Success is getting what you want; happiness is liking what you get

Saturday 16 March 2024

Lunch at Paekakariki

 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".  

Paekakariki Hotel

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.  

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.

Corn fritters for lunch

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.


Calvin, Helen, Robin and Jenny

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.


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.

Kapiti Island, along the coast road

Monday 4 March 2024

Kahutara School

 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.



Camping at Kahutara School

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.

Happy Birthday, Pamela

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.


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.

Cooking up the fritters


And here it is, so yummy

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.

Historic gates at Martinborough Square

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.


Owen and Robin as supervisor

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.


Pot Luck dessert

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.

Saturday 2 March 2024

Over the Remutaka Hill

 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.


Land slip on Kaitoke Hill

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.


Lest we Forget

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.



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.


First to arrive for lunch

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.


Then there were two

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.   
  

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.


Swans on the lake

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.

Friday 16 February 2024

Green Parrot Cafe

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.  

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.

Dot and Donald in front of some famous faces

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.


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.

Kidneys and bacon

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.

Cooking up a storm

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.



It was a great night out, many thanks to Owen for organising it for us.

Monday 12 February 2024

Our old Home Town

 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

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.

Town Hall and the black building replaced the Horti Hall of my youth

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.


Artesian water taps at Dowse Square

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.


Coffee in the car at Petone Beach

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.

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.


Jenny and Merilyn

Thursday 8 February 2024

Regional Rally - Brookfield's

 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.

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.


Here we are, all ready for the weekend

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.

Camping in the orchard

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.

Banner holders on stage

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.

Robin with our prize

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.

Robin, Jenny, Eileen, Geoff, Owen and Helen

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.

4zees outside before the rain returned

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. 

The table was loaded with desserts

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.

Tuesday 6 February 2024

Valet Service

 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.


Our site for the night

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.

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. 

Owen up the ladder


Through the caravan window, those legs look familiar

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.

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.