Yes it is impressive, we made it all the way to Nanas house.

We attempted to wake early but it didn’t happen. The music and drinks kept going around the campground and kept us from a restful night. They didn’t stay up too late, but late enough for us. We finally got moving with the power of coffee.

I thought we were being so smart. Going south so the sun is not in our eyes. I didn’t really think about the journey going east, doh. We waited for the sun to get a little higher before setting off. I was really enjoying the ride. Rowan was struggling more, it was not his day.

The traffic is pretty bad here and a lot of people don’t give you enough space. It is far worse when a big truck doesn’t. Highway 1 is closed and so everyone is using this road. The traffic is constant and it does bring a level of anxiety to the ride. When we reached Taipa we stopped to Google if we could fix Rowans bike. The squeak started again. We ended up chatting to the local council garden guy. We chatted for long enough that he said if he saw us stranded on his way home he would pick us up. Arriving in Cable Bay we took a good rest on the park bench.

Not sure what we will do about the bike but we thought we will keep going. When we reached the car park for Coopers Beach we took a quick rest just before the driveway. We had some dickhead yell abuse at us because he said it was dangerous to slow right down and turn in. That it was illegal for us to stop where we were. Even though legally you can park right here and I am sure people do in the busy season. Anyway I told him to read the road rules and he called me an idiot. Great now I have to worry about that wanker running me off the road.

When we got to the top of the hill at Mangonui I was happy to see the downhill. We carried on for a while and Rowans bike was getting worse. In the end we stopped and realised we have done all the scenic part. From here on it is just going to be asshole drivers as we head inland. Because we had been offered a ride to Paihia we decided stuff this. Tomorrow is Saturday, the traffic will be worse. The bike is not happy, we won’t be happy let’s get out of here. So we hop back on our bikes to find a good place to hitch. Well lucky for us it isn’t far. We put our bikes in the shade and go back to the bridge to put a thumb out. We had decided that one of us stay with the bikes one of us get the car. If it’s a bit of a skody fella Rowan will go haha. So I just put my thumb up and Rowan says “let’s take bets on how long it will take us, I reckon 30min.” I reply, “I reckon 5 seconds.” Literally the 5th car pulls over. Crack up!

Te Oikau, a lovely northland man pulls over on his way home from working in Coopers Beach. We tell him we don’t need both of us or the bikes and he says he can fit it all in and get us to Kerikeri. Perfect, we can stay together. After a shuffle with is plaster gear we hop in. He hands us a gin each. “Have a drink my friends”

Well we have a great yarn the whole way, absolute salt of the earth. As we approach Kerikeri he says I am not going to drop you off I will take you to Paihia. Wow that is super kind, but first we must pop into his whare (house). There we meet one of his kids. He tells us we are welcome to stay here if we want, which is very generous of him to ask. We make our way to Waitangi Campground and when we arrive we say our goodbyes. After an exchange of details I try to give Oikau a koha but he won’t accept it. We will just need to come back and visit!

We are here so early, the plan was to stay a few nights but why? We can just get moving south. So I call my Nan up and see if she would like fish for dinner. We have two great big fillets we can eat. Off like a rocket we head for Whangaparāoa.

A bit of a late dinner, but the fish is delicious. It is great having some time with Nana. She is doing very well. Incredibly strong. I get a few jobs to help her out around the house and she asks me to fuel up her car. Easy as, I can do that. I have a few valuables to pick up that I didn’t want left in the car. Camera, laptop etc. Nana always says yes to things like that! I greatly appreciate it. It was nice having a wee catch up with her. Nana is keeping busy, which should be easy to do with a tribe this big. I think it will be a long time before it no longer feels strange that Grandpa isn’t there too.

We made it to Waiapakauri barely…

We left about 6.30am later than we had aimed for, but that often happens with us. We did 2.2km stints before having a quick breather and pushing on. The sand felt softer and it was a lot more bumpy than the day before. It felt like there was a lot more resistance. It really was a push to beat the tide. We normally average 10km an hour including all our breaks here we were between 7km and 8km. So not great going.

At 23km we needed some food. We sat and ate some noodles. We haven’t had them since we first started hiking!

By the time we had food I was well over it. I just wanted to be there already. We had no wind, which is better than a head wind but it was just hard slog. I definitely prefer mud walking haha. Our bikes are certainly being hammered with the sand. Rowan starts sounding like a screeching gull.

The great sights bus came along, I had a chat to the bus driver. He offered to put our bikes in. I appreciated the offer and was sorely tempted but decided to get it done. I came to regret it as I went but once I reached the finish line I was glad to have done it. I will not do it again though. Possibly with an e-bike hehe

The last run Rowan was way ahead and I stopped, where I thought the road was didn’t look like it was there. I was worried we had to go a few more kilometres. Just as I paused Rowan started turning. Thank god for that, I started peddling again. We collapsed at the beach entrance and didn’t move for 10 minutes. We had a small Whittakers chocolate as a treat, it tasted great.

Eventually we found the will to move and headed inland to the campground. It is only 12.30pm but man it was a big push. Those two months off has hit us hard. It took ages to get set up and have a shower, we were running on fumes. There is a really nice community here and one of the guys offered us snapper racks and heads to have with our dinner. Some of the other campers have been fishing. Rowan said they are not very good at filleting and have left heaps behind. For dinner we had satay snapper with a lot of vegetables it was great. Along with fried bread Aunty made. She said she will teach Rowan how to make it. Yummy! It sure was a treat!

I gave our bikes a quick wash down to remove the sand. They need a proper clean and oil tomorrow. We chatted for ages with all the locals. But around 6.30pm we went off to bed, I could barely keep my eyes open!

Thursday, rest day. Rowan slept for 12 hours, he must have needed it. I didn’t sleep that long but was out like a log. I have given the bikes a good clean and oil. A few of the old boys went out fishing again and brought back a heap of snapper. They gave us two fillets! That is dinner sorted! We already have lemon.

Just been trying to catch up with blog, email and Eddy who has been trying to call me for a few days.

We started early, with no idea what to expect. We couldn’t really cycle the 3km down the stream to 90 mile beach. It was a mix but mostly walking. There was too many soft parts that made it too difficult. Once we reached the beach we were feeling tired already.

We took it at 2km at a time taking a quick couple of minute break then carrying on. The sand is pretty good. A bit hard in places but for the most part similar to a gravel road.

Once we were getting closer to the bluff I started getting over it. We really need water and food. We have been trying to ration the water we have. I really hope there is water once we get there.

A car drives past us. When we get to the edge of the Bluff we just make it past in about a foot of water. The tide is coming in pretty fast. Somewhere on this side there is a camp. Thank goodness for maps it made it easy to locate. Only 23km today but I am glad to have the afternoon to chill. Tomorrow will be closer to 50km.

The campground is in need of love. The water has run out so the toilets have been used with no flushing. I am not sure if the iwi know but it is pretty rank. Luckily there is a shelter where the rainwater from the roof is collected. We filter it all just in case. I check out both big tanks which a totally empty. There is a spot to wash dishes and fillet fish. We get hydrated before we can do much else. I get the tent set up while Rowan filters water. Just as I finished the rain begins. Good timing. the rest of the day is off and on again showers. Once our water bottles are all full we have a bottle wash ourselves. Very cool but refreshing.

I potter for the rest of the afternoon and decide it is worthwhile giving the bikes a quick rinse. I know they need a full clean tomorrow but it is nice to get some sand off. We eat dinner/lunch at 3pm. We plan to be asleep not long after dark. High tide is 2pm tomorrow so we have a bit more time on our hands for cycling. But to make sure we make it all the way we must move early.

Twenty so kilometres doesn’t sound like much. However we had a mission on a bus before we started. The bus picked us up near our holiday park and we headed north. Now we had been told by the bus driver that he could drop us off at Te Paki. We were very tempted but thought the hilly slog was going to be worth it. It was in a way because we can say we have done it. But I don’t feel the need to do it again haha.

Our first stop is Mangonui, for a 30min break and a chance to get a coffee. We end up buying some broccoli at the 4square.

Just around the corner at Coopers Beach we had three add ons. From there we headed straight up to the Cape. We arrived at 11.25am. Rowan and I raced down to the lighthouse then slogged back.

Once we got back, we got our bikes off to get going. A bit of food for energy and we were good to go. It took longer than I wanted as people were up for a chat. I didn’t really mind as it is nice to chat away. We finally hit the tarmac at 12.30pm. My front bike wheel is a bit dicky, I can’t work out what is wrong with it. It feels a bit loose and makes a noise. We stop for a bit but still can’t work it out. I just pay close attention to it as the day goes. We have a hill to slog up over 2km. It takes us a while to conquer it. At the near top we have the other half of our lunch. This is to keep us going. Now for my favourite bit downhill. What a sad down it was, I had to slow right down so the wind didn’t make me come off. The wind was so strong on my left that it nearly bowled me over. It was rather unpleasant. The good thing was the worst hill was over. There are more ups and downs but not that high.

When we reach the Te Paki turn off we take a quick rest. It is a few kilometres down to the stream and sand dunes. We get stopped in the middle of the road chatting to a South American couple. They asked for advice about cycling and hiking. We talk for a while and say our goodbyes quickly as another car is coming. We make it fairly early to the dunes around 3.30pm. The next spot is another 20km from here to camp. I decide I don’t want to. Plus there are so many unknowns. How easy is it to cycle through the stream for a few km. Also what is it like cycling on the sand. I really don’t want to set up in the dark.

You are not supposed to camp here but there are composting toilets and sheltered picnic tables. Perfect for us! A quick wash in the stream and some dinner and it was off to bed!

Happy Birthday to my big sis Clare xx

A quick breakfast and lots of coffee before we head to the airport. We say goodbye to Christine. We get to the airport at 10am we won’t arrive in NZ till 6pm kiwi time. Rowan and I look at each other and say we need a holiday from our holiday haha. It has been a rather full on trip. Now we can have the hangover.

When we arrive back in NZ it takes 2 hours to get through bio security. We picked the wrong lane and it took forever! My poor sister Emma waited for us in the car park.

Ellery my niece refused to go to sleep until she saw me. What a cutie, we had a quick chat and I told her to go to sleep and I will come to bed soon. I sleep in her room and have a proper sleepover. Emma & Paul had done a Sunday roast. Delicious we happily ate the leftovers. We didn’t stay up late, Emma had a big day at work ahead.

Monday is here, oh I forgot to mention we brought a car. Yes on a quick hit the buy now, don’t overthink it. We got a station wagon Toyota Mark X Zio for those who know what that is. To me it is a silver station wagon and it has a very important purpose for the next few months. The guy came and picked us up and we drove him back home. It made the whole thing seamless. For the grand total of four thousand dollars we now had petrol wheels. From his place west Auckland we headed South East Auckland to Dads house. We had a good cuppa and picked up our bikes. Hello old friends. It was a race to get them to 99 bikes to get them fixed. Rowan has two missing spikes and I had a flat. We were not long gone from the shop when we had a call that the wheel on Rowans bike has had it. So we had to get all the way to Glen Innes and back with a new wheel $170 later and a fair amount of traffic. Jack gets our bikes all fixed and we are good to go. We whack the bikes back on the tow bar, we borrowed from Paul. We get back and do a quick shop to cook some dinner. What a mission of a day, but it is not over yet. We find a cheap bike rack and head out to pick it up.

Tuesday we head north and visit Nana in Whangaparāoa. Then we mooch our way north to Clare’s house. I realise a lot of our gear has mold. We need to put a bunch through the wash. We end up staying two nights with Clare & Skylar.

Thursday we head up to the cape. We make it nearly the whole way and park on the side of the road to sleep. Our first night in the car. The twin coast discovery highway will be our best bet to get back to Paihia. There has been a lot of damage to the roads and state highway 1 is still closed. We have no idea how we are going to get up there but we need to be dropped off some how.

In Moerewa we stopped at an op shop. We got talking to the ladies there, Hazel & Aunty Rosie. We chat for ages and we talk Aunty into taking a walk to the cape that she has always wanted to do. When we went to leave Aunty Rosie gave me a pair of recycled rubber earrings cut out to look like feathers and she gave Rowan a $40 koha for our waka (car)! Super kind, we exchanged numbers and we will visit on our way south. Rowan and I will give a koha back. It really felt like being welcomed into the whanau.

Friday we explore around the cape early. Then start heading back. At the Ngapae campground we ask about being dropped off. They ask around for us if any locals are willing to drop us off. Unfortunately no. We head into Kaitaia for a look around and don’t get any luck. We then head back to Kerikeri then Paihia. When we reach the Waitangi campground we see fullers does a trip up to the cape. I call intercity to see if they can do one way and we can take our bikes. They respond with ask the bus driver. So I find out what time the bus comes in the morning.

Early Saturday morning we wait for the bus. It comes on time. We chat to the driver who is happy to fit bikes on. Perfect we head back to camp and wait for the fullers office to open. When we went back the lovely lady told us she could book us one way and we paid $220. Where the full round trip tour is $165 each. So we were pleased to get it cheaper. The holiday park is keeping our car for us $5 a day. Not that there is anything precious in there I just don’t want it sitting on the street for too long. Finally feeling like we are getting somewhere! Now we just need to plan our next steps south. We will need to pick up Joanne in Christchurch on the 2nd October to go do the Alps to Ocean.

Aunty Christine wants to spend the day at home. So Rowan and I head up Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. All the Hobartians call it Kunanyi. Unfortunately it is icy so we can’t get all the way to the top!

However the view we can see is good, but a bit hazy. As we went back down the hill we thought we should do two more op shops in the northern part before going to MONA. One was a bit useless but the other one I got a $5 ring that I wasn’t sure what it was. Rowan tried to do a quick search but no luck. I tried later that night and it turns out it is 9ct white gold. Not a bad gamble that one!

MONA is pretty impressive and I can see why it is the thing to do in Hobart. It is quite interesting and for the most part I appreciated it. There was a machine that replicated the human digestive system making poo. That I was morbidly fascinated with but didn’t get too close. It took David (owner) 2 years to convince the artist to let him put it in MONA. The museum is free for all residents which is awesome. Us tourists pay $35. I think it was a good 3 hours to see it.

I loved all the Picasso collection. You get on their Wifi network and download the app. It then knows with Bluetooth where you are and you can read what the art is. You are underground for a lot of it.

From MONA we went back to Aunties house. I packed our bags for tomorrow, while Rowan sorted dinner. We have had a great time in Tasmania, we will definitely be back to see more!

Today we have a full day of op shopping ahead. No op shop shall be left behind.

Because the day is rather boring to write about I shall just share photos of our Australia Jewellery haul. Now it is missing a few bits we got and took back when we flew back for Grandpas funeral.

Below is all the solid gold jewellery

Below is rings all silver

Here are necklaces

Below are earrings

This is assorted

Last the bracelets and bangles

As you can see we got quite a lot! On our way home we headed up Mt Nelson to check out the view. Then I cooked Mexican for dinner. Christine’s friend Indigo came over for dinner. We kept calling her other colours and names, Lilac, Lavender, chamomile, flower pot, watermelon. I think watermelon has stuck. A really nice lady and a good sense of humour. It was well into the early hours of the morning before we said our goodbyes.

Rowan and I were not sure if we were going to get on our flight tomorrow as Rowan would like to be in Sydney in a few weeks for his uncle and grandads unveiling. Yes I know, a year it has nearly been. Crazy huh. We really want to complete the little part of Northland. So we are heading back in hope to do that before hand.

Swansea to Hobart

I enjoyed watching the sunrise coming up over the Freycinet Peninsula. The view from the room was stunning. I did have trouble trying to make a coffee with a strange coffee machine. I ended up giving up and making an instant coffee.

We hit the road and headed for Port Arthur. Rowan and I just wanted to take a quick look around. We know that we would like to spend a lot more time learning the convict history. This trip is really to give us an idea on what we would like to come back and do. We reach a town that is not really open yet. They take ferries out to Maria Island, which is conservation land. From there Google takes us through a dirt road and before we know it we get a 4wd only sign. We carry on a bit further but are prepared to turn around if we need to. About 10km later we find a road worker who says we can definitely get through in our little car. The scenery of the bush around us is really nice, lots of eucalyptus trees.

Once we hit tarmac again there was an echidna on the road. So I had to stop to take a photo. Look at its little face, it was sleeping.

We reached Dunalley for a spot of brunch. By this time we all were ready for food. Just as we were leaving we found a really cool op shop. It is a proper community garden cooperative and op shop in one. We headed out to Eaglehawk Neck.

We found the arch and blowhole next. The area was fairly quite but you can tell from the amount of parking that it gets manic in the summer. We got to the centre where you can enter the historic Port Arthur area. It is a two day pass which is probably necessary to take it all in.

We did a bit of a circle from there before reaching back to Eaglehawk Neck. We have more time on our hands than expected. We op shop our way back to Hobart. We find a few goodies along the way. Rowan cooks a masaman curry for dinner.

St Helens to Swansea

It was one of those morning when you fall back asleep. Not that I was up late. We had an easy day today, mooching our way down to Swansea.

First we head out to Akaroa, yes named after Akaroa in NZ. There was an immigrant came to the area in the 40s and named his house Akaroa. The name stuck for the area.

Following as close as the road can take you down the coastline. I saw a feeding frenzy with Pelicans. I made Rowan turn around so I could photograph them. The scenery is much like when you go to Europe and you see a cathedral. It just be aimed another beautiful beach. I can see why Tasmanians try to keep this island a secret.

I think people compare it with NZ because the scenery is changes fast here like home. Where a lot of Australia is the same for miles. people are also a lot friendlier.

We got to Swansea at 1pm and killed some time by taking a look around and going to an op shop. I will make sure I take a photo of our finds soon.

Along the way we saw this cool Spikey Bridge which was made by convicts.

We made it to our little cottage on the sea. The view is fantastic. Not a bad spot for our last night awa of our road trip. Tomorrow we will stay at Aunty Christine’s.

Launceston to St Helens

In the middle of the night I woke up because the rain was hitting my face haha. I got up and closed the old sash window. We had an easy morning and went out to the Cataract Gorge. It has an old chairlift that takes you over and a swimming pool. It looks like it was set up in the 60s and hasn’t changed since.

It is time to get out Launceston isn’t anything to write home about. We ended up doing a few of the op shops on our way out of town. We head towards the ocean to Low Head. There is some great history out there and I would like to stay in the old pilot station which now has accommodation. We picked the right day as the weather was a bit better than yesterdays.

Back tracking a little we head east to Little Blue Lake. The scenery along the way is mostly farms. Little Blue Lake is gorgeous, it is caused by historic mining.

Dirt road nearly all the way to St Helens. We take the road less travelled, through the bush. Eventually we hit our destination.

Our hotel is on the way into town. Atilla is new to the hotel business and he is a very lovely man. He makes lots of recommendations of where to go and what to do. It takes over half an hour to check in. He decides to upgrade us to a two bedroom place when he hears we are with Rowans Aunty. Very kind of him indeed. The place has a lot of thought out into it and is very nice.

I convince Christine and Rowan to get back into the car as we have an hour of daylight left. We head up to the Bay of Fires National Park. The views are incredible.

After our excursion we were pretty hungry so we headed back to St Helens where the wharf is and found a good takeaways. We took it back to our little room to eat. The food was delicious and more than enough for all of us. We ended up getting to bed at a reasonable time.