held our boat whilst Rob got our car and trailer. He helped Rob get it on the trailer as well which was a huge help. We may have been able to do,it but it wouldn’t have been easy.

Had a quick beer in Russell and back home by mid afternoon.

Tony, upstairs, filletted the fish and was very happy to keep and smoke the most part of the big snapper. N and I went down to the sea to dispose of the remains of the fish which were soon snapped up by the gulls.

Tea was fresh snapper and a portion of the smoked snapper as well.

Not a bad day!

Monday 4th March

A quieter day after our trip out yesterday.
Rob is off work for the week.
N and I went down to Russell in the afternoon. A warm, sunny day.
I braved the water and went in for a swim, no sharks today!
Sat on the terrace in the evening whilst Rob barbecued some pork ribs.

Sunday 3rd March

A red letter day for Nigel! He had arranged to meet up with an old friend, Geoff. They were apprentices at RAF Halton back in the late sixties. It’s about 48 years since they last saw each other and thanks to Facebook they have recently made contact. Geoff is married and lives in Thailand but travels extensively, he is at present working in Auckland with Air NZ.

Geoff on the left and N on the right!!!
Geoff caught the bus up to Whangarei and we drove up there to meet him at the bus stop by the town basin. We went for a coffee and I left them to chat for a while whilst I strolled round the area and did some window shopping.
At midday we went back to the car to set off for lunch at Parua Bay. As we got in the car we noticed a very strong smell of petrol. The “boys” had a look at the engine and the fuel pipe was leaking. No spanner to tighten it up though. N accosted a nearby driver who kindly took him somewhere to purchase an adjustable spanner. Once tightened it was deemed safe to drive.
We had lunch at the Parua Bay tavernhttps://www.paruabaytavern.co.nz/ which turned out to be a good choice. The food was good and we got a table right on the waterfront.
After lunch we went back to Whagerai and sat in the shade with a cuppa until it was time to say goodbye to Geoff and return home. A very pleasant day.