Farewell to the compact lock and a nuisance

08.02.20

The last hours in the compact lock are approaching. One last breakfast - indoors - and then it's time to pack. The compact lock is not big, but we have surprisingly spread out here in the last two weeks. We collect and gather together. In between, we still have to go to the dump station. The wastewater tank is full, unfortunately the fresh water tank is empty. The campground is rather tight and some maneuvering is necessary. Oops....those are the trash cans. Now the tank is empty and the lock should go back to the pitch. No problem! Now there is a bit more space, the other campers are leaving slowly. Crunch, snap....that doesn't sound good!! I accidentally hit a stone. Backed up, drove around and parked forward. The dent is quite impressive! Luckily, we chose a good insurance. I'm still annoyed! It's about 10 KM to the car rental....on the last stretch....aaaaaahhhhhh! The Doll takes it with humor and calls me Quax, the crash pilot....

At some point the suitcases are packed, everything is tidied up and it's time to leave, it also starts to rain again. Just filled up quickly and now we're back on the campervans rental yard.

Campers among themselves, and among each other (freely adapted from Erich Kästner)

Campers are a colorful bunch. Local campers are mainly characterized by deep relaxation. The tourist campers are occasionally.....different. While we are waiting for the return of the compact lock, we overhear that a German couple apparently did not read the rental conditions correctly before booking - which they unfortunately do not understand either. They are stressed and snappy and demand to see the boss. The employee turns to us. She is close to tears. Our friendly words almost make it worse. The lock is inspected. Is the damage from us? Yes. It's insured. No problem. Because of the employee's distress, we express our criticism with a lot of humor (lack of cleanliness in the lock, collapsing camping chairs, questionably secured microwave). We laugh a lot. Overall, it all goes very quick and uncomplicated. And suddenly we are back in front of the Novotel at the airport. Our time in New Zealand is almost over...

We are expecting a large room, a real bed and a bathroom that only we use. Wonderful! 

The 2 weeks in the compact lock were incredibly beautiful! And the toilet was simply heavenly!! We drove 2854 KM - considering that we don't even drive 10,000 KM in a YEAR with our two cars....quite impressive! We had a lot of fun and the togetherness was especially beautiful. We are already looking forward to the next time!!

Coffee break is also necessary today, but in the hotel bar on the 6th floor with a view of the runway. The dinner is a bit more Spartan....Whopper with cheese...but we wash that down with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Then we make ourselves presentable again....shave and such. On the way to smoke, the concierge tells me that it hasn't rained in Christchurch for 32 weeks. Then we also don't want to complain, but rather are glad to be here....