Roadside Chats (18) 17/11/15 I head into a slight bend between Blenheim and Havelock. I feel tired; weak. I wonder if the anaesthetic’s still affecting me. It’s so good the colonoscopy’s over. Suddenly the Camper loses power. Something’s wrong! I…
Roadside Chats (17) 24/10/15 Crossing the small bridge north of Kekerengu I see red & blue flashing lights. Too late! I slow to a stop in front of the parked police car. Bugger; I was over 110. As the policeman…
Roadside Chats (16) 10/9/15 The tui’s are nesting. There’s a gap in the bush opposite Deep Song. Bursts of song emerge from within. Yesterday I watched a tui… soar… soar… higher… ever higher… then swoop… swoop… swoop. Swooping & swooping…
Roadside Chats (15) 10/7/15 The shortest day passes. I light the fire more frequently. Winter or summer the Wakamarina Valley is a stunningly beautiful place to live. At Deep Song, I enjoy the company of kereru, bellbirds, tui’s, fantails, a…
Roadside Chats (14) 20/5/15 Driving through Pear Tree Flat I come across a man walking. I pull over and introduce myself. His name is Donald. He’s a local; in his mid 70s. I invite him up for a cupper next…
Roadside Chats (13) – 8/5/15 Swollen cloud empties into the Wakamarina Valley. The river roars. Moon Creek reaches a crescendo. As I prepare my evening meal there’s a knock at the door. Beneath the umbrella is Pete from Convergence. Pete’s…
Roadside Chats (11) 24/4/15 Thee solicitor’s call leaves me frustrated. I turn the energy of frustration into action. I ring Elle. I tell her I will leave Rarangi and drive to the cottage. On the way I will visit the…
Roadside Chat’s (10) 8/4/15 It’s three weeks until the purchase of the cottage is confirmed; a month ‘til possession date. The sale is conditional on a LIM report. I settle in at Rarangi to wait it out. Mornings I wake…
Roadside Chats (9) 29/3/15 Pink splashes through the Camper windows. As I drift toward wakefulness I hear my wairua; A big wave ! T H E W A V E O F O U R Joy I feel very happy.…
Roadside Chats (8) 15/3/15 Marfells beach… Valentine’s Day… I wake to a text: ‘Happy Valentine’s Day… there’s something under the passenger seat… love Elle.’ I rummage past tow ropes and battery leads to find the green box. In the box…