Although the weather has been, and continues to be, erratic and predominantly wet, we're adoring being back in Gisborne with family & friends.
Returning to New Zealand
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!
Twenty 2020 Gratitudes
Twenty-twenty. It's been a traumatic, often terrifying, yet strangely transformative year few will forget in a hurry.
NBAreandare’s Blasted And Coated Underside
Our beloved floating home was taken out of the water last month, to have her hull cleaned and coated. Debdale Wharf generously sent us photos.
MIQ Day 12 – Ten Tips To Thrive In Managed Isolation
We fully appreciate that being able to return to New Zealand at this time of the world's history is a precious gift.
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
Feeling Welcomed Home
Have you heard of Dave Dobbyn? He sings a very 'famous in New Zealand' song called 'Welcome Home' which I've been listening to rather a lot recently.
A Most Welcome Sight
Well, that was weird! I've flown to New Zealand and back to the UK at least 14 times since 2001. So far as I can recall, every flight was almost full. Sitting in a massive plane with hardly any passengers felt wrong. Conversely, it was out of this world amazing! To have the luxury of … Continue reading A Most Welcome Sight
Second Stage Successful So Far
We enjoyed a good night’s sleep in the huge Premier Inn bed last night. My timing for the alarm could’ve been improved - we didn’t leave sufficient time for a half hour wait for breakfast to be served! But never mind. That’s a minor point. The hotel was extremely well managed with hand sanitiser freely … Continue reading Second Stage Successful So Far
A Taste Of Things To Come
Today we began the long journey 'home' to Aotearoa. Of course, we have two home countries now. The UK and New Zealand. Only one 'home' though, and that's NB Areandare.
The Transition Stage
Any midwives reading will be familiar with the transformative and often terrifying transition stage. The period in labour between the 1st & 2nd stage.
A Steamy Few Days Rescuing A Dad Boy
We had a magnificent weekend in Mountsorrel. What a splendid place it is. Well kept, and the locals appeared to relish living near the river.
Soaring Along And A Slight Flight Snag
I’d forgotten what a contrast cruising on rivers are to canals. Leaving the delights of Trent Lock on Thursday morning, we turned right ...
From Fradley To Trent Lock
We’re finally progressing towards our planned destination at a swift speed. I returned the hire car to Enterprise in Fazeley on Monday morning. Fortunately my elder sister Kath was able to collect me from there and get me back to the boat. Barry and Kim had by then moved to Alrewas! Great service from Enterprise … Continue reading From Fradley To Trent Lock
Areandare Crew Adventuring In Anglesey
Can you believe it's August already? How did that happen? I’ve intentionally not posted since last Sunday, as since then Areandare has sat empty ...
Slow Progress From Norbury
One of the reasons so many people choose narrowboat living, is to slow down. When we made our New Zealand return plans, we booked Areandare into Debdale Wharf ...