Shane Batchelor (Page 6)

Arrived in Blenheim Racecourse (NZMCA) on Sunday 8th June at about 1500hrs. The weather was semi overcast and cool, however it didn’t stop us catching up with good friends Phil & Julia. By the time we left early evening it was actually getting a lot colder so was nice getting back to a nice warm home, at one stage Jude looked and spotted the Starlink Satellites all lined up. (Feature image) Monday was bike ride day where we enjoyed riding to Taylor’s Dam. When we arrived at the Dam there is a steep loose and rocky climb of about 20m and proud to see JudeRead More →

5th June we headed to Kaikoura stopping for brunch along the coastline to watch a 5-6m swell crashing into the coastline, the photo doesn’t do the reality any credit. Once arriving at Kaikoura NZMCA we mount up and did a ride to Point Kean a round trip of 19km. Started off a cool afternoon however as soon as that sun dropped down it got really cold, I was fortunate to have full gloves on but my ears stung a little from the cold. Jude was lucky to have long enough hair to cover her ears but she felt the sting in her hands. A hotRead More →

We have been on the road again for two weeks now. Our first stop was Queenstown for Jude to have a Tight Five weekend which is a bi-annual get together for five close friends that have made it a must do for some years now. While Jude was there I headed to Cromwell for a couple of days riding my MTB. After Judes weekend we headed to Tekapo for the evening, a lovely walk into the village rounded the day off nicely. The next day we headed Geraldine to purchase some more immunity shots and sauces from Barkers as well as brunch before winding upRead More →

Late post but better late than never aye! Wow! The Australian National Rugby League Magic Round… What a tournament to go to. The trip had been planned four months ago and it’s amazing how time flys. Jude and I were really please to be included in the group that her son Tom and daughter in-law affectionately called Kimbo by us. Others joining us were Dave, Jude’s oldest son and wife Ruth, Dave Lyndsay and partner Nik, dear friends of Tom’s Jake and partner and Adam whom all reside in Aussie. Wednesday afternoon we all headed to Frankton for the night as had an early riseRead More →

What a weekend, starting on Friday with an early rise to attend the Dawn Parade which was well patronised by Otautau and surrounding districts, the Emergency Services (Fire Rescue & Ambulance) whom marched to the cenotaph to pay their respects. Jude’s sons Tom & Sam both Volunteer Firefighters looked smart in their No1s and Jude was so proud of them. It was a privilege for Sam to lower and raise our nations flag. The weather was cool but fine with a light fog lifting which added to the atmosphere of the occasion. After the ceremony we attended the morning cuppa and nibbles before heading backRead More →

Above photo – by Jude. This has been a wonderful Easter weekend as Jude and I managed to catch up with some dear friends that we had not seen for a while. It was also a good weekend of NRL action which seen my Warriors pull off a fantastic win against the QLD Broncos and Judes favourite team the Panthers having a good win. Today my grand daughter completed her 11th circuit of the sun and was good to hop into Invercargill to wish her a happy birthday and of course drop her gift off. Tonight we enjoyed an amazing bao dinner with Traeger cookedRead More →