Rob’s Travel Blog

 Off to Europe! Thursday 5 June. Counting down…only 3 more sleeps until I head off. Eeeeeek! The airport that is and the one that was And now 2… How do I explain to a 4 year old that I’m travelling across the world when her world is Raglan, with the occasional sortie to Hamilton and Te Awa-moo-too? She’s heard of maps for treasure hunts and knows that “X marks the spot” -so I’ve made her a map. Hopefully it helps the old people too! Weeeell….I’ve made it as far as Melbourne …a long day which started when I woke at 4 (never a good time!) and got to the airport at 6.15. Like riding a bike, it all came back to me..reading all the signs, endless queues…a brief hold up when my metal knees set off the security alarm… a while to reflect over coffee and a surprisingly good flight to Melbourne with a yummy breakfast ( for a plane) and watching Paddington goes to Peru (highly recommended). A long day but managed to wander outside in a crisp and sunny Ozzie day..and now for the long haul! Yay...

7  Family weekend in whanganui We set off on Wednesday and had a night in Ohakune. Steve and family stayed in a motel outside Taumarunui and we met them on Thursday at Angel Louise cafe in Raetihi where older kids enjoyed a huge breakfast! Then a trip to the famous Dinosaur House! Who would have thought Raetihi had something as amazing as this…huge moving Dinosaurs complete with roars. Ruby was equally impressed, terrified and bemused. Arlo just “No!” And headed for the door! And then on to Whanganui.  Swallowed by a dinosaur,!!!! Onwards to the wonderful playground in Whanganui  Got to our bnb and the kids had fun checking out the new toys. Cooked dinner and looked forward to the arrival of Jem and Mitch. Plane was late but they finally got here! Good Friday …not much open but we all had fun going up the middle of the hill in the old lift and climbing to the top of the tower. Afternoon weather was mild and sunny and we had a wonderful ride to Castlecliff and North Mole b...