It was goodbye to the farm at Morrinsville and on the road again today for the 40km trip back to Hamilton to attend the Camper Care Motorhome and Caravan Show at Mystery Creek. Just as well we were bright and early as the first 60 to arrive received a bottle of wine in the goody bags. The reasonable cost to plug into power for the four days seemed too good a deal to miss, so here we are, all on power, and quite close to the ablution blocks too.
Parked up at Mystery Creek
Today was a free day, and the Heritage Village on the grounds was opened up for those interested to look through this slice of history.
Geoff and Robin at the Heritage Village
The buildings had all had a useful life in days gone by, and later moved onto this site to be preserved. There was a Blacksmith’s forge, and old garage, school building, church, hospital, and gaol. Just the sort of buildings that would be found in a small village. The small wooden church was built in 1924 for the parishioners of Ngatea. Since being moved it has been rededicated and weddings are often held here.
The former Ngatea Church
“Father” Geoff in church
This building was used as the first Waikato hospital from 1886, and was moved to the Heritage Village in the 1970s. Inside are beds, an operating table, and surgical instruments.
The first Waikato Hospital
Early implements
Ducks were splashing happily about in the small lake next to the Heritage Village, a nice shady spot on such a hot day.
The village lake
We had read that fellow blogger Frederick who writes “Travels in Retirement” would be at the show today, so we went to make his acquaintance. We had a good chat, and he invited us to have a look through his bus, which he calls “Fredrock Cafe”. After reading his interesting blog about life on the road, tramping and kayaking, it was great to finally meet him in person.
Hi there, Fred!
Frederick is also a skilled potter, and had recently blogged about making small slab sided boxes. He kindly offered me one of these little treasures to take home, how kind indeed. Thanks so much, it is gorgeous.
My little pottery box
The different rigs rolled in all day long, and the grounds soon filled up with caravans, 5th wheelers, motor-homes and buses. The show itself doesn’t start till Friday, so the organisers and merchants must be thrilled with so many keen people already on site. There are sure to be even more arrivals tomorrow.
Early arrivals at Mystery Creek
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