tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38630999329619705472024-03-19T21:48:20.062+13:00Romany RamblerOur blog of travels both near and far, in our wonderful country New Zealand and occasionally overseas.Jenny and Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11028982306470082656noreply@blogger.comBlogger2550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-22765762080783734162024-03-16T22:06:00.000+13:002024-03-16T22:06:56.904+13:00Lunch at Paekakariki<p style="text-align: justify;"> We met up with our SLG friends during the week. It was Robin's turn to arrange an outing for March, and he decided to meet for lunch at the Paekakariki Hotel. The meaning of Paekakariki is "pae" for perching and "kakariki" is a native parrot. The local cafe just across the road from the pub is called "The Perching Parrot". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe6OypPtgWvnvWerFxEWjSR9LkrKWWhsH5AuZJbyTO-jYWa5QXEWzLE3KJHlIzJ6Jw5yFgOifpDRVmvIDTIs0-i_waHTo-sQu5dnSNAokERkTHGdG-YL_TCZYgQ1IVPI4zl0zYurmwyq6SSaconKPJ17jMlAFYWQFfT3WbGTmBu9OlYswpW1UusOnY7yu/s4896/P1050793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe6OypPtgWvnvWerFxEWjSR9LkrKWWhsH5AuZJbyTO-jYWa5QXEWzLE3KJHlIzJ6Jw5yFgOifpDRVmvIDTIs0-i_waHTo-sQu5dnSNAokERkTHGdG-YL_TCZYgQ1IVPI4zl0zYurmwyq6SSaconKPJ17jMlAFYWQFfT3WbGTmBu9OlYswpW1UusOnY7yu/w640-h480/P1050793.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Paekakariki Hotel</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Calvin and Helen joined us in Finn's Restaurant for lunch, with Trish unable to make it. As we sat at the table by the window, we remarked at the railway barrier arms coming down across the road, stopping traffic as a train went by. This happened time and time again while we were enjoying our meal, passenger trains arriving and departing regularly, and the occasional freight trains too. This is a very busy rail line indeed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We took some time choosing our meals - I was after soup as it was a chilly day, but no soup on the menu just yet, I was told. Eventually, we placed our orders, and the food arrived. I tried corn fritters for a change, and Robin enjoyed his sweet and sour pork on rice. Having a nice meal for lunch means I don't have to cook another meal for our dinner that night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pUkTUu6kBf5R875fZ85dXrEA6TPkUt9Hvvmf31DknaU9quM63DNPusbpLQ1XVmx4kyEOUFBzEgbdfst9Psk4DdBbPgctqfmWW-wpX_3x9AK8Q9Tk40gdQeNuKBgU9XP9gOhndGXAV1mv1pxwyH54Y87J-Gj_V5QR06ZtTFPvzxp3-8zLURcudNlKWbWG/s4896/P1050787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pUkTUu6kBf5R875fZ85dXrEA6TPkUt9Hvvmf31DknaU9quM63DNPusbpLQ1XVmx4kyEOUFBzEgbdfst9Psk4DdBbPgctqfmWW-wpX_3x9AK8Q9Tk40gdQeNuKBgU9XP9gOhndGXAV1mv1pxwyH54Y87J-Gj_V5QR06ZtTFPvzxp3-8zLURcudNlKWbWG/w640-h480/P1050787.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Corn fritters for lunch</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There was plenty to chat about as usual, including our friend Trish who was about to embark on an overseas adventure, how exciting for her. We certainly wished her well, and safe travels. With our SLG numbers so much lower these days, the time for the draw had come around again, and we picked a piece of paper showing who selected which month for the next few months.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGBP2jL_4xsyt7j2VBxiHLgO6GbP78s23qjxyN_KAUxlkl55zBrr2da-_mFqz7GnYQgdaX09i4kC4RxHxPWgTkBAyJc_QR35gW9rNj1S0ZM5if3HAg2pwjJfHT8JAYttLe2M_O8eBjUVHojyEwgk4gCNiOZS6nvON4NUuPf7fWEWMYpbcnQOGHkVvHVCw/s4896/P1050789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGBP2jL_4xsyt7j2VBxiHLgO6GbP78s23qjxyN_KAUxlkl55zBrr2da-_mFqz7GnYQgdaX09i4kC4RxHxPWgTkBAyJc_QR35gW9rNj1S0ZM5if3HAg2pwjJfHT8JAYttLe2M_O8eBjUVHojyEwgk4gCNiOZS6nvON4NUuPf7fWEWMYpbcnQOGHkVvHVCw/w640-h480/P1050789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Calvin, Helen, Robin and Jenny</div><p style="text-align: justify;">THere was an interesting print of an old painting (painted in 1868) on the wall by our table, which I investigated, showing the local Maori people and their waka (boats) on the beach, with Mana Island in the background.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN01g8ki4qT0zYmtcePQKd4ikFcFoYunz7QXfPmx3trmGQlvTiMfDx2I2iXDg5Dow8ca1Z5gIwqzObW_YDlV49CD3W-Uj5Mk4ZxMo5P3TCOTxFmi6obhZmIJ94I8R-AvF-DMjFWbx_3qPtNGHmvzP8Gx6p2A-m4JFV-FokKJVm_Yl81SiChp1M3hHgmaVN/s4896/P1050790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN01g8ki4qT0zYmtcePQKd4ikFcFoYunz7QXfPmx3trmGQlvTiMfDx2I2iXDg5Dow8ca1Z5gIwqzObW_YDlV49CD3W-Uj5Mk4ZxMo5P3TCOTxFmi6obhZmIJ94I8R-AvF-DMjFWbx_3qPtNGHmvzP8Gx6p2A-m4JFV-FokKJVm_Yl81SiChp1M3hHgmaVN/w640-h480/P1050790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was time to say our goodbyes and we headed home, stopping off at a couple of places with things to cross off on our list. And no trip along the coast is complete without a stop to admire Kapiti Island, is it. This really is my favourite island, I have to say.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxwzlwY-JJ0cJGyoojJmtYerb7mZ64Amk9q8quhsloc-mKWunXTGcqM1kLsCaoYnaamh0NeRPKP7yKMaj1UBP7TBK0dLEQTXjt6ai39LN21WakRCIrIXXIabFTldEtmiPApfc77NuTXuijwqW4RgQ1lVoxj9HKFgf0IPvJJV1PZ3VQrkESNAGSkhA-I0C/s4896/P1050795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxwzlwY-JJ0cJGyoojJmtYerb7mZ64Amk9q8quhsloc-mKWunXTGcqM1kLsCaoYnaamh0NeRPKP7yKMaj1UBP7TBK0dLEQTXjt6ai39LN21WakRCIrIXXIabFTldEtmiPApfc77NuTXuijwqW4RgQ1lVoxj9HKFgf0IPvJJV1PZ3VQrkESNAGSkhA-I0C/w640-h480/P1050795.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kapiti Island, along the coast road</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-51754110287745252212024-03-04T14:51:00.003+13:002024-03-04T14:52:28.464+13:00Kahutara School<p style="text-align: justify;"> Moving on from the Domain Reserve on Friday afternoon, we traveled on to Kahutara School, our home for the next two nights. In Maori tradition, the name Kahutara was one of the great ocean-going voyaging canoes which was used in the migrations which settled in New Zealand. There were eight vans on site for the weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTHctQSHx43zqaiMUz7AcGTXNENPwSxBEQaFRH5R37pNE7dLs5qqMUvUb0C1ABhypin3DnsxZ4GEIZDUGrCyf2kpGmxvDgwGZj20Sn3_b1AX_JwiJj6Wu8qrfMPJ95YDOLVUW02FerR1VMgmu68xEi__Mdv8fyrWGJ8b5vfzXeKvwbs_ELxJFgykK2F5T/s4896/P1050727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTHctQSHx43zqaiMUz7AcGTXNENPwSxBEQaFRH5R37pNE7dLs5qqMUvUb0C1ABhypin3DnsxZ4GEIZDUGrCyf2kpGmxvDgwGZj20Sn3_b1AX_JwiJj6Wu8qrfMPJ95YDOLVUW02FerR1VMgmu68xEi__Mdv8fyrWGJ8b5vfzXeKvwbs_ELxJFgykK2F5T/w640-h480/P1050727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TRRC7bz-ONwH_bQt8j1ZZshn_0uZBLiJVa7afNoWeFGvKErtkn28Fkz73AhXrUDQmM-wEaJwRIMEdxjlj-G4YIq81iHoMNzPOgkFGMeVLPGMRqWf8Obe0gT3KCJIA6yPFZ1nPvatULm81cOUTJ2o2JzuE2FnBBpJECP76x91uoAqMi7MLW7WEnOkY82I/s4896/P1050748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TRRC7bz-ONwH_bQt8j1ZZshn_0uZBLiJVa7afNoWeFGvKErtkn28Fkz73AhXrUDQmM-wEaJwRIMEdxjlj-G4YIq81iHoMNzPOgkFGMeVLPGMRqWf8Obe0gT3KCJIA6yPFZ1nPvatULm81cOUTJ2o2JzuE2FnBBpJECP76x91uoAqMi7MLW7WEnOkY82I/w640-h480/P1050748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Camping at Kahutara School</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We enjoyed 4zees on the school verandah, and after our evening meal, gathered together in the hall. There was a cake to celebrate Pamela's recent birthday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjtlFd5v08aAesLWXCgFzjrKXYFjQBbFKdnZqbCMN_dj7n2LeMoqAnJgg-Kl8H-32hno4Jl21eXCr1POeKI1-n-AnUJlMxZsqxOWfO-F1jcmUNujpsZupDAw5gHTGguDqa4eZzzMgFrCacH5-eryoRgqliO4TjXBx-QLE5pEmwYDrcXWMx0hnKnd2djTy/s4896/P1050728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjtlFd5v08aAesLWXCgFzjrKXYFjQBbFKdnZqbCMN_dj7n2LeMoqAnJgg-Kl8H-32hno4Jl21eXCr1POeKI1-n-AnUJlMxZsqxOWfO-F1jcmUNujpsZupDAw5gHTGguDqa4eZzzMgFrCacH5-eryoRgqliO4TjXBx-QLE5pEmwYDrcXWMx0hnKnd2djTy/w640-h480/P1050728.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, Pamela</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Helen and Stuart had organised a quiz for us to do, from the Dominion Post 5 Minute Quiz Book. We were given a coloured page featuring a group of well known New Zealanders to see how many we recognised. Most of the men were fairly easy to pick, but some of the women had us stumped. Winston Peters, the Christchurch Wizard, Sam Hunt and Barry Crump were certainly recognisable, as were Jenny Shipley and Lorraine Downes, and who remembers Chloe from Wainuiomata? Seems John certainly did, as she used to bring her pink scooter to his workshop to be serviced! Owen and Helen were the winners with the highest score, congratulations.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT10Eg1Y4drCXHiWTqRc8zYDS4PUOA-sDT3RFmWW1M4zPHVCiNF3-uPZvxs18qPd3mPb_QBaFb7U2At0eQESVZSwUllRjfY0P4Pelp1tE81Ss7aqXwdI9wB8eBTxpmeF312NdZFt6XIMqevUXNcOiCtifnAoHgih2tWGI_an41Dls_yDztLEQi5h2QWI0p/s4896/P1050744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT10Eg1Y4drCXHiWTqRc8zYDS4PUOA-sDT3RFmWW1M4zPHVCiNF3-uPZvxs18qPd3mPb_QBaFb7U2At0eQESVZSwUllRjfY0P4Pelp1tE81Ss7aqXwdI9wB8eBTxpmeF312NdZFt6XIMqevUXNcOiCtifnAoHgih2tWGI_an41Dls_yDztLEQi5h2QWI0p/w640-h480/P1050744.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Saturday was Martinborough Fair Day and most of us traveled to see what bargains we could find, and to enjoy the experience. We were delighted to find that the Martinborough Hotel had whitebait fritters on offer, so we certainly couldn't pass them by. Whitebait is a New Zealand delicacy, a little pricy, but so delicious and after all, how often do we get to eat whitebait? Our fritters were served as a sandwhich between two pieces of white bread, and we savoured every mouthful. Luckily there was plenty of tables dotted around outside the hotel so we sat in comfort eating our snack and watched the world go by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGYbioIXGRmgAFGLNsCjOqvj4zsQbn-x_FJT4q27v8hTYai5arlQrISa3NKPD_1n2oZxus4JSVA46oKsgGfGcjTYdYE34K1n-gG4J7y1SY4Xb8wEtrTNNjNvnIPyDzYDsBlHGhcjho0TLeiN_W1MnUpdu25Cy6oVEIrnFEfXzXtHbMr8eRGuwbMeEqgSS/s4896/P1050730-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGYbioIXGRmgAFGLNsCjOqvj4zsQbn-x_FJT4q27v8hTYai5arlQrISa3NKPD_1n2oZxus4JSVA46oKsgGfGcjTYdYE34K1n-gG4J7y1SY4Xb8wEtrTNNjNvnIPyDzYDsBlHGhcjho0TLeiN_W1MnUpdu25Cy6oVEIrnFEfXzXtHbMr8eRGuwbMeEqgSS/w640-h480/P1050730-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Cooking up the fritters</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNZZsdqfyU0dFpqvEPVAY3O4kBAiMs9rxN4nQQTT6MceRpO6NDpnF7xWt_7kgOfnp6TdGjTVnXXsecSHc3lvRQo2zW1uw8zzDSmwkejhIilTxHNG6usyBuKZmYj67m8iOCPmXZQfRRi_AxUng8bRABuv1qL-uazBXgtRtfcS7tdC_i-R6vvHWnCcY4SX7/s4896/P1050729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNZZsdqfyU0dFpqvEPVAY3O4kBAiMs9rxN4nQQTT6MceRpO6NDpnF7xWt_7kgOfnp6TdGjTVnXXsecSHc3lvRQo2zW1uw8zzDSmwkejhIilTxHNG6usyBuKZmYj67m8iOCPmXZQfRRi_AxUng8bRABuv1qL-uazBXgtRtfcS7tdC_i-R6vvHWnCcY4SX7/w640-h480/P1050729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here it is, so yummy</div><p style="text-align: justify;">Fed and fortified we joined the crowds to wander around the fair, checking out the stalls. There were so many people, some with dogs on leads, some with kids and pushchairs, all slowing walking around. We purchased a kilo of lovely fresh strawberries for our shared dessert that night, found some of our favourite locally produced chocolates to buy, and that was about all. I was really after some cheese and fresh seasons apples but couldn't find either. I posed by the memorial gates - there is a family story that my Mother was christened here in Martinborough the day these gates were officially opened.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPf1GqDEghGim8u07qvex5JnW_1oB7RllP9BmWImk4nbLJ62fGgVuK0MrbeSs3rGpJKRdRq3rErnzJWsvrULOuOXlaGm5mOmOIP9Y3NZqQN0pNprebVwiH0_h8PC5_7X5S1lilk-UnkX8SIyhYwvjnElBXGKUFQT6d6fz86HPG8QyehSZl7CctNO7_m7L/s4896/P1050734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPf1GqDEghGim8u07qvex5JnW_1oB7RllP9BmWImk4nbLJ62fGgVuK0MrbeSs3rGpJKRdRq3rErnzJWsvrULOuOXlaGm5mOmOIP9Y3NZqQN0pNprebVwiH0_h8PC5_7X5S1lilk-UnkX8SIyhYwvjnElBXGKUFQT6d6fz86HPG8QyehSZl7CctNO7_m7L/w300-h400/P1050734.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Historic gates at Martinborough Square</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We had seen enough of the fair and being on our feet by then, so back we drove to the van. Streams of cars were still arriving, people come from near and far to attend this fair. We had lunch and commented that the weather was lovely and calm - this area is usually so very wild and windy as on our previous visits. Murphy's Law, in the afternoon the wind got up, and just kept getting stronger. The wind didn't put the hardy BBQers off though, Owen fired his one up and cooked his meal, plus meat for Don and Robin as well. Thanks Owen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTup9PfGu8OsdB_OoTl1BrIjBK7Spq4CFOpkcV7ieagm-7Pt28Z9ohopwQqUNA_1lmU5yNqx5E4G1twSqxB9RDO0-eF0FcFnl8-4XAVDn7agNE4Y8TP1O-KvCuK6WUCB0Wmm8cx_ofX7QfadrHZNXQcYd1loRvF1iT4kXxiRBWu7qVhSHaLIrCEcN9hw9p/s4896/P1050747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTup9PfGu8OsdB_OoTl1BrIjBK7Spq4CFOpkcV7ieagm-7Pt28Z9ohopwQqUNA_1lmU5yNqx5E4G1twSqxB9RDO0-eF0FcFnl8-4XAVDn7agNE4Y8TP1O-KvCuK6WUCB0Wmm8cx_ofX7QfadrHZNXQcYd1loRvF1iT4kXxiRBWu7qVhSHaLIrCEcN9hw9p/w640-h480/P1050747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Owen and Robin as supervisor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Gathered around the long tables, we all ate together, rather like a very large family gathering. Then it was time for the shared desserts, such a spread. Jelly and icecream, peaches and strawberries, chocolate cheesecake and mini pavs, plus several lots of chocolates. Plenty for everyone and some even had seconds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwNk_T528HudSPRSz7J9wnlTRIAn1AC5J9sxYALQfNnhMh5fqJnGNmMC9A4USb2DcUZAR26ffOaGo4xy0AbBedRq1GeCaUZ63RH9O_N9yiMPjdRHUqdoGG8cIyn50bVvPa5p4B3p-cqHU_1yK7i4_P4ICHWEdSJnkw5lcfF8TZ1Ler7NWFgXi-_UGRlyw/s4896/P1050750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwNk_T528HudSPRSz7J9wnlTRIAn1AC5J9sxYALQfNnhMh5fqJnGNmMC9A4USb2DcUZAR26ffOaGo4xy0AbBedRq1GeCaUZ63RH9O_N9yiMPjdRHUqdoGG8cIyn50bVvPa5p4B3p-cqHU_1yK7i4_P4ICHWEdSJnkw5lcfF8TZ1Ler7NWFgXi-_UGRlyw/w640-h480/P1050750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pot Luck dessert</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That evening the wind really came calling, shaking the caravans with angry bursts through the night just to show us who was boss. We did worry about traveling home with wind warnings in place. But luckily, the wind died away, the warnings were lifted, and we traveled back over the Remutaka Hill without any problems. Another enjoyable caravan club rally weekend.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-78981279949128056862024-03-02T12:24:00.001+13:002024-03-02T12:25:29.147+13:00Over the Remutaka Hill<p style="text-align: justify;"> Another rally weekend had rolled around, this time we were going to stay at Kahutara School in South Wairarapa. Living where we do, it's always a bit of a mission to get to the Wairarapa. We can travel either north or south, crossing over a mountain range to get there, and either trip takes us two hours. This time we headed south, through Upper Hutt and Kaitoke and over the Remutaka Hill. There was a traffic hold up in Kaitoke, and we were interested to see what was going on. Obviously a large slip had happened a while ago and now the land had been sealed over. We noticed men hanging off ropes on the steep slope - checking for something it seemed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhKBNmxYavGVlD7D0C1NTOAuB8n6zV1BQmUn118eHKUOUX74thAKh5-cEmRP0zL5036zrJ2pZyBXsvncNkUAQP66J-o_4Z6mFjAvxuHXaJhCf5vpT0o8Xf_Odp86CP_Q-XnrfFFAryR1uMM5zYg8uhTvhB1i-fKVn3-0jhBfTsk-4eNwiPyoAAVIc4kUc/s4896/P1050712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhKBNmxYavGVlD7D0C1NTOAuB8n6zV1BQmUn118eHKUOUX74thAKh5-cEmRP0zL5036zrJ2pZyBXsvncNkUAQP66J-o_4Z6mFjAvxuHXaJhCf5vpT0o8Xf_Odp86CP_Q-XnrfFFAryR1uMM5zYg8uhTvhB1i-fKVn3-0jhBfTsk-4eNwiPyoAAVIc4kUc/w640-h480/P1050712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Land slip on Kaitoke Hill</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then it was up, up, up the Remutaka Hill, towing the caravan behind us. We stopped at the top so I could get a photo of the memorial at the top commemorating the Rimutaka Crossing. Unveiled in September 2015, this art work was created to remember the thousands of infantry men who marched over the Rimutaka Hill prior to their departure to the Western Front in World War One.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XW3AKdoGqH5IjcQhn3HQkP6u_-IdwHaqu6wW0KekczIQ1a3cwCoEn_TUyLM-Wp5vfpM-MmhlA8E2Q7lAQDfP7Ya7IBNbxTpWApSvm5XUFgZo_euGDgttZzON015e4HbZ6vLmgoGpCuyZNxORy-y1kuzo4vyVa1-PlF8Z_1PQuC6NwcdrHI1dRBFYMMpF/s4896/P1050716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XW3AKdoGqH5IjcQhn3HQkP6u_-IdwHaqu6wW0KekczIQ1a3cwCoEn_TUyLM-Wp5vfpM-MmhlA8E2Q7lAQDfP7Ya7IBNbxTpWApSvm5XUFgZo_euGDgttZzON015e4HbZ6vLmgoGpCuyZNxORy-y1kuzo4vyVa1-PlF8Z_1PQuC6NwcdrHI1dRBFYMMpF/w640-h480/P1050716.JPG" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lest we Forget</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The eagle eyed amongst you would have noticed the two different spellings I have written for this hill road, built in the 1870s. Following a treaty settlement Rimutaka has been changed to Remutaka by the NZ Geographic Board. The previous name Rimutaka had no meaning in te reo Marori, while Remutaka means "sitting down to rest". So named by a chief as he sat down to rest while pursuing his run away wife across the ranges to Wairarapa. And the Remutaka Hill Road has had it's named changed to Remutaka Pass, but that doesnt seem to be in common usage yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW-tdEdZpvO6NPZpy4GUhezFvt_ZIFJ6Hd6pMbRt0Bj3eI20HO2YHytAfc-hLbR9brNUfmzRCgTwxDauvrqscOTEvRXktl38oTeiXudmcuD04r5GxDS3vI8nVEbxKVrps79I4Nn0YHDIbRubqDrFz7drxlfbJKi2Fq9Nt8VgHVl1sBPayCOSBBFfkt1IW/s4896/P1050719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW-tdEdZpvO6NPZpy4GUhezFvt_ZIFJ6Hd6pMbRt0Bj3eI20HO2YHytAfc-hLbR9brNUfmzRCgTwxDauvrqscOTEvRXktl38oTeiXudmcuD04r5GxDS3vI8nVEbxKVrps79I4Nn0YHDIbRubqDrFz7drxlfbJKi2Fq9Nt8VgHVl1sBPayCOSBBFfkt1IW/w640-h480/P1050719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The rally venue wasn't available till 4.00pm so we arranged to meet Owen and Helen for lunch at Lake Domain Reserve. The lake was calm, with black swans quietly feeding, so we picked a place to stop, got our chairs out, and sat admiring the peaceful surroundings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9bZOiuWiQ0I6GIlNivhL5tcik1oC8cLnHp-I0WQ5l-BwKb-S1ZbMmQKTtXBWUNmZhBmybKiIyjpQm2qiVdzL7-FlzMgSJT8JnvIImC_zNgYW6f3wPY6NhbU064DbGb3UaL8gq7Ib31Aim6yHSnVDTEQtn7jS6Wlv8yrJ7Va3AKU2WVbWSZ-iDMzEgfXB/s4896/P1050720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9bZOiuWiQ0I6GIlNivhL5tcik1oC8cLnHp-I0WQ5l-BwKb-S1ZbMmQKTtXBWUNmZhBmybKiIyjpQm2qiVdzL7-FlzMgSJT8JnvIImC_zNgYW6f3wPY6NhbU064DbGb3UaL8gq7Ib31Aim6yHSnVDTEQtn7jS6Wlv8yrJ7Va3AKU2WVbWSZ-iDMzEgfXB/w640-h480/P1050720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First to arrive for lunch</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Owen and Helen weren't too far behind us, parked up and we enjoyed a picnic lunch together. There was quite a bit of honking from geese over the other side of the lake, and we wondered what kept disturbing them. the noise would quiet down, then away the went again, honking loudly once again. This is a freedom camping area, and on a hot. sunny, wind free Wairarapa day, it was delightful. So nice in fact, that we decided it should be put on the next rally schedule for a summer rally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGo2z0JNJUrgUXXxC3ZUkPFHRB7hUUjC0Z_1sp3JQVu_zx14QATGpHmJwL5j9KNlqk5i9xnl2yu0iPD2Mpe9eXTRyiTMszvQjHSTOITnP1Rnefw8JsqGD1F-smX-D7nr5-BkKilKXWoqY2jVM2w8yTNn09CljK9L1OzoWobnqZT1o29GUxnnJJ87SMasO/s4896/P1050721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGo2z0JNJUrgUXXxC3ZUkPFHRB7hUUjC0Z_1sp3JQVu_zx14QATGpHmJwL5j9KNlqk5i9xnl2yu0iPD2Mpe9eXTRyiTMszvQjHSTOITnP1Rnefw8JsqGD1F-smX-D7nr5-BkKilKXWoqY2jVM2w8yTNn09CljK9L1OzoWobnqZT1o29GUxnnJJ87SMasO/w640-h480/P1050721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then there were two</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After lunch, Owen decided he wanted to explore, so we hopped in his shiny black car and set off to see what we could find. Sadly, the road didn't go all around the lake, so it was quite a short drive indeed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC4-fgHhJW5n8ZpBj0xd1mIIy3OZNlzK0CekEK1Tgz2EZ0pmlqfmBP66zuiMH31dbUW73IinaUqrM3vwYtcSneYVQboegan5t0NmXk6LVCBTgcCVXFGt-iXA3o7Xw_gj5Qfyz_mGTjAGY102T823TmpAzEMLn3zel36nNsKTIhl_NtMZKtmh9mGrxHIJ-/s4896/P1050723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwC4-fgHhJW5n8ZpBj0xd1mIIy3OZNlzK0CekEK1Tgz2EZ0pmlqfmBP66zuiMH31dbUW73IinaUqrM3vwYtcSneYVQboegan5t0NmXk6LVCBTgcCVXFGt-iXA3o7Xw_gj5Qfyz_mGTjAGY102T823TmpAzEMLn3zel36nNsKTIhl_NtMZKtmh9mGrxHIJ-/w640-h480/P1050723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We stood on the small foot bridge at the end of the road and watched as two dogs had the time of their lives retrieving sticks thrown into the stream for them. Of course, they both wanted to grab the same one, and had to be encouraged to swim after the second stick being carried down the stream. It was certainly good exercise for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi_neSKnjkZNRwEC49qIy3aHC5eK2azyEcKynd0M57XrfV5GG2C6ICjCT2e2cZuK8A46E_CFDfbDtlpUBd2XMT5hAteE_7ewb4n3a6zBjh5XZYD1h_3WWkXjrshHOee7-IWyhhfBmBXR1nih23arlt49vkvnfM-3aV6lc9NhKbXsB77mZ8JIJXT92YbIf/s4896/P1050724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi_neSKnjkZNRwEC49qIy3aHC5eK2azyEcKynd0M57XrfV5GG2C6ICjCT2e2cZuK8A46E_CFDfbDtlpUBd2XMT5hAteE_7ewb4n3a6zBjh5XZYD1h_3WWkXjrshHOee7-IWyhhfBmBXR1nih23arlt49vkvnfM-3aV6lc9NhKbXsB77mZ8JIJXT92YbIf/w640-h480/P1050724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Swans on the lake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">By the time we arrived back to our vans, Helen and Stuart, the rally family for the weekend had arrived. So there was nothing for it but to sit under the shady awning again for afternoon tea and while away some time until we could get on our way. We were due at Kahutara School from 4.00pm, giving the pupils and teachers time to finish for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-47327273958662051322024-02-16T16:06:00.002+13:002024-02-16T16:07:20.219+13:00Green Parrot Cafe<p style="text-align: justify;">Opened in 1926, the Green Parrot Cafe is a Wellington icon. Ten Heretaunga Caravan Club members drove from near and far to meet up for an evening meal. For some this was a return trip down memory lane from dining here many years ago. We had to brave peak hour traffic, and find a parking spot, not easy as most of us no longer travel regularly into the big city. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Owen had booked a table for us all, conveniently in front of the large mural hanging on the wall. There was much discussion on who the customers were, we recognised several familiar faces, Barry Crump and Peter Jackson, and were in two minds who some of the others were. MP Winston Peters is a well known regular as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpxDu_d4yWPyk8bdprEMVAhoc7zNK6SAAkDP06Bm0Pq4EVmwY-RUh9vN8uSwdThw-qDnDgQ08d-lb08MvMPnUVVH0QqfVL5fmtHO7ck35S7lSQ-FMhoiN_Gcv-JlBeQPTaJmO7uCcfMFrag-VNPKMMo2LMZoa0yhvyXCJFQ3m9L9P2ryJdonLMDgDXtGG/s4896/P1050666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWpxDu_d4yWPyk8bdprEMVAhoc7zNK6SAAkDP06Bm0Pq4EVmwY-RUh9vN8uSwdThw-qDnDgQ08d-lb08MvMPnUVVH0QqfVL5fmtHO7ck35S7lSQ-FMhoiN_Gcv-JlBeQPTaJmO7uCcfMFrag-VNPKMMo2LMZoa0yhvyXCJFQ3m9L9P2ryJdonLMDgDXtGG/w640-h480/P1050666.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dot and Donald in front of some famous faces</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Drink orders were taken, and quite sensibly, the drivers made do with a soft drink. Helen and I splashed out with a little bottle of prosecco each.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65l6IC5cFT0mJ-MGoavbXfnreIgq03FGNqC-VAsAb-Oq4ddgGGLk0QP92tFqaAb88ipI4QMOGu-m1QBCmh43FDzevb0TTuP2mVMrCIyCRLS4fo9uBBf6umJtYdcXJyYckDEUKNwoeImqHx5Z-QQsbnDFRA1Y1AmmMTiEwsZ0Ohc6n3HJZ5lkz0aDnD55k/s4896/P1050668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65l6IC5cFT0mJ-MGoavbXfnreIgq03FGNqC-VAsAb-Oq4ddgGGLk0QP92tFqaAb88ipI4QMOGu-m1QBCmh43FDzevb0TTuP2mVMrCIyCRLS4fo9uBBf6umJtYdcXJyYckDEUKNwoeImqHx5Z-QQsbnDFRA1Y1AmmMTiEwsZ0Ohc6n3HJZ5lkz0aDnD55k/w640-h480/P1050668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone arrived and settled down, and then came the serious business of "what shall we order?" The menu consisted of steak, chops, sausages, fish, lambs fry and kidneys, plus omelets. Not forgetting the plates of white bread and butter added to table. This was obligatory at cafes back in the day, we could all remember. I ordered something a little different, kidneys and bacon, which came with salad and chips. The kidneys were sliced in half and cooked on the grill, we often do this on our BBQ with bacon and egg for breakfast. Robin was served two huge pork chops, and yes, he managed to finish them, no trouble at all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_tbq2Ja9tPGqFJ-tgmaTcpd17mZIk_kB3bibL7PB6-2Fph2063pTZrDf6DjeLufsJQWd-ig90xHvwb0k-f-nFXOrkK-ozWvNHPsvp0kY18E4KM2lQYBMtbp3hnjprb4SdXOWTVaL5wclXTNPnyJD-D2NAYRUtal82LCAqDjxoWnieMlfGeDO_inPqvM/s4896/P1050671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfr_tbq2Ja9tPGqFJ-tgmaTcpd17mZIk_kB3bibL7PB6-2Fph2063pTZrDf6DjeLufsJQWd-ig90xHvwb0k-f-nFXOrkK-ozWvNHPsvp0kY18E4KM2lQYBMtbp3hnjprb4SdXOWTVaL5wclXTNPnyJD-D2NAYRUtal82LCAqDjxoWnieMlfGeDO_inPqvM/w640-h480/P1050671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kidneys and bacon</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The food is still cooked on a grill made from melted down gun barrels and installed by third owner Tony Marinovich in 1932. This cook top has been going strong since then, imagine how many meals have been produced here to visiting politicians, famous people, and plenty of sailors and locals over all these years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSh4rX42gUhqMAKN8P5skcyr7eJvxEBkfSu9ACKWdfQNr9hmwn-12RBx9SrnZwl8ru7WX966O01ohzdUv0hgD0G-Dt-79Nge-X9OmbhftpadJlOr2rfbDW0Vi_efOZO1z8qEdmuMVUUuum63tlxaPBC20Jkf-WLUbdfkCNXoEpTl05nbxg0iMBuoanX8V/s4896/P1050670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSh4rX42gUhqMAKN8P5skcyr7eJvxEBkfSu9ACKWdfQNr9hmwn-12RBx9SrnZwl8ru7WX966O01ohzdUv0hgD0G-Dt-79Nge-X9OmbhftpadJlOr2rfbDW0Vi_efOZO1z8qEdmuMVUUuum63tlxaPBC20Jkf-WLUbdfkCNXoEpTl05nbxg0iMBuoanX8V/w640-h480/P1050670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cooking up a storm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of our friends decided on dessert as well, apple pie and chocolate sundaes were delivered to the table, together with tea and coffee - maybe an iced chocolate as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKCZi-66EiFL3uqcdWZUcJcZ6e8VZ0jzUQqdEX2pEecDMG2hPOrkbuTfUWVCLlYOKo1nNcyAZM5VMZauEH6oB_A4XW06jWjYlebaFV3u_yb9t4MxIPRYfsDkgMG-6GcnbKYXLh-DMDsu8Pt0I6tZZtH4vmP8dNtxBHqd3IGDi09uABwYbNn-EqV8lBEQX/s4896/P1050675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKCZi-66EiFL3uqcdWZUcJcZ6e8VZ0jzUQqdEX2pEecDMG2hPOrkbuTfUWVCLlYOKo1nNcyAZM5VMZauEH6oB_A4XW06jWjYlebaFV3u_yb9t4MxIPRYfsDkgMG-6GcnbKYXLh-DMDsu8Pt0I6tZZtH4vmP8dNtxBHqd3IGDi09uABwYbNn-EqV8lBEQX/w640-h480/P1050675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdCFviaZMCAcqDEeyJBbpfaJVLuiybcc8lVVs5ZzKQsuH9ktla0IlV71_szH9poEUQjV2IaSo9qOU4vnWTI4vnT_guU402g8fQLr7-e7I5r_2f9zOGjnGOYgvaf5FY5ncNo_umONyq5X90QSgxzQvUjq1dc5M5DUqi4Dtt5Kgdmyj_JO05wlJXQJ2dTsF/s4896/P1050673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdCFviaZMCAcqDEeyJBbpfaJVLuiybcc8lVVs5ZzKQsuH9ktla0IlV71_szH9poEUQjV2IaSo9qOU4vnWTI4vnT_guU402g8fQLr7-e7I5r_2f9zOGjnGOYgvaf5FY5ncNo_umONyq5X90QSgxzQvUjq1dc5M5DUqi4Dtt5Kgdmyj_JO05wlJXQJ2dTsF/w640-h480/P1050673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was a great night out, many thanks to Owen for organising it for us.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-65584828486689355552024-02-12T17:36:00.001+13:002024-02-12T17:37:26.716+13:00Our old Home Town<p style="text-align: justify;"> Although we have been living in Horowhenua for the last few years, I always think of the Hutt Valley as my home town. Robin lived here too as a young boy before his family moved to New Plymouth. The drive down along the motorway and then on to the Transmission Gully road makes the journey quite quick these days. We traveled down to meet up with a friend for lunch</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We stopped across the road from the Lower Hutt Town Hall, and I reminisced to Robin how I used to attend Youth Club on Sunday afternoons at the adjacent Horticultural Hall, which has now been replaced. What fun I had as a young teen rock'n'rolling the afternoon away. Dances were also held in the Town Hall - those were the days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxmrTlVgn37KI35IPjs-7wyXiWzw_Ad6h3a27j9iVWo7xLqGRi75BgO4TGtw8S3VYBkEQDLaBxBAn50NDduDbzKhI-K8P4Y3SrT9I4pOibU2ihclRNGpXtW__9td5VTF7R1nUg6zQlVKcQPN_Bna4w8EkOMB7YDAZ9r-8G8hpxDq6E5ndfhi9Qkx1dMFJ/s4896/P1050644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxmrTlVgn37KI35IPjs-7wyXiWzw_Ad6h3a27j9iVWo7xLqGRi75BgO4TGtw8S3VYBkEQDLaBxBAn50NDduDbzKhI-K8P4Y3SrT9I4pOibU2ihclRNGpXtW__9td5VTF7R1nUg6zQlVKcQPN_Bna4w8EkOMB7YDAZ9r-8G8hpxDq6E5ndfhi9Qkx1dMFJ/w640-h480/P1050644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Town Hall and the black building replaced the Horti Hall of my youth</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Across the road are taps supplying fresh artesian water for residents. People come and go to fill their containers with this water, and there is a much larger outlet at Buick St, Petone, in fact there are 25 water fountains supplying artesian water across Lower Hutt. The water comes from the Waiwhetu Aquifer, a natural underground water system located the Hutt Valley and Wellington Harbour. Aquifer water goes through a natural filtration process underground. Then before the water comes out of the taps it goes through a filtration and UV treatment on-site to ensure it is safe to drink.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSK2hMuEFsZOb3PbkP2xqHpTCm1Jt-9EU0Um1Kt1fb2_GNdBPoPPY9J9ZuzB1ViPy7OTfjb04wi1Iw5yMLltXVrEPznPeZdqx_U9XRWrTRhhcZsM-KrKpV8D_k6FtHqvUnBEap6Vl2U3qjiKws8vOzj7YUQy2TcHFx3xiPEttmZf0jb8SZ0KF3pRDCk1q/s4896/P1050643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSK2hMuEFsZOb3PbkP2xqHpTCm1Jt-9EU0Um1Kt1fb2_GNdBPoPPY9J9ZuzB1ViPy7OTfjb04wi1Iw5yMLltXVrEPznPeZdqx_U9XRWrTRhhcZsM-KrKpV8D_k6FtHqvUnBEap6Vl2U3qjiKws8vOzj7YUQy2TcHFx3xiPEttmZf0jb8SZ0KF3pRDCk1q/w300-h400/P1050643.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Artesian water taps at Dowse Square</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As we had a little time to spare before meeting up, we decided to drive down to Petone Beach, park up and enjoy a coffee from the coffee cart. There were plenty of people walking by, enjoying the sea breeze on a lovely sunny morning. Wellington City is across the harbour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecTzXER3NoNbfGUQprPuK-RUH0ZuhmMVHrS787POj57m1uDetDeik98LecN1Wo_1SUJxAfWkv6WtdlVQ4_j1pWKkpxk68s4P8KcVW9muMnzp7cgfjL5VyF7anlZZAiLqyCgSF_yqUGlFU0dElMjATSv0oCnFbdlaWQkqVj9uo_yf0Xg-W9GAJUbo8N7s5/s4896/P1050650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecTzXER3NoNbfGUQprPuK-RUH0ZuhmMVHrS787POj57m1uDetDeik98LecN1Wo_1SUJxAfWkv6WtdlVQ4_j1pWKkpxk68s4P8KcVW9muMnzp7cgfjL5VyF7anlZZAiLqyCgSF_yqUGlFU0dElMjATSv0oCnFbdlaWQkqVj9uo_yf0Xg-W9GAJUbo8N7s5/w640-h480/P1050650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coffee in the car at Petone Beach</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Petone Beach has seen a lot of history. In 1840 the first six immigrant ships arrived at Petone Beach. With the help of the local Maori people, the first settlers built huts along the foreshore. Many of Petone streets are named after the early settler ships, and there is an interesting Settlers Museum which tells the story of these new arrivals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We were here to meet up with my old school friend Merilyn who had flown up from Dunedin for a family Memorial Service for her brother. It was a sad time for her, farewelling one of her siblings, and I was pleased we had a couple of hours together. As usual, it was just like we had never been apart, there's always plenty to chat about. We last caught up with Merilyn and her hubby last year on our South Island trip. And guess what, we told her, we are hoping to have another South Island caravan trip in the New Year! That's the plan, anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5RsMTs_72blybTWMTQDmG12oQReUzgecdm-1-m1a-4kF9n8ndav7AuKu-cBEcEeMFDSxXAomoYvZCmnI5wKrKn0O_niKyNkAWoBMxI1jgaEHi_1IN6-kI2Ur-FbGJxbpYU6qn-M_U1BjwfOOD0NmdqagRvowxpZ5XFUQpKHDKAFWM4wOy50zpQIr9lRl/s4896/P1050652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5RsMTs_72blybTWMTQDmG12oQReUzgecdm-1-m1a-4kF9n8ndav7AuKu-cBEcEeMFDSxXAomoYvZCmnI5wKrKn0O_niKyNkAWoBMxI1jgaEHi_1IN6-kI2Ur-FbGJxbpYU6qn-M_U1BjwfOOD0NmdqagRvowxpZ5XFUQpKHDKAFWM4wOy50zpQIr9lRl/w640-h480/P1050652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Jenny and Merilyn</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-65168886346737031632024-02-08T17:16:00.000+13:002024-02-08T17:17:22.179+13:00Regional Rally - Brookfield's<p style="text-align: justify;"> It's been a long time since we stayed at Brookfield Scout Camp, Wainuiomata, known as the Outdoor Education Centre. The land was purchased in 1864 by John Crowther and developed as a farm. His daughter Mary lived all her life on the property and bequeathed it to scouting on her death in 1958.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNjnSQyhK_H7dJlh7lD1C1MkrpIWvDasjUwzu2lzK-b7dHo9cbw51yiwGUrf0MMNJOAKwGE0cpqgBfmZ-DC6_MGGtuJy7V3hjO2fhV2FqbG2C1e7G53l4byr4PBPUJb-wg4OjBZlHKcSjrkZ3HaFZtWftl_F3Klqdfd4xXANeZqVYfUrqcRww-caAGp22/s4896/P1050623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNjnSQyhK_H7dJlh7lD1C1MkrpIWvDasjUwzu2lzK-b7dHo9cbw51yiwGUrf0MMNJOAKwGE0cpqgBfmZ-DC6_MGGtuJy7V3hjO2fhV2FqbG2C1e7G53l4byr4PBPUJb-wg4OjBZlHKcSjrkZ3HaFZtWftl_F3Klqdfd4xXANeZqVYfUrqcRww-caAGp22/w640-h480/P1050623.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The Wainuiomata Caravan Club were hosting the Regional Rally and welcomed us on site into the orchard in the pouring rain. Three of our members were attending, the Turnbulls, Archers and us. Once settled down we went over to the small hall to register, collect our rally ribbons, have a cuppa and catch up with the other attendees.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV018JNyUmBVlPd8zRgswuDBlVKbWg6H1CzlZEaoYHN08HMT4QSq5_vWQMu_ycUpFHNX65hN1PJskVvghTflGki8d2kRNVcFbCYqsMmdRdwlg0xFMotvz49Ey24tuJxD9oPzoW4SnZqMjW6EautP0Np6IuLeCfkcOvInzLTDjaiYO6LbzhNyBcL0YFrLlU/s4896/P1050624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV018JNyUmBVlPd8zRgswuDBlVKbWg6H1CzlZEaoYHN08HMT4QSq5_vWQMu_ycUpFHNX65hN1PJskVvghTflGki8d2kRNVcFbCYqsMmdRdwlg0xFMotvz49Ey24tuJxD9oPzoW4SnZqMjW6EautP0Np6IuLeCfkcOvInzLTDjaiYO6LbzhNyBcL0YFrLlU/w640-h480/P1050624.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here we are, all ready for the weekend</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were 24 vans taking part, from Heretaunga, Wairarapa, Wainuiomata, plus members further afield from the Executive Committee. One of these members suffered from a tyre blowout while traveling along the Desert Road, so that must have been a trying experience indeed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehGHDaTeXh77bm6fRqXLGlcx5xaBv0If61TzFSHeNOm-zfeCb45DryNnv_zWtucUBkTihVX3JUWgXJH35isWB_9w1dvnub-0jFmzlFTTKTDTpjiQ3RSiRIJ6pQ4Vw8XwPZ-KKhFnJYwKFrOmxM8IuIJyvyRaI38pbDFqZwaMs0Z9vTD9d9Y_o8-F1gQLl/s7856/P1050626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="7856" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehGHDaTeXh77bm6fRqXLGlcx5xaBv0If61TzFSHeNOm-zfeCb45DryNnv_zWtucUBkTihVX3JUWgXJH35isWB_9w1dvnub-0jFmzlFTTKTDTpjiQ3RSiRIJ6pQ4Vw8XwPZ-KKhFnJYwKFrOmxM8IuIJyvyRaI38pbDFqZwaMs0Z9vTD9d9Y_o8-F1gQLl/w640-h157/P1050626.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Camping in the orchard</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Opening Ceremony took place on Friday evening, and the banner holders carried the club banners into the hall. The 22nd Central Regional Rally was officially opened.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lmlD-ofminDq-f_W_ndWkXXoijhLA5nNWGjlzAMCJDnGRIN84EoEXpmO7dIHv0Kv633v6JlXRvJTPC1blxcrpbovkuSO0tDZUxLOOklydEHaiDvHa64dTw1JncP5KQPKXlOx7qfIwbi1PXc10qe1whsgryEwEagaW70exaCGOR5BtNC2j3fheMtzkum9/s4896/P1050614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lmlD-ofminDq-f_W_ndWkXXoijhLA5nNWGjlzAMCJDnGRIN84EoEXpmO7dIHv0Kv633v6JlXRvJTPC1blxcrpbovkuSO0tDZUxLOOklydEHaiDvHa64dTw1JncP5KQPKXlOx7qfIwbi1PXc10qe1whsgryEwEagaW70exaCGOR5BtNC2j3fheMtzkum9/w640-h480/P1050614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Banner holders on stage</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The weather on Friday and Saturday really had us on our toes, throwing everything at us. High winds, heavy rain, a little hail, and an afternoon of thunder and lightning, what else was coming, we wondered. We won one of the Lucky Van prizes, a lovely print of a Tui to hang on the wall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7KwJ8RRGPTbCSAUQmmpthmF7Jwe_r17uMhL3OhpbVGLQoSjxMCjRF4MInzRFjrbDUOo2L-1ZB87Kjij2rceCvQRvBS_N4pXRsshi36xP-k28XSFIz2mybv10EgjtGKmfNQQOgZ2iQKZPCi3m8v0PhoWa-hYpCHFCdsXoM1IjM3hW_o4ttWTIgQMR07dH/s4896/P1050629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7KwJ8RRGPTbCSAUQmmpthmF7Jwe_r17uMhL3OhpbVGLQoSjxMCjRF4MInzRFjrbDUOo2L-1ZB87Kjij2rceCvQRvBS_N4pXRsshi36xP-k28XSFIz2mybv10EgjtGKmfNQQOgZ2iQKZPCi3m8v0PhoWa-hYpCHFCdsXoM1IjM3hW_o4ttWTIgQMR07dH/w300-h400/P1050629.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Robin with our prize</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then it was time for Club photos and we gathered around our flag. Many thanks to Rae from Wairarapa Club for doing the honours for us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ2V0YDJBBbdGrU3WOdYl7ux6nnlpD6UP9Fbiby95z_DA_QaNCsk3_k9TkCMSZoJ5AFT6h180wL6DaLLVCLeJYiPABmRR5KToPP87r206dLTdnvbr7TyMG56yftWeBpYfNtdEoXErD6DuDmk4xqf-mc_W5OZK0V2WXLMYno0Tq_eVz_Lp-0mQ9-N_BFmS/s4896/P1050618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ2V0YDJBBbdGrU3WOdYl7ux6nnlpD6UP9Fbiby95z_DA_QaNCsk3_k9TkCMSZoJ5AFT6h180wL6DaLLVCLeJYiPABmRR5KToPP87r206dLTdnvbr7TyMG56yftWeBpYfNtdEoXErD6DuDmk4xqf-mc_W5OZK0V2WXLMYno0Tq_eVz_Lp-0mQ9-N_BFmS/w640-h480/P1050618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Robin, Jenny, Eileen, Geoff, Owen and Helen</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The weather cleared sufficiently on Saturday afternoon and we finally had a chance to enjoy 4zees outside. Then the rain came down again and everyone packed up their folding chairs and tables and scuttled back to their vans.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlJQnbozHriw0B_KHWvfMqk3uWMaUi96Mkjw0AgxKaICKCLCUlZ6xgl4o4cSZq4aL8tX21NYPF27QiZxtUxS_2SbXa76TQdV_hHi8FghBRJbGuKfUoUxhlq9DQPrG7d-CtsY3liW7WCxQkQ9dAbhpcVuB6BNMjbWzEg_SoLfD0nklWL8nHjjcY2eaQP1I/s4896/P1050627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlJQnbozHriw0B_KHWvfMqk3uWMaUi96Mkjw0AgxKaICKCLCUlZ6xgl4o4cSZq4aL8tX21NYPF27QiZxtUxS_2SbXa76TQdV_hHi8FghBRJbGuKfUoUxhlq9DQPrG7d-CtsY3liW7WCxQkQ9dAbhpcVuB6BNMjbWzEg_SoLfD0nklWL8nHjjcY2eaQP1I/w640-h480/P1050627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">4zees outside before the rain returned</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We BBQed our evening meal using Owens BBQ and ate our meals together. Next on the programme was a Pot Luck Dessert in the hall, and what an array of dishes to share there was. Everything from trifles, fruit skewers, steamed pudding, ice-cream, fruit salad and much more. The planned Campfire evening never went ahead because of the wet conditions, and people gathered in the hall. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07IJGDkNDbo0Y6wB3hRuFaIEwZNRKWBfEJzDcf7Nt7anjnOFYAaN0jx03c6e5AkEVjjlPLuv8mOQNNOOEov7s6lipvP-TywT3pEwIeprjhRgmyTB6105sCn0oc1nGtxDx3cO9gVP48-qt8FuCUjRfF9Dii70WDcqv2cx4OWGA5unMLrW7aqTzdkQst9U3/s4896/P1050628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07IJGDkNDbo0Y6wB3hRuFaIEwZNRKWBfEJzDcf7Nt7anjnOFYAaN0jx03c6e5AkEVjjlPLuv8mOQNNOOEov7s6lipvP-TywT3pEwIeprjhRgmyTB6105sCn0oc1nGtxDx3cO9gVP48-qt8FuCUjRfF9Dii70WDcqv2cx4OWGA5unMLrW7aqTzdkQst9U3/w300-h400/P1050628.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The table was loaded with desserts</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After Morning Tea on Sunday the Rally was closed, and we packed up to head back home. With Waitangi Day on Tuesday, some campers opted to stay the extra two days. We had a great time, catching up with friends from the other clubs, and those who traveled from further afield from the Executive Committee. And what a surprise we got when old friends Denise and Clive, who were camping at Brookfields with the NZMCA contingent, came calling. We hadn't seen them for ages, and Robin and Clive had both served as CCNZ President some years ago.</p></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-67258793069685821962024-02-06T16:26:00.000+13:002024-02-06T16:28:09.298+13:00Valet Service<p style="text-align: justify;"> Prior to attending the Brookfield's Rally last weekend, we were invited to stay with Helen and Owen overnight in Lower Hutt. Why? All because he wanted to give our caravan roof another clean down after doing such a marvelous job removing lichen some months ago. We were parked up beside their house, safe and secure behind the high fence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKkXD8HTArTcFLJyNzih6IWMhXOoFoZM-F7lkCdVrhTvf-BPPqdNWZIwfElQCw1lqN46hU4G2RAT7fdEIrb-u58926T6qp5QDCcSa9YGyrFpl1YqNScsze8DDo9pnq4u7IzJqGqoyuSSjpgU0tBZNg52OVKUtSrXEKqrivVgDDHIxJmA-aYqWZyBjIJx0/s4896/P1050605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKkXD8HTArTcFLJyNzih6IWMhXOoFoZM-F7lkCdVrhTvf-BPPqdNWZIwfElQCw1lqN46hU4G2RAT7fdEIrb-u58926T6qp5QDCcSa9YGyrFpl1YqNScsze8DDo9pnq4u7IzJqGqoyuSSjpgU0tBZNg52OVKUtSrXEKqrivVgDDHIxJmA-aYqWZyBjIJx0/w640-h480/P1050605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our site for the night</div><p style="text-align: justify;">Gemma enjoyed her time here, trotting in and out of the caravan door, safely on her lead. With no worries about marauding dogs coming by, both of us were happy with her being outside in this setting. We enjoyed 4zees outside under the tree, sheltered from the hot sunshine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Owen was up bright and early the following morning with his ladder, water and soft broom. It took him a while to get right around roof. No fears of falling off the ladder, he was a fearless cleaning machine indeed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzJ7EHwJAWOSqEg7J8piaP_ipn5LpM3zt3EQFR9UliD-AUc67Bp5ZAD6xcpsX1hbyqbx_EOSeJlhpaj36192hLGbm2ejLP3aEbSAoyaI321fIboB1p_K9cZu0EvivM8Zkg78dimTiF0c_m1tbzI3szsV6REKOMJrANMTXZBC-1MahOB_CyuT4kQT1lE2S/s4896/P1050603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzJ7EHwJAWOSqEg7J8piaP_ipn5LpM3zt3EQFR9UliD-AUc67Bp5ZAD6xcpsX1hbyqbx_EOSeJlhpaj36192hLGbm2ejLP3aEbSAoyaI321fIboB1p_K9cZu0EvivM8Zkg78dimTiF0c_m1tbzI3szsV6REKOMJrANMTXZBC-1MahOB_CyuT4kQT1lE2S/w640-h480/P1050603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Owen up the ladder</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbDmP3go1cNTb2IoziiNnVAWEuxwnFZv0WjOR13OJt2StUiVshdI8cJUFFKJVH-2GV-SCQdkpLIZYiIQcSnqTpDhzuiCLv5_jUxJ3JCOOsnQmTeOK90aqIZw0d6XQZj40DQ3kcScBaH1dV6nYrjddwBMi15LK06cDMN1CNGgiURg3RcJABc-liM-kQIQ_/s4896/P1050604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbDmP3go1cNTb2IoziiNnVAWEuxwnFZv0WjOR13OJt2StUiVshdI8cJUFFKJVH-2GV-SCQdkpLIZYiIQcSnqTpDhzuiCLv5_jUxJ3JCOOsnQmTeOK90aqIZw0d6XQZj40DQ3kcScBaH1dV6nYrjddwBMi15LK06cDMN1CNGgiURg3RcJABc-liM-kQIQ_/w640-h480/P1050604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Through the caravan window, those legs look familiar</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the roof cleaning had been done to Owen's satisfaction, he wasn't finished by any means. The walls of the caravan got a clean as well. Then out came the blacking - wheels were done and the storage box on the drawbar too. The caravan certainly had a great valet service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Robin is not comfy climbing ladders these days, and we really appreciated all the effort that Owen put in. Many thanks for the hospitality and we left for the weekend rally looking spic and span.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-23461192081036485872024-01-23T15:11:00.004+13:002024-01-23T15:12:55.561+13:00Whanganui - Unesco City of Design, and Pipiriki<p style="text-align: justify;">Whanganui is an unique blend of heritage architecture and cutting edge creativity. Unesco has welcomed Whanganui to its Creative Cities Network, a first for New Zealand. Congratulations, Whanganui, what a wonderful honour!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On our last full day in Whanganui, we invited Maureen and Russell to join us for a drive to Pipiriki and a picnic lunch. It was many years since we had driven this road, so long ago that in those days it was a gravel road, although it is now sealed. Narrow and windy, it took us through tiny settlements with interesting names, rather like those associated with the Grand Overseas Tours taken by young men of the aristoctracy in earlier years. These interesting little places have now reverted to their Maori names. Athens, now known as Atane, Corinth, now Koriniti, London, now Ranana, and Jerusalem, now Hiruharama. We stopped at a lookout point along the way for a lovely view down the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VClFMVmI_7rNDtghYl2Uw8u-Iwn2VFoFsQO9Yc6e0gNQZdU_tT_h-tgpIk2JJHREOSmkj2E13GiMrgcxrX5LPgtUmKbkKdsqpgKwZJ6DtH8CPxFd-G_IULSDjJGTPDcFpoyGn6uu5dAPqNil2r8yKiyGl2j5Q0wxtVz_hG1qdQMH0gRpDuo_LDNgc-23/s4896/P1050541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VClFMVmI_7rNDtghYl2Uw8u-Iwn2VFoFsQO9Yc6e0gNQZdU_tT_h-tgpIk2JJHREOSmkj2E13GiMrgcxrX5LPgtUmKbkKdsqpgKwZJ6DtH8CPxFd-G_IULSDjJGTPDcFpoyGn6uu5dAPqNil2r8yKiyGl2j5Q0wxtVz_hG1qdQMH0gRpDuo_LDNgc-23/w640-h480/P1050541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">The Whanganui River</p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of the places we were keen to revisit was the Kawana Mill, in fact, we wondered if in fact it was still there, after all these years. Luckily it has been well cared for by the NZ Historic Places Trust. This is the only remaining one of six mills dotted along the river to mill corn and wheat grown by the Maori people back in the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyirQs2bKG54trAMEt3bso-HZDvVcjJwkyqlt96eKcwYG93Wm2_Eutsj_cQe3mAsfucWz70nT-88xVo9El_FYhULmsmdYZMddTESUM0iITBsNSZIv95WQGZHowVuIDq19l2ObsO4r9boN45iFcAdGHru3PlIP7DHNfI4ifQC-inR31ZofIhFt-nATpwGU/s4896/P1050547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyirQs2bKG54trAMEt3bso-HZDvVcjJwkyqlt96eKcwYG93Wm2_Eutsj_cQe3mAsfucWz70nT-88xVo9El_FYhULmsmdYZMddTESUM0iITBsNSZIv95WQGZHowVuIDq19l2ObsO4r9boN45iFcAdGHru3PlIP7DHNfI4ifQC-inR31ZofIhFt-nATpwGU/w300-h400/P1050547.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFppReKDuLdtHeFojPkRHNSt1OYMYEiKjWIVtVnwEVuj91ycpw5jdpJzOe-QB0SxpsHFny9vyYCCNdahSHYtUKIaAAdlIXP_1uG2v81_KTWQCqtoHV1jDBjZEE8glWhFzxiWUkdlMhT4nTeAB0B7z_v1iL5XcmZGfdLDqRW_ptPLuOWI0bsddZSnrKCn-S/s4896/P1050548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFppReKDuLdtHeFojPkRHNSt1OYMYEiKjWIVtVnwEVuj91ycpw5jdpJzOe-QB0SxpsHFny9vyYCCNdahSHYtUKIaAAdlIXP_1uG2v81_KTWQCqtoHV1jDBjZEE8glWhFzxiWUkdlMhT4nTeAB0B7z_v1iL5XcmZGfdLDqRW_ptPLuOWI0bsddZSnrKCn-S/w640-h480/P1050548.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Kawana Mill and Waterwheel</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Miller's Cottage was close by but locked up tight, so we could only peer through the windows.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzIGqWfPewXulEytlAEM3A9hrpBolJd_s5p23TNIkSFMrU38kwf6lDANLifvDK1eDFVdAI2n608KUSnKb3lAZU4ZhsnvxlFFj5zYY-n7Rm_7prsilNsFKzVg3c4LVPi9Wf92z_DdJ_skyaVBq-FqGqQpve1aF3ZaOoYl5zLwXevfbRhE-hBYV7_btxHRP/s4896/P1050543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzIGqWfPewXulEytlAEM3A9hrpBolJd_s5p23TNIkSFMrU38kwf6lDANLifvDK1eDFVdAI2n608KUSnKb3lAZU4ZhsnvxlFFj5zYY-n7Rm_7prsilNsFKzVg3c4LVPi9Wf92z_DdJ_skyaVBq-FqGqQpve1aF3ZaOoYl5zLwXevfbRhE-hBYV7_btxHRP/w640-h480/P1050543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Miller's Cottage</p><p style="text-align: justify;">From here we continued on to Pipiriki and found a nice shady spot in the picnic area to eat our lunch. This little settlement is the hub for jet boat rides up the river. We met up with friendly young German tourist who had arrived with her bike off the boat and was planning to cycle to Whanganui - wonder if she realised just how hilly the road was? She kindly agreed to take our photo for us. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LeiqDrMMJvrcGMpJWLEmegCfjqa_23fsCmIIWrSAKDJs3ao76z9E-wPD4scaO5ZQ4ceRwYPcZoMDun1dt6n3dqCMGr0ePbjpqP7kanE7jGDjc_fztLUB4_8ravqbAyR08Er6fthma2znAfnjS6D8uX62aXsoIfNF0uGIS_a-_d49seqJwQ3lx-sfXxG2/s4896/P1050551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LeiqDrMMJvrcGMpJWLEmegCfjqa_23fsCmIIWrSAKDJs3ao76z9E-wPD4scaO5ZQ4ceRwYPcZoMDun1dt6n3dqCMGr0ePbjpqP7kanE7jGDjc_fztLUB4_8ravqbAyR08Er6fthma2znAfnjS6D8uX62aXsoIfNF0uGIS_a-_d49seqJwQ3lx-sfXxG2/w640-h480/P1050551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Robin, Jenny, Russell and Maureen at Pipiriki</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the grounds was the remains of a totara canoe which used to ply the river, this is just half the remaining length. And could carry 100 Maori warriors, the sign told us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdgYG3nL9SWvMwnxayXH23mwbs-cOW7ozOysV-oSh8mnie8ZVEWTGUzQ0ZcL0KD3-UzxXNWTDqFixFJvd_t4wIqR8WYMjPKFxaCJQ-LYjKjUhyphenhyphen1XuoKXlKTz3b6lvLxeE-XfBKZX6sHAe6v5gvv7-YT3eZhnn_rxWFWc-lHHT289QvUgq2SpU_aKjZT0c/s4896/P1050554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdgYG3nL9SWvMwnxayXH23mwbs-cOW7ozOysV-oSh8mnie8ZVEWTGUzQ0ZcL0KD3-UzxXNWTDqFixFJvd_t4wIqR8WYMjPKFxaCJQ-LYjKjUhyphenhyphen1XuoKXlKTz3b6lvLxeE-XfBKZX6sHAe6v5gvv7-YT3eZhnn_rxWFWc-lHHT289QvUgq2SpU_aKjZT0c/w300-h400/P1050554.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remains of a Maori canoe</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Across the road from this rest area was a hotel building which we remembered from our earlier trip all those years ago. It was never completed, and the story goes that the locals warned that if the building project went ahead it would be razed to the ground. Why, we are not sure, but there was obviously conflict between the owner/developer and the local population. So here it sits, still in this condition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvsJF5Swup8d2uc2ziIBi-zXjvYThfW37_nWsr-Wt7ujk3NzbK4mFw8phY4RDwFH6sFEdx2Pys6iL-zckTBmgCi00BnGjn9B9AqQlKyCpY_rhfV6AO3uA_EQIVdmnJxiAOHnXyTbB7VY1rtnPFypwa4oZdgoYDbfRsrTi2ZT00f3yJ0sApfrL2B3zzj08/s4896/P1050557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvsJF5Swup8d2uc2ziIBi-zXjvYThfW37_nWsr-Wt7ujk3NzbK4mFw8phY4RDwFH6sFEdx2Pys6iL-zckTBmgCi00BnGjn9B9AqQlKyCpY_rhfV6AO3uA_EQIVdmnJxiAOHnXyTbB7VY1rtnPFypwa4oZdgoYDbfRsrTi2ZT00f3yJ0sApfrL2B3zzj08/w640-h480/P1050557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The abandoned hotel project</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">WE decided that instead of returning the way we came, along the very narrow and windy road, we would take the longer way back through Raetihi and the Paraparas. There was certainly evidence of the big slips which had come down on the Paraparas a year or so ago, but the damage all seemed to be resolved. There was another stop along the way, to stop and admire the Raukawa Falls at the lookout.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8kQia_Zk-7JdSviVSRnaeZC8YzuCjtWq5vsvQKBAcKxnBizdCZq9OuvlK_vLJ49EnZADfocyJd4QBCqpyjrvKvfETE84UKzrKQtiG7KHTr2c5TKgIFC7MIbj33nskllC-FRhV9GY7Y-n61RX6K_nPgxYbrXgN3cwCA10G5jrBDMvlqcfiw5nppDKJW96/s4896/P1050559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8kQia_Zk-7JdSviVSRnaeZC8YzuCjtWq5vsvQKBAcKxnBizdCZq9OuvlK_vLJ49EnZADfocyJd4QBCqpyjrvKvfETE84UKzrKQtiG7KHTr2c5TKgIFC7MIbj33nskllC-FRhV9GY7Y-n61RX6K_nPgxYbrXgN3cwCA10G5jrBDMvlqcfiw5nppDKJW96/w640-h480/P1050559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Raukawa Falls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was a long day but we eventually arrived back in camp just in time for 4zees. In fact, Geoff was sitting outside under his awning and had started before us. We fired up the BBQ to cook our steak, and after dinner gathered outside again in the cool of the evening to enjoy each other's company. It had been a great day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Whanganui is an area with a very strong connection to the river. There is a saying here which sums it up. "The great River flows from the mountains to the sea. I am the River, the River is me,"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-9207023387734203852024-01-21T21:59:00.000+13:002024-01-21T22:01:19.069+13:00Whanganui Vintage Weekend<p style="text-align: justify;"> Friday morning and it was time to move on from Dudding Lake to Whanganui Racecourse for the Vintage Weekend. There were half the number of vans on site compared to the previous year, we were told, probably because of another NZMCA event in Marton. When we arrived, we mentioned we were three vans traveling together, so we were placed right next to the race course itself. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJzJT8TTmPRz4gTLX74a-f_FHH5Gg9qsFoCTOGiEDihE4g85IiwTUxPjhxr-cmYUdCPGnn-dpigTStQfcTtZ2ovfCPeYQe8UI_xI0L0PsTTB_5c2roxQaNMhXxfZpNGq6sJELcd7NWweqEBi6a9pCjCQwD7hqv_SAidVvtdYM3f3Baml9lR2wA90dCtxX/s4896/P1050525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJzJT8TTmPRz4gTLX74a-f_FHH5Gg9qsFoCTOGiEDihE4g85IiwTUxPjhxr-cmYUdCPGnn-dpigTStQfcTtZ2ovfCPeYQe8UI_xI0L0PsTTB_5c2roxQaNMhXxfZpNGq6sJELcd7NWweqEBi6a9pCjCQwD7hqv_SAidVvtdYM3f3Baml9lR2wA90dCtxX/w300-h400/P1050525.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQOQTB38HTwJPV2h1aRU_DwO36pqwmkPI7AzsG0h14cAR1udZi3FOA6IVcfnLsIkXXyhfT25volRfN7690PNn9frlDwZuprHJ_dTiCKmgF6c1xwJ3j1_TlCIDcmr7wQYZBFdel_nDdj16pht5jtBtYsBrN9gyxc0wMV5EJQYLZShyAtENECoHad8uWhB1/s4896/P1050538.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQOQTB38HTwJPV2h1aRU_DwO36pqwmkPI7AzsG0h14cAR1udZi3FOA6IVcfnLsIkXXyhfT25volRfN7690PNn9frlDwZuprHJ_dTiCKmgF6c1xwJ3j1_TlCIDcmr7wQYZBFdel_nDdj16pht5jtBtYsBrN9gyxc0wMV5EJQYLZShyAtENECoHad8uWhB1/w640-h480/P1050538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our three vans on the end of the row</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the attendees were parked in a different area, they all seemed to be squashed up together, I thought.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tS59XEOuN9qRSVzgm0eVsW7WDCT47Be-fQ65VSYFqvbM0Cv8LQzqWr5eh629986LDs9Vndvs7Jy6Uxxw3wdGCaaUIWNS1koLfBXrXr2bai7dP7KLYnxeNQaaZA-JZOBIcbZ6ziZTfDy_zAoBUIhDUB6xTmBoTowL9NR2TWPOcdiEaR1CSIhhvDD1cR6x/s4896/P1050524.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tS59XEOuN9qRSVzgm0eVsW7WDCT47Be-fQ65VSYFqvbM0Cv8LQzqWr5eh629986LDs9Vndvs7Jy6Uxxw3wdGCaaUIWNS1koLfBXrXr2bai7dP7KLYnxeNQaaZA-JZOBIcbZ6ziZTfDy_zAoBUIhDUB6xTmBoTowL9NR2TWPOcdiEaR1CSIhhvDD1cR6x/w640-h480/P1050524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone else was parked here</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday morning the two of us together with Russell and Maureen walked the four blocks into town to view the vintage cars parked up on Victoria Avenue. It was another very hot day, and we joined the throngs all admiring the various cars on display. People were everywhere, some in 50s costumes, some with dogs and children, and plenty of vintage age people on sticks, all intent on checking out the cars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MXPpFEQXpzX3wqNbos6pfaID8IwA9UlJKiERg-X2M0hcqvOR2-cC6YwbYMTDIzaX3dzTsUeuphqfDdBdriYPZTFjpu8TDeQl7zQNx0iUC7d4K53YO4RJuC8TpHI7O7OzqWB1eSNXq9oYnLQbyTVEAwM-aj4z51_9id9iekD5DJFMejW7XN5-kg32DGv6/s4896/P1050526.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MXPpFEQXpzX3wqNbos6pfaID8IwA9UlJKiERg-X2M0hcqvOR2-cC6YwbYMTDIzaX3dzTsUeuphqfDdBdriYPZTFjpu8TDeQl7zQNx0iUC7d4K53YO4RJuC8TpHI7O7OzqWB1eSNXq9oYnLQbyTVEAwM-aj4z51_9id9iekD5DJFMejW7XN5-kg32DGv6/w640-h480/P1050526.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ilGFE8nOUgdqiNdBoGFow2smV0vuUHDgLNUTM3DCCwhf-e5vNMYNXHIattjh6kLQ4TqnenWNVeaoZ0ClSWBgXbJHDg8Udd3JwC-OXAqlEafGXqJQ-ew-SOxypciIN4PtLTKEPLjTKHCbkVIES_w_Qx9JjoRzu_bSUKyHU0ROh8XyfaKUDe4_bNDkHbyh/s4896/P1050533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ilGFE8nOUgdqiNdBoGFow2smV0vuUHDgLNUTM3DCCwhf-e5vNMYNXHIattjh6kLQ4TqnenWNVeaoZ0ClSWBgXbJHDg8Udd3JwC-OXAqlEafGXqJQ-ew-SOxypciIN4PtLTKEPLjTKHCbkVIES_w_Qx9JjoRzu_bSUKyHU0ROh8XyfaKUDe4_bNDkHbyh/w640-h480/P1050533.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There was plenty of entertainment too, to keep the crowds happy. Some were dancing to the music, and we noticed that others had brought their folding chairs along, to sit in comfort and enjoy the music.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLhNiMUytserDhv3jGwFKu2Hln6UuS6q-TepkWdw0M8qc8LSXaJk80EAwkZNdAGu0ux5VLO68zJRGyazTeK-BqTh0VJjQn7AfyCPxXF6K6bZDSeT2MDWEof49ZrleWtWgqUb3S7Syes99dgoJJ1o6mlrh9vWPSqbXLoPrFx5kWuIugxkdQGjUBmXVcF7o/s4896/P1050530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLhNiMUytserDhv3jGwFKu2Hln6UuS6q-TepkWdw0M8qc8LSXaJk80EAwkZNdAGu0ux5VLO68zJRGyazTeK-BqTh0VJjQn7AfyCPxXF6K6bZDSeT2MDWEof49ZrleWtWgqUb3S7Syes99dgoJJ1o6mlrh9vWPSqbXLoPrFx5kWuIugxkdQGjUBmXVcF7o/w640-h480/P1050530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of the bands performing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By this stage we were all quite hot and bothered, and luckily found an empty table in one of the very busy cafes and thankfully say down. Iced coffees for Russell and Maureen, an iced chocolate and a chocolate milkshake for me and Robin certainly made us feel a lot better, together with a sandwich for lunch. It was nice to sit down and get out of the hot sunshine. The two guys had a hankering for a hot dog from the food stalls, so we joined the crowds again .</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwFBm5Ige90K-unbsFf6M4jUDxjRCwkE7bvChhRG0tiglNLVo2YDYT0KTXYZQ2iHqMU0TgZRO2xnwsZr6JI-aiv9fLluO9pR7CR6XbVNDR-MbQirRY8MEl3CRs3sYnvGe3850J0QGemzG-U9Xfd1MrdxXheCq3GTrp8f5K2JwHUUHQsPwqVQEgrzTKArw/s4896/P1050536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwFBm5Ige90K-unbsFf6M4jUDxjRCwkE7bvChhRG0tiglNLVo2YDYT0KTXYZQ2iHqMU0TgZRO2xnwsZr6JI-aiv9fLluO9pR7CR6XbVNDR-MbQirRY8MEl3CRs3sYnvGe3850J0QGemzG-U9Xfd1MrdxXheCq3GTrp8f5K2JwHUUHQsPwqVQEgrzTKArw/w300-h400/P1050536.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bratworst in a bun</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By this time we were more than ready to head back to camp, but couldn't face the long walk in the hot sun, so traveled back in style in a taxi. No sooner had we arrived back and the rain came down in torrents. That kept us inside for a while. Geoff was showing off his Christmas tee-shirt, and I just had to take a photo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSwn6zGSELMNE3DfBZnVVTaW0FKb5_m7TGI-dNHf15YT3otNqJghQdmxfVYEIz0V4iDM2CJARI9yjVM1M0m65jSUMsiw3PqqbQDuMQukvoTluFVZBKkw9NIN9vuthn-mw0dRXB9f9qTOPWkTwApBvAbvupYAv2_S1RT1eNabOksAdq-ESXofeE-3ofaR/s4896/P1050537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wSwn6zGSELMNE3DfBZnVVTaW0FKb5_m7TGI-dNHf15YT3otNqJghQdmxfVYEIz0V4iDM2CJARI9yjVM1M0m65jSUMsiw3PqqbQDuMQukvoTluFVZBKkw9NIN9vuthn-mw0dRXB9f9qTOPWkTwApBvAbvupYAv2_S1RT1eNabOksAdq-ESXofeE-3ofaR/w300-h400/P1050537.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We are all getting older, Geoff</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was so much going on over the weekend in various venues, we just couldn't see it all. We missed the steam traction engines, there were boat rides on the Whanganui River, art exhibitions, tram and double decker bus rides, and planes flying overhead. Something for everyone.</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-42368890326450375872024-01-19T16:34:00.003+13:002024-01-19T16:35:54.243+13:00Dudding Lake<p style="text-align: justify;"> Its been so many years since we camped at Dudding Lake, just a short 45km drive away from home, and we were pleasantly surprised just how nice it was. Mind you, the camp management has changed hands several times over the years, and all for the better, it seems. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNr2RvwkBRMcykpuny_ij6uBBbK2B9WPCWpReSS2HGsJGIhB87q3bafjGb4-2f0Vgf1hZZdoq4kQTo1N9YCrl2wEQgm6QRJD-NUGA-jJZn8-DKaJjF3NF7Q_FrwMw0tAi8MppgMFbP_qnK_s5Z8RgZjxpzQV2qaLi9V0Ju7onpSBNmoov815X7NfMDQM2/s4896/P1050520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNr2RvwkBRMcykpuny_ij6uBBbK2B9WPCWpReSS2HGsJGIhB87q3bafjGb4-2f0Vgf1hZZdoq4kQTo1N9YCrl2wEQgm6QRJD-NUGA-jJZn8-DKaJjF3NF7Q_FrwMw0tAi8MppgMFbP_qnK_s5Z8RgZjxpzQV2qaLi9V0Ju7onpSBNmoov815X7NfMDQM2/w640-h480/P1050520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dudding Lak</div><p style="text-align: justify;"> Day trippers are welcome to this domain, and the camp offers both powered sites and non powered sites. We opted for a non power site, around the side of the lake. What a lovely view we had.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIoUBfVrrgJMlw2bwIlWF3kDGGDcostR1ClQVI-R11tQJ1jhQ6IfPpAHDzdpr9gYId7YTMkxcvj92FGrcMTjbNK9iEz2QLO_BFlbP0I0a8zWY_UYnWq8GjNKrI6GQ6rQaxqbNyDaScHF5XOsM4v-tps2afqXmfwYGOI1CyqdxTVFhNPcjSuuR-zyh6l3p/s4896/P1050513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIoUBfVrrgJMlw2bwIlWF3kDGGDcostR1ClQVI-R11tQJ1jhQ6IfPpAHDzdpr9gYId7YTMkxcvj92FGrcMTjbNK9iEz2QLO_BFlbP0I0a8zWY_UYnWq8GjNKrI6GQ6rQaxqbNyDaScHF5XOsM4v-tps2afqXmfwYGOI1CyqdxTVFhNPcjSuuR-zyh6l3p/w640-h480/P1050513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A lovely off power setting </div><p style="text-align: justify;">The lake must be very healthy as we noticed plenty of bird life, and the frogs serenaded us in the evening. How often do we hear frogs, we commented. Their calls are quite soothing really, soft croak, croak, croaks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTUe2bKpa4VP7pbI7GDl0yOjAbnparNHfKf4_YyNOPD-dqbJtYVyx5u2jzEXG52o6Uz7qaVIQyshOAm05elnMkjha-zn40nVykhX8NwZkjdkYbWgvtlirUuIbIeEbJCMNWIhCyXWpqnQF-8viplfLFg_IZLVeJWEzDt19GOn6pLBsyvdo3ieCYQEfZf9z/s4896/P1050514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTUe2bKpa4VP7pbI7GDl0yOjAbnparNHfKf4_YyNOPD-dqbJtYVyx5u2jzEXG52o6Uz7qaVIQyshOAm05elnMkjha-zn40nVykhX8NwZkjdkYbWgvtlirUuIbIeEbJCMNWIhCyXWpqnQF-8viplfLFg_IZLVeJWEzDt19GOn6pLBsyvdo3ieCYQEfZf9z/w640-h480/P1050514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another view of the lake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Geoff and Eileen arrived later in the day and decided to take a powered site. They came and joined us for 4zees, and it was nice to catch up with them again, we hadn't seen them since our Christmas Rally. We were both camping overnight and moving on to the Wanganui Vintage Weekend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECX7h2KgMteRLZX8SjGTTWfZRol-G2KBTQEAKvWyIzXQlVXJWvoqSE9PLuj7ILQeCz2m3FbxyKDcgHTfg76q0Vju70IEyU-ih4NeIXkyTEkpuLUMcS3aIeef20uFnzlw4BysJYQm_aphrX-l6RzA1KsK9EMYw7ioWrxxdbr7m14jyU1lGw9e0KNOabbBz/s4896/P1050515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECX7h2KgMteRLZX8SjGTTWfZRol-G2KBTQEAKvWyIzXQlVXJWvoqSE9PLuj7ILQeCz2m3FbxyKDcgHTfg76q0Vju70IEyU-ih4NeIXkyTEkpuLUMcS3aIeef20uFnzlw4BysJYQm_aphrX-l6RzA1KsK9EMYw7ioWrxxdbr7m14jyU1lGw9e0KNOabbBz/w640-h480/P1050515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Geoff, Eileen and Robin</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gemma enjoyed quite a happy time outside safely on her lead all afternoon. There were ducks to watch, and then she rather liked settling down under the caravan, I imagine she feels safe and secure under there. Then for a change, she likes nothing better than sitting in the caravan doorway, snoozing, or taking in the sights.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqRjmyX_bczKe4B3f5qqfO4FzoWfUoAgz-KNeowk1YBUNZFdShkT_qgKzvRfK2N9hsBORII_IKKksnc-d1xm4YEbCykzTzIw7FClk2BfN5t0_Hx6xY9HPnlGnxgPlMQ_HsNt8WD00YFhQtib_wAG-wkYaOXhTH_CCJqphb2tO8AqAUQgHUlfcNBQDdMfi/s4896/P1050517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqRjmyX_bczKe4B3f5qqfO4FzoWfUoAgz-KNeowk1YBUNZFdShkT_qgKzvRfK2N9hsBORII_IKKksnc-d1xm4YEbCykzTzIw7FClk2BfN5t0_Hx6xY9HPnlGnxgPlMQ_HsNt8WD00YFhQtib_wAG-wkYaOXhTH_CCJqphb2tO8AqAUQgHUlfcNBQDdMfi/w640-h480/P1050517.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Gemma is happy in the doorway</div><p style="text-align: justify;">After our evening meal we sat outside with a glass of port, enjoying the cool of the twilight, and listening to the sounds of the happy frogs in the lake. It was a lovely finish to a pleasant day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJqG_Ar1m7Pj2lclat0JbIeyICD6pEmrRvBzpitZH44EOrxWe3cncQqwuOVsMefQCccl-lGtGHSNETMstVHTGzQA2m4BLf3-VixKQTVdlAQQOPuztyFi8JI7tDA2MEvLoQbIQ4EhBn_J_y_sPAW3bTukTqFAwsulpJ4b-8avbZdkw0-1C3_7lFtJUxM6a/s4896/P1050519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJqG_Ar1m7Pj2lclat0JbIeyICD6pEmrRvBzpitZH44EOrxWe3cncQqwuOVsMefQCccl-lGtGHSNETMstVHTGzQA2m4BLf3-VixKQTVdlAQQOPuztyFi8JI7tDA2MEvLoQbIQ4EhBn_J_y_sPAW3bTukTqFAwsulpJ4b-8avbZdkw0-1C3_7lFtJUxM6a/w480-h640/P1050519.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Damson port, made by granddaughter Megan</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-28165676422070957082024-01-10T22:02:00.000+13:002024-01-28T22:03:37.343+13:00Time to head home<p align="justify"><br>On our last day in Napier, we went out to lunch with Helen and Owen. Where to but the “world famous in Hawkes Bay” Silky Oak Chocolates. </p> <div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlAobmh_ZV7ZQ2DpzV1nU52JhqOTsppan_g1LFUapZTbRjTbZWlde9H56vQKzufgvepjSal8n-gWqycFGswm4GqrvD_SMN4Bb16Pi8cHjL14H1lt0oy3BllqzOevo8e3tGKqmvoWdxkryxoZTAEKV9AF9dBIv3Fh_WE0z8U2pljfDmtnfj2DhrIUFZYS7/s4896/P1050471.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img width="420" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlAobmh_ZV7ZQ2DpzV1nU52JhqOTsppan_g1LFUapZTbRjTbZWlde9H56vQKzufgvepjSal8n-gWqycFGswm4GqrvD_SMN4Bb16Pi8cHjL14H1lt0oy3BllqzOevo8e3tGKqmvoWdxkryxoZTAEKV9AF9dBIv3Fh_WE0z8U2pljfDmtnfj2DhrIUFZYS7/w420-h278/P1050471.JPG" border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896"></a></div>It was hot and sunny, a typical Hawkes Bay day, so we sat outside the café under the awning. Even under the awning it was so bright we needed to keep our sun glasses on to stop us squinting. The age old question, what to order? Robin ordered a BLT and I had a salmon roulade, and of course we needed one of their delicious iced chocolate drinks as well. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DOr5piHE0waPj4cz2l-jzWwPnO8lWnD9"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050468" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="P1050468" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sUAnnVJVSWmbgUXhuZJRO6yVXOs01_xW" border="0"></a> <p align="center">Our delicious lunch</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1I5are8tNi_6CqAs3C5gdNy5Y1NJe5b-w"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050470" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="P1050470" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=151CJlwphcHEL4ihIUxY1h3af89vy_pCJ" border="0"></a> <p align="center">Helen, Jenny, Robin and Owen at Silky Oak\</p> <p align="justify">We called into the Chocolate Shop to buy some drinking chocolate, and to be honest a few little chocolates came home with us as well. The staff member told us about the flood rushing through the buildings during Cyclone Gabrielle a year a go, and showed us how high up the internal walls the water rose. All the stock had to be thrown out of course, and the business was closed for six months while repairs took place.</p> <p align="justify">The following morning we packed up, said our goodbyes, and headed for home. Just prior to Dannevirke we stopped and waited, and waited some more. I guess that we were held up here on the road for a good 15 minutes at least. What was wrong, we wondered?</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17efqt0igXccVyddTuUQNdCsCsMPunQMv"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050472" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="P1050472" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_PZSt4HbnGLf3KrmkkSwnZB2JWeMNQGP" border="0"></a> <p align="center">Waiting, waiting</p> <p align="justify">Onwards traffic rolled towards us, then finally we were given the all clear to proceed. The workers were laying asphalt, what a hot job that must have been in the conditions.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11gjkcierCtPKzY3DQwNfFe5s8i-ovKm-"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050475" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050475" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12Yw7yBNx4VrSzOX85XR0SCho7eAr3Zz7" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BFjvPcEMlghOKV7IE7ZS_tlxJZ43I4e1"><img width="307" height="227" title="P1050479" align="right" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050479" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KBbocKlcEIz_vaBiNrN09gevPoZ1ZZwx" border="0"></a> <p align="center">Hot work on the roads</p> <p align="justify">We stopped for lunch at a lay-by at the beginning of Dannevirke. Oh look, there’s a fine looking Viking to welcome us. While we sat relaxing in the van eating our lunch, a couple of ambulances and police cars, sirens blaring, rushed back the way we had just come. Obviously some sort of accident, lucky for us we were off the road when it happened. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FV3Mte57zXWCndo7ZA4sHXuz6P7xWoDw"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050482" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="P1050482" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n_Rmr6WXgu1r4hrsJ7Wj8JJxyUvAls5G" border="0"></a> <p align="center">Lunch stop at Dannevirke</p> <p align="justify">On our way again, we headed over the Saddle Road. Plenty of wind turbines were turning lazily on the top of the ranges.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1G3GMF0g8x4Hv1Wwtg4Cj0A3wGdHLciVc"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050491" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="P1050491" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VsYabGfbNIlnx6PRtiUkhA2rLDLXAAAf" border="0"></a> <p align="center">Saddle Road</p> <p align="justify">Then it was an easy drive the rest of the way home. The caravan was unpacked in the stinking hot Levin weather, the first load of laundry was put on, and then we sank into our seats to get our breath back – whew, it was so hot and sticky! We certainly didn’t notice the heat while driving with AC on. That’s our Christmas/New Year holiday done and dusted.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-74748102538337732382024-01-06T19:06:00.001+13:002024-01-06T19:08:53.524+13:00What’s Happening in Napier?<p align="justify">The NZMCA Eriksen Road Park has a very large grassed area, set with rows of trees here and there breaking up the park into smaller camping areas.  Over this busy Christmas time of year there are plenty of visitors staying for one night, or several.  Popular additions to the camping holiday are electric bikes, and the family dog.  We even noticed another cat on a lead, not too far away from us.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WXV1HsXiLKXFi7l_QoooOMdtbKQq95hx"><img title="P1050454" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050454" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qFjNjSLAynxuwJVWpGbqjZD4_y_uO1SJ" width="504" height="379" /></a></p> <p align="center">Staying in Napier</p> <p align="justify">We settled down on site and did some exploring in the first couple of days.  Top of the list was a visit to Arataki Honey, where Robin can get his  honey jars refilled.  We got a jar of Manuka, Rewarewa and Blue Borage, that will keep him happy for a while. And we picked up some more comb honey, it’s not always easy to find, so we  buy it when we can. Occasionally, bus loads of tourists descend on the Honey Centre too, making things very busy indeed for staff, but not this time, it was fairly quiet.  Our jars were filled quickly, and we were soon on our way.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1h7vEp6PV6AUjjNvptDT1Bl89fKyQn792"><img title="P1050435" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050435" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m_DUbPZqRemVzVPbBCkgj3uWcIc-ioab" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Arataki Honey</p> <p align="justify">Next on our list of places to go was BIrdwoods to their old fashioned sweetshop, always a favourite.  We wanted to replenish our supply of blackballs and acid drops, which we like to keep in the car.   This establishment has a gallery, sculpture garden and café as well, but we headed straight to the ice-cream shop.  It was typically warm Hawkes Bay weather, so an ice-cream was declared necessary, and we enjoyed a mixed berry ice-cream, served in a tub.  Better on a hot day, it means it didn't melt and drip all over me as often happens.  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FGHkgOOHSPSg5KL_V3OUwvBN_6hZZJDy"><img title="P1050438" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050438" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MvNTC8ET0eObbSlKoFX0gsbxkTX9ecH7" width="304" height="229" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1G8L2lpv6K_A8nGhbXLQe3WJ6utk-mj2T"><img title="P1050442" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050442" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1injLhRBiRa4QqY_4LbZuIg8t_xh_417a" width="304" align="right" height="229" /></a> <p align="center">BIrdwoods Sweet Shop and enjoying an ice-cream</p> <p align="justify">One of the things on our “must do” list was to catch up with our Hastings family again.  Niece Lisa had arranged to collect her Dad from the rest home and had booked a table for us all at The Duke of Gloucester pub in Taradale, a favourite of theirs.  It was so nice to see Dennis again, husband of my late sister Kathleen, and Lisa with her grown up family, Adam and Kate.  We pondered over the meal choices, and eventually decided.  The meals were huge and several doggy bags got taken home with the leftovers.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10Tj33JwSJ8ntWFJz-uheuUL2y5SD6DC5"><img title="P1050449" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050449" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18Bu2t10mXjzupxm8Va5xqalb8VQJk7qF" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Family lunch</p> <p align="justify">Caravan Club members Helen and Owen arrived on Saturday, and parked up beside us.  There was plenty of catching up to do, as we hadn't seen them since our Christmas Rally in early December.  It will be nice to have some company for the next few day.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ftJTVXGx0-GoiANqgv8tMZsxSMGdVfVY"><img title="P1050457" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050457" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RnDKlXlHqnIRUDBCXAjTwI-2yomVT-in" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Two Heretaunga Club Leisurelines</p> <p align="justify">The following day Owen and Robin went to visit Doug from the Hawkes Bay Caravan Club, whose home was badly impacted by the floods last year.  Doug and Owen are members of the Zephyr Car Club, so the three of them no doubt spent their time chatting about all things car related.  In the meantime, I went out with Helen and her family to visit the Sunflower Farm on their Open Day.  So many people had the same idea, all vying for a car park.  We joined the hordes of people all walking up  the path, getting up close and personal amongst the tall, nodding sunflowers.  I had never seen so many, and everyone was entranced with them.  It was free entry to wander amongst the flowers, and when leaving the sales table was very busy.  At $2.00 a stem, two sun flowers came back with me, although I did wonder what I would do with them in the caravan.  No tall vases here in the van, so I put some water in Robin’s glass beer pint, and they are pride of place on the kitchen bench.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K1xS4Ozti79g69h-_u9GkPDCbngU9Rn4"><img title="P1050461" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050461" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14mlIB0zWqefnmsoLfq4L0aWmN68Rk4KE" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p> </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17_vGTWnnpuGp0d6qZUvD8PWkjymUn5rt"><img title="P1050458" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050458" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bJWCmHdp0qgXaIT-QiHBYNIgv9LZDXCB" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Amongst the sunflowers with Helen</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-13103802833829367672024-01-04T15:12:00.001+13:002024-01-04T15:14:21.498+13:00Taupo to Napier<p align="justify">The Otorohanga kiwi masquerading as Father Christmas waved us goodbye as we departed, heading for Taupo.</p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s84ZuPk2XGifXBUZaEhKVyPJl0u9qGot"><img title="P1050384" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050384" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eqrF-M5edEpoNBN0ugv1Z3IO5rUDd1La" width="504" height="379" /></a></p> <p align="center">Goodbye Otorohanga</p> <p>Our next stop was at the NZMCA Taupo Racecourse Park, for the next night.  The weather was fine and sunny and we were parked next to another Leisureline, and joined the friendly couple for 4zees.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PtLez3ecRz7QmRV4BKiIRCyasEFNjHG2"><img title="P1050404" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050404" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kn6gLKnrhMgKOTp_Bp9Doz6kAPSiJnbL" width="304" height="404" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17UoOBtHVHTJ9r-EO8meliqbTc-yhzvCm"><img title="P1050405" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050405" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vbQPf-eFgVhYDFQxBwf3WhFs4eMkylcZ" width="654" height="185" /></a></p> <p align="center">Staying overnight at Taupo Racecourse</p> <p align="justify">Packing up the next morning we drove across the Napier Taupo Road, 150kms.  The scenery was a mixture of flat plateau land, farmland, forestry and native forest.  This road was damaged last year due to Cyclone Gabrielle and was closed for 5 weeks.  Its been a while since we have towed over this road, and I had forgotten just how long it was.  </p> <p align="justify">Driving through Esk Valley at the end of the trip, it was devasting to see the damage done to this pretty, former agricultural area.  Gone are the orchards and vineyards, houses damaged beyond repair stand looking like those in a ghost town. The floods brought down unbelievable quantities of contaminated silt, which damaged the houses and productive land and is now in piles everywhere.  There is still such a lot to be done to repair the land and buildings, so sad.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AR6GIXIqwpBsRNhyV5zSS9d1hwZO5v4N"><img title="P1050426" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050426" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Sw0zHc1MY2bUCr4_8wMVg7_021w9NOJP" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Piles of silt everywhere</p> <p align="justify">Napier is well known for the Art Deco buildings, and the double row of impressive Norfolk Palms each side of Marine Parade.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19QHH7QIw2EEAtV6EaSi7TCaiEQ3qCkkM"><img title="P1050434" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050434" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v5TEvzFTuNfOKRVF54okMoS3ossU5mzd" width="504" height="329" /></a> <p align="center">Marine Parade</p> <p align="justify">We will be staying at NZMCA Erikson Road Park for seven nights.  This is quite a large camp and has room for about 180 vans.  There are a couple of places we want to go, and to catch up with my late sister’s family as well.  Napier usually has excellent warm weather, so it would be nice to have some sunny R&R for a few days.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13b8bTiYBcnoPeegSOEIhqCee14ID3BPH"><img title="P1050429" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050429" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1la8gdwaBhuyCoHWZRvaW9ri2-ShBckQf" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">All set up for the next wee while</p> <p align="justify">Not too far from the camp is the Filter Room which makes cider and beer.  There is also a restaurant attached and we took ourselves out for a meal, we are on holiday after all, that seemed a good excuse.  I decided to try a glass of cider, but which flavour?  Peach, I decided, and Robin tried a lager.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ug_6eIE-RMraPuX4fyfKD8XrkxeHgn_e"><img title="P1050431" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050431" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qbPqA_Fv4Mr45-QImUOvQnBsuwZkBDKK" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">The bar at the Filter Room</p> <p align="justify">Our meals were delicious, fish and chips for me, and Robin chose sticky pork ribs, a huge serving but he managed to eat it all.  We had only ever had take-away fish and chips from this establishment before, so it was nice to try a sit down meal for a change.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NguFp6wGJubRHdzWc5ZAFylgf0hzIcFs"><img title="P1050433" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050433" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ky2Vw0CHxVlQiDGBV751BqAtNGuV3VMx" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Pork ribs and fish, the meals were very generous</p> <p align="justify">It will be nice to stay put for several days and not have to pack up and get on the road for a while.  </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-49051476307558114722024-01-01T22:42:00.001+13:002024-01-01T22:43:02.564+13:00Happy New Year and looking back<p>Wishing all our friends, readers and fellow bloggers a Happy New Year!</p> <p align="justify">We spent a very wet New Years Eve celebration our nephew Shane turning 60 at his home in in Te Awamutu. .  It is a tradition in this family to prepare and cook a hangi for special occasions, and this Shane did with a little help.  Not a “hole in the ground” traditional hangi, but rather one cooked in a stainless steel container, heated with gas, but still using the wet sacks as usual.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Te9Tqdcrn2dbPchV0Fg6oAM_rAhcHSqO"><img title="Hangi" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Hangi" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dHm-b1wleOZirEUO8twLX2DJ-TTHBT43" width="229" height="404" /></a> <p align="center">Cooked food is under the sacking</p> <p align="justify">The birthday dinner was served, chicken, pork, lamb, potatoes, pumpkin and kumara from the hangi, with salads and bread rolls.  Very nice indeed.  Shane really wanted a birthday cake with 60 candles, which would take a bit of lighting them all.  So out came the trusty blowtorch, which soon got the job done.  Perhaps not really recommended though, there was concern that all those 60 wax candles would be melting into the top of the cake.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rVvNxKg6ju_zYUuQ_aJnaur9DG5Q8WFJ"><img title="P1050396" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050396" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EZPyFRcd7H1eLM5zHzcJdGSsvOVuBO9_" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Let’s get those candles lit!</p> <p align="justify">Shane is the eldest grandchild on the maternal side, the first child of my late sister Kathleen and hubby Dennis.  It was a lovely evening, catching up with Shane’s friends and close family. </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_4fyZ9X0dWYzDZTrCsjVtAUay4a-LStQ"><img title="P1050400" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050400" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sA8755pTpIwVZHaBMHdODPxwOM-feJ76" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Robin, Jenny, Shane and Kirstie</p> <p align="justify">Looking back on the last year 2023 we had quite a few adventures.  We spent 10 weeks in the beginning of the year traveling around the South Island.  In fact this time last year we spent New Year’s Eve 2023 at Star Tavern, Cape Foulwind, with fellow bloggers Irene and Ian  who write <a href="http://nbfreespirit.blogspot.com/">Free Spirit</a> blog..</p> <p align="justify"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block;" alt="P1010276" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gCO3tQsqcmMw7Xkr5-Soo99jQAjNEBI6" /></p> <p align="center">New Years Eve 2023 with Irene and Ian</p> <p align="justify">We had a marvellous trip, exploring new places, revisiting old favourites, catching up with family and friends.  We got caught up with the Cook Strait ferry cancelation problems on both our trips there and back, these problems seemed to go on and on for months and put the holiday plans of so many people into disarray.  Transport of freight between the two islands was quite disrupted too.</p> <p align="justify">Returning home in early March, we got back into the swing of things with attending caravan rallies with our club, Heretaunga, and also met up with the ICA group for two rallies.  We also enjoyed attending meetings with the Probus Club, and lunches out with our Super Leisure Group friends.  Robin continued with his Menz Shed days and driving the Health Shuttle.</p> <p align="justify">A family highlight was the wedding of Robin’s niece Hannah to David in March, and all meeting up again the following day for a casual lunch, with a host of wonderful crayfish supplied by the brides father.  Honestly, I thought I was in heaven, even more so when I was encouraged to take some of this delicacy home with me!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11x76pDD2JBl9T8dJoN47fU8mQQufo4Wo"><img title="P1020373" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1020373" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1orloCC0gxuh0KOW-dAVB7GrLKigC2KH2" width="266" height="354" /></a> <p> </p> <p align="justify">Robin’s second knee replacement in August kept us close to home and away from caravanning for a couple of months as he slowly recovered and got on with his rehab.  Luckily he was able to drive and tow the caravan again in time for our 40th Wedding Anniversary trip to Rotorua in November.  Highlights of this trip was High Tea at a posh hotel, a marvellous anniversary dinner at the restaurant at the top of the cable car and the Redwoods Tree Walk.</p> <p align="justify"><img style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block;" alt="P1040487" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qd1OsMu5Vh-j_oRH0es2jeSE7_frsvTA" /></p> <p align="center">High Tea for two</p> <p align="justify">All in all it’s been a good year.  Robin has recovered well from both his knee replacement operations, and the pair of us are doing well, with just a few minor niggles, not unexpected as we are all getting older.  We are looking forward to more fun and adventures in 2024.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-36986193518441721962023-12-31T15:03:00.001+13:002023-12-31T15:09:10.405+13:00On to Otorohanga<p>It was raining when we left the lake and started on the next stage of our trip, traveling along minor roads again till we reached our destination of Otorohanga.  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vU1RAen4E3lN2TDj5gOT4lsaIPzciqBj"><img title="P1050369" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050369" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QI85d7V1PF7-FyW7NC3lWdPBTD8j_EIX" width="504" height="372" /></a> <p align="center">Nearly there</p> <p align="justify">The plan was to stay at the NZMCA  camp for three nights so we could attend a family birthday.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FAm7KQL6Xl7pVv2ALzLBGSGq-Cjxh0tW"><img title="P1050371" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050371" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1guKKyrookdCIHGvJCHNJHeG41mJWhY2R" width="329" align="left" height="248" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16Dk2ubNwQCf7JOPURcAcc2Q5IRCDEl5L"><img title="P1050388" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050388" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k_zebhx1ihADNDe41QIkLUIt4U0CPmD8" width="329" align="right" height="248" /></a> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The camp was about half full when we arrived, several campers had dogs, all on leads we were happy to see.  And our next door neighbour had a tabby cat who spent most of the day snoozing under the awning tucked up on a picnic chair.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FjTepApTI0Sw6a4Mew74cZZAvVPiZdDq"><img title="P1050387" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050387" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V_fqSYGAFdG_4pAPMLI84q1qWq5gxP05" width="654" height="194" /></a> <p align="center">Staying at Otorohanga NZMCA Park</p> <p align="justify">I think the heat was getting to Gemma as she lay stretched out on the bed for the rest of the day, too tired to do anything.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YFdRfI9WpFFheJVT04jnpJdcuMMTA3US"><img title="P1050386" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050386" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A4B22maJOt6f-3BhaOtY8B-4SvYfIfDI" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Flat out on the bed</p> <p align="justify">Otorohanga is a nice little town and the following day we went exploring.  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zYHbY63-fBRpYdz_RHiIYLZ0peiYX4Yb"><img title="P1050378" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050378" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lY0i8BF_6rBsVIHcF1pxFHhYTEY6x8r-" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p>We found an intriguing sign saying “Historic Tree”, wonder what that is all about?  And there it is.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1p37Mi6Vgt7078lYpt-_G_iktx8c4xGlM"><img title="P1050382" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050382" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o4PIHcGDJSAvILWVSxipahpWYoP0u2Sw" width="304" height="404" /></a> <p align="center">Historic tree, Huiputea</p> <p align="justify">This 300 year old Kahikatea tree was the site of a skirmish in 1822 between Ngati Maniapoto and Ngapuhi.  The war party captured some women and made camp under the tree.  The women were carrying baskets when they were captured and were told to place them under the tree, which became known as Huiputea, heap of baskets.  Other Waikato warriors tracked then and the Ngapuhi were defeated.  </p> <p align="justify">Our explorations took us north, and we stopped at Kihikihi, home to Viands Bakery – we just can’t pass a good pie shop by.  Originally the plan was to enjoy one of their pies for lunch, but it was only mid morning.  Instead we purchased two cold pies, and popped them in the freezer when we returned back to the caravan,  to enjoy at a later date.  </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oDn_vWaJgHB1w0XRkOqV-Q-MkfalCOoB"><img title="P1050372" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050372" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1woeDCYe12RwA8eZWb0jGscieftbKEsSG" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Viands Pies at Kihikihi</p> <p align="justify">Driving on to Hamilton we refilled the gas bottle, and topped up the diesel in the car.  Next on our list was to find the Whatawhata Berry Farm we had read about.  Seems every man and his kids where here too, the car park was full to bursting.  Pick your own berries was  in full swing and seemed to be a family favourite thing to do in the Christmas break, we saw lots of family groups carrying their cardboard baskets into the strawberry fields.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X1EvXmyAjSjaDZqGjb8wu6-tfkiH-iJ2"><img title="P1050374" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050374" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11ajH1dI-aQc3U_7sxi7xAv3dfcBn6lq1" width="304" height="404" /></a> <p align="center">Whatawhata Berry Farm</p> <p align="justify">That idea sounded like too much hard work for this pair of oldies, so we purchased some berries from the farm shop instead, blue berries, raspberries and blackberries, yummy.  And ordered a mixed berry ice-cream each too.  With such a crowd, it took a while, but certainly worth the wait, they were delicious.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eifiyz7i6FwN8j4BdyaNrF4wBeQWCc0j"><img title="P1050376" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050376" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WkYn6hOjWFvbeIt-1mQqCiq3QQ6VnJX0" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Robin collecting our icecreams</p> <p align="justify">We found a seat under a sun shade and got to work on those ice-creams.  The weather was so hot that the ice-cream was melting as we did our best to consume them before it all ran down our fingers!  Luckily we won the melting race, with just a few drips here and there.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12y-_FM59DcZVRLTaTHGSi07Q7aho0mp0"><img title="IMG20231230123119" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG20231230123119" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1kylAp8IQhDlJ6pjPrbTDOTnIpc29m1VV" width="304" height="404" /></a> <p align="center">Busy eating ice-creams</p> <p align="justify">There was a pair of giant jandals out in the car park, that needed a photo too.  I've got no idea about the story behind this sculpture, Mr Google was no help at all.  Perhaps someone else knows?</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18_PS9rzxk_TwgIWHCFS18SN41-q5DeIX"><img title="P1050377" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050377" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yuiCApouj6oXvDGKW4pzxsuGO9RIImZt" width="304" height="404" /></a> <p align="center">Giant jandals at the berry farm</p> <p align="justify">Then it was a peaceful drive back to camp, where we spent most of the afternoon cooling off while  sitting under the shade of the awning.  Gemma was happy to be outside too, and a couple of neighbours popped over to see her and say hello.  “Is she friendly?”  a lady asked me, hoping to pat her.  I had to say that she wasn’t really the most friendly of cats, she just wanted to sit outside without being bothered.  </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-34975169855093497532023-12-28T15:12:00.001+13:002023-12-28T15:14:10.058+13:00Moving On<p align="justify">After a lazy morning, we packed up, said goodbye to our Kiwitea family, and got on our way.  We had a lovely four days staying on their rural homestead, nice and relaxed indeed.  We took quite a scenic drive north, up through Kimbolton, Apiti, and Rangiwhahia – we had stayed at Rangiwhahia a couple of times in the past.  Not much there at all, except a nice peaceful Domain to park at.  Then on through the papa rock cliffs, over the new to us bridge, with the old historic bridge beside us, into Mangaweka.  It was a slow trip, but it’s always nice to take the slower route when on holiday.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tX5LWqfP4ZsXFaDSqIdy4It6vIl8mzI9"><img title="P1050340" style="float: left; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050340" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FIlovg6cXZox48K8v9qTPqacd5i4vZ5k" width="333" align="left" height="251" /></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KJ58Pr7zVhv8Ys2t6fjpuYgBlPY9Y7w3"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14NfZE7ucI_nXqqtOXPMhA8QLWpE2Y_Ry"><img title="P1050341" style="float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050341" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BMg1dnfrQ60T0WVYvhKyHKNErW-nebYQ" width="332" align="right" height="250" /></a></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">Papa Cliffs over the Rangitikei River, new bridge and old bridge</p> <p align="justify">Then it was straight up SH1 passing through Waiouru.  It was clear that the school holidays were in full force as the carpark in the Waiouru Army Museum was full to bursting.  Kids were everywhere, climbing over the tanks in front of the museum to their hearts content.  A little further along the Desert Road we got a reasonable photo of Mt Ruapehu.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SwIEdV_wz3eJ1zbctUz3UYbZM5lBV5vg"><img title="P1050348" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050348" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11GhBvYfkHOYIMUKt-7p9rIg1s1K5ATa5" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Mt Ruapehu</p> <p align="justify">And to the right of Ruapehu was Mt Ngauruhoe, which featured as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings films.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10_J8n5u-C1I6eDbe-QH6npwIKAcze6h7"><img title="P1050351" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050351" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Mn3YhsjtPXo6WsSOmScj16nuAH7u6UJy" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Mt Ngauruhoe</p> <p align="justify">Our stop for the night was the NZMCA camp at Turangi.  What a crowd there was, I counted 50 vans on site.  Previously we had shared this large roomy camp with approximately 10 vans, so it seems that plenty of vans are on the road at this time of year.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Qm7-ibU01bDy_7G-nIfKnZqN-QKjMmml"><img title="P1050354" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050354" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ONujjMMTfCKbzX4wmxo4_c7Ml96fOIYl" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Overnighting at Turangi</p> <p align="justify">We took another “road less travelled” the following day,100km journey SH32 along the western side of Lake Taupo.  Interesting little roads were branching off down to the lake, and we remarked that next time at Turangi, we really must stay for a few days and do some exploring in this area.  We passed a sign saying “Steaming Cliffs” and there they were, thermal steam coming out of the hills in front of us.</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lsJu3x3_5Qa6TgtAZEJeZaFmGaqPq1dm"><img title="P1050357" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050357" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19ifHLMiQVAUG5x-M2awkbZRSI2wspcXF" width="575" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Steaming Cliffs</p> <p align="justify">We were heading for Lake Maraetai, at Mangakino, a freedom camping spot for a change, we don't often stay at these.  The first area we checked out was full of campers and day trippers, no room for our long caravan here.  Before we moved on to another area I stopped to take a photo of this interesting set up.  How about is cute little caravan!</p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PYZM2ZwsbFKxdXQcrYwE1HNjHRzhTJ1K"><img title="P1050360" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050360" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-gyJaAetylH3cC6tm6oOkkE-6sXABZIO" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Cute little tear drop caravan</p> <p align="justify">We found another area not to far away with plenty of room for us to get set up.  But…….. on arrival when I was moving Gemma from the car to the caravan we were set upon by the  neighbour’s off lead little dog!  That's one of the reasons we don't do freedom camping, people don't care that their dogs run free into other peoples camp sites.  And the reply when I mentioned that we had a cat and could they please keep their dog under control?  “Oh”, she said, “Our dog is trained not to chase cats, and we cant find the lead”.  </p> <p><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WmDc9c6_QGC3AH0vtsA9h41JOpGLfcQf"><img title="P1050364" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050364" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ejuCZ9ifhyEHzpC2X59koIwTSLI9MoQv" width="504" height="379" /></a></p> <p> </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17IFSHraWAYeK2pwi0ylwkU49xAhTjKOd"><img title="P1050363" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="P1050363" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OW3NnNvFJD2BgIkQlZSPmeO-XHCMHk2R" width="504" height="379" /></a> <p align="center">Lake Maraetai</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-47670007666709141242023-12-25T17:31:00.001+13:002023-12-25T17:37:16.529+13:00Christmas in the Country<p align="justify">It was a family Christmas this year, spent with my daughter Nicky and her family in rural Kiwitea. But first, time to pack the caravan, moving the van from it’s parking area to the car park outside out home. Here we can plug into power to get the fridge cold, and make the necessary trips from the house to the van, carrying food and clothes. And most importantly, don't forget the family Christmas presents.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pB9cgrJx-_jQDrjv19SZU-Wv1jJHI4My"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050291" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050291" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XJTPjbONMA8iotz2kr5aESHUqe2Px42i" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Caravan in front of our home</p><p align="justify">We left home on Saturday, an easy drive through the back roads to Kiwitea .Son-in-law Robert helped guide Robin back the caravan into place, but there was an oopsie when he backed over Nicky’s favourite avocado tree. There was a loud “snap”, but luckily it was the wooden stake which broke, the tree trunk bent and survived to keep on growing.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1haPhzdcz1VpOhiJaTiLWDnVGkXyefItf"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050303" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050303" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13RMcM2_myNBQdj48VX31zPlCqUhMFhtb" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Here for Christmas</p><p align="justify">You know you are in the country when you see plenty of hay bales. And someone on this farm arranged a few bales with happy faces on the road side. Just the thing to make a couple of townies happy.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x7Kae-ECcUw789La_ZJMeJRBTINt0AQ3"><img width="502" height="379" title="P1050306" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050306" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fv5HnZSzPnbCcgurNxr3rL94UrJ0zgUR" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Happy hay bales</p><p align="justify">We called into the local honey shop, Down Under Honey, hoping to find some comb honey. Yes, they had some in the shop, and we happily purchased some. We drove down the drive past a group of ostriches on this property, always interesting to see these regal looking birds.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Izcu_EwpC7gnAwRYeOJt76-qTci3ygs5"><img width="371" height="279" title="P1050313" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050313" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MpM1WllPrpiL38W6-tnP2Fp4Hsn1vdQv" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v8FzbHWuYds2xlanmvgqoj3nuaRX0aD8"><img width="210" height="279" title="P1050316" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050316" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17guAESA3tZPGgSwTS5w5qx8l_FI024vq" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Ostriches at Down Under Honey</p><p align="justify">Christmas morning was wet and showery, as the weatherman promised. The traditional family Christmas breakfast here is always warm croissants with ham and cheese, very tasty indeed. Then it was time to open the presents. Granddaughter Emma was the Christmas Elf in charge of giving out the gifts.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EVSiq6RIVE6faB0jCAyO40NUuIcvwWkz"><img width="304" height="404" title="P1050322" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050322" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DcqmIQKIGfWXWaJY3GWsI6q674dFb4JA" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Emma loves Christmas</p><p align="justify">After all that activity it was time to get the barbeques out and get cooking for Christmas lunch. We had brought up a rolled pork loin and Robin soon had it cooking nicely – our Weber BBQ is great for cooking roasts and it certainly smelt delicious.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qvwbcLFlRZZ6NHvfEJO4uUT0efG-VzJx"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050328" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050328" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z-eVqXxtcu9PXvs4TWQA55kJsVp1gHnl" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Rolled pork loin for Christmas lunch</p><p align="justify">Nicky had prepared another old favourite, chicken breasts stuffed with cream cheese and apricots, and wrapped in bacon. Robert fired his BBQ up and got cooking too, these needed turning often to make sure all the chicken was properly cooked through. Delicious!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11HAJu22ULJo0nOKe-srz1bcvEY5y1h9I"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050329" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050329" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1J-HWnody933vHhx_s0m2X7Iu1wgnT2cR" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Robert cooking the chicken bacon roll-ups</p><p align="justify">The weather cleared up late morning so we could eat outside on the deck. Neighbours arrived, and we settled down to lunch. With pork, chicken, various salads and the neighbour’s home made rye bread, we were very well fed indeed. Glasses of bubbly were raised in a toast, and everyone was quiet as we enjoyed our delicious meal. After a respite it was time for desserts. Granddaughter Megan had made a layered berry meringue dessert, simple but so delicious, plus a chocolate cheesecake. And the neighbor had brought along a chocolate mousse. We were certainly well fed.</p><p align="justify">It was a lovely afternoon indeed, and I have to admit that we both sneaked away from the festivities for a quiet nana nap in the caravan. Merry Christmas to all our friends and readers, thanks for reading and wishing you all a lovely day. Take care on the roads if you are traveling this holiday season.</p><p align="justify"></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-48711869372838907802023-12-16T14:09:00.001+13:002023-12-16T14:10:39.600+13:00Another Busy Week<p align="justify">Its been another very busy pre-Christmas week. Everything happens this time of year with Christmas break-ups from various clubs and groups we are involved with. First was our Super Leisure Group final get-together of the year. Each month we meet up with our SLG friends, with each of us taking a turn to organise a day out for us all. Trish was in charge of planning something for December, but sadly she had a health emergency and was not well enough to attend. Four of us decided to go to Trish’s choice of café and we drove down to the Hutt Valley, along the Transmission Gully Road. Oh look, there’s the Rainbow Bridge, it’s always nice to catch a glimpse of this as we drive along the motorway..</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eR9X1a1m7oXeWCoxdueBN7dlJPwTao1A"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050251" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050251" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Dgc-UTo61MKon-gHC1ko0bRKX3DL__I6" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">The Rainbow Bridge, at the side of Transmission Gully motorway</p><p align="justify">We were meeting at Boulcott Golf Club Cafe in Lower Hutt. The large car park was very full indeed, and we drove slowly around looking for an empty car park. As well as people coming out for lunch, there were obviously plenty of golfers out enjoying their time on the golf course.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16gyfZwXvCrjEMDo_AkoG--gGTNnh3i-l"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050255" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050255" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10XT1Fi1fDdMfydZxh2WHLSLeKrckG1zA" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HiocdF4JRV85ffYhdKtyv6lrnqPSvBmo"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050254" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050254" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1igStSnq6gRVLVOMJT1I2nOGpOy9D-rPF" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Boulcott Golf Club</p><p align="justify">Calvin and Helen arrived soon after us, and we pursued the menu and checked out the cabinet food. There were several large tables full of other pre Christmas diners too, so the service was a little slow as the staff worked hard to serve the meals. What to have – I chose Bubble and Squeak (don’t often see that on a menu) with a side of sliced salmon, and Robin had fish and chips. With so many people dining, I decided not to ask the busy staff to take a photo, so we did it ourselves instead.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10un-pQ4tA__PO0Os0wQpFTmiklcqfdTg"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050256" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050256" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nQwmXTVx4xkxRk8EuoXGOVcz5RwbMbEF" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hWLwf3FMSN-kRSPe4xOvO4Ic1j8EZFOd"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050258" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050258" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vkgwdEf5gM8xQTvzRV8C-q-Tt6jiDray" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Helen and Calvin, and us two</p><p align="justify">As always, there was plenty to chat about, our plans for Christmas, family, and our absent friend Trish. Through the window I noticed club members out on the greens having a hit around the course. After a long two hour lunch, and a coffee, we said our goodbyes, and headed home.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qD7N5TyxPF7maAL6YiwVg7SMM17kr4hG"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050259" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050259" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ImUqdNYp7kap9uV7dJ5TxamV0sLEH0qd" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Boulcott Golf Club</p><p align="justify">The golf club is off Military Road and there is a large stone memorial on the corner of the road marking the site of Boulcott’s Farm Stockade. This tells the story of the attack on the stockade during the Maori Wars. On 16th May 1846 over 200 Maori warriors from Wanganui attacked the stockade and were fought off by a garrison of 50 men of the 58th Regiment. The bodies of six Imperial soldiers who fell were buried nearby.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11kYfye6VJRLUu74XC2Ox8R_Yl6sGF4oB"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050260" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050260" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14rQ3H3lskYOp1priiiQcXdW2zWujVkBu" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Memorial stone</p><p align="justify">We took the alternate drive home around Pauatahanui and along the coast road, a much more scenic route. The Pauatahanui Inlet is always a pretty place to stop and admire the scenery, looks like the tide was out when we were there. Free camping in self contained vans is permitted here so it would be a nice peaceful place to stay for a night or two.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13HwOeTVomNkymaWzOkG87YFWuMAsSWM9"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050262" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050262" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HZH2uXustPX9d6OIga8TQe0osK9Rhci4" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">At the Inlet</p><p align="justify">And what would a drive along the coast road be without a photo stop of Kapiti Island? We stopped at the lookout on Pukerua Bay Hill to get this rather hazy view.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Lk5G7nk_eg7VqyXP7FcIUN-i_ZluuiyS"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050264" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050264" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IiDX-Bb29QZD3AEB1hxLJsvfAq0Xl3hw" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Kapiti Island</p><p align="justify">There was one more stop before we made it home, we decided to call in at RJ’s for some licorice. It’s been ages since we had called in here to make a purchase.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FqpRjAyQ8ir44YxOXPkhDLJBtlj5CII3"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1050268" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050268" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19jo_J8oZIiduvUYaN2ZLqV_xeosJCyrU" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">On entering the shop we were rather alarmed to see a whole bunch of police inside, and wondered what the emergency was. Seems the only emergency was that they had ran out of licorice, and often call into the shop to replenish their supplies. The police personnel left with their arms full of goodies, and we looked around to see what we wanted to buy and take home.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11vIJETERGz6bgPmoImIUglGz1jgpRvjq"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050270" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050270" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZkcGBgc_zrkYFmW2TQFZ2DuPiSdpemp_" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">RJ’s Licorice</p><p align="justify">The next day we had our final Christmas occasion for the year, a BBQ lunch put on by Age Concern for the members. There was quite a turn out with 110 people attending. We sat ourselves down at the long tables, chatted away while the volunteers were busy cooking up the BBQ sausages and meat patties. This was served with buttered bread and butter to wrap around our sausages, cole slaw, potato and pasta salads. All washed down with soft drinks to quench the thirst.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OeSv1g6W6Ou2fRaJHHjHGaNkD-KEQWUE"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050273" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050273" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aKc3uJe_5rQsa_4XN9P1KF1m5agwyOTm" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1a_Gsw_tWN_9Fr75REci_qKxDl87isXul"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050274" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050274" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iQJlgKollIiwcspdwLWp7AAGorB9Oyzt" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Age Concern BBQ lunch</p><p align="justify">Large platters of Christmas cake were served to the crowd, then Father Christmas made an appearance with a sack full of gifts – everyone had bought along a $5 gift to put in the sack. It was a fun time indeed.</p><p align="justify">Next week, the final week before Christmas, will be much quieter with no more social commitments. That will make a nice change of pace.</p><p align="center"></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-57129476064734762222023-12-11T15:34:00.001+13:002023-12-11T15:38:03.353+13:00Christmas Rally at Woodville<p>It was an 80im trip to Woodville on Friday, and we went up and over the Saddle Road. It was cloudy at the top of the hill and the wind turbines were slowly rotating, putting electricity into the national grid.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12AJu_urew9hRCPLWx25pGgvCRCGuDO-I"><img width="504" height="352" title="P1050148" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050148" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IWXVXxpUxPOZlDq-ehDP9LHkcFUy9vOC" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">At the top of the Saddle Road</p><p align="justify">Our venue for the weekend was the Woodville and Pahiatua Racing club. We parked on the hard standing, and had the use of the kitchen, dining room/hall and toilets during our stay. It’s always great to have somewhere to meet inside in the evening or because of inclement weather. We drove up the tree lined drive, found ourselves a site, and settled in to enjoy the weekend.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zmBO9Ql8mBnKl2EtN1RNDiis5CqQgIqn"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1050156" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050156" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12sdlFlxwCUf6Ywum8HpVmzqAenATBZs0" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">The weather was warm enough to enjoy 4zees outside on Friday afternoon, and then we gathered in the hall on Friday evening. Dave related the upcoming changes to the regulations about toilet cassettes, seems the new idea will impact us all and at a cost. We will await developments.</p><p align="justify">The following morning I climbed the grandstand steps to get an elevated view of our vans parked up. Nine vans were in attendance this weekend</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yi8-eMPp1V4UUKGAZMpftAEuvncFNgO1"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050163" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050163" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_C2CSf4QC1sr-lnrUneDnmfyvrnYDPLA" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UuGjdz7fTiO3Q6mQC5SR8IgFGf59vQxS"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050160" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050160" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eNlU-msRwHPuroMzPFeu7Z2cW5aQcPNM" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Here we all are</p><p align="justify">The tantalising smell of bacon cooking led me over to John’s van where he and Flo were cooking up a hearty breakfast on the BBQ. It did look tasty, bacon, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms and tomatoes. That will be a good start to the day.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EvsXXWiX_GXsfnJlvK05o8NIj5eopawB"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050168" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050168" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VYmd0ovkgLWNjT4UVaOPELPNXVzxHH_R" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">John and Flo with their BBQ breakfast</p><p align="justify">We settled into our chairs outside for morning tea. Dot had brought along a cake to share to celebrate her recent birthday. Our club members never say no to free goodies.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qDK4FkDX8zRZNiMlYOxtgYr8LLy_p4Dy"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050171" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050171" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_U0QIZOIoDu7Wx3KCkW5fggJOnu8kq-4" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Dot sharing her birthday cake </p><p align="justify">Later in the morning the members pooled cars and set of to Dannevirke, to go and visit the Fantasy Cave. Our club had visited this many years ago, but the building being used was not up to earthquake standards and the Cave had been in recess for some years. This Christmas it was a “pop up” show in another venue – that sounded like fun and most of us were keen to go and check it out. Handing over our gold coin entry fee, we stepped into a Christmas wonderland full of trees, ornaments and sparkly lights.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BVXeNOP3h-G6_vtLiRrQKv7QRQXp76wM"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050185" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050185" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cRsVV4hCchbNeJXk3uxvhalcmHm_3G04" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Christmas Fantasy Cave</p><p align="justify">Oh look, there’s Santa in the corner. At only $5 for a photo with the big man in red, how could I resist! Put your arm around his shoulder, I was told, and hold onto his hand.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cfrAmnIR3DyZMQu5atkNZG3FNos27ap0"><img width="504" height="383" title="P1050191" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050191" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10fpxa9Hjakyeeu9rwfooyH0oeouLtQ9L" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Hello Santa</p><p align="justify">Then we spotted the toy train and Dot and I remembered having our photo taken sitting in this on our previous long ago visit. It took a wee bit of body contortion to slip in to the tiny carriages, but we made it. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rt3xItYhbofIWni9dpLpCv9cWyn1xpZB"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050179" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050179" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rBHdzy3zUD_9Hya74VbXzkTULNxoZUJv" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">All aboard. Helen, Owen, Sue, Jenny, Deb, Dot, Murray and Dave</p><p align="justify">That was certainly a fun visit, we all had lots of laughs. With lunch next on the agenda we all walked down the main road to the Black Stump and enjoyed a light lunch. Luckily tables were rearranged to fit our group in comfortably. The café was very busy indeed with pre Christmas shoppers out and about in force.</p><p align="justify">Back to camp again for another round of 4zees, then it was time for the highlight of our weekend, a shared Christmas meal. Sue and her helpers had done a wonderful job setting the tables and decorating the room. She had also produced some table place names for us all, that was a lovely touch, just like attending a rather posh dinner! Sue pointed out that the caravan and motorhome owners both had an appropriate picture of their rigs on their cards. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1oIj3mBa64REAhCWSc9FTsjdrns4rvwfy"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1050206" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050206" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1B4xXZ0lhrQqnZjFgz7P2KbO2t5UWi3mY" border="0"></a></p><p align="justify">Everyone prepared their own main meal, and the club provided strawberries and ice-cream. Flo had kindly prepared a couple of pavlovas for us, for the second year in a row. We reminded her that she had done such a great job we would now expect her to keep this donation up in the future. Everyone was asked to feel under the table for a ribbon, depicting a prize. After much hilarity with us all patting underneath the table, Pamela was the lucky winner.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lIgReyyI8qzJGyrRQZtveDMLSZtEtHkr"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1050202" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050202" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1s3rhlMwD-wpAXvezQsFGXPwCmFxfPnZf" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">And the winner is……Pamela</p><p align="justify">My camera decided to go into fuzzy mode that evening for some reason, so the photos of the dinner were not at all good.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1aeer3aJHkFYeKxCkgt1FeW8L25OQ2MJp"><img width="504" height="427" title="P1050200" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050200" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WJgj04-OlLuK0LFL5mgAnIKe4UnyCyma" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Fuzzy wuzzy people</p><p align="justify">The weather turned bad overnight and on Sunday morning, rain and strong gusts of wind had us concerned about the drive home. We enjoyed our final morning tea of the weekend, complete with fruit mince pies courtesy of the club. Deb had brought along a Christmas tree strewn with chocolates, and some tasty apricot coconut balls, thanks very much Deb. Luckily the wind did drop a little in the late morning so we said our farewells, wished each other a Merry Christmas and made our way home. Thanks to the committee for running such a splendid Christmas Rally.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-13952833825645348272023-12-06T14:33:00.001+13:002023-12-06T15:31:02.395+13:00It’s that Time of Year again<p align="justify">It’s been busy, busy, with Christmas breakups happening one after the other from various groups and clubs we belong to. We attended the last Probus meeting of the year yesterday, and what a great turn out there was, everyone made an effort to be there. The meeting room in our local Cossie Club was full to bursting. The meeting progressed well, and the last item on the agenda was a local singing duo. A lovely couple who sang songs that we all knew and enjoyed.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sa3n5rhjI8lgzWNysBiRQDae8jYjNmyD"><img width="502" height="379" title="P1050097" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050097" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1B-Xx1H5WxSCfnFSiFK11IoOqoZz2bvkY" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">We certainly enjoyed their singing</p><p align="justify">We pulled crackers, read out the silly jokes, and put our paper hats on. And all the time the delicious smells of our Christmas lunch wafted by as we waited to be called up to the buffet tables. It was a smorgasbord delight. The catering was wondaful, a great selection of salads, roast veggies, cauliflower in cheese sauce, hot ham and chicken. And for dessert, sticky date pudding, meringues, fruit salad and cream. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1smducOS6C9-Kmx__AM1sbvQxwhPSy2Wi"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050098" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050098" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WoQ7PiMp4iBzlosycQ5CJndiEg79hHLF" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Waiting for our lunch</p><p align="justify">I’m sure most of us ate a bit more than we should have, and there was talk around the table of going home for an afternoon nap! It was a lovely finish to the Probus year.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xPxeyL_xaXyoHWxZ3eblB2L7JvBoYg27"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050115" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050115" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v9nnArfx-JW4awS0R6f_ieeN90taP21E" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Merry Christmas</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-75806851549903540092023-11-29T16:36:00.001+13:002023-11-29T16:40:28.078+13:00Time to Head Home<p align="justify">The four day ICA Christmas Rally had come to an end, so it was time to head home. We decided to have an easy slow trip, and allow three days for our homeward journey. Our first overnight stop was back to Ngongotaha, in Rotorua, passing along the very picturesque road past Fitzgerald Glade. There is a nice cafe here, which we have stopped at previously, but not this time. We were aiming to get to Rotorua for lunch time. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CwftEHvkukEKBjH5q-FT1zhep2KoXeq2"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040950" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040950" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qL0TDAQkm1Yim6zEFJnDDUT4clQlXyXe" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Nearly at Fitzgerald Glade</p><p align="justify">The Ngongotaha NZMCA camp is always very busy. It fills up quickly during the afternoon, and empties out again each morning. Of course, some campers stay for days at a time, but we were amongst the overnighters.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hehT2klydCTxVMZr6UAsqzahjQkr2U00"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040956" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040956" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1W_1Wi846uIh6MgnQeVoSKtiKDvJbCVi1" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Ngongotaha NZMCA Camp</p><p align="justify">Something obviously caught Gemma’s attention, probably a bird or two, and she peered intently out of the window. No, she is not allowed to chase birds, although she would dearly love to.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZC_YBhwgyUDrh1DrFRgFonca2RtYVYCe"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1040959" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040959" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1d7IW-rUJaAC4PGpexciht0Vdpze4iut0" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Let me out, Mum</p><p align="justify">Driving through Taupo the next morning we saw many cyclists taking part in the Annual Around the Lake cycle race. This race draws contestants from all over New Zealand and overseas and as many as 5000 cyclists take part each year. There are quite steep hilly parts of the road for the contestants to deal with, this is obviously a race for the young and fit. We noticed several rest and water stations along the way for the cyclists to stop at, plus an ambulance or two parked up, just in case medical help was needed.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iefJ-XY_BhvHP6-eBk4JWFWlD-WlfsWk"><img width="502" height="379" title="P1040977" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040977" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gFSyIpAZyXXlv7VnSobxN86TTp5sqvnk" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Around the Lake Race</p><p align="justify">Once passed all the cyclists, we traveled on to Turangi, another nice roomy NZMCA camp. Not so many stayed here overnight. Fish and chips from the local shop were on the menu for our dinner, and then the rain and the wind arrived overnight, and shook the van around. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Nvic9v23wfKzbT6f0kbTpEVLd9isdSkI"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050003" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050003" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14RzrA43G49yV-TUaSmu6jHTOW-Qn_5P7" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13mehHag584uFxo7UbBtCbOvdF2edAOva"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050004" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050004" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1LWmAZTnfxp1a7a3xCehqbGGFqKbLU5Ep" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Our next night at Turangi</p><p align="justify">Driving along the Desert Road the following morning, I was thrilled to see Mt Ruapehu in all it’s glory. This isn't always the case, depending on the weather, so we stopped for a photo opportunity.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cqJYX3krjvMh2IZOpBhtcM2nSzrgmoNj"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050015" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050015" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10Ts4caBypPDFRSSOwytLA6w0J8Cc-I2O" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Mt Ruapehu</p><p align="justify">It was just as well we had stopped to take a photo when we did, and several minutes later the low cloud had rolled in, completely obscuring the mountain. The temperatures dropped, and we drove through the mist. By the time we reached Waiouru the weather had cleared. Our looked forward to coffee break didn’t happen, as the coffee cart was closed!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pdTafEQJKLL-8TXoP9I8VvdXB6ILFYd_"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1050033" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050033" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m9FD_nPQYjZlcpXxcRPA2YcFAEfRZmoB" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Pea Soup weather</p><p align="justify">Our final stop of our trip was at the Marton NZMCA Park, a very pretty little camp indeed. This used to be a former local council run camp in earlier times, and we remember staying here many years ago with our caravan club. We enjoyed the gifted trout fillet for dinner, I wasn’t quite sure how to cook it so pan fried the fish in a little butter – delicious.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JTY5ThmLB7PCVDfkZ5_rByIcVbFCEv7S"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050040" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050040" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UrOahCgs98G3CQhYiaxe0zymMeg9auDB" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QHYRCAJzw-eyPlQ6mhvFP5IDqpcjU7cs"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1050037" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1050037" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1A4-4ti7OIHEm_RG4XbvKrQQCr3bA1eUl" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Marton NZMCA Camp</p><p align="justify">From here it was about another 100km to home. As we drove slowly past Otaki we saw the multitude of patched bikies who had gathered here for the funeral of a high ranking gang member There was a heavy police presence on the road, with a helicopter flying overhead to keep an eye on the hundreds gathered. </p><p align="justify">We soon made it home, unpacked, stopped for lunch, and put the washing machine on. That’s it till our next trip away, and that’s coming up fast.</p><p align="center"></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-11816319169805725232023-11-24T17:37:00.001+13:002023-11-29T16:41:14.801+13:00Te Aroha and Matamata–ICA Rally<p align="justify">Moving on from Ponderosa Pop we traveled on to Te Aroha passing through Tatuanui. Here we just had to stop to take a photo of a silo masquerading as a can of Dairy Whip Cream at the Tatua Dairy factory.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1P2FyEMO6Pw72vK52L9Cm_Pk8524BMeOy"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1040848" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040848" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cq5Rafss_HBd0b2VbbQRZ4AMRUglWXKw" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Fancy some cream with that?</p><p align="justify">Then we drove on to the Te Aroha council freedom parking area for the first two days of our ICA Christmas Rally. Two caravans and about 20 motorhomes just about filled up this area in no time at all. There was plenty of meeting and greeting, and catching up with members we hadn't seen for a while. 4zees was outside in the sunshine, and then in the evening we met in groups in hosts vans. We were nominated to be a host van, pulled names out of the hat, and had an interesting evening chatting away and partaking of supper with two other couples.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1az3N9pZDRBGBk4Vu9wCTiuBgkc8uxo-f"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040851" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040851" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pRzupPd6FuiNGIIr6N_aIWQJdQ3vGSc4" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">We took over the freedom camping area</p><p align="justify">Te Aroha is a pretty little town and we went to have a look around. We found St Mark’s Memorial Church, built in the Gothic style in 1926 of stone and brick. This church is now known as Te Aroha Co-operating Church. Another interesting building is the War Memorial clock Tower, built in 1955. The weather here was almost tropical, we had hot muggy days, then the rain clouds gathered in the afternoons and the rain came down, sending us all scurrying indoors. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vi1TAZb7X5mzK982viI9iuAJTDRfV6Rh"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1040863" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040863" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NrwLmuUS1b_mD06j3SsMtRQli547a7mE" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RjBwznDcptm4SIqs1vGvqUDcR5RPaus_"><img width="234" height="354" title="P1040873" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040873" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_pC2dQk_2snqUQgzM1959-GCW4LIlUto" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">In Te Aroha township</p><p align="justify">After two days here it was time to move on to Matamata. Not a great distance at all, so we took our time, stopping for lunch on the way. But first we stopped at the Kaimai air crash memorial, erected in memory of the three crew and twenty passengers who died aboard NAC flight 441 which crashed into the Kaimai Ranges in 1963.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1b0OzM2bVeKUqP8fi1wPRFZPWweVwNugN"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040879" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040879" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15_R5HFLZqO13MwSmRgF8MlDqTs3AgwYT" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Kaimai memorial</p><p align="justify">Our lunch stop was at Wairere Falls carpark, plenty of room for us to park for lunch. There were plenty of cars parked up in the middle car park, full of keen walkers and trampers off the climb the tracks to see the WAirere Falls up close. We took the easy way out and took a photo instead of these magnificent falls, they must be even more beautiful after heavy rainfall in the ranges.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QmZupTnSlhKYqO4cEmv4ifJCes9cTQA4"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040886" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040886" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yS8eSooq9ZoRygxsVk7AD5mQK_uCLmFN" border="0"></a></p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11fu8LMTBk04E3JY-o9i1T9PduClJtuSt"><img width="504" height="379" title="PB220222" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="PB220222" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1f20T87fGf2cG1Ar4MVcLZaEfUPpOjQBG" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Lunch stop at the Wairere Falls</p><p align="justify">After this pleasant interlude we carried on to Matamata Club, where we were spending our last two nights. Doug did a great job of squeezing us all into the grassy area, no mean feat with so many vans. He wanted the two caravans parked up first, then slotted the motor homes around us. We enjoyed Happy Hour in the club bar, and most of us stayed on for a bar meal afterwards, sure beats cooking!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PUe0hMUVD9rbOqAloWawsXu8EaKKhI3C"><img width="229" height="304" title="P1040901" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040901" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xDiqxKU-yfGM3PhZrK5rssbL6bb8CvBz" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jjTL1SweuaskqlowrGT0y7yrtT9r7dg_"><img width="404" height="304" title="P1040902" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040902" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FjfF15Xvu-Q1rg9roVzxAIMDUbOfbK91" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Doug on parking duty</p><p align="justify">The Maori name Matamata means “headland”. This was the name of a new pa (village) established in 1830 by Te Waharoa on a ridge of high ground. These days Matamata is a very wealthy horse breeding town, and is also well known as the area where Hobbiton is situated. In fact, the information centre is a replica Hobbiton House, and is the most photographed info centre in the country.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pxrljoRTk30B8-phj46tQpn-510reZwq"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040913" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040913" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19J97NwWEOoOcHSppTTUqkGu5xY-lF3hN" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Matamata Information Centre</p><p align="justify">There is a wonderful sculpture in town, commissioned to honour horse breeding and horse racing in Matamata. The thoroughbred industry has become a large part of the local economy and several race horses have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. As well, many local trainers and jockeys have been inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. Sculptor Adrian Worsley created “Thoroughbred Horse and Jockey” combining recycled copper, brass, stainless steel and wood.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AVsGx7VyEq_02K22hmr9YvnqISjMbmDw"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040917" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040917" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=130pavg7_4G2UnfmGT9T8PcNwpD8dUdFr" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Created by local sculptor Adrian Worsley</p><p align="justify">The catered meal at the Matamata Club was the grand finale to our rally. Father Christmas and his helpers welcomed us all into the dining room and gave us all a Christmas gift bag. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1h8MzdiZvdCD3a9Vs-Ecfr6IMQEOqHvNb"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1040928" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040928" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Wnc8ZYmUI-MQ0Bo7WhTuIeCObbop2Tai" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Doug and Father Christmas (Desmond)</p><p align="justify">The meal was wonderful, hot ham, roast lamb, plenty of salads and veggies, plus a huge dish of prawns in a very tasty sauce, I really enjoyed that. A delicious selection of desserts too, with tea and coffee to follow.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bSy82PeYPHyJLZ1L4sH0rtJVKWedTMi0"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040935" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040935" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EDmo3w0RehO2nwIeaTIvfiifVDDm8-IF" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">All enjoying the dinner</p><p align="justify">But the meal wasn’t over yet, there was the Christmas cake to cut. Wavyne was asked to do the honours, she had earlier been awarded her 30 year presentation.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c8EU1jIPNzm6RRLe2gGVrHWZ41AwnBeK"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040923" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040923" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wxc2n96YhORx05NyAor6g7lRRN6iadTy" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13Nr_zw9w_kz7KwPVYYkpqmHqel2FfIff"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040938" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040938" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Oti7axosRv0FHxUm18a05qOqdAsjCQpu" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Wavyne cutting the cake</p><p align="justify">It was a wonderful evening, the food was great, and we congratulated the chef and his staff when they popped out to see us all. </p><p align="justify"><br></p><p align="center"></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-68555548795294770032023-11-19T16:56:00.001+13:002023-11-19T16:58:41.171+13:00Away We Go Again<p align="justify">Home from our Anniversary Trip a week and a half, and off we go again. Where to this time? We are heading off to join the ICA people for the Christmas Rally in Te Aroha and then Matamata, taking two days to travel up there. So once again, the caravan was packed and we were raring to go. It was fine when we departed, but then the weather got steadily worse. Such is our temperamental Spring weather here in New Zealand.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1r5zG0wNKRe4xT9slL4_3lKfEfDAcC3sW"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040759" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040759" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1G-Sig319SVuQIngNrcoB5H138UCjdPek" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">The van is almost packed</p><p align="justify">The blue skies soon disappeared to make way for grey clouds. Our first stop was Taihape by the railway station, lots of room there for our car and caravan, plus a handy coffee cart. A bus full of tourists were making the most of the public toilets, then were soon on their way. We lunched in the van, with something I had prepared earlier, plus a latte from the coffee cart.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TO-bI33Ngjy5jd7quP_AB1faLplj2pq5"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040777" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040777" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rOp6W7nbpIWCUf-lNJwPMxe1Vlc_oGU_" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V5404MiHLOI6zdHZSNrSb5Pd1znhFOon"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040785" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040785" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mZ9BYwJFH1is1QiBk3lEtoHnvepN1V6M" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Lunch stop at Taihape</p><p align="justify">Then the heavy rain came, and didn’t stop, following us as we headed north. Our original plan was to spend the night at Taupo NZMCA Park, but as the parking is all on grass there we decided against it. So we stopped at Turangi, a much better idea to be parked up on hard standing in such wet weather. This large park was fairly empty, plenty of spaces here, but as the hours rolled by, more vans rolled in, happy to be off the roads in such wet weather, just like us, I imagine.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n_noPhEa2Q2I8yanhqm2L14UTd6GsyNr"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040792" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040792" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jtFOJyk266-jh2T2EE21OZQomwoZlBtR" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">At Turangi NZMCA Park</p><p align="justify">There was a tap on the door, and a lady asked us if we would be interested in a trout fillet. My goodness, of course we would, and she didn't want any payment for it either. They had obviously had a good day out fishing as we saw her take fish to several other vans as well. It’s a long time since we had eaten trout, and I carefully wrapped it up and popped it in the freezer to enjoy another night.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Vt9FS1CFF8d_yMFtgnqhn5UCA4Q0mwhN"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040796" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040796" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NZBhFLnbzwVV0O9RZkE-HkMtdomdIOZ0" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Freshly caught trout</p><p align="justify">Our plans for dinner was to go to a local take-away shop for a roast meal. Last time we were in Turangi, Robin purchased fish and chips, and discovered that the roasts are so popular with the locals that they sell out really early. “Call in by 5.00pm” he was advised, so we did. The roast pork meals were delicious, plenty of roast veggies, and very generous servings of roast pork and crackle. We can certainly recommend them, and the fish and chips were very nice too when we enjoyed them last time we were staying here.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16EqTFtbq_eY0EExdP7tf14Hay_Ftbv4t"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040800" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040800" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KJejQrlB_vy1RyaD79sP_4u3ycEV_i1M" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Delicious food here</p><p align="justify">It kept raining off and on all night, and still hadn’t stopped in the morning when we were heading off again. We could just make out Motuaiko Island in the middle of Lake Taupo through the rain and the mist. The name Motuaiko is from the Maori language, with “motu” meaning island, and “taiko” being the name of the black petrel.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DWkMZMhLLxqST-_x7KGe6Yv3LPI5HLm_"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040817" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040817" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GN188rPgE0BhHpVGbVzYEQB75661Koae" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Motuaiko Island</p><p align="justify">There were very long delays at the Arimuri road works, we waited, and waited, and waited some more. Finally we got the green light to go and came across another long line of motorists waiting to drive south. This happed several times along this stretch of road works. As it was a Sunday, none of the heavy machinery was working, just a few workers monitoring the traffic lights on the side of the road.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OaQaHfPsEKdYOdcg36q2BJZ5MisOKz5c"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040831" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040831" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1beGPcjp-jJT_4hQ0_pByI4vyD4PMhzLZ" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">We are finally moving, and the other line is stopped in place</p><p align="justify">We are staying the night at Ponderosa Pop, (park over property) at Matangi, near Cambridge. This is our first time here, and the helpful host guided us through the gate and around a corner to get us on site. There are several long time stayers here, he told us, so it’s lucky he has a couple of large areas to park everyone.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Ym25_76YyniJqLsFAV3cHKUw2hOkOuQ3"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040840" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040840" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Db89pMeIV31nN-q2ZOi-C95Huf9Gb0Ow" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Ponderosa Pop</p><p align="justify">We are moving on in the morning for the start of the ICA Rally at Te Aroha, so that will be interesting. It will be great to catch up with everyone again. The ICA group only holds two or three rallies each year.</p><p align="justify"></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-10410392927284578962023-11-15T17:37:00.001+13:002023-11-15T17:38:54.752+13:00Out and About to Gracefield and Nae Nae<p align="justify">We had a day out today, meeting up with our Super Leisure Group friends for lunch, traveling down to the Hutt Valley. As I was born, bred, had my schooling, and raised my children in Lower Hutt, then later spent some years in Upper Hutt, it still feels like “coming home” when we return to the valley. Our first stop was to Burnsco in Gracefield, to purchase a new kettle for our caravan – the old one had a leaky spout and needed replacing. With the choice made, I left Robin to potter around the shop to his heart’s delight, and stepped outside to admire some yachts moored up. I’m sure there is a lot of money moored up here.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pZgi9rk076NCbTTbf9n3Vlvk-7qAmldP"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040734" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040734" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zh9C93kFB32YSBC-KRxP3-uDZHRLIJ3h" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Dfy44_ybsU3noMPPTpFskXS6yVIQdAXn"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040733" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040733" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jJMeOQSfSjZERv0n7QBhHrLYmhhbKxWL" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Gracefield</p><p align="justify">Many years ago, in a former life, I was a dairy owner with my former husband in Petone. As we drove past, we noticed it was no longer trading. Quick, stop the car, I need a photo, I instructed Robin. And here it is, the former Nelson Street Dairy, our home and business for three years when I was a young mother. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1GV1AF6lHKLrhZLNBVQZmVCehJxOfRndc"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040737" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040737" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q3cyMtZHTsRElDh0QomveDbvskVIou1C" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Our dairy from many years ago</p><p align="justify">Then we drove to the Nae Nae Bowling Club to meet our friends and have lunch in the café.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15fgNP0z5jC1gh-83z03MDd3dBnq4eaUW"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040758" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040758" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NtsmX68Yy_lEMhf8Kl5u3quiLeBkRJuF" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Nae Nae Bowling Club</p><p align="justify">Sadly, our numbers have dropped lately, and there were only five of us. But never mind, we still had plenty to talk about and fill in a couple of hours over lunch. Calvin was the organizer for this month.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zJbitx23RLG9v--efga8HxWzIt-2tnux"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040743" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040743" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eh6kMoJFg7KJHy9aj5M-0EvBUVwV5dFQ" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Calvin and Helen</p><p align="justify">Trish arrived soon after and after a bit of meeting and greeting we settled down to order our lunch. Roast pork and veggies was on the menu, so that was just the meal for us. The others ordered roast beef, fish, and a toasted sandwich, followed by ice cream sundaes and tea and coffee. The meals were nicely presented and very reasonably priced . </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pNYM8jMbNW2t4lyxp_1ZL12Z1uSNySNW"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040749" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040749" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16VQPnvzMsQ2chfD-gYvuMFoyoeEMfsAz" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Trish, Jenny, Robin, Calvin and Helen</p><p align="justify">There was a spirited game of bowls going on, this is a very large complex and it is good to see that it is well utilized. As well as playing both indoor and outdoor bowls, members can play darts and pool, and are well served with a bar and café too.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1f0c7L4bHGOhYF73skSdKLi5fShatwlcU"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040750" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040750" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NlyZjnxkygzucZR_40kUgo6ChVeZXx3i" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Outdoor bowls</p><p align="justify">It was lovely to meet up again, have a good catch up, and share all our news. With Christmas coming up fast, we are hoping for another get together next month, hopefully we can find a date which suits us all, December is a very busy month indeed.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863099932961970547.post-75119097203290957972023-11-13T16:49:00.001+13:002023-11-13T16:50:44.632+13:00Last Day in Rotorua then Heading Home<p align="justify">Our last day in Rotorua didn't happen as planned. We had driven out to the Buried Village to find it wasn’t open till mid week. Sad, as we had enjoyed visiting here 40 years ago on our honeymoon trip, and wanted to see it again. Such a shame – it tells the story of Mount Tarawera erupting in 1886. Over four frightening hours, rocks, ash and mud rained down on the Maori village of Te Wairoa, covering the village with two metres of thick volcanic material. The eruption also destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces. Hopefully, we can visit here on a future trip to Rotorua.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VleFG8T9fXGvrHqHS9MKVyn-6WVDBWB2"><img width="266" height="354" title="P1040644" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040644" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cDHztD38pJcNlN9zsI0hNeIRdBBUgAs7" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Our visit was not be be this time</p><p align="justify">Our Plan B was to visit a few more lakes in Rotorua. The Blue Lake and the Green Lake are side by side, separated by a small isthmus, which had a very convenient lookout spot. The Blue Lake, Tikitapu, is named as the place where the daughter of a chief lost her sacred greenstone neck ornament. The lake water appears turquoise blue when seen from above due to the reflection of white rhyolite and pumice on the lake bottom. The Green Lake, Rotokakahi, is named after the shellfish, kakahi, and appears to be emerald green when seen from above, due to its shallow, sandy bottom. Privately owned by the local Iwi, this lake is sacred, and no swimming, boating or fishing is allowed.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bNx3RUKl0dAeExqqM1JAvqO1A6gAiBxv"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040653" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040653" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BLB_4NINvWX38wY_eqqrwhe08wpSKFQm" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1d6d5gWxkYXEfuQ_toy1anP5rkDaRT-RL"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040649" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040649" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PkZlUWoMVq0ZTnyhhqrV63TJsPEaxTPI" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Blue and Green Lakes</p><p align="justify">There was one more lake further up the road to visit, Lake Tarawera. You can just make out the flat topped mountain in the background. That is Mt Tarawera which blew it’s top back in 1886 and caused such devastation. The lake was calm, and boat rides are available across the lake in the weekends. We had an interesting chat to a tour guide who specialises in high end tours, he told us he often travels to collect clients from Auckland, travels around for days or weeks as required, staying at posh hotels. One of his groups included a family group with adult children, the private pilot, plus a butler!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IDK_V4mKesBOwVMVCnmp4e7rWcAZU5_e"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040656" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040656" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1H2rGujKxlNblwijr6s_gX4AMuPYlz_GF" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Lake Tarawera, with Mt Tarawera in the background</p><p align="justify">The next morning we packed up, said goodbye to Ngongotaha and started traveling homewards. The weather wasn’t the best and we passed steaming ground as we neared Taupo – the rain always makes these vents steam more.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1deD5rUWdHPYzDrf_f18t42fz6LI1aVCb"><img width="504" height="379" title="P1040688" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040688" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=123BB6KZuM19-Be5EsccfwykbeKQ6kW83" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Steaming vents near Taupo</p><p align="justify">Turangi NZMCA Park was our stop for the night. A lovely big area with plenty of room for the few vans stopping overnight. The rain hosed down late afternoon and all through the night. We enjoyed some fish and chips from the local shop, very nice they were too, and settled down for the evening warmed by our trusty diesel heater. By morning, the rain had eased, but the wind had picked up, chasing the wind and clouds away. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=103l1Sn5zQ0ckT8_AXJrudF6bAx6QnyNh"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040696" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040696" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SwXQKoG2VpfWQ8mOPY4xLTTCxGmXqLxj" border="0"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10By2wcoB--qglXX5fGEek8pr4hGtn0UW"><img width="304" height="229" title="P1040699" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="P1040699" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vZtI2FEzwLJLqQ4Go70qHP2d7NU0Ztun" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Turangi NZMCA Park</p><p align="justify">From here, we stopped at Waiouru to refuel and a coffee, then heading straight on home. Our Anniversary Trip was over, and we had a wonderful time. It was an easy trip home, spreading it over a couple of days. Robin’s knee behaved really well, this was his first big drive since the knee replacement. The weather was quite mixed, there were a few nice days, but we certainly had our share of wind and rain. We are not home too long, have another trip planned for next week.</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13596754983215564299noreply@blogger.com0