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With the quite sudden passing away of Sue’s mother, after a short illness, the Pharts had to hastily organise a flight to England. Sue had only recently returned for her mother’s 90th birthday celebrations.

Fortunately, our travel agent was able to book return flights for us on Emirates, via Dubai. We were travelling premium economy.

The Auckland to Dubai leg is 17 hours, so the Pharts decided on a 24 hour stopover. They had been to Dubai before, some 10 years ago, so decided to stay and explore the older area, near Dubai Creek.

The flight on the A380 was very comfortable, and some sleep was had. Dubai was a warm 33 degrees, and it was pleasant to walk around, stretch the legs and take in the sights.

After a bite to eat in our hotel, it was very early to bed, as we were tired, and being picked up at 4:45am! We both had a decent sleep, and were perky and alert as we headed back to the Airport, and the final leg to London Heathrow. At seven hours, it will be a walk in the park compared to seventeen.

Chard, Somerset, England

After collecting our rental car from Heathrow Airport, we hit the road for Chard, Somerset.

After a meeting with the Funeral Director, Yvonne’s funeral is set for Wednesday May 10th, at Taunton Crematorium. Also, excitement builds in the UK with the King’s upcoming Coronation.

When back in Chard, we like nearby visit Lyme Regis, and lunch at our favourite spot, The Bell tearooms. The weather was cool and overcast. Not really beach weather!

Yvonne’s funeral was a very successful and fitting send off at Taunton Crematorium. Sue did a great job of the eulogy, with the “after match” at Hornsbury Mill. This is mainly now a Wedding venue, but the Crossman family owned it for many years previously. An old watermill, Sue grew up there and served many a cream tea!

Out and about in the Chard area. Lots of walks, pub lunches and dodging the rain.

Near Chard is Forde Abbey, historic house and gardens.It is a privately owned former Cistercian Monastery dating back 900 years!

With Old Phart Sue in England visiting family, an opportunity arose for Blair to fly to Queenstown to watch the NZ Golf Open. It was an opportunity he jumped at!

The tournament was to be played at Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown. So three likely lads in Thommo, Rads and the writer flew out of Auckland on Friday lunchtime. They picked up a rental car, and drove straight out to take in the action. An old cricket friend, Russell Mawhinney, lives near Queenstown, and kindly offered to host us.

The tournament is a Pro Am, and features a number of NZ sporting stars, past and present.

It was great to watch the pro golfers in action, particularly Steven Alker, who has had success on the Champions Tour in the US.

Back to Russ’s for a Thai takeaway, a few reds and stories from yesteryear.

The next morning was considerably cooler, but the lads had plenty of warm clothes. The highlight for the day was Russ securing tickets into the hospitality area, courtesy of a generous friend. Plenty of food and drink, and spot the celebrity.

Shark and tatey for tea, washed down with beer and wine. More stories from the past and lots of laughs.

Similar weather for the final day. The field is bunched, and a winner hard to pick. Eventually it is Aussie Brendon Jones who emerges from the bunch. With birdies on 3 of the last 5 holes, he is a comfortable winner.

At the conclusion of the golf, we headed into Arrowtown for food and drink. They dined at Mantra Indian Restaurant. Great food! We were all most impressed.

With the fellas having plenty of time before flying back to Auckland, they decided to have breakfast in Arrowtown. We dined at the Chop Shop. Fantastic food, service and coffee.

So a great few days in a magic part of New Zealand.A big thanks to Russ for hosting us. We will be back next year.

Following a visit to Eat Streat in downtown Rotorua, the Old Pharts spent a very comfortable night at the Black Swan Lodge, lakeside. After an early breakfast, they were collected by guide Elaine, of the tour company “Walking Legends.”

A total of 13 guests and two guides (Dylan the other), destination .. Lake Waikaremoana. With two minivans (one towing the luggage trailer), the intrepid travellers were off. Of concern was the long range weather forecast, with a cyclone in the Pacific heading towards NZ!

As we drive towards the Lake and into the heart of Te Urewera, we stop at the Whirinaki Forest. We are to do a 3 hour loop hike through the pristine, giant podocarp forest, including giant tōtara, kahikatea and matai.

After a delicious lunch in the forest (with fantastic coffee prepared by guide Dylan .. a trained barista), we hike back to the vans and continue our journey to Waikaremoana. The road is mainly gravel from now on, and quite windy.

We arrive at our accommodation, the Waikaremoana Holiday Park, and are shown to our chalet. Very comfortable!
After settling in, it is time for drinks, nibbles and an opportunity to gather and chat with our fellow guests. A great bunch of interesting people, including Kiwis, Aussies and Americans.

After a delicious steak dinner prepared by our talented guides, we all turned in for an early night.

Day two, and after a hearty breakfast, we load into the vans and drive to the beginning of todays destination. This is a hike up the spectacular Panekire Bluffs, that overlook Lake Waikaremoana. This section is part of the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk track. As we climb higher, we see the lush podocarp forest change into cloud forest with trees covered in fascinating hanging moss. We continue hiking to reach the highest point of the Great Walk track. What great views and a great place for a picnic lunch!

This was quite a tough hike, with an elevation of 600 metres. It was a careful descent, with lots of tree roots and strain on the knees!

We all made it safely back to camp, and after a scrub up and relax, we wandered over to the kitchen area for drinks, nibbles and a natter. Dinner was lamb .. once again delicious! Of concern is the weather forecast. A large cyclone is heading for the North Island of NZ, with an abundance of wind and rain. Access to the Lake is via gravel roads, with areas prone to slips.

Day 3, and a short drive to the start of the track that leads to Lake Waikareiti. It is about an hours walk through red and silver beech forest up to the pristine lake. This lies a further 300 metres in elevation above Lake Waikaremoana. As it is reached only by walking track, it has outstanding water clarity.

After hiking back to the vans, we crossed the road to check out the Āniwaniwa Falls. From two lookout points, we were able to view the falls from an upper and lower perspective.

Back to camp and lunch and a dry off, as rain has set in. Shortly after, Dylan and Elaine call the group to gather for a meeting. The weather forecast is such that the Camp and walks are closing, and it is strongly advised to vacate the area and head home. As we will be back in Rotorua a day early, “Walking Legends” will find accommodation for everyone for that evening. So with sadness but understanding, we pack up, jump in the vans and motor back to Rotorua.

One final act of drama on the journey, a wheel on the baggage trailer snaps off and rolls away down the road. Fortunately no accidents, apart from a badly damaged trailer! Baggage out and loaded into the back of the vans, then off for the final push to Rotorua.

Guests are offloaded at two Rotorua hotels, but the Old Pharts decide to drive back to Hamilton, via an Italian restaurant in Eat Streat.

After our Lake Waikaremoana trip we were to spend a couple of days in Rotorua, cycling and exploring. However, it wasn’t to be.

Despite the early finish, this was an excellent trip. Guides Dylan and Elaine were fantastic, as were our fellow travellers. “Walking Legends” are a very efficient and well run organisation. We thoroughly recommend.

The Pahi Coastal walk is a new addition to New Zealand farmland walks. It is a 3 day, 2 night walk over coastal farmland at the top of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula.

We are a group of 10, which is the maximum number available to each group. Accommodation is in very comfortable houses and cabins. Food is provided, you just have to do the preparation yourselves.

Day one, and the intrepid hikers are picked up from Colville, and transported the 45 minutes to the Port Jackson homestead of the owners. After morning tea and instructions, we are off. A nice fine day, wonderful scenery, good company and not too challenging terrain.

Dinner that evening was superb, with the hosts leaving steak, salads, breads etc. which were devoured by the hungry and thirsty hikers. The study of several weather apps all indicated the next day was to be wet and windy!

We awoke next morning to extremely wet and windy conditions. There were three options. A 12 kilometre hike, an 18 kilometre hike or a gentle 3km wander to our next accommodation. Four of the group chose the 12km, the other six opting for the 3km. The four who did the 12 km looked like drowned rats when they finished, but all agreed it was worth it.

The overnight accommodation once again was very comfortable, and the pre prepared food once again ticking all the boxes!

The overnight weather continued to be “wild”, with the Coromandel being buffeted by high winds and heavy rain.

For our final morning, a loop coastal walk was suggested, but due to the weather conditions, we decided to stay warm and dry inside! Four of our group had brought their e-bikes, and were happy to cycle back to Colville from our Port Jackson base. The remaining six were happy to take the van back!

So, we arrive back in Colville around lunchtime, and head to the local cafe for food and drink. Unfortunately, it is still pouring down. We hear roads on the eastern side of the Peninsula are closed, but our western side is ok.

We say our good byes, and make the three hour drive back to Hamilton. Despite the weather, a very enjoyable few days.

And so on to our perennial winter favourite, Wanaka. We booked five nights in a house via Air BnB, with old friends Cameron and Maria. Cardrona is our preferred skiing destination, with the occasional dose of Treble Cone.

The forecast for the week looked good, so we purchased four day passes. Our first possible day on the slopes was frustrated by the ski fields being closed due to strong winds. So we had a quiet day around the town and Lake.

With the forecast for Monday favourable, we set the alarm early, and were on the Valley Quad chair just after opening. The morning was clear and cold, but the cloud lowered as the morning progressed. By midday we had light snow, and an early lunch. We continued skiing until around 2pm, when we decided to call it a day, and head for home. The forecast for the rest of the week is good, with the bonus of the snow top up.

Another two excellent days skiing at Cardrona. Tuesday was ”Bluebird”, but very cold, which is great for the snow condition.

Tuesday evening we had to take son Andrew to Queenstown airport, so it was an opportunity to catch up with old cricket friend, Russell Mawhinney.

Wednesday, another early start and on the chair lift at 8:30am. The forecast was not great, but it turned out to be a fine day. And no crowds!

The forecast for Thursday was very good, so up we went again, for our 4th of skiing in a row! Great snow conditions, with cloud clearing for another ”Bluebird” day. At the end of our days skiing, we had a drink at the Cardrona Hotel, before continuing on to our accommodation in Arrowtown.

We are delighted with our accommodation in Arrowtown! A spacious, warm, modern home in Cotter Ave. After 4 days in a row skiing, we have a day off. A coffee in town, then a beer at Arthur’s Point with Noel and Di Waterson, after their stint up Coronet Peak.

The next day .. ”Bluebird!” .. and we are up to Coronet Peak for the day. It’s busy, but it is a very efficient, modern and organised ski field. The snow is great, and we have a really enjoyable, final day on the skis.

With the Old Pharts having only recently returned from overseas travel, they were off again! Destination .. the South Island.

After flying from Hamilton to Christchurch, a Rav rental car was collected and it was off to Lake Tekapo for two nights.

By coincidence, friends Noel and Di Waterson were also in Tekapo, so we dined together one night, and skiied the Roundhill field nearby. We stayed once again at the Cairns Alpine Resort, this time in the Red Hut ( regular readers may remember the Old Pharts getting caught in a Covid lockdown twelve months ago. A planned two nights at the Cairns turned in to fifteen!)

Next stop, the Lake Ohau Lodge and a ski at the Ohau field. Unfortunately rain the day before created wet and sticky snow, which made for diffucult skiing. Dining at the Lodge is communal, and our fellow guests were Australian tourists who made interesting and pleasant company.

A comfortable and uneventful fight to Incheon Airport, Seoul. Our Hotel is in Myeongdong, and is surrounded by shops and eating places. The weather in Seoul is warm .. around 30 degrees .. and cloudy and extremely humid. Hard work for the Old Phart explorers, who like to walk everywhere.

To enter Korea, you must have a negative Covid Rat test within 24 hours of departure. When we arrive, we are informed we must have a PCR test within 24 hours of arrival. That is easily arranged, and $150 NZ each later!

The Pharts returned to the hotel after lunch, in need of a wee rest. Quite a lot of walking was done, and the high humidity made it very draining.

However, after an hour we were ready to go. Near the hotel is Namsan Park, with the N Seoul Tower. There is a cable car running, so we caught it up, and walked back down. Great views, hindered a little by hazy cloud.

Another warm and humid day in Seoul, so whilst we await the results of our PCR test, we decide to go exploring.So, loaded with plenty of water, we headed firstly to Tapgol Park.The park features the Monument of Wongak-sa, built in 1471. There were large gatherings of older gentlemen, watching movies and playing checkers. It was then up to Bukchon Hanok Village, home to hundreds of traditional houses, called Hanok. And just across from the Village, the Changdeokgung Palace. It is one of five great palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty.

We then walked through Jongmyo Park, followed the Cheong-gye-cheon, an 11km stream that runs through downtown Seoul. Back to the Royal Hotel for a well earned rest and rehydrate!

For the final full day in Seoul, the Pharts decide to book the half day Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) tour. Alarm set for a 6:15am pick up! Seoul is not too far from the border. About an hour and 15 minutes on the bus.

First stop on the trip is Imjingak Park, just 7kms from the DMZ,with a number of monuments and sights to see here.Many events for Unification are held at Imjingak.

Its back on the bus for our next stop, the Dora Observatory. It is at the northern most point of the Military Demarkation Line.From here visitors can overlook North Korea.

Near the Observatory is the Third Tunnel, an infiltration tunnel built by North Korea, and found in 1978.Tourists are able to walk part of tunnel, which begins with a steep descent. The ceiling then gets very low, thus the need for hard hats. It is blocked off at a point preventing crossing the border.

This has been an interesting tour, particularly the history of the Korean War, and the hope Korea may one day be unified as one country.

Back to Seoul on a road which follows the river. At one point, North Korea is directly across the river. A barbed wire fence, sentry posts and cameras keep the people in their own countries!

Our time away has come to an end. Seoul has been an enjoyable conclusion, but it’s time to head home. So to Hamilton, ”City of the Future.”

Our first job is to ditch our rental car at Heathrow, then make our way to friends Niven and Marianne’s place in Muswell Hill, North London. The Picadilly line on the London Underground is perfect.
The afternoon provides an opportunity to explore the parks of North London, and Alexandra Palace.

The next day, Saturday, is the wedding of friends Shaun and Michelle’s daughter Harriet, to Ed.Unfortunately for Niven, on the Friday morning, he tested positive for Covid. Sadly, he is unable to join us. A warm London day, a spectacular inner city church, then on to the Mandarin Orient Hotel. Quite a day!

After a very late night, and a late breakfast the next morning, we decided to visit Hampstead Heath, a short car ride away.

London, and North London in particular, has lots of parks and green spaces. This is one of the best!

After lunch in central London with Shaun, Michelle and some of the Kiwi wedding contingent, we made our way to Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport. A four day stopover in Seoul, South Korea, and then, home.

With Oxford explored, the Ireland and England trails of discovery were effectively over. It was now just a leisurely drive to our Airbnb accommodation. We are to spend nine days in rural Buckland St Mary, a small village about 15 minutes north west of Chard. The accomodation is a one bedroomed apartment, in a converted attic in Buckland House. Should be ideal.

With the Old Pharts not fully recovered from Covid, this will be an opportunity to have a few meals in, go for walks in the countryside and generally chill out and enjoy the tranquility.

The weather has been very pleasant .. not too hot .. so the Pharts decide to visit the Dorset seaside town of Lyme Regis. It is also school holidays, so the area is very busy.

After a very relaxing eight days in South Somerset, the time has come to move on to London.

So its off to Oxford, a city in central southern England which revolves around its prestigious University, established in the 12th century. The architecture of its 38 colleges in the cities medieval centre led to the nickname of “City of dreaming Spires”.

Today is predicted to be the hottest in UK history, so thank heavens for air conditioning in the car, and also our Oxford hotel, The Ethos.

The plan was to go on a Bike Tour in the afternoon, but a combination of the heat and our health scuppered this idea. We went wandering instead.