May 8
Day – Dig Out Campervans, Mangawhai Heads
Night – Waipu Holiday Park
The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunny day. We still had to figure out how to leave, however, with both vans stuck fast in the mud, and the 6" of rain from the previous night was not helping. We were able to push my van forward and i skidded across the grass to firm ground. JV's van, however, was stuck fast and visibly sinking. The camp owner was the only grump we've met on our trip. He was a middle aged Kiwi who was pissed off at everything and anything. A double rainbow would've made him scowl. He wanted nothing to do with our dilemma, but offered up some cuss words for tearing up his lawn for good measure.
Finally, a helpful shaggy haired hired help came by to assist with the vehicle removal. After sizing up the situation from every angle, and trying unsuccessfully to drive JV's van forward, we elected to back it down a 16" embankment on a bed of firewood. The pictures do it no justice, but if you zoom in on JV's face, his lower lip does all the telling.
On we went up the coast to Mangawhai heads, a nice east-coast beach that offered up some decent overhead surf. The winds weren't cooperating however, and no one was feeling up to jumping into the ocean quite yet. We continued up the road and settled into Waipu Cove Holiday park for the night. We were the only ones there, and it felt like we had walked onto the set of Trailer Park Boys. This was where 1970's caravans went to die. Ah, it was good fun though, and a mellow beach break out front to break in the wetsuits on the following morning.
The next morning we woke to a beautiful sunny day. We still had to figure out how to leave, however, with both vans stuck fast in the mud, and the 6" of rain from the previous night was not helping. We were able to push my van forward and i skidded across the grass to firm ground. JV's van, however, was stuck fast and visibly sinking. The camp owner was the only grump we've met on our trip. He was a middle aged Kiwi who was pissed off at everything and anything. A double rainbow would've made him scowl. He wanted nothing to do with our dilemma, but offered up some cuss words for tearing up his lawn for good measure.
Finally, a helpful shaggy haired hired help came by to assist with the vehicle removal. After sizing up the situation from every angle, and trying unsuccessfully to drive JV's van forward, we elected to back it down a 16" embankment on a bed of firewood. The pictures do it no justice, but if you zoom in on JV's face, his lower lip does all the telling.
On we went up the coast to Mangawhai heads, a nice east-coast beach that offered up some decent overhead surf. The winds weren't cooperating however, and no one was feeling up to jumping into the ocean quite yet. We continued up the road and settled into Waipu Cove Holiday park for the night. We were the only ones there, and it felt like we had walked onto the set of Trailer Park Boys. This was where 1970's caravans went to die. Ah, it was good fun though, and a mellow beach break out front to break in the wetsuits on the following morning.
Our view through the camper window the morning after
Goat Island amenities were simple and sweet
JV's (foreground) and I's (background) campers stuck fast
Forward was NOT the direction he was heading after all
JV, happy he opted for the full insurance coverage
Got to clear the gray water valve.......
Back on compact ground
Driving through North Island Country, just outside of Auckland
The stairs down to Mangawhai Heads Beach
There was swell, but this was one of the few onshore Eastside days we saw.
Life size Mother's Day Card - Although, i'm not sure you ever got this mom?? Happy Late Mother's Day!
Bummer the drive wasn't nicer....
The team gearing up for night two at Waipu Cove
Time to get this van/home organized!
Ah, Ryan...thanks for the card! NZ looks amazing. Miss and love you guys, Mom
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