11th May 2017 We both slept amazingly well, despite choosing an unpowered campsite just 30 metres from the sea on one side and a railway track the same distance on the other. Surprisingly, three night trains and the full ebb and flow of the tide later, we woke refreshed and ready for another adventure. A… Continue Reading

10th May 2017 It was an uncomfortable night. Last night’s cider and game of cards played a full flush, resulting in several trips to the loo for both of us. Stumbling through unfamiliar surroundings in the dark, with a certain sense of urgency, can often end in disaster. Somehow, we managed to avoid the usual… Continue Reading

9th May 2017 We were up and about by 7 am, along with the local rabbits. I couldn’t help but wonder if they had been munching grass all night. While I was in the shower, Jamie managed to hand-feed one of them, using his breakfast cereal, of course! Returning to the White Island Excursion office,… Continue Reading

8th May 2017 Another warm, sunny day. After showering, we set off early and headed south towards Whakatane. The scenery gradually transformed from pleasant, Shire-like rolling hills to flatter land, dotted with kiwi fruit orchards. In the distance to our right, volcanic peaks occasionally punctuated the horizon. We’ve both been struck by how tidy everything… Continue Reading

7th May 2017 Jamie was up early, watching the sunrise, while I indulged in a few more precious minutes of blissful sleep, snug in my wonderfully cosy sleeping bag. Our camper van is equipped with duvets, blankets, and pillows for four people, but I think I’ll stick with the sleeping bag I brought along. The… Continue Reading

6th May 2017 Breakfast the following morning was a change from the Chinese café of the previous day, BLT sandwiches and coffee enjoyed in our hotel room. By 9:30 am, we had checked out and were on our way by taxi to the Britz campervan hire showroom. Once the paperwork was completed, we were surprised… Continue Reading

4th May 2017 The 2nd of May was a beautiful day. I picked Jamie up outside his flat at around 8:15 am, and by 11 am, we were parked at Purple Parking, just a short bus ride from Heathrow Terminal 4. After enjoying the packed lunch that Sue had kindly prepared, we proceeded through check-in,… Continue Reading

1st May 2017 On 18th April, Sue and I travelled to Kibworth to visit Linda Appleby, a former colleague from my days at Farndon Field. Linda had been the Special Needs teacher at the school and, having retired some time ago, had kept herself busy tutoring children in the basics. Sadly, nearly two years ago,… Continue Reading