From Hamilton to Taumarunui

Thursday 2 October

Day Two of the big trek South for chapter 2 of Banjo’s Odyssey - and we woke in a bedroom inside a house, made use of a full shower and a flushing toilet… then came down to enjoy breakfast with Mish & Louie.

The sad news for today, hot on the heels of Nigel Latta's death, was the passing of Jane Goodall - we had the immense privilege of seeing this legendary environmentalist and animal rights activist in conversation in Auckland last year. At 90 years of age she spoke eloquently and passionately for over an hour about her story and the need for us all to take positive steps for nature and the environment. She was inspirational, and the world is a sadder place without her.

We borrowed a car so we didn’t have to unhitch, and went into town so Louis could have a swim (1500m this time - he’s scaling up rapidly!) while I hit the op shops - Sallies & Breast Cancer first then over to Frankton for a few more. Came home with a few spring/summer items to tide us over until we get Woodend in a week & a half and do our wardrobe swap. Sadly I could not justify the sequins - not even the glorious Trelise Cooper sparkly duster coat - in Banjo (though I do miss my flowery & silver sequin Augustine which was also for sale at the Hospice.). The Badgers Holt apron almost got my $2 if only to send it to my sister - we used to holiday right by this place on Dartmoor every summer for over a decade! Instead I spent my $2 on a pair of blue suede Spanish leather sandals which make me very happy as they retail at over $100 - yay! The citrus outdoor cushions would have made the perfect gift for the Crellins and their catamaran "Citrus Tart", but it would have cost me about $30 to ship them back to Auckland so they remained in the bargain box.

Georgie was back from her appointment when we got back, so we had fond farewells with her and Louie then set off down SH3 towards Taumarunui, pausing for the wharepaku at Otorohanga and lunch in a lay-by near Rereamanu Marae. The most bizarre sight along the road was in the outskirts of Hamilton where we stumbled across the first Mormon temple built in the Southern Hemisphere, and it's surrounding suburb/enclave of over 1000 faithful in the aptly named "Temple View".

Otorohonga always has a very kitschy appeal as the self-proclaimed Kiwiana Capital of New Zealand. Even the toilets have a list of Kiwi terms for "toilet" adorning the entrances to the men's & women's spaces!

We arrived at Bradley’s Garden POP just outside Taumarunui mid afternoon, set up there then ducked back into town to meet Shelley, our property agent, and do a quick drive-by of our wee pink cottage at 25 West Street.

Definitely in need of TLC (wash & a repaint) but still very much loved by our tenants. I would love to repaint it a stronger shade of pink with white accents and a funky coloured door, but have been overruled by pretty much everyone on this plan! We'll probably go with blue like Endeavour Street and be done with it!

Back at the POP, rain had set in so we didn’t get a chance to check out the award winning gardens, but instead spent the evening in the company of Only Murders and Taskmaster, and enjoyed dinner in Banjo. Can highly recommend this POP as not only is it in a gorgeous garden setting, but the toilets are the best we have ever come across as they double as the facilities for the wedding venue they have created there!