Weekend at Carterton

We spent the weekend at a caravan club rally in the wonderful Wairarapa at our favourite motor camp, Carterton Holiday Park.  In fact, we went over a day early, on Thursday.  How wonderful to be retired, we told ourselves, and be able to have long weekends away, just because we can!  The camp was looking lovely, with lots of flowers everywhere, Pete and Di work hard to keep everything looking great.

Colourful gardens

The weather was glorious, hot and sunny, with a gentle breeze.  White blossoms cascaded gently down all over us as we sat outside under the large shady tree.  It was rather like being in a bridal party, I told Robin.  The large trees certainly encourage the bird life, and we were delighted to hear birdsong from dawn to dusk.  We saw a glossy black tui busily feeding off bright red bottle brush flowers beside our caravan.  And we were entertained by a male blackbird who lustily sang his song proclaiming that this was his territory, so other males better watch out. 

Our site at the Carterton Holiday Park

Don and Pamela were the last to arrive, so we gathered around and with loud calls of encouragement as Don attempted to back his caravan onto the site.  All this unwanted attention put him off and his backing was rather crooked, to say the least.  “Leave him alone”, a passing camper called out.  No way, a bit of harmless ribbing is all part of the fun.

It’s not straight, Don!

Pete the manager was a bit worried about the vents on top of his caravan, and concerned that there might be a leak.  Peter and Robin saw him up the ladder and wandered over to see what was happening.  There is nothing that our blokes like better than to offer advice and help out fellow caravanners.

Offering advice to Pete the manager

A BBQ was planned for Saturday night and we all ate together outside enjoying the pleasant early evening conditions.  The camp was quite full with campers and we watched as children were playing hide and seek.  Their Dad joined in the game too and he seemed to be having as much fun as the youngsters were.  

It’s BBQ time

We gathered together in the dining room later in the evening for a quiz about capital cities to test our brain power.  The brain power in this family is obviously mixed as Robin came first with the most correct answers while I limped in at last.  We had a lovely surprise when Di, the Camp Mother, brought over a basket of chocolate muffins, just out of the oven, for our supper.  Thanks Di, we really appreciated your kindness.

Chocolate muffins for supper

The rain came down that evening and continued on Sunday when we were packing up to return home.  Mist and rain followed us on the drive over the Rimutaka Hill.  Major road works are taking place and several corners are being realigned.  This job has been underway for some months but is a major re-alignment of the road and will take many months more to finish.

Road works on the Rimutaka Hill