Inside house

In the bedroom

In the bathroom

View above the shower

Making cookies

Rowan killing the wild animal box

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Finally getting caught in the act eating Milo out the tin and lunch of local pig

Xxx

Outside of house

We have been sanding and painting the red bits which are where the joists stick out

Pizza oven. But bricks on bottom are not insulated so fire is needed for 3 hrs before can cook

.

This morning we had to help the neighbour move a bull from one place to another so it could then be picked up by a truck to go to slaughter

Hosts bus

This location was Chosen because of the tropical climate (to grow vines bananas passion fruit etc) the clay soil and trees for building, sand from river for building and (as it is a long way from Auckland) the relatively cheap land, and like minded supportive neighbours. Less interference from planning authorities also likely.

So the bus was parked and a small living space created adjoining the bus including shower and water heated by the cooker.  After the main house was finished helpers came too and they would stay in the now family vacated bus.  But now after 20 yrs in the humid conditions it has woodworm so needs refurbishing. Also a protective outer roof is needed then volunteers can use it again

Red Beach to Honeymoon Valley

Do you remember when your legs didnt used to touch the floor? It doesnt last long.

After a cooked breakfast we were off to our most northerly destination in NZ. 4 hrs driving that took us six. We annoyingly left behind some sickness bracelets that worked well for Esme.

We bought some bee pollen. If I was at work it would be a good unusual thing to bring round

We were in a roadworks traffic jam honestly. And I was bored

They had not been sick in them yet

Lunch stop at Whangarei. Then we were 3 hrs later arriving at Gerlindes house in Honeymoon valley after 4km on gravel. And omg its an earth timber clay house of incredible beauty and design. She did not indicate this on her profile. As we were getting out of the car a lady on horseback arrived and said

"Gerlinde at home?"

I didnt hear properly so I said

'Yes.......errr.... no sorry dont know we are just arriving'

"Wooffers?"

'Yes'

(Wwoofing is another version of helpx.net and workawy.info)

5 mins later we were enjoying a beer and wine around the table whilst pirate ship and castle entertained the kids

Xxx

Ps can you tell these icecreams were not popular?

Browns Bay

North of Auckland where Dave grew up

We were driven.  Yay!

Dave had to see his mother. So we just hing around waiting. The play area rapidly filled. Many parents and small children. Sarah and I reflected on the 9 month outdoor lifestyle here. It has its attractions certainly.... but its not home

The beach smelt of that salty seaweedy smell

Then I saw a lady kicking a ball for a dog.

"Thats a good kick"

'Ooh yes and then he just dribbles with it' (in a clear scottish accent)

The dog didnt actually touch the ball. So this 80 year old lady got a bit lost when I started talking about 'stepovers' ala chris waddle. However I thought she would have something to say and it would probably be interesting

Dorothy lives with her only daughter and her husband nearby and came over 5 years ago after her own husband died. She was a spirited and enthusiatic person whose scottish tones reminded me of various relatives that I used to know in my own childhood. She was a mental health nurse in Inverness for decades.

She goes out dancing with friends in the evenings and keeps the house tidy. One of her friends was a ten pound pom.  A very early settler. As her friends boat was near arrival most of the ship went down with measles so instead of arriving in the warm city up north the boat was diverted to a remote and cold place until they had all got better. The first few days on nz were not as her friend expected

Then we picked up the fixed tire.  For free. Then we got lunch to say thanks to dave. So for aunty Sheena here are some pics

Corn fritters

Shrooms

Then to Orewa bay

Then home at 3pm but not before stopping in a tv store whilst Sarah bought an ishuffle. I was watching the cartoon Rio on a big tv and an assistant came over

"Its a nice size"

He handed me the special glasses to stop the blurring

He didnt seem to be put off by my opening comment

" I think I should 'fess up now and tell you that this thing is too big and heavy for my 75 litre rucsac"

We then got into along and rambling conversation that included the demise of Jessops and Blockbuster and various price comparisons

Tommorrow to Honeymoon Valley

xxx