In March we re-visited Christchurch to spend time with Barry's daughter Jamie. There was an amazing street art exhibition at the museum ...
Family times
Reflecting On Our Experience Of Cyclone Gabrielle’s Devastation
On 13th February, severe tropical cyclone Gabrielle arrived in Gisborne. The effects continue to be felt. Here we share our experiences ...
Rather Wet Yet Wonderful Times In Gisborne And Rarotonga
Although the weather has been, and continues to be, erratic and predominantly wet, we're adoring being back in Gisborne with family & friends.
Merry Christmas From New Zealand
New Zealand and the UK have opposite seasons. Many people prefer the cold at Christmas. I personally love the warmth and long light days!
Barry’s UK Images August 2021 Onwards (Part 1)
Better late than never. Barry has finally edited & chosen a selection of stunning images from our travels since August 2021. Here's part 1.
Reluctantly Leaving Liverpool
During our second week moored in Liverpool, we went to a family wedding in Devon, then explored more of the city together and with a friend.
Seven Months Later And We’re Back …
Goodness, we really have had a blogging break! We haven't posted for seven months, as we've had so many other things going on. Our intention has always been to get the remainder of our NZ trip posted, and then keep you up to date with our narrow boating travels. However ... We'd drafted the NZ … Continue reading Seven Months Later And We’re Back …
Having A Bit Of A Blogging Break
It's always tricky adjusting to life after being in another hemisphere. We're catching up with family & friends and not doing much blogging ...
Settling Back In Blighty On Board NB Areandare
Leaving Gisborne on Sunday 1st August, we flew back to the UK on Thursday 5th August. It's an interesting time to be flying that's for sure!
Lake Brunner to Arthur’s Pass A Weekend With Jamie
From Lake Brunner, we headed to 'Jackson's Alpine Retreat' with Jamie on Saturday 13th February. We enjoyed some amazing experiences.
Heading South Via Leamington And The Grand Chateau
It's always a wrench for me to leave Gisborne. It's the place in the world where I feel the happiest, the most 'at home'.
A Fabulous East Coast Festive Season
It’s vastly different to the UK. The festive season here in New Zealand falls in the middle of summer. Is it better or worse?
Twenty 2020 Gratitudes
Twenty-twenty. It's been a traumatic, often terrifying, yet strangely transformative year few will forget in a hurry.
Celebrating Barry’s 65th Birthday Back In Gisborne
We arrived back in Gisborne on Tuesday 1st December, in readiness for Barry's 65th birthday party on Saturday 5th. What a party it was!
Five Fun Days & Nights In Wellington
Our recent visit to Wellington was wonderful. Helped enormously by Tracy and Rod's convivial hosting, friends who used to live in Gisborne.
Snippets Of Akaroa and Canterbury History
Crikey, so much for slowing down to smell the roses! We frequently hear people our age, saying they wouldn't know what to do with themselves if they stopped working.
Adventures Around The Garden City of New Zealand
It's been many years since either of us properly visited Christchurch, garden city of New Zealand. We had a blast last week there with Jamie.
Walking And Reconnecting In Tūrunganui A Kiwa
I may have been spotted on one my many walks around Gisborne (Tūranganui a Kiwa), with a silly Cheshire-cat-like grin on my face - possibly simultaneously talking to myself. Next month will mark 19 years since I first set foot in this paradisical coastal city teetering on the edge of the world. I'm guessing those … Continue reading Walking And Reconnecting In Tūrunganui A Kiwa
Good Old Gisborne
Being back in Tairawhiti/Gisborne is, for me, akin to slipping on my comfiest shoes whilst sighing contentedly ...
MIQ Day 7 – Enjoying A Day Off
That sounds odd, doesn't it? A day off Managed Isolation? How can that be? No, just a day off 'work' with far less screen time