TWO2GO

On Saturday 23rd February 2008 we left the North Island of New Zealand to start our travels around the South Island. First stop after leaving the Piction Ferry Bluebridge we headed out to Momorangi Bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Travelling with us in our Motorhome - June (me) Graeme (husband) Wasi (17 year old grey moggie) and Muffin (3 year old dark tortishell moggie), and towing our 4x4 Daihatsu Rocky. We arrived at Momorangi and were greeted by my sister Colleen and her husband Ken who are keen Caravaners. They were on a weekend rally with others from the Blenheim Caravan Club. We left Momorangi on wednesday the 27th and drove through to Nelson stopping along the way to taste some local cousine in Havelock and then on to Tahunanui motor park for two nights. Friday saw us pull out and head to Teapot Valley and the Leap Year Rally which was held at the Christian Camp in Brightwater. A good time was had by all and we met old friends and made some new ones.

Next - After the Rally we headed to Blenheim or should I say Springcreek and spent two nights at the camp ground. We had a meal with my sister Merelyne and her husband Les at their place the first night then we invited them to eat with us in our motorhome the following night. It was great catching up with them as we hadn't seen them for a long time. Off again to Blenheim and to Col and Kens place, where we parked up for awhile. I had to go back to the Kapiti Coast for a day so that held us up a bit. Graeme looked at getting work in the Blenheim area but nothing came of our trying so off to the deep south and the Easter Rally at Cromwell.

Driving South - First stop Kaikoura and the land of the Crayfish. Lunch - One large Crayfish - eaten in our Motorhome looking out the window at the Pacific Ocean. Wow, how amazing the view was. Weather wasnt too kind though as there was a strong wind blowing but we did go for a walk to let the cray go down before heading back down the highway. I wanted to see a seal up close and we were lucky enough to find one basking on the rocks not far from our parking place. I do have a photo to prove it. Back on the road and decision on where to stop for the night. Amberly seems a good idea so we pulled in to the Camp ground for the night. What a hoot, the town closed down at 5pm and the only shops open - Pub, Petrol station, chippie - we settled for milk and pies at the petrol station. Noisy night as we were close to the state highway but we woke bright and early next morning to continue the trek south. We set Navgirl and set off to find Timaru were we stayed a night. We took to the footpath and took a walk along the sea front ending with Coffee for me and Hot Choc for Graeme. Lovely walk but a very hot afternoon meant we were ready for happy hour on our return to the Motor. Next morning we departed for Ranfurly where we did the laundry and filled our tank with freshwater and we used the local dump station on our way out in the morning so that we were all ship shape for the Easter Rally.

Cromwell, we arrived and parked up at the racecourse and found ourselves amongst Blenheim people that we had met at Momorangi (what a small world). What a huge number of motorhomers and caravaners. Whew, it was like a mini city. We had to remember what line we were parked in or it was walk walk walk until something familiar was spotted that led us back to our home. A great weekend was had by all and even the cats joined in - Muffin winning two ribbons and pet food in the pet parade, well done Muffin.

We the rally came to an end and we headed for Bannockburn and the campground at the reserve, we stayed several days and the cats had time to take in the grounds. Graeme checked for work and found a Vineyard adverising for workers - pickers mainly so we organised to start work the first day of picking. Well to cut a long story short we are still here, picking away every day and taking time out to travel to places of interest. I do hope to be able to add photos to this site so you can all get a glimpse of what Otago has to offer. Weather here is wonderful and today the 29th April is the first day we have actually had rain. Till next time - see you.