Labour Weekend

A couple of weeks ago we had arranged with Paul & Amanda Walters to spend Labour Weekend with them at Mapua. So on Thursday night we took the rig over - so when we finished work on Friday, all we needed to do was get some groceries, jump in the car and go.

When we arrived on Thursday evening, we looked for a site that would have enough space for Amanda & Paul to park nearby as well (they'd told us they wouldn't be arriving from Wellington until Friday). 
However, we were in for an awesome surprise. When we headed to the site we've stayed at a few times before, there were already two other rigs parked there. One rig was 'Changing Places' (the Walter's). And another very familiar fifth wheel named 'Out There' was parked alongside them.

'Out There' is an Ultima 5th wheel, owned by David & Shellie Evans. We've followed the adventures of their experiences of living on the road via Shellie's blog 'Two Go Tiki Touring' for over a year. Shellie is an amazing photographer and well known in the NZMCA community. She regularly writes articles for 'The Motor Caravanner' magazine and has many of her photos published.

I've wanted to meet The Evans' for a long time. So I was over the moon to see them parked up where we were to be staying for Labour Weekend.

Us on the left, Shellie & David (centre) and Paul & Amanda on the right.

We arrived later than we thought on Friday = missed 'Happy Hour'. We had dinner and then snuggled down for the night.

On Saturday morning I got up to take the dogs for a walk along the beach at Ruby Bay. As usual Paddy swam, Oakly dug holes and Boo chased birds + got wet + rolled in the sand. 

That evening, we had a pot luck dinner, which was delicious. The guys decided to watch the rugby and that's when we discovered we couldn't get Prime. And that led to David offering to sort the T.V. out for us so all the channels would be in the right order. Yay!

The next morning Bernie took the dogs off for their walk. And I slept in. It was a beaut day again so we decided once we got a few things in Motueka that we'd park up and relax.

In the afternoon Bill & Mimi, Graeme & Rachel, Shellie & David, Amanda & Paul and Bernie & I had 'Happy Hour'.

David & Shellie Evans

Rachel & Graeme

Amanda & Paul Walters (Paul must of been deep in thought)

Sunday it was forecast to rain, but luckily we woke to another nice day. It wasn't as sunny as the previous two days, but it was still mild and warm. I took the dogs along Ruby Bay Beach for a walk.

These large boulders have been placed between the sea and the properties backing onto the beach to hold back the effects of global warming.

After walking along the beach, I headed out to a pond I had seen that had great reflections of weeping willows. However, when I downloaded the photos I realised I must have taken them on some random setting = Big fail.

The only evidence I had of the pond, was this colourful duck.

Then I took a back road to Mapua, amongst apple orchards.

Then it was time to pack up and head back to reality.

Cancelled Due To Rain

Finally we have the truck and fifth wheel all ready to go with the shed built and current COF's. We planned to go to Mapua for a night, leaving Saturday morning. Graeme had organised a dinner party on Saturday night to celebrate the installation of his 'Little Cracker' fireplace in his rig. Bernie had been chopping bits of manuka during the week to give him. But guess what? We woke to rain with the forecast predicting heavier rain for Sunday. We decided what was the point in going away for a night in the rain. We'd have to wait another week.
I went for a drive instead to take some photos. 

Loving Mapua

We'd hoped to have a week away in the rig during the school holidays, but Bernie wasn't able to take time off. So we had a couple of weekends away in Mapua instead.
Each time we go away we learn something new, and feel more confident in using the rig.
This time we tried out the heating. The gas heater is AMAZING! So efficient and effective. We also put the electric heater on- so we had some flames for a visual effect, and it was bliss.
This time away, the dogs seem so much happier and much more settled. I think they're adjusting to the rig and feeling more familiar with it (just like us!).
Parked beside us, is a couple (Marion & Doug) who live full time in their caravan. When we arrived yesterday, they popped over and introduced themselves. Actually, it was probably  because they had a wee dog called 'Honey' ... and our dogs had spotted her and they were desperate to check each other out! 
Marion and Doug have lived at Mapua Leisure Park for 4 years now. Marion works in the office and Doug does security during the busy summer season. 
Bernie was keen to check out their awning set up. It provides an extra room, which we thought would be awesome in wet weather, plus it would give extra space when we park in a spot for awhile.
After lunch, we  walked along the beach towards Ruby Bay. Paddy couldn't wait to dive and play about in the water .Oakly was in his ideal world digging up the sand, and Boo rolled and rolled and rolled until she had smothered herself in sand! It's hard to believe it's the last day of April. Other than the gorgeous autumn colours, it still feels too mild to be so close to winter - Bernie is still in shorts and a t-shirt.
In the afternoon Bernie cleaned the truck and I did an online lesson with Shaw Academy on Lightroom.

Autumn at Mapua

How lucky are we to only live twenty minutes from Mapua. This quaint seaside village is certainly thriving and the Mapua wharf has transformed into a bustling area, that hosts a range of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and studios.
We booked in for a night at the Mapua Leisure Park and had the choice of many fantastic sites. The managers (June & Tony) are a lovely, friendly couple who couldn't do enough to make our stay relaxing. The beach was only a minutes walk from the rig and we chose a secluded spot to park.
This time we timed ourselves when we put the dog enclosure up. It took us 20 minutes.  I decided I didn't need to put as many pegs in,as we were only staying for one night and our escape artist (AKA 'Boo'), found a way out! It had to be 'Boo'!
Being autumn, the trees were displaying some brilliant colours and there were some interesting toadstools scattered about (that I was itching to photograph).
Bernie was keen to potter around organising things about the rig, so I took the two small dogs for a walk along the beach towards Ruby Bay. 
And, Murphy's Law ... I left the camera behind, and I missed out on some photos of a seal pup posing on the beach and then playing in the waves. It's not everyday you see a seal on Mapua Beach.

We enjoyed our stay so much we are heading back again next weekend.

Crossing the Appleby Bridge.

Heading along the walkway from Mapua toward Ruby Bay.

All parked up.

One Happy Camper

Sunset, a dahlia growing near the beach.

Settling down for the night.

Sunday's sunrise

The road into the park.

Reflection of toi tois, in the soft sunrise light.

Couldn't resist this autumn blooming rose beside the office.