50 Years of Probus

 It was a special celebration at our Probus club meeting this week, celebrating 50 years of Probus in New Zealand.  Probus had its beginnings in the UK in 1965 with retired members of Rotary forming a community based social club in Welwyn Garden City, north of London, named the Campus Club.  Then the following year the first actual Probus Club was established by the Rotary Club of Caterham.  Probus then found its way to New Zealand with the first club in the Southern Hemisphere being the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast.  Our own club, Levin Combined Probus Club was formed in 1995.

We had an interesting speaker, Cliff Rasmussen, Operations Team Manager of the newly opened St John Levin Ambulance Station, telling us of how the centre is run, and the different roles the staff have.  This talk was followed by a special morning tea to mark 50 years of Probus in New Zealand.

Dot, Jenny and Robin at Probus meeting

Rainy and Cold

 It rained off and on all night at Turangi, and didn't look much better in the morning.  Not entirely unexpected as the long Labour Weekend often has cold and wet conditions.  Our Spring weather can be very fickle indeed.

It's wet out there again

I'm always a little nervous driving along the Desert Road, especially on a holiday weekend.  The traffic was quite heavy, as expected, and Robin did his best to let the faster traffic go by.  The scenery changes dramatically, from sub alpine trees, to miles of tussock covered land which is used for military training, and then changes again to rolling farmland at the southern end. The rain and low clouds followed us, obscuring my view of Mt Ruapehu.

Very low clouds indeed

It was time to stop and catch our breath at Waiouru.  Robin attended to the fuel requirements while I went over to the coffee cart.  I had an interesting chat with the owner and another customer inside when I mentioned we were on our way home to Levin.  Both of these ladies had lived there in the past. 

Time for coffee at Waiouru

The bad weather cleared and our final stop on this trip was the Marton NZMCA Park.  Yes, we could have traveled all the way home, but a little while after settling in, the heavy rain came down again, and lasted overnight.  This is a handy little camp, one of the few with toilets available.  This harks back to the days when this property was a Council administered motor camp.  We can remember coming to the camp years ago with the caravan club.

Overnighting at Marton

Robin had decided to leave the car hooked up to the caravan overnight.  But the camp custodian came and advised us and the owners of the adjacent van to unhitch the car and park it across the way.  Although both the caravan and car fitted in the long sites, it seems that there had been instances of late arrivals damaging the cars as they drove in.  And that is also why bollards had been placed around the meeting room, to stop vehicles running into it, as had happened several times.  Unbelievable!

Bollards added to protect the building

Just for a change, we woke up to a fine and sunny morning.  A nice surprise, after all the rain we had encountered lately.  It was a short 70km trip home the next morning, always good to arrive home safe and sound and to unpack in fine weather.

Our trip north was necessary for caravan maintenance, the annual service.  And the awning needed repair too, although not ripped, a little of the stitching was coming undone.  That couldn't be left as it would have only got worse.   We were pleased with how this job was done too, and the very friendly and helpful workers at Cvana.  But...... the fridge in the caravan had been playing up all trip, so now that needs looking at.    All in all, it was a very sucessful trip, and we towed the van 1300km while we were away.

Rotorua to Turangi

Just as well our 61km trip from Welcome Bay to Ngongotaha didn't take too long as sites on the top shingled area were at a premium when we arrived.  There was plenty of room on the lower grassed areas but with bad weather coming, we wanted to be on the hard standing.

We found a space beside an empty reserved site, with the camper van returning later in the day.  

 

One of the few remaining sits on the top level.

Since so many motor-homers are bike enthusiasts - just see how many vans have bikes on the back, we assumed that many in camp were taking part in the annual Whaka 100 biking event.  With everything from fun rides for kids, 10, 25, 50, and 100km rides, plus the National Championship, there is something for all skill levels.  No, we don't cycle ourselves, in fact I remember at one camp we were asked "where are your bikes?"  I don't think we would look good in lycra!

This camp borders a farm and comforting rural sounds wafted over the fence, cows mooing softly.  We were disappointed to see a woman from a nearby campervan walk up to the fence and empty her coffee pot over the farmer's land - how rude was that.  And against NZMCA rules, I'm sure.  The rain came down in the afternoon, and all through the night.

The next morning it had cleared, and we hooked up and headed for Turangi, via Reporoa, which has a handy comfort stop.  Reporoa is a farming area and was first settled by returned servicemen.  The Fonterra Repora dairy factory, opened in 1968,  brought a boost to the local economy.

Quick stop in Reporoa

It's always a pleasant drive beside Lake Taupo.

After 137kms we arrived at Turangi, our stop for the night.  Although quite a large camp, it always seems under utitilised to us, in fact we prefer to stop here rather than the newish NZMCA Park at Taupo.

Staying the night at Turangi

It was pleasing to see that a start had been made on the new dump station at the park.  Robin was chatting to the custodian who mentioned the concrete had only been poured a few days, and was yet to harden.  Unbelievable but true, a camper tried to walk over the concrete and empty their toilet cassette even though the area is obviously not yet commissioned.  Now the custodians have to  park themselves either side of the concrete pad to stop such stupidity.  Some people are just so stupid!

Concrete pad for the new dump station

Gemma enjoyed some outside time, sitting by  the step, till a noisy van sent her scurrying back inside.  She thinks she is brave, but she is such a scaredy cat!

Gemma at Turangi

And then the rain came down, and the diesel heater was turned on.  Luckily it doesn't take too long at all to warm up the caravan.

Awning Repairs and Welcome Bay

 It was just as well we were up  bright and early while overnighting at Cvana, in Tauranga.  We had parked the van in the workers car parking area and needed to depart.  The factory is situated in a busy industrial area and cars and trucks were tooing and froing, arriving for work and going about their business.  The helpful staff guided us out and in front of their workshop, the car was unhooked, and once again we were free for several hours.  Taking Gemma with us too, of course.  

Where to this time?  We weren't too far from The Mount (Mount Maunganui) so drove there and found a parking spot overlooking the beach.  What a busy bunch the locals were.  There were people climbing up the pathway on the Mount, tiny dots in the distance.  We watched as a never ending stream of people walked, jogged, ran and cycled along the pathway adjacent to the beach.  Fit youngsters  effortlessly ran by, older couples walked together, young Mums wheeled their babes in pushchairs, it was great to see many people out and about enjoying the morning.

  Mt Maunganui and the beach

After a couple of hours we got a call to say the repairs had been completed, so back we went to collect the van and get on our way.  Our stop for the night was not too far away, a 14km drive to Welcome Bay NZMCA Park.  This park has plenty of room, with large grassy areas for parking.

Welcome Bay NZMCA Park

A couple of the nearby properties have peacocks, and their distinctive calls rang out.  It's almost as if they are crying "Help".  There is a large meeting room with books to swap, and several boxes of kiwi fruit had been donated for the members.  "Help yourselves", we were told.

Zespri kiwifruit on offer

I don't remember seeing the "Tree of Knowledge" last time we stayed here, complete with a swing, but here it is.

The Tree of Knowledge

In the evening we met up with friends Louise and Robert who live in nearby Papamoa, and went out to dinner at the local RSA.  The meal was very nice, salmon for me, and a lamb shank for Robin.  For some reason, not a single photo was taken.  The weather changed overnight, and we woke to wind and rain, not at all nice after our days of sunshine.

Peat Lakes of Ohaupo and over the Kaimai Ranges

 There was a free day at Ohaupo while our caravan was undergoing it's service, so we decided to check out the Ohaupo Peat Lakes.  We drove out to Lake Ngaroto, taking a picnic lunch with us.

Ngaroto is the largest of the many peat lakes found between Hamilton and Te Awamutu.  These lakes were formed about 19,000 years ago when sand and gravel carried in the Waikato and Waipa river blocked up small valleys.  Water loving plants thrived and thick layers of peat eventually built up within the lake and around the margins.

There is a walkway around the lake, including stretches of boardwalk together with dirt and grass pathways, about a 6km flat walk.  Self contained camping is allowed at the lake side, and there were several motor homes staying the day we arrived.  

Lake Ngaroto

Carved Maori Pou were erected in 2016 and marks the place where the  sacred carving Te Uenuku was lost during the Battle of Hingakaka.  The ancient carving represents the rainbow god Uenuku and is one of the greatest taonga (treasures) of the Tainui people.  It was re-discovered in 1906 buried close to the lake shore and now resides in the Te Awamutu Museum.

Pou marking the spot where the sacred carving was lost

By mid afternoon a phone call came to say our van was all done and ready to be collected.  Our day wasn't over as we had to drive over the Kaimai Ranges to stay overnight at Cvana Awings in Tauranga.  This was a 110km trip, and we finally arrived at about 5.30pm, tired and ready for an early night.  Our awning needed repairing, so we needed to be up bright and early the next morning for the work to begin.

Spending the night at Cvana Awnings

Heading to Ohaupo

 We farewelled our caravan buddies and got on our way, taking a few days to reach Ohaupo to get our Leisureline caravan serviced.  First stop was not too far away at Sanson, to go to the dump station and fuel up.  It was lunch on the go from the Z Service station, coffee and a pie while we started on our trip - means we wouldn't have to stop on the way.

Lunch on the go

Our stop for the night was at a private property in Ohakune, newly available for fellow Leisureline caravan owners.  It was a lovely rural property, and we certainly appreciated the opportunity to stay overnight.

Leaving the caravan on site,  we just had to call into the "world famous in New Zealand" chocolate eclair shop.  We were served by the former owner Steve, who told us he is "living the dream", making the tasty goodies, chatting with customers and getting paid for it, without the worry of running the business any more.  The new owners have set up a coffee lounge in one corner of the shop, a welcome addition I'm sure.  

The Chocolate Eclair Shop

 Ohakune is also famous for the Big Carrot, proudly standing on the edge of town!  Plenty of carrots are grown here, as well as potatoes and swedes.   In case you are wondering, the name Ohakune means "an opening to a new world" and refers to the descent from nearby Mount Ruapehu into the valley and swamps of the area.

The Big Carrot at Ohakune

A site worthy of stopping for a photo stop is the Makatote Viaduct.  Building was completed in 1908 and the viaduct  is recognised as an important part of New Zealand's engineering heritage.

We drove past Mt Ruapehu as we continued on our journey, it's always such a lovely sight to see.  This is a view from the Western side of the mountain.

Mt Ruapehu

We stayed the next two nights at the NZMCA Otorohanga Park, fairly quiet at this time of year with about 10 vans here each night.  The name means "food for a journey".  There is a legend which tells of a Maori chief passing by, who chanted incantations that stretched out his meagre supply of food to last the full journey.  

Staying at Otorohanga NZMCA Park

We enjoyed  a celebratory birthday dinner for me at the Otorohanga Club while we were here.  The meal was delicious, roast pork and veggies,  bubbly for me, and a beer for him.

Enjoying my Birthday dinner

It was just a short 43km trip to Ohaupo the next day for our caravan service.  The Leisureline service team allow customers to stay overnight and we were joined by Geoff and Eileen - it was great to catch up with them again.  While we were getting a caravan service done, they were collecting their van after repairs had been completed.  The four of us visited the local fish and chip shop for dinner that night, so no cooking for us again.   

One waiting for a service, the other waiting to go home

Weekend at Pohangina

 Spring has sprung at home and the tree in our front yard is bursting with tender new leaves.  Although a little cloudy, we were looking forward to a nice weekend away.

Gemma decided to make life difficult for us, with all the hustle and bustle of packing the caravan going on.  Why not give my people a hard time and hide for a while, she thought.  We were all ready to go and searched here, searched there, to no avail, then searched again.  Robin finally found her curled up and keeping low in a place I had already checked twice!  I don't know why she acts like this, after all she goes away in the caravan once a month at least so should be well used to the routine by now.  Finally she was secured in the car and we got on our way.

Here she is, in the car at last

We were heading off to the Pohangina Domain, formerly the village school.  As we had a lunch date with my daughter, we were the first to arrive, put our van on site, and left before anyone else arrived.  The ground was  very soft and our caravan unfortunately made a few ruts while we backed the van where we wanted it.  The old school grounds are surrounded by lovely mature trees, and there are plenty of native birds everywhere.  And because it is a rural area, lambs were bleating, cattle were mooing, and the roosters were crowing!

The name Pohangina translates to "ulcerated night", suggesting that the valley had been a place of bloodshed between the local Rangitane people and their enemies.

First to arrive

By the time we arrived back  from lunch, most of the others had arrived, settled themselves, and were out enjoying the sunshine.

Some of the vans on site

We had a visitor join us for the weekend, and I'm sure he was a little upset when his car and van got stuck in the soft ground.  No worries, there was plenty of help to unhook his car from the caravan, and with the help of a couple of mats under the wheels, the car was driven away to firmer ground.

Plenty of advice here

Then it was Owen to the rescue with his shiny black Toyota HiLux, his strop hooked up to Graham's van, pulled it out of the mud, and parked it neatly.  Thanks Owen, for your help.

Owen to the rescue

On Saturday afternoon the Rally Family, Stuart and Helen, took us on a tiki tour to the Totara Reserve camping area.  The reserve was not yet open for campers, the gate was locked, but we were able to walk through and check it out.

While some enjoyed a long walk, others sat in the sun and chatted away.  This is a nice camp, and extremely popular over the summer months.  Then it was afternoon tea time.  We walked back to the cars, took out our folding chairs, thermoses and bikkies, sat in a circle on a grassy knoll, and sat enjoying our cuppas in the lovely sunshine.

Maureen, Helen, Owen, Don, Jenny and Robin

The school room was available for the evenings to our group for a small fee, and we gathered there on Saturday night.  But the power wasn't working!  several hundred homes in the area.  We tried various switches, but to no avail.  Eventually someone went on the internet and discovered it was a local fault affecting several hundred homes in the area.  Whew, it wasn't something we had done, luckily.  The power eventually came on, and Helen and Stuart got underway with our evening activity.  They had secured the driving tests for new and renewing drivers, so we answered the 35 questions to the best of our ability, and memories.  I think most of us would have got our licenses renewed.  In a real test, people are allowed only three incorrect answers to get a pass.

Sunday morning was warm and sunny and Helen and Stuart were busy for quite some time cooking on their BBQ.  What were they doing, we wondered.  Cooking up pikelets for everyone for morning tea, that's what!  Served with jam and cream, they certainly went down well, and were most appreciated.  Thanks so much Helen and Stuart, it's been a great rally indeed.

Cooking up pikelets for morning tea