Rallying in the rain

We have just returned from a "rally in the rain' at Paekakariki Motor camp with our friends from the Heretaunga Caravan Club. Paekakariki Motor Camp was used during WWII as an American Marine Army base. Our sites were over the old parade ground hence making it very difficult to hammer in pegs for awnings, (they kept bending!!).

9 vans attended with two of them being visitors, which made for a good turn out. Don and Pamela's rellies from New Plymouth joined us, and David and Rae from Wairarapa also rallied with us, great to catch up with both couples again. We skipped the obligatory Friday evening catch-up as we had a surprise birthday party to attend at Waikanae. This was held at the Eastern Egret Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant serving absolutely delicious food.

Saturday was very wet again, but that must be expected in winter. The rain made the grounds very soggy so it was a matter of tip-toeing through the puddles and slush and being careful where we placed our feet. After a free day to go shopping, catch up with friends or just chill out, our usual 4zees got us all together again. Then we all met again in the Lodge after our evening meal. The plan was to bring a dessert to celebrate the mid year Christmas theme and to wear our Christmas hats. Later in the evening Robin and a couple of fellow conspirators departed the festivities to watch the All Black/Springbok game on TV. Sadly, no win for the Kiwis this time.

Sunday dawned clear and sunny, so at least we didn't have to pack up in the rain. As Graeme was carefully manouvering his car and van off the site there was an almighty "bang". That certainly brought everyone running to see what it was that he had hit!! Luckly the only damage was a broken part of his stabiliser, it had just snapped in two. "No worries", said Graeme, "I'll just make a new piece".

This will be our last caravan rally for a while as our overseas trip is now just over 3 weeks away, yippee!!