NEXT-DAY BIRTHDAY

Julie in driver's seat of Dethleffs 7055 Motorhome - Hamilton to Auckland "service" trip.

Food, Frost and Firsts

Hamilton to Auckland – My First “Real” Drive

#smilingontheinside – 18 June 2025

Today was a pretty full-on day. It’s Wednesday… which means “step repeats”… which requires 90 minutes of daylight… which meant I needed to keep my programme moving to keep myself on track.

I knew there’d always be the risk that one of the things I’d have to flag today would be my steps.

Walk at Dawn

To ensure I maintained my daily walks, I kick-started today with a quick march around the block in the fog, looking out for icy footpaths and slippery surfaces.

I #smiledontheinside taking these photos.

First Solo Drive

After trying to cram a full day’s productivity into a few hours, and even patting myself on the back for getting in some stepping – 8x84=672 ascents – I climbed into our van.

I was excited and somewhat nervous. This was my first solo drive since it’s been ours. The test drive back when, I don’t really count. It wasn’t far and Alan was sitting beside me. Today was different though: solo!

Would my former muscle-memory truck driving experience kick in…?

Would I remember how to drive something oh-so-big…?

Turns out it did and I did. Phew! #smilingontheinside

I made sure when I returned from my stepping that I parked my Holden as far over and as far back on our section as was possible… to give myself more room to drive out without collecting anything – like a deck or my car – along the way.

The van was going in to get some things fixed – electrical and mechanical – like the water pump, lighting and the passenger seat ‘cog’.

I met Alan in Auckland after he’d finished work. This way I could drive back with him. We haven’t quite worked out how we’re going to do the return trip – which is planned early July, after his next Tonga Tour, which starts next week.

Brunch at CBD Cafe in Pokeno

We’re already clocking up Hot Chocolates, Coffee and Cappuccinos at the CBD Cafe in Pokeno. It’s not too far away from Zion Motorhomes. We’re already starting to be recognised as regulars.

Today – as Alan was cooking >>our code for buying<< – I opted for Minestrone and Hot Chocolate. #smilingontheinside

New Steak Favourite

Because Alan was on an overnight on my birthday we celebrated this evening, instead.

Given we both like steak, yet at different ends of the spectrum, finding somewhere that can satisfy both of us, isn’t always easy. I really feel for the chef as well – serving up two meals that require completely different cooking techniques together – isn’t easy. Some restaurants achieve it, many don’t. And when they “fail” it means serving Alan his steak still pink, or mine wayyyy overcooked.

This evening we dined at Camarosa. We’ve lunched there before, but this was the first time for dinner. We’ll definitely be returning. Both steaks were cooked to perfection for each of us. #smilingontheinside

When I asked whether the server could guarantee no pink on Alan’s steak, he replied “Oh that’s definitely not going to move any more!” – which made both of us laugh.