Moving on to Marton

It was rather a strange morning at home when we looked out the windows.  Mist was swirling around and we wondered just what sort of day would be in store for us.   Luckily the mist cleared after an hour or so, and we got on with the job of packing up the caravan for our Easter holiday.  There were just the last minute food items to be put onboard, plus to make sure we had packed enough pussy cat supplies for our cat.  After a last minute cuppa, and with Muffy safely tethered in the back seat, we hooked up the caravan and were soon on our way to Marton.  The car and caravan hummed along the highway during the 75km trip and we arrived at the NZMCA park right on lunchtime.

On site at Marton

Robin’s first job was to ensure we had an internet connection while we were away from home.  Easily done when some money changes hands to re-activate our travelling internet stick.  Muffy took no notice at all of this bit of high tech drama, she was much to busy stretched out on the couch catching up on her beauty sleep.

Making sure we have some “internetness”

We took a walk down town and bumped into that most famous of explorers, Captain James Cook.  Just what was his statue doing here in landlocked Marton, we wondered?  The connection is that James Cook was born in Marton, England.  The statue was commissioned by the Marton Historical Society and sculptured by Robin Coleman in 2004.

Statue of Captain James Cook on Broadway,  Marton

Marton is a pretty little town, and the main street is hung with colourful hanging baskets.  There were some interesting old buildings lining the main street, but sadly business must be in decline, as in many smaller towns these days, with many empty shops.

  

Established in 1866, rebuilt in 1913

Another interesting old building

Caravan club members Peter and Elaine joined us in camp later in the afternoon, and we spent a very pleasant couple of hours chatting outside under the shady trees.  We are staying at this pleasant camp for one night only, then moving on tomorrow to Mowhanau, around the coast from Wanganui to meet up with the rest of our caravan club members for our Easter Rally.