cross-posted from: https://no.lastname.nz/post/1431092

We were hoping to pick up the camper on Friday, after the gas hot water had been fixed. The seller went to fire it up the morning we looked at the van but it wouldn't stay alight. After getting the gas fitter out during the week it now needs parts that hopefully will be fitted on Monday.

This has slowed down the planning and departure a tad, but oh well.

We were hoping to pick up the camper on Friday, after the gas hot water had been fixed. The seller went to fire it up the morning we looked at the van but it wouldn't stay alight. After getting the gas fitter out during the week it now needs parts that hopefully will be fitted on Monday.

This has slowed down the planning and departure a tad, but oh well.

Matt from Standup Maths has an interesting project on the go. He has an opportunity to have some compute time on a lunar rover.

cross-posted from: https://no.lastname.nz/post/1418923

Finding Our Home on Wheels:

Choosing the Right Camper for Our NZ Family Adventure

For a while now, we’ve been dreaming of hitting the road for an extended road trip around Aotearoa, New Zealand — just the four of us: two adults, two kids, and hopefully a home on wheels. After a lot of thought (and even more scrolling through trademe listings), we finally set out on the hunt for the perfect camper or bus that would suit our family’s needs, offer a bit of adventure, and keep things as comfortable and simple as possible.

First Up: The 10-Meter Bus

Our search began with big ideas — quite literally. We looked at a 10-meter bus that had plenty of potential to be converted into a spacious and functional living space. It would’ve offered room to move, plenty of storage, and space for everyone to have their own little nook.

Unfortunately, reality kicked in pretty quickly. While it was an exciting idea, the bus just needed too much work to bring it up to a livable standard. We’re not afraid of a bit of DIY, but this was going to be a major project — and with kids in tow, we wanted something a bit more turn-key.

There was also the issue of driving it. It would’ve meant my wife needing to get her heavy traffic license just to take it on the road, which added another layer of cost and complication. So, as much as we liked the space, we had to let the big bus go.

Then Came the Ford Trader

Next, we checked out an early 90s Ford Trader that had been converted into a camper. On paper, it was a good match. It had more seats — great for our two kids — and a larger kitchen setup that would have made mealtimes on the road much easier.

But again, a few red flags popped up. The price didn’t quite match its age or condition, and while it had a solar setup, it wasn’t quite what we needed. There was no inverter and some of the wiring looked like it would need upgrading before we could rely on it. The Trader had the right bones, but it felt like we’d be stepping into another “fixer-upper,” and we weren’t ready for that.

Third Time Lucky: The Mercedes Sprinter

Finally, we came across a Mercedes Sprinter camper that ticked all the boxes.

It’s already been professionally fitted out, with the kind of attention to detail we were hoping for — a good layout, working electrics, solar power, and all the essentials ready to go. It might be smaller than a full-size bus, but it’s more than enough for our family, and crucially, it doesn’t need any major upgrades before we can hit the road.

Best of all, it was within our budget. No compromises on safety, functionality, or comfort — just a solid, tidy van that’s ready for our adventures.

What's Next?

With the camper now ours (subject to pickup), the excitement is really starting to kick in. There’s a bit of organizing to do before we set off — packing, planning, and figuring out how to live with four people in a van — but the big decision is made. We're looking forward to exploring the country slowly, soaking in the scenery, and showing the kids the beauty of life on the road.

Here’s to our next chapter: the open road, starry skies, and plenty of memories waiting to be made.

Finding Our Home on Wheels:

Choosing the Right Camper for Our NZ Family Adventure

For a while now, we’ve been dreaming of hitting the road for an extended road trip around Aotearoa, New Zealand — just the four of us: two adults, two kids, and hopefully a home on wheels. After a lot of thought (and even more scrolling through trademe listings), we finally set out on the hunt for the perfect camper or bus that would suit our family’s needs, offer a bit of adventure, and keep things as comfortable and simple as possible.

First Up: The 10-Meter Bus

Our search began with big ideas — quite literally. We looked at a 10-meter bus that had plenty of potential to be converted into a spacious and functional living space. It would’ve offered room to move, plenty of storage, and space for everyone to have their own little nook.

Unfortunately, reality kicked in pretty quickly. While it was an exciting idea, the bus just needed too much work to bring it up to a livable standard. We’re not afraid of a bit of DIY, but this was going to be a major project — and with kids in tow, we wanted something a bit more turn-key.

There was also the issue of driving it. It would’ve meant my wife needing to get her heavy traffic license just to take it on the road, which added another layer of cost and complication. So, as much as we liked the space, we had to let the big bus go.

Then Came the Ford Trader

Next, we checked out an early 90s Ford Trader that had been converted into a camper. On paper, it was a good match. It had more seats — great for our two kids — and a larger kitchen setup that would have made mealtimes on the road much easier.

But again, a few red flags popped up. The price didn’t quite match its age or condition, and while it had a solar setup, it wasn’t quite what we needed. There was no inverter and some of the wiring looked like it would need upgrading before we could rely on it. The Trader had the right bones, but it felt like we’d be stepping into another “fixer-upper,” and we weren’t ready for that.

Third Time Lucky: The Mercedes Sprinter

Finally, we came across a Mercedes Sprinter camper that ticked all the boxes.

It’s already been professionally fitted out, with the kind of attention to detail we were hoping for — a good layout, working electrics, solar power, and all the essentials ready to go. It might be smaller than a full-size bus, but it’s more than enough for our family, and crucially, it doesn’t need any major upgrades before we can hit the road.

Best of all, it was within our budget. No compromises on safety, functionality, or comfort — just a solid, tidy van that’s ready for our adventures.

What's Next?

With the camper now ours (subject to pickup), the excitement is really starting to kick in. There’s a bit of organizing to do before we set off — packing, planning, and figuring out how to live with four people in a van — but the big decision is made. We're looking forward to exploring the country slowly, soaking in the scenery, and showing the kids the beauty of life on the road.

Here’s to our next chapter: the open road, starry skies, and plenty of memories waiting to be made.

x-post that the folks here may find interesting

This is a Rewarewa mead started over the long weekend

• 7.5kg honey
• made to 20 L
• fermaid at
• champagne style ec1118 yeast
• est to be a og of about 1.113

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.nz/post/21928125

An entomologist says the spread of Portuguese millipedes across Wellington - and beyond - is almost certain after residents on the south coast sounded the alarm about infestations of the invasive species.

Residents have described waking to find hundreds of scaly black millipedes around their homes, discovering them in shoes, bags and even their beds.

Biosecurity New Zealand said the invertebrate had been identified on the south coast and in Lower Hutt for about 20 years, but not much was known about it.

A local councillor is now calling for an urgent meeting with local authorities to discuss how to tackle the problem.

and in other news, Grumpy old man shouts at clouds