Retirement Trip ...... Cut short part two

22 February, we were up bright and early ready to go and collect our camper van.  After a quick run through all the features and paperwork we were ready to hit the road.  First stop the supermarket for some supplies.

We decided that we would head across country to the west coast via Arthurs Pass, steep and rocky scenery, and we stopped for a while so that we could unpack our stuff and get set up before moving on and finding somewhere for our first night.  It became apparent that there was an unsavoury smell in the fridge which we had noticed when we unpacked our shopping earlier. I cleaned it out and hoped it might be that the fridge had been shut for a while without the electrics on.  Its surprising just how much stuff you can fit in a camper van and was happy that everything fit.  The suitcases were stowed in the underneath compartment.  By the time I was done the rain had set it so we continued our journey in wet murky conditions

We opted to stay on a campsite for our first night so that we had electrics and water, plus the benefit of loos and showers.  All of which the van had but its easier if you don't have to use them all the time.

As you can see we had our duty free gin and plenty of snacks.  A sofa each and a dvd player

This was the view we woke too after our first night.  The bed was actually very comfortable.  It lowered from the ceiling so apart from moving the back cushions on the sofas each night it was just a press of a button and the bed came down.  Tidy the bed and press the button and its goes back up for the daytime.  So much easier than making the bed up each night

Our first full day dawned bright and sunny.  We headed towards Greymouth, stopping off at Shantytown Heritage Park on the way.  An enjoyable couple of hours and very informative

After this we carried on to Greymouth and took the Scenic West Coast road up to Westport, stopping on the way at Pancake Rocks & Blowholes - amazing views along the dramatic coastline

Our overnight stop was in Westport and the following day we continued the trip up the Scenic West Coast highway to the end - Karamea. We had a wander along the beach revelling in the fact we were the only people there.

From Karamea the only way north is by off-road gravel tracks or hiking routes.  So we reversed our steps back down the mountain roads after having a spot of lunch and headed back toward Greymouth, stopping off at Lake Hanlon on the way - it was a lovely walk to the lake

 Rapahoe Beach was our overnight stop - our pitch was right on the bay, so we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea...…. but its not really conducive for a good nights sleep, especially when the tide comes in right next to the back of the van

and the gulls woke us up early!!  You live and learn.  I'll leave it here today.  Next stop Hokitika