We know this area is prone to high winds from previous camping experience, but over the weekend the weather really put on a show. That’s not to say it didn’t start off quite well, to lull us into a false sense of security. Some of us enjoyed lunch on a sunny Saturday on the school verandah – sheltered from that pesky wind. Special guests came calling for the day – it was lovely to welcome former club members Peter and Elaine.
Lunch on the school verandah
After lunch the Rally Family had organised a few games in the hall to keep us all fit and active. Nothing too hard, as it turned out, so that everyone could join in. Quoits, indoor bowls, and a couple of easy golf type games. Some members like me are just happy to get a few points to show they are not entirely useless, while others definitely have the killer instinct.
Golf and bowls
I’m no threat to Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko
Peter and Elaine departed for home after the games and a good catch up with everyone, for their journey back over the hill. It was so nice to see them again.
Goodbye and safe travels home
The weather started to worsen in the evening with wind gusts buffeting the vans and shaking the hall. Then the rain came down. Things really got worse on Sunday all over the country – the weather bomb had hit Auckland and 15,000 households were without power overnight. Another storm quickly followed, wrecking havoc everywhere. In Kahutura where we were camping the weather just didn’t let up. Strong winds were blowing side on to most of the vans so a few moved back on to the wind in an attempt to get a bit of relief from the incessant rocking and rolling. Even the large hall where we gathered for our get-togethers was creaking and groaning, and I‘m sure I wasn’t the only one wondering if the roof would get ripped off and blown away. Warnings were issued about driving in these conditions and roads were closed again, including the Rimutaka Hill road. How would we get home tomorrow?
Looking at the storm through the caravan windows
1 comment:
At least you had some fun before the worst of the weather. It must have been quite an experience.
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