Wintry Westland

The alarm went off at 5am on Saturday morning. It was the first day of the school holidays. We dragged ourselves from our snuggly bed and got ready for a long drive to Hokitika. We had arranged with our neighbour, that she would look after the dogs while we were away. The dogs watched as we had breakfast and knew we were up to something. Being determined not to miss out, Boo jumped in the back of the truck as Bernie put our bags in. We couldn't do it. We didn't have the heart to leave them...not even for a day! I sent a text through to Sarah letting her know she was relieved of her dog-sitting duties, and we set off.
The sun didn't appear until 7:30ish, by then we were in Murchison. We stopped for a hot chocolate to take away.
Once on the West Coast it was obvious we were in for a bleak day.

The stretch of road past Ikamatua had low cloud at the base of the mountains.

After the small settlement of Ahaura we found an area for the dogs to have a break. We took them for a stroll along a bush track.

We arrived in Kumara at 10:30am to meet the owners of a bush block we were interested in.

The land ticked all the boxes however we're concerned with the amount of sun we'd get in winter. Relying on sunlight for power makes this an important factor to consider. While we can control the height of the trees on our property, we're worried about the height the neighbouring bush may potentially reach.

After lunch at a local cafe, we took a drive to the Kapitea Reserve, which is just out of the Kumara township. I was hoping there wouldn't be a breeze so I could get a few reflection photos. Unfortunately there was a gentle wind. However it was a great spot to get a breath of fresh air and let the dogs stretch their legs.

The Taramakau Bridge is a rail and car bridge that's currently used. As we crossed it we noticed a new bridge being constructed nearby. Perhaps this bridge will be a thing of the past very soon.

Although we wanted to check other areas out, we were dictated by time. We didn't intend staying the night as wanted to leave the Coast to head home before sun set.

Note to Self ...

An appropriate quote for us... 'You're never too old to learn.' 
N.B: Check the truck's shed before driving off. Make sure everything is secure and the cupboards are locked. 
Or, it'll look like an earthquake has struck!

Ooops.

A Smooth Run ...

What a treat to go away for a few days and have everything run smoothly. We’ve waited for this moment for 18 months. And the three-day weekend (Queens Birthday) was one to remember.

The truck ran perfectly. So did the rig. The slide-outs didn’t miss a beat and the gas heater worked superbly. The awning proved to be an asset and although it rained we were dry and toasty warm.

It’s given us a much needed boost. 

Mot's the Spot!

Bernie left early Friday morning to take the rig to Marchwood Park in Motueka. I had to work so I followed around 5 o'clock. When I arrived everything was set up which was a bonus - even the awning had been put up. 
On the way over, I stopped at Ruby Bay to give the dogs a run.

Next morning I got up before sunrise to photograph the iconic 'Janie Seddon'. I'm not sure if it was such a good idea to take the dogs. The little ones got in the mud on the foreshore and were smothered in it. Boo actually got stuck in it!

The Janie Seddon was built in the United Kingdom in 1903. That same year she was brought out to New Zealand as a submarine mine laying vessel based in Wellington. 
In 1936 Talley's Fisheries purchased the ship to be used as a fishing trawler. However vessels the size of Janie Seddon weren't permitted to operate in the coastal waters of Tasman Bay. Her operating radius was limited by a 5 day coal bunker which often meant she would return with empty coal bunkers and half empty holds.
In 1950 she was laid up at the Motueka Wharf and five years later stripped of everything valuable and beached on the Motueka foreshore.  

I walked the dogs along the beach front hoping to rid them of some mud. In the end I drove to the Mot River and shampooed them.

Marchwood Park proved to be a great place to stay. There was all day entertainment in the form of horse jumping, parachuting and several planes practising taking off and landing.

The dogs seemed to enjoy their view from the couch.

Not far down the road are the historical salt baths. Too cold for a dip this time of the year though.

Some time during the 1920's the Motueka Beach was thought to be too dangerous for swimming due to sharks. Money was raised and in1926 an area was enclosed using shark proof fencing. This rusted away so in 1938 a pool was made with three concrete walls - the floor remained sandy. At high tide the pool would fill up, however over several years it filled up with sand. This resulted in a fourth wall and a concrete floor being added.

In the evening I went to the marina to get some photos of reflections as the sun was setting.

I couldn't resist popping back to the 'Janie Seddon' to get some shots in the evening light.

On Sunday morning we woke to horses neighing. The show jumping beside us had started.

We took the dogs for a walk along the beach. A trendy thing to do while at the beach seems to be to make a driftwood tepee. 

When we stay at a place we like to collect wild flowers. This was our 'Mot' lot.

Marchwood Park was a great place to stay. Many people living full time on the road choose this spot to 'winter over'. This large park has several gravel parking spots and areas beneath trees which would be perfect during the hot summer months. Plus it's suitable for all size motorhomes. Being close to town and providing free entertainment from your campervan windows are an added bonus.

View from the lounge window.

Being beside the airport was great!