Bumps in the road
It would only take an hour and a half to drive from Ahipara to Kerikeri, but not wanting to risk whatever was wrong with Vandalf getting worse, we took it slow and steady, and got there in double that time.
I was told by the garage that the diagnosis would only take an hour, so I waited in the customer seating area, like a family member waiting for someone in the hospital. It ended up taking over 2 hours and I really should have gone for a walk instead of sitting there letting my mind go racing over ridiculous thoughts. I had to keep reminding my self that I was not actually waiting for a loved one in the hospital and no doubt had the staff worrying why there was a “grown adult” getting obviously emotional in their building pretending to read magazines. I had the shaking leg and the biting lip to stop my self from crying and bless my dad for knowing I would be a bit of a state over it. He kept me as distracted as he could over texts despite it being 3am in the UK. My mind went racing with thoughts of how I had no idea what I was doing over here on my own and that I was possibly going to lose this van that I had already fallen in love with and built a home in. I know how ridiculous I sounded even to myself, but love for a vehicle aside, it was going to be horrible to find out if I’d lost so much money on the wrong van so close into my adventure. Finally, someone came to talk to me and bless her for realising I was a bit worried as she sat down next to me to explain the issue.
It turned out to be the EGR valve, and after going through a few options of the best way round it, we ended up agreeing for them to order in a second hand replacement part which could cost up to $600, but it should only take an hour and should be here within a week. I was so relieved. I said I would stay local and looked forward to hearing from them, called my dad who had stayed up waiting to hear the diagnosis and he was just as relived.
I stayed a couple spots around Kerikeri over the next few days whilst waiting for the call but 2 out of 3 of the campsites weren’t very exciting. The third however will always be my absolute favourite for many reasons. I got to Haruru Falls campsite and explained I might have to just take it day by day until I know when my van would be booked in and they were so friendly and welcoming and put me on the prime spot right opposite the most stunning waterfall. After sending some photos to the family chat, we realised it was the same spot we had stayed in 20 years ago all together. Where my sister and I had walked along the rocks and our brother had randomly gone out on a kayak with a man who stayed on the campsite. It had a tiny block of toilets and showers, a tiny kitchen block with everything you could need, a pub up the road and a 5km one way walking track to the next town that will remain one of my favourite tracks.
I had a great few days. Sat on my picnic blanket by the lake, kept the van back doors open whilst watching the sunset behind the waterfall, started, and finished reading The Hobbit and enjoyed my 10km+ walks along the Haruru track. Absolute bliss. Enough bliss to make me forget that it had been over a week since my diagnosis with the garage and I hadn’t heard from them yet. So I did what I should have done, and what dad had suggested I do a few days ago, and ring them.
“Oh yes your part has just come in now so we can book you in, the next available date will be 3 weeks from now”.
I can still remember how much rage I had, though of course I didn’t let it show over the phone, I’m far too polite, but it was hard to hide my disappointment to the reception lady. I honestly don’t remember that last time I felt so angry – angry with the garage sure, why the hell would they tell me it would only be a “week or so”, why the hell didn’t they just book me in after the diagnosis if they knew it would take this long, they OBVIOUSLY forgot about me, so why the hell didn’t I ring them earlier? I was so, so angry with myself. I had to go do something, this was a horrible feeling and I felt ridiculous for being so affected by it. I went for a walk, no music, just rage in my head and my feet even kicking stones to let out some anger. It took me 37 minutes and 23 seconds to calm down according to the time on my strava app. 37:23 minutes and I started breathing normally again, started smiling and even laughing about how emotional I had got over this. I was so lucky to have so much time on my adventure, so what if I had 3 weeks to find something to do in NEW ZEALAND before getting my van fixed. So, after a 12 mile walkdown to Paihia and back, I started making some plans.
The engineer in the garage said I shouldn’t drive too far but I double checked my plan with them, and they said it would be fine. So I told the awesome campsite owners that I was planning on heading up to Cape Reinga and I’d be back to spend at least the last week before getting my van fixed. I said goodbye to my neighbour friend and his cat from the last few days with excitement to hit the road!
That was until Vandalf, poor Vandalf, did bugger all when I turned my key in the ignition. He was completely, utterly dead. My lovely neighbour was supposed to leave for his MOT but stopped long enough to try both our jump leads with his battery, nothing. He left me to look after his cat whilst I tried not to cry, who wasn’t much comfort as he ran off somewhere and I not only spent the next hour thinking I’d killed my van but also that I had lost his bloody cat.
Long story short – insurance, it’s totally worth it. The nice lady on the phone made sure I was safe and okay and had someone come out within the hour. The legend jumpstarted my van and that was it. Nothing to pay, nothing to sign. He showed me how to use my isolator which he recommended if I was staying idle for a while or making sure I start up the engine every so often (which dad had also suggested). I left Vandalf running for half an hour and managed to find that man’s cat. So, after my heart went back to its normal rhythm, and I hugged Vandalf’s steering wheel for not dying on me. We once again, hit the road… slow and steady though.
