If only...

For as long as I can remember, my mother has wanted to go to New Zealand. She also wanted to visit Tasmania and England, however, New Zealand was by far top of her list.

Over the years whenever she raised the idea with Dad, there always seemed to be some reason why now wasn't a good time or it couldn't happen until something else happened first. One of Dad's favourite sayings was you don't visit other countries until you've explored your own. However, that didn't happen either.

Mum had just gone into a nursing home when I took my first trip to NZ in 2012 and she was so excited for me. When I came home, she was keen to hear all the details and look at the multitude of pics I'd taken.

In 2013 I went to Hobart with friends for a week to celebrate a big birthday.

Then early 2014 I had a very quick trip to Wanaka to scope out possibilities for hosting a women's retreat followed by two more weeks in the South Island later that year.

It was during this trip, I did a lot more exploring of the South Island. Mum and I had spoke a few times on the phone during that time, however, I remember one conversation very clearly. 

I was sitting by the lake in Te Anau and she was asking about all I'd seen and was wanting to know about my favourite places. She then asked would I take her with me on my next trip and show her all my favourite places plus any other places I thought she'd like. 

It ended up being somewhat of an emotional conversation, particularly with Mum reflecting that it had been the one thing in life she'd wanted to do above anything else and was the most elusive. For Mum, the emotion was around the possibility of realising a long held dream and for me, knowing that I may be able to somehow facilitate that dream coming true.

It also made me deeply aware of my own mortality on so many levels. I was already at a point where I had started thinking I would like to spend some time living in NZ, however, this was to be at least an 18 months to two year plan. 

Mum was thrilled when I mentioned my dream and has been my biggest champion for following this dream. She has often reminded me that now is my time, my children have all grown up and I have no ties. She told me over and over do not let anyone stop you, no matter who it is or what happens in your future, because once the time that provides the opportunity is gone, it's gone for good (meaning age, health and life itself).

In the meantime, my sister and I started exploring whether this trip for Mum would be possible. We knew realistically the trip would be far more manageable with both of us to help with her day to day care and for managing those sometimes challenging moments.

Mum was no spring chicken and she was in the early-mid stages of dementia. She still had some mobility but required a wheelie walker as her balance was unsteady. Due to her dementia, Mum was also unable to do things on her own and experienced some confusion, particularly when away from everything familiar. 

So the logistics of such a trip were huge. We thought about what we'd need to do to pull off such a trip. Her passport, ensuring she was well enough to travel, where we could go that wasn't too difficult for her to get to and enjoy, and aligning our leave from work so we could all go together.

The last thing that came into play was not only the question of whether Mum physically able to do such a trip, but was she able to emotionally and mentally. This was a big consideration given we'd flown her up to Cairns to visit my brother and Dad just a few months prior to my NZ trip and it had been an unmitigated disaster from one end to the other for a variety of reasons, but mostly due to her confusion levels ramping up a notch or 16 once she was away from home.

Over the next couple of months, I'd considered where exactly in the South Island we could go. She was keen to visit my favourite places which meant Wanaka was the top of the list! 

She would love the Wanaka Lavender Farm that opened a few years ago. It's open through the spring and summer months and has become a favourite place to visit. (Photo below is from newsroom.co.nz)

Mum has always been bit of a foodie and I'm pretty sure she would love Florence's Food Store and Cafe as it is a foodie's heaven! You can browse for ages in there and despite your best resolve, still walk out with an armful of goodies. The food pic isn't mine, however, the following one of the view is one I took on my last visit.

Near Cromwell, there is a cheese factory I doubt she could resist. They serve delicious platters and it's worth the effort to stop in at Gibbston Valley Cheese.

Another place outside of Wanaka I'm sure she'd love is Lake Tekapo, especially the little church that sits by the lake.

Sadly, it started to became obvious as her dementia deteriorated, that this trip to NZ was unlikely to happen. 

We then considered whether we could do something similar in Tasmania thinking it was within the country and there are some similarities in countryside. The more we looked at what was achievable for her and how we would need to manage it, the more it became apparent that this trip was no longer possible for her.

I was devastated. Devastated for her because she was now beyond the point of being able to fulfill her biggest dream and devastated for me because in a short space of time, the opportunity to help her realise that dream had been whisked away not just by her physical health but also by this horrid thing called dementia. 

If only I'd thought of taking her along on that first trip, when although it may have held it's challenges, it probably still would have been possible.

Two years down the track, Mum's dementia has continued to march on. Sometimes she knows me, other times she's unsure who I am. She recently had a bad fall and we were advised she was unlikely to survive more than a few days. I visited her last week and a new staff member introduced herself to Mum, saying she was originally from NZ. Mum roused enough to say my daughter is going to take me to NZ. Absolutely bittersweet.

One thing I've learned from all this is to not let go of your dreams. Don't allow other people come between you and your dreams. Don't become so disheartened by life, that you decide for whatever reason not to follow your dream. 

I don't want to end up in the sunset years of my life with a bunch of regrets like my beloved Mum.

I've become so conscious of how short life is, how quickly the years slip by and how important it is to actively pursue our dreams. I'm not going to let anything stand between me and my dream of living in NZ for a while. I plan to spend a year over there and then decide whether I wish to return or stay. 

Making this decision and setting a time frame has been a little daunting but wildly exciting and I can hardly wait for this new adventure.

Wanaka does quirky!

What I love about NZ, is the quirky factor you find tucked away in little places here there and everywhere. Quirky has always appealed to me! It the little something that can give a place it's edge. It may not be anything big or flashy, just something a little out of the ordinary that catches your attention and appeals to your senses in some way.

There are a few things to appeal to the quirky senses in Wanaka, some more obvious than others. Out near the airport, there are two museums. One is the Warbirds and Wheels Museum which as the name suggests, has a great collection of historical fighter aircraft, a private collection of over 30 classic cars and motorcycles, and also some wearable art. 

Interesting probably fits this collection more than quirky, however, I thought this one was worth the mention due to the fascinating wearable art that holds it's place in the building.

There are also two walls dedicated to the pilots of World War I and World War II. One of these displays is a Roll of Honour Wall, the other a Fighter Ace Wall that displays biographies.

The other museum is the National Transport and Toy Museum which is one of the largest private collections in the world and has to be seen to be believed. I was gobsmacked at just how much was jammed into the spaces they have there. I thought this place definitely fitted the quirky factor for the sheer number of items fitted into four huge sheds. Toys, vehicles of all descriptions, motorbikes, aircraft - absolutely incredible! Make sure you have a few hours or more if you're an enthusiast and you want to make the most of this.

Puzzling World is known as Wanaka's World of Weirdness and is a popular tourist attraction. They take pride in messing with your head through a bunch of 'bizarre buildings, rooms of illusion' and their world famous maze. Their gift shop is full of wonderful weird and strange things and plenty of puzzles that make fantastic gifts for family and friends who love anything that stretches their mind. I usually find myself having a wander through their gift shop at some point during my visits. Please note that the pics following are online pics, not mine.

My favourite place though is Cinema Paradiso. It lives in a regular building where nothing seems particularly out of the ordinary until you go into the cinema itself.  You then have collection of random couches, recliners and even an old car body with seats to watch your movie from. Again, the pics following from Cinema Paradiso were sourced online and are not mine.

You can have a light meal at the cinema as well, either eating before the movie or ordering beforehand and it will be ready for you at the intermission. Yes, they have an intermission!! And for a short time before the intermission, your nostrils are tantalised by the delicious aroma of home baked chocolate chip cookies. Huge cookies, that are ready hot and irresistibly waiting when you come out.

It's an experience that's worth the effort and a great way to wind down at the end of a day exploring or on the slopes. Do yourself a favour and check it out if you're ever visiting Wanaka and are in need some chill out time.

Back in the saddle again...

Towards the end of my last trip to Wanaka, I decided on a whim to go horse riding. After all, it had just snowed the day before and I hadn't ridden for 32 years! What better time to go right? 

I was incredibly excited and incredibly nervous too! As mentioned in my last post, this 50+ year old body wasn't quite in the same shape it was 32 years ago and after a run in with Ross River Fever, the joints aren't quite what they used to be either. However, mere details right? It's all about the adventure after all.

Back Country Saddles are 25 kms from Wanaka on the Crown Range Road and their base is situated in the old historic Woolshed on Cardrona Station. I set off and arrived about 15 minutes or so early, thinking I'd have time to get acquainted with the instructor and the horses. The place was surprisingly quiet though and I could only see two other cars. I wandered about and figured they wouldn't be too far away so used the few spare moments to eat an apple.

Ten minutes later and I was a little concerned. The ride I was booked on was supposed to leave in a few minutes and there was still no one to be seen. I had another look around and realised, cripes, I'm in the wrong place!!! The driveway I was supposed to go in should be directly opposite the Snow Farm Cross Country Ski Area and I definitely didn't see that when I drove in. Ack!

So quickly back out to the car, out the driveway and up the road about another 200 metres and the place I was meant to be was on the opposite side of the road, overlooking where I'd just been!

The other riders were on their horses and were waiting for this one last rider to arrive. Oops! Debs the instructor was lovely, we quickly went into the office/tack room to grab a helmet, weather proof jacket and sign some paperwork. 

I'd mentioned to Debs in an earlier communication that I hadn't ridden for many years, so it was bit of a big deal for me and she was very reassuring telling me I'd be fine once I got going.

She helped me up onto the very tall horse, none of this springing up and over given I couldn't even reach the dang stirrups! I can't say it was a terribly graceful maneuver, so the dismount at the end was bound to be interesting! 

Despite me being ever so organised with my warm gear, apple, and trusty camera, I realised I'd left my gloves back where I was staying in Wanaka. Ah well, how cold could it be? I was rugged up, had a warm scarf and weather proof coat, so all good.

The horses had their own place in the line, so we had to follow the rider in front and I was 3rd last in the queue. I was quite happy with this place as I had time to get re-acquainted with the whole riding thing without a huge audience and could gawk all I liked at the scenery.

We were in some of the high country between Wanaka and Queenstown, just below some of the snow clad alps. The light dusting of snow the night before saw it sitting a little lower down and while there was a light breeze, it wasn't too bad when we started off.

The track wound it's way around some of the hills on the property and across the fields up to the base of the mountains. It was a little slushy and smooshy in parts due to the snow and a little rain fall the day before.

The weather was a little changeable, looking fine for a while before becoming cloudy again, however, the rain stayed away for the ride. We rode to a scenic spot which of course was perfect for pics with the backdrop of the snow capped mountains behind us.

We were riding in western saddles which I've never ridden in before, so they took a little getting used to as the stirrups are worn a little lower than usual. That said, I think my stirrups were a little too low as it wasn't terribly comfortable as the ride went on, so a learning curve for next time.

We continued on and picked our way through a little snow across the countryside at the base of the mountains. It has it's own rugged beauty and around this time, a rather cool wind came up. I was wondering if I'd still be able to feel my fingers by the time we got back!

The ride went for around 2 hours and although I was a little disappointed we didn't get to do anymore than walk or trot, (I had visions of cantering across those fields!) it was great to be out in the great out doors on horse back again. 

My fingers were partly frozen by the time we got back and as suspected, the dismount wasn't particularly graceful at all. I wasn't the only person though who was feeling a little stiff, I was delighted to notice the young people who'd been riding behind were walking just as gingerly as I was!

We went back into the old Wool Shed in front of the fire to warm up, get some warmth into our fingers again and get the limbs moving as they should before making our way back out to the car. As usual, I managed to take one last scenic pic before I left.

Once back in Wanaka, I swung by the farmer's market that is held on Thursday afternoon's and picked up a delicious lamb shank pie that went into the oven as soon as I got back to where I was staying. It was ready by the time I'd enjoyed a very hot shower and was a great way to warm up the insides along with a hot chocolate. Have to say it was a great experience and one I look forward to doing again!

The coolest outdoor cafe in Wanaka!

The coolest cafe in Wanaka has The. Best. Views. Ever!! If you're like me and not into skiing or snowboarding, but you love the snow and don't mind going out of your way to chase a good view, then this is the cafe for you!

For this 50+ year old woman, who is a long way shy of the slender svelte person she was some years ago, the 35 minute drive along a picturesque country road followed by an adventurous 7 km drive up a rather steep well maintained gravel road that can be a little snow slushy on the edges in places, and offers stunning views on corners where there's nowhere to stop and admire them let alone take pics, is the ultimate alternative tame adventure to joining the snow bunnies on the slopes with those long spindly things called ski's.

You eventually arrive at the 'multi level' car park and are directed to a vacant spot where you rug up appropriately and have a quick gawk at the views.

You then make your way through the icy in places car park to the base building where you purchase your ticket for the scenic chairlift that includes a mug of hot chocolate at the top in the outdoor cafe. You know the cafe I mean, the coolest cafe ever!

The staff are helpful if you appear befuddled and will guide you to where you need to catch your ride, the chairlift with all the skiers! This part can be a bit daunting if like me you have your Blundstones on your feet rather than ski boots, your heavy jacket rather than ski clothing and a backpack/bag of some sort carrying the ever important camera. You kinda feel like you stand out a bit like the proverbial pimple on a pumpkin.

The staff tell you where to stand and the chair comes up behind you, so you just kind of naturally (or awkwardly at first) sit on it. There were 4 other skiers seated beside me and I can't say they were a terribly talkative lot, however, I was clearly the odd one out. I sat mesmerised for the climb up the mountain, over the snow and the skiers below. I didn't take any pics on this part of the trip and almost wished I'd gone up again so I could do so. Never fear though, I made up for it on the way back!

All too soon you arrive at the top and jump out (yes, I know that word jump conjures up all kinds of odd images) to make your way across and down the snow to the outdoor cafe. There are barely words to describe the beauty that is situated 1960 metres above sea level. These next pics show the section where you get off the chair lift.

Next up, the ever so cool, outdoor cafe! The best place to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and a slice of pizza.

Check out those mountains! Every direction you look, you are surrounded by panoramic picture perfect views.

I could have stayed there for hours enjoying those views. I was wishing I was a bit younger so I could be out there on the slopes learning to ski. It wasn't too long before I had some people join me at my table. Both skiers, husband and wife team, she had a similar name to mine and both would have been at least 10 years older than me. 

They were from Europe, I've forgotten exactly where and had been skiing most of their lives. I had a lovely brief chat with them before they headed back off to the slopes. I loved seeing families with little ones, children who looked lucky to be 2 or 3 years old learning how to ski. Some of them reasonably good at it too.

I eventually decided it was time to go back down the chairlift again and this time I had it to myself, so I was able to take photos to my heart's content. As previously mentioned, I made up for no pics on the way up!

You can just see the car park below in these next pics and the road winding back down the mountain and into Wanaka.

A few more... 

Before too long, the chair lift was back down again. It was a little tempting to go up again and I realised after I could have easily done that because it's an all day pass that you get.  Next time! For now, it was time to head back down the mountain and think about what next to explore. This is definitely something I will do again and I can honestly say, it was the best $27 I spent that trip!