So we set off in the parents van, especially brought for the trip.after getting to Whangarei late we set off the next morning to Pangaru, where Ash's Great Grandmother lives.
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| Ash chilling at her Nans place. |
Pangaru was very remote and is used mainly for farming and forestry and I couldn't help but notice the many little catholic churches around the area. I was told of the Giants that use to live in the area back in the days and that there bone were still up in the caves of the mountains. Ash's cousin had got her some oysters at her request so since she was pregnant, me and her father helped our selves to them. They were terrible! (code word for freaken awesome so tell everyone they are terrible so you can have more to yourself)
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| Half down, half to go!! |
Its was great to hang out with Ma (as everyone called her) and I could tell that she has a real soft spot for Ash. She gave her heaps of baby clothes and promised to crochet some stuff for her as well. The next day we went to catch the ferry but missed it so Ash was keen to head down to the shop for an ice cream...... or two!!
Once the Powhiri was over we got into cooking and hanging out, and getting to mingle with all of the family. The bay where the marae was, was called Wainui bay, and it was very remote and peaceful. I really liked it there and we had a nice time there with all the family, going to the beach and hanging out, and helping with the cooking and cleaning.
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| View for the back of the whare kai |
The next day was a really quiet one for us as it was the sabbath day. We found out that a couple of bays over was a chapel so we went over and took Camerin and Chan Ashan's cousins with us. the church was a house and a big garage converted into a sacrament room. The Branch President was a couple from Rotorua that we had seen before and they recognised us too. The speakers were great and we were really glad we went.
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| The house chapel. |
That night everyone went down to the beach for a drink so me and Ash and a Nan (great aunt) stay back in the wharenui (meeting house) where we were all sleeping. It was dark, and the lights were off and Ash woke up while I was on my phone and asked, "whats that noise, is it the boy playing tricks?" I said it was nothing and she calmed down a bit. Then all of a sudden there was this big noise, UHHHHHHHHH, like someone waking up from the dead and taking a huge breath!! Ash screamed!! Then her Nan goes, "sorry did I give you a fright? A bug flew in my nose....." (the night before Ash was freaking out cause she felt she was going to get a visit by a spirit). After Ash changed her undies we all had a chuckle and went back to sleep.
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| The beach at Wainui Bay. |
I guess before I end this part of the story, I must mention one of the locals at the Marae, how has obviously been eating far too much meat over the years and has paid the price. I showed Ayuri this picture and told her, that's what happens if you don't eat vegetables and fruit!!!
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| When you push that poo too hard something else pops out... |
Then in a little building where the Iwi are doing research on their history and genealogy, I found this massive as snapper trophy that I couldn't help but get a photo with and send it to my boss at work. One day I will catch one that big....
It was really nice being with Ash's family and they hope to make it an annual event. It was also a time that I remember my Dad and his passing away, and I had some time to reflect on that. I guess my thoughts and memories have changed a little over the years and I just remember the good things that he did and the great example he was to me. I know that he is close to me and my family, and blesses us in many ways.
To be continued......
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