BLOG NUMBER FOUR – CAMPGROUNDS

A description of typical campgrounds on our little jaunt is in order.

Next to shopping in the supermarkets and checking out prices, different foods, spices, produce, just checking out stuff in general… campground life has become one of our favourite locations/activities/things to do. Campgrounds are a wonderful mosaic of travellers. Not atypically, there are 3 or 4 generations travelling together in RVs, camper vans and tents.

However, travelling in a camper van and using campground facilities is an excellent way to go; typical facilities (amenities) include 4 or 5 electric ranges, (not all burners nor ovens work) so you have to move around a bit and share working cooking facilities all the while learning where people are from and sharing experiences.

All facilities contain 4 or 5 fridges and freezers and microwaves plus electric kettles, pots, pans, waffle makers, coffee pots, left behind dishes, etc. People write their names on plastic bags for ID purposes and we (cheapo Canadians) scrounge (a.k.a. steal) ice from opened bags of ice from freezers for our gin and tonic.

There are from 5 to 15 large tables to share with fellow travellers. Probably 12-15 different languages are spoken at a typical shared meal. Lots of salud, cheers, prosit, slainte, nastarovia, as wine, beers, and vodka are consumed. The blend of spices, aromas, menus, etc. from a veritable league of nations is marvellous as is the variety of meals using communal ranges and BBQs.

BBQ area at Ahipara

 Washup facilities are all stainless steel and detergent, wash cloths, and tea towels are provided. Some campgrounds include all dishes, cutlery, cups, glasses, wine glasses (not crystal) while others require a credit card and a sign out process for cooking gear.

We met a kiwi in the campground in Cambridge (beautiful town and campground). Cambridge campground with Ol' Nell on the right.

All have a lounge with TV and computer station.

 and book exchange.

 

 

 

who told it costs him $120 a week to live in his camper in the local campground. Doesn’t pay for water, electricity, gas, etc. cooking facilities are free, dish detergent, spices (left behind by other travellers) are available, dish detergent is free, paper towel, toilet paper, shampoo and body wash, communal kitchen is cleaned daily, toilets, showers, etc. are cleaned daily. HE IS THE MASTER of inexpensive living; however… quite unlikely tho for him (our view) to find a woman to do his laundry (and cooking and drying) at $2 per load. In his words… “can life get any better than this? I’ve got money for booze and watch all the rugby I want”.

Going to a hangi tomorrow and golfing with Ralph Jones from NAIT on Tuesday.

Summer has finally arrived in NZ; weather to date has been cool and windy.

Sunscreen weather this next week.