Caravan Days

I wrote a lengthy post on the new rental caravan that was spirited into the ethers. Yikes. Here's an abbreviated version. Voila, le camper. For interior pictures that aren't gorped up with all our stuff, click here.

Very different from the Avion truck camper we've been camping in for years. But. We can detach and take the Rover out separately, an upside or not depending on your view.


When we arrived yesterday afternoon we got settled in a bit and then walked the gorgeous coastline.

Low tide delivers special gifts.

Art direction: nature.

Back to the caravan. Art in the kitchen next to the tech table, strewn with electronica plugged into a power strip.

Omm. Blood pressure time. Good results.

Two couches separated by a table for eating or computer work.

At some point last night we thought it wise to see how those two couches turned into a bed, the only function we hadn't covered with Jeff before we pulled out. Why don't these slats slide out? Hmmm. The answer, if you glance above, is in the middle table unit: a board with a slatted length (think rolltop desk) that pulls out of the cabinet. (Full bed photo on request.)

First morning coffee. This is good. I'm wearing my new NZ t-shirt with a kiwi on it, which immediately identifies me as a visitor. But I like it.

The caravan is 15 years old, made in England. It's well insulated (something everyone told us NZ caravans weren't) and has double-glazed windows. Counterintuitively if you don't live here, the South Island gets colder in the winter (the North Island being closer to the equator), so we may be happy about all that, plus the heater. Now, though, it's mild autumn weather, the rain pattering on the caravan roof as I (re)write.

We walked Wednesday morning the grounds of this acres-broad hilltop, once an orchard and now a glorious location overlooking the bay and the ocean, dotted with homes and run, I think, by the original family, which also rents out homes and has a few electric sites for caravans.

Olive trees

I wondered aloud if they pressed the oil.

Soon I had an answer, from Jennifer, who we paid for the campsite. Of course I bought a bottle.

 

And it's delicious, sight burn at the back of the throat. I've also been meaning to mention that in NZ chard is called silverbeet.

Put those two together and you have dinner

For camping geeks (we know there are a few of you reading), here's the freshwater drum on this kit. The fork fits on the sides so you can roll it over to the hose or pump, fill it, and roll it back. Handy! (But how will I get my upper-body workout not hauling water?)

Today was a re-org day, transitioning from living out of suitcases and food boxes to putting things away in the caravan. Good to be here. Thanks for reading!