A trip to Wellington.

We decided to go to Wellington to see my Mum this week. We were going to leave on Sunday, but then we realized it was a long weekend, so we decided to leave on Monday instead. Our first plan was to stop somewhere on the way and arrive in Wellington on Monday and have 4 nights there. The best laid plans etc.

We had overheating problems in the truck as we were climbing up to Waioruru. So we turned around and went to the Ford dealer in Taupo. They put a new thermostat in, which we hoped fixed the problem. We spent the night at the motorcaravan association camping ground just out of Taupo. So we lost a night there.

While we were wandering around Taupo, Eddie spotted a friend’s caravan going past, so he gave them a ring. They are spending the night in Taupo too, so we were parked up together at the camping ground. We haven't seen them for ages, so it was nice to catch up.

We had a lunch stop above the Rangitaiki River, just after passing through Mangaweka. The photo below is the lovely view we had. This is the same river that comes out at the coast beside Thornton Beach.

The truck was good until we got to Transmission Gully. I don’t know if you have driven up it, but it is very steep and goes on for quite a long time. We were nearly at the top when it got hot again. 

Tomorrow we are having a new radiator put in. It’s turning out to be a very expensive time away. We are hoping it will be ok going back to Matamata on Friday. Fingers crossed.

Little tree, big apple

 I am not saying it has been hot, but on Friday, we saw a very hot blackbird. He was lying on his tummy with his wings spread out. He was beside the hedge and if he had moved back a few centimetres he would have been in the shade. Daft bird.

Our social life continues with lunches and morning or afternoon teas with friends from genealogy and tramping clubs.

On Sunday we went to Putaruru to see an old friend from trampiing club. They have planted a new apple tree. As you can see, the apple is almost as big as the tree. It did make me laugh.

The big tree that fell down in the storm has been cleaned up and taken away. Most of the town has been cleaned up and we are all tidy again.

Along the bike trail that goes to Te Aroha, someone has planted apple trees on the grass verge. Sadly no on is looking after them and they all have codlin moth. It seems such a waste as apple trees aren't cheap and need some tender loving care.