63 and free

A spotless windshield, a canopy and falling water.

Today we picked up our rental car. Even knowing what to expect, it was quite a shock seeing the steering wheel on the wrong side of the car.

It took great focus from both of us to drive without causing an accident, but we succeeded.

Having said that, I kept up long-established tourist tradition of starting the windshield wipers every time I tried to use the blinkers. We undoubtedly have the cleanest windshield in New Zealand.

Dec 13th, 2022. A spotless windshield viewing a backwards world.

We drove from Auckland to Whangarei, checked in, tossed out bags in the room and of course headed to the local forests and waterfalls (yesterday was David-time…quid pro quo).

The first stop was AH Reed Memorial Park. There were a few purdy things…

The Canopy Walkway (from the web; we couldn’t get down there).
The Wai Koromiko Stream from the Canopy Walkway.
Another majestic Kauri tree.
Truly awesome. 500+ years old.
Where’s Robin Hood??

And OF COURSE there was a beautiful waterfall!

Paranui Falls (23+ metres high).

Then it was onto Whangarei Falls, slightly higher at 26+ metres high. Stunning in every respect.

But I was completely baffled by this:

The bridge over the river directly above the falls had no railing, but the stairs did. They must have weird lawyers in New Zealand.

David and Bernadette Harris

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11 responses to “A spotless windshield, a canopy and falling water.”

  1. Jennifer Hoffart Avatar
    Jennifer Hoffart

    I’m loving your blog! Gives me some good chuckles and great memories of NZ!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      Dave is always looking at the humour side of things! I’d love to know where you went when you were here.

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  2. Granddad Avatar
    Granddad

    As one of those who suffers from BPPV, there is no way I’d go over that river bridge with no rails!

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    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      I agree!! Luckily my own vertigo is only triggered by standing next to windows in tall buildings, glass elevators or standing near the edge of cliffs (poor Bernie had to suffer through one of my attacks at the top of the SkyTower). But I took no chances…I raced across the bridge!! 🚶‍♂️💨

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  3. Grace Floisand Avatar
    Grace Floisand

    Lovely waterfall and I remember driving on the wrong side, it was strange to begin with then you get used to it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      I find that when there is a guard rail and no shoulder that Dave is going to sideswipe my side of the car and I have to close my eyes waiting for the impact! I’m only being a little dramatic but I am hoping I get used to it. I’ll tell you one thing…I have no desire to do any of the driving!

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  4. mindi Avatar
    mindi

    Hahaha- this is awesome… your relative Helen turned me on to your blog. We were neighbours in Virginia and I live in Christchurch, NZ now. As for the railings, no need as you really can’t sue here in NZ- if one falls off, that is one’s fault, shoulda been more careful. Being a lawyer is likely quite boring here. The country will help you recover… or do their level best to find the body. (dark humour) You may hear a loud siren at some random point, that would be the volunteer rescue department of a small town gathering to go solve a problem. Don’t be alarmed- or do- it’s all part of the excitement of island life.
    If you make it to the South Island, feel free to look us up.

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    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      Greetings and salutations Mindi! That is quite a change in locale. I hope it’s one you have loved.

      I absolutely love that about New Zealand! Common sense wins the day. Add it to an ever-growing list. What an amazing country (at least so far)!

      We have heard sirens, but nothing like James Bay! It is actually an unusual sound here. 😏

      We start our tour of the south island January 12th, departing for Oz Feb 14th, from Christchurch! So it’s possible. 😊 Perhaps my lil seester can work some magic?

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  5. sarcastaspen Avatar
    sarcastaspen

    Hahaha- this is awesome… your relative Helen turned me on to your blog. We were neighbours in Virginia and I live in Christchurch, NZ now. As for the railings, no need as you really can’t sue here in NZ- if one falls off, that is one’s fault, shoulda been more careful. Being a lawyer is likely quite boring here. The country will help you recover… or do their level best to find the body. (dark humour) You may hear a loud siren at some random point, that would be the volunteer rescue department of a small town gathering to go solve a problem. Don’t be alarmed- or do- it’s all part of the excitement of island life.
    If you make it to the South Island, feel free to look us up.

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    Reply
  6. sarcastaspen Avatar
    sarcastaspen

    An apologies if that appeared 53X WordPress wanted a login and went a little wonky- hope your trip is fun! (real name is Mindi- created this account ages ago)

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    1. David and Bernadette Harris Avatar
      David and Bernadette Harris

      Just twice. 🤣

      Thanks for sticking with it! The more the merrier to this party.

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