Motorhome Display at Tahuna Campground

Heslop Motors held a Motorhome Display today at Tahuna motor camp. Nelson put on a gorgeous summer's day for it and a large crowd attended. It was a $5 entry fee which included a raffle ticket.
We had a good look around, through some buses that were for sale and through a variety of brand new caravans and motorhomes. Unfortunately there was only one fifth wheeler, it was for sale and was smaller than our one.
We did however meet a guy named Colin Smith. He had overheard Bernie talking to someone about our rig and afterwards Colin came over and chatted to us. It turns out he too owns a fifth wheeler and used to be a photographer for the Nelson Evening mail. We had a good chat, about  fifth wheelers and belonging to the NZMCA, Colin also follows Shellie Evan's blog! Small world...

Small house on wheels!

This attracted a lot of attention. It's a 1971 Bedford Roma Dormobile. It was found in a local barn and recently restored to as close as possible to the original condition. There aren't many of these left in the world, and this may possibly be the only one in New Zealand.

Retro caravan for sale.

Another very tidy Retro caravan for sale. It was surprising to see that it had a horseshoe shaped lounge suite at the front (which converts to a double bed). The pop out contained the kitchen and at the rear was a set of bunks. 

Stunning Sunsets

After a blustery day, we were treated to a spectacular sunset. It was just the opportunity I was waiting for to snap some photos and play around with them on photoshop.

Two More Photoshop Attempts

I need to learn to do something with the background???

Playing Around With Photoshop

Here are some before and after photos ... I am sure I'm not doing 'Photoshop' justice. I will try and find a course to take before I decide whether to purchase PS on a monthly basis. Maybe a new Macbook Pro will be able to offer all that Photoshop can???  I have think I have some research to do before I make that decision.

Writing a book ...

It's always refreshing and motivating when you talk with someone who is positive. I've had a relieving teacher in my classroom for the last two days while I do report writing, his name is Dean Schneider. He is extremely enthusiastic about everything, particularly the environment. We got chatting and I was telling him about our plans to live on the road at the end of next year. He became super excited, and then I discovered we had lots in common. Dean loves photography and has written a couple of books, of course I drilled him for information. I am so keen to develop my photography skills. Hopefully there will be a photoshop course I can take. Chatting with Dean, has re-ignited my desire to write a book for children. I've always wanted to write a book, and I think with this new lifestyle we are planning to do, I could use the book as another slant to relief teaching.

Here's the photo of the book that Dean wrote. Lucky me, he gave me a copy!

First attempt at trying to add my name to a photo using 'Photoshop'.

SOLD THE RED TRUCK

Today we said goodbye to the red truck. Paddy will definitely miss it. It's been a good, reliable truck and has done many, many miles without missing a beat.

Early Roses

I love looking at the roses in the garden burst into life. From bud to full bloom...they are absolutely stunning.

SPEED WAY

We had an entertaining time on Saturday night watching the stock cars. 
Exciting time..dust, dirt, speed, crashes, adrenaline, noise and yummy hot dogs & chips!

Fifth Wheel Hitch Certification

We got news from Nick yesterday that the truck has to be de-rated to suit the rig. We still haven't heard anything back and hopefully there won't be any further problems.

The fifth wheel hitch still needs a coupling to get it's compliance. Its not a big job, it's just finding the right person to do it. One quote was for about $1,500 for two days labour. So Nick is looking around for us.

These are the recent photos Nick sent us today (12th November).

Now we are thinking the truck is dwarfed by the rig! It looks massive! Yahooooo

We've decided to paint the truck a cream colour to match the rig and put transfers on to gel the whole thing.

Still Waiting

Last week Nick emailed us more photos. We love getting to see photos, because we've waited along time now for our rig to be ready. These photos confirm that it is for real and it's really going to happen! 
Yesterday, Nick told us the rig will be ready to collect next week...that'll be the week starting Monday 16th November. 
Even though it seems much closer now, I still wonder whether that date will be the real one??? After all ... the rig has now been in N.Z. for 2 and a half months. And for the last couple of months we've been told it will be ready to collect in a week or two. 
I really do hope, that this time, the date (next week) is for real, and we will get to bring our rig to Nelson next week.

These are some of the photos we were sent...

The fire will be so cosy when we are down South experiencing a snowy winter.

Just love the light colours.