Ok, back on track with the group now. For the avoidance of doubt, Russell is a magic little town, even though we spend very little time here. Sorry to leave, but leave we must.
Before we begin the trek south we spend a couple of hours at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the treaty between the Moari Chiefs and the British Crown for the coexistence of the Maori and British settlers was signed (slight simplification there) to lay the foundation for a united New Zealand (still work in progress). Uplifting experience and a fitting end to our tour.
Moari canoe.. in fact, the longest canoe ever, anywhere.
[canoe note: formed from three giant trees, the sides below water line being dimpled, as is a golf ball, to reduce friction between water and hull. Inspiration from fish scales. Early hydrodynamics by observation and experiment. ]
The sharp end..
Flags symbolic of agreement
Profound and so true, from original Moari
Back to (our) reality..
We're all heading for our very last stop on Orewa (again), where we'll brush out, flush out and generally cheer up our faithful motorhomes before we hand them back to Maui.
Image: Scary logging lorries bombing along on route. Stopping one of these from 90km/h is some task. Slightly worrying with one on the tail, have to say.
Arriving in Orewa, a surprise for Sue! Our dear daughters have arranged a delivery of flowers for mothers' day. Wonderful!
Anyway, after this, our final meeting lasts some time as we have to use up all our snacks, wine and beer - then, duty done and slightly sozzled, we slink off to bed amongst the chaos of almost-packed luggage.
We negotiate the latest possible departure slot so Sue can sort a bit of washing in the morning as we prepare for a few days in Auckland then six days in Bangkok. Everyone else seems to be heading straight home.
Sad day tomorrow. Goodbye motorhomewhowehaven'tbotheredtoname.
Our seats for 5200km...
Before we begin the trek south we spend a couple of hours at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the treaty between the Moari Chiefs and the British Crown for the coexistence of the Maori and British settlers was signed (slight simplification there) to lay the foundation for a united New Zealand (still work in progress). Uplifting experience and a fitting end to our tour.
Moari canoe.. in fact, the longest canoe ever, anywhere.
[canoe note: formed from three giant trees, the sides below water line being dimpled, as is a golf ball, to reduce friction between water and hull. Inspiration from fish scales. Early hydrodynamics by observation and experiment. ]
The sharp end..
Flags symbolic of agreement
Profound and so true, from original Moari
Back to (our) reality..
We're all heading for our very last stop on Orewa (again), where we'll brush out, flush out and generally cheer up our faithful motorhomes before we hand them back to Maui.
Image: Scary logging lorries bombing along on route. Stopping one of these from 90km/h is some task. Slightly worrying with one on the tail, have to say.
Arriving in Orewa, a surprise for Sue! Our dear daughters have arranged a delivery of flowers for mothers' day. Wonderful!
Anyway, after this, our final meeting lasts some time as we have to use up all our snacks, wine and beer - then, duty done and slightly sozzled, we slink off to bed amongst the chaos of almost-packed luggage.
We negotiate the latest possible departure slot so Sue can sort a bit of washing in the morning as we prepare for a few days in Auckland then six days in Bangkok. Everyone else seems to be heading straight home.
Sad day tomorrow. Goodbye motorhomewhowehaven'tbotheredtoname.
Our seats for 5200km...
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