Wanganui – I am the river, the river is me

Wanganui is one of New Zealand’s oldest towns, established in 1840.  The river is it’s heart and soul, and is very important to the local Maori people.  In the early days, the river  was the main method of transport for both Maori and European settlers.  A Maori proverb proclaims:

“The great river flows from the mountains to the sea, I am the river, the river is me”.

Wanganui River flowing past the motor camp

Eight vans arrived for the weekend, and we were so lucky to experience lovely warm Spring weather.  Selwyn had arranged for some catalogues for the men in the club, chock full of “hard to find hardware” was the claim.  The men had their noses in these little booklets, planning to purchase all sorts of interesting bits and pieces.  And as a thank you to our club members, Selwyn was gifted a whopper Carrot Cake to share with everyone over the weekend. To get though this huge cake, we were eating it at supper, morning and afternoon tea the next day before it was consumed!

Selwyn cutting the cake

Bill and Val had us busy with games and quizzes.  On Saturday afternoon the weather was perfect for a leisurely walk around Virginia Lake, where we saw all sorts of water birds, elegant swans, noisy ducks, some with tiny ducklings paddling hard to keep up with their Mum, even  a terrapin sunning himself.  As we walked slowly along the path, enjoying the sights, we had to step aside smartly as a posse of mad joggers came racing by.

Virginia Lake

Maori mythology tells a haunting story of how young maiden Tainui met up with a bird lover named Turere. They shared a passion and ability to talk with the birds, but jealous and angry Ranginui wanted Tainui to become his wife. He set off to kill Turere where the lake now lies. In her grief, Tainui cried tears adding to the water of the lake.

After our exercise, we relaxed at the nearby Funky Duck Café for refreshments.  Orders of tea and coffee, milkshakes, ice-creams, iced chocolate were all delivered to our group of thirsty walkers.  Later in the evening, the planned entertainment had to be put aside as keen rugby followers settled down in the TV lounge to watch the All Blacks play against the Springboks.  It wasn't our night as the visitors took away the Freedom Cup.

Our final morning tea was held outside in the sunshine, chocolate bars were handed out to the prize winners, then everyone one else got one as well, for taking part.  It was time to pack up and make our way back home.  Another fun and friendly weekend.

 

What way is home?