Auckland, New Zealand
The Final Countdown
37 photos
Auckland . . . agaon!!, New Zealand
Coromandel, New Zealand
mr Happy Sorry to hear about your problems. It's normal for me to kick a man when he's down and yes Mo that does extend to women. But I shall pull back on the occassion. As they say the best laid plans sometimes go belly up. On the upside as long as money holds out, having been away for 3 months the world, does another week or really matter as long as you have enough dosh. Holly running in Junior Marathon this weekend and we are looking forward to that. Lots of work still on the allotment. Long live the Chillington Hoe. Not a place in NZ. Suddenly my bowl of gruel is ready. Keep on Trucking and go round againg on the Scenic railway. Sounds like you've had the a-se out of that bike by the way Keith. Such a rough fellow.
bald fat bloke Day 497 Still no flights, Keith's saddle disintegrated and he now just rests his bum on the pole...but he's not complaining. The tyres shredded weeks ago but the rims and holding their own for now. Can't find a bed for the night... we've outstayed our welcome at every b&b in the country and no-one else will have us. Still, the news is that Ryanair are laying on flights - only $17 each - the journey will take 3 weeks, there are no meals available and drinks cost $72... and there are no toilets (they wanted to squeeze in 2 more seats) but at least we'll get home safely... see you all soon (maybe).
Waihi Beach, New Zealand
Keith and Maureen Brian and Julia Thanks so much for the offer, which for all the right reasons we hope we don't have to take you up on. We are in Auckland at the moment and have to check daily to be advised on the flight situation. So it is a case of watch this space. ATB M+K
mr happy Firstly let me say I also have a rota mower, so there. Secondly take full advantage of the volcanic ash and with a little bit of luck you may miss the voting altogether. As it is I am shocked to see our prospective Priministers with be mass debating on TV. some thing to do with a general erection. I alway said they were a bunch of (---------). Is it (A) Good old boys (B) Bunch of crooks) (C) Deluded Bi-Polar sufferers. Calls cost £1 from landlines or more from a mobile. Todays prize is zilch as always. All profits go to GTIMAL (Get thjis man a life)
Mr happy Plane to Italy then cycle to Calais. Should be a doddle after NZ
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
bald fat bloke Day 02 Horning - Norfolk Broads Great weather this morning and just under 5m to cover today. Beginning with getting out of the boat yard! spectacular views over reed beds and Mt Norwich followed by flat rolling flat bits for many meters. When we reached Stokesby, one of hundreds of places to eat, we decided to drop into the restaurant as we hadn't had a good pub meal since lunchtime . . . after chatting with a man from Cromer, travelling around the broads in a yacht, got to bed by 10.40pm. Day 03 Potter Heigham - Norfolk Broads Lovely ride travelling out of Stokesby with flat field ranges all around main river for the journey into Potter Heigham and there is nothing you can do but relax, it's the main river (Ant) with no moorings in some part, especially when you travel under a bridge, which are very rare - much the same problem as on the canals. The day cruisers with trailers (rowing boats) come rushing past at quite a speed (approaching reach 5mph), some give you room if they can but others ........ Rode around Potter Heigham, once a little market town and location of the lowest bridge in Norfolk which rises to 7' above the water at low tide! You can do everything here, eat, drink, cruise, shop... and if we travel the short distance to Bungy we can leap off the boat (bungy jumping) beautiful place. Always something relaxing to do. Off to Ranworth Broad tomorrow via Ludham... should be another exciting day.
Alastair (Kaikoura), Shirley, Solihull, UK Hi K & M It was lovely to see your pictures & read some of your blogs. Well done for a great effort does not seem to do you justice. Good to see you liked the Dolphin - I did. Best wishes for your new adventures! Alastair
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Brian and Julia Dear Keith and Maureen have a good flight home.Well done.you both deserve a medal.Did you participate in an Anzac day Service? Note we are now on B r o a b a n d. Wacko New address [email protected] We missed out on the big rain they had down south. Very dry here Great to have met you Keep in touch Brian and Julia
re: Auckland . . . agaon!!, New Zealand
KEITH AND MAUREEN JUST A QUICKIE TO LET ALL YOU GUYS WHO OFFERED ACCOMODATION IN AND AROUND AUCKLAND, LUCY AND PETER AND ALIZON AND PAUL, AND OF COURSE BRIAN AND JULIA THAT WE WILL SEND PERSONAL EMAILS TO YOU ALL AS SOON AS WE ARE BACK ON HOME SOIL. BUT THANK YOU PUBLICLY FROM THE HEART OF OUR BOTTOMS!!! (A CYCLISTS JOKE . . . I HOPE!)
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Dean Hi Keith and Maureen.....just wanted to give Keith a little reminder that he was supposed to be at work on Monday!...Not sure what your excuse will be,but let's hope you have a good one!!......Also not sure if you know but some ruddy volcano or something has caused a lot of problems somewhere in the world but hopefuuly I should be ok to drive down to Rye on wendesday. Still better go as I have work to do. Keith maybe say that it's an age thing and you forgot to come in on monday or something like that anyway!!...lot of love me!..
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Mr Happy Is you's still stuck out there or have you found an escape route. Hopefully where ever you are your making the most of it.
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pauline and David Hope you will enjoy the extra days/weeks in New Zealand. More time to keep fit, but don`t waste away, make sure you enjoy all the lovely food. A Novelty at first but you probably will be ready to come home? Lovely photos great scenery Take care Pauline & Dave
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dave & lin not surprised to hear about the flights but have not been able to keep in touch as no english tele and no papers, there on strike. So bought a french dongle for £40.00 ( 6 hours) yet another rip off here. We have made it to BEAUME today nearly 400 miles but have got a nice hotel overlooking golf course. Hopefully you get a flight soon before you have to look for temporsy work. This volcano seems to have caused caos around the world its all you need at the end of you trip. D & L
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Bald fat bloke Day 497Still no flights, Keith's saddle disintegrated and he now just rests his bum on the pole...but he's not complaining. The tyres shredded weeks ago but the rims and holding their own for now. Can't find a bed for the night... we've outstayed our welcome at every b&b in the country and no-one else will have us. Still, the news is that Ryanair are laying on flights - only $17 each - the journey will take 3 weeks, there are no meals available and drinks cost $72... and there are no toilets (they wanted to squeeze in 2 more seats) but at least we'll get home safely... see you all soon (maybe).
on the message board
bald fat bloke Day 497 Still no flights, Keith's saddle disintegrated and he now just rests his bum on the pole...but he's not complaining. The tyres shredded weeks ago but the rims and holding their own for now. Can't find a bed for the night... we've outstayed our welcome at every b&b in the country and no-one else will have us. Still, the news is that Ryanair are laying on flights - only $17 each - the journey will take 3 weeks, there are no meals available and drinks cost $72... and there are no toilets (they wanted to squeeze in 2 more seats) but at least we'll get home safely... see you all soon (maybe).
re: Coromandel, New Zealand
mr Happy Sorry to hear about your problems. It's normal for me to kick a man when he's down and yes Mo that does extend to women. But I shall pull back on the occassion. As they say the best laid plans sometimes go belly up. On the upside as long as money holds out, having been away for 3 months the world, does another week or really matter as long as you have enough dosh. Holly running in Junior Marathon this weekend and we are looking forward to that. Lots of work still on the allotment. Long live the Chillington Hoe. Not a place in NZ. Suddenly my bowl of gruel is ready. Keep on Trucking and go round againg on the Scenic railway. Sounds like you've had the a-se out of that bike by the way Keith. Such a rough fellow.
re: Coromandel, New Zealand
dave & lin K & M Glad to hear you are still enjoying it - yes this volcano is certainly causing some problems - we heard about it on the morning of our departure and at 8.25 a.m. heard our flight was cancelled so made a quick decision to drive to the south of France, booked channel tunnel and arrived in Calais about 1 p.m. Arrived at Troyes at 7 p.m. to find all hotels fully booked, luckily drove into the country and found a Best Western hotel by a golf course (more our style). Set off again next day and finally arrived at Bormes Les Mimosas at 7 p.m. knackered - bad back - hungry - nothing open - fridge empty! But, this is a lovely location and the apartment has stunning views but getting ripped off daily (7 euros for 2 coffees}, also by Eurotunnel for changing our return time to Saturday giving us 6 full days here. On reading the papers we seem better off than a lot of other people who either didnt get away at all or can't get back. Hope your flight is not delayed too long as I remember you were due back late this week. Looking forward to catching up with you on your return. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Love to you both - Dave & Lin xx
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Mr happy Plane to Italy then cycle to Calais. Should be a doddle after NZ
re: Waihi Beach, New Zealand
mr happy Firstly let me say I also have a rota mower, so there. Secondly take full advantage of the volcanic ash and with a little bit of luck you may miss the voting altogether. As it is I am shocked to see our prospective Priministers with be mass debating on TV. some thing to do with a general erection. I alway said they were a bunch of (---------). Is it (A) Good old boys (B) Bunch of crooks) (C) Deluded Bi-Polar sufferers. Calls cost £1 from landlines or more from a mobile. Todays prize is zilch as always. All profits go to GTIMAL (Get thjis man a life)
re: Waihi Beach, New Zealand
Brian and Julia Dear Keith and Maureen have a good flight home.Well done.you both deserve a medal.Did you participate in an Anzac day Service? Note we are now on B r o a b a n d. Wacko New address [email protected] We missed out on the big rain they had down south. Very dry here Great to have met you Keep in touch Brian and Julia